☆ Romanov by Nadine Brandes

About

Anastasia “Nastya” Romanov was given a single mission: to smuggle an ancient spell into her suitcase on her way to exile in Siberia. It might be her family’s only salvation. But the leader of the Bolshevik army is after them, and he’s hunted Romanov before.

Nastya’s only chances of saving herself and her family are to either release the spell and deal with the consequences, or enlist help from Zash, the handsome soldier who doesn’t act like the average Bolshevik. Nastya has only dabbled in magic, but it doesn’t frighten her half as much as her growing attraction to Zash. She likes him. She thinks he might even like her.

That is, until she’s on one side of a firing squad . . . and he’s on the other.

Thoughts

Romanov is a fascinating retelling of the Romanov family, but this time it's written with fantasy and magic involved. As much as I know about the Romanovs, I think the retelling is very accurate while still being imaginative. All the characters feel so realistic, and I love the sideplots of romance coming into play. The themes of forgiveness, loving your enemies, and family are so strong, and as I read I kept writing down beautiful quotes from the story. This one is absolutely a recommendation for anyone who loves fantasy, historical fiction, or romance.

Content

Romance

Other

• Two undetailed kisses

• Brief section about someone attempting suicide

• Magic/spells (but it isn't witchcraft)