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emma_m_thomas's review against another edition
5.0
This took me way too long to read, but MAN, it was so good.
I learned so much and was enthralled with every page. I 100% recommend if you like historical fiction.
I learned so much and was enthralled with every page. I 100% recommend if you like historical fiction.
j_afanasiff's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up. This was a long, but fascinating story of the Imperial Russian family. I've read a few other historical fictions of the individual members of the family that tied in well. But this book covered a significant amount of time. Highly recommend.
christineunabridged's review against another edition
2.0
A bit boring and taking way too many artistic liberties.
lmplovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
While the list of characters was overwhelming at times, this novel filled in a great deal of what was otherwise dates and events. She brought the people involved alive and you really felt like you knew lives of the Romanov dynasty. Had her sons only listened to their mother it might have been a totally different story; sadly the men listened to their advisors who said to rule the way the way they always had to pay no attention to current situation - so much like the climate change deniers of today unfortunately we stand to lose more than one family dynasty.
tarheeltegan's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book!!! I am a fan of all things Russia and all things historical fiction, and I absolutely could not put this book down! It was fantastic. Alexandra seemed overly villainized at times, but I definitely could see why Minnie would have blamed her for the downfall of the tsar. It was so interesting to read about the differences between Minnie and Alexandra, and I loved reading about Minnie from age 19 onward. What a formidable, admirable woman. I feel like a lot of history overly focuses on Alexandra, while Minnie played a much larger role, in my opinion. I loved this book and super recommend it!
scientist_reading_world's review against another edition
5.0
Simply wonderful . Of course with some parts that are from his imagination makes a great historic book about the last Romanov. A book to read
faealyx's review against another edition
3.0
Could have been shorter but all in all, an enjoyable listen.
meevers's review against another edition
5.0
**I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
I wish I could travel back in time to live in this book. Imperial Russia has always been a huge interest of mine! This book was phenomenal! The description, the details! I enjoyed it all! A huge must read for any fans of not only the author C.W. Gortner, but of other historical fiction authors such as Philippa Gregory or Michelle Moran!
I wish I could travel back in time to live in this book. Imperial Russia has always been a huge interest of mine! This book was phenomenal! The description, the details! I enjoyed it all! A huge must read for any fans of not only the author C.W. Gortner, but of other historical fiction authors such as Philippa Gregory or Michelle Moran!
jplane1's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If you like: history, royalty, family sagas, strong female characters and a compelling narrative, this book could be for you. I love books that follow a person from childhood through life, and are told in chronological order. Occasionally this author makes strange word choices, for example, he writes of a character pandering some jewels and his name in exchange for a favor. That's not how I would use the word pander -- does he mean pawning, or trading on? But despite these odd moments, he is a great storyteller, who uses accepted historical facts to create a novel I didn't want to put down.
booksbydorothea's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I received an ARC of "THE ROMANOV EMPRESS" from NetGalley for an honest review. I wish to thank NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and C. W. Gortner for the opportunity to read this book.
This book has me from the very beginning. I have read several biographies and historical novels on the Romanov family and found this book helped fill a lot of the gaps. Yes, I understand that this was a fictionalized historical novel, but the insight that the author had including a tremendous amount of research made it all ring very true to me. I now would like to read a book about Tsarina Alexandra (Alicky) to see HER viewpoint, but the viewpoint of the Dowager Emperess Maria (Minnie) was fascinating. Plus, it answered so many questions about how so much of the European royalty is so closely related.
The author has a lovely writing style with a beautiful use of words including the native languages of the characters. This is the first book that I have read by him and I look forward to reading more of his books. Honestly, I could not believe that the author was male because he was so intuitive and insightful into the mind of Minnie - he really understood how a woman ticks.
DEFINITE recommend. Especially for anyone who loves European history, the Romanovs, or just a really good book!! 4.5 stars
I received an ARC of "THE ROMANOV EMPRESS" from NetGalley for an honest review. I wish to thank NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and C. W. Gortner for the opportunity to read this book.
This book has me from the very beginning. I have read several biographies and historical novels on the Romanov family and found this book helped fill a lot of the gaps. Yes, I understand that this was a fictionalized historical novel, but the insight that the author had including a tremendous amount of research made it all ring very true to me. I now would like to read a book about Tsarina Alexandra (Alicky) to see HER viewpoint, but the viewpoint of the Dowager Emperess Maria (Minnie) was fascinating. Plus, it answered so many questions about how so much of the European royalty is so closely related.
The author has a lovely writing style with a beautiful use of words including the native languages of the characters. This is the first book that I have read by him and I look forward to reading more of his books. Honestly, I could not believe that the author was male because he was so intuitive and insightful into the mind of Minnie - he really understood how a woman ticks.
DEFINITE recommend. Especially for anyone who loves European history, the Romanovs, or just a really good book!! 4.5 stars