Romanov

By: Nadine Brandes

Narrated by: Jessica Ball

Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

My name is Anastasia.... The history books say I died.... They don’t know the half of it.

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 either to release the spell and deal with the consequences, or to 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.

Praise for Romanov:

“I am obsessed with this book! A magical twist on history that will have Anastasia fans wishing for more. I loved every detail Brandes wrote. If you love magic and Imperial Russia, you want Romanov on your shelf!” (Evelyn Skye)

“Romanov will cast a spell on readers and immerse them in a history anyone would long to be a part of.” (Sasha Alsberg)

“If you think you know the story behind Anastasia Romanov, think again! The perfect blend of history and fantasy, Romanov takes a deeper look at the days leading up to the family’s tragedy, while also exploring the possibilities behind the mysteries that have long intrigued history buffs everywhere. Brandes weaves a brilliant and intricate saga of love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. Prepare to have your breath stolen by this gorgeous novel of brilliant prose and epic enchantment.” (Sara Ella)

• Full-length, stand-alone YA historical reimagining
• Includes a special bonus chapter!
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs!

©2019 Nadine Brandes (P)2019 Thomas Nelson

Critic reviews

"Jessica Ball narrates a reimagining of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna. In this fantasy, set during the Russian Revolution, the youngest daughter of the last tsar is a spell master who may be her family's only hope for salvation. Ball manages to portray a plethora of emotions - from Nastya's petulance at her family's ongoing imprisonment to her longing and desire for Zash, a Bolshevik soldier who is guarding the family with whom she's having a hidden romance. Later, listeners feel her rage over the assassination of her family and her own murder by Zash. Ball's strong use of accents and varied voices, especially those of the young tsarevich and the older leader of the army, add to a story that will appeal to fans of romance and historical fiction.” (AudioFile magazine)

So good!

I honestly don't understand why this book doesn't have better reviews. The writing style made me think of the diary of Anne Frank, more than a fast paced fantasy novel. Maybe that's why people complained about the slow plot? I feel like this generation of readers doesnt have the patience to let a plot develop slowly.
The narration was very good, and Russian accents were perfect (at least to this Yank's untrained ear). I highly recommend.

Interesting twist on history

I definitely enjoyed the book although the pace was pretty slow at first. Perhaps this was needed to get the reader in the right state of mind to understand Anastasia’s feelings leading up to the execution orders though. Worth listening to - just stick with it.

Wonderfully hopeful historical fiction

I loved it so much I started with the Kindle edition and couldn't put it down so I bought the audible to listen in the car!

Lovely story, well acted

The switch between dialogue accents and the narration’s accent jarred me at first, but it swiftly became quite natural and very helpful in distinguishing between the two. The characters were vibrant, lively people, so rich they nearly leapt off the page, and Ball’s voice acting gave them a depth of feeling that made them realer still. I love how they grew over the course of the story, struggling and failing and finding the strength to carry on anyway, to choose to live and love and hope despite terrible pain in their pasts. A very exciting read!

Great book

I really enjoyed this book! I couldn't stop listening. The magical twist to the story of Anastasia was so interesting.

Well Read Audiobook

I listened to the audiobook version of the book, and it was really well done. I'm not an expert on what a Russian accent should sound like, but I thought the narrator did a good job of using a hint of a Russian accent without making it sound too faked or forced or overwhelming.

so beautiful!

the narration was great. love the character development. a nice alternative retelling of anastasia.

the best book I've heard!

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It had everything. Rich history, struggle and love, battle and hope... and intrigue!

I tried…

I really tried to get through this book. However, I struggled to be sympathetic to any of the characters, which is why I couldn’t get into the story. The story and characters lacked depth and clear emotion. From the reviews that I read, so many loved this story. I guess it just wasn’t for me. The narrator did an admirable job though!

loved this book.

Did this for a book group. We all really enjoyed it, especially the historic vslue.