She offers a view of Russia that underlines the themes present in this novel. Ah… Patrick certainly seems to have done her research well. I could almost imagine myself there, a duchess in a magnificent dress dancing gracefully with her beaux. Historical/Geographical Accuracy: The little bits of Russian dispersed throughout were well placed, and I love the view of Russia that was painted by Patrick. “Saint Petersburg was a city of illusions” I do like to read historical fiction, and this wasn’t far away from being in that category, even though the protagonist was a teenage girl. Still, the amount of information given about the two sides – Red and White – and the differences between them is rather exquisite in a young adult novel. I have to say, I’m not very knowledgeable about the Russian Revolution (which I was rather happy about while reading this – I hate spoilers) so it did kind of anger me that we don’t get the full extent of what happened after the Revolution, rather the novel ends in its climax stage.

There’s so much of the black and white of politics presented, but also that gray line in between. Political Intrigue: I love how we get both the side of a White (a pro-government type) and a Red (a revolutionary) in this novel. (Moreover, the novel wasn’t even from the point of view of a Romanov, but rather a close family friend, and future tsarina.) And this book was certainly more factually accurate (as I found out after considerable research upon finishing it) than that film. In fact, Anastasia was only mentioned two or three times throughout the novel. This wasn’t another version of the Disney film, Anastasia. And this plot certainly holds up to my expectations. Plot: So I typically don’t read a book (that hasn’t been recommended to me) unless I like the plot. “My mind creates monsters more impressive than wolves” Can she save the egg and her star-crossed love for the prince, Alexei Romanov? My Likes: Throw in a magical Faberge egg – crafted by a powerful noble and gifted to the royal family (but wanted desperately by the revolutionary Reds), and our protagonist Natalya will certainly be in for a thrilling ride. Set in the time of the Romanovs, just as Russia’s revolution is simmering, this young-adult historical-fiction novel captures a stunning romance, a harrowing adventure, and a political nightmare. It’s not my fault I was born wealthy any more than you were born poor.” “The world is the world, and we’re cast in whatever roles we fall into.

Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick