The story features a young woman named Darya Spiridova who sees her noble parents killed by an auroch (Russian bison). Orphaned, she is taken into the palace where she cares for the young heir. Born with an unusual eye, she has healing powers and while she cannot cure him, she can ease his pain and discomfort. And, she falls in love with a Jewish artist
The author makes the family come alive, especially the Tsar and Tsarina whose affection for each other was renown. As the economy deteriorates, war with Germany consumes resources and different factions strive to control Russia leading to chaos. Amazingly, the Romanov family is oblivious to it all and continue to live as luxiously as royals in their country have always lived. When it's too late the Tsar attempts to lead his soldiers but alas is no military leader. Deposed, the family is imprisoned in a nearby mansion and later moved to a special place where all are murdered in its basement. However, the body of the heir and the youngest daughter are not among them which, over the years, has sprouted different scenarios about how they survived. Years later, though, their bodies are found but this tale is no different as Darya living to be over 100 is convinced that the heir survived.
This is an easy read, magical in focusing primarily on the Tsar and Tsarina. Entertaining and fun, I enjoyed reading this book.
The author makes the family come alive, especially the Tsar and Tsarina whose affection for each other was renown. As the economy deteriorates, war with Germany consumes resources and different factions strive to control Russia leading to chaos. Amazingly, the Romanov family is oblivious to it all and continue to live as luxiously as royals in their country have always lived. When it's too late the Tsar attempts to lead his soldiers but alas is no military leader. Deposed, the family is imprisoned in a nearby mansion and later moved to a special place where all are murdered in its basement. However, the body of the heir and the youngest daughter are not among them which, over the years, has sprouted different scenarios about how they survived. Years later, though, their bodies are found but this tale is no different as Darya living to be over 100 is convinced that the heir survived.
This is an easy read, magical in focusing primarily on the Tsar and Tsarina. Entertaining and fun, I enjoyed reading this book.
Rarely has a book captivated me the way this one has. The Romanov story has been told several times, but I can assure you never in this fashion. This book offers a fresh perspective as well as a healthy dose of Russian history. Intrigue, romance, violence...you couldn't ask for more. A strong beginning sucks you right in and each chapter leaves you craving more. I wasn't able to put it down until I'd devoured every page.
Instead of turning the era and mystery into a myth, Mossanen takes the Romanovs and those surrounding them and turns them into real people. Instead of focusing on Anastasia, we're focused on Darya, who some believe to be a sorceress. She is definitely one of a kind and worth reading the book for.
I strongly suggest this book for anyone interested in the Romanov era. Those who love history, art, mysteries, romance and the supernatural will adore this book as well.
Instead of turning the era and mystery into a myth, Mossanen takes the Romanovs and those surrounding them and turns them into real people. Instead of focusing on Anastasia, we're focused on Darya, who some believe to be a sorceress. She is definitely one of a kind and worth reading the book for.
I strongly suggest this book for anyone interested in the Romanov era. Those who love history, art, mysteries, romance and the supernatural will adore this book as well.
