Daughters of a Dead Empire by Carolyn Tara O'Neil

Daughters of a Dead Empire by Carolyn Tara O

I loved seeing Russia and the countries around it during this time period too, as it's really interesting to see the divides between people, especially in our present world's state.Īnastatia or 'Anna' was officially painted as the main character, though Evgenia also had a lot of scenes. I think overall the plot only lulled once or twice and kept me on my toes. From the very first page, there was a sense of urgency about the story, which reflected nicely from the events that were transpiring. She is forced to hide and buy her way across the country, with the jewels that she stored in her corset and ultimately saved her life. Obviously, this plot centers around the last Tsar and his family, but it specifically features Anastatia on the run after her family was killed. So when I came across this retelling, where Anastatia was alive and on the run, I knew I had to read it. Ever since then I have been really obsessed with their time period, and learning about what they really went through. I really love learning about the last Tsar and his family, and it was something that I chose as an individual project in school. There were some really amazing aspects in this book, and it was a wonderfully done retelling of the Romanovs and their daughter Anastatia. Thank you Macmillan for the arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Fans of Ruta Sepetys in particular will enjoy this retelling.Ĥ.5/5 stars, this was a really interesting retelling! Ultimately, this is a very refreshing and unique novel that wonderfully explores politics, history, and the power of friendship.

Their friendship is incredibly heartwarming and refreshing to read about. Though the two have very little in common – Anna is a wealthy tsarist while Evgenia is a Bolshevik peasant – they begin to develop a very deep and special bond. It was almost like having a sister again.”On her trip through Russia, Anna encounters Evgenia. “I made a face at her, wagging my tongue teasingly. There is no romance here, only friendship, and it is wonderful. The conflict between the Red and White armies, the class struggles, and the political atmosphere of the time are all perfectly incorporated.

The depictions of revolutionary Russia are well-researched and informative. The historical setting is a clear highlight here. Devastated by the loss of her family, she must travel across a politically tumultuous Russia to reunite with the only remaining relatives she has left. When the Russian Royal Family is murdered by revolutionaries at the end of the Russian Revolution, Princess Anastasia miraculously manages to survive thanks to a magical pendent. “There’s no such thing.” Daughters of a Dead Empire is a delightful and entertaining Anastasia retelling that captures the heart of the original tale in a very innovative way.

Daughters of a Dead Empire by Carolyn Tara O'Neil