But the wonder of historical fantasy for me, is its ability to capture the spirit of a time, and bring it to life in vivid detail while also presenting a story that is fresh and entertaining. Tsarnia is not an attempt to re-write history. As Natalya watches her beloved country fall into revolution, she realizes that nothing is as perfectly Red or White as she'd first imagined. Together, with Natalya's Countess friend Emilia (possibly an even more unlikely companion for a rescue mission), they journey through St. Petersburg and across Russia to find the egg. Natalya must enlist the unlikely help of a palace worker named Leo to get it back. It is what has allowed them to continue to secure their power amidst so much unrest.īut then the egg vanishes after the Red's raid the palace, and the Romanov family is captured. The egg has been imbued with the magic of the mystics and has the power to keep Alexei healthy from his dangerous Hemophilia and protect the Romanov family and those they love from harm. One evening at a party, while the Reds protest at the gates of the Winter Palace, Alexei shows Natalya a secret Faberge egg. That is why Natalya cannot fathom the angry Revolution trying to wage outside. Both of them also love their country completely and desperately. But most importantly, she is in love with emperor Nicholas' oldest son Alexei, and he very much with her. She is used to lavish parties and grand living. Sixteen year old Lady Natalya Kutepova is the daughter of a Russian military leader, and unashamedly a White - a supporter of the crown. Through the power of storytelling, Tsarina has brought it all to life for me again.

But mostly, I remember an overwhelming feeling of wonder coupled with an extraordinary sadness surrounding the family and entire exhibition. I remember the carriage and th e clothing, the eggs, opulence and even the abdication letter.

When I was in tenth grade, my best friend and her mom and went to see the exhibit: Nicholas and Alexandra, The Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia. Historical fantasy has become my new go-to genre, and Tsarina is definitely a favorite within that category. Note: I nfinite thanks to Wendy Darling for encouraging me to pick up this book. Power, that, in the right hands, can save her way of life. It holds a power rooted in the land and stolen from the mystics.Ī power that promises a life of love for her and Alexei Romanov. A magical Faberge egg glows within the walls of Russia's Winter Palace.

Tsarina by J. Nelle Patrick