Romanov

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BRANDES, NADINE
ROMANOV

The history books say I died.
They don't know the half of it.

Anastasia 'Nastya' Romanove 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 like her.

That is until she's on one side of a firing squad...and he's on the other.

My Review:

Whoa --- I didn't see that or that or THAT coming! Fantasy meets Historical fiction in this gripping YA novel. So many plot twists! At one jaw dropping point I literally had to put the book down so I could get my bearings. I can't even...still processing. :-)

So, first thing you need to know is that there is magic in this Christian fiction book and, yes, the two marry very well, I think, but I know some people aren't comfortable with that. If it helps, the spell masters are healers. So consider yourself forewarned.

The inspirational thread is both subtle and powerful -- how is that even possible? Artistic storytelling, that's how, with recurring themes of forgiveness and kindness, compassion and hope. Nastya's Papa is such an exemplary model of them all while she's brash and impetuous with a brazen impish streak and completely devoted to her family.

Zash was harder to connect with...until very close to the end, but as the story unfolded, I understood why that had to be. All I can say is -- call me gobsmacked!

There's danger (that includes some graphic violence) and a desperate quest to save a dynasty and Brandes builds the tension with impeccable pacing and so many can't-believe-I-just-read-that moments. A spectacular retelling of real historical events with some very unique twists.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Romanov, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 18 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck

Fawkes

GIVEAWAY

BRANDES, NADINE
FAWKES

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father's plot to assassinate the King of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did. But all Thomas knows in that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn't do something soon, he'll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot -- claiming it will put an end to the plague -- Thomas is in.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas's choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there's no turning back.

My Review:

History and mystery clash in a fantastical tale of magic and mayhem! Loved the historical setting and the ingenuous color magic that brings an interesting edge to 17th century England. And the allegory behind the White Light is sheer brilliance. Political intrigue provides a convoluted plot full of action and danger as Thomas struggles to find his place in a society that scorns him. His desperate desire to belong leads him on a treacherous journey of self-discovery. Fawkes is written completely from his point of view which was an interesting switch for me as it's not often I read a book from just a male point of view...especially an adolescent male!

I listened to the audio version courtesy of my public library and the narrator is fantastic! Like watching a play only with your eyes closed. (lol) And excruciating at times when I wanted to go faster over a particularly exciting part. One of the perils of listening versus reading -- someone else sets the pace for you!

This is the first book I've read by Nadine Brandes -- I think that makes three new-to-me-authors in the last two weeks! -- but I'be heard fantastic things about her Out of Time series so I'll be hunting them down next. I do love me some great Young Adult fantasy and this author seems to fit the bill!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Fawkes, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 2 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!