Helpful Score: 1
ochen skooshnya kniga (russian: very boring book). Where do I start with this train wreck? Pella is with her co-writer Phillips and it shows. I can only presume that he was the one responsible for the editing, and perhaps keeping this book somewhat realistic in its purpose. This book is a great departure in the series. I caution those who have read the first three, this one was a chore to get through. As the name suggests, it is about the next generation of Federcenkos/Bureninin (Christinin) clans. I have question many things about the previous books in authenticity and plausibility and this one is no different. It is a bit Russian, with some Russian history, but more like diet soda --never a replacement for the real thing. The 4th book skips some 15-16 years. Somehow we are to believe that Tsar Alexander III's reign was mostly peaceful and boring, which is why it was skipped. Not true, check history, and you will see more revolutionary pot boiling before Nicholas II comes to the throne. (Maybe she was in a hurry and couldn't wait to get to Nicholas?) Believe it or not, the violence was nothing like the first two books depicted. Alexander III's reign did nothing to cool the movement, only provided a steady acceleration. The real seeds of the revolution sow in the years that the author OMITS. Outside of making Mariana old enough to court men and reunite with Count Dmitri, this makes little sense to skip a formidable point in the Russian revolutionary movement. (This is the same series that starts with Alexander II reign --15 years AFTER the freeing of the serfs. The book series should have started with Alexander III's reign with the opening scene Alexander II's death.) As a student of Russian history, I wondered where this series would hit a serious snag plot and time line wise and here it is. I won't go into the ludicrous introduction of American Daniel Trent and Anickin helping out the strike movements in America--too bizarre. If you don't care about authenticity and history, this may be fine book. However, even then, it was quite boring. Folks, this may have inspired me to write my own--at least I respect Russian history.
Could not put it down. Loved it.
great series
I was attracted to the first book of the series because I am very interested in what caused the Russian Revolution.
I have read many books on Russia and these books do a great job of providing insight into what was in the minds of the people of Russia from the early 19th century on.
Additionally, there are several good love and war stories in the books.
Book 4 introduces the children of the major characters in the first few books. The book also introduces an American journalist.
The author does a nice job of weaving Christianity and prayer in Book 4.
If you like a good historical romance while learning history, these are the books for you. I want to read all seven in the series.
I have read many books on Russia and these books do a great job of providing insight into what was in the minds of the people of Russia from the early 19th century on.
Additionally, there are several good love and war stories in the books.
Book 4 introduces the children of the major characters in the first few books. The book also introduces an American journalist.
The author does a nice job of weaving Christianity and prayer in Book 4.
If you like a good historical romance while learning history, these are the books for you. I want to read all seven in the series.
The story line was good. I liked mixing history and fictional characters. I learned much about the involvement and attitudes of Americans during the trying times in Russia.
