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Kremlins #1
Citadels of Fire
In a world where danger hides in plain sight and no one aspires to more than what they were born to, Inga must find the courage to break the oppressive chains she’s been bound with since birth.
As a maid in the infamous Kremlin, life in 16th-century Russia is bleak and treacherous. That is, until Taras arrives. Convinced that his mother’s death when he was a boy was no mere accident, he returned from England to discover what really happened. While there, he gains favor from the Tsar later known as Ivan the Terrible, the most brutal and notorious ruler ever to sit upon the throne of Russia. Ivan allows him to take a servant, and to save Inga from a brutal boyar intent on raping her, Taras requests Inga to stay in his chambers.
Up against the social confines of the time, the shadowy conspiracies that cloak their history, and the sexual politics of the Russian Imperial court, Inga and Taras must discover their past, plan for their future, and survive the brutality that permeates life within the four walls that tower over them all, or they may end up like so many citizens of ancient Russia: nothing but flesh and bone mortar for the stones of the Kremlin wall.
As a maid in the infamous Kremlin, life in 16th-century Russia is bleak and treacherous. That is, until Taras arrives. Convinced that his mother’s death when he was a boy was no mere accident, he returned from England to discover what really happened. While there, he gains favor from the Tsar later known as Ivan the Terrible, the most brutal and notorious ruler ever to sit upon the throne of Russia. Ivan allows him to take a servant, and to save Inga from a brutal boyar intent on raping her, Taras requests Inga to stay in his chambers.
Up against the social confines of the time, the shadowy conspiracies that cloak their history, and the sexual politics of the Russian Imperial court, Inga and Taras must discover their past, plan for their future, and survive the brutality that permeates life within the four walls that tower over them all, or they may end up like so many citizens of ancient Russia: nothing but flesh and bone mortar for the stones of the Kremlin wall.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2014
61 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
L.K. Hill
15 books164 followersAlso publishes under K.L. Conger and Liesel K. Hill.
L.K. Hill is a USA Today Best-Selling Author who writes across three genres. Her crime and historical fiction are written under her initials, L.K., while her scifi/fantasy and dystopian are written under her full name, Liesel K. Hill. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name, K.L. Conger.
She lives in northern Utah and comes from a large, tight-knit family. She plans to keep writing until they nail her coffin shut. Or the Second Coming happens. You know, whichever happens first. ;D
L.K. Hill is a USA Today Best-Selling Author who writes across three genres. Her crime and historical fiction are written under her initials, L.K., while her scifi/fantasy and dystopian are written under her full name, Liesel K. Hill. She also writes historical fiction under the pen name, K.L. Conger.
She lives in northern Utah and comes from a large, tight-knit family. She plans to keep writing until they nail her coffin shut. Or the Second Coming happens. You know, whichever happens first. ;D
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 4, 2014
I am truly sorry I did not like this book, but I take my love for historical fiction seriously. The writing style was uninspiring and could not keep my interest, the characters did not make me feel for them. Also the language was way too modern and I really felt uncomfortable with that. Words like "social call", "infection"? They did not exist in 16th century Russia. There were major cultural blunders as well. Like Last Rites said in Latin instead of Russian Church Slavonic language... Alexander shortened to Alexei when these are two different names and they do not intermix - we have different short names for each of them! Frankly,little things like that added up and bugged the hell out of me.
I'm sure someone will enjoy this book, but I can not endorse it in any way.
I'm sure someone will enjoy this book, but I can not endorse it in any way.
June 19, 2023
Citadels of Fire - Book I of the Kremlin Trilogy - A Russian Medieval Historical Fiction Saga - By K.L. Conger Is A Tale Of Love & War …During The Reign Of Tsar Ivan the Terrible ( 1533-1684) In The 16th century Russia …& The Story Is Quite Historically Accurate For The Time Period Depicted. ( Modern Listeners/ A Sensitivity Warning For Certain Scenes) It Is Also The Love Affair Of Inga A Simple Maid Living & Working In The Kremlin Under The Tutelage Of Yehvah Who Is In Charge Of TheKremlins Servants …& The Boyars Taras & Nickolai Whom Are Officers Of The Tsars Military…And Are Each Loved By Inga & Yehvah …Life Is Not Always Easy For Inga …As Another Very Evil Boyar Sergei…Brutally Torments Her …Causing Inga To Seek The Protection Of Taras…And When War Breaks Out Between Russia & The Tatars …The Main Characters Follow The Tsar To War. Beautifully Narrated By : Cathy Burnham Martin…Audiobook Includes Excellent Sound Effects & Music …Listen & See….Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Audio Book.
April 26, 2020
I enjoyed Citadels of Fire. It's interesting to hear about the history of a country I know very little about. The characters are interesting. But, hopefully in the next book we will have a little more character development. The narrator was good. I listen to a lot of audio books and have to say the music between each chapter and the few random sound effects pulled me out of the story. Overall it was a good story. I am looking forward to the next book.
May 28, 2017
OMFG what did I just read? This was a DNF before I got to the end of the first chapter. I just can't believe the claims that this book is 'well-researched' when the first line of the first chapter is "More vodka!"
... does the author not realize that vodka didn't exist? Or that Russians drank, on average, 1/3 - 1/2 as much as their German, English & French brethren during the reign of the Tsars?
In the opening lines of the chapter, we are presented with a very young girl (uncertain how young, seemed like 5 - 6 years old but I'll be lenient and say she might have been as old as 10) who is literally fighting dogs for scraps of meat in a so-called tavern. The dogs eat better than her. So little blonde girl's dad is drinking and backhands her across the face so hard she FLIES EIGHT FEET through the air to land hard against a chair. Ooookay then.
The NUMEROUS MALE PATRONS in this establishment witness deadbeat dad beating daughter and do NOTHING to intervene. They literally turn their backs on this child being brutalized. Deadbeat dad skips out on his bill, leaving daughter under the table. This is all in the first few paragraphs.
That night, after all the patrons are gone, deadbeat dad hasn't returned. So the wife of the tavern keeper (a WOMAN!) sets her husband to 'take what he owes out of the flesh of his flesh' i.e. beat the living shit out of the little girl. Tavern keeper--a big, strong, fully grown man--drags starving, skinny girl-child outside by the foot, banging her head on the stone steps as he goes, and proceeds to reduce her to a bloody pulp with, I quote, 'her shattered ribs grinding against each other.'
What. The. Hell.
No, I don't want to read more. No, I don't care how redeeming the rest of the story might be. If this is the introduction, the very first paragraphs, I am not interested in anything else this author has to say. Why? Because he claims to have researched this story and the Russian history well, but it's woefully clear that he has done nothing of the sort. Is this the product of too much western propaganda?
Yes, horrible things happened in Russian history. They happened throughout all of European history, and throughout most of recorded history up to the modern day.
This book goes beyond the pale. In the opening lines, one can only perceive these so-called 'Russians' as a brutal, inhumane people. I mean wtf, who seriously believes that at ANY time in history, a room full of grown men would turn their backs on someone beating their child? Has this author ever met a Russian man? Even one? Nevermind the father, fine, drunk dads everywhere tend to fuck up and are known to strike their kids--but the tavern keeper, his wife?
These aren't Russians. I don't know what they are, but no Russian would beat an innocent little child half to death (only stopping because he was bribed by a passerby, the point at which I stopped reading). A Russian in the 16th century might toss the girl out because she isn't his problem, but he isn't going to brutalize her to death for NO REASON.
I just can't say any more. This atrocious portrayal of the average Russian made me so angry I had to come write this review to get it off my chest. If you care about real history or want to read something about real Russians, find anything other than this.
... does the author not realize that vodka didn't exist? Or that Russians drank, on average, 1/3 - 1/2 as much as their German, English & French brethren during the reign of the Tsars?
In the opening lines of the chapter, we are presented with a very young girl (uncertain how young, seemed like 5 - 6 years old but I'll be lenient and say she might have been as old as 10) who is literally fighting dogs for scraps of meat in a so-called tavern. The dogs eat better than her. So little blonde girl's dad is drinking and backhands her across the face so hard she FLIES EIGHT FEET through the air to land hard against a chair. Ooookay then.
The NUMEROUS MALE PATRONS in this establishment witness deadbeat dad beating daughter and do NOTHING to intervene. They literally turn their backs on this child being brutalized. Deadbeat dad skips out on his bill, leaving daughter under the table. This is all in the first few paragraphs.
That night, after all the patrons are gone, deadbeat dad hasn't returned. So the wife of the tavern keeper (a WOMAN!) sets her husband to 'take what he owes out of the flesh of his flesh' i.e. beat the living shit out of the little girl. Tavern keeper--a big, strong, fully grown man--drags starving, skinny girl-child outside by the foot, banging her head on the stone steps as he goes, and proceeds to reduce her to a bloody pulp with, I quote, 'her shattered ribs grinding against each other.'
What. The. Hell.
No, I don't want to read more. No, I don't care how redeeming the rest of the story might be. If this is the introduction, the very first paragraphs, I am not interested in anything else this author has to say. Why? Because he claims to have researched this story and the Russian history well, but it's woefully clear that he has done nothing of the sort. Is this the product of too much western propaganda?
Yes, horrible things happened in Russian history. They happened throughout all of European history, and throughout most of recorded history up to the modern day.
This book goes beyond the pale. In the opening lines, one can only perceive these so-called 'Russians' as a brutal, inhumane people. I mean wtf, who seriously believes that at ANY time in history, a room full of grown men would turn their backs on someone beating their child? Has this author ever met a Russian man? Even one? Nevermind the father, fine, drunk dads everywhere tend to fuck up and are known to strike their kids--but the tavern keeper, his wife?
These aren't Russians. I don't know what they are, but no Russian would beat an innocent little child half to death (only stopping because he was bribed by a passerby, the point at which I stopped reading). A Russian in the 16th century might toss the girl out because she isn't his problem, but he isn't going to brutalize her to death for NO REASON.
I just can't say any more. This atrocious portrayal of the average Russian made me so angry I had to come write this review to get it off my chest. If you care about real history or want to read something about real Russians, find anything other than this.
June 1, 2018
L. K. Hill brings to life the Kremlin and Russia just before and during the early years of Ivan the Terrible's reign! Whether you love Russian history or know nothing about it this is a fanstic book. Meticulous research is the foundation for the saga of the lives of Inga and Taras, each either functionally or literally orphaned during the novel as children. Growing up as an orphan anywhere can be hard. In Russia during this era it can be brutal!
Inga is brought to the Kremlin as a child and trained to be a housemaid. The work is hard, the hours are long, living conditions are not the best or the worst, safety at times depends on your ability to seem invisible. Her best ally is the woman who saved her, Yehveh, a harsh taskmistress, sometimes uncommunicative, but loyal and loving beyond measure. Brogan in the kitchen always seems to have a soft spot for Inga as well. Inga is hard-working, learns quickly and thrives in the most nurturing environment she has ever experienced.
Taras, a Boyar, a noble Russian father and high born English mother, also lives in the Kremlin as a child. His life is as different as day from night than Inga's. To most others the servants are invisible or if they give the slightest offence objects of scorn and punishment. Taras's mother has raised him with much different morals and he sees people in another light. Though several years older than Inga, their paths cross eventfully during childhood.
Years laters this epic saga follow not only a great mystery, Russian histoy in the making and the formative years of two young adults, but their lives as they are again drawn together by circumstance within the walls of the Kremlin. Walk the halls with them them, understand the dangers that lurk between the classes, enjoy the political intrigue. Live each of their individual dangers and sip the breath of a budding forbidden romance as L. K. Hill brings it all into extreme vivid focus in this gripping and unforgettable novel.
I found this on Instafreebie and before I even finished I had to go shopping and find the other books in the series!
Inga is brought to the Kremlin as a child and trained to be a housemaid. The work is hard, the hours are long, living conditions are not the best or the worst, safety at times depends on your ability to seem invisible. Her best ally is the woman who saved her, Yehveh, a harsh taskmistress, sometimes uncommunicative, but loyal and loving beyond measure. Brogan in the kitchen always seems to have a soft spot for Inga as well. Inga is hard-working, learns quickly and thrives in the most nurturing environment she has ever experienced.
Taras, a Boyar, a noble Russian father and high born English mother, also lives in the Kremlin as a child. His life is as different as day from night than Inga's. To most others the servants are invisible or if they give the slightest offence objects of scorn and punishment. Taras's mother has raised him with much different morals and he sees people in another light. Though several years older than Inga, their paths cross eventfully during childhood.
Years laters this epic saga follow not only a great mystery, Russian histoy in the making and the formative years of two young adults, but their lives as they are again drawn together by circumstance within the walls of the Kremlin. Walk the halls with them them, understand the dangers that lurk between the classes, enjoy the political intrigue. Live each of their individual dangers and sip the breath of a budding forbidden romance as L. K. Hill brings it all into extreme vivid focus in this gripping and unforgettable novel.
I found this on Instafreebie and before I even finished I had to go shopping and find the other books in the series!
April 4, 2019
An excellent book!
This was a rather lengthy and involved book which I considered well worth my time. It dealt with many different stages of Russian history during the time of Ivan the Great and Terrible. The two POVs are Inga, a young girl adopted as a kitchen servant by the head kitchen maid, and also Taras, the son of a council member to the Tzar, Ivan’s father. Tara’s and Inga briefly met early on but Taras’ and his Father fled Russia after the murder of his mother. It wasn’t until fifteen years later, Taras’ circumstances changed such that he ended up returning to Russia and joined the Russian army. It was there that Taras made a name for himself as a junior general and was recognized by Tsar Ivan for his accomplishments. He also became reacquainted with Inga and became smitten. With lots of patience and kindness, Taras won her over. This was one of my favorite parts of this story as who doesn’t love a little romance brewing amongst times of war. I especially appreciated that their romantic relationship was kept clean in the book. The ending of the book left us with many unanswered questions that laid the setting for book two which I’m very anxious to get my hands on.
This was a rather lengthy and involved book which I considered well worth my time. It dealt with many different stages of Russian history during the time of Ivan the Great and Terrible. The two POVs are Inga, a young girl adopted as a kitchen servant by the head kitchen maid, and also Taras, the son of a council member to the Tzar, Ivan’s father. Tara’s and Inga briefly met early on but Taras’ and his Father fled Russia after the murder of his mother. It wasn’t until fifteen years later, Taras’ circumstances changed such that he ended up returning to Russia and joined the Russian army. It was there that Taras made a name for himself as a junior general and was recognized by Tsar Ivan for his accomplishments. He also became reacquainted with Inga and became smitten. With lots of patience and kindness, Taras won her over. This was one of my favorite parts of this story as who doesn’t love a little romance brewing amongst times of war. I especially appreciated that their romantic relationship was kept clean in the book. The ending of the book left us with many unanswered questions that laid the setting for book two which I’m very anxious to get my hands on.
January 25, 2020
So I came across this series and decided to take a chance on it without really reading the blurb or doing any further research into it. I also believe this is the first of this author that I have read/listened to. I am so glad I took that chance. I love both the characters, Inga and Taras. They are very well written and well developed. I love that Inga is able to overcome her harsh childhood, that she doesn't let that define her. She tries her best and looks for the good in every day, even if she is but a servant. Taras, on the other hand, is born to status and upper class yet because of things that happens, he grows up quite humble. Unlike many in the upper class who feel they can take whatever they want from whomever, Taras is one who shows respect for everyone in every walk of life.
This is such a wonderful book full of Russian history. I am always intrigue with history but didn't know much about this time period covered in this book, which got me looking up more information on certain side characters based on living people during the time frame. It's been quite interesting. I cannot wait to start the next book in this series!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinion expressed are my own.
This is such a wonderful book full of Russian history. I am always intrigue with history but didn't know much about this time period covered in this book, which got me looking up more information on certain side characters based on living people during the time frame. It's been quite interesting. I cannot wait to start the next book in this series!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinion expressed are my own.
February 2, 2018
Citadels of Fire (Kremlins) ... Book 1 by K.L. Hill
I got this book from bookbob or some other freebies site. Loved the cover but I not really a history buff or read books about history. I Though why not give it a chance. The first chapter had me hook, line and sinker to read more about Inga! I am amazed how fast I was involved with Inga.
. The owner of the inn took Inga outside and was whipping Inga to pay for her father’s bill. Inga was a child. Passing by was Yehvah who was the head maid in the Kremlin. Yehvah paid the inn keeper and took Inga to the Kremlin to live and work. This book is the story of Ivan the Great seen by a 6-year maid growing up in Kremlin. You will get to know the people in Inga world. Yehvah is hard on Inga who learns fast. the more I read all the other characters came alive. You will get to know Tara’s and Nickola! You will hate Sergie or at least I did.
I got this book from bookbob or some other freebies site. Loved the cover but I not really a history buff or read books about history. I Though why not give it a chance. The first chapter had me hook, line and sinker to read more about Inga! I am amazed how fast I was involved with Inga.
. The owner of the inn took Inga outside and was whipping Inga to pay for her father’s bill. Inga was a child. Passing by was Yehvah who was the head maid in the Kremlin. Yehvah paid the inn keeper and took Inga to the Kremlin to live and work. This book is the story of Ivan the Great seen by a 6-year maid growing up in Kremlin. You will get to know the people in Inga world. Yehvah is hard on Inga who learns fast. the more I read all the other characters came alive. You will get to know Tara’s and Nickola! You will hate Sergie or at least I did.
March 2, 2019
Very Interesting read
The story was engaging and always kept my interest. It’s clear the author researched this time period thoroughly. I learned a lot I hadn’t known about Russia in that time. The most glaring negative for me was the plethora of typos. If grammar and spelling errors get to you, I would skip this read. I’d recommend the author use something free like Grammarly on this book and then re-upload to Amazon. The errors I saw were very blatant (nonsense words, words repeated, etc.) that could be easily corrected.
The story was engaging and always kept my interest. It’s clear the author researched this time period thoroughly. I learned a lot I hadn’t known about Russia in that time. The most glaring negative for me was the plethora of typos. If grammar and spelling errors get to you, I would skip this read. I’d recommend the author use something free like Grammarly on this book and then re-upload to Amazon. The errors I saw were very blatant (nonsense words, words repeated, etc.) that could be easily corrected.
October 15, 2020
I love this book! The author brings the characters to life before your eyes. Inga's story draws you in. She is a servant in the Kremlin. Viewing the royal court from Inga's servant perspective adds to the intrigue. The more you read, the more you love her. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens to her next.
My favorite part of the book is the Russian setting. It is a setting that I am not familiar with, but I know it is a real place. After reading this book, I feel like I know it better. I would love to go there someday. I am from the American South. I cannot even imagine living in such a cold place. Just think of all of the colorful characters that were born there!
The pacing of the story is perfect. I choose to read this because I needed a mental break from the fast-paced action books I obsess over. This series is just what I was looking for! It is character-driven rather than action-driven. I love taking a deep dive into the main characters and watching their layers peel away as the story develops.
The scene that stuck with me the most took place when the city of Moscow was burning. A group of orphaned children is stuck in a burning church, and no one can save them. Rather than leave them to continue fighting the fire. The men stop and stand with respect "to be with the children" as they suffer. Once the cries stop, the men move on. This scene is chilling, heartbreaking, and touching.
I would have shortened the musical interlude between chapters and the advertising at the end of the book. There were two small production errors in the book. One was a repeated name in chapter 19, and the second was an incorrect word later in the book. Neither of these would stop me from listening to this book again. The narrator did an amazing job with the Russian accents!
I would be fascinated to hear a discussion by the author on her research into Russia and the changes she made to the timeline. This book oozes with authenticity. I would love to know her thoughts on what she learned, changed, and left out of the book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean historical romance with a healthy dose of political intrigue.
My favorite part of the book is the Russian setting. It is a setting that I am not familiar with, but I know it is a real place. After reading this book, I feel like I know it better. I would love to go there someday. I am from the American South. I cannot even imagine living in such a cold place. Just think of all of the colorful characters that were born there!
The pacing of the story is perfect. I choose to read this because I needed a mental break from the fast-paced action books I obsess over. This series is just what I was looking for! It is character-driven rather than action-driven. I love taking a deep dive into the main characters and watching their layers peel away as the story develops.
The scene that stuck with me the most took place when the city of Moscow was burning. A group of orphaned children is stuck in a burning church, and no one can save them. Rather than leave them to continue fighting the fire. The men stop and stand with respect "to be with the children" as they suffer. Once the cries stop, the men move on. This scene is chilling, heartbreaking, and touching.
I would have shortened the musical interlude between chapters and the advertising at the end of the book. There were two small production errors in the book. One was a repeated name in chapter 19, and the second was an incorrect word later in the book. Neither of these would stop me from listening to this book again. The narrator did an amazing job with the Russian accents!
I would be fascinated to hear a discussion by the author on her research into Russia and the changes she made to the timeline. This book oozes with authenticity. I would love to know her thoughts on what she learned, changed, and left out of the book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean historical romance with a healthy dose of political intrigue.
July 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book a lot. I wanted so many times to ask my coworker that grew up in Russia about what they had been taught of this history while growing up. I find everyone has their own interpretation of things, and am very curious what the Russian government’s interpretation is for this time period. I loved learning about some of the customs. I found myself researching some more about this time frame because it piqued my interest so much. The story and interaction between characters is wonderful. The narrator did a good job, although I did notice some inconsistencies in the way she pronounced a few names (this was very minor and did not cause any confusion as to what character was being referred to). I admire they way the author was able to make such realistic characters and show their feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. I want more.
March 4, 2020
I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a difficult book to rate, because it is an excellent book, but it was presented in a very unfortunate way in audio format, and I struggled between three and four stars. As a written work, this would receive five stars from me. The book is interrupted throughout with needless sound effects, and every time there is a chapter break, or scene change, you have to wait for a musical interlude before the story continues. This really disrupts the flow of the story, and makes it harder to keep the listeners interest. It irritated me immensely. I would highly recommend reading this book. I would not recommend listening to it.
May 15, 2020
Good story written by L.K. Hill (K.L. Conger)
Not quite my style of book though, but a well written story non the less.
There were parts that I enjoyed thoroughly, and parts that I was wondering whether I would be able to finish it due to the amount of graphic descriptions of some elements of the story.
I tend to prefer less graphic stories or at least a different version of graphics. I prefer less blood and gore graphics, where as I enjoy the vivid descriptions of landscapes and beauty.
I enjoyed the added elements of sound that has been added, it brings the story to life in a different way.
I enjoyed Cathy Burnham Martin's way of narrating the story with not only different voices but also plenty of emotion in the different voices that are destinct to each character.
Not quite my style of book though, but a well written story non the less.
There were parts that I enjoyed thoroughly, and parts that I was wondering whether I would be able to finish it due to the amount of graphic descriptions of some elements of the story.
I tend to prefer less graphic stories or at least a different version of graphics. I prefer less blood and gore graphics, where as I enjoy the vivid descriptions of landscapes and beauty.
I enjoyed the added elements of sound that has been added, it brings the story to life in a different way.
I enjoyed Cathy Burnham Martin's way of narrating the story with not only different voices but also plenty of emotion in the different voices that are destinct to each character.
July 7, 2020
Wow! Really awesome, I mean really. I was annoyed at the start because all the stuff they put in the front of the book. I almost said the heck with it, but decided to keep going. I am glad I did. The story was outstanding and the narrator put in a bunch of bells and whistles. I have not heard a book done in this way; I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The time of the book is prior to communism in Russia, but it is also a time when women are treated worse than animals. The story covers many years of rule under the young Tsar who is slowly going insane. I want to say again the author and narrator did an outstanding job.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from StoryOrigin for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
I listened to Audible version of this book. I really enjoyed the narrator. I was glad she didn't try to do men's voices and make them sound fake. She did put accents on some of the characters that didn't sound right to me, but at least I could tell the different characters.
The book was quite long with alot of things happening. A war in Russia. How terrible is war. How terrible was Ivan the terrible. So very tragic. The two main characters are trying to fall in love. So heartbreaking.
I couldn't help but think about the people of Ukraine being invaded by Russia right now.
Lots of feels. Lots of action.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
The book was quite long with alot of things happening. A war in Russia. How terrible is war. How terrible was Ivan the terrible. So very tragic. The two main characters are trying to fall in love. So heartbreaking.
I couldn't help but think about the people of Ukraine being invaded by Russia right now.
Lots of feels. Lots of action.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
March 24, 2019
This story is based on true events. I got about a quarter of the way through and had to stop reading. Not that it was not interesting, it's just that some of the topics were too heavy and serious for me to read. It describes the fear of just existing. The stark and dark discrepancy between the working class and the ruling class. There is palace intrigue, murder, beatings, rape and other painful topics. For example, the beatings to a six-year-old and not just the strap but kicking and punching, the rape of a girl under 14. This is just too dark for me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2020
*I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for an honest review*
I just loved it! True, I'm not a huge fan of sound effects when listening to audiobooks but apart from that I loved the story.
Narration was splendid! I was able tío identify every character easily and there are quite a few!
And then story... Yes of course I wanted to know what was going to happen with the main characters, but this book isn't like those were you read a bunch of non significant stuff until the main characters appear again.
Plots, sub-plots, heroes, villains, love, treason and history interlaced brilliantly... I want more and I want it now! =)
I just loved it! True, I'm not a huge fan of sound effects when listening to audiobooks but apart from that I loved the story.
Narration was splendid! I was able tío identify every character easily and there are quite a few!
And then story... Yes of course I wanted to know what was going to happen with the main characters, but this book isn't like those were you read a bunch of non significant stuff until the main characters appear again.
Plots, sub-plots, heroes, villains, love, treason and history interlaced brilliantly... I want more and I want it now! =)
July 23, 2019
Great History of Ivan the Terrible’s Early Years
This book is a big slow because of all its historical elements, which is why I’ve given it only 4 stars. The history is the background for the story of a young maid and a soldier born of a Russian father and an English mother. The history is as accurate as the author could pen it, which is the real importance of the saga. This is only the 2nd part of the series and is open-ended. If you’re interested in early Russian history, I recommend it and I believe you’ll enjoy it.
This book is a big slow because of all its historical elements, which is why I’ve given it only 4 stars. The history is the background for the story of a young maid and a soldier born of a Russian father and an English mother. The history is as accurate as the author could pen it, which is the real importance of the saga. This is only the 2nd part of the series and is open-ended. If you’re interested in early Russian history, I recommend it and I believe you’ll enjoy it.
May 31, 2022
This story started out a little slow for me, but the longer I listened to the audiobook, the more I liked it. K. L. Conger has written a creative tale that breathed life into a period of Russian history. I liked that she showed the disparity in classes found in that time. I didn't like that the story just abruptly ended. Cathy Burnham Martin's narration was fine. I thought that the addition of music between each chapter was just distracting and unnecessary. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily posted this review.
April 12, 2019
A riveting account of the beginning of aivan The Terrible’s reign, Inga and Taras’ story is bittersweet. The attention to detail, their love story, unlikely as it may seem, the description of Russian court life, make a history nerd like me very happy. Secondary characters are also eell written, woven into the story to flesh it out. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
As a woman this story was difficult to read since many of the men only see women as objects to be used, abused & only in life for their pleasure. Fortunately Taras does not hold that opinion & takes Inga under his wing. There is hardship, war, difficulities in Russia. It takes 2 more books to get the full picture of Ivan the Terrible rule & what happens to Taras & Inga. I received a free copy by joining the authors newsletter. This is my voluntary review.
April 29, 2020
I enjoyed Citadels of Fire. I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed Citadels of Fire. It was nice to learn some of the past history of Russia. I thought the narrator was very good. I did not care so much for the sound effects, they felt a bit intrusive during the story telling. I liked learning about Taras and Inga and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2. I recommend this story.
October 8, 2020
Turrets of Turbulence from K. L. Conger is a great historical novel.
Jehovah is a servant girl in the terem palace and falls in love with Nicolai a boyar. Nicolai promises to marry her but his father Ivan throws a spanner in the works. A well-written prequel that will give you a glimpse into the old life in the Kremlin and Russia. I was so fascinated by the book that I immediately bought Kremlin's complete trilogy.
Jehovah is a servant girl in the terem palace and falls in love with Nicolai a boyar. Nicolai promises to marry her but his father Ivan throws a spanner in the works. A well-written prequel that will give you a glimpse into the old life in the Kremlin and Russia. I was so fascinated by the book that I immediately bought Kremlin's complete trilogy.
October 18, 2020
I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end. The visuals created with her story telling were excellent. It was easy to imagine all the splendor, the war or the ordinary daily life which went on. It kept my attention throughout. The characters were interesting and complex and story detail was awesome! I definitely would recommend this book to all historical romance fans!
I received a free audiobook from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free audiobook from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
November 5, 2020
i got this audiobook in StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review, i gave 4 stars because its a story that you easily listen and feel for the main character, i wont give spoilers, but you simply pass chapters while distracted and not noticing the pace of the story i listened 10 chapters in a go ;) and this is quite unusuall for me ;) but again this book is not like philippa gregory or alison weir books (i am a fan) but diferent.
November 13, 2019
I enjoyed the time period, place and characters. It gave me that being there feeling. The information about the Kremlin and what it was like to work there was was interesting. I've read about a few Tsars ,but not Ivan; he was a fascinating character. I would recommend it to anyone interested in Russia's history , and I look forward to any more books in this series.
February 27, 2020
You know it’s a good book when you decide to finish a chapter before bed and end up finishing the book. I was awed at the historicity and detail in this book. It was so amazingly integrated and powerful, bringing to life this time in Russian history. The characters were amazing. The best and the worst and everywhere in between. The humanity given to Ivan was humbling.
July 17, 2017
I love the works of this author, no matter the genre. Each character is full of depth and emotions, making you sink your teeth into the tale. Her research is top notch. This epic journey makes you want to savor every moment while not putting it down!
March 27, 2020
I do not know much about Russian History and this writer did a lot of research on it and tried to stay as true to actual Historical history while writing a Fictional story. It is extremely interesting but Russia seems so contrary between their social beliefs and the religious beliefs.
November 16, 2020
After listening to this book about Tsar Ivan the Terrible. This book was based in Russia in the year 1550, It made me feel like I was back in that time. The author described the characters so well, You love or hate them. I do love history this book was up my alley.
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