The Shaken Throne

by Kathleen McKenna Hewtson

Empress Alexandra is triumphant. After producing four daughters, who are regarded as of no consequence by her mother-in-law, Dowager-Empress Minnie, and the court, she has at last given birth to a son and heir, the Tsarevich Alexei. This success, after so many years of praying, hoping and despairing, will not ensure her popularity in Russia, but it will at least convince everyone that Alix has fulfilled her primary duty as an Empress, which should in turn gain her more freedom to live as she wishes amid her cozy little family and away from the burdens and responsibilities imposed upon her by her position. However, her euphoria is short-lived when little Alexei starts to show signs of suffering from the 'English Disease,' hemophilia, that has killed so many of Alexandra's family and which she knows she has been responsible for passing on to her little baby, Alexei. Her pain and guilt at his appalling suffering is unbearable and the knowledge that Alexei will be unlikely to live to adulthood absolutely crushes the already fragile Nicholas. Worse, the war between Russia and Japan is becoming an ever-greater disaster by the day, fueling widespread strikes and civil disobedience in St. Petersburg that could possibly lead to outright revolution. Will the Imperial Family be forced to flee Russia altogether? Then a man is miraculously introduced to Tsar Nicholas and Empress Alexandra who appears to offer them renewed hope, not only for the recovery of their son but also for the recovery of the Imperial Romanov fortunes in Russia as a whole, a man who calms Alexei with his prayers and even stops his bleeding, and who exhorts the “Tsars,” as he calls them, to “spit on all their fears, and rule.” Here is a peasant, a wandering holy man, come to save Russia in that long-hoped-for alliance between the Tsar and the people. Rasputin will save Alexei; he will save Nicholas and Alexandra; and he will save Russia. All six volumes are (planned) as 1. 'The Funeral Bride' 1884-1894 - published November 2015 2. 'The Empress of Tears' 1895-1904 - published March 2016 3. 'The Shaken Throne' 1904-1907 - published July 2016 4. 'The Pride of Eagles' 1907-1913 - published May 2017 5. 'No Greater Crown' 1914-1917 - published September 2018 6. ' The Far Kingdom' 1917 - 1918 - published December 2020

Genres: Russia

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2016

Reviews

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series about Empress Alexandra of Russia, and like the first two, the author does an amazing job of making me want to simultaneously punch her and hug her at the same time. Mostly punch, but then again, I've never liked Alexandra in the first place. Her obnoxious hysteria and hypochondria were hard to handle at times, but I truly think this is how she was in real life, too. We're introduced to Rasputin for the first time in this book, and he is, as always, super creepy. I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to the next book!

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The signs are there

Alix , nervous and never well, goes from bad to worse. The world as she knows it is fast falling apart and all she can think of is herself. She is no help to Nicky or her children. Enter Father Gregory.

[Arlene Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment does not disappoint

As in the previous two books, this one is intriguing, easy to read, and extremely interesting. I cannot wait to read the final books in this series.

[Alexis Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable

Good fun of you like reading fictionalized history. I imagine that the portrayal of Alix is pretty close to the mark. Very enjoyable series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. A really wonderful series. Heartbreaking but have to see what is next.

[Donna Peake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of this series. One more to go.
Oh my word I just want to take the Empress and SHAKE the living daylights out of her. I know she has a lot of people who really don't care for her, such as Minnie, her Mother in Law. No wonder, get out of bed lady and take care of your children and your husband. You are beautiful and live in a cold castle but really.
Gregory Rasputin has made his appearance late in this book.
Can't wait till sometime next year to read the 4th installment.

[Jeanne Beaudet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen McKenna Hewtson's Alexandra series is not to be missed. In this volume, after finally giving birth to a son, Alix finds out that she transmitted hemophila to the heir to the Russian throne. The scene where the royal couple finds out is heartbreaking. Alix is changed forever by the discovery.

The brewing political storms in Russia accurately depicted as is the rise of Rasputin. This book was excellent.