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Russian Witches #1
Las brujas de San Petersburgo
Un retrato oscuro e inquietante sobre la corte de los Romanov y dos mujeres que no se conformaron con el destino que les tenía reservado la Historia.
Militza y Stana, hijas del empobrecido rey de Montenegro, se ven forzadas a casarse con dos miembros de la aristocracia rusa para que su padre pueda recuperar parte de su poder.
La vida, a pesar del esplendor de la corte del zar Nicolás, no es fácil. Una de ellas, Militza, parece tener poderes ocultos y siente fascinación por todo lo que tenga que ver con la magia y el espiritismo. Ante una influenciable zarina Alexandra, que haría cualquier cosa para darle al país el heredero que está esperando, despliegan su relación con el más allá, y entre sesiones de espiritismo, pócimas engañosas y coqueteos con la magia negra, logran hacerse con un gran poder en la corte.
Sin embargo, cuando den con Rasputín, precisamente en la búsqueda de un hombre con poder espiritual, descubrirán que quizás han ido demasiado lejos.
Militza y Stana, hijas del empobrecido rey de Montenegro, se ven forzadas a casarse con dos miembros de la aristocracia rusa para que su padre pueda recuperar parte de su poder.
La vida, a pesar del esplendor de la corte del zar Nicolás, no es fácil. Una de ellas, Militza, parece tener poderes ocultos y siente fascinación por todo lo que tenga que ver con la magia y el espiritismo. Ante una influenciable zarina Alexandra, que haría cualquier cosa para darle al país el heredero que está esperando, despliegan su relación con el más allá, y entre sesiones de espiritismo, pócimas engañosas y coqueteos con la magia negra, logran hacerse con un gran poder en la corte.
Sin embargo, cuando den con Rasputín, precisamente en la búsqueda de un hombre con poder espiritual, descubrirán que quizás han ido demasiado lejos.
432 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
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August 19, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley, Imogen Edwards-Jones and Head of Zeus for my arc of The Witches of St Petersburg.
Without sounding truly horrible, what can I say about this book without starting with 'what a mess'.
I hate writing bad reviews but I have tried my very best to like this book. I got as far as 81% before I DNF because I REALLY wanted to like it. I love stories about Russia and I'm fascinated by Rasputin, dark fairytales and witches so this should have been right up my street. But apparently not.
So, the premise first of all. Militza and Stana are princesses of Montenegro who marry into the Russian aristocracy. Soon they are surrounded by the pomp and fuss of court, but never part of the inner circle. Stana is unhappy in her marriage, both the sisters are viewed as too poor, too dark, too mysterious and not worthy of marrying Russian nobility. But when the new Tsar comes into power they ensure they are right by his side, becoming the new favourites. But when Rasputin arrives, everything changes.
Ok, so where do I go with this. First off either the editing was poor (understandable with an arc so I hope it's that) or the author decided to keep switching the way people talked because all of a sudden the word 'the' was dropped. Example; 'she needed to get back to City'. This was confusing and distracting. Secondly the POV. I don't know the official term for this way of writing POV but it was sort of like a third person narration but also omniscient and it got confusing because in a conversation between the two sisters it would say 'she thought' and I didn't know who was thinking, or it would be talking about Militza and then say 'Stana was thinking' and I was like why does Militza know what Stana was thinking. It just blew my head apart, I couldn't get to grips with it.
Then there was the fact it was boring. And long. The goodreads page description is 206 Pages. There's no way that's correct. I can read that many pages in 90 minutes, it took me 6 hours to get to 81% and it was predicting another hour left. I just couldn't take any more of it.
The book was repetitive it went over the same points. The sisters try to help the Tsarina, they fail, they try again. People say they're witches and smell of goats. They attend a ball, they attend another ball and people say the same thing.
Then in the second half it's more of the same but now Rasputin is here so it's just peppered with lots of really revolting sex. Now I'm no prude. I read and enjoyed Fifty Shades, the ACOTAR series is one of my favourites. But when you're reading something about filthy fingers, revolting breath, leathery tongues and warts on the end of people's bits it's all a bit too much. And I swear if I read the word 'tumescent' to describe his man parts one more time!
In the last third of the book it got significantly worse which is why I decided to DNF. There was way too much going wrong with the language. Way too much weird sex stuff going on, way too much bad writing/lack of editing happening and I just thought I can't waste another hour of my time on this.
I'm really sorry to have to leave a bad review for this as 1. I hate doing that and 2. My expectations were really high but it is an honest review and I think this book requires much more work on the editing and a good 2-300 Pages cutting out altogether.
Without sounding truly horrible, what can I say about this book without starting with 'what a mess'.
I hate writing bad reviews but I have tried my very best to like this book. I got as far as 81% before I DNF because I REALLY wanted to like it. I love stories about Russia and I'm fascinated by Rasputin, dark fairytales and witches so this should have been right up my street. But apparently not.
So, the premise first of all. Militza and Stana are princesses of Montenegro who marry into the Russian aristocracy. Soon they are surrounded by the pomp and fuss of court, but never part of the inner circle. Stana is unhappy in her marriage, both the sisters are viewed as too poor, too dark, too mysterious and not worthy of marrying Russian nobility. But when the new Tsar comes into power they ensure they are right by his side, becoming the new favourites. But when Rasputin arrives, everything changes.
Ok, so where do I go with this. First off either the editing was poor (understandable with an arc so I hope it's that) or the author decided to keep switching the way people talked because all of a sudden the word 'the' was dropped. Example; 'she needed to get back to City'. This was confusing and distracting. Secondly the POV. I don't know the official term for this way of writing POV but it was sort of like a third person narration but also omniscient and it got confusing because in a conversation between the two sisters it would say 'she thought' and I didn't know who was thinking, or it would be talking about Militza and then say 'Stana was thinking' and I was like why does Militza know what Stana was thinking. It just blew my head apart, I couldn't get to grips with it.
Then there was the fact it was boring. And long. The goodreads page description is 206 Pages. There's no way that's correct. I can read that many pages in 90 minutes, it took me 6 hours to get to 81% and it was predicting another hour left. I just couldn't take any more of it.
The book was repetitive it went over the same points. The sisters try to help the Tsarina, they fail, they try again. People say they're witches and smell of goats. They attend a ball, they attend another ball and people say the same thing.
Then in the second half it's more of the same but now Rasputin is here so it's just peppered with lots of really revolting sex. Now I'm no prude. I read and enjoyed Fifty Shades, the ACOTAR series is one of my favourites. But when you're reading something about filthy fingers, revolting breath, leathery tongues and warts on the end of people's bits it's all a bit too much. And I swear if I read the word 'tumescent' to describe his man parts one more time!
In the last third of the book it got significantly worse which is why I decided to DNF. There was way too much going wrong with the language. Way too much weird sex stuff going on, way too much bad writing/lack of editing happening and I just thought I can't waste another hour of my time on this.
I'm really sorry to have to leave a bad review for this as 1. I hate doing that and 2. My expectations were really high but it is an honest review and I think this book requires much more work on the editing and a good 2-300 Pages cutting out altogether.
March 27, 2019
This started as such a simple book and quickly became a sex fest
I'm going to start using the term The Rasputin Effect to explain this event
I'm going to start using the term The Rasputin Effect to explain this event
October 19, 2025
Find this review, my favorite quote, and companion read recommendations at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...
Those with weak constitutions may want to think twice before picking up THE WITCHES OF ST. PETERSBURG. Imogen Edwards-Jones is a talented and descriptive writer, but she doesn't shy from the gratuitous or the grotesque. The hard truth is that if you can't stomach the prying of a half-developed chick from its egg, the disintegration of a miscarried fetus, Rasputin's wart-tipped phallus, or Alexandra Feodorovna dropping to her knees to scoop up and eat vomit, this book isn't for you.
I also struggled with Edward-Jones's decision to play fast and loose with history. A date change is one thing, but pitching Suzanna Catharina de Graaff's claim as fact is a bit of a stretch. An exciting and arguably creative stretch, but a stretch that wasn't convincing enough to swallow.
THE WITCHES OF ST. PETERSBURG is a beast at four hundred and sixty-four pages! The pacing is slow, and I struggled with the characters. I don't mean that I hated them or anything. I couldn't understand them or their motivations. Were they selfish social climbers or self-sacrificing Montenegrin royalty? The novel sways back and forth, and the lack of clarity made it impossible for me to appreciate what the author was trying to say about either heroine.
There's some exciting content in this piece, and I think the author flirts with some fascinating concepts, but the execution is all over the place. Complex stories are great, but they need to translate, and I can't say that I feel this one does so effectively.
Those with weak constitutions may want to think twice before picking up THE WITCHES OF ST. PETERSBURG. Imogen Edwards-Jones is a talented and descriptive writer, but she doesn't shy from the gratuitous or the grotesque. The hard truth is that if you can't stomach the prying of a half-developed chick from its egg, the disintegration of a miscarried fetus, Rasputin's wart-tipped phallus, or Alexandra Feodorovna dropping to her knees to scoop up and eat vomit, this book isn't for you.
I also struggled with Edward-Jones's decision to play fast and loose with history. A date change is one thing, but pitching Suzanna Catharina de Graaff's claim as fact is a bit of a stretch. An exciting and arguably creative stretch, but a stretch that wasn't convincing enough to swallow.
THE WITCHES OF ST. PETERSBURG is a beast at four hundred and sixty-four pages! The pacing is slow, and I struggled with the characters. I don't mean that I hated them or anything. I couldn't understand them or their motivations. Were they selfish social climbers or self-sacrificing Montenegrin royalty? The novel sways back and forth, and the lack of clarity made it impossible for me to appreciate what the author was trying to say about either heroine.
There's some exciting content in this piece, and I think the author flirts with some fascinating concepts, but the execution is all over the place. Complex stories are great, but they need to translate, and I can't say that I feel this one does so effectively.
May 29, 2019
THE WITCHES OF ST PETERSBURG is what would happen if THE RAIN MAIDEN & THE LUXE ran off to Gretna Green, then took an extensive honeymoon in Romanov Russia.
...That's a compliment, in case you were wondering. ;)
WITCHES seems to be garnering a negative response on GR, & that's a shame. It's a 'modern' historical, the sort where people are open about sexual desires & converse in a casual manner, while readers are confronted with the realities of their period (messy abortions, drug addiction, occult obsession, etc)...as opposed to stilted Formal Dialogue of Long-Past Eras, endless blocks of descriptive prose, & the uber-polite frosted glass of nostalgia. Without a master at the helm, Old Skool historicals are insular & self-congratulatory & intimidating. But books like this make historical fiction accessible to more casual (or lazy ;)) readers without resorting to the overly dumbed down wallpaper of Avon regencies. Indeed, I prefer period stories that don't shy away from grit, & I like when characters don't sound like old-timey robots (this tendency being particularly prevalent in medieval or Russian settings).
Be aware that Rasputin is a major character. He's SUPPOSED to be repulsive. He was also vile & horny in RL, so Militza's attraction to him was no different from others who fell under his spell, whether real or fictional. The author's treatment of the tsar & tsarina was equally vivid; she didn't shy away from portraying them as weak, spoiled, & oblivious. Nor were Militza & Stana written as angelic Sues of the Romanov era; anyone who rises to power & inspires distrust in a court of such decadence is bound to be, at heart, a power-hungry bitch, which makes the parallel rise of pudgy, cheerful Anna -- who proves to be equally ruthless & manipulative -- so intriguing. Despite their less endearing traits, the sisters were no better or worse than anyone else.
So who's the true villain? Rasputin, yes, but also them that gave him such power, & I liked how it was never clearly established whether Rasputin was Militza's creation or whether it was her own hubris that led her to see him as such. But in any case, this era is its own enemy -- nothing so top-heavy could exist forever without toppling, & this book portrays that in melodramatic technicolor.
4 stars. Some of the side characters could've been more rounded (esp at the end, where they seemed to drop in as needed), & the time gaps were a bit excessive. But overall I quite enjoyed it.
...That's a compliment, in case you were wondering. ;)
WITCHES seems to be garnering a negative response on GR, & that's a shame. It's a 'modern' historical, the sort where people are open about sexual desires & converse in a casual manner, while readers are confronted with the realities of their period (messy abortions, drug addiction, occult obsession, etc)...as opposed to stilted Formal Dialogue of Long-Past Eras, endless blocks of descriptive prose, & the uber-polite frosted glass of nostalgia. Without a master at the helm, Old Skool historicals are insular & self-congratulatory & intimidating. But books like this make historical fiction accessible to more casual (or lazy ;)) readers without resorting to the overly dumbed down wallpaper of Avon regencies. Indeed, I prefer period stories that don't shy away from grit, & I like when characters don't sound like old-timey robots (this tendency being particularly prevalent in medieval or Russian settings).
Be aware that Rasputin is a major character. He's SUPPOSED to be repulsive. He was also vile & horny in RL, so Militza's attraction to him was no different from others who fell under his spell, whether real or fictional. The author's treatment of the tsar & tsarina was equally vivid; she didn't shy away from portraying them as weak, spoiled, & oblivious. Nor were Militza & Stana written as angelic Sues of the Romanov era; anyone who rises to power & inspires distrust in a court of such decadence is bound to be, at heart, a power-hungry bitch, which makes the parallel rise of pudgy, cheerful Anna -- who proves to be equally ruthless & manipulative -- so intriguing. Despite their less endearing traits, the sisters were no better or worse than anyone else.
So who's the true villain? Rasputin, yes, but also them that gave him such power, & I liked how it was never clearly established whether Rasputin was Militza's creation or whether it was her own hubris that led her to see him as such. But in any case, this era is its own enemy -- nothing so top-heavy could exist forever without toppling, & this book portrays that in melodramatic technicolor.
4 stars. Some of the side characters could've been more rounded (esp at the end, where they seemed to drop in as needed), & the time gaps were a bit excessive. But overall I quite enjoyed it.
May 13, 2019
Iba con las expectativas bajas pero vamos, me ha sorprendido mucho, y me ha gustado. Tengo que decir que tendremos algunas partes lentas y el libro no es para leerlo con prisas, es para empaparse bien de todo. Me ha fascinado como ha llevado la autora todo el tema histórico, fantástico porque pese a ser ficción la mayoría es todo historia verídica, tendremos toques de magia oscura pero es un toque que no le quita el valor histórico a la novela, ya que la protagonista fue un personaje histórico real y su historia es así, pero en versión novela. Además pese a que sabemos que pasa al final no lo que pasa con ella y su hermana, lo que nos lleva a seguir sin parar hasta el final y saber su destino.
January 27, 2019
THE WITCHES OF ST. PETERSBURG is the tale of two sisters that have to fend for themselves at the Romanov court, and they do so by not only befriending the Tsarina, they use black magic as well. Militza and Stana are the daughters of the King of Montenegro. They are forced to marry men with status in the Romanov court and to secure the future for their home country. However, they are shunned by the aristocracy especially the women. But, they soon find out that the lonely Tsarina desperately needs a male heir, and they decide to help her even if that means using black magic.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
August 5, 2019
Nevaru noliegt, ka uzķēros uz vārda 'raganas', un tieši šī grāmata pavilka sev līdzi visu manu epopeju ar Nikolaju II priekšgalā. Ja es nebūtu izdomājusi pirms konkrētā romāna pastudēt konkrēto vēstures periodu, tad šobrīd laikam jau vienkārši raustītu plecus un šķendētos, ka neviens nav bijis uzdevumu augstumos - ne autore un viņas redaktori, ne tulkojuma īstenotāji. Autore acīmredzot ir gribējusi paspīdēt ar tēmu - ak, kādas interesantas, mistiskas Melnkalnes princeses, kas ieprecējušās Krievijas galmā! ak, kā viņas iepazīstināja caru ar Rasputinu! lūk, ļaunuma sakne! Diemžēl Imodženai zarnas ir par plānu kārtīgam vēsturiskajam romānam. Būtu vismaz tad lubeni kārtīgu uzrakstījusi, bet pārsvarā tur tāda nesakarīga bakstīšanās un tikai Rasputins cenšas drāzt, cik un ko vien spēj.
Īpašs sveiciens tulkotājam - "pūkainas tapetes"??? Mājā ir sarma vai pelējums? Sievietei ir rokassomiņa (pouch) nevis sainītis. Un tos autores neveiklos tekstus taču var rakstīt pa savam, nav viss burtiski jātulko. Viena bēdu ieleja, ne daiļliteratūra.
Īpašs sveiciens tulkotājam - "pūkainas tapetes"??? Mājā ir sarma vai pelējums? Sievietei ir rokassomiņa (pouch) nevis sainītis. Un tos autores neveiklos tekstus taču var rakstīt pa savam, nav viss burtiski jātulko. Viena bēdu ieleja, ne daiļliteratūra.
July 11, 2021
Pues... ha sido horrible. La wikipedia y el National geographic son mucho más interesantes.
**Alerta Spoiler!
1.-La historia. Dos hermanas montenegrinas que se casan con dos miembros importantes de la corte rusa. En la corte se las desprecia por su origen y apariencia y ellas no cesan de recurrir a las artes negras para conseguir acercarse al Zar y la zarina. Solo que la cosa se les va de las manos cuando invocan a Rasputín... y entonces, pues sí, se arma la gorda. Pero está tan mal contado... de una forma tan plana y sosa... que aburre hasta a las ovejas.
2.-Los personajes. Planos y muy poco desarrollados. Se supone que las importantes son las dos hermanas, Stana y Militza, pero no, es la última la que se lleva todo el protagonismo. Y es que Militza es insoportable, se cree la más inteligente del mundo y en realidad es bastante estúpida. Es mala, le falta empatía y está obsesionada con el poder y la brujería. Se supone que todo lo que hace lo hace para ayudar a su país, pero sus motivaciones son tan flojas... que no hay por donde cogerla (igual que todo el libro).
Todos los personajes terminan siendo desagradables, desde ellas hasta Rasputín (este es para echar de comer aparte...), sin olvidar a los zares.
Vamos, que están tan mal construidos que es imposible empatizar con ninguno, y no tiene nada que ver con sus personalidades, es porque la autora no ha sabido manejarlos.
3.-La pluma, la trama y demás. La pluma es simple, pero cae en exceso en todo el tema fantasioso y a veces se pasa con las descripciones sexuales. Se nota que a la autora le mola todo el rollo ese de la santería, los espíritus y demás, porque es a lo que más importancia se le da en todo el libro. A la historia le falta un buen hilo conductor y unas motivaciones más creíbles, unos personajes atrapantes y que las cosas que pasen tengan interés y no giren todo el rato entorno a lo mismo. Además, el libro tiene como dos partes: La primera es la de conseguir que la zarina tenga un hijo, y en la segunda ya todo el morbo de Rasputín.
Con un enfoque distinto y centrado más en lo histórico que no es lo esotérico, hubiera ganado muchísimo.
4.-El final. Pues mal. Como el resto de la historia... unas suposiciones sin base ni fundamento alguno. Y el happy ending para las listísimas. Bueno es que no hay ni final. Se cargan a Rasputín. Y ale, salto y epilogo sacado de wikipedia. Una alegría para el cuerpo que no veas...
En fin, 1 estrellas sobre 5, porque no hay absolutamente nada que lo salve ni que merezca la pena en él.
**Alerta Spoiler!
1.-La historia. Dos hermanas montenegrinas que se casan con dos miembros importantes de la corte rusa. En la corte se las desprecia por su origen y apariencia y ellas no cesan de recurrir a las artes negras para conseguir acercarse al Zar y la zarina. Solo que la cosa se les va de las manos cuando invocan a Rasputín... y entonces, pues sí, se arma la gorda. Pero está tan mal contado... de una forma tan plana y sosa... que aburre hasta a las ovejas.
2.-Los personajes. Planos y muy poco desarrollados. Se supone que las importantes son las dos hermanas, Stana y Militza, pero no, es la última la que se lleva todo el protagonismo. Y es que Militza es insoportable, se cree la más inteligente del mundo y en realidad es bastante estúpida. Es mala, le falta empatía y está obsesionada con el poder y la brujería. Se supone que todo lo que hace lo hace para ayudar a su país, pero sus motivaciones son tan flojas... que no hay por donde cogerla (igual que todo el libro).
Todos los personajes terminan siendo desagradables, desde ellas hasta Rasputín (este es para echar de comer aparte...), sin olvidar a los zares.
Vamos, que están tan mal construidos que es imposible empatizar con ninguno, y no tiene nada que ver con sus personalidades, es porque la autora no ha sabido manejarlos.
3.-La pluma, la trama y demás. La pluma es simple, pero cae en exceso en todo el tema fantasioso y a veces se pasa con las descripciones sexuales. Se nota que a la autora le mola todo el rollo ese de la santería, los espíritus y demás, porque es a lo que más importancia se le da en todo el libro. A la historia le falta un buen hilo conductor y unas motivaciones más creíbles, unos personajes atrapantes y que las cosas que pasen tengan interés y no giren todo el rato entorno a lo mismo. Además, el libro tiene como dos partes: La primera es la de conseguir que la zarina tenga un hijo, y en la segunda ya todo el morbo de Rasputín.
Con un enfoque distinto y centrado más en lo histórico que no es lo esotérico, hubiera ganado muchísimo.
4.-El final. Pues mal. Como el resto de la historia... unas suposiciones sin base ni fundamento alguno. Y el happy ending para las listísimas. Bueno es que no hay ni final. Se cargan a Rasputín. Y ale, salto y epilogo sacado de wikipedia. Una alegría para el cuerpo que no veas...
En fin, 1 estrellas sobre 5, porque no hay absolutamente nada que lo salve ni que merezca la pena en él.
September 20, 2019
Sākumā likās, ka būs vēsturiska lubene ar mistikas piejaukumu Džīnas Kalogridisas stilā (tikai par Krievijas impērijas galu, kas man šķiet pat interesantāk par Rietumeiropas augstmaņu peripetijām). Un iesākums tāds arī bija. Taču tad parādījās Rasputins - un autorei radīt patīkami erotiskas ainas ar viņu sarakstīt bija par grūtu - tur aizgāja ļoti netīkama pornogrāfija. Nu tiešām nepatīkami lasīt, aptuveni kā saņemot ziņu internetā "Caw, mazā!" ar pavadošu vīrieša dzimumorgāna bildi no svešinieka.
February 25, 2022
3,5/5
Libro de ficcion historica, donde vamos a encontrarnos tanto datos históricos sobre todo el tema de los zares de rusa en los tiempos de los últimos Romanov, y además añade temas como las practicas esotéricas, magia negra y espiritismos.
Aunque parezca un libro denso y largo, la pluma de la autora es muy ágil y el lenguaje es muy sencillo, lo que hace que el libro se lea muy rapido. Añado, que el libro tiene bastantes descripciones y a veces se extiende demasiado, sobre todo en tema de fiestas, vestidos, comidas, escenas sexuales... que a veces pueden resultar innecesarias para la historia.
Como ocurre con todos los libros que estan ambientados en Rusia, y sobretodo en esta época, al principio puede parecer un poco confuso, ya que hay muchos nombres y ya sabemos como se tratan... pero segun vas avanzando en la historia, no resulta problema.
Tenemos dos personajes principales, Militza y Stana, dos princesas de Montenegro que son enviadas a Rusia por su padre para que se casen con miembros importantes de la alta sociedad y conseguir ayuda económica. Las dos princesas serán apartadas por los miembros de la corte, aunque si tendrán mucha relación con el Zar.
Otro de los personajes que hay que destacar en esta historia , no podía ser menos que Rasputín, un personaje que entra en la Corte gracias a las princesas, un curandero que ocasionará mas de un problema y acompañara a la Zarina en todo momento. Un hombre que se describe como un aficionado al alcohol, al sexo,...
Y si tengo que destacar algo, es el epílogo, es como un "resumen" de lo que sucedió en la vida de las protagonistas cerrando la historia de una manera estupenda.
Me ha gustado a pesar de que a veces si que se hace denso, y trate temas en bastante profundidad y que no aporta mucho.
Libro de ficcion historica, donde vamos a encontrarnos tanto datos históricos sobre todo el tema de los zares de rusa en los tiempos de los últimos Romanov, y además añade temas como las practicas esotéricas, magia negra y espiritismos.
Aunque parezca un libro denso y largo, la pluma de la autora es muy ágil y el lenguaje es muy sencillo, lo que hace que el libro se lea muy rapido. Añado, que el libro tiene bastantes descripciones y a veces se extiende demasiado, sobre todo en tema de fiestas, vestidos, comidas, escenas sexuales... que a veces pueden resultar innecesarias para la historia.
Como ocurre con todos los libros que estan ambientados en Rusia, y sobretodo en esta época, al principio puede parecer un poco confuso, ya que hay muchos nombres y ya sabemos como se tratan... pero segun vas avanzando en la historia, no resulta problema.
Tenemos dos personajes principales, Militza y Stana, dos princesas de Montenegro que son enviadas a Rusia por su padre para que se casen con miembros importantes de la alta sociedad y conseguir ayuda económica. Las dos princesas serán apartadas por los miembros de la corte, aunque si tendrán mucha relación con el Zar.
Otro de los personajes que hay que destacar en esta historia , no podía ser menos que Rasputín, un personaje que entra en la Corte gracias a las princesas, un curandero que ocasionará mas de un problema y acompañara a la Zarina en todo momento. Un hombre que se describe como un aficionado al alcohol, al sexo,...
Y si tengo que destacar algo, es el epílogo, es como un "resumen" de lo que sucedió en la vida de las protagonistas cerrando la historia de una manera estupenda.
Me ha gustado a pesar de que a veces si que se hace denso, y trate temas en bastante profundidad y que no aporta mucho.
July 2, 2021
Al fin encontré una utilidad a los audiolibros jeje 🤭 solo tuve que aguantar dos días xd que de otra manera no sé bien hasta cuando hubiese estado atorada aquí.
Me llevé una decepción, la verdad es que había esperado un poco más de este libro. Quería, ya que estaba leyendo ficción histórica, conocer más detalles de los Romanov y cómo fue todo el tema con Rasputin (que igual es un tema que alguna vez me interesó por haber visto la peli "Anastasia") pero se centró mucho en las intrigas de las hermanas Stana y Militza para tener más poder en la Corte y así ayudar a su reino que de "tanto" que lo nombraban ya ni recuerdo el nombre xd
Y encima luego aparecieron escenas para mayores xd está bien, por lo que anduve leyendo el rasputín original igual era conocido por eso, pero es que era necesario ser tan explícitos? Si hasta pareció que estaba leyendo un erótico :'v
Personajes insoportables, desde las hermanas hasta los extras. Y nada, no encuentro nada que rescatar. Para mí, malisimo hasta 1 estrella me parece mucha nota.
Lo único bueno, y ni siquiera es por el libro, es que a partir de ahora me ahorrare un poco las torturas a través de audiolibros.
Me llevé una decepción, la verdad es que había esperado un poco más de este libro. Quería, ya que estaba leyendo ficción histórica, conocer más detalles de los Romanov y cómo fue todo el tema con Rasputin (que igual es un tema que alguna vez me interesó por haber visto la peli "Anastasia") pero se centró mucho en las intrigas de las hermanas Stana y Militza para tener más poder en la Corte y así ayudar a su reino que de "tanto" que lo nombraban ya ni recuerdo el nombre xd
Y encima luego aparecieron escenas para mayores xd está bien, por lo que anduve leyendo el rasputín original igual era conocido por eso, pero es que era necesario ser tan explícitos? Si hasta pareció que estaba leyendo un erótico :'v
Personajes insoportables, desde las hermanas hasta los extras. Y nada, no encuentro nada que rescatar. Para mí, malisimo hasta 1 estrella me parece mucha nota.
Lo único bueno, y ni siquiera es por el libro, es que a partir de ahora me ahorrare un poco las torturas a través de audiolibros.
November 23, 2021
Este libro es histórico y esta situado justo antes de la revoluciona rusa, antes de acabar con los zares, situación que me parece super interesante. Pero este libro de interesante no tiene nada.
Nos cuenta la vida de las brujas negras, no se llaman así porque su arte fuera de magia negra si no porque tenían unos profundos ojos negros, que por supuesto estas dos hermanas existieron realmente, que gracias a su casamiento se introdujeron en la corte rusa y gracias a sus artes se harán intimas de la zarina. El libro abarca desde que se casan anta la caída de los Romanov.
Y esta todo el rato con lo mismo, solo ha tenido unos capítulos interesantes y eran porque aparecieron unos personajes muy geniales, y animaron la lectura, pero los personajes en general no tienen mucha evolución y siempre están con la misma situación así que la sensación de estancamiento, era enorme. Los personajes tampoco terminaban de atraparme. Las protagonistas además no sabia si tomármelas en serio o como un par de parlanchinas.
Nos cuenta la vida de las brujas negras, no se llaman así porque su arte fuera de magia negra si no porque tenían unos profundos ojos negros, que por supuesto estas dos hermanas existieron realmente, que gracias a su casamiento se introdujeron en la corte rusa y gracias a sus artes se harán intimas de la zarina. El libro abarca desde que se casan anta la caída de los Romanov.
Y esta todo el rato con lo mismo, solo ha tenido unos capítulos interesantes y eran porque aparecieron unos personajes muy geniales, y animaron la lectura, pero los personajes en general no tienen mucha evolución y siempre están con la misma situación así que la sensación de estancamiento, era enorme. Los personajes tampoco terminaban de atraparme. Las protagonistas además no sabia si tomármelas en serio o como un par de parlanchinas.
October 18, 2018
I read a non-fiction book earlier this year about the Romanovs and it piqued my interest. My knowledge of Russian history, from any era, is incredibly sketchy, so this seemed like a novel I could sink into. The Witches of St Petersburg was certainly rich in the history of its era, particularly the ins and outs of court life; there was a gossipy vibe that ran through the narrative, one had to read closely and resist the urge to skim as the author wove a lot of necessary information into these gossipy passages. I did enjoy these at first, but this novel is very long and prone to repetition, particularly via this type of scene. There were also a lot of characters to keep track of, Russian royalty, and everyone seemed to have similar first names and titles. The list at the beginning of the novel was not helpful when you’re reading an ebook, it’s just far too much effort to flip back and forth all the time. Further testimony to the length of the novel is the fact that Rasputin doesn’t make an appearance until past the half way mark. I was a little confused prior to this, wondering where he was as I’d formed the impression he was a major player in the novel. Despite these quibbles, I still enjoyed The Witches of St Petersburg. Militza in particular was a favourite, I found her tenacity and foresight admirable. I don’t for a minute believe that she and her sister Stana were motivated by anything other than securing their own social statuses, but still, they ingratiated themselves and wove their brand of magic right into the heart of the Imperial palace, something many before them had tried and failed at. Yet despite the favour bestowed upon them by the royal couple, the ‘Black Princesses’ as they were known, had many enemies and had to tread a careful path, forever looking over their shoulders.
‘Mikitza could feel a wave of irritation. Why was Stana always so indiscreet? The maid didn’t need to know about their family, their business. Ever since the wedding the sisters had deliberately decided to keep their “customs” to themselves. And although there was an embryonic movement amongst the more enlightened at the fringes of St Petersburg society, it was not so long ago that witches were being hounded, dunked and burnt. Women still had to make cakes and hold “phantom” tea parties, even if they were going to do something so rudimentarily primitive as tasseomancy – reading tea leaves. So both she and Stana had to be careful to protect themselves.’
This novel is steeped in the supernatural, dark witchcraft and old world paganism. Militza is quite a powerful witch, more so than her sister Stana, although she seemed to need Stana’s energy for some of the more complex spells, so the two were rarely apart. This close relationship between the sisters was formidable, and while Militza was particularly protective of her younger sister, she retained her authority as the older, and more powerful sister, and rarely ceded to Stana’s wishes. It was Militza who had the closer relationship with the Tsarina Alix, and it was also Militza who was more involved with Rasputin. Although in his case, she believed she had conjured him through dark magic, believing herself to be his maker and controller. She was quite mistaken on this, Rasputin’s appearance in line with her spell more coincidence than design. Rasputin himself was richly characterised, he was a force on the page and took command of the scenes he was in. Not the most admirable of characters, a charlatan and sexual deviant, yet the charisma he supposedly had in real life was certainly realised on the page by the author, along with the repulsion he ignited in others.
‘Stana shook her head. “Militza, you can’t consort with the dead and expect to be left alone.”
“Says who?”
“Do you think you’re the only person who can dance with the Devil and expect him to listen when you ask to stop?”
“I have looked the Devil in the eye.” Militza raised her eyebrows, sounding pleased with herself. “All those séances, all those times we have used the Ouija board, where do you think I went?”
“You are scaring me now.”
“Don’t be so weak. You have known about our power all your life; it goes back centuries. Now is the time to use it.”
“But you will open Pandora’s Box!”
“And then…” said Militza, stubbing her cigarette in a silver ashtray, “I shall close it.”
The shallowness of court life was well depicted, how easily people fell in and out of favour. It was a cut throat circle to move in. I was somewhat taken aback by the prevalent use of cocaine and the high interest in mystics along with the superstitious beliefs many held fast to. One can almost see quite clearly why the revolution eventuated if the events within this novel are based on even a grain of truth. A drugged out Tsar deferring to his ailing wife who was afraid of everything and a virtual puppet for Rasputin. Hardly a pair to instil confidence. All in all this was an entertaining read, a vivid representation of the entwined lives of the Montenegro sisters with the Romanovs and the ill-famed Rasputin in the years leading up to the Russian revolution. An intriguing blend of historical and paranormal fiction.
Thanks is extended to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Witches of St Petersburg for review.
‘Mikitza could feel a wave of irritation. Why was Stana always so indiscreet? The maid didn’t need to know about their family, their business. Ever since the wedding the sisters had deliberately decided to keep their “customs” to themselves. And although there was an embryonic movement amongst the more enlightened at the fringes of St Petersburg society, it was not so long ago that witches were being hounded, dunked and burnt. Women still had to make cakes and hold “phantom” tea parties, even if they were going to do something so rudimentarily primitive as tasseomancy – reading tea leaves. So both she and Stana had to be careful to protect themselves.’
This novel is steeped in the supernatural, dark witchcraft and old world paganism. Militza is quite a powerful witch, more so than her sister Stana, although she seemed to need Stana’s energy for some of the more complex spells, so the two were rarely apart. This close relationship between the sisters was formidable, and while Militza was particularly protective of her younger sister, she retained her authority as the older, and more powerful sister, and rarely ceded to Stana’s wishes. It was Militza who had the closer relationship with the Tsarina Alix, and it was also Militza who was more involved with Rasputin. Although in his case, she believed she had conjured him through dark magic, believing herself to be his maker and controller. She was quite mistaken on this, Rasputin’s appearance in line with her spell more coincidence than design. Rasputin himself was richly characterised, he was a force on the page and took command of the scenes he was in. Not the most admirable of characters, a charlatan and sexual deviant, yet the charisma he supposedly had in real life was certainly realised on the page by the author, along with the repulsion he ignited in others.
‘Stana shook her head. “Militza, you can’t consort with the dead and expect to be left alone.”
“Says who?”
“Do you think you’re the only person who can dance with the Devil and expect him to listen when you ask to stop?”
“I have looked the Devil in the eye.” Militza raised her eyebrows, sounding pleased with herself. “All those séances, all those times we have used the Ouija board, where do you think I went?”
“You are scaring me now.”
“Don’t be so weak. You have known about our power all your life; it goes back centuries. Now is the time to use it.”
“But you will open Pandora’s Box!”
“And then…” said Militza, stubbing her cigarette in a silver ashtray, “I shall close it.”
The shallowness of court life was well depicted, how easily people fell in and out of favour. It was a cut throat circle to move in. I was somewhat taken aback by the prevalent use of cocaine and the high interest in mystics along with the superstitious beliefs many held fast to. One can almost see quite clearly why the revolution eventuated if the events within this novel are based on even a grain of truth. A drugged out Tsar deferring to his ailing wife who was afraid of everything and a virtual puppet for Rasputin. Hardly a pair to instil confidence. All in all this was an entertaining read, a vivid representation of the entwined lives of the Montenegro sisters with the Romanovs and the ill-famed Rasputin in the years leading up to the Russian revolution. An intriguing blend of historical and paranormal fiction.
Thanks is extended to Head of Zeus via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Witches of St Petersburg for review.
August 8, 2021
Based on two real life Montenegro princesses, Militza and Stana have been thrust into the opulent and arrogant world of the St Petersburg aristocracy in its final decades. Mocked for coming from a 'lesser' country, they use their ancestral knowledge of witchcraft and spiritualism to ingratiate themselves to the highest royalty, but inadvertantly create Russia's most dark and chaotic, bearded Love Machine in the process.
The Witches of St. Petersburg is not what I could objectively call a brilliant novel. Poetic license regularly smothers the equally batshit reality of the occultism and moist decadence in the last Romanov court, and considering the absolute wealth of material available, both myth and reality, quite a few of Edward-Jones created scenes feel unecessary. Some episodes seem downright silly ('You naughty girl') or preposterously nauseating (the vomit in the snow, and I hope to God that bit was entirely fake).
The book has a conflicting relationship with its spiritualism too. Sometimes suggesting it's nothing more than theatrical spells that result in happy coincidences, and at other times it's actual sorcery and magik, and I think solely picking the former would have made for a more complex tale.
The last problem is the mad monk himself. Edwards-Jones' Rasputin is a fun character, and after the first 60% of the book concerning the snide and passive agressive nobility, having this smelly 'Muzhik' burst in to launch a full frontal assault of brazeness and indiscrimiante humping was very enjoyable. Unfortunately, he's somewhat of a flat character as well. He's depicted as a lechererous conman before a holy man, with his hold over women presented as an incubus spell rather than through any demonstrated charisma, though the author is quite generous with her descriptions of what is apparently Rasputin's most crucial feature: his warty, firehydrant sized todger of the Lord.
Those are the problems, along with some cheesy dialogue and an abrupt, unintentionally hilarious ending, but while I can't call The Witches of St.Petersburg perfect, it was fun as hell. The atmosphere is great, the descriptions of grandeur, poverty, weather and diabolical incantations all made for some compelling reading, with a firm undercurrent of sensuality in the oddest places. The swings between stuffy refinement and crude or gory abandon worked well to demonstrate the repression of the court. I liked the moments of crucial political history half-mentioned as unimportant trivia by jewel bedecked nobility, and despite the spoilers of history, there is good deal of suspense in the text. Most importantly, our protagonist Militza is quite likeable but intriguingly monstrous, and the relationship with her sister Stana was rather endearing, making them both easy to care about. They are the main focus after all and the book, if nothing else, is a fascinating (if questionable) homage to two women who had long remained a footnote in history.
While you will come out of this novel with some clues for further reading on the subject of the late Russian monarchy, if you were hoping for a realistic depiction of the period then you're as buggered as Felix Yusopov (allegedly), but fun overrules the pedant in me for Edward-Jones work. So adjust your expectations, occassionally repress your gag reflex, and read on for the enjoyable "history" of pre-revolution Russia, as apparently directed by John Waters.
The Witches of St. Petersburg is not what I could objectively call a brilliant novel. Poetic license regularly smothers the equally batshit reality of the occultism and moist decadence in the last Romanov court, and considering the absolute wealth of material available, both myth and reality, quite a few of Edward-Jones created scenes feel unecessary. Some episodes seem downright silly ('You naughty girl') or preposterously nauseating (the vomit in the snow, and I hope to God that bit was entirely fake).
The book has a conflicting relationship with its spiritualism too. Sometimes suggesting it's nothing more than theatrical spells that result in happy coincidences, and at other times it's actual sorcery and magik, and I think solely picking the former would have made for a more complex tale.
The last problem is the mad monk himself. Edwards-Jones' Rasputin is a fun character, and after the first 60% of the book concerning the snide and passive agressive nobility, having this smelly 'Muzhik' burst in to launch a full frontal assault of brazeness and indiscrimiante humping was very enjoyable. Unfortunately, he's somewhat of a flat character as well. He's depicted as a lechererous conman before a holy man, with his hold over women presented as an incubus spell rather than through any demonstrated charisma, though the author is quite generous with her descriptions of what is apparently Rasputin's most crucial feature: his warty, firehydrant sized todger of the Lord.
Those are the problems, along with some cheesy dialogue and an abrupt, unintentionally hilarious ending, but while I can't call The Witches of St.Petersburg perfect, it was fun as hell. The atmosphere is great, the descriptions of grandeur, poverty, weather and diabolical incantations all made for some compelling reading, with a firm undercurrent of sensuality in the oddest places. The swings between stuffy refinement and crude or gory abandon worked well to demonstrate the repression of the court. I liked the moments of crucial political history half-mentioned as unimportant trivia by jewel bedecked nobility, and despite the spoilers of history, there is good deal of suspense in the text. Most importantly, our protagonist Militza is quite likeable but intriguingly monstrous, and the relationship with her sister Stana was rather endearing, making them both easy to care about. They are the main focus after all and the book, if nothing else, is a fascinating (if questionable) homage to two women who had long remained a footnote in history.
While you will come out of this novel with some clues for further reading on the subject of the late Russian monarchy, if you were hoping for a realistic depiction of the period then you're as buggered as Felix Yusopov (allegedly), but fun overrules the pedant in me for Edward-Jones work. So adjust your expectations, occassionally repress your gag reflex, and read on for the enjoyable "history" of pre-revolution Russia, as apparently directed by John Waters.
October 23, 2019
‘The Witches Of St Petersburg’ is truly an amazing story based on the lives of two sisters who were known the Black Princesses and were fascinated by witchcraft and black magic. They make a bold move to become favorites and monopolize the tsarina by helping her produce a much needed son and heir. As their struggle to do this becomes dangerously desperate they introduce Rasputin to the Russian Court and this is action that comes with a price. The unfolding events of this period is relived through the female perspective and is a female story in a period in Russian history of wealth and excess, political turbulence and tragedy. Beautifully written and full of secrets and scandals. Five big bright stars from me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 24, 2020
Decepcionante!!! Me ha costado terminarlo, ya que lo he encontrado muy repetitivo.
Lo empecé con ganas, ya que me gusta el ambiente de la época pre-revolución de Rusia, así como encontrar tintes paranormales en los libros; y esta obra parecía juntar ambas cosas.
Lo empecé con ganas, ya que me gusta el ambiente de la época pre-revolución de Rusia, así como encontrar tintes paranormales en los libros; y esta obra parecía juntar ambas cosas.
October 17, 2019
The Witches of St. Petersburg gathers up a lot of my interests. Court Royalty, historical fiction and the occult seems to be a concentration of mine. I perhaps have obtained a major in historical fiction, with a minor in court intrigue as well as the occult. I have always been interested in the royals, vying for succession and power, marriage alliances, using each other as pawns. Killing for the sake of succession. Throughout all of these, madness and the occult are never far. What was different for me around this, is that I knew very little of Russian history, and almost nothing about Rasputin, our infamous nefarious evil character who commands the dark arts as generals command armies. Rasputin is one of our most evil historical characters. He commanded the Tsar and Tsarina, and the entire court, the armies and the militia. Something about him was commanding and mystical. He enticed, forced women to sleep with him, carouse with him, and called it a "healing." In this account, he even beat their sins out of them, and they were willing to this cause - so great was their faith. But in this tale, he was not completely unopposed. He had two women, our heroines, Militzia and Stana, our "Black Princesses." Known for pitch black hair and eyes, these Cinderella figures were also known as the Goat Princess, and they were seen as peasants and intruders and treated as such. They were not accepted into the court, and had to vie for power. Not to mention the sisters had the gifts of the occult, and were not afraid to use it as leverage to save their skins. They both introduced and created Rasputin to the Russian community, and were responsible for the catastrophic impact of that cascade. Rasputin became unstoppable.
To digress for just a moment from the storyline, I want to share an everyday moment. I was in a Starbucks line, missing the beginning of a 4th grade soccer game, where I missed my son making an incredible life defying goal. A woman commented on the book I was holding, The Witches of St. Petersburg. I love that, because normally, I am the one to bee peeking at the titles folks are reading, and to engage them in book discussions. Anyway, the woman was intrigued because she was Russian and she had just returned from St. Petersburg two days earlier. I read the back of the book - synopsis, and we talked about her history briefly. She said, "Its so funny how the women were blamed back then for producing daughters, when nowadays, science, we know sex is entirely determined by the men. Y chromosome and all that. Women feared for their lives if they couldn't produce a son. They were killed for it, abandoned. Its why they turned to the dark arts." She also told me of the little Tsar having hemophilia, which of course they didn't understand scientifically back then, or how to treat it. I didn't realize that this all came from Queen Victoria's line, the "royal disease", which emerged from way back when, the curse of the Tudors. Where the curse was, whoever was responsible for the death of the boys in the tower, would never be able to produce sustaining male heirs, and that appears to have come all the way through history. Obviously, my coffee line partner wasn't talking about the English monarchy, she was much more steeped in the Russian, which I found interesting. But clearly the long awaited Tsar, and his hemophilia, was the perfect storm for a Rasputin to enter, and that landscape of fear was his calling card and source of his power. Tsarina Alix would do whatever it took to keep that child safe, and linked Russia's fate with Rasputin's. And therefore the Black Princesses, too.
My coffee line partner says there is much lore in Russia about Rasputin, and the greatness of his powers. That he was stabbed, shot, drowned, and poisoned, and his strength was so great, he still didn't die. She said medically (autopsy) he lived underwater long after he should have drowned, and it was medically impossible. The book strongly hints at that too. He is as scary and evil as Voldemort, or any other character. And I must admit that while I was writing the review, and thinking about how all of these women were swayed by this character of ill-repute who gained power by a mixture of charm, power over others, and his "cock", that the unlikely image of Donald Trump continued to come to mind. How people allowed this man to overrun way past any boundary, political, personal, in ways that defy our understanding. Our black princesses seemed to me to be no different than any other female court royalty in trouble and in danger. No more or less noble or nefarious. They were just trying to save their lives, and in a way, Russia's. The idea being that no one should hold that much power. Which is an interesting thought, for both the political and the occult.
Militzia, far more than Stana, is the heroine of the book. Stana too is more ruled by desire, Militzia by principle, and powerful strategy. And yet Militzia had that privilege due to the happier marriage, and perhaps that makes a difference. Her husband was a minor character, but I have to say that I liked him. He and his brother were stand-up men at a time, where scheming and power-grabbing men were also at the center of the book as well as in history.
Historical fiction is really wonderful, because we get to take a well known story and make guesses, really develop the characters inside of them and give them feeling, warmth, heart, and motivations. I loved learning more about Russia, and also the occult piece, which appeared to fit right in, and actually always has throughout our history of court royalty and the fight for succession and power. These women were noble ladies with a badass spirit. A combination I very much like. 4 stars and I really enjoyed this.
To digress for just a moment from the storyline, I want to share an everyday moment. I was in a Starbucks line, missing the beginning of a 4th grade soccer game, where I missed my son making an incredible life defying goal. A woman commented on the book I was holding, The Witches of St. Petersburg. I love that, because normally, I am the one to bee peeking at the titles folks are reading, and to engage them in book discussions. Anyway, the woman was intrigued because she was Russian and she had just returned from St. Petersburg two days earlier. I read the back of the book - synopsis, and we talked about her history briefly. She said, "Its so funny how the women were blamed back then for producing daughters, when nowadays, science, we know sex is entirely determined by the men. Y chromosome and all that. Women feared for their lives if they couldn't produce a son. They were killed for it, abandoned. Its why they turned to the dark arts." She also told me of the little Tsar having hemophilia, which of course they didn't understand scientifically back then, or how to treat it. I didn't realize that this all came from Queen Victoria's line, the "royal disease", which emerged from way back when, the curse of the Tudors. Where the curse was, whoever was responsible for the death of the boys in the tower, would never be able to produce sustaining male heirs, and that appears to have come all the way through history. Obviously, my coffee line partner wasn't talking about the English monarchy, she was much more steeped in the Russian, which I found interesting. But clearly the long awaited Tsar, and his hemophilia, was the perfect storm for a Rasputin to enter, and that landscape of fear was his calling card and source of his power. Tsarina Alix would do whatever it took to keep that child safe, and linked Russia's fate with Rasputin's. And therefore the Black Princesses, too.
My coffee line partner says there is much lore in Russia about Rasputin, and the greatness of his powers. That he was stabbed, shot, drowned, and poisoned, and his strength was so great, he still didn't die. She said medically (autopsy) he lived underwater long after he should have drowned, and it was medically impossible. The book strongly hints at that too. He is as scary and evil as Voldemort, or any other character. And I must admit that while I was writing the review, and thinking about how all of these women were swayed by this character of ill-repute who gained power by a mixture of charm, power over others, and his "cock", that the unlikely image of Donald Trump continued to come to mind. How people allowed this man to overrun way past any boundary, political, personal, in ways that defy our understanding. Our black princesses seemed to me to be no different than any other female court royalty in trouble and in danger. No more or less noble or nefarious. They were just trying to save their lives, and in a way, Russia's. The idea being that no one should hold that much power. Which is an interesting thought, for both the political and the occult.
Militzia, far more than Stana, is the heroine of the book. Stana too is more ruled by desire, Militzia by principle, and powerful strategy. And yet Militzia had that privilege due to the happier marriage, and perhaps that makes a difference. Her husband was a minor character, but I have to say that I liked him. He and his brother were stand-up men at a time, where scheming and power-grabbing men were also at the center of the book as well as in history.
Historical fiction is really wonderful, because we get to take a well known story and make guesses, really develop the characters inside of them and give them feeling, warmth, heart, and motivations. I loved learning more about Russia, and also the occult piece, which appeared to fit right in, and actually always has throughout our history of court royalty and the fight for succession and power. These women were noble ladies with a badass spirit. A combination I very much like. 4 stars and I really enjoyed this.
September 4, 2019
If I was not reading this with some friends I would have DNF’ed it.
First of all, I would like to apologize to the actual Grand Dutchesses Militza and Anastasia—you know, the REAL PEOPLE this book was based off—because I’m sure you both were not as great of train wrecks as this book paints you.
Second, Russian history is a vast topic and no author should ever expect (unless if you are writing a literal history book) to include so much of in one story. Unfortunately that was not the case here. This book covers everything between 1889-1916. It names just about every figure and event from Russian history at this time. We hear about the Romanovs. We hear about war. We hear about Rasputin. We hear about the revolution. We hear about every.freaking.party.ever.attended. But wanna know what we never hear? AN ACTUAL PLOT. Nope among all the info-dumping of history, details of lavish dresses and jewels, and repeated reminding of how “well-endowed” our good friend Rasputin is, I could never actually find a plot. It is an even greater mystery than how I actually managed to finish reading this book.
Third, I cared about zero characters. None. I got so bored of them constantly gossiping and stabbing each other in the back and using one another. Not to mention all dialogue was flat and read awkwardly. AND SO MANY EXCLAMATION POINTS. No one person, let alone twenty people or more, are as animated as the author painted these characters to be with the use of exclamations.
Then, there is the fact that I’m not sure this book actually passed an editor. Or at least not a good one. There were many times the patrynomic names changed for characters. Then there were the typos and general grammar mistakes. And perhaps the case of the missing plot would have been solved had someone else done a pass over of this novel.
Lastly, if you are going to use magic, use magic PROPERLY. Don’t use it because it sounds cool. I get the rumors surrounding these women (trust me—I read up on even more Russian history than I already have for this one), but if in the end all that happens is a reciting of history with a sprinkle of magic here and there (and used in a way that actually made me cringe) don’t bother.
Russian history is one of my favorite topics. To think I could have used all the hours spent reading this book reading something else that actually did it justice.......
First of all, I would like to apologize to the actual Grand Dutchesses Militza and Anastasia—you know, the REAL PEOPLE this book was based off—because I’m sure you both were not as great of train wrecks as this book paints you.
Second, Russian history is a vast topic and no author should ever expect (unless if you are writing a literal history book) to include so much of in one story. Unfortunately that was not the case here. This book covers everything between 1889-1916. It names just about every figure and event from Russian history at this time. We hear about the Romanovs. We hear about war. We hear about Rasputin. We hear about the revolution. We hear about every.freaking.party.ever.attended. But wanna know what we never hear? AN ACTUAL PLOT. Nope among all the info-dumping of history, details of lavish dresses and jewels, and repeated reminding of how “well-endowed” our good friend Rasputin is, I could never actually find a plot. It is an even greater mystery than how I actually managed to finish reading this book.
Third, I cared about zero characters. None. I got so bored of them constantly gossiping and stabbing each other in the back and using one another. Not to mention all dialogue was flat and read awkwardly. AND SO MANY EXCLAMATION POINTS. No one person, let alone twenty people or more, are as animated as the author painted these characters to be with the use of exclamations.
Then, there is the fact that I’m not sure this book actually passed an editor. Or at least not a good one. There were many times the patrynomic names changed for characters. Then there were the typos and general grammar mistakes. And perhaps the case of the missing plot would have been solved had someone else done a pass over of this novel.
Lastly, if you are going to use magic, use magic PROPERLY. Don’t use it because it sounds cool. I get the rumors surrounding these women (trust me—I read up on even more Russian history than I already have for this one), but if in the end all that happens is a reciting of history with a sprinkle of magic here and there (and used in a way that actually made me cringe) don’t bother.
Russian history is one of my favorite topics. To think I could have used all the hours spent reading this book reading something else that actually did it justice.......
July 2, 2021
Me pareció muy interesante la historia (porque no conozco mucho de la historia rusa)
Pero no me gusto como esta narrado después de la mitad del libro.
Pero no me gusto como esta narrado después de la mitad del libro.
December 18, 2023
I mainly read this so that I can read the sequel which I have an arc of, and because these are the only two books where I've ever seen my name (Milica, but spelled like Militza, I suppose to make it easier for non-local people to know how to pronounce it).
As someone who is not only Slavic, but from a country bordering Montenegro where the sisters were from, I figured I'd probably have an easier time with this than someone who wasn't as familiar with them when starting the book, and I guess I did.
I had no problems jumping into the story, or with the writing, all the descriptions etc. I think the author did a really good job with that and I could feel as if I was really there. I was able to connect to Militza and Stana and care about them, no problem.
Where this book lost me a bit though, was the fact that there was barely any plot. And while I didn't mind the length, or the pacing (like I said, really easy to get into and I would've finished it in one day if I had the time) the lack of it was really noticeable at nearly 500 pages.
That, and the sex scenes which were extremely uncomfortable to read. If you asked me if they fit into the book, I'd probably say yes, but that doesn't mean I wanted to read something like that.
During those scenes it felt as if a different author took over and all the magic from the rest of the story was reduced to vulgar language and things I really didn't want to know about the characters (warted dingaling anyone?).
I'm also not sure how I feel about Milica and Stana, the real life Princesses being represented this way. It IS fiction, but still.
I think my main issue is that they're not super famous like let's say Abraham Lincoln, and everyone knows who he was, his character etc and then someone goes hey what if he was a vampire hunter!! But your first encounter with Abe (probably) wouldn't be the vampire hunter version of him, while many people's first encounter with Milica and Stana will be this book.
I also have a different issue, albeit a smaller one, there's a line near the start where it says both sisters "converted" to the Russian Orthodox faith, and basically no one would be able to say they aren't pious. In real life they were already Orthodox Christians to begin with, so when they married they didn't need to convert.
I'm willing to allow this for the sake of a fictional book, or maybe in this universe they were pagans instead, who knows. It was never clarified so it stuck out like a sore thumb to me and I had to mention it.
Anyway that's about it for what I have to say about this, I'll be jumping into book two immediately while all of this is still fresh and we'll see how that one fairs.
P. S. I'm using both the normal spelling and the anglicised spelling of the name Milica in my review on purpose, just in case someone thinks it slipped my mind because I always write it the first way. I wanted to separate the fictional Militza from the actual real life Milica.
As someone who is not only Slavic, but from a country bordering Montenegro where the sisters were from, I figured I'd probably have an easier time with this than someone who wasn't as familiar with them when starting the book, and I guess I did.
I had no problems jumping into the story, or with the writing, all the descriptions etc. I think the author did a really good job with that and I could feel as if I was really there. I was able to connect to Militza and Stana and care about them, no problem.
Where this book lost me a bit though, was the fact that there was barely any plot. And while I didn't mind the length, or the pacing (like I said, really easy to get into and I would've finished it in one day if I had the time) the lack of it was really noticeable at nearly 500 pages.
That, and the sex scenes which were extremely uncomfortable to read. If you asked me if they fit into the book, I'd probably say yes, but that doesn't mean I wanted to read something like that.
During those scenes it felt as if a different author took over and all the magic from the rest of the story was reduced to vulgar language and things I really didn't want to know about the characters (warted dingaling anyone?).
I'm also not sure how I feel about Milica and Stana, the real life Princesses being represented this way. It IS fiction, but still.
I think my main issue is that they're not super famous like let's say Abraham Lincoln, and everyone knows who he was, his character etc and then someone goes hey what if he was a vampire hunter!! But your first encounter with Abe (probably) wouldn't be the vampire hunter version of him, while many people's first encounter with Milica and Stana will be this book.
I also have a different issue, albeit a smaller one, there's a line near the start where it says both sisters "converted" to the Russian Orthodox faith, and basically no one would be able to say they aren't pious. In real life they were already Orthodox Christians to begin with, so when they married they didn't need to convert.
I'm willing to allow this for the sake of a fictional book, or maybe in this universe they were pagans instead, who knows. It was never clarified so it stuck out like a sore thumb to me and I had to mention it.
Anyway that's about it for what I have to say about this, I'll be jumping into book two immediately while all of this is still fresh and we'll see how that one fairs.
P. S. I'm using both the normal spelling and the anglicised spelling of the name Milica in my review on purpose, just in case someone thinks it slipped my mind because I always write it the first way. I wanted to separate the fictional Militza from the actual real life Milica.
November 3, 2018
My Rating 4.5*
Oh my! What a book! What a tale! The Witches of St Petersburg is a book that is filled with both fact and fiction, as we are taken on a fascinating historical journey back in time to that of the Russian Imperial Court and the Romanovs.
Described as a ‘lavish’ read, this book is an obvious labour of love for the author, a book that has it’s roots in a conversation between the author and a very dear friend, journalist Nikolai Antonov, back in 1992.
Historical fiction, from many different eras, always holds a special appeal for me, but I must admit this is the first book that I have read with such a Russian theme.
The Witches of St Petersburg were real. Two sisters, Princesses from Montenegro, with an interest in the occult, their father married them off to Russian aristocrats with money and influence. Montenegro was in financial difficulties at the time and he needed his daughters to marry for power, in the hope of strengthening his own position in Eastern affairs.
Militza and Anastasia (Stana) came to St. Petersburg with an aura attached that immediately made folk uncomfortable in their presence. Members of the Russian elite shared no affection for the two sisters, sniggering behind their backs and referring to the smell of goat that followed them whenever they entered a function room or banquet hall. Militza and Stana did meddle with the ‘otherworld’ and soon their reputation preceded them at certain private events, among others who believed in the spirits and who requested their presence at the Ouija boards and clairvoyant tables.
Militza’s marriage developed into a respectful partnership and her married life was happy but for Stana, life was very difficult. Her husband had little regard for her and spent most of his time keeping other company in Biarritz. This left Stana with time on her hands, and together with Militza they inveigled their way into the company of the Tsar and Tsarina, soon becoming part of the inner circle. With this position came trust and the sisters were to learn the most secret thoughts of the Tsarina, a lonely woman who craved a son, a young prince to carry on the reign of the Romanov family. But this struggle to bear a boy was real and the sisters, using every method and manner at their disposable, welcomed many a guru and renowned charlatan into the fold.
As the years passed the Tsarina failed to give birth to a boy and the sisters became very concerned about their own, by now quite elevated, positions within the court. Looking to the spirit world, the sisters begged for help and assistance. This was the point when the lives of all at the court were to change dramatically.
Grigori Rasputin, a roaming mystic from a small village in Siberia, was to become a huge part in the ultimate collapse of the Russian Empire. His arrival to St Petersburg carried with it an air of mysticism and hope. These were challenging times in Russia, with the ordinary folk repelled by the lavish and opulent lifestyles of the aristocracy. Rasputin’s timely appearance was just what the court needed. His ability to influence their decisions and lives is just fascinating to read about. The descriptions of this man are truly vile. His lifestyle was incredible, as he built a harem of women from all walks of life who adulated him and craved his company in every manner. These women were willing to succumb to all his sexual demands with a frenetic fervor that was quite incredible. Every description of Rasputin refers to his lack of cleanliness, his odour, his general appearance but yet he attracted the Russian elite to him like bees to a honey trap.
His power over the Imperial family is clearly documented as was his introduction to the court by Militza and Stana but this was to be one of the greatest mistakes they could have made……
I was both repulsed and intrigued reading about Rasputin. Imogen Edwards-Jones leaves very little to the imagination, as his treatment of women and his lewd behaviour is quite graphically described. Not for the faint of heart I might add. The action of many of the aristocracy at the time was heavily influenced by their addiction to opiates, with cocaine being one of many elixirs imbibed. The party atmosphere was quite dark with seances and mystical behaviour a huge attraction. Mixed with a high intake of drugs and a penchant for sexual deviances, these were very hedonistic times indeed!!
The Witches of St Petersburg is almost encyclopedic, with it’s vast list of characters and it’s background insight into the Romanov family and it’s subsequent downfall. I did struggle with all the names but there is a glossary at the beginning that can be referred to if necessary.
The Witches of St Petersburg is certainly a book that may not appeal to all. There are quite explicit images that many may have a difficulty in reading about. Imogen Edwards-Jones does not spare in her descriptions, particularly those of Rasputin, where you can almost smell him off the pages. Quite a despicable character in every way.
The Witches of St Petersburg portrays the decadent lifestyle of the Russian aristocracy. As the empire was falling down around them, they seemed almost oblivious to the chaos that was looming.
It is quite clear that the author is passionate about Russian history. The level of detail, the references to the fashion, the jewels, the architecture, combined with the debauchery and the occult, all make for one very exhilarating and fascinating read.
I had never before heard of ‘The Black Peril’, as the sisters became known as. It really is worth looking up their history alone with Militza living until fairly recently, 1951.
The Witches of St Petersburg is an intoxicating read, an, at times, uncomfortable read, but always, an intriguing and engrossing read. One for all historical fictions fans and especially if there is the added interest in the black arts…..
Provocative. Compelling. Scandalous. Outrageous. Intriguing.
Oh my! What a book! What a tale! The Witches of St Petersburg is a book that is filled with both fact and fiction, as we are taken on a fascinating historical journey back in time to that of the Russian Imperial Court and the Romanovs.
Described as a ‘lavish’ read, this book is an obvious labour of love for the author, a book that has it’s roots in a conversation between the author and a very dear friend, journalist Nikolai Antonov, back in 1992.
Historical fiction, from many different eras, always holds a special appeal for me, but I must admit this is the first book that I have read with such a Russian theme.
The Witches of St Petersburg were real. Two sisters, Princesses from Montenegro, with an interest in the occult, their father married them off to Russian aristocrats with money and influence. Montenegro was in financial difficulties at the time and he needed his daughters to marry for power, in the hope of strengthening his own position in Eastern affairs.
Militza and Anastasia (Stana) came to St. Petersburg with an aura attached that immediately made folk uncomfortable in their presence. Members of the Russian elite shared no affection for the two sisters, sniggering behind their backs and referring to the smell of goat that followed them whenever they entered a function room or banquet hall. Militza and Stana did meddle with the ‘otherworld’ and soon their reputation preceded them at certain private events, among others who believed in the spirits and who requested their presence at the Ouija boards and clairvoyant tables.
Militza’s marriage developed into a respectful partnership and her married life was happy but for Stana, life was very difficult. Her husband had little regard for her and spent most of his time keeping other company in Biarritz. This left Stana with time on her hands, and together with Militza they inveigled their way into the company of the Tsar and Tsarina, soon becoming part of the inner circle. With this position came trust and the sisters were to learn the most secret thoughts of the Tsarina, a lonely woman who craved a son, a young prince to carry on the reign of the Romanov family. But this struggle to bear a boy was real and the sisters, using every method and manner at their disposable, welcomed many a guru and renowned charlatan into the fold.
As the years passed the Tsarina failed to give birth to a boy and the sisters became very concerned about their own, by now quite elevated, positions within the court. Looking to the spirit world, the sisters begged for help and assistance. This was the point when the lives of all at the court were to change dramatically.
Grigori Rasputin, a roaming mystic from a small village in Siberia, was to become a huge part in the ultimate collapse of the Russian Empire. His arrival to St Petersburg carried with it an air of mysticism and hope. These were challenging times in Russia, with the ordinary folk repelled by the lavish and opulent lifestyles of the aristocracy. Rasputin’s timely appearance was just what the court needed. His ability to influence their decisions and lives is just fascinating to read about. The descriptions of this man are truly vile. His lifestyle was incredible, as he built a harem of women from all walks of life who adulated him and craved his company in every manner. These women were willing to succumb to all his sexual demands with a frenetic fervor that was quite incredible. Every description of Rasputin refers to his lack of cleanliness, his odour, his general appearance but yet he attracted the Russian elite to him like bees to a honey trap.
His power over the Imperial family is clearly documented as was his introduction to the court by Militza and Stana but this was to be one of the greatest mistakes they could have made……
I was both repulsed and intrigued reading about Rasputin. Imogen Edwards-Jones leaves very little to the imagination, as his treatment of women and his lewd behaviour is quite graphically described. Not for the faint of heart I might add. The action of many of the aristocracy at the time was heavily influenced by their addiction to opiates, with cocaine being one of many elixirs imbibed. The party atmosphere was quite dark with seances and mystical behaviour a huge attraction. Mixed with a high intake of drugs and a penchant for sexual deviances, these were very hedonistic times indeed!!
The Witches of St Petersburg is almost encyclopedic, with it’s vast list of characters and it’s background insight into the Romanov family and it’s subsequent downfall. I did struggle with all the names but there is a glossary at the beginning that can be referred to if necessary.
The Witches of St Petersburg is certainly a book that may not appeal to all. There are quite explicit images that many may have a difficulty in reading about. Imogen Edwards-Jones does not spare in her descriptions, particularly those of Rasputin, where you can almost smell him off the pages. Quite a despicable character in every way.
The Witches of St Petersburg portrays the decadent lifestyle of the Russian aristocracy. As the empire was falling down around them, they seemed almost oblivious to the chaos that was looming.
It is quite clear that the author is passionate about Russian history. The level of detail, the references to the fashion, the jewels, the architecture, combined with the debauchery and the occult, all make for one very exhilarating and fascinating read.
I had never before heard of ‘The Black Peril’, as the sisters became known as. It really is worth looking up their history alone with Militza living until fairly recently, 1951.
The Witches of St Petersburg is an intoxicating read, an, at times, uncomfortable read, but always, an intriguing and engrossing read. One for all historical fictions fans and especially if there is the added interest in the black arts…..
Provocative. Compelling. Scandalous. Outrageous. Intriguing.
July 3, 2023
Kā riebīga pasaka - nu, var jau būt.
Kā vēsturisks romāns (balstīts uz patiesiem cilvēkiem un notikumiem) - nu kaka kas kaka.
Kā vēsturisks romāns (balstīts uz patiesiem cilvēkiem un notikumiem) - nu kaka kas kaka.
November 16, 2021
Χωρίς καμία λογοτεχνική δύναμη και ιδιαιτερότητα, αλλά ωραία ιστορία. Το απόλαυσα.
May 7, 2019
Las Brujas de Sant Petersburgo.
Sinopsis
“Militza y Stana, hijas del empobrecido rey de Montenegro, se ven forzadas a casarse con dos miembros de la aristocracia rusa para que su padre pueda recuperar parte de su poder.
La vida, a pesar del esplendor de la corte del zar Nicolás, no es fácil. Una de ellas, Militza, parece tener poderes ocultos y siente fascinación por todo lo que tenga que ver con la magia y el espiritismo. Ante una influenciable zarina Alexandra, que haría cualquier cosa para darle al país el heredero que está esperando, despliegan su relación con el más allá, y entre sesiones de espiritismo, pócimas engañosas y coqueteos con la magia negra, logran hacerse con un gran poder en la corte.
Sin embargo, cuando den con Rasputín, precisamente en la búsqueda de un hombre con poder espiritual, descubrirán que quizás han ido demasiado lejos.”
Mi impresión: La verdad es que me gusta bastante la novela histórica, ya sea ambientada en un punto histórico o las novelas que recrean la vida de algunos personajes. Cuando vi esta novela me llamo muchísimo la atención, no había leído nada de la corte de los Romanov, el personaje de Rasputín me llamó muchísimo la atención y pensé que la novela serviría para conocer un poco mas a fondo los últimos años de la monarquía Rusa de manera entretenida. En la contraportada indica que la escritora está licenciada en estudios rusos... Así que me gustó todavía mas, por que pensé que sería una versión novelada pero contrastada e interesante. Del estilo de Phillippa Gregory, que son novelas, pero en su mayor parte “contrastadas” y casi siempre te indica las fuentes que ha usado.
Pues empiezo a leer... y las primeras páginas bien... pero a medida que leo ya veo que no me va a gustar. Un rollazo inmenso de 400 hojas. Para mi gusto se entretiene demasiado en hechos superfluos como los bailes, vestidos, cotilleos infundados de la aristocracia. Cuando aparece Rasputín esperaba mas “chicha” por que lo básico de este personaje ya lo sabemos: “el monje loco” que hacía y deshacía lo q le venía en gana con la Zarina.
Pues no hay mas chicha, se limita a relatar las peripecias sexuales de este tipo, su aspecto sucio, su afición al vino y poco mas.
Pienso que es una novela muy mal documentada, se ha limitado a coger el personaje histórico y a narrar los datos que todos conocemos sin profundizar mas.
También introduce el aspecto fantástico de la magia, que está bien para darle un toque original, pero parece que cuando no sabe algo los soluciona con magia, como por ejemplo la llegada de Rasputín.
Creo que es una novela que no se aguanta ni por los personajes ni por la historia (explica cosas superficiales).
Así que no lo recomiendo para nada
Sinopsis
“Militza y Stana, hijas del empobrecido rey de Montenegro, se ven forzadas a casarse con dos miembros de la aristocracia rusa para que su padre pueda recuperar parte de su poder.
La vida, a pesar del esplendor de la corte del zar Nicolás, no es fácil. Una de ellas, Militza, parece tener poderes ocultos y siente fascinación por todo lo que tenga que ver con la magia y el espiritismo. Ante una influenciable zarina Alexandra, que haría cualquier cosa para darle al país el heredero que está esperando, despliegan su relación con el más allá, y entre sesiones de espiritismo, pócimas engañosas y coqueteos con la magia negra, logran hacerse con un gran poder en la corte.
Sin embargo, cuando den con Rasputín, precisamente en la búsqueda de un hombre con poder espiritual, descubrirán que quizás han ido demasiado lejos.”
Mi impresión: La verdad es que me gusta bastante la novela histórica, ya sea ambientada en un punto histórico o las novelas que recrean la vida de algunos personajes. Cuando vi esta novela me llamo muchísimo la atención, no había leído nada de la corte de los Romanov, el personaje de Rasputín me llamó muchísimo la atención y pensé que la novela serviría para conocer un poco mas a fondo los últimos años de la monarquía Rusa de manera entretenida. En la contraportada indica que la escritora está licenciada en estudios rusos... Así que me gustó todavía mas, por que pensé que sería una versión novelada pero contrastada e interesante. Del estilo de Phillippa Gregory, que son novelas, pero en su mayor parte “contrastadas” y casi siempre te indica las fuentes que ha usado.
Pues empiezo a leer... y las primeras páginas bien... pero a medida que leo ya veo que no me va a gustar. Un rollazo inmenso de 400 hojas. Para mi gusto se entretiene demasiado en hechos superfluos como los bailes, vestidos, cotilleos infundados de la aristocracia. Cuando aparece Rasputín esperaba mas “chicha” por que lo básico de este personaje ya lo sabemos: “el monje loco” que hacía y deshacía lo q le venía en gana con la Zarina.
Pues no hay mas chicha, se limita a relatar las peripecias sexuales de este tipo, su aspecto sucio, su afición al vino y poco mas.
Pienso que es una novela muy mal documentada, se ha limitado a coger el personaje histórico y a narrar los datos que todos conocemos sin profundizar mas.
También introduce el aspecto fantástico de la magia, que está bien para darle un toque original, pero parece que cuando no sabe algo los soluciona con magia, como por ejemplo la llegada de Rasputín.
Creo que es una novela que no se aguanta ni por los personajes ni por la historia (explica cosas superficiales).
Así que no lo recomiendo para nada
July 19, 2019
Interesanta interpretācija. Kā jau vienmēr šādos stāstos, stāsts par varu, ietekmi un kaislībām Krievijas galmā. Aizraujoši, bet manu vērtējumu bišķi samazināja otrā grāmatas puse, kur parādās Rasputins, priekšs mani par daudz erotikas. Bet tiem, kuriem interesē šis vēstures posms, noteikti ir vērts izlasīt, atslodzei derēs!
August 6, 2020
No puedo evitar sentir interés por cualquier libro ambientado o centrado en la corte imperial de Nicholas II y Alexandra.
Este libro, comprado en mi última visita a mi librería favorita en Dublín, ofrecía una perspectiva original, al menos para mí: la de las 2 hermanas - Princesas de Montenegro - "responsables" de haber presentado a Rasputín a Alexandra.
Disfruté enormemente su lectura.
Este libro, comprado en mi última visita a mi librería favorita en Dublín, ofrecía una perspectiva original, al menos para mí: la de las 2 hermanas - Princesas de Montenegro - "responsables" de haber presentado a Rasputín a Alexandra.
Disfruté enormemente su lectura.
June 2, 2019
El libro nos cuenta la historia de Militza y Stana casados con miembros de la aristocracia rusa y que se verán envueltas en las intrigas y traiciones de la alta sociedad. Además, ambas hermanas están relacionadas con temas esotéricos y tienen, de alguna forma, poderes ocultos. La zarina Alexandra, está deseando tener un heredero para el trono por lo que pedirá ayuda a las hermanas.
OPINIÓN
Tenía muchas ganas de leer este libro puesto que esperaba encontrarme una historia que mezclaba la magia negra, con personajes de la aristocracia de Rusia de principios del s. XX. Una historia oscura y que me mantuviera intrigada. Pero no me en encontrado nada de esto.
Trata temas de espiritismo que no es lo que me esperaba encontrar. La historia mezcla intrigas y traiciones de palacio mezclado con esoterismo, Conspiraciones, sesiones de espiritismo y ouija, encuentros sexuales e infidelidades… Un combo, que no he disfrutado para nada.
Además, de esto el libro se me ha hecho aburrido y lento. Me costaba coger el libro para leer unas páginas… Y cuando lo hacía, leía muy poquito porque enseguida me cansaba de la historia. Esto para mí, es muy mala señal en un libro.
Creo que la autora, lo que ha querido reflejar o destacar en este libro es el poder que tienen las mujeres a la hora de manipular (ya sea con brujería o no) y de ahí la frase que he escogido de este libro. Pero a pesar de esto, el libro no me ha gustado.
En definitiva, no es una historia que vaya a recomendar mucho… A no ser, que seas una persona que le gusten los temas que trata el libro.
Os dejo el enlace a la reseña en mi blog:
https://abemarblog.blogspot.com/2019/...
OPINIÓN
Tenía muchas ganas de leer este libro puesto que esperaba encontrarme una historia que mezclaba la magia negra, con personajes de la aristocracia de Rusia de principios del s. XX. Una historia oscura y que me mantuviera intrigada. Pero no me en encontrado nada de esto.
Trata temas de espiritismo que no es lo que me esperaba encontrar. La historia mezcla intrigas y traiciones de palacio mezclado con esoterismo, Conspiraciones, sesiones de espiritismo y ouija, encuentros sexuales e infidelidades… Un combo, que no he disfrutado para nada.
Además, de esto el libro se me ha hecho aburrido y lento. Me costaba coger el libro para leer unas páginas… Y cuando lo hacía, leía muy poquito porque enseguida me cansaba de la historia. Esto para mí, es muy mala señal en un libro.
Creo que la autora, lo que ha querido reflejar o destacar en este libro es el poder que tienen las mujeres a la hora de manipular (ya sea con brujería o no) y de ahí la frase que he escogido de este libro. Pero a pesar de esto, el libro no me ha gustado.
En definitiva, no es una historia que vaya a recomendar mucho… A no ser, que seas una persona que le gusten los temas que trata el libro.
Os dejo el enlace a la reseña en mi blog:
https://abemarblog.blogspot.com/2019/...
October 21, 2020
Un libro que te atrapa desde el inicio con el misticismo de las dos hermanas. En mi casa desconocía de mucho de la monarquía Rusa y el libro te da un contexto fácil del ambiente, que ovio si te gusta, lo que queda es investigar más.
Hubo momentos que me frustraba saber (si hay partes que son ciertas) de cómo una monarquía decayó en parte por creencias místicas y no razonar las decisiones de un país en forma más lógica.
No pude simpatizar con ningún personaje, por a veces las descripciones que tomaban me frustraban, sin embargo al momento de que sale Rasputin no sabía si reír o tener miedo, porque el personaje en sí o es la reencarnación de un demonio, o un simple ser humano con el carisma mas diabólico del mundo. El libro realmente te deja con sabor de odio y repulsión contra esta figura histórica.
Me gustó que el libro refleje el poder que tenían las mujeres sobre ciertas descicisones, a pesar de que la Zarina es mostrada con débil e influenciada por Rasputin, eso no deja de lado que se hacía las cosas a su manera y el Zar nunca la contradice.
En el epílogo de explica el porqué la autora escribió este libro y entiendo que hizo un estudio extenso del tema, sin embargo desconozco, desde el punto de vista de la historia Rusa, que tan verdad o credibilidad tiene.
No le doy todas las estrellas porque me quedo debiendo el final algunas explicaciones referente a unos personajes, no tanto en el contexto histórico sino en el de la historia en sí, no me hubiera importado que los hubiera inventado.
En síntesis un novela histórica de ficción fácil de leer, de lo cual lo único complicado es recordar los apellidos de algunos personajes.
Hubo momentos que me frustraba saber (si hay partes que son ciertas) de cómo una monarquía decayó en parte por creencias místicas y no razonar las decisiones de un país en forma más lógica.
No pude simpatizar con ningún personaje, por a veces las descripciones que tomaban me frustraban, sin embargo al momento de que sale Rasputin no sabía si reír o tener miedo, porque el personaje en sí o es la reencarnación de un demonio, o un simple ser humano con el carisma mas diabólico del mundo. El libro realmente te deja con sabor de odio y repulsión contra esta figura histórica.
Me gustó que el libro refleje el poder que tenían las mujeres sobre ciertas descicisones, a pesar de que la Zarina es mostrada con débil e influenciada por Rasputin, eso no deja de lado que se hacía las cosas a su manera y el Zar nunca la contradice.
En el epílogo de explica el porqué la autora escribió este libro y entiendo que hizo un estudio extenso del tema, sin embargo desconozco, desde el punto de vista de la historia Rusa, que tan verdad o credibilidad tiene.
No le doy todas las estrellas porque me quedo debiendo el final algunas explicaciones referente a unos personajes, no tanto en el contexto histórico sino en el de la historia en sí, no me hubiera importado que los hubiera inventado.
En síntesis un novela histórica de ficción fácil de leer, de lo cual lo único complicado es recordar los apellidos de algunos personajes.
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December 3, 2021La brujas de san Petersburgo , nos presenta la historia de 2 hermanas que existieron en la vida real y que en la corte del Zar Nicolás II llegaron a tener gran poder y cercanía con el Zar y la Zarina Alexandra, y que eran conocidas como las negras.
La investigación histórica de la autora es genial, respeta los hechos y la época, lo que no me gusto, es que la novela ( la parte de ficción )es muy predecible, me hubiera gustado encontrar más sorpresas en el desarrollo de la historia; es por esto que para mí es una novela de 3.5 estrellas.
La investigación histórica de la autora es genial, respeta los hechos y la época, lo que no me gusto, es que la novela ( la parte de ficción )es muy predecible, me hubiera gustado encontrar más sorpresas en el desarrollo de la historia; es por esto que para mí es una novela de 3.5 estrellas.
January 11, 2022
he tardado mazo en acabarlo porque ha sido mi libro de viajes de metro jiji
voy a ser sincera y diré que es muy entretenido si te gusta la historia y sobretodo te interesa la rusa (y si te interesa ver como toda rusia se enamora de un tio q probablemente se ducha cada 25 aniversario de muerte de sus padres aka rasputin)
las únicas dos pegas que le pongo son:
1. la letra es minúscula y me estresaba ver que avanzaba muy poco a poco soy una impaciente
2. era necesario hacerme saber como rasputin tiene el pp? no creo la verdad gracias por la pesadilla !
voy a ser sincera y diré que es muy entretenido si te gusta la historia y sobretodo te interesa la rusa (y si te interesa ver como toda rusia se enamora de un tio q probablemente se ducha cada 25 aniversario de muerte de sus padres aka rasputin)
las únicas dos pegas que le pongo son:
1. la letra es minúscula y me estresaba ver que avanzaba muy poco a poco soy una impaciente
2. era necesario hacerme saber como rasputin tiene el pp? no creo la verdad gracias por la pesadilla !
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