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Daughters of a Dead Empire
"This fresh, thrilling take on Anastasia establishes that O'Neil is a debut author to watch." ― Buzzfeed
From debut author Carolyn Tara O'Neil comes a thrilling alternate history set during the Russian Revolution.
Russia, 1918: With the execution of Tsar Nicholas, the empire crumbles and Russia is on the edge of civil war―the poor are devouring the rich. Anna, a bourgeois girl, narrowly escaped the massacre of her entire family in Yekaterinburg. Desperate to get away from the Bolsheviks, she offers a peasant girl a diamond to take her as far south as possible―not realizing that the girl is a communist herself. With her brother in desperate need of a doctor, Evgenia accepts Anna's offer and suddenly finds herself on the wrong side of the war.
Anna is being hunted by the Bolsheviks, and now―regardless of her loyalties―Evgenia is too.
Daughters of a Dead Empire is a harrowing historical thriller about dangerous ideals, inequality, and the price we pay for change. An imaginative retelling of the Anastasia story.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
From debut author Carolyn Tara O'Neil comes a thrilling alternate history set during the Russian Revolution.
Russia, 1918: With the execution of Tsar Nicholas, the empire crumbles and Russia is on the edge of civil war―the poor are devouring the rich. Anna, a bourgeois girl, narrowly escaped the massacre of her entire family in Yekaterinburg. Desperate to get away from the Bolsheviks, she offers a peasant girl a diamond to take her as far south as possible―not realizing that the girl is a communist herself. With her brother in desperate need of a doctor, Evgenia accepts Anna's offer and suddenly finds herself on the wrong side of the war.
Anna is being hunted by the Bolsheviks, and now―regardless of her loyalties―Evgenia is too.
Daughters of a Dead Empire is a harrowing historical thriller about dangerous ideals, inequality, and the price we pay for change. An imaginative retelling of the Anastasia story.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
96 people are currently reading
18953 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Tara O'Neil
1 book102 followersCarolyn Tara O’Neil grew up in a tiny New York City apartment filled with thousands of books. Every Friday she went to the public library for even more reading material. She now lives in a slightly smaller NYC apartment with slightly fewer books, and still goes to the library every week.
In between then and now, Carolyn has lived in France, Spain, and Japan, and has dedicated her career to the education and rights of young people. She loves to travel, study languages, and spend endless hours discussing TV, books, great hiking trails, and how we can work together to build a more equal society.
Her debut novel, DAUGHTERS OF A DEAD EMPIRE, is set during the Russian Revolution and will be published in Fall 2021 by Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan).
In between then and now, Carolyn has lived in France, Spain, and Japan, and has dedicated her career to the education and rights of young people. She loves to travel, study languages, and spend endless hours discussing TV, books, great hiking trails, and how we can work together to build a more equal society.
Her debut novel, DAUGHTERS OF A DEAD EMPIRE, is set during the Russian Revolution and will be published in Fall 2021 by Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
February 27, 2022
*shock* this is a YA novel that has like...no romance in it😲😲😲😲
July 19, 2022
“I prefer a peaceful revolution.”Daughters of a Dead Empire is a delightful and entertaining Anastasia retelling that captures the heart of the original tale in a very innovative way.
She shook her head. “There’s no such thing.”
When the Russian Royal Family is murdered by revolutionaries at the end of the Russian Revolution, Princess Anastasia miraculously manages to survive thanks to a magical pendent. Devastated by the loss of her family, she must travel across a politically tumultuous Russia to reunite with the only remaining relatives she has left.
The historical setting is a clear highlight here. The depictions of revolutionary Russia are well-researched and informative. The conflict between the Red and White armies, the class struggles, and the political atmosphere of the time are all perfectly incorporated.
There is no romance here, only friendship, and it is wonderful.
“I made a face at her, wagging my tongue teasingly. She tugged at my hair. It was almost like having a sister again.”On her trip through Russia, Anna encounters Evgenia. Though the two have very little in common – Anna is a wealthy tsarist while Evgenia is a Bolshevik peasant – they begin to develop a very deep and special bond. Their friendship is incredibly heartwarming and refreshing to read about.
Ultimately, this is a very refreshing and unique novel that wonderfully explores politics, history, and the power of friendship. Fans of Ruta Sepetys in particular will enjoy this retelling.
March 1, 2022
4.5/5 stars, this was a really interesting retelling!
Thank you Macmillan for the arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
There were some really amazing aspects in this book, and it was a wonderfully done retelling of the Romanovs and their daughter Anastatia. I really love learning about the last Tsar and his family, and it was something that I chose as an individual project in school. Ever since then I have been really obsessed with their time period, and learning about what they really went through. So when I came across this retelling, where Anastatia was alive and on the run, I knew I had to read it.
Obviously, this plot centers around the last Tsar and his family, but it specifically features Anastatia on the run after her family was killed. She is forced to hide and buy her way across the country, with the jewels that she stored in her corset and ultimately saved her life. From the very first page, there was a sense of urgency about the story, which reflected nicely from the events that were transpiring. I think overall the plot only lulled once or twice and kept me on my toes. I loved seeing Russia and the countries around it during this time period too, as it's really interesting to see the divides between people, especially in our present world's state.
Anastatia or "Anna" was officially painted as the main character, though Evgenia also had a lot of scenes. She had been through so much by the time the story started that she had a habit of making risky decisions, but she still showed compassion for others over time. In the beginning, she was very set in her ways and would not change. But as she was on the run, she began to see what the peasants had gone through and empathized with them. I really enjoyed seeing her develop as a character in this was, and ultimately do her best to help everyone.
Evgenia was a really interesting and well-developed character. She comes from a peasant position and constantly berates Anna for her views, as she came from money. It's not until later that she finds out that Anna is part of the royal family, and she becomes really conflicted about that. Her first instinct was always to do things that would help and protect her family, but over time that began to extend to Anna. Evgenia is a really badass and stubborn individual, she is willing to do anything to achieve her goals and it was really admirable. Even when she was tortured in the story, she did her best to stay true to herself and not give secrets away.
The female friendship in this book was one of my favorite parts, even if originally they hated one another. It was enemies to tolerating one another to good friends. I enjoyed how their growth together felt very realistic, and it was not instantaneous. There were times they worked really well together, and other times that they almost hated one another. It was never cut and dry because of both of their backgrounds, but they learned to help one another in many ways. I think they also taught each other many important lessons and it was great to see a friendship that didn't have to be romantic in the end.
Overall, this was a really fantastic story if not just a tad bit long in my opinion. I really loved the retelling aspect and how some parts held up to actual history. The female friendship between the two main characters was lovely as well and just, everything was really fun! This is a great way to read a new sort of retelling while still playing it safe if you want to dip your toes in that genre.
[TW: torture (with fire), death of family members, being shot, blood and gore, soiling self, dealing with trauma, assault, intense torture (on page), abuse, PTSD]
Thank you Macmillan for the arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
There were some really amazing aspects in this book, and it was a wonderfully done retelling of the Romanovs and their daughter Anastatia. I really love learning about the last Tsar and his family, and it was something that I chose as an individual project in school. Ever since then I have been really obsessed with their time period, and learning about what they really went through. So when I came across this retelling, where Anastatia was alive and on the run, I knew I had to read it.
Obviously, this plot centers around the last Tsar and his family, but it specifically features Anastatia on the run after her family was killed. She is forced to hide and buy her way across the country, with the jewels that she stored in her corset and ultimately saved her life. From the very first page, there was a sense of urgency about the story, which reflected nicely from the events that were transpiring. I think overall the plot only lulled once or twice and kept me on my toes. I loved seeing Russia and the countries around it during this time period too, as it's really interesting to see the divides between people, especially in our present world's state.
Anastatia or "Anna" was officially painted as the main character, though Evgenia also had a lot of scenes. She had been through so much by the time the story started that she had a habit of making risky decisions, but she still showed compassion for others over time. In the beginning, she was very set in her ways and would not change. But as she was on the run, she began to see what the peasants had gone through and empathized with them. I really enjoyed seeing her develop as a character in this was, and ultimately do her best to help everyone.
Evgenia was a really interesting and well-developed character. She comes from a peasant position and constantly berates Anna for her views, as she came from money. It's not until later that she finds out that Anna is part of the royal family, and she becomes really conflicted about that. Her first instinct was always to do things that would help and protect her family, but over time that began to extend to Anna. Evgenia is a really badass and stubborn individual, she is willing to do anything to achieve her goals and it was really admirable. Even when she was tortured in the story, she did her best to stay true to herself and not give secrets away.
The female friendship in this book was one of my favorite parts, even if originally they hated one another. It was enemies to tolerating one another to good friends. I enjoyed how their growth together felt very realistic, and it was not instantaneous. There were times they worked really well together, and other times that they almost hated one another. It was never cut and dry because of both of their backgrounds, but they learned to help one another in many ways. I think they also taught each other many important lessons and it was great to see a friendship that didn't have to be romantic in the end.
Overall, this was a really fantastic story if not just a tad bit long in my opinion. I really loved the retelling aspect and how some parts held up to actual history. The female friendship between the two main characters was lovely as well and just, everything was really fun! This is a great way to read a new sort of retelling while still playing it safe if you want to dip your toes in that genre.
[TW: torture (with fire), death of family members, being shot, blood and gore, soiling self, dealing with trauma, assault, intense torture (on page), abuse, PTSD]
June 4, 2021
I was so eager to get my hands on DAUGHTERS OF A DEAD EMPIRE. It was everything I hoped it would be and more! Carolyn Tara O'Neil had me at 'Anastasia retelling,' and I was drawn into her gorgeous historical novel from page one. There are epic chases, jewels hidden in corsets, edge-of-your-seat fight scenes, and evolving understandings of the political world and those in power. Most importantly, Anna and Evgenia are beautifully drawn characters, and the story of their friendship - tenuous at first, but ultimately fierce - is entirely compelling. These are strong young women. Women you'll want to read more about (and thanks to the author's reading list, you'll be good to go, there). To paraphrase a quote from Gogol that they both love, they are not only stronger than men are, but stronger than anything and everything. My thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook/MacKids Books for the eARC. I'll be pre-ordering a signed copy of this one for sure.
August 16, 2022
AR MAS TAN!!!
Mind üldse köidab väga 1. ja 2. Maailmasõda, kogu ajalugu ja ka kirjandus, kus tegevus toimub nende ajal ning see automaatselt muutis raamatu minu jaoks nii nii huvitavaks. Kuna ma varem ei olnud kursis teiste Anastassia Romanova lugudega peale selle, et tema ja ta pere irl mõrvati, siis oli eriti põnev lugeda seda, teadmata ja eeldamata, mis edasi saab.
Ma ütleks, et see oli mõnusalt ja kaasahaaravalt kirjutatud raamat, väga arusaadav, mis mulle väga ka meeldib.
Muidugi nii Anna kui ka Jevgenia ajasid mind vahel natuke närvi, aga siiski üldiselt tegelastena nad mulle meeldisid. Eriti meeldis mulle see, kui ma sain lugeda kummagi tegelase vaatest just neid ideoloogilisi erinevusi, nt ühe jaoks oli punaste saabumine niii hea ja tore asi, kuid teine oli surmahirmus seetõttu või lihtsalt need hetked, kus üks toobki esile oma arusaama ja teine vastab enda omaga. Mul oli seda lihtsalt väga huvitav lugeda ja ka haige mõelda, kuidas inimesed suudavad nii pühendunud olla ühte ideoloogiasse, et on valmis kasvõi oma pere ja elu ohverdama selle nimel!
Mulle tõesti meeldis see raamat ja Mulle väga meeldis raamatu viimane lause ka, sest see minu arvates sidus väga hästi selle loo kokku!
Võib-olla olen ma liiga noor, et kõike mõista päris täpselt, kuid seda ma mõistan, et raamat on lugemist väärt hihi
Mind üldse köidab väga 1. ja 2. Maailmasõda, kogu ajalugu ja ka kirjandus, kus tegevus toimub nende ajal ning see automaatselt muutis raamatu minu jaoks nii nii huvitavaks. Kuna ma varem ei olnud kursis teiste Anastassia Romanova lugudega peale selle, et tema ja ta pere irl mõrvati, siis oli eriti põnev lugeda seda, teadmata ja eeldamata, mis edasi saab.
Ma ütleks, et see oli mõnusalt ja kaasahaaravalt kirjutatud raamat, väga arusaadav, mis mulle väga ka meeldib.
Muidugi nii Anna kui ka Jevgenia ajasid mind vahel natuke närvi, aga siiski üldiselt tegelastena nad mulle meeldisid. Eriti meeldis mulle see, kui ma sain lugeda kummagi tegelase vaatest just neid ideoloogilisi erinevusi, nt ühe jaoks oli punaste saabumine niii hea ja tore asi, kuid teine oli surmahirmus seetõttu või lihtsalt need hetked, kus üks toobki esile oma arusaama ja teine vastab enda omaga. Mul oli seda lihtsalt väga huvitav lugeda ja ka haige mõelda, kuidas inimesed suudavad nii pühendunud olla ühte ideoloogiasse, et on valmis kasvõi oma pere ja elu ohverdama selle nimel!
Mulle tõesti meeldis see raamat ja Mulle väga meeldis raamatu viimane lause ka, sest see minu arvates sidus väga hästi selle loo kokku!
Võib-olla olen ma liiga noor, et kõike mõista päris täpselt, kuid seda ma mõistan, et raamat on lugemist väärt hihi
Want to read
July 4, 2023something about this title and gorgeous cover reminds me of one my favorite short stories: “the most handsomest drowned man in the world,” even though it’s an anastasia retelling focused on russian history, something else i am interested by.
basically, for no reason at all, i don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but i’m excited for this.
basically, for no reason at all, i don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but i’m excited for this.
April 13, 2022
You can read my full review and others here: https://teatimelit.com/
My favorite film as a child was Anastasia — okay, it’s still my favorite film — and since the film’s release when I was four years-old, the story of Anastasia Romanov and her family is one that has stayed close to my heart.
The film inspired my love of history, and I’ve spent many many hours researching the Romanov family from a young age. While I’ve read lots of non-fiction about the family, I haven’t read much fiction surrounding the Romanovs, but when I first heard of Daughters of a Dead Empire, I knew that I had to add it to my TBR.
Oh friends, this was quite an emotional ride. As I mentioned above, the story of Anastasia (not just the fictionalized version of her story) has been a huge part of my life, so I knew going into this story that I would be emotional, but I truly couldn’t have anticipated just how emotional this story would make me. In fact I started crying during the first chapter…
The attention to detail in this story was really exemplary. I’ve done a lot of research on the Romanovs over the years and there were many details that O’Neil included that helped this story feel very grounded and realistic even though it’s a fictionalized version of Anastasia. I loved that the story alternated between Anna and Evgenia’s points of view, as we were able to learn more about each of the girls and their lives that way. I think that it would’ve been very easy to turn this into a biased story — from either the side of the Reds or the Whites — but having the story told from both sides prevented that. While Anya and Evgenia may have been biased in their views, the dual POVs make the reader look at the situation as a whole which I did appreciate as I think that the issues were very complex and there wasn’t a black and white answer.
My favorite film as a child was Anastasia — okay, it’s still my favorite film — and since the film’s release when I was four years-old, the story of Anastasia Romanov and her family is one that has stayed close to my heart.
The film inspired my love of history, and I’ve spent many many hours researching the Romanov family from a young age. While I’ve read lots of non-fiction about the family, I haven’t read much fiction surrounding the Romanovs, but when I first heard of Daughters of a Dead Empire, I knew that I had to add it to my TBR.
Oh friends, this was quite an emotional ride. As I mentioned above, the story of Anastasia (not just the fictionalized version of her story) has been a huge part of my life, so I knew going into this story that I would be emotional, but I truly couldn’t have anticipated just how emotional this story would make me. In fact I started crying during the first chapter…
The attention to detail in this story was really exemplary. I’ve done a lot of research on the Romanovs over the years and there were many details that O’Neil included that helped this story feel very grounded and realistic even though it’s a fictionalized version of Anastasia. I loved that the story alternated between Anna and Evgenia’s points of view, as we were able to learn more about each of the girls and their lives that way. I think that it would’ve been very easy to turn this into a biased story — from either the side of the Reds or the Whites — but having the story told from both sides prevented that. While Anya and Evgenia may have been biased in their views, the dual POVs make the reader look at the situation as a whole which I did appreciate as I think that the issues were very complex and there wasn’t a black and white answer.
May 26, 2021
The tsar is dead and the whole nation is in turmoil. Families are starving, war is coming and Anna is on the run. She is the sole survivor of a massacre that killed her family. Her family was targeted by the Bolshevik communists because of their wealth. Wealth that Anna now carries with her, sewn into her dress. When Anna finds herself in danger once more, she makes a bargain with a peasant girl. Evgenia's brother is sick and treatment costs money. So when a rich girl with a big mouth sticks a diamond in her face, offering it in exchange for help, Evgenia cannot refuse. Anna asks Evgenia to take her south, away from the horrible events that have ripped her from her family. But Evgenia is a communist herself, a sworn enemy of the rich. As the girls travel together Evgenia realizes the girls have more in common than she first thought, and takes her to the safety of her home and family. But Anna's past keeps finding ways to catch up to her and the secrets she thought she could hide are about to explode to the surface.
Beautifully written, this is a story of friendship and survival after a tragic loss. A fascinating tale of a familiar legend and what happened in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Beautifully written, this is a story of friendship and survival after a tragic loss. A fascinating tale of a familiar legend and what happened in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
March 12, 2022
i…don’t know how to review this without turning it into an essay that will just be me nitpicking but i will Try.
o’neil clearly did a lot of research for this, which is a relief. i was very glad to see Robert K Massie credited in her bibliography.
the fact she managed to find a balance for anna and evgenia is certainly impressive given that a lot of fiction about anastasia cannot capture the complicated nuance of navigating anya/anastasia’s relationships or friendship with bolsheviks. at the end i think this very delicately managed to. the revolution and the parties involved were not so black and white as good vs bad. “The Bolsheviks care more about power than communism”. hence why the most famous adaptations usually have a “neutral” party. i’m really glad this did not involve anya falling for a bolshevik soldier who murdered her whole family. can we pls be done with those stories.
i think younger readers who, unlike me, have not read about the real romanov family and soviet revolution will enjoy this. it’s an easy read and not too difficult to understand. both anna and evgenia changed because of what they go through. i think the novels last line describes it best.
“But it was not hardness that would get us through this world. It was each other.”
o’neil clearly did a lot of research for this, which is a relief. i was very glad to see Robert K Massie credited in her bibliography.
the fact she managed to find a balance for anna and evgenia is certainly impressive given that a lot of fiction about anastasia cannot capture the complicated nuance of navigating anya/anastasia’s relationships or friendship with bolsheviks. at the end i think this very delicately managed to. the revolution and the parties involved were not so black and white as good vs bad. “The Bolsheviks care more about power than communism”. hence why the most famous adaptations usually have a “neutral” party. i’m really glad this did not involve anya falling for a bolshevik soldier who murdered her whole family. can we pls be done with those stories.
i think younger readers who, unlike me, have not read about the real romanov family and soviet revolution will enjoy this. it’s an easy read and not too difficult to understand. both anna and evgenia changed because of what they go through. i think the novels last line describes it best.
“But it was not hardness that would get us through this world. It was each other.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2022
✨Aitäh lugemiselamuse eest, Rahva Raamat!✨
•
Kui ma seda raamatut Goodreads’is esimest korda nägin, siis teadsin kohe, et ma pean saama seda lugeda, sest no mu vaieldamatu lemmikžanr historical fiction.
Üks asi, mida selle raamatu puhul ära märkida on see, et siin ei olnud ühtegi romantilist suhet. Üks nagu tõotas tekkida, aga raamat sai enne läbi.
Ma mingis mõttes ootasin siit rohkemat, aga samas oli see täitsa põnev lugu, kuidas oleks võinud olla, kui Anastassia Romanova oleks pääsenud, sest lugusid tema ümber on keerelnud palju.
•
Venemaa, 1918. Kui tsaar Nikolai II hukatakse, laguneb impeerium koost ja Venemaa paisatakse kodusõja lävele – vaesed ründavad rikkaid. Jekaterinburgis mõrvatakse noore kodanlase Anna perekond, tüdruk ise pääseb üle noatera. Bolševike eest põgenedes palub ta hobuvankriga talutüdruk Jevgenial end lõunasse sõidutada ja lubab sõidu eest tasuda briljandiga. Anna aga ei taipa, et tüdruk on kommunist. Kuna Jevgenia vennal on hädasti arsti vaja, võtab ta Anna pakkumise vastu ja mõistab peagi, et on sattunud vaenlase poolele. Bolševikud otsivad Annat taga ja nüüd on ka Jevgenia neil tee peal ees, olenemata sellest, kellele ta ise ustav on.
•
Kui ma seda raamatut Goodreads’is esimest korda nägin, siis teadsin kohe, et ma pean saama seda lugeda, sest no mu vaieldamatu lemmikžanr historical fiction.
Üks asi, mida selle raamatu puhul ära märkida on see, et siin ei olnud ühtegi romantilist suhet. Üks nagu tõotas tekkida, aga raamat sai enne läbi.
Ma mingis mõttes ootasin siit rohkemat, aga samas oli see täitsa põnev lugu, kuidas oleks võinud olla, kui Anastassia Romanova oleks pääsenud, sest lugusid tema ümber on keerelnud palju.
•
Venemaa, 1918. Kui tsaar Nikolai II hukatakse, laguneb impeerium koost ja Venemaa paisatakse kodusõja lävele – vaesed ründavad rikkaid. Jekaterinburgis mõrvatakse noore kodanlase Anna perekond, tüdruk ise pääseb üle noatera. Bolševike eest põgenedes palub ta hobuvankriga talutüdruk Jevgenial end lõunasse sõidutada ja lubab sõidu eest tasuda briljandiga. Anna aga ei taipa, et tüdruk on kommunist. Kuna Jevgenia vennal on hädasti arsti vaja, võtab ta Anna pakkumise vastu ja mõistab peagi, et on sattunud vaenlase poolele. Bolševikud otsivad Annat taga ja nüüd on ka Jevgenia neil tee peal ees, olenemata sellest, kellele ta ise ustav on.
April 3, 2020
Cannot wait for this book!
April 8, 2022
Daughters of a Dead Empire is supposed to be an alternate historical about Anastasia Romanov. Evgenia, a Bolshevik girl who winds up helping her, and Anna are both POV characters. It takes place shortly after Anna's whole family is massacred in the basement of the Ipatiev house, but PTSD? Pretty minimal, surprisingly enough, considering that Anna just barely escaped before the novel began.
Also, I was confused about why the author chose to reveal Anna's past the way she did. It's pretty obvious (right?) that this is a retelling of Anastasia Romanov's life, so why would she choose to not even let the reader know right away through Anna's POV? If it was supposed to be cool, like in The Thief, it completely failed. If she assumes the reader can't pick up on the clues (the Ipatiev house, diamonds, dead family, et cet.), then she does the reader a disservice.
I believe Daughters of a Dead Empire is supposed to be a classic fantasy adventure novel, with the characters traveling inconceivable distances whilst being chased by the bad guys... and it kind of was, but it was also quite dull. I didn't feel any connection to either main character and because of that, the stakes were basically nonexistent.
If it wasn't clear already... I didn't enjoy this book much; I mainly read it out of sheer boredom. And I only kept reading because I wanted to know how the author dealt with the communism and Bolshevik vs. White Army issues. (Spoiler: I was disappointed.)
Unfortunately, I completely disagreed with the author's apparent views (based on the end of the book) on communism. First of all: communism is inherently evil. The leaders' motivations don't even matter, though they are flawed men and thus, their ideas are also flawed. Apparently, in this book, Anna and Evgenia conclude that communism is good but some men are bad, so some leaders shouldn't be followed. (At least, that's how I understood it.)
I can't agree with any book that promotes communism (and possibly socialism as well). So, in conclusion, Daughters of a Dead Empire was exceedingly disappointing. Not to mention extremely dull.
However, on the positive side... and this is only a positive for some people... there was zero romance. Also, the friendship between the two main characters was well done. (Is it weird that I actually liked the communist girl better than Anna, just because Evgenia was a kind and protective person? Still doesn't mean I am okay with her beliefs though!)
I hope it's clear I don't recommend this book. If you really want to read an alternate history about Anastasia, go read Romanov by Nadine Brandes. (Honestly, though, I don't 100% recommend that book, either.)
Content warnings: graphic violence, profanity. (Excess amounts of both, sadly.)
Also, I was confused about why the author chose to reveal Anna's past the way she did. It's pretty obvious (right?) that this is a retelling of Anastasia Romanov's life, so why would she choose to not even let the reader know right away through Anna's POV? If it was supposed to be cool, like in The Thief, it completely failed. If she assumes the reader can't pick up on the clues (the Ipatiev house, diamonds, dead family, et cet.), then she does the reader a disservice.
I believe Daughters of a Dead Empire is supposed to be a classic fantasy adventure novel, with the characters traveling inconceivable distances whilst being chased by the bad guys... and it kind of was, but it was also quite dull. I didn't feel any connection to either main character and because of that, the stakes were basically nonexistent.
If it wasn't clear already... I didn't enjoy this book much; I mainly read it out of sheer boredom. And I only kept reading because I wanted to know how the author dealt with the communism and Bolshevik vs. White Army issues. (Spoiler: I was disappointed.)
Unfortunately, I completely disagreed with the author's apparent views (based on the end of the book) on communism. First of all: communism is inherently evil. The leaders' motivations don't even matter, though they are flawed men and thus, their ideas are also flawed. Apparently, in this book, Anna and Evgenia conclude that communism is good but some men are bad, so some leaders shouldn't be followed. (At least, that's how I understood it.)
I can't agree with any book that promotes communism (and possibly socialism as well). So, in conclusion, Daughters of a Dead Empire was exceedingly disappointing. Not to mention extremely dull.
However, on the positive side... and this is only a positive for some people... there was zero romance. Also, the friendship between the two main characters was well done. (Is it weird that I actually liked the communist girl better than Anna, just because Evgenia was a kind and protective person? Still doesn't mean I am okay with her beliefs though!)
I hope it's clear I don't recommend this book. If you really want to read an alternate history about Anastasia, go read Romanov by Nadine Brandes. (Honestly, though, I don't 100% recommend that book, either.)
Content warnings: graphic violence, profanity. (Excess amounts of both, sadly.)
March 30, 2024
4 ⭐
Daughters Of A Dead Empire é uma Ficção Histórica YA em que Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova sobrevive ao massacre ocorrido na Casa Ipatiev. No decorrer de sua fuga, ela recebe a ajuda de Evgenia Ivanovna Koltsova, uma menina Bolchevique. Apesar de viverem realidades totalmente diferentes (e discordarem sobre diversos assuntos), o desenvolvimento e a consolidação de sua amizade é o que permite não só que ambas superem diversos obstáculos, mas também recomecem suas vidas.
A autora também aproveita para acrescentar, ainda que de forma breve, o papel da Legião Tchecoslovaca no conflito do período em questão, 1918.
Ademais, vale acrescentar que é possível perceber a dedicação e as pesquisas feitas pela autora, Carolyn Tara O'Neil, a fim de desenvolver a sua sua obra, dado que, ela inicia a mesma como um "Historical Note", um "Pronunciation Guide" e termina com uma "Bibliography".
Dos autores citados por O'Neil em sua "Bibliography", eu faço questão de destacar Robert K. Massie, Orlando Figes e, principalmente, Helen Rappaport, uma das minhas autoras favoritas.
"Are you turning revolutionary, Anya?"
I huffed, nudging her with my elbow.
"I simply want to do what's right. And you have made some good points over the past few days. But" - I narrowed my eyes at her - "I prefer a peaceful revolution."
She shook her head.
"There's no such thing."
"A humane one, then."
She went quiet after that, seeming to like the word.
Daughters Of A Dead Empire é uma Ficção Histórica YA em que Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova sobrevive ao massacre ocorrido na Casa Ipatiev. No decorrer de sua fuga, ela recebe a ajuda de Evgenia Ivanovna Koltsova, uma menina Bolchevique. Apesar de viverem realidades totalmente diferentes (e discordarem sobre diversos assuntos), o desenvolvimento e a consolidação de sua amizade é o que permite não só que ambas superem diversos obstáculos, mas também recomecem suas vidas.
A autora também aproveita para acrescentar, ainda que de forma breve, o papel da Legião Tchecoslovaca no conflito do período em questão, 1918.
Ademais, vale acrescentar que é possível perceber a dedicação e as pesquisas feitas pela autora, Carolyn Tara O'Neil, a fim de desenvolver a sua sua obra, dado que, ela inicia a mesma como um "Historical Note", um "Pronunciation Guide" e termina com uma "Bibliography".
Dos autores citados por O'Neil em sua "Bibliography", eu faço questão de destacar Robert K. Massie, Orlando Figes e, principalmente, Helen Rappaport, uma das minhas autoras favoritas.
"Are you turning revolutionary, Anya?"
I huffed, nudging her with my elbow.
"I simply want to do what's right. And you have made some good points over the past few days. But" - I narrowed my eyes at her - "I prefer a peaceful revolution."
She shook her head.
"There's no such thing."
"A humane one, then."
She went quiet after that, seeming to like the word.
February 2, 2022
I found the perfect Anastasia retelling! And it all began with the Tsar's execution by the Bolsheviks.
While I have not yet finished reading this wonderful historical thriller, I can most definitely say that this is now one of my favorite books.
The concepts of the world are uniquely drawn from history and what could've been if one of the Romanovs lived.
In this case, we follow our beloved Anastasia - Anna for short - as she travels through the dangers of her escape and 'tsarist' beliefs through a world determined to end the monarchy. Yet the death of her family haunts her, and the conditions of survival are not one she is accustomed to - she is alone. That is until a local girl saves her from the hands of death. Now, both are stuck together, unable to part ways.
Along with the Bolshevik believer, named Evgenia, the girls traverse through unknown terrain - enraged at the blood spilled and the deafening sense of fear, they soon learn they can only trust each other. But will they make it out alive? I mean, they're living through the Russian Revolution.
Current thoughts surround these simple words:
x fear
x anticipation/suspense
x omg...
x tears shed
x DAMN IT EVGENIA
x RUN
x DON'T YOU DIE ON ME
can you tell I've become invested?
edit: This story was amazing!! The suspense, the sad realities of what occurred during the Russian Revolution, and the growth of a beautiful friendship have made this one of the best historical fiction I have read!
I thoroughly enjoyed how a friendship may bloom despite fleeting and desperate times. Both girls grew to be strong and brave warriors that I could not help but be proud and amazed at how long of a struggle they went through, yet they prevailed and became sisters.
As a history major, I loved how thorough the research of the Russian Revolution was! It was accurate and it was intricately woven into the storyline, Ms. Tara O'Neil amazingly brought the past and what-ifs together in the most eloquent and heartfelt way. This is a story of the ages, and I will continue to promote it - because this is a tale that is meant to be read by everyone.
The only thing I would really want to be included were a few scenes where Anastasia and her family were together. An epilogue or prologue where we could see the life that she once had and the beautiful family that was lost in a horrible murder. It would have made my history-junkie self so extremely happy and enthralled.
While I have not yet finished reading this wonderful historical thriller, I can most definitely say that this is now one of my favorite books.
The concepts of the world are uniquely drawn from history and what could've been if one of the Romanovs lived.
In this case, we follow our beloved Anastasia - Anna for short - as she travels through the dangers of her escape and 'tsarist' beliefs through a world determined to end the monarchy. Yet the death of her family haunts her, and the conditions of survival are not one she is accustomed to - she is alone. That is until a local girl saves her from the hands of death. Now, both are stuck together, unable to part ways.
Along with the Bolshevik believer, named Evgenia, the girls traverse through unknown terrain - enraged at the blood spilled and the deafening sense of fear, they soon learn they can only trust each other. But will they make it out alive? I mean, they're living through the Russian Revolution.
Current thoughts surround these simple words:
x fear
x anticipation/suspense
x omg...
x tears shed
x DAMN IT EVGENIA
x RUN
x DON'T YOU DIE ON ME
can you tell I've become invested?
edit: This story was amazing!! The suspense, the sad realities of what occurred during the Russian Revolution, and the growth of a beautiful friendship have made this one of the best historical fiction I have read!
I thoroughly enjoyed how a friendship may bloom despite fleeting and desperate times. Both girls grew to be strong and brave warriors that I could not help but be proud and amazed at how long of a struggle they went through, yet they prevailed and became sisters.
As a history major, I loved how thorough the research of the Russian Revolution was! It was accurate and it was intricately woven into the storyline, Ms. Tara O'Neil amazingly brought the past and what-ifs together in the most eloquent and heartfelt way. This is a story of the ages, and I will continue to promote it - because this is a tale that is meant to be read by everyone.
The only thing I would really want to be included were a few scenes where Anastasia and her family were together. An epilogue or prologue where we could see the life that she once had and the beautiful family that was lost in a horrible murder. It would have made my history-junkie self so extremely happy and enthralled.
March 5, 2022
This YA book about a Russian princess and a peasant during the Russian Revolution grabs hold and doesn’t let go. It’s also very helpful to read right now, during this current war, as it shows people with very different viewpoints confronting those beliefs during scary situations in which leadership has really gone awry. The writing is elegant and the plot tightly woven, but the dual POVs are the gems.
Anna is on the run, having survived a cruel and devastating tragedy. Evgenia saves her from a senseless end, then finds herself stuck and in much deeper trouble than she ever imagined. O’Neil knows how to pack a punch with the thoughts and beliefs of these two young women as they navigate their new world and confront hard truths. You are never in doubt as to whose chapter it is, for their language and thought system are so distinct. Also, the timeliness of the novel helps the reader understand that the Russian people are good and complex and —as with all of us, truthfully—subject to whatever madman is in power.
Daughters also helped me consider the disparity in our own American way of life. I have thought, for a while now, that we are much closer to the French or Russians prior to their revolutions than we are to our own revolution, as the rich keep getting vastly, vastly wealthier, and the poor continue to be very, very poor, with no chance of relief. Something has to give.
Very well done, Carolyn Tara O’Neil!
Anna is on the run, having survived a cruel and devastating tragedy. Evgenia saves her from a senseless end, then finds herself stuck and in much deeper trouble than she ever imagined. O’Neil knows how to pack a punch with the thoughts and beliefs of these two young women as they navigate their new world and confront hard truths. You are never in doubt as to whose chapter it is, for their language and thought system are so distinct. Also, the timeliness of the novel helps the reader understand that the Russian people are good and complex and —as with all of us, truthfully—subject to whatever madman is in power.
Daughters also helped me consider the disparity in our own American way of life. I have thought, for a while now, that we are much closer to the French or Russians prior to their revolutions than we are to our own revolution, as the rich keep getting vastly, vastly wealthier, and the poor continue to be very, very poor, with no chance of relief. Something has to give.
Very well done, Carolyn Tara O’Neil!
July 7, 2022
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
This was the fourth (FOURTH) audiobook I've tried lately. The first three I either DNF'ed or had to struggle to get through. I had no hope left, honestly, and needed an audiobook to listen to during work, so I did what any sane person does and downloaded four random audiobooks after generally searching Overdrive.
And I was SO surprised at how much I loved this!!
Well, I'm not really surprised since I am endlessly fascinated by Russian history, but it was just so different than the books I'd been trying to read/listen to, that it just was so refreshing.
There were twists and turns and was very thriller-y and I was never bored!!
The biggest thing about this book for me that I loved was how the author tackled really hard topics of the Revolution like death and classism and based it all around friendship and strong characters. There was no romance either, which was super refreshing!!
4.75/5 stars, rounding up to 5. My only (ONLY) issue was just some of the pacing and a couple of loose ends, but other than that?? Aaaaahhhhashhdjdjfjf this was so good ahhhhh
This was the fourth (FOURTH) audiobook I've tried lately. The first three I either DNF'ed or had to struggle to get through. I had no hope left, honestly, and needed an audiobook to listen to during work, so I did what any sane person does and downloaded four random audiobooks after generally searching Overdrive.
And I was SO surprised at how much I loved this!!
Well, I'm not really surprised since I am endlessly fascinated by Russian history, but it was just so different than the books I'd been trying to read/listen to, that it just was so refreshing.
There were twists and turns and was very thriller-y and I was never bored!!
The biggest thing about this book for me that I loved was how the author tackled really hard topics of the Revolution like death and classism and based it all around friendship and strong characters. There was no romance either, which was super refreshing!!
4.75/5 stars, rounding up to 5. My only (ONLY) issue was just some of the pacing and a couple of loose ends, but other than that?? Aaaaahhhhashhdjdjfjf this was so good ahhhhh
August 21, 2019
Good writing. Plot full of action. Well thought-out characters.
January 15, 2021
Incredible historical book that covers the origins of the Russian revolution from two distinct young women's perspectives. A must read!!
July 2, 2022
An alternative history about Anastasia, who was believed to have survived the murder of the Romanovs by the Bolsheviks. This book tells the story of the friendship between two girls who couldn't be more different from one another.
Evgenia saves Anna from a mob, even though she knew that Anna was one of the tsarists that her family and her communist friends are fighting against. After agreeing to Anna find her cousin in exchange for a jewel that would help her pay for her brother's health care, the two embark on a journey through multiple villages. Meanwhile, Anna fails to understand why the villagers she meets along the way despise the Romanovs. To make matters worse, the commander who killed Anna's family is determined to kill both girls to prevent others from finding out about what he'd done.
It's a thrilling yet warming tale, that exemplifies how character development and platonic relationships can be just as intriguing to read as romance novels are.
Evgenia saves Anna from a mob, even though she knew that Anna was one of the tsarists that her family and her communist friends are fighting against. After agreeing to Anna find her cousin in exchange for a jewel that would help her pay for her brother's health care, the two embark on a journey through multiple villages. Meanwhile, Anna fails to understand why the villagers she meets along the way despise the Romanovs. To make matters worse, the commander who killed Anna's family is determined to kill both girls to prevent others from finding out about what he'd done.
It's a thrilling yet warming tale, that exemplifies how character development and platonic relationships can be just as intriguing to read as romance novels are.
June 3, 2025
A stellar read! The quick pace and high stakes grabbed my attention easily and refused to let go. I could hardly put it down. I loved the dual POVs and messy protagonists, and seeing how they reacted to different events throughout the book.
December 2, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of Daughters of a Dead Empire!
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Daughters of a Dead Empire is a book that has long been on my radar. I am pleased to report that it absolutely lived up to my expectations! O'Neil has masterfully woven a tale that is equal parts beautiful and brutal. It neither shies away from the horrors of war or the beautiful resilience of humanity. That hard to strike balance is what makes this tale something spectacular. The historical exposition enhanced the story without making the writing feel clunky or a chore to consume. The real standout for me was the characters though! They're nuanced and flawed in ways that endures you to them quickly and fiercely. Daughters of a Dead Empire is a story that doubles as a thought provoking tale and a epic page turner steeped in atmosphere and history.
.
This doesn't read like a debut. O'Niels masterful pacing, intense character study, and rich atmosphere has me excited to see what she does next!
.
Daughters of a Dead Empire is a book that has long been on my radar. I am pleased to report that it absolutely lived up to my expectations! O'Neil has masterfully woven a tale that is equal parts beautiful and brutal. It neither shies away from the horrors of war or the beautiful resilience of humanity. That hard to strike balance is what makes this tale something spectacular. The historical exposition enhanced the story without making the writing feel clunky or a chore to consume. The real standout for me was the characters though! They're nuanced and flawed in ways that endures you to them quickly and fiercely. Daughters of a Dead Empire is a story that doubles as a thought provoking tale and a epic page turner steeped in atmosphere and history.
.
This doesn't read like a debut. O'Niels masterful pacing, intense character study, and rich atmosphere has me excited to see what she does next!
January 12, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this quite a bit! I liked that it’s a retelling of Anastasia since that’s not something I see a ton. It was very fast paced with lots of action since it’s basically Anastasia trying to run away to safety and evade people trying to capture her. It’s definitely engaging and has almost a thriller feel to it with the pacing. The setting was rather immersive as well. I liked seeing these different places they travel to, though the book mostly takes place in the wilderness and a small village. I also liked being immersed in this time period, and it really feels like a brief snapshot of this era.
Anna/Anastasia is sometimes a bit naive but good hearted. She’s still dealing with the trauma of watching her family get murdered in front of her and survivor’s guilt, so I definitely felt bad for her. I liked seeing her go on this journey and realize that people live differently than she did. Over the book, I think she starts to understand where they’re coming from a bit more and can form good bonds with others. She seems very sweet, and I liked how she’s a good friend overall.
Evgenia is more down to earth and realistic, and I enjoyed how her differing views help Anna grow a bit more by exposing her to the real problems in the country. She does tend to put herself and her family first. She can definitely be hot headed and not think about things, but she ultimately does help Anna out which is nice to see.
I also liked the Czech soldier who ends up getting involved with Anna and Evgenia. He seemed pretty good natured and willing to help overall. Even though he’s staying at Evgenia’s house, he’s not awful about it and doesn’t take advantage of the situation, unlike some of the other soldiers. Yurovsky, the man hunting them, is definitely not a nice person. He doesn’t give people the benefit of the doubt and is absolutely ruthless. He did make for a good villain, and trying to escape him provided some compelling moments.
This book does get brutal at times with content warnings for things like torture and murder. Overall, I thought this was a nice retelling of Anastasia that felt somewhat realistic in that events could have potentially played out in this way. If you’re interested in an Anastasia retelling that’s full of fast paced action, I would recommend this.
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this quite a bit! I liked that it’s a retelling of Anastasia since that’s not something I see a ton. It was very fast paced with lots of action since it’s basically Anastasia trying to run away to safety and evade people trying to capture her. It’s definitely engaging and has almost a thriller feel to it with the pacing. The setting was rather immersive as well. I liked seeing these different places they travel to, though the book mostly takes place in the wilderness and a small village. I also liked being immersed in this time period, and it really feels like a brief snapshot of this era.
Anna/Anastasia is sometimes a bit naive but good hearted. She’s still dealing with the trauma of watching her family get murdered in front of her and survivor’s guilt, so I definitely felt bad for her. I liked seeing her go on this journey and realize that people live differently than she did. Over the book, I think she starts to understand where they’re coming from a bit more and can form good bonds with others. She seems very sweet, and I liked how she’s a good friend overall.
Evgenia is more down to earth and realistic, and I enjoyed how her differing views help Anna grow a bit more by exposing her to the real problems in the country. She does tend to put herself and her family first. She can definitely be hot headed and not think about things, but she ultimately does help Anna out which is nice to see.
I also liked the Czech soldier who ends up getting involved with Anna and Evgenia. He seemed pretty good natured and willing to help overall. Even though he’s staying at Evgenia’s house, he’s not awful about it and doesn’t take advantage of the situation, unlike some of the other soldiers. Yurovsky, the man hunting them, is definitely not a nice person. He doesn’t give people the benefit of the doubt and is absolutely ruthless. He did make for a good villain, and trying to escape him provided some compelling moments.
This book does get brutal at times with content warnings for things like torture and murder. Overall, I thought this was a nice retelling of Anastasia that felt somewhat realistic in that events could have potentially played out in this way. If you’re interested in an Anastasia retelling that’s full of fast paced action, I would recommend this.
I received a copy of this for review from the publisher via NetGalley - thank you! All opinions are my own.
dnf-shelf
December 18, 2021How I read this: Free ebook copy received from a publicist through NetGalley
DNF @ around halfway through
I couldn't make myself finish this book. It's well written and all, but just too sad and brutal for me. Triggers me out every other chapter. There's a lot of violence and PTSD and I just couldn't manage that.
However, I loved how in this story, there are no right sides - both sides have wronged someone. The two main characters are caught in a world of change - the Tsar's family has just been murdered, and the Bolsheviks are trying to take over the country. In a scenario as this, it would be easy to say any one side was bad and the other good. But here, it's not simplified like that. Both sides have committed atrocities, and both of the main characters represent a side - and as they slowly learn about their situations and how their "good guys" have wronged someone, they learn that nothing is ever black or white in life - and nobody can be absolutely right or wrong.
Yet, the story was very hard to read. I couldn't manage more than a few chapters at a time, because it's just so sad, so heavy. Most people's families are killed, there is fear and violence. This book could prove very triggering. There is murder, pursuit, and a lot of other horrible things happening to the characters, some of them you witness. I believe it was needed for the story and its goals, but also, for the sensitive reader, it may prove to be a slow reading book.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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DNF @ around halfway through
I couldn't make myself finish this book. It's well written and all, but just too sad and brutal for me. Triggers me out every other chapter. There's a lot of violence and PTSD and I just couldn't manage that.
However, I loved how in this story, there are no right sides - both sides have wronged someone. The two main characters are caught in a world of change - the Tsar's family has just been murdered, and the Bolsheviks are trying to take over the country. In a scenario as this, it would be easy to say any one side was bad and the other good. But here, it's not simplified like that. Both sides have committed atrocities, and both of the main characters represent a side - and as they slowly learn about their situations and how their "good guys" have wronged someone, they learn that nothing is ever black or white in life - and nobody can be absolutely right or wrong.
Yet, the story was very hard to read. I couldn't manage more than a few chapters at a time, because it's just so sad, so heavy. Most people's families are killed, there is fear and violence. This book could prove very triggering. There is murder, pursuit, and a lot of other horrible things happening to the characters, some of them you witness. I believe it was needed for the story and its goals, but also, for the sensitive reader, it may prove to be a slow reading book.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
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August 23, 2022
WOW!
They say not to judge a book by its cover (which makes a lot of sense) but this story is just as gorgeous, appealing, and satisfying as its cover, although it was much more dark and gruesome. I was expecting this to be a good read, but I was completely blown away- it truly exceeded my expectations.
I will note that this is definitely a teen/young adult novel- it contains quite a bit of language, torture, and violence, and touches on heavy themes of equality and war.
I love the main characters and how different the two are from each other, as well as their extremely devoted and unlikely friendship. I felt this was very well written- Carolyn Tara O'Neil did a lovely job expressing the story using perspectives that made it meaningful, exciting, relateable, and at times, even funny. It was very hard to put this book down, and I felt that it addressed communism and all of the controversy surrounding it smoothly, gracefully and in a very thought-provoking way. I also hadn't learned much about this time period, so it was interesting to do so in an alternative timeline setting with characters very close to my own age.
**Major spoiler** I had a hunch that "Anna" was someone important, but in my opinion her true identity as Anastasia was a deliciously shocking plot twist!
I definitely recommend this for older teens and adults!
They say not to judge a book by its cover (which makes a lot of sense) but this story is just as gorgeous, appealing, and satisfying as its cover, although it was much more dark and gruesome. I was expecting this to be a good read, but I was completely blown away- it truly exceeded my expectations.
I will note that this is definitely a teen/young adult novel- it contains quite a bit of language, torture, and violence, and touches on heavy themes of equality and war.
I love the main characters and how different the two are from each other, as well as their extremely devoted and unlikely friendship. I felt this was very well written- Carolyn Tara O'Neil did a lovely job expressing the story using perspectives that made it meaningful, exciting, relateable, and at times, even funny. It was very hard to put this book down, and I felt that it addressed communism and all of the controversy surrounding it smoothly, gracefully and in a very thought-provoking way. I also hadn't learned much about this time period, so it was interesting to do so in an alternative timeline setting with characters very close to my own age.
**Major spoiler** I had a hunch that "Anna" was someone important, but in my opinion her true identity as Anastasia was a deliciously shocking plot twist!
I definitely recommend this for older teens and adults!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
This book had me from the get-go! I have long been fascinated by Anastasia and completely swept up in the mythology that she might have survived the assassination of her family. But this book does what so many re-tellings don't: it gripped me from the beginning.
Full, rich, and immersive world-building placed me right in the Russia of the later 1910s. I could see, smell and taste this world being pulled in so many directions.
O'Neil's heroines have distinctive voices and POVs, making the dual POV narrative wonderfully immersive and so compelling. The author explores so many themes here that resonated deeply: the nature of privilege and how it shelters all too many from understanding the world outside their gilded walls, the nature of war and how easy it is to forget the bonds that all humans share, that we all just want to live, love and do more than just simply survive.
This was a book that swept me up and transported me and I although there are sections where the realities of war and conflict are laid bare, I didn't want to leave this story. However, I think it ends at exactly the right point.
A deeply satisfying and immersive read, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to see what ONeil has on tap for us next!
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan for the E-Arc.
Full, rich, and immersive world-building placed me right in the Russia of the later 1910s. I could see, smell and taste this world being pulled in so many directions.
O'Neil's heroines have distinctive voices and POVs, making the dual POV narrative wonderfully immersive and so compelling. The author explores so many themes here that resonated deeply: the nature of privilege and how it shelters all too many from understanding the world outside their gilded walls, the nature of war and how easy it is to forget the bonds that all humans share, that we all just want to live, love and do more than just simply survive.
This was a book that swept me up and transported me and I although there are sections where the realities of war and conflict are laid bare, I didn't want to leave this story. However, I think it ends at exactly the right point.
A deeply satisfying and immersive read, I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to see what ONeil has on tap for us next!
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan for the E-Arc.
April 16, 2022
First, I want to give this book points for being a YA novel with NO romance. That is such a rare thing to find these days.
This novel is a retelling of the Anastasia story - in this version, Anastasia very much remembers who she is. She is trying to flee to safety across a warring Russia whilst being pursued by the man who murdered her family. She meets Evgenia, a poor girl who is devoted to the Bolshevik cause. The two become unlikely friends, and both have to take a hard look at the cause they believed in and decide what they really want Russia to become.
What I loved about this book was the growing friendship between Anna and Evgenia. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I really loved the character of Evgenia and how she learns and changes over the course of the story. Her arc was my favorite thing about this novel.
For my full review go here: http://historybookbybook.com/Daughter...
This novel is a retelling of the Anastasia story - in this version, Anastasia very much remembers who she is. She is trying to flee to safety across a warring Russia whilst being pursued by the man who murdered her family. She meets Evgenia, a poor girl who is devoted to the Bolshevik cause. The two become unlikely friends, and both have to take a hard look at the cause they believed in and decide what they really want Russia to become.
What I loved about this book was the growing friendship between Anna and Evgenia. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I really loved the character of Evgenia and how she learns and changes over the course of the story. Her arc was my favorite thing about this novel.
For my full review go here: http://historybookbybook.com/Daughter...
June 3, 2021
Daughters of a Dead Empire is a sweeping historical friendship story brimming with action, emotion, and humanity. Carolyn Tara O’Neil does an excellent job of exploring all the nuance and complexity of the Russian Revolution without overwhelming the reader—that’s quite an achievement! The reality of war and strife is brought to the forefront. Every death is felt and every emotion vivid and fully realized. I especially love how the horse is a fully realized character in the story and not simply a vehicle. This novel would be an excellent part of any high school curriculum that deals with the Russian Revolution. Five enthusiastic stars!
March 16, 2022
I am fascinated by the story of the last Tsar and his family, and was really excited about this book. There were aspects of it that were done quite well-- the trauma that Anastasia must have felt, the relationship between the girls as they wrestled with their ideals and political identities, the nuance in the powers at play during that time period. Unfortunately, though, the book ultimately fell flat for me. While there were interesting moments, it felt like a novel-length story about two girls running in a circle in the woods while being chased. The end of was not as satisfying as I had hoped. A great premise, it just didn't quite deliver.
August 25, 2022
Listened via Libby. I think this book could be categorized as a young adult historical fiction - however its so violent. And yes, I know all about violence in books (I.e. hunger games) but this was different. Maybe because its about a war that really happened? I think I would have liked this book better had they cut out the torture scenes. I mean, I get this point after describing the agony of ripping one fingernail out of a 15 year old - but did we really have to describe the 2nd nail?
On the plus side, this book offers good perspective into Russian history.
On the plus side, this book offers good perspective into Russian history.
October 17, 2021
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for review.
Despite the fanciful "what if Anastasia lived?" premise, Daughters of a Dead Empire is a brutal, bloody examination of the violent upheaval in Russia in 1918. "Anna" manages to escape when the rest of her family is executed and aims to make her way incognito to Tsarist forces and safety. Bribed with a diamond from the hidden jewels sewn into Anna's corset, Evgenia, a peasant girl and staunch communist, reluctantly agrees to give the wealthy girl a ride to her village. The two girls face peril from the clashing opposing armies as well as Commander Yurovksy, the man who murdered the Romanovs and will stop at nothing until Anna is dead.
The novel is a heavy, pull-no-punches look at the turmoil of the Russian Civil War and the resulting tragedy and destruction. Chapters alternate between Anna and Evgenia's first-person points of view, providing both Tsarist and Bolshevik perspectives. Through Anna's shocked eyes, we view the poverty of the Russian peasants firsthand and the desire for self-governance. Evgenia hates the life of privilege and ease that Anna has led, but recognizes that Anna is an innocent party and - begrudgingly - feels compassion for her. United by horrible personal loss, they begin to form a bond with each other despite their differences.
Though the developing friendship between the two girls is hopeful and heartwarming, much of the book consists of descriptions of stomach-turning violence, torture, and death. The many-times-previously-imagined scenario of Anastasia's survival and ensuing deviation from actual events feels at odds with the gritty historically accurate detail. The book's very open-ended conclusion is dampened by the reminder in the epilogue that ordinary Russians would continue to suffer greatly under Bolshevik rule for decades.
The writing is straightforward and clear, and makes for a quick read. In dual perspective books, sometimes the narrators' voices blend together, so O'Neil does well to distinguish Anastasia's refined and precise language from Evgenia's more blunt speech. However, Evgenia's very frequent use of the F-word is both repetitive and off-putting in a young adult novel, and some turns of phrases seemed anachronistic ("I screwed up"). The graphic descriptions also push the envelope on what's appropriate in a book written for teens. The novel was an interesting window into a part of history I did not know as many specific details about, but it isn't one I'll ever be revisiting.
Despite the fanciful "what if Anastasia lived?" premise, Daughters of a Dead Empire is a brutal, bloody examination of the violent upheaval in Russia in 1918. "Anna" manages to escape when the rest of her family is executed and aims to make her way incognito to Tsarist forces and safety. Bribed with a diamond from the hidden jewels sewn into Anna's corset, Evgenia, a peasant girl and staunch communist, reluctantly agrees to give the wealthy girl a ride to her village. The two girls face peril from the clashing opposing armies as well as Commander Yurovksy, the man who murdered the Romanovs and will stop at nothing until Anna is dead.
The novel is a heavy, pull-no-punches look at the turmoil of the Russian Civil War and the resulting tragedy and destruction. Chapters alternate between Anna and Evgenia's first-person points of view, providing both Tsarist and Bolshevik perspectives. Through Anna's shocked eyes, we view the poverty of the Russian peasants firsthand and the desire for self-governance. Evgenia hates the life of privilege and ease that Anna has led, but recognizes that Anna is an innocent party and - begrudgingly - feels compassion for her. United by horrible personal loss, they begin to form a bond with each other despite their differences.
Though the developing friendship between the two girls is hopeful and heartwarming, much of the book consists of descriptions of stomach-turning violence, torture, and death. The many-times-previously-imagined scenario of Anastasia's survival and ensuing deviation from actual events feels at odds with the gritty historically accurate detail. The book's very open-ended conclusion is dampened by the reminder in the epilogue that ordinary Russians would continue to suffer greatly under Bolshevik rule for decades.
The writing is straightforward and clear, and makes for a quick read. In dual perspective books, sometimes the narrators' voices blend together, so O'Neil does well to distinguish Anastasia's refined and precise language from Evgenia's more blunt speech. However, Evgenia's very frequent use of the F-word is both repetitive and off-putting in a young adult novel, and some turns of phrases seemed anachronistic ("I screwed up"). The graphic descriptions also push the envelope on what's appropriate in a book written for teens. The novel was an interesting window into a part of history I did not know as many specific details about, but it isn't one I'll ever be revisiting.
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