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The Empress
The Empress is a dazzling reimagining of the courtship between one of history's most iconic and beloved couples: Sisi and Franz of Austria.
The year is 1853, and sixteen-year-old Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria has been very clear: she will wait for the sweeping, head-over-heels kind of love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. It is not her fault Mother refuses to listen. After all, just because her older sister Helene has chosen the line of duty, and is preparing to marry Emperor Franz of Austria, does not mean Sisi also needs to subject herself to such a passionless, regimented existence. Sisi knows there is more to life than corsets, luncheons, and woefully unfashionable dukes . . . if only someone would give her the chance to experience it firsthand.
Meanwhile, in Austria, the Emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In a bid to keep the peace, Franz has recommitted himself to his imperial duties-and promised to romance the pliant Bavarian princess, Helene, at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the country than with the announcement of a new Empress?
But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of their families, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of the court, and the burning desires of their hearts . . .
Epic, captivating, and deliciously steamy, The Empress is a remarkably contemporary tale of falling in love and finding one's voice. To the fans of Bridgerton, The Crown, Sarah MacClean, and Lisa Kleypas: this one is for you
The year is 1853, and sixteen-year-old Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria has been very clear: she will wait for the sweeping, head-over-heels kind of love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. It is not her fault Mother refuses to listen. After all, just because her older sister Helene has chosen the line of duty, and is preparing to marry Emperor Franz of Austria, does not mean Sisi also needs to subject herself to such a passionless, regimented existence. Sisi knows there is more to life than corsets, luncheons, and woefully unfashionable dukes . . . if only someone would give her the chance to experience it firsthand.
Meanwhile, in Austria, the Emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In a bid to keep the peace, Franz has recommitted himself to his imperial duties-and promised to romance the pliant Bavarian princess, Helene, at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the country than with the announcement of a new Empress?
But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of their families, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of the court, and the burning desires of their hearts . . .
Epic, captivating, and deliciously steamy, The Empress is a remarkably contemporary tale of falling in love and finding one's voice. To the fans of Bridgerton, The Crown, Sarah MacClean, and Lisa Kleypas: this one is for you
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
254 people are currently reading
5915 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Griffis
17 books192 followersGigi Griffis is a critically acclaimed author of novels for adults and teens, including We Are The Beasts, The Lioness, and And the Trees Stare Back (a JLG Gold Standard Selection).
She’s a sucker for little-known histories, “unlikable” female characters, and all things Europe. After almost ten years of semi-nomadic life, she now lives in Portugal with an opinionated Yorkie-mix named Luna and a collection of very nerdy books.
She’s a sucker for little-known histories, “unlikable” female characters, and all things Europe. After almost ten years of semi-nomadic life, she now lives in Portugal with an opinionated Yorkie-mix named Luna and a collection of very nerdy books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
August 2, 2022
thank you netgalley, zando projects, and gigi griffis for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! i truly loved this book so much and it’s one of my favorite historical fiction novels that i’ve read.
this book follows princess elisabeth “sisi” of bavaria, her sister helene, and emperor franz of austria as helene waits to marry franz. however, things do not go as planned when sisi and franz start to become close…
i loved sisi as a character and how the real person has been reflected in the book. it depicts her relationship with her family and franz in a beautiful way and i thought the writing style was stunning. it truly described what falling in love is like, as well as what it’s like to feel jealous, sad, or left out.
overall, i think historical fiction/romance fans will really enjoy this one. i’m so excited for it to be on netflix and i hope to read more from this author in the future!
5 stars
this book follows princess elisabeth “sisi” of bavaria, her sister helene, and emperor franz of austria as helene waits to marry franz. however, things do not go as planned when sisi and franz start to become close…
i loved sisi as a character and how the real person has been reflected in the book. it depicts her relationship with her family and franz in a beautiful way and i thought the writing style was stunning. it truly described what falling in love is like, as well as what it’s like to feel jealous, sad, or left out.
overall, i think historical fiction/romance fans will really enjoy this one. i’m so excited for it to be on netflix and i hope to read more from this author in the future!
5 stars
December 16, 2022
Na radosny, zaczytany wieczór do utraty tchu powieść kostiumowa o jednej z najbarwniejszych kobiet w historii.
Dzieje młodziutkiej Sisi i cesarza Franciszka rozpalają wyobraźnię twórców po dziś dzień i nic w tym dziwnego. To jeden z tych romansów gorących i namiętnych, zupełnie przypadkowych. Tym bardziej wyjątkowy, że w świecie konwenansów, sztywnej etykiety i dworskich układów, nie ma miejsca na prawdziwą i szczerą miłość. Elżbieta i Franciszek byli swojego czasu na językach wszystkich! Ona śliczna jak z obrazka (to nie przypadek, że okrzyknięto ją najpiękniejszą kobietą na świecie), młodziutka, zupełnie inna od reszty arystokratek roznieciła miłość w jego sercu od pierwszego wejrzenia. Była niczym świeży powiew, oddech od tego co traumatyczne, co polityczne, co sztuczne. Siłę tego uczucia opisywali sami bliscy cesarza, ten ogień między nimi. Chociaż przyszłość przyniosła im więcej smutku i zgryzoty niż można by przypuszczać, to właśnie te początki wydają się niemal magiczne. Romans kostiumowy pisze się tutaj niemal sam.
A my czytelnicy śledzimy losy tej niezwykłej pary z prawdziwymi wypiekami na twarzy, świetnie się przy tym bawiąc. Nie raz i nie dwa zrobi się nam naprawdę gorąco, w końcu ukradkowe spojrzenia, skradzione pocałunku, czułe gesty opisane z taką subtelnością robią tu swoje. Gigi Griffis wprowadza nas w ten beztroski świat przyjęć, swatów i salonów. Świat przyszłej cesarzowej obserwujemy z kilku perspektyw – jej siostry Heleny, cesarza Franciszka i jej samej. W tle przewijają się postacie historyczne, bohaterowie jej życia i samej sceny politycznej tamtej epoki. Oczarowuje przepych, romantyczne okoliczności, zjawiskowe pałacowe otoczenie. Jak tu się nie zakochać?
„Cesarzowa Sisi” to lektura leciuchna jak piórko, wciągająca i satysfakcjonująca na dokładkę. Ani za krótka, ani za długa – w sam raz, by spędzić z nią zaczytany, radosny wieczór. To także doskonały wstęp do historii samej Elżbiety Bawarskiej, postaci barwnej i niezmiennie fascynującej, także dla kolejnych pokoleń. Gigi Griffis pokazuje dziewczynę, która wie czego chce od życia i zdobywa to zupełnie przypadkiem. Także rozterki, jakie z ową zdobyczą były związane, w tym siostrzane uczucie wystawione na próbę, konsternację rodziny i przygotowanie do nowej roli. Bez zbędnych dłużyzn, za to z polotem i pasją.
A na deser można obejrzeć uzupełniający książkę serial na Netflixie i raz jeszcze poczuć się emocje.
Dzieje młodziutkiej Sisi i cesarza Franciszka rozpalają wyobraźnię twórców po dziś dzień i nic w tym dziwnego. To jeden z tych romansów gorących i namiętnych, zupełnie przypadkowych. Tym bardziej wyjątkowy, że w świecie konwenansów, sztywnej etykiety i dworskich układów, nie ma miejsca na prawdziwą i szczerą miłość. Elżbieta i Franciszek byli swojego czasu na językach wszystkich! Ona śliczna jak z obrazka (to nie przypadek, że okrzyknięto ją najpiękniejszą kobietą na świecie), młodziutka, zupełnie inna od reszty arystokratek roznieciła miłość w jego sercu od pierwszego wejrzenia. Była niczym świeży powiew, oddech od tego co traumatyczne, co polityczne, co sztuczne. Siłę tego uczucia opisywali sami bliscy cesarza, ten ogień między nimi. Chociaż przyszłość przyniosła im więcej smutku i zgryzoty niż można by przypuszczać, to właśnie te początki wydają się niemal magiczne. Romans kostiumowy pisze się tutaj niemal sam.
A my czytelnicy śledzimy losy tej niezwykłej pary z prawdziwymi wypiekami na twarzy, świetnie się przy tym bawiąc. Nie raz i nie dwa zrobi się nam naprawdę gorąco, w końcu ukradkowe spojrzenia, skradzione pocałunku, czułe gesty opisane z taką subtelnością robią tu swoje. Gigi Griffis wprowadza nas w ten beztroski świat przyjęć, swatów i salonów. Świat przyszłej cesarzowej obserwujemy z kilku perspektyw – jej siostry Heleny, cesarza Franciszka i jej samej. W tle przewijają się postacie historyczne, bohaterowie jej życia i samej sceny politycznej tamtej epoki. Oczarowuje przepych, romantyczne okoliczności, zjawiskowe pałacowe otoczenie. Jak tu się nie zakochać?
„Cesarzowa Sisi” to lektura leciuchna jak piórko, wciągająca i satysfakcjonująca na dokładkę. Ani za krótka, ani za długa – w sam raz, by spędzić z nią zaczytany, radosny wieczór. To także doskonały wstęp do historii samej Elżbiety Bawarskiej, postaci barwnej i niezmiennie fascynującej, także dla kolejnych pokoleń. Gigi Griffis pokazuje dziewczynę, która wie czego chce od życia i zdobywa to zupełnie przypadkiem. Także rozterki, jakie z ową zdobyczą były związane, w tym siostrzane uczucie wystawione na próbę, konsternację rodziny i przygotowanie do nowej roli. Bez zbędnych dłużyzn, za to z polotem i pasją.
A na deser można obejrzeć uzupełniający książkę serial na Netflixie i raz jeszcze poczuć się emocje.
November 10, 2023
Sissi is een begrip en als kind was ik helemaal gek van haar. Meermaals keek ik de films met Romy Schneider in de hoofdrol en genoot ik telkens weer. Toen Keizerin uitkwam, voelde ik het kriebelen om dit boek te gaan lezen en gelukkig was ik bijna jarig en kreeg ik het cadeau! Keizerin focust op drie hoofdpersonen – Sissi, Franz en in mindere mate ook op Helene en het is dus vooral op die eerste 2 personen gericht. We lezen hoe Sissi en Franz elkaar ontmoeten en als een blok voor elkaar vallen. Hun liefde is echter onmogelijk want Franz wordt geacht om te trouwen met Helene, de zus van Sissi. Maar toch is dat niet wat hij wil… De focus ligt dus op de heimelijke ontmoetingen, het verzet tegen hun familie en de uiteindelijke uitkomst van dit alles. Het boek gaf me enkele zeer vermakelijke uurtjes aan leesgenot en ik heb er echt van genoten. Het was één van de betere boeken die ik vorige maand las en een aangename afwisseling tussen al de lugubere thrillerverhalen die ik soms lees. Keizerin krijgt dus met verve 4.5 sterren!
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
October 1, 2022
It was all going well until—
Until the first half. And the second. And then things escalated at the last 50 or so pages and then—
Nothing.
The end.
*this review is brought to you by this novel’s writing style.
Until the first half. And the second. And then things escalated at the last 50 or so pages and then—
Nothing.
The end.
*this review is brought to you by this novel’s writing style.
September 30, 2022
Thank you net galley for sending me an advance readers copy in exchange for a honest review.
This had multiple issues that made it utterly dissapointing as a read.
1. Elisabeths character.
I get Elisabeth being a bit more adventurous and refusing to listen to court rules with her sister marrying the Emperor but her being empress and still having the personality of a Victorian shoe-less hippy was slightly annoying to say the least.
2. Storylines and characters shoved to the side and forgotten?
Storylines like Franz's PTSD who play an important role on the first part of the book are suddenly forgotten although they still remain to the readers knowledge unresolved? Also characters like Elisabeths father and little sister are missing for 90% of the book?
3. Franz is an uninteresting character.
4. Pacing issues
I have strong issues with how this is 300 pages long and none of them are used to dive into the actual important parts of the plot like the interactions of royals with the outside common folks? All the action takes place in the palace with the most exciting thing being Elisabeth going around bare foot with the Emperors brother.
Overall not a good read. It's clear that Gigi Griffins has talent and this could be a good recommendation for someone who enjoys a historically inaccurate light read but definitely not for me.
This had multiple issues that made it utterly dissapointing as a read.
1. Elisabeths character.
I get Elisabeth being a bit more adventurous and refusing to listen to court rules with her sister marrying the Emperor but her being empress and still having the personality of a Victorian shoe-less hippy was slightly annoying to say the least.
2. Storylines and characters shoved to the side and forgotten?
Storylines like Franz's PTSD who play an important role on the first part of the book are suddenly forgotten although they still remain to the readers knowledge unresolved? Also characters like Elisabeths father and little sister are missing for 90% of the book?
3. Franz is an uninteresting character.
4. Pacing issues
I have strong issues with how this is 300 pages long and none of them are used to dive into the actual important parts of the plot like the interactions of royals with the outside common folks? All the action takes place in the palace with the most exciting thing being Elisabeth going around bare foot with the Emperors brother.
Overall not a good read. It's clear that Gigi Griffins has talent and this could be a good recommendation for someone who enjoys a historically inaccurate light read but definitely not for me.
July 29, 2022
I'd like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance at reading this book.
I may not be of Austrian descent, or someone who is a HUGE Elisabeth historian, but I can tell when people do their research... and when people take liberties with history.
In the case of this book, it appears this book was written as a novelization of the show The Empress' (a German language show that is coming to English speaking tvs via Netflix). I grabbed this because while I have read books about Elisabeth, watched the Romy Schnider films, AND enjoyed the musical ... I had to grab this too to see how this book was adapted for audiences.
It could be that I am not quite a fan of 'creating drama' or 'inventing scenes' that either didn't exist or didn't happen how they did, but I think that based on this book I'm going to have some issues with the show.
The book is easy to read and flows a bit choppy. There isn't a lot of depth and everything seems to be paint by numbers. I will say that it reads like a YA version of Alison Pataki's book up until when Elisabeth and Franz marry.
I just think that when it comes to Elisabeth there is enough drama and issues with her life that to invent things or play around with history (Sophie nicer than usual?) is a bit of a stretch for me.
I may not be of Austrian descent, or someone who is a HUGE Elisabeth historian, but I can tell when people do their research... and when people take liberties with history.
In the case of this book, it appears this book was written as a novelization of the show The Empress' (a German language show that is coming to English speaking tvs via Netflix). I grabbed this because while I have read books about Elisabeth, watched the Romy Schnider films, AND enjoyed the musical ... I had to grab this too to see how this book was adapted for audiences.
It could be that I am not quite a fan of 'creating drama' or 'inventing scenes' that either didn't exist or didn't happen how they did, but I think that based on this book I'm going to have some issues with the show.
The book is easy to read and flows a bit choppy. There isn't a lot of depth and everything seems to be paint by numbers. I will say that it reads like a YA version of Alison Pataki's book up until when Elisabeth and Franz marry.
I just think that when it comes to Elisabeth there is enough drama and issues with her life that to invent things or play around with history (Sophie nicer than usual?) is a bit of a stretch for me.
October 14, 2022
Geschwisterrivalitäten & verliebt in den Kaiser
Elisabeth will einen Mann, der ihre Seele satt macht, aber da sie so rebellisch ist, versucht ihre Mutter sie nur irgendwie unter die Haube zu bringen, bevor Elisabeth noch die ganze Familie blamiert. Schließlich soll sich ihre Schwester Helene bald mit Kaiser Franz von Österreich verloben, doch dann ist ausgerechnet Elisabeth ist diejenige, die den Kaiser sofort verzaubert.
Da das Buch damit beworben wird, dass es das Buch zur Serie ist, möchte ich kurz auch etwas dazu sagen: Das Buch ist im Vergleich viel kürzer und umfasst nur die ersten zwei Folgen, die in diesem Buch auch gut wiedergegeben werden. Während die Serie danach dramatisch weitergeht, finden Elisabeth und Franz hier also früher ihr Happy End und man muss darauf vertrauen, dass das Paar auch alle anderen Krisen zusammen bewältigen wird.
Das Buch bietet viel bessere Einblicke in die Gefühle und Gedanken der Charaktere und hier stehen noch mehr die holprige Liebesgeschichte sowie die Uneinigkeiten der Geschwisterpaare im Vordergrund, politische Themen werden eher kurz angerissen.
Elisabeth ist frei und unbeschwert, Helene hingegen ist perfekt und das Lieblingskind der Mutter. Franz muss als Kaiser viel Verantwortung übernehmen, wird von allen Seiten bedrängt und kann kaum einen Aspekt seines Lebens selbst bestimmen, während sein Bruder Max tun und lassen kann, was er will, selbst wenn das ein schlechtes Licht auf die kaiserliche Familie wirft. Dafür neidet Max seinem Bruder die Aufmerksamkeit und dass er als Kaiser letztendlich alles zu bekommen scheint, was er haben will. Die Geschwister sind sehr unterschiedlich und deswegen mal neidisch und mal frustriert.
Die Rivalitäten und Missverständnisse zwischen ihnen sorgen für viele Probleme, aber auch die Anforderungen an die zukünftige Kaiserin bringen Spannung ein. Ich fand die Liebesgeschichte schon unterhaltsam, besonders durch Elisabeth etwas rebellische Art, aber die romantischen Gefühle waren mir manchmal einfach zu kitschig und zu viel, daher wurde mir auch Elisabeth irgendwann etwas zu anstrengend.
Elisabeth will einen Mann, der ihre Seele satt macht, aber da sie so rebellisch ist, versucht ihre Mutter sie nur irgendwie unter die Haube zu bringen, bevor Elisabeth noch die ganze Familie blamiert. Schließlich soll sich ihre Schwester Helene bald mit Kaiser Franz von Österreich verloben, doch dann ist ausgerechnet Elisabeth ist diejenige, die den Kaiser sofort verzaubert.
Da das Buch damit beworben wird, dass es das Buch zur Serie ist, möchte ich kurz auch etwas dazu sagen: Das Buch ist im Vergleich viel kürzer und umfasst nur die ersten zwei Folgen, die in diesem Buch auch gut wiedergegeben werden. Während die Serie danach dramatisch weitergeht, finden Elisabeth und Franz hier also früher ihr Happy End und man muss darauf vertrauen, dass das Paar auch alle anderen Krisen zusammen bewältigen wird.
Das Buch bietet viel bessere Einblicke in die Gefühle und Gedanken der Charaktere und hier stehen noch mehr die holprige Liebesgeschichte sowie die Uneinigkeiten der Geschwisterpaare im Vordergrund, politische Themen werden eher kurz angerissen.
Elisabeth ist frei und unbeschwert, Helene hingegen ist perfekt und das Lieblingskind der Mutter. Franz muss als Kaiser viel Verantwortung übernehmen, wird von allen Seiten bedrängt und kann kaum einen Aspekt seines Lebens selbst bestimmen, während sein Bruder Max tun und lassen kann, was er will, selbst wenn das ein schlechtes Licht auf die kaiserliche Familie wirft. Dafür neidet Max seinem Bruder die Aufmerksamkeit und dass er als Kaiser letztendlich alles zu bekommen scheint, was er haben will. Die Geschwister sind sehr unterschiedlich und deswegen mal neidisch und mal frustriert.
Die Rivalitäten und Missverständnisse zwischen ihnen sorgen für viele Probleme, aber auch die Anforderungen an die zukünftige Kaiserin bringen Spannung ein. Ich fand die Liebesgeschichte schon unterhaltsam, besonders durch Elisabeth etwas rebellische Art, aber die romantischen Gefühle waren mir manchmal einfach zu kitschig und zu viel, daher wurde mir auch Elisabeth irgendwann etwas zu anstrengend.
December 23, 2022
The show is so much better. I did not enjoy this book at all. The historical royalty romance feeling I wanted just wasn't there. Very disappointed.
August 31, 2025
I enjoyed this and am excited to watch the show. Definitely outside of my normal read but I liked it more than I was expecting!
November 5, 2022
Wwwhhhat a book, foi demasiado bom!!!
Curiosa com todo o burburinho que a série da Netflix estava a gerar, quis ler o livro primeiro. Desde pequena que sempre adorei a princesa Sissi, e era viciada nos desenhos animados dela.
Nada me preparou para o DELÍRIO que foi ler este romance histórico.
Temos tudo o que podemos querer:
1. Heroína feminista poderosa.
2. Amor proibido.
3. Intriga entre irmãs.
4. Protagonista masculino não-tóxico.
5. Crítica à sociedade da época.
6. Sexy stuff.
A nossa Sissi é uma duquesa da Baviera, mas no fundo é uma mulher simples. Gosta de andar descalça, andar a cavalo, estar na natureza, estar solteira e poesia. Ah, e ela não quer casar com um badameco qualquer só porque sim: ou casa por amor ou não casa de todo, o que provoca o desespero da mãe dela que a quer ver casada à força. Mas a irmã de Sissi, Helene, é que é a preferida da mãe: está prestes a casar com o imperador dos Habsburgos, Franz. Mas Helene é uma sonsinha, e quando o Franz põe os olhos na Sissi e na sua impetuosidade e genuinidade, fica apaixonado por ela.
Estão a ver o problema que vai surgir aqui.
É que Sissi tem de escolher entre magoar a irmã, escolher o amor e tornar-se ela a imperatriz, ou abdicar da sua felicidade em prol da da sua família.
Eu adorei este livro, li-o num ápice, tem uma linguagem muito fácil de seguir e uma boa construção das personagens e dos sentimentos delas. Os ambientes do palácio são descritos de forma eficaz, sem ser necessário perder-se em detalhes irrelevantes. Além disso, achei que a maneira como vários assuntos foram tratados foi feita impecavelmente e as preocupações sociais da Sissi e a sua simplicidade e não-deslumbramento tornam-na uma personagem feminina perfeita.
Preciso urgentemente da continuação!!!
TW: morte de animal.
Curiosa com todo o burburinho que a série da Netflix estava a gerar, quis ler o livro primeiro. Desde pequena que sempre adorei a princesa Sissi, e era viciada nos desenhos animados dela.
Nada me preparou para o DELÍRIO que foi ler este romance histórico.
Temos tudo o que podemos querer:
1. Heroína feminista poderosa.
2. Amor proibido.
3. Intriga entre irmãs.
4. Protagonista masculino não-tóxico.
5. Crítica à sociedade da época.
6. Sexy stuff.
A nossa Sissi é uma duquesa da Baviera, mas no fundo é uma mulher simples. Gosta de andar descalça, andar a cavalo, estar na natureza, estar solteira e poesia. Ah, e ela não quer casar com um badameco qualquer só porque sim: ou casa por amor ou não casa de todo, o que provoca o desespero da mãe dela que a quer ver casada à força. Mas a irmã de Sissi, Helene, é que é a preferida da mãe: está prestes a casar com o imperador dos Habsburgos, Franz. Mas Helene é uma sonsinha, e quando o Franz põe os olhos na Sissi e na sua impetuosidade e genuinidade, fica apaixonado por ela.
Estão a ver o problema que vai surgir aqui.
É que Sissi tem de escolher entre magoar a irmã, escolher o amor e tornar-se ela a imperatriz, ou abdicar da sua felicidade em prol da da sua família.
Eu adorei este livro, li-o num ápice, tem uma linguagem muito fácil de seguir e uma boa construção das personagens e dos sentimentos delas. Os ambientes do palácio são descritos de forma eficaz, sem ser necessário perder-se em detalhes irrelevantes. Além disso, achei que a maneira como vários assuntos foram tratados foi feita impecavelmente e as preocupações sociais da Sissi e a sua simplicidade e não-deslumbramento tornam-na uma personagem feminina perfeita.
Preciso urgentemente da continuação!!!
TW: morte de animal.
August 5, 2022
Talk about steam! 🔥 This was a beautiful story about love and passion and I absolutely devoured it! The chemistry between the main characters, Franz and Sisi just jumps off the page and you can’t help rooting for their love. I also appreciated the fact that the story focuses on another relationship that I consider just as important, and that is the one between Sisi and her sister Helene. Having two sisters myself I really connected to their story and how the relationship between siblings can evolve and grow.
I feel like a lot of historical fiction books can be slow but this one was fast paced and very entertaining. I’m not too familiar with this part of history so it was a nice change from the usual WWII novels you see so often in this genre. If you’re a fan of historical fiction or romance (or both 😆) this is the book for you as it perfectly combines them into the story. Check out this book when it’s out in October!
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced copy and to the author for such an enjoyable read!
I feel like a lot of historical fiction books can be slow but this one was fast paced and very entertaining. I’m not too familiar with this part of history so it was a nice change from the usual WWII novels you see so often in this genre. If you’re a fan of historical fiction or romance (or both 😆) this is the book for you as it perfectly combines them into the story. Check out this book when it’s out in October!
Thank you to the publisher for this advanced copy and to the author for such an enjoyable read!
December 20, 2022
"Tiene un buen arranque, de hecho, te hace pensar que adorarás el romance entre Francisco José e Isabel, pero después de la mitad se va perdiendo el encanto. Los instantes de los protagonistas juntos se reducen y solo nos centramos en un aspecto de su relación. Los personajes secundarios logran destacar más en esa parte, pero eso no evita que se caiga en la rutina y la lectura se estanque. En términos generales, es un libro aceptable, no tiene tanto sentimiento como debería, pero no es tedioso".
Reseña completa: https://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspo...
La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5. Redondeo al alza porque, dentro de lo que cabe, no me aburrí leyendo. Sí que fui sintiendo más indiferencia ante lo que se narraba, pero nunca llegué a querer dejar el libro.
Reseña completa: https://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspo...
La puntuación real sería un 2,5/5. Redondeo al alza porque, dentro de lo que cabe, no me aburrí leyendo. Sí que fui sintiendo más indiferencia ante lo que se narraba, pero nunca llegué a querer dejar el libro.
January 14, 2023
Sinceramente muy sin más
November 20, 2022
Uma das formas mais fáceis de aprender um pouco de História: com um romance leve e divertido. Delicioso e com uma escrita leve.
Não conhecia aprofundadamente a lendária Imperatriz Sissi, mas fiquei com muita curiosidade e dei por mim a querer saber mais sobre ela e a pesquisá-la durante a leitura.
Espero gostar tanto da adaptação quanto do livro e quero muito que haja continuação!
Não conhecia aprofundadamente a lendária Imperatriz Sissi, mas fiquei com muita curiosidade e dei por mim a querer saber mais sobre ela e a pesquisá-la durante a leitura.
Espero gostar tanto da adaptação quanto do livro e quero muito que haja continuação!
September 13, 2022
I’ve never done a review for a book based on a collaborative effort between the publisher, Netflix, and the IP owner before. Keeping in mind that this is Gigi Griffis’s first adult historical fiction debut and that the freedom for content wasn’t as flexible as if she’d come up with the plot, researched it and written it all herself, this was a good read. As I understand it, Griffis had little say over what content went into the book. It’s based on a Netflix show.
While I feel it may have ended abruptly, I need to keep in mind that this is a tie-in to an epic historical TV series coming from Netflix soon.
While I don’t often read, nor appreciate reading, about nipples, buttocks and three to a bed in my historical fiction, I need to keep in mind that this is what the original author and the screenwriter had agreed on. Griffis is simply writing what she sees.
While I feel it may have too much ‘fluff factor,’ I need to keep in mind that it was written from Netflix and needed to have a balance between romance and historical facts in order to appeal to a wide TV viewing audience.
While I feel it has been modernized, I have to keep in mind that it definitely has - sex sells!
Marketed as a dazzling reimagining of the courtship between one of history’s beloved couples, Sisi and Franz of Austria, this tale is about falling in love and finding one’s voice.
The first half of the ‘re-imagining’ was compelling. The second half, more of a harlequin romance, I skim read.
I’d love the opportunity to read another of this author’s books - one that she has written entirely herself. I feel I could write a more accurate review.
I was gifted this book by the publisher and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
While I feel it may have ended abruptly, I need to keep in mind that this is a tie-in to an epic historical TV series coming from Netflix soon.
While I don’t often read, nor appreciate reading, about nipples, buttocks and three to a bed in my historical fiction, I need to keep in mind that this is what the original author and the screenwriter had agreed on. Griffis is simply writing what she sees.
While I feel it may have too much ‘fluff factor,’ I need to keep in mind that it was written from Netflix and needed to have a balance between romance and historical facts in order to appeal to a wide TV viewing audience.
While I feel it has been modernized, I have to keep in mind that it definitely has - sex sells!
Marketed as a dazzling reimagining of the courtship between one of history’s beloved couples, Sisi and Franz of Austria, this tale is about falling in love and finding one’s voice.
The first half of the ‘re-imagining’ was compelling. The second half, more of a harlequin romance, I skim read.
I’d love the opportunity to read another of this author’s books - one that she has written entirely herself. I feel I could write a more accurate review.
I was gifted this book by the publisher and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 20, 2023
~Tutaj muzyka podąża za tobą, nie na odwrót. <3
Po czasie zmieniam z 5⭐ na 3.
Po czasie zmieniam z 5⭐ na 3.
October 13, 2022
Zur Abwechslung zu Thrillern, Krimis sowie Fantasy-Büchern wollte ich mich an die Geschichte von Sissy (Elizabeth) und Franz ran wagen. In „Die Kaiserin“ wird der Anfang dieser Geschichte aufgegriffen. Elizabeth steht im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte, welche jeden Verehrer und potentiellen Ehemann in die Flucht schlägt. Doch als dann ihre Schwester Helene sich mit dem Kaiser Franz verloben möchte, merkt Elizabeth, als sie auf Franz trifft, dass sie sich zu ihm hingezogen fühlt. Und umso näher sie Franz kennenlernt, desto mehr muss sie an den Kaiser denken. Wie soll sich Elizabeth entscheiden? Kann sie ihre Schwester Helene hintergehen?
Zu Beginn kann ich sagen, dass mir das Buch und die darum enthaltene Atmosphäre rundum „ok“ gefallen hat. Man hat viel über das Leben damals sowie über die Monarchien erfahren. Spannend war das Buch eher weniger, da ich die Geschichte über Sissy und Franz natürlich kannte, sodass ich ungefähr wusste, was mich erwarten wird. Dennoch fand ich, dass es der Autorin gelungen ist, andere Schwerpunkte sowie andere Szenen näher zu beleuchten. Auf der anderen Seite hätte ich aber gewünscht, dass diese Szenen noch intensiver thematisiert worden wären, da so bei mir der Eindruck entstanden ist, dass diese sehr kurz und abgehackt waren.
Die Geschichte wird insgesamt aus 4 Erzählperspektiven geschildert – Sissy, Franz, Sissys Schwester namens Helene sowie Max. Einerseits fand ich diese wechselnde Erzähldynamik gut, anderseits hatte ich trotzdem das Gefühl, dass man die Figuren nicht so richtig ausführlich kennenlernen konnte. Sie werden nämlich sehr oberflächlich charakterisiert.
Das Ende fand ich zudem nicht so gelungen, da die Handlung vor einem besonderen Ereignis beendet wird. Dieses Ereignis war in meinen Augen auch nicht ausführlich aufgegriffen worden. Hier wäre noch mehr Spielraum gewesen.
Fazit: Das Buch hinterlässt mich mit gemischten Gefühlen zurück. Obwohl die Atmosphäre und der informative Teil rundum gut waren, gab es viele Defizite in einzelnen Szenendarstellungen sowie in der Figurenausarbeitung. Deswegen kann ich nur 2,5 Sterne vergeben.
Zu Beginn kann ich sagen, dass mir das Buch und die darum enthaltene Atmosphäre rundum „ok“ gefallen hat. Man hat viel über das Leben damals sowie über die Monarchien erfahren. Spannend war das Buch eher weniger, da ich die Geschichte über Sissy und Franz natürlich kannte, sodass ich ungefähr wusste, was mich erwarten wird. Dennoch fand ich, dass es der Autorin gelungen ist, andere Schwerpunkte sowie andere Szenen näher zu beleuchten. Auf der anderen Seite hätte ich aber gewünscht, dass diese Szenen noch intensiver thematisiert worden wären, da so bei mir der Eindruck entstanden ist, dass diese sehr kurz und abgehackt waren.
Die Geschichte wird insgesamt aus 4 Erzählperspektiven geschildert – Sissy, Franz, Sissys Schwester namens Helene sowie Max. Einerseits fand ich diese wechselnde Erzähldynamik gut, anderseits hatte ich trotzdem das Gefühl, dass man die Figuren nicht so richtig ausführlich kennenlernen konnte. Sie werden nämlich sehr oberflächlich charakterisiert.
Das Ende fand ich zudem nicht so gelungen, da die Handlung vor einem besonderen Ereignis beendet wird. Dieses Ereignis war in meinen Augen auch nicht ausführlich aufgegriffen worden. Hier wäre noch mehr Spielraum gewesen.
Fazit: Das Buch hinterlässt mich mit gemischten Gefühlen zurück. Obwohl die Atmosphäre und der informative Teil rundum gut waren, gab es viele Defizite in einzelnen Szenendarstellungen sowie in der Figurenausarbeitung. Deswegen kann ich nur 2,5 Sterne vergeben.
January 31, 2023
Opinião no blogue: https://alilianaraquel.pt/2023/01/a-i...
October 23, 2022
Ce livre est définitivement un 3,5⭐️
J’ai aimé découvrir une nouvelle interprétation de Sissi et aussi le fait qu’on voit les points de vue d’au moins 3 personnes!
Cependant je ne peux donner un 4 parce que je trouve que l’histoire manque un peu de fluidité parfois et les petits chapitres brisent un peu le rythme de lecture!
En général c’est une bonne petite histoire d’amour à une époque où le devoir avait préséance☺️
J’ai aimé découvrir une nouvelle interprétation de Sissi et aussi le fait qu’on voit les points de vue d’au moins 3 personnes!
Cependant je ne peux donner un 4 parce que je trouve que l’histoire manque un peu de fluidité parfois et les petits chapitres brisent un peu le rythme de lecture!
En général c’est une bonne petite histoire d’amour à une époque où le devoir avait préséance☺️
January 3, 2023
Quería algo sencillo y ligero y si,al principio lo fue,pero luego muy repetido todo y sin avance real de la historia.
October 17, 2022
4.5 rounded up. I went into this book with no expectations and it blew me away. Historical romance at its finest!!! I had butterflies almost the whole time. I loved all the court drama. The descriptions are insanely beautiful. And don’t get me started on Franz 🥵 this in my opinion has the right amount of spice as well. Highly recommend to all my historical romance lovers! I cannot wait to watch the show
October 20, 2023
2,5/5
Czegoś mi tutaj zabrakło. Klimat cudowny, ale moim zdaniem wszystko działo się zbyt szybko i zbyt chaotycznie. Bardzo zainteresował mnie sam motyw władzy i wojny między mocarstwami jednak został on po prostu zamieciony pod dywan. Do tej pory nie wiem, w jakich okolicznosciach powstała blizna Franciszka. Dużo wątków można by było rozwinąć, dlatego uważam, że autorka choć miała pomysł na fabułę to nie umiała go odpowiednio wykorzystać
Czegoś mi tutaj zabrakło. Klimat cudowny, ale moim zdaniem wszystko działo się zbyt szybko i zbyt chaotycznie. Bardzo zainteresował mnie sam motyw władzy i wojny między mocarstwami jednak został on po prostu zamieciony pod dywan. Do tej pory nie wiem, w jakich okolicznosciach powstała blizna Franciszka. Dużo wątków można by było rozwinąć, dlatego uważam, że autorka choć miała pomysł na fabułę to nie umiała go odpowiednio wykorzystać
November 19, 2024
“Does he satiate your soul?” 😭❤️🔥🤨
August 23, 2022
The Empress by Gigi Griffis
is a great historical fiction that delves into the lives of Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria.
I enjoyed reading their introduction and beginning in alternating points of view and chapters in the voice of Franz and Sisi. (There are even a few snippets focusing on Sisi’s sister Helen.
There is romance, spice, drama, history, court antics, intrigue…and definitely is not short on interesting antics.
If you like historical fiction that involves royalty, then this should be of interest.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Zando Projects for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/11/22.
is a great historical fiction that delves into the lives of Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria.
I enjoyed reading their introduction and beginning in alternating points of view and chapters in the voice of Franz and Sisi. (There are even a few snippets focusing on Sisi’s sister Helen.
There is romance, spice, drama, history, court antics, intrigue…and definitely is not short on interesting antics.
If you like historical fiction that involves royalty, then this should be of interest.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Zando Projects for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/11/22.
October 11, 2022
The empress was an interesting read.
A mix of romance with what life at the palace means to say it shortly.
Sisi is a well-known character in the history. The descriptions of the settings in the Bavarian mountains are really drawing attention and the whole romanticised story will get the attention of fans of historical romance.
A lot of this book is based on their characters and mostly on the relationship between Sisi and her sister, Helene, as well as Franz, the emperor.
There are a few things that didn’t really worked for me here. I felt like the past and present could’ve been more developed, especially since Franz has suffered for so long with PTSD and it’s normal. Afterwards, he had to witness so much cruelty and violence over the years.
Sisi is a “do whatever she wants” character. She won’t abide by the court rules. She wants to marry because she loved her future husband and tries everything to escape her royal duties.
In my opinion, she acted various times like a spoiled child and not like a young woman that would be a proud empress. Her rebellious facade is understandable but everything has limits, in my opinion.
Overall, it is an interesting, romanticised story where fiction and reality combine to bring a show to the masses.
3.5 stars
NetGalley arc
A mix of romance with what life at the palace means to say it shortly.
Sisi is a well-known character in the history. The descriptions of the settings in the Bavarian mountains are really drawing attention and the whole romanticised story will get the attention of fans of historical romance.
A lot of this book is based on their characters and mostly on the relationship between Sisi and her sister, Helene, as well as Franz, the emperor.
There are a few things that didn’t really worked for me here. I felt like the past and present could’ve been more developed, especially since Franz has suffered for so long with PTSD and it’s normal. Afterwards, he had to witness so much cruelty and violence over the years.
Sisi is a “do whatever she wants” character. She won’t abide by the court rules. She wants to marry because she loved her future husband and tries everything to escape her royal duties.
In my opinion, she acted various times like a spoiled child and not like a young woman that would be a proud empress. Her rebellious facade is understandable but everything has limits, in my opinion.
Overall, it is an interesting, romanticised story where fiction and reality combine to bring a show to the masses.
3.5 stars
NetGalley arc
September 18, 2022
What happens when you family tries to arrange a match? The younger free spirited younger sister is so much more appealing.
The prim and proper title of Empress is not what one thinks of when it comes to Elisabeth. What I liked about her is that she just wanted to say and be herself including speaking out of turn and going on barefooted walks. Franz had been thorough a lot including a knife attack. All he wanted was to be seen as himself and not just his title. The drama that unfolded was all surrounding what others wanted to happen and that wasn't the Franz and Elisabeth romance.
I really liked the characters in this book, but I wanted more romance. I think that Elisabeth and Franz sneaking away from prying eyes could have been more frequent and steamy. I think that would have added a bit more excitement.
I am interested to see where the rest of the story goes from here since I left the end wondering "what next."
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
The prim and proper title of Empress is not what one thinks of when it comes to Elisabeth. What I liked about her is that she just wanted to say and be herself including speaking out of turn and going on barefooted walks. Franz had been thorough a lot including a knife attack. All he wanted was to be seen as himself and not just his title. The drama that unfolded was all surrounding what others wanted to happen and that wasn't the Franz and Elisabeth romance.
I really liked the characters in this book, but I wanted more romance. I think that Elisabeth and Franz sneaking away from prying eyes could have been more frequent and steamy. I think that would have added a bit more excitement.
I am interested to see where the rest of the story goes from here since I left the end wondering "what next."
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
August 23, 2022
The Empress by Gigi Griffis
is a great historical fiction that delves into the lives of Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria.
I enjoyed reading their introduction and beginning in alternating points of view and chapters in the voice of Franz and Sisi. (There are even a few snippets focusing on Sisi’s sister Helen.
There is romance, spice, drama, history, court antics, intrigue…and definitely is not short on interesting antics.
If you like historical fiction that involves royalty, then this should be of interest.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Zando Projects for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/11/22.
is a great historical fiction that delves into the lives of Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria.
I enjoyed reading their introduction and beginning in alternating points of view and chapters in the voice of Franz and Sisi. (There are even a few snippets focusing on Sisi’s sister Helen.
There is romance, spice, drama, history, court antics, intrigue…and definitely is not short on interesting antics.
If you like historical fiction that involves royalty, then this should be of interest.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Zando Projects for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/11/22.
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