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Dreaming Anastasia #1
Dreaming Anastasia
What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?
Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college�until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
(20091019)310 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
February 24, 2018
Honestly, this book wasn't all that bad. Though, it needed some minor editing.
November 28, 2017
After The Tsarina's Daughter it doesn't look all that bad, this is NOT a Romanov fantasy, it is a smaller version of twilight for people who think they're smarter than they actually are.
I could have liked this book except that it seemed a few areas weren't researched. First of all, Preble doesn't seem to get that Empress Alexandra was German and raised in England, remaining a foreigner all of her life. There seems to be few ways that she could have learned the Baba Yaga stories or gotten her hands on a Matryoshka doll.
The second thing is the name Etanovich. I get it that Preble wanted the guy to have a "Russian" name that sounded like his American name, but Etanovich is not a name. The -ovich suffix means"son of" and is used in patronymics, which are middle names, and occasionally in surnames (Shostakovich, Leontovich, etc.), but in Russia, patronymics are not first names and vice versa.
I could have liked this book except that it seemed a few areas weren't researched. First of all, Preble doesn't seem to get that Empress Alexandra was German and raised in England, remaining a foreigner all of her life. There seems to be few ways that she could have learned the Baba Yaga stories or gotten her hands on a Matryoshka doll.
The second thing is the name Etanovich. I get it that Preble wanted the guy to have a "Russian" name that sounded like his American name, but Etanovich is not a name. The -ovich suffix means"son of" and is used in patronymics, which are middle names, and occasionally in surnames (Shostakovich, Leontovich, etc.), but in Russia, patronymics are not first names and vice versa.
June 11, 2010
I am not going to lie, I had HUGE expectations for this book. And I am very happy to report, Preble did not disappoint me. The book features an intriguing premise that is sure to captivate any reader with an interest in Russia history and folklore. This book drew me in rather quickly, and did not let go. The plot is very well paced. It is not too fast, but not too slow. In addition, every aspect regarding Anastasia and her life has been wonderfully researched and blends together seamlessly in this debut novel.
Preble's blend of fiction, history, and folklore is spellbinding. Throughout the novel, I would find myself thinking, "Ooh, I did not know that. Wonder if it is true?" Case in point, Viktor's heritage. The only flaw I can point out within this enchanting novel is Anastasia's journals. To clarify, this is not a fault of Preble's but rather the font used. The font was in a cursive format, which I had a hard time reading. While distracting, it does not actually take away from the writing; if any thing, it actually give it a more realistic feel.
Overall, I am smitten with this debut novel and its author. It has everything that I love in a historical novel. An original premise featuring a heroine that any reader can be proud of. Anne is spunky, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Ethan sounds absolutely yummy. Tess is fantastic, and exactly what a best friend should be. There are just too many amazing elements to gush about. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Preble's blend of fiction, history, and folklore is spellbinding. Throughout the novel, I would find myself thinking, "Ooh, I did not know that. Wonder if it is true?" Case in point, Viktor's heritage. The only flaw I can point out within this enchanting novel is Anastasia's journals. To clarify, this is not a fault of Preble's but rather the font used. The font was in a cursive format, which I had a hard time reading. While distracting, it does not actually take away from the writing; if any thing, it actually give it a more realistic feel.
Overall, I am smitten with this debut novel and its author. It has everything that I love in a historical novel. An original premise featuring a heroine that any reader can be proud of. Anne is spunky, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Ethan sounds absolutely yummy. Tess is fantastic, and exactly what a best friend should be. There are just too many amazing elements to gush about. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
April 2, 2010
Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Okay, confession time: I loved the story of Anastasia Romanov when I was younger, and if I had read this book when I was in love with the story of Anastasia I would have been able to over look all that bothered me about this book. Joy Preble took a beloved story and infused fantasy and mysticism around it which really should have worked well. The idea that a modern day girl who dreams about Anastasia is asked to save her seemed a little out there, but still interesting.
However, when a lot is not explained to you at the beginning of a novel it is easy to become confused. You are asked to get to know three separate characters and narrators, and a lot is not really explained about them. Anna is a character who must save Anastasia's life, but she knows nothing about her or Russian folklore. Ethan apparently knows plenty about both subjects, but the author doesn't use him to tell the reader more about the back story which would have been greatly appreciated by a reader who remembers little and know just about as much Anna does.
As much as I enjoyed Anastasia Romanov's story I was disappointed that so much was not explained earlier into the story. The author simply expected you to know who she was. I knew the very basic facts: Anastasia's family was imprisoned and killed. Somehow a priest named Rasputin was involved in the government overthrow. Anastasia was rumored to have survived, and this is a mystery that has existed ever since. However, this was never explained at the beginning. A prologue would have been nice. Even more so I had no idea who Baba Yaga was or the fairy tale(s) connected to her. This was also not at all explained and you were simply meant to know who she was. Eventually I was too lost to care and I gave up.
Also Anastasia's letters where written in such awful font that I had to struggle just to understand what was being written. Obviously this is not the author's fault, but hint to all book publishers: If you plan on using different font to indicate handwritten letters make sure that font can be easily read.
In the end, I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to devote more time to getting into the story and understanding it, but as I have a rather large list of other books needing my attention I could not. I believe I could have loved this book more if I could have continued to devote more time to it. Still I may not have enjoyed this book there are others who loved it.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Okay, confession time: I loved the story of Anastasia Romanov when I was younger, and if I had read this book when I was in love with the story of Anastasia I would have been able to over look all that bothered me about this book. Joy Preble took a beloved story and infused fantasy and mysticism around it which really should have worked well. The idea that a modern day girl who dreams about Anastasia is asked to save her seemed a little out there, but still interesting.
However, when a lot is not explained to you at the beginning of a novel it is easy to become confused. You are asked to get to know three separate characters and narrators, and a lot is not really explained about them. Anna is a character who must save Anastasia's life, but she knows nothing about her or Russian folklore. Ethan apparently knows plenty about both subjects, but the author doesn't use him to tell the reader more about the back story which would have been greatly appreciated by a reader who remembers little and know just about as much Anna does.
As much as I enjoyed Anastasia Romanov's story I was disappointed that so much was not explained earlier into the story. The author simply expected you to know who she was. I knew the very basic facts: Anastasia's family was imprisoned and killed. Somehow a priest named Rasputin was involved in the government overthrow. Anastasia was rumored to have survived, and this is a mystery that has existed ever since. However, this was never explained at the beginning. A prologue would have been nice. Even more so I had no idea who Baba Yaga was or the fairy tale(s) connected to her. This was also not at all explained and you were simply meant to know who she was. Eventually I was too lost to care and I gave up.
Also Anastasia's letters where written in such awful font that I had to struggle just to understand what was being written. Obviously this is not the author's fault, but hint to all book publishers: If you plan on using different font to indicate handwritten letters make sure that font can be easily read.
In the end, I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to devote more time to getting into the story and understanding it, but as I have a rather large list of other books needing my attention I could not. I believe I could have loved this book more if I could have continued to devote more time to it. Still I may not have enjoyed this book there are others who loved it.
September 3, 2009
When Anne and her best friend Tess attend the Sunday matinee of Swan Lake, she never expected to catch the eye of a hunky older boy who watches her all through the performance. Anne finds his staring to be very uncomfortable. What Anne doesn’t know is that her stalker, as she names him, needs her because she is the answer to a century old mystery regarding the doomed Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. The history books tell of the Romanov family being assassinated in 1918 and of the Tsar’s lost daughter, Anastasia, but the truth is that there is more here than meets the eye. Anastasia is alive and well but lost in a portal with the evil Russian witch Baba Yaga. She is trapped and Ethan Kozninsky must try and release her from Baba Yaga’s clutches and only Anne can help him.
The dreams and nightmares Anne have become too much for her to handle. For the past three years, ever since the death of her brother David from cancer, Anne keeps having the same dream where she is trapped in a cabin. She feels lonely and empty and knows that something is very wrong. Sometimes she also dreams of a girl in a white dress and an old woman sitting in front of a huge fireplace. She either wakes up crying or screaming. All she knows is that these dreams scare her. Anne longs for normalcy and tries to find it by going to school, spending her time with Tess where they talk about boys or taking ballet lessons. But life as Anne knows it will change forever when the boy she noticed at the ballet suddenly appears at her school. When he introduces himself as Ethan and touches her, she feels as if an electric jolt runs up and down her arm. There is something very strange about this Ethan and Anne will try and stay far away from him. But then she dreams of Ethan and people dying and of a girl named Anastasia.
Anne becomes obsessed with finding out all she can about the tragic circumstances surrounding this poor Russian girl who was believe to be murdered. Ethan keeps following her and Anne wants answers why she now has a strange mark on her arm where he touched her and what her dreams mean. Ethan has the answers she is looking for. Anne is part of a prophecy. Ethan is a member of an immortal Brotherhood and has been ever since he turned eighteen in 1918. Anne is the chosen one from a special bloodline that can free Anastasia from the evil Baba Yaga. He just has to figure out a way to keep Anne safe and to find the door to forest where Anastasia is located before those he thought were his friends, as well as Baba Yaga try to stop him and Anne.
Dreaming Anastasia mixes Russian history, folklore and magic in a way that will keep you riveted. Joy Preble really has written an action packed supernatural tale that teens will most certainly enjoy. I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers will feel the need to read up on the history of the Russian Romanov dynasty that has intrigued many for over a century. Joy has done a great deal of research and you can tell.
The characters of Anne and Ethan are well written and they have a nice connection with one another. Ethan is a true hero in every sense of the word and the way Anne handles this unfortunate situation she has been thrown into is very much what I would expect from a young girl her age. Anastasia is just as important as Anne and Ethan is. All three of these characters are equally important to the story. And I really enjoyed their different points of view throughout.
There is a great deal of evil at work and those who try and stop Anne and Ethan will kill them if they have to. Not only do these two have to dodge bullets, but Baba Yaga uses her powers in ways where no mortal can escape her. The twists keep coming and the feeling of having your heart in your throat along with Ethan and Anne is never ending.
I would say that Dreaming Anastasia is perfect for ages thirteen and up. The violence can be intense and scary at certain points and the language used, mainly from Ethan, is understandable given his age and maturity. It shouldn’t come as much as a shock. He does use some colorful language and even though at first I was a bit turned off by it, mainly because this is a book written for teens, I could see it fitting the character. Ethan and Anne also have great chemistry with one another and you will be rooting for them to survive and beating the bad guys.
Joy has written a spellbinding tale that history buffs will not want to pass up. The balance of magic, drama and tension is nicely done with a subtle romance that is wonderful for the teen audience.
Katiebabs
The dreams and nightmares Anne have become too much for her to handle. For the past three years, ever since the death of her brother David from cancer, Anne keeps having the same dream where she is trapped in a cabin. She feels lonely and empty and knows that something is very wrong. Sometimes she also dreams of a girl in a white dress and an old woman sitting in front of a huge fireplace. She either wakes up crying or screaming. All she knows is that these dreams scare her. Anne longs for normalcy and tries to find it by going to school, spending her time with Tess where they talk about boys or taking ballet lessons. But life as Anne knows it will change forever when the boy she noticed at the ballet suddenly appears at her school. When he introduces himself as Ethan and touches her, she feels as if an electric jolt runs up and down her arm. There is something very strange about this Ethan and Anne will try and stay far away from him. But then she dreams of Ethan and people dying and of a girl named Anastasia.
Anne becomes obsessed with finding out all she can about the tragic circumstances surrounding this poor Russian girl who was believe to be murdered. Ethan keeps following her and Anne wants answers why she now has a strange mark on her arm where he touched her and what her dreams mean. Ethan has the answers she is looking for. Anne is part of a prophecy. Ethan is a member of an immortal Brotherhood and has been ever since he turned eighteen in 1918. Anne is the chosen one from a special bloodline that can free Anastasia from the evil Baba Yaga. He just has to figure out a way to keep Anne safe and to find the door to forest where Anastasia is located before those he thought were his friends, as well as Baba Yaga try to stop him and Anne.
Dreaming Anastasia mixes Russian history, folklore and magic in a way that will keep you riveted. Joy Preble really has written an action packed supernatural tale that teens will most certainly enjoy. I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers will feel the need to read up on the history of the Russian Romanov dynasty that has intrigued many for over a century. Joy has done a great deal of research and you can tell.
The characters of Anne and Ethan are well written and they have a nice connection with one another. Ethan is a true hero in every sense of the word and the way Anne handles this unfortunate situation she has been thrown into is very much what I would expect from a young girl her age. Anastasia is just as important as Anne and Ethan is. All three of these characters are equally important to the story. And I really enjoyed their different points of view throughout.
There is a great deal of evil at work and those who try and stop Anne and Ethan will kill them if they have to. Not only do these two have to dodge bullets, but Baba Yaga uses her powers in ways where no mortal can escape her. The twists keep coming and the feeling of having your heart in your throat along with Ethan and Anne is never ending.
I would say that Dreaming Anastasia is perfect for ages thirteen and up. The violence can be intense and scary at certain points and the language used, mainly from Ethan, is understandable given his age and maturity. It shouldn’t come as much as a shock. He does use some colorful language and even though at first I was a bit turned off by it, mainly because this is a book written for teens, I could see it fitting the character. Ethan and Anne also have great chemistry with one another and you will be rooting for them to survive and beating the bad guys.
Joy has written a spellbinding tale that history buffs will not want to pass up. The balance of magic, drama and tension is nicely done with a subtle romance that is wonderful for the teen audience.
Katiebabs
December 18, 2009
I am a huge fan of anything that has to do with Anastasia, so when I spotted this book at Borders I just knew I had to read it. The premise of the whole novel was intriguing and I couldn't wait to see how Joy Preble wrote it all out. I liked reading this and I couldn't put this book down and found myself turning the pages in anticipation to see what would happen to the characters. I found this novel to be a great read for the most part. But to every great read, there has to be some buts. To be completely honest, the novel needs work. And by work, I mean another round of edits and rewrites and that whole process. It seriously hurt my head reading the letters. A better, easier to read font would have been much, much better. Joy Preble had a fantastic idea with this novel but reading it felt as if I were reading a rough draft - it felt as if the characters needed a little more dimension to truly weave within the plot the authoress has thought up. So it felt like I was reading a rough draft, but a rough draft with loads of potential and promise. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this was a horrid book or something like that, I liked reading it. If she worked on it more, this novel would have been something wonderful and I know it would have left me a bit more satisfied.
January 27, 2012
What if . . .
Anastasia, the last princess of the Romanov dynasty, never died? But instead put her trust in a secret, illegitimate half-brother? And that half-brother made a pact with the most notorious witch ever to haunt a Russian fairy tale?
Yeah, right. Like Anne is about to believe that whopper! Not even from the lips of the hot guy who stares at her all the way through the Chicago performance of Swan Lake. But then he saves her. And she saves herself. And then he tells Anne that she is the one destined to save Anastasia.
Dreaming Anastasia is a modern paranormal fairy tale. (Say that three times fast:) I liked the scenes from Anastasia’s point of view and the awkward tension in the beginning of Ethan and Anne’s relationship—as they try to sort through the whole challenge of trusting one another.
Anastasia, the last princess of the Romanov dynasty, never died? But instead put her trust in a secret, illegitimate half-brother? And that half-brother made a pact with the most notorious witch ever to haunt a Russian fairy tale?
Yeah, right. Like Anne is about to believe that whopper! Not even from the lips of the hot guy who stares at her all the way through the Chicago performance of Swan Lake. But then he saves her. And she saves herself. And then he tells Anne that she is the one destined to save Anastasia.
Dreaming Anastasia is a modern paranormal fairy tale. (Say that three times fast:) I liked the scenes from Anastasia’s point of view and the awkward tension in the beginning of Ethan and Anne’s relationship—as they try to sort through the whole challenge of trusting one another.
January 31, 2010
I LOVE this book! "Dreaming Anastasia" is seriously off the charts excellent! I couldn't put it down. Just like the cover says, it has magic, love, power, and dreams - and is every bit as romantic as Twilight. This is one of my favorite books of all time - and I am an avid reader!
One day, at Barnes and Noble (again with my neice), I came across "Dreaming Anastasia" (also in the Young Adult section). I've always been interested in Russian romances, the lore of Russian tales and fairytales, and Russian history. That said, you don't have to even enjoy or know anything about Russia to love this book! And you will love this book!
The description of the book, the beautiful and tempting cover (including the sexy hero, Ethan, in the shadows) just drew me in. Instead of vampires, there is magic (white magic) and mysterious powers, and dreams filled with clues, loves, romance, and an immortality from a man whose both bodyguard and hero. Plus Anne, whose story this surrounds (hers and Anastacia) - Anne is a wonderful, strong, opinionated, independent, and loving character. She is just amazing! The book is just so cool!
After reading the Twilight novels (recommended eagerly by my neice), I found myself enjoying the Young Adult genre. I can highly recommend "Dreaming Anastasia" as one of my top 10 books to read! It is just lovely!
Congratulations to Joy Preble for an amazing first time novel. Please Joy, keep on writing these amazing noviels! Can't wait until your next one is available!
One day, at Barnes and Noble (again with my neice), I came across "Dreaming Anastasia" (also in the Young Adult section). I've always been interested in Russian romances, the lore of Russian tales and fairytales, and Russian history. That said, you don't have to even enjoy or know anything about Russia to love this book! And you will love this book!
The description of the book, the beautiful and tempting cover (including the sexy hero, Ethan, in the shadows) just drew me in. Instead of vampires, there is magic (white magic) and mysterious powers, and dreams filled with clues, loves, romance, and an immortality from a man whose both bodyguard and hero. Plus Anne, whose story this surrounds (hers and Anastacia) - Anne is a wonderful, strong, opinionated, independent, and loving character. She is just amazing! The book is just so cool!
After reading the Twilight novels (recommended eagerly by my neice), I found myself enjoying the Young Adult genre. I can highly recommend "Dreaming Anastasia" as one of my top 10 books to read! It is just lovely!
Congratulations to Joy Preble for an amazing first time novel. Please Joy, keep on writing these amazing noviels! Can't wait until your next one is available!
January 22, 2024
I don't even remember when I got these books. I remember getting the first and second book, I remember that it was hard to find the third one. I remember that someone sold the complete series and I got that to get the third one. And then those books have been rotting away on my shelves for who knows how long. However, the last couple of weeks they started winking to me and yesterday I decided to just give in.
And once I started reading I really wondered why I hadn't picked these books up sooner! This story was really lovely. The build up was nice, the characters were nice, the plot was nice, the touch of romance was nice, the danger was nice, the history was nice, the written letters from Anastasia, despite the fact that they were slightly hard to read due to the font, were nice and the ending was heartbreaking but also nice.
The myth of Anastasia and the possibility that she might have survived the massacre is insanely fascinating and I absolutely love how the author took that legend and turned it into a novel filled with fairytales, dreams and magic. I especially liked how this book, in a casual way, also introduces the readers to the legend of Baba Yaga and the related fairytale. I read a retelling of the tale once, but this book made me appreciate the tale even more.
I also absolutely loved the two girls dreaming of each other and the whole explanation of the link, just like I really loved how everything was eventually solved. A part of me does agree with Anne, when she complains about the ending of the quest, and yet it also really fits. The only real complaint I have is that I feel like the revolution in Russia was described a lot more black-and-white than it was, but I guess that's what happens if you only relive it through Anastasia's eyes.
I'm really curious though what will happen in the second book, since this book could have easily been a stand-alone.
And once I started reading I really wondered why I hadn't picked these books up sooner! This story was really lovely. The build up was nice, the characters were nice, the plot was nice, the touch of romance was nice, the danger was nice, the history was nice, the written letters from Anastasia, despite the fact that they were slightly hard to read due to the font, were nice and the ending was heartbreaking but also nice.
The myth of Anastasia and the possibility that she might have survived the massacre is insanely fascinating and I absolutely love how the author took that legend and turned it into a novel filled with fairytales, dreams and magic. I especially liked how this book, in a casual way, also introduces the readers to the legend of Baba Yaga and the related fairytale. I read a retelling of the tale once, but this book made me appreciate the tale even more.
I also absolutely loved the two girls dreaming of each other and the whole explanation of the link, just like I really loved how everything was eventually solved. A part of me does agree with Anne, when she complains about the ending of the quest, and yet it also really fits. The only real complaint I have is that I feel like the revolution in Russia was described a lot more black-and-white than it was, but I guess that's what happens if you only relive it through Anastasia's eyes.
I'm really curious though what will happen in the second book, since this book could have easily been a stand-alone.
October 21, 2011
From Books and Threads.
This was an odd little book that, despite the subject of Anastasia Romanov, really felt completely original as I read it. Perhaps it’s in part because there are so few retellings of Russian fairy tales – or Russian influence on typical young adult paranormal books, but while some of the elements were familiar, the story as a whole was incredibly fresh.
We start with Anna, a modern Chicagoland teenager, who’s having weird dreams of another teen girl trapped in a little cottage on chicken legs. Anna tries to brush the dreams off – as well as the odd sightings of a boy who seems to be following her – in order to focus on her schoolwork and ballet, but nothing seems to work.
The author quickly introduces two other points of view – that of the boy, Ethan, who’s been looking for Anna for one hundred years and the other girl, Anastasia Romanov. When the Romanov family was killing that day in Ekaterinaburg, Anastasia was saved by the hands of Baba Yaga and taken to live with her in her hut for eternity.
From the beginning, there are many mysteries to simultaneously unravel. Who’s Ethan and what does he want with Anna? Why is Anna dreaming about Anastasia and conversely why is Anastasia dreaming about Anna? How was Anastasia saved from death, and can she be rescued from Baba Yaga’s hands? What does Anna have to do with any of this? Maybe there are almost too many threads for them all to be handled well because the characterization of most of the characters suffers as a result.
Anna seemed the typical teenage girl – almost too typical at times. Her side comments and attempts to be snarky took the place of a developed personality. And while she certainly was brave and I cheered her on, I also wanted to see a more of a three-dimensional character emerge from the demands of the plot.
Surprisingly, Ethan was much more developed as a character. Other than his (sigh) instant love for Anna, his motivations and goals were both clear and reasonable. I loved the idea of an order of eternal Brothers searching for the girl who possesses the power to free the Last Romanov from her prison. I rarely believed that Ethan was actually over a hundred years old – he read mostly as a teenager, but there was a definite weight to him and his actions that felt appropriate.
My favourite character of the trio definitely was Anastasia. All her scenes had a dreamlike quality that really intrigued me. Perhaps I expected less because she truly was a fairytale character, but she jumped off the page even though she’s trapped within a tiny hut for the majority of the book. And – without spoilers – her actions at the end of the books felt entirely true both to her character and to her role as a Romanov princess.
The ‘letters’ Anastasia writes to her family were the worst part of her storyline. I love the idea of letters written by Anastasia from her prison, but from a purely superficial view, the handwriting font used is incredibly difficult to read, and while I completely can believe this great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria would write in English, the English she uses is colloquial and full of late twentieth and twenty-first century slang to the point of being jarring. The letters also spent a lot of time discussing Romanov history sometimes to the point of an infodump. From an alternate point of view, I couldn’t help wondering why Anastasia would write to her family about history they already would know or why she’d do it so awkwardly “…as you probably remember, dear papa,” etc… Perhaps a diary or letters to an unknown recipient would have served this aim better.
The dream sequences set in Baba Yaga’s hut are handled much, much more skillfully, and at times, I almost wanted to have the entire book set there in the odd fairytale world of talking matryoshka dolls and magic. The fairytale atmosphere really takes over here, and the dreamlike quality I mentioned before is very, very well done.
This is definitely a plot driven story as opposed to a character driven one. The plot is both intriguing and ambitious, but it would have been better served by more completely drawn characters and more of a focus on making sure the characters would feasibly perform the actions the plot requires. I’m not entirely sure this book had gelled completely in the author’s head, and I think it could have withstood another draft or two to really develop into a worthy vehicle for these interesting and original plot ideas.
I didn’t realize this was the first in a trilogy until I just looked the book up on Goodreads this moment. It felt like a standalone novel, and while I can see the hooks into a second book, the second book also doesn’t feel necessary. However I’ve requested it from my library, and we’ll see how it goes.
This was an odd little book that, despite the subject of Anastasia Romanov, really felt completely original as I read it. Perhaps it’s in part because there are so few retellings of Russian fairy tales – or Russian influence on typical young adult paranormal books, but while some of the elements were familiar, the story as a whole was incredibly fresh.
We start with Anna, a modern Chicagoland teenager, who’s having weird dreams of another teen girl trapped in a little cottage on chicken legs. Anna tries to brush the dreams off – as well as the odd sightings of a boy who seems to be following her – in order to focus on her schoolwork and ballet, but nothing seems to work.
The author quickly introduces two other points of view – that of the boy, Ethan, who’s been looking for Anna for one hundred years and the other girl, Anastasia Romanov. When the Romanov family was killing that day in Ekaterinaburg, Anastasia was saved by the hands of Baba Yaga and taken to live with her in her hut for eternity.
From the beginning, there are many mysteries to simultaneously unravel. Who’s Ethan and what does he want with Anna? Why is Anna dreaming about Anastasia and conversely why is Anastasia dreaming about Anna? How was Anastasia saved from death, and can she be rescued from Baba Yaga’s hands? What does Anna have to do with any of this? Maybe there are almost too many threads for them all to be handled well because the characterization of most of the characters suffers as a result.
Anna seemed the typical teenage girl – almost too typical at times. Her side comments and attempts to be snarky took the place of a developed personality. And while she certainly was brave and I cheered her on, I also wanted to see a more of a three-dimensional character emerge from the demands of the plot.
Surprisingly, Ethan was much more developed as a character. Other than his (sigh) instant love for Anna, his motivations and goals were both clear and reasonable. I loved the idea of an order of eternal Brothers searching for the girl who possesses the power to free the Last Romanov from her prison. I rarely believed that Ethan was actually over a hundred years old – he read mostly as a teenager, but there was a definite weight to him and his actions that felt appropriate.
My favourite character of the trio definitely was Anastasia. All her scenes had a dreamlike quality that really intrigued me. Perhaps I expected less because she truly was a fairytale character, but she jumped off the page even though she’s trapped within a tiny hut for the majority of the book. And – without spoilers – her actions at the end of the books felt entirely true both to her character and to her role as a Romanov princess.
The ‘letters’ Anastasia writes to her family were the worst part of her storyline. I love the idea of letters written by Anastasia from her prison, but from a purely superficial view, the handwriting font used is incredibly difficult to read, and while I completely can believe this great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria would write in English, the English she uses is colloquial and full of late twentieth and twenty-first century slang to the point of being jarring. The letters also spent a lot of time discussing Romanov history sometimes to the point of an infodump. From an alternate point of view, I couldn’t help wondering why Anastasia would write to her family about history they already would know or why she’d do it so awkwardly “…as you probably remember, dear papa,” etc… Perhaps a diary or letters to an unknown recipient would have served this aim better.
The dream sequences set in Baba Yaga’s hut are handled much, much more skillfully, and at times, I almost wanted to have the entire book set there in the odd fairytale world of talking matryoshka dolls and magic. The fairytale atmosphere really takes over here, and the dreamlike quality I mentioned before is very, very well done.
This is definitely a plot driven story as opposed to a character driven one. The plot is both intriguing and ambitious, but it would have been better served by more completely drawn characters and more of a focus on making sure the characters would feasibly perform the actions the plot requires. I’m not entirely sure this book had gelled completely in the author’s head, and I think it could have withstood another draft or two to really develop into a worthy vehicle for these interesting and original plot ideas.
I didn’t realize this was the first in a trilogy until I just looked the book up on Goodreads this moment. It felt like a standalone novel, and while I can see the hooks into a second book, the second book also doesn’t feel necessary. However I’ve requested it from my library, and we’ll see how it goes.
September 18, 2011
I borrowed this book from the library after reading the blurb. I thought this book would be interesting just by reading the blurb, but i guess not. The blurb was the most interesting thing of this book. The story line was the only thing that kept me from throwing this book on the floor during advisory. I liked this story, but the writing was not the best thing I have ever read.
First of all, the entire story kept on switching characters and their perspective. I mean I have read books like this before but they were written better so that its easier for the reader to understand. The characters did not seem to have any feelings for what is happening to them. Some of the characters don't even seem like they are needed in the story at all. Anne's mom is a descendant from the Romanov's but so what? She plays no role in this book except be Anne's mom which happens to pass on the Romanov bloodline to her. Anne's father onyl showed up a few time throughout the book. There was no reason for the existence of a brother when he doesnt play a role in the story either.
Ethan did not know anything that is happening. he was no help to Anne. He expects Anne to help him find Anastasia, but he has to answers to why he even needs to save her. In the end, Anastasia decides that she wants to die, so what was the point of saving her? Somewhere in between, he realizes that he fell in love with Anne, but it was never stated. It was just written that he just wanted to kiss her. what a crappy romance scene.
The villain in this story did not make sense at all. He never explained why he wanted to trap Anastasia. This was explained by Ethan. At the end the vilain who was supposed to be bad decides that he want to be a good person and sacrifices himself to Baba Yaga. Why did he trap Anastasia for his immortality when in the end he decides to save her? Throughout the book, it never explained why they got immortality if Anastasia was trapped, or why they needed to kill off the Romanovs leaving only Anastasia alive. They also never explained how he controlled Baba Yago to trap Anastasia either. The author kept saying how strong the witch is so how did he make her do something against her will.
Anne was the most unusual one of all. Her life was turned upside down when Ethan came to look for her, she was being shot at by bullets and Baba Yaga's huge hands came down to take her and all she said was "oh, my God". After this was over, all she could think of is calling her friend Tess that she was alright and to make an excuse for her mom? And she was still worrying about her own cell phone in Ethan's loft? She was about to die a while ago and materialistic things like a cell phone has her interests? Every character knew that Anne was strong with her magic, but she never used it at all except in the loft to push open the elavator, to push Ethan away from her, and to bring Anastasia back to the past to let her die. what was the point of Anne having these powers when it couldnt really help anything? There was a crappy explanation of why she even decided to help save Anastasia at all.
The role of Anastasia seemed too fake. Her family died in front of her and all she could think of is the half-brother who lies to her. She is the last princess of Russia and she was just so helpless. After Anne and Ethan went though all that trouble to save her, she decides that she wants to die. if she wants to die, then why didnt she kill herself from the very beginning? By having Anastasia die, there is no meaning of the entire rescue mission and the whole story line of the book.
For some reason the worst book has the longest review on it. all my other books ive reviewed are so much better, but i give such short reflection. this crap book so far has the longest review that i have written.
First of all, the entire story kept on switching characters and their perspective. I mean I have read books like this before but they were written better so that its easier for the reader to understand. The characters did not seem to have any feelings for what is happening to them. Some of the characters don't even seem like they are needed in the story at all. Anne's mom is a descendant from the Romanov's but so what? She plays no role in this book except be Anne's mom which happens to pass on the Romanov bloodline to her. Anne's father onyl showed up a few time throughout the book. There was no reason for the existence of a brother when he doesnt play a role in the story either.
Ethan did not know anything that is happening. he was no help to Anne. He expects Anne to help him find Anastasia, but he has to answers to why he even needs to save her. In the end, Anastasia decides that she wants to die, so what was the point of saving her? Somewhere in between, he realizes that he fell in love with Anne, but it was never stated. It was just written that he just wanted to kiss her. what a crappy romance scene.
The villain in this story did not make sense at all. He never explained why he wanted to trap Anastasia. This was explained by Ethan. At the end the vilain who was supposed to be bad decides that he want to be a good person and sacrifices himself to Baba Yaga. Why did he trap Anastasia for his immortality when in the end he decides to save her? Throughout the book, it never explained why they got immortality if Anastasia was trapped, or why they needed to kill off the Romanovs leaving only Anastasia alive. They also never explained how he controlled Baba Yago to trap Anastasia either. The author kept saying how strong the witch is so how did he make her do something against her will.
Anne was the most unusual one of all. Her life was turned upside down when Ethan came to look for her, she was being shot at by bullets and Baba Yaga's huge hands came down to take her and all she said was "oh, my God". After this was over, all she could think of is calling her friend Tess that she was alright and to make an excuse for her mom? And she was still worrying about her own cell phone in Ethan's loft? She was about to die a while ago and materialistic things like a cell phone has her interests? Every character knew that Anne was strong with her magic, but she never used it at all except in the loft to push open the elavator, to push Ethan away from her, and to bring Anastasia back to the past to let her die. what was the point of Anne having these powers when it couldnt really help anything? There was a crappy explanation of why she even decided to help save Anastasia at all.
The role of Anastasia seemed too fake. Her family died in front of her and all she could think of is the half-brother who lies to her. She is the last princess of Russia and she was just so helpless. After Anne and Ethan went though all that trouble to save her, she decides that she wants to die. if she wants to die, then why didnt she kill herself from the very beginning? By having Anastasia die, there is no meaning of the entire rescue mission and the whole story line of the book.
For some reason the worst book has the longest review on it. all my other books ive reviewed are so much better, but i give such short reflection. this crap book so far has the longest review that i have written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2011
Sadly, I had high expectations for Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble. I say sadly because had my expectations been twice as high, Ms. Preble would have exceeded them easily.
This was my first time reading a YA novel. I picked it up because the premise of the book sounded intriguing. The blurb alone gave a clue to the treatment of the subject and on that basis I launched into it.
I didn’t expect much from the genre especially the genre handled by a début novelist. With luck, I figured there might be a few well drawn characters lost among a cast of dozens and trapped in a world of tangential and conflicting storylines.
What I found was an ingenious, original plot and vivid characters tightly woven into a strong, well-maintained story line. Story continuity was strictly adhered to throughout and the voice was consistent.
More than anything, it was a book that was fun to read and easy to enjoy.
Joy Preble is an author with a unique style. However, I believe hers is a style still in the making. It is suppositional on my part, but after reading Dreaming Anastasia, it is easy to see where Ms. Preble’s career is going. She appears to be a writer who pays attention to her craft and her trade. It seems she has made good writing her goal and perhaps great writing her ultimate destination.
Dreaming was a first novel from Ms. Preble. It was not perfect, but then I can’t remember a perfect novel be it from a first book author or one releasing her fiftieth.
In reading Dreaming Anastasia, I found myself with a very clear choice. I could critique the hell out of it or I could sit back and enjoy a hell of a ride.
A good book with a good story well told – can or should we expect more?
This was my first time reading a YA novel. I picked it up because the premise of the book sounded intriguing. The blurb alone gave a clue to the treatment of the subject and on that basis I launched into it.
I didn’t expect much from the genre especially the genre handled by a début novelist. With luck, I figured there might be a few well drawn characters lost among a cast of dozens and trapped in a world of tangential and conflicting storylines.
What I found was an ingenious, original plot and vivid characters tightly woven into a strong, well-maintained story line. Story continuity was strictly adhered to throughout and the voice was consistent.
More than anything, it was a book that was fun to read and easy to enjoy.
Joy Preble is an author with a unique style. However, I believe hers is a style still in the making. It is suppositional on my part, but after reading Dreaming Anastasia, it is easy to see where Ms. Preble’s career is going. She appears to be a writer who pays attention to her craft and her trade. It seems she has made good writing her goal and perhaps great writing her ultimate destination.
Dreaming was a first novel from Ms. Preble. It was not perfect, but then I can’t remember a perfect novel be it from a first book author or one releasing her fiftieth.
In reading Dreaming Anastasia, I found myself with a very clear choice. I could critique the hell out of it or I could sit back and enjoy a hell of a ride.
A good book with a good story well told – can or should we expect more?
August 16, 2009
In school one of my favorite subjects is History ( well, besides America's because it's just a bit boring. lol). So, when I found out there was going to be a book featuring Anastasia Romanov, I was ecstatic. Luckily, Dreaming Anastasia was a pretty good book, but sometimes falled short of my exceptions.
First off, the premise of this novel was very interesting. I loved the idea of having Anastasia still be alive because of a spell that bound her to the care of Baba Yaga. It was exciting to see the process Anne and Ethan went through to save her and how Anastasia was originally captured by Baba.
Sadly, the start of the novel was poorly done. Since I felt that it was hard to get into Dreaming Anastasia. Though, after about the first 100 or so pages, I became immersed in the story, leaving the rest of the pages to go by in a rapid speed.
The characters were another one of my favorite parts. Anne was someone who was easy to relate to. Since, even though she had this extraordinary ability, she was still dealing from normal things a teen goes through. Plus, her best friend Tess was hilarious. Ethan was also a great add. Though, I would have loved to seen Anastasia have a bigger part in the narrative section of the story.
Overall, Dreaming Anastasia is a decent debut my Ms. Preble.
Grade: B
First off, the premise of this novel was very interesting. I loved the idea of having Anastasia still be alive because of a spell that bound her to the care of Baba Yaga. It was exciting to see the process Anne and Ethan went through to save her and how Anastasia was originally captured by Baba.
Sadly, the start of the novel was poorly done. Since I felt that it was hard to get into Dreaming Anastasia. Though, after about the first 100 or so pages, I became immersed in the story, leaving the rest of the pages to go by in a rapid speed.
The characters were another one of my favorite parts. Anne was someone who was easy to relate to. Since, even though she had this extraordinary ability, she was still dealing from normal things a teen goes through. Plus, her best friend Tess was hilarious. Ethan was also a great add. Though, I would have loved to seen Anastasia have a bigger part in the narrative section of the story.
Overall, Dreaming Anastasia is a decent debut my Ms. Preble.
Grade: B
April 19, 2017
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
This was an alright book. It was billed as being fantasy, so the inaccuracies I wasn't too mad about, nor the typos since I think this is independently published.
Obviously the most interesting part involved Anastasia being trapped in Baba Yaga's cabin, forced to take care of her and do nothing but dream all day. It had an other-worldly, dreamlike quality to it I really enjoyed, plus I ended up learning a lot of the Baba Yaga myth from this book.
The stuff in the present day was fine, it had some decent atmosphere, but some of the phrases were weird and I didn't like the twist with the head of the Brotherhood being Anastasia's half-brother and the main character's great-great-grandfather or something like that. It was extremely weird, confusing, and unneeded. I think there were better ways for the main character to be related to the Romanovs than that.
I was also a bit disappointed Anastasia chose to go back in time and die to be a part of her family; I was kinda hoping she'd want to stay alive in the present. But I guess that would've brought all kinds of other problems too.
Overall, nothing special, a decent fantasy based around Russian mythology that's mostly forgettable.
This was an alright book. It was billed as being fantasy, so the inaccuracies I wasn't too mad about, nor the typos since I think this is independently published.
Obviously the most interesting part involved Anastasia being trapped in Baba Yaga's cabin, forced to take care of her and do nothing but dream all day. It had an other-worldly, dreamlike quality to it I really enjoyed, plus I ended up learning a lot of the Baba Yaga myth from this book.
The stuff in the present day was fine, it had some decent atmosphere, but some of the phrases were weird and I didn't like the twist with the head of the Brotherhood being Anastasia's half-brother and the main character's great-great-grandfather or something like that. It was extremely weird, confusing, and unneeded. I think there were better ways for the main character to be related to the Romanovs than that.
I was also a bit disappointed Anastasia chose to go back in time and die to be a part of her family; I was kinda hoping she'd want to stay alive in the present. But I guess that would've brought all kinds of other problems too.
Overall, nothing special, a decent fantasy based around Russian mythology that's mostly forgettable.
August 24, 2009
I was really excited when I saw this book because I took Russian language and Russian History in high school and always was interested in the idea that Anastasia Romanov actually escaped that fateful night. The story had a wonderful premise mixing modern day, magic and Russian fairy tales but I felt like sometimes the story took the easy way out. There was great build up and then I was left with a feeling of let down at several parts of the book. For instance, I loved hearing about Anne and her older brother and really felt for the family as they had to deal with his lost to cancer but I didn’t feel like the overall storyline made much use of it. It seemed to be more of a great mini story line that is still waiting to be developed. Despite that I zoomed through this book and found it an enjoyable read. It makes me want to go back and re-read my Russian fairy tales.
April 17, 2015
Ahajshsjsjaosns!!!! I looooove Anastasia's story!!!
Meeehhhh, no fue- es- lo que me esperaba.
Meeehhhh, no fue- es- lo que me esperaba.
September 12, 2012
Russian folklore, myths, incredibly fascinating premise and awesome characters - a total WIN!
January 9, 2012
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book, as I hadn't read many reviews of it, and I wasn't sure what the plot was about (other than the Romanov family, which is something that will catch my attention every time).
The story gets going quickly, so I thought I was in for an interesting read. Unfortunately, the momentum fizzled and died. I think that may have been because, ultimately, the plot was a little thin. The basic premise is that Anastasia Romanov didn't die back in 1918; she was rescued by Baba Yaga, a witch from Russian folklore, and has been living in her magical hut ever since. In the present, this "wicked hot" immortal guy named Ethan searches out Anne, a teenager living in Chicago, because she's the only one who can free Anastasia.
It's not bad as far as plots go, but it's pretty basic. After finishing the book, I feel like I missed a lot of the story. There could have been so much more included. Instead, we're treated to never-ending descriptions of Ethan's blue eyes. I'm not kidding. Pretty much every time Anne is narrating (the book switches between three points of view: Anne's, Ethan's, and Anastasia's), she has to mention Ethan's blue eyes. They're blue. They're very blue. They're ridiculously blue. Sometimes they're sky blue. Once, they're dark blue. They shimmer. They make Anne dizzy, they're so blue. After the first ten or so times, I wanted to shout, "His eyes are blue. We get it!" I thought for sure that his eye colour would somehow be relevant to the plot, since such a big deal was made about it. But no such luck. (I used the search feature on Amazon.com and found 32 references to blue eyes. Talk about overkill.)
The characterizations were mediocre. I thought Anne might turn out to be interesting; after all, she was given a hobby (ballet), which means she's already ahead of many other YA heroines. Unfortunately, the ballet was never really part of the plot. Ethan was promising, too, but he ultimately ended up being little more than a collection of character traits (blue eyes, shaggy brown hair, long fingers, smoker). The villains were underutilized, and I never really understood why they did what they did. Yes, the author explains it, but I didn't quite buy that explanation. Anastasia may have been the most interesting character in the whole book, but we don't get to see her in action until the end... and at that point, she becomes just as bland as the rest of them. Her letters to her family (which are interspersed throughout the rest of the text) are probably the best thing about the whole book. They helped build a character much better than the rest of the narration managed to do.
This is one of those YA romances with a supernatural, very old male lusting after a teenage girl. To the author's credit, she actually had Anne questioning this dynamic. Anne mentioned Ethan's maturity numerous times, even noting that having a relationship with him would be like dating her grandfather (or something to that effect). For some reason that's never really explained, Anne's trepidation disappears and this becomes a non-issue. I recall someone online once saying something to the effect of, "It doesn't matter how young you look... it's how many times you've been around the sun." In this case, when Anne is marvelling at Ethan's ability to talk to her parents as an equal because he's just so darn mature, I would have hoped this would have given her a little more pause. Unfortunately, it seems that blue eyes win out over common sense.
The ending was disappointing, to say the least. I'm not someone who has to have a happy ending all the time. But I think an ending should have an impact. In this case, the ending was more like a lit firework that ended up being a dud. It flamed and fizzled... and ultimately went out. I was left wondering what the point of the whole story had been. The main character (which I assume was Anne) didn't really learn much. She was supposed to be the character who resolved the conflict, but, in the end, that job fell to someone else.
I did like the inclusion of the fairytale elements. I have only come across Baba Yaga once before (that I can recall) in fantasy literature that wasn't an actual folk tale. That book was Orson Scott Card's Enchantment, and Baba Yaga was used much more effectively in that story. Another thing I sort of liked in Dreaming Anastasia was the magic... but unfortunately, it reminded me of the "manifesting" stuff in Alyson Noël's Evermore. At least in this case it was considered actual magic; I just wish there had been more of it.
As for the writing... Well, I wasn't crazy about the whole style of the book. Three narrators just seemed like too many. I don't like present-tense narration, either. There were a few typos, but there were also a few mistakes that really bothered me. One was concerning genealogy. When trying to calculate the relationship between two people, there were two variations at different places in the story... resulting in either a great-great-granddaughter or a great-great-great-granddaughter. (Genealogy is a hobby of mine, so this kind of thing really irks me.) Another mistake was when Baba Yaga goes flying through the air and Anne says she's riding in a mortar. The exchange that follows makes it clear that Anne had no idea what a mortar was until Ethan explained it, even though she used the word. (This is one of the pitfalls of present-tense narration: your character is learning in real time, so slip-ups like this become more apparent.) Then there's the whole issue of whether or not Ethan will now set off metal detectors at the airport. Unless immortal bodies can dissolve bullets, he's carrying around quite a bit of metal. Is this not an issue? Or was it missed by the editor? The other mistake I noticed was in Anastasia's eye colour. On page 291, her eyes are said to be blue -- even bluer than Ethan's. But four pages later, her eyes are brown! I was pretty surprised at this mistake; surely someone who's as obsessed with eye colour as this author seems to be could keep the characters' eye colours straight.
All in all, it was an interesting diversion, but nothing I would want to read again or recommend to others. The ending was so ambiguous, that I'm left wondering if there will be a sequel. But this book didn't capture my attention enough to make me want to read any more about these characters.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
The story gets going quickly, so I thought I was in for an interesting read. Unfortunately, the momentum fizzled and died. I think that may have been because, ultimately, the plot was a little thin. The basic premise is that Anastasia Romanov didn't die back in 1918; she was rescued by Baba Yaga, a witch from Russian folklore, and has been living in her magical hut ever since. In the present, this "wicked hot" immortal guy named Ethan searches out Anne, a teenager living in Chicago, because she's the only one who can free Anastasia.
It's not bad as far as plots go, but it's pretty basic. After finishing the book, I feel like I missed a lot of the story. There could have been so much more included. Instead, we're treated to never-ending descriptions of Ethan's blue eyes. I'm not kidding. Pretty much every time Anne is narrating (the book switches between three points of view: Anne's, Ethan's, and Anastasia's), she has to mention Ethan's blue eyes. They're blue. They're very blue. They're ridiculously blue. Sometimes they're sky blue. Once, they're dark blue. They shimmer. They make Anne dizzy, they're so blue. After the first ten or so times, I wanted to shout, "His eyes are blue. We get it!" I thought for sure that his eye colour would somehow be relevant to the plot, since such a big deal was made about it. But no such luck. (I used the search feature on Amazon.com and found 32 references to blue eyes. Talk about overkill.)
The characterizations were mediocre. I thought Anne might turn out to be interesting; after all, she was given a hobby (ballet), which means she's already ahead of many other YA heroines. Unfortunately, the ballet was never really part of the plot. Ethan was promising, too, but he ultimately ended up being little more than a collection of character traits (blue eyes, shaggy brown hair, long fingers, smoker). The villains were underutilized, and I never really understood why they did what they did. Yes, the author explains it, but I didn't quite buy that explanation. Anastasia may have been the most interesting character in the whole book, but we don't get to see her in action until the end... and at that point, she becomes just as bland as the rest of them. Her letters to her family (which are interspersed throughout the rest of the text) are probably the best thing about the whole book. They helped build a character much better than the rest of the narration managed to do.
This is one of those YA romances with a supernatural, very old male lusting after a teenage girl. To the author's credit, she actually had Anne questioning this dynamic. Anne mentioned Ethan's maturity numerous times, even noting that having a relationship with him would be like dating her grandfather (or something to that effect). For some reason that's never really explained, Anne's trepidation disappears and this becomes a non-issue. I recall someone online once saying something to the effect of, "It doesn't matter how young you look... it's how many times you've been around the sun." In this case, when Anne is marvelling at Ethan's ability to talk to her parents as an equal because he's just so darn mature, I would have hoped this would have given her a little more pause. Unfortunately, it seems that blue eyes win out over common sense.
The ending was disappointing, to say the least. I'm not someone who has to have a happy ending all the time. But I think an ending should have an impact. In this case, the ending was more like a lit firework that ended up being a dud. It flamed and fizzled... and ultimately went out. I was left wondering what the point of the whole story had been. The main character (which I assume was Anne) didn't really learn much. She was supposed to be the character who resolved the conflict, but, in the end, that job fell to someone else.
I did like the inclusion of the fairytale elements. I have only come across Baba Yaga once before (that I can recall) in fantasy literature that wasn't an actual folk tale. That book was Orson Scott Card's Enchantment, and Baba Yaga was used much more effectively in that story. Another thing I sort of liked in Dreaming Anastasia was the magic... but unfortunately, it reminded me of the "manifesting" stuff in Alyson Noël's Evermore. At least in this case it was considered actual magic; I just wish there had been more of it.
As for the writing... Well, I wasn't crazy about the whole style of the book. Three narrators just seemed like too many. I don't like present-tense narration, either. There were a few typos, but there were also a few mistakes that really bothered me. One was concerning genealogy. When trying to calculate the relationship between two people, there were two variations at different places in the story... resulting in either a great-great-granddaughter or a great-great-great-granddaughter. (Genealogy is a hobby of mine, so this kind of thing really irks me.) Another mistake was when Baba Yaga goes flying through the air and Anne says she's riding in a mortar. The exchange that follows makes it clear that Anne had no idea what a mortar was until Ethan explained it, even though she used the word. (This is one of the pitfalls of present-tense narration: your character is learning in real time, so slip-ups like this become more apparent.) Then there's the whole issue of whether or not Ethan will now set off metal detectors at the airport. Unless immortal bodies can dissolve bullets, he's carrying around quite a bit of metal. Is this not an issue? Or was it missed by the editor? The other mistake I noticed was in Anastasia's eye colour. On page 291, her eyes are said to be blue -- even bluer than Ethan's. But four pages later, her eyes are brown! I was pretty surprised at this mistake; surely someone who's as obsessed with eye colour as this author seems to be could keep the characters' eye colours straight.
All in all, it was an interesting diversion, but nothing I would want to read again or recommend to others. The ending was so ambiguous, that I'm left wondering if there will be a sequel. But this book didn't capture my attention enough to make me want to read any more about these characters.
http://theladybugreads.blogspot.ca/20...
January 1, 2022
Real score: 3.5 stars
I’ve kind of been intrigued with the Romanov family since Disney’s Anastasia hit theaters in 1997. I’ve done some google research over the years and read lots of articles with theories of the Grand Duchess still living in Europe somewhere and it has kept me reading several different books directly related to her and her family or through fiction like this storyline. So when I came across this particular book with a girl who is dreaming as Anastasia, I couldn’t help but to make it a plan to read it before the year ended with 22 books read out of the 21 that I pledged to read for the year.
Okay, how was the book? Well, it took me my normal month time frame to read it because there were lots of slow moments or moments that could’ve been culminated into three to four chapters rolled into one to keep me more interested to read it every single day. There were days that I really read consistently for a few days but then get distracted with work to the point that I didn’t even know I was still reading a book period. That’s really not good when that happens to me because my interest has started waning and I could just drop it all together. But it’s because of the Netflix docu-series “The Last Czars” that made me really want to see how this story turned out. The last five chapters really put out some high speed action in the end that finally made me flip pages a little faster than I was in the beginning and it genuinely was because it was really good. The ending was satisfying and I loved it, but I just believe it could be forgettable if you’re not slightly obsessed with famous royal families and their history.
I’ve kind of been intrigued with the Romanov family since Disney’s Anastasia hit theaters in 1997. I’ve done some google research over the years and read lots of articles with theories of the Grand Duchess still living in Europe somewhere and it has kept me reading several different books directly related to her and her family or through fiction like this storyline. So when I came across this particular book with a girl who is dreaming as Anastasia, I couldn’t help but to make it a plan to read it before the year ended with 22 books read out of the 21 that I pledged to read for the year.
Okay, how was the book? Well, it took me my normal month time frame to read it because there were lots of slow moments or moments that could’ve been culminated into three to four chapters rolled into one to keep me more interested to read it every single day. There were days that I really read consistently for a few days but then get distracted with work to the point that I didn’t even know I was still reading a book period. That’s really not good when that happens to me because my interest has started waning and I could just drop it all together. But it’s because of the Netflix docu-series “The Last Czars” that made me really want to see how this story turned out. The last five chapters really put out some high speed action in the end that finally made me flip pages a little faster than I was in the beginning and it genuinely was because it was really good. The ending was satisfying and I loved it, but I just believe it could be forgettable if you’re not slightly obsessed with famous royal families and their history.
August 17, 2021
When I read Sparks Like Stars, the heroine, sole survivor of a coup that killed her family, sometimes likened herself to Anastasia. With that comparison in mind, I pulled this book out of the bookshelf and started reading. Dreaming Anastasia certainly has a unique premise,but it ultimately didn't come together for me.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne is having a bit of a mysterious time. She has dreams of the Romanov family, and at the same time, she has met an unusual brooding stranger who shows up at her high school. We gradually come to learn that, instead of being killed, Anastasia was magically whisked away - and Anna is the key to what might set her free.
As I said, this one is an unusual take and while it's readable, I struggled with it for a couple of reasons. For starters, the fact that the author bases her fantasy on real events at times seemed like a disrespectful use of the deaths of the Romanov family. In addition, the interplay between Anna and the mysterious Ethan felt a little too much like Twilight-lite. Not horrendous, but it just didn't do it for me.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne is having a bit of a mysterious time. She has dreams of the Romanov family, and at the same time, she has met an unusual brooding stranger who shows up at her high school. We gradually come to learn that, instead of being killed, Anastasia was magically whisked away - and Anna is the key to what might set her free.
As I said, this one is an unusual take and while it's readable, I struggled with it for a couple of reasons. For starters, the fact that the author bases her fantasy on real events at times seemed like a disrespectful use of the deaths of the Romanov family. In addition, the interplay between Anna and the mysterious Ethan felt a little too much like Twilight-lite. Not horrendous, but it just didn't do it for me.
May 12, 2016
I absolutely loved this book. It had everything in it~ fairy tales/folklore, paranormal aspects, a hot guy, a hilarious kick ass heroine, annoying but loving best friend, a witch, NO insta love and a whole slew of problems. My kind of book.
I just loved the whole plot of the book. Its basically about Anne freeing Anastasia Romanov from the witch Baba Yaga's hut. When Anastasia's family was being assassinated, some magical brotherhood (this is where Ethan comes in) calls and compels the Russia folklore witch Baba Yaga, to save Anastasia and keep her in her hut until some girl (Anne) comes to save her. I can't say more without giving away too many things...sorry
I really liked way the book was written because the POV's switched around. One POV was Ethan's, another one was Anne's, another one was Anastasia's in the present time and yet another one was Anastasia's letters to her family telling of how the situation she was in came to be. Its all very interesting really and it gives another, although totally not possible, spin on the theories that say Anastasia survived the assassinations.
Now on to the characters.
Anne is simply hilarious. She keeps having recurring dreams that she is Anastasia her entire life (which tells Ethan she is the "chosen one"). She sees Baba Yaga's hut in her dreams and re-lives the assassination of the Romanov's over and over. A few weird things happen before Ethan talks to her and she basically thinks she's going crazy. However once Ethan informs her, she comes to terms with what she must do. I like Anne because she smart. She doesn't buy what Ethan is telling her right off the bat. She forces him to explain what's going on and many times she still doesn't believe him. And when she does she has the normal reaction that I wish a lot of heroines in paranormal books have~ she panics. And I love the way Ethan's so called hotness doesn't affect her one bit. She even asks him many times when he's trying to explain "Who the Hell are you?" She isn't all like "Ok your hot, so whatever you say I'm going to agree with, say ok and do it, then we can make out later and fall instantly in love." Instead Anne has common sense and realizes that although Ethan is good looking and she may begin to like him, that now was really not the time to be thinking about that. She needed to focus on saving Anastasia. At times she felt down right uncomfortable around him. Anne is also determined which I like because no matter how dangerous or life threatening the mission is she wants to complete it and help Anastasia. The few times Ethan told her she should walk away she refused. And she did it because she's genuinely good and wants to help Anastasia- she didn't do it to get the guy. Also her sarcasm and jokes made me laugh and made her a likable character as well.
I also liked Ethan. He is described as good looking with these piecing bright blue eyes. Ethan is about a hundred years old. He was the one who was told to say the spell that would call Baba Yaga to get Anastasia. So he was there watching the assassination. Ethan is immortal until Anastasia gets saved. Once she is saved he becomes mortal. He is kind of a wizard or witch I guess who uses spells and has magical powers. Anne also has these powers and he eventually shows her how to use them. Ethan wants to save Anastasia because he cares about her well being as well. Everything that the brotherhood's leader, Vicktor, told him was a lie and no he wants to right what he did....which was trapping Anastasia with Baba Yaga. Ethan genuinely cares for Anne and doesn't want to see her get hurt. Of course he gets feelings for her too but he doesn't let that deter him from his mission. Ethan is also sarcastic at some points which was funny. He is really a good guy. And I just have to include this part of a scene which I found to be totally hot-
"She may be yours for now" I say as I push myself up in one fluid moton. "But" I add as he fires again and a bullet lodges itself in my left shoulder, "I think you've forgotten that I've outlived almost everyone. Including you".
His eyes widen as I stride over to him. He shoots again. I jolt as the bullet burns its way into the right side of my chest, but I keep moving. Then I rip the gun from his grasp and pocket it"
Like I said~ hot
The other characters are good as well. Baba Yaga is supposed to be a mean witch but she wasn't so bad in this book. Tess, Anne's best friend, is hilarious and over the top. Some of the things that came out of her mouth had me rolling on the floor. Vicktor is an ass and he's selfish. He is an important character and very involved in the story but I can't say anything else because it will ruin the book.
I also loved the non insta-love romance. At this stage, Anne and Ethan are just beginning to care for each other. They only kiss once in the book which I liked because it shows that the romance was not the focus of the book or the focus between the characters. They acknowledged they had feelings for each other (no to each other but to themselves) but they realized that there were more important things on their plates. In the end, Anne even says that shes not sure what Ethan and herself mean to each other. Which is how it is supposed to be with a 16 year old girl and 18 year old boy. It makes the romance part at least more realistic.
I cannot wait to continue the series and see where the rest of the books lead.
This review is also posted on Spantalian's Book Reviews
I just loved the whole plot of the book. Its basically about Anne freeing Anastasia Romanov from the witch Baba Yaga's hut. When Anastasia's family was being assassinated, some magical brotherhood (this is where Ethan comes in) calls and compels the Russia folklore witch Baba Yaga, to save Anastasia and keep her in her hut until some girl (Anne) comes to save her. I can't say more without giving away too many things...sorry
I really liked way the book was written because the POV's switched around. One POV was Ethan's, another one was Anne's, another one was Anastasia's in the present time and yet another one was Anastasia's letters to her family telling of how the situation she was in came to be. Its all very interesting really and it gives another, although totally not possible, spin on the theories that say Anastasia survived the assassinations.
Now on to the characters.
Anne is simply hilarious. She keeps having recurring dreams that she is Anastasia her entire life (which tells Ethan she is the "chosen one"). She sees Baba Yaga's hut in her dreams and re-lives the assassination of the Romanov's over and over. A few weird things happen before Ethan talks to her and she basically thinks she's going crazy. However once Ethan informs her, she comes to terms with what she must do. I like Anne because she smart. She doesn't buy what Ethan is telling her right off the bat. She forces him to explain what's going on and many times she still doesn't believe him. And when she does she has the normal reaction that I wish a lot of heroines in paranormal books have~ she panics. And I love the way Ethan's so called hotness doesn't affect her one bit. She even asks him many times when he's trying to explain "Who the Hell are you?" She isn't all like "Ok your hot, so whatever you say I'm going to agree with, say ok and do it, then we can make out later and fall instantly in love." Instead Anne has common sense and realizes that although Ethan is good looking and she may begin to like him, that now was really not the time to be thinking about that. She needed to focus on saving Anastasia. At times she felt down right uncomfortable around him. Anne is also determined which I like because no matter how dangerous or life threatening the mission is she wants to complete it and help Anastasia. The few times Ethan told her she should walk away she refused. And she did it because she's genuinely good and wants to help Anastasia- she didn't do it to get the guy. Also her sarcasm and jokes made me laugh and made her a likable character as well.
I also liked Ethan. He is described as good looking with these piecing bright blue eyes. Ethan is about a hundred years old. He was the one who was told to say the spell that would call Baba Yaga to get Anastasia. So he was there watching the assassination. Ethan is immortal until Anastasia gets saved. Once she is saved he becomes mortal. He is kind of a wizard or witch I guess who uses spells and has magical powers. Anne also has these powers and he eventually shows her how to use them. Ethan wants to save Anastasia because he cares about her well being as well. Everything that the brotherhood's leader, Vicktor, told him was a lie and no he wants to right what he did....which was trapping Anastasia with Baba Yaga. Ethan genuinely cares for Anne and doesn't want to see her get hurt. Of course he gets feelings for her too but he doesn't let that deter him from his mission. Ethan is also sarcastic at some points which was funny. He is really a good guy. And I just have to include this part of a scene which I found to be totally hot-
"She may be yours for now" I say as I push myself up in one fluid moton. "But" I add as he fires again and a bullet lodges itself in my left shoulder, "I think you've forgotten that I've outlived almost everyone. Including you".
His eyes widen as I stride over to him. He shoots again. I jolt as the bullet burns its way into the right side of my chest, but I keep moving. Then I rip the gun from his grasp and pocket it"
Like I said~ hot
The other characters are good as well. Baba Yaga is supposed to be a mean witch but she wasn't so bad in this book. Tess, Anne's best friend, is hilarious and over the top. Some of the things that came out of her mouth had me rolling on the floor. Vicktor is an ass and he's selfish. He is an important character and very involved in the story but I can't say anything else because it will ruin the book.
I also loved the non insta-love romance. At this stage, Anne and Ethan are just beginning to care for each other. They only kiss once in the book which I liked because it shows that the romance was not the focus of the book or the focus between the characters. They acknowledged they had feelings for each other (no to each other but to themselves) but they realized that there were more important things on their plates. In the end, Anne even says that shes not sure what Ethan and herself mean to each other. Which is how it is supposed to be with a 16 year old girl and 18 year old boy. It makes the romance part at least more realistic.
I cannot wait to continue the series and see where the rest of the books lead.
This review is also posted on Spantalian's Book Reviews
April 16, 2011
I was drawn to the book by it's cover and the premise of the story. It's a great mix of Russian folklore, historical fiction, romance and supernatural powers. I felt that Joy was able to capture all these wonderful elements and weave them together into a great modern day story. I liked that the book is from three points of views. Anne, Ethan and Anastasia's. Through each of their points of views, we get to learn more about them. I enjoyed that through Anastasia's pov, we learn more about the Russian Forklore, and her history. The characters are wonderful, as I really loved the tension and chemistry Ethan and Anne had. I like Anne's best friend Tess and even the other minor characters in the story.
Anne is a normal teenage girl, who's best friend Tess is there for her no matter what. Anne has dealt with a lot recently. Her family is still dealing with the death of her older brother, who died of cancer, when her life will suddenly flip up side down with the appearance of Ethan. Tall, dark haired, with bright blue eyes, that seem to penetrate Anne to the core, Ethan's sudden appearance is no accident.
Anne's world shifts the moment she makes contact with Ethan. Everything she thought she knew about herself is about to change. Not only is Anne and Ethan connected in a magical way, but Anne is the only person who can save the Princess Anastasia that she's been dreaming about. Only problem is, how do you save a Princess who should have died over a century ago? Why after she touched Ethan, does she feel magic coursing through her body?
Anne is about to embark on a journey with Ethan that is both dangerous and crazy, as she searches for these answers. Who thought dreams could be real and magic does exist. Anne and Ethan are in a race for their lives as they look for the clues they need to release Anastasia. Anne's about to find out that one Russian Fairytale isn't a fairytale after all.
This novel is about love, magic and the power of dreams. I really enjoyed being swept away in the book and the historical fiction of it. I do wish that Ethan and Anne's chemistry had been explored a little more. That still doesn't take away from the chemistry they had. There's more to Ethan and Anne's story that I'm dying to know. I hope there's a sequel.
Anne is a normal teenage girl, who's best friend Tess is there for her no matter what. Anne has dealt with a lot recently. Her family is still dealing with the death of her older brother, who died of cancer, when her life will suddenly flip up side down with the appearance of Ethan. Tall, dark haired, with bright blue eyes, that seem to penetrate Anne to the core, Ethan's sudden appearance is no accident.
Anne's world shifts the moment she makes contact with Ethan. Everything she thought she knew about herself is about to change. Not only is Anne and Ethan connected in a magical way, but Anne is the only person who can save the Princess Anastasia that she's been dreaming about. Only problem is, how do you save a Princess who should have died over a century ago? Why after she touched Ethan, does she feel magic coursing through her body?
Anne is about to embark on a journey with Ethan that is both dangerous and crazy, as she searches for these answers. Who thought dreams could be real and magic does exist. Anne and Ethan are in a race for their lives as they look for the clues they need to release Anastasia. Anne's about to find out that one Russian Fairytale isn't a fairytale after all.
This novel is about love, magic and the power of dreams. I really enjoyed being swept away in the book and the historical fiction of it. I do wish that Ethan and Anne's chemistry had been explored a little more. That still doesn't take away from the chemistry they had. There's more to Ethan and Anne's story that I'm dying to know. I hope there's a sequel.
December 12, 2013
I really wanted to like this book and I had high expectations sinse it is about the Romanov's. It also only has a little more than 2,000 ratings so I wanted to support this book. Too bad that I can't say that I loved it.
This was kind of a The Raven Boys redue. I was so confused during most of the story, and when I thought I finally understood something, something new came up. I didn't really understand the plot and it was confusing with all of the point of view changes.
Anne
I feel like she was just a flat character. There should have been more to her since she was the main character, but I was just kinda bored with her. I guess I did sort of like her though because she was a dancer.
Ethan
He was sort of a sexy, old, bad boy. I mean he's been like 18 since 1918, so he was kinda like Edward. Not a good thing. I also had no clue about what he was supposed to do and his role in the book. I also didnt know if he was in love with Anastasia, cause it seemed like he was, but he was also interested in Anne.
Anastasia
I understand that Baba Yaga stole her away the night her family was murdered, but I didn't understand he role in anything. Why was she still alive?
Victor
He confused me, too. He's Anastasia's half-brother and Anne's great-great-grandfather. He's also been immortal since 1918 and I'm guessing he's supposed to be in his 20s. I just had no clue what he was supposed to do.
Overall, when I first picked up this book, I thought the premise was really cool. After reading it, I'm not too sure what I was thinking in the first place. Maybe I need to finish the series to understand everything, but finishing this series is not at the top of my priority list.
For this review and more, go to my blog Lizzie the Sarcastic Blonde
This was kind of a The Raven Boys redue. I was so confused during most of the story, and when I thought I finally understood something, something new came up. I didn't really understand the plot and it was confusing with all of the point of view changes.
Anne
I feel like she was just a flat character. There should have been more to her since she was the main character, but I was just kinda bored with her. I guess I did sort of like her though because she was a dancer.
Ethan
He was sort of a sexy, old, bad boy. I mean he's been like 18 since 1918, so he was kinda like Edward. Not a good thing. I also had no clue about what he was supposed to do and his role in the book. I also didnt know if he was in love with Anastasia, cause it seemed like he was, but he was also interested in Anne.
Anastasia
I understand that Baba Yaga stole her away the night her family was murdered, but I didn't understand he role in anything. Why was she still alive?
Victor
He confused me, too. He's Anastasia's half-brother and Anne's great-great-grandfather. He's also been immortal since 1918 and I'm guessing he's supposed to be in his 20s. I just had no clue what he was supposed to do.
Overall, when I first picked up this book, I thought the premise was really cool. After reading it, I'm not too sure what I was thinking in the first place. Maybe I need to finish the series to understand everything, but finishing this series is not at the top of my priority list.
For this review and more, go to my blog Lizzie the Sarcastic Blonde
October 4, 2009
So I'm really between 3 and 3.5 stars here. The story is solid, as is the writing for the most part. I did not connect well with the main character, Ann. She was too fearful and sad most of the time. It seems as if she had sort of a cloud over her head most of the time. I also didn't really get the relationship between Ann and Ethan. It felt a little forced.
Now, the part I did like - the reason this books teeters on the 3.5-4 stars - is the Russian folktale aspect of the story. I'm a huge lover of Russian folktales and art. Preble is fairly well researched (though, more or less narrowly so based on what characters and pieces of Russian folklore apply to her story, and not so much on the actual Romanov Dynasty - and that's not a gripe, just an observation). She's able to bring a chilling and interesting perspective of Baba Yaga and the story Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave.
Also, I have to commend Ms. Preble for giving (finally!) a realistic view of today's teenagers. She did not skirt around issues of alcohol and sex, the relationship between the two, and the uneasy waters of teenage love and heartbreak. It was a little heavy handed on the school bit, but that would be expected, seeing as Ms. Preble is an educator. In this aspect, the book was refreshing. It is too often that I read a YA novel (from an adult perspective, of course) and the teenage issues don't seem totally realistic. This book managed to reflect, at least to me, many of the same feelings I remember having to navigate through those terrible teens.
I am looking forward to what Ms. Preble puts out next. As with many first time authors, the talent is there and comes out much stronger in further novels.
Now, the part I did like - the reason this books teeters on the 3.5-4 stars - is the Russian folktale aspect of the story. I'm a huge lover of Russian folktales and art. Preble is fairly well researched (though, more or less narrowly so based on what characters and pieces of Russian folklore apply to her story, and not so much on the actual Romanov Dynasty - and that's not a gripe, just an observation). She's able to bring a chilling and interesting perspective of Baba Yaga and the story Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave.
Also, I have to commend Ms. Preble for giving (finally!) a realistic view of today's teenagers. She did not skirt around issues of alcohol and sex, the relationship between the two, and the uneasy waters of teenage love and heartbreak. It was a little heavy handed on the school bit, but that would be expected, seeing as Ms. Preble is an educator. In this aspect, the book was refreshing. It is too often that I read a YA novel (from an adult perspective, of course) and the teenage issues don't seem totally realistic. This book managed to reflect, at least to me, many of the same feelings I remember having to navigate through those terrible teens.
I am looking forward to what Ms. Preble puts out next. As with many first time authors, the talent is there and comes out much stronger in further novels.
September 3, 2014
I will confess having a weakness for stories that use Tsar Nicholas II and his family, especially Anastasia. I think that started when I saw the 1956 movie Anastasia with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner.
Now I know that in the years since I saw that movie new evidence has been found, DNA has been identified, and in no way could Anastasia have survived.
Still...
The myth of Anastasia surviving and escaping, does have all the elements of a suspenseful and intriguing story.
So when I came across this series I had to give it a try.
And it turned out this is a really cool read.
I was hooked from the start and was more than eager to find out what was going on. Why is Anastasia trapped in Baba Yaga's cottage? Why does Anne seem to be the key to rescuing Anastasia? Is this Ethan who keeps appearing to be trusted?
I very much enjoyed discovering what was going on, and to see how everything slowly fitted together. I loved the use of Baba Yaga as well.
I did have trouble with the letters that Anastasia wrote: instead of using a normal font, they decided to use a font that made the letters look handwritten. It was difficult to read, and dragged me out of the story.
This book also did make me wonder why so often in YA the best friend of the heroine is some kind of manic weirdo. I've encountered several books now where this is the case. Is this some kind of archetype I'm not familiar with? I find these manic weirdo characters unbelievable, tiring, and annoying to be honest.
But those grumblings aside: I really enjoyed this book. The ending surprised me, but was perfect in my opinion. This book could easily be read as a standalone, but you can bet I'll be reading the next book. In fact, it's already in my tbr-pile.
Now I know that in the years since I saw that movie new evidence has been found, DNA has been identified, and in no way could Anastasia have survived.
Still...
The myth of Anastasia surviving and escaping, does have all the elements of a suspenseful and intriguing story.
So when I came across this series I had to give it a try.
And it turned out this is a really cool read.
I was hooked from the start and was more than eager to find out what was going on. Why is Anastasia trapped in Baba Yaga's cottage? Why does Anne seem to be the key to rescuing Anastasia? Is this Ethan who keeps appearing to be trusted?
I very much enjoyed discovering what was going on, and to see how everything slowly fitted together. I loved the use of Baba Yaga as well.
I did have trouble with the letters that Anastasia wrote: instead of using a normal font, they decided to use a font that made the letters look handwritten. It was difficult to read, and dragged me out of the story.
This book also did make me wonder why so often in YA the best friend of the heroine is some kind of manic weirdo. I've encountered several books now where this is the case. Is this some kind of archetype I'm not familiar with? I find these manic weirdo characters unbelievable, tiring, and annoying to be honest.
But those grumblings aside: I really enjoyed this book. The ending surprised me, but was perfect in my opinion. This book could easily be read as a standalone, but you can bet I'll be reading the next book. In fact, it's already in my tbr-pile.
August 20, 2009
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
Anne is a typical American high school student. She is more worried about what college she will get into than Russian history.
But she keeps having a strange dream over and over again. This dream is about Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tzar Nicholas. Nicholas was the last reining Tzar of Russia and his whole family was gunned down in the basement of their house.
Then in walks Ethan. He is an attractive stranger who seems to know Anne and is stalking her.
Add a lacquered box that depicts the fairy tale of Baba Yaga along with the mention that her mother used to enjoy the stories of Russia as well, and you have a compelling story full of romance and mystery.
Oh, and did I mention the blue light coming off Anne's hands, or the arms that come from the sky to try to take Anne away, or the house on chicken feet?
I really enjoyed this book. It made me want to research the Romanov family and the fairy tale character of Baba Yaga. I loved the characters, especially Anne's best friend, Tess, who seems to be in the right place at the right time. She defines the expression, "I've got your back."
DREAMING ANASTASIA is easy to read and an enjoyable story. Thank you, Ms. Preble, for a great read.
Anne is a typical American high school student. She is more worried about what college she will get into than Russian history.
But she keeps having a strange dream over and over again. This dream is about Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tzar Nicholas. Nicholas was the last reining Tzar of Russia and his whole family was gunned down in the basement of their house.
Then in walks Ethan. He is an attractive stranger who seems to know Anne and is stalking her.
Add a lacquered box that depicts the fairy tale of Baba Yaga along with the mention that her mother used to enjoy the stories of Russia as well, and you have a compelling story full of romance and mystery.
Oh, and did I mention the blue light coming off Anne's hands, or the arms that come from the sky to try to take Anne away, or the house on chicken feet?
I really enjoyed this book. It made me want to research the Romanov family and the fairy tale character of Baba Yaga. I loved the characters, especially Anne's best friend, Tess, who seems to be in the right place at the right time. She defines the expression, "I've got your back."
DREAMING ANASTASIA is easy to read and an enjoyable story. Thank you, Ms. Preble, for a great read.
September 6, 2011
I really like how the author really interpreted such a classic tale in to something new. I love it when authors do that!! It gives me a whole new fresh picture of the story of Anastasia Romanov.
The story line of this story is amazing! I love the new concept of the story and how it flows. I love the history of the Romanov's and what happen to Anastasia. Ms. Preble did an great job in pulling the reader from the very first page. Heck, I was hooked. I loved that right from the started the action and mystery of Anastasia began, and just kept on rolling.
The characters were really unique. I loved Anne and her fierceness. She is so strong and not intimidated. Her character knew much because she went through so much. I admired Anna for her strength and wiliness to help Anastasia. The character that came out to me the most, is the best friend. She is absolutely amazing! I loved how supportive she was instead of the normal jealousy stuff.
Overall, this is a great book! I loved the pacing of the book. Many surprises were revealed little by little, but not too much to over whelm the reader. As the reader continues reading, your are sucked into a world of great story told over many years!
The story line of this story is amazing! I love the new concept of the story and how it flows. I love the history of the Romanov's and what happen to Anastasia. Ms. Preble did an great job in pulling the reader from the very first page. Heck, I was hooked. I loved that right from the started the action and mystery of Anastasia began, and just kept on rolling.
The characters were really unique. I loved Anne and her fierceness. She is so strong and not intimidated. Her character knew much because she went through so much. I admired Anna for her strength and wiliness to help Anastasia. The character that came out to me the most, is the best friend. She is absolutely amazing! I loved how supportive she was instead of the normal jealousy stuff.
Overall, this is a great book! I loved the pacing of the book. Many surprises were revealed little by little, but not too much to over whelm the reader. As the reader continues reading, your are sucked into a world of great story told over many years!
October 6, 2009
I was so excited for this book, When i read the summary i was like I WANT THIS BOOK! I was not disappointed.I liked how Preble put together everything, the combination of fiction, history, and folklore was very interesting and had me hooked until the LAST page.
The characters were awesome.My favorite character was Anne's best friend Tess, she was so funny. Ethan is just HOT.Anne is the icing on the cake, she's funny and brave.They made the story fun and interesting.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Dreaming Anastasia is an awesome debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Joy Preble comes out with next.I hear she wants to make a series.Call me a nerd BUT i did some research on the Romanov family and the fairy tale character of Baba Yaga. Like i said the history and folklore part was very interesting, i can't even believe i researched Baby Yaga instead of doing my homework. But isn't that saying something other then me being a nerd lol, i mean i don't research anything other then school work( i don't even like doing that) But DREAMING ANASTASIA was easy to read and an enjoyable story!
The characters were awesome.My favorite character was Anne's best friend Tess, she was so funny. Ethan is just HOT.Anne is the icing on the cake, she's funny and brave.They made the story fun and interesting.
Overall I really enjoyed this book! Dreaming Anastasia is an awesome debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Joy Preble comes out with next.I hear she wants to make a series.Call me a nerd BUT i did some research on the Romanov family and the fairy tale character of Baba Yaga. Like i said the history and folklore part was very interesting, i can't even believe i researched Baby Yaga instead of doing my homework. But isn't that saying something other then me being a nerd lol, i mean i don't research anything other then school work( i don't even like doing that) But DREAMING ANASTASIA was easy to read and an enjoyable story!
March 4, 2011
I accepted a review copy of Haunted which is the sequel to Anastasia Dreaming. As I don't read books out of order I quickly read this one so I can start Haunted.
Dreaming Anastasia is a book that is right up my alley... magic, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, adventure, fairy tale with a little romance mixed in. The legend of Anastasia Romanov mixed with the Russian folktale character Baga Yaga meets modern day Anne Michaelson for a unique story that I enjoyed.
Without reading the epilogue this book could have almost been a stand alone. However after reading the prologue I'm intrigued and looking forward to reading the sequel tonight.
When I put this book down I was drawn back to it wondering how it was going to end. The story is told from alternating narrators of Anne, Anastasia and Ethan which meant great character development for all of them. Twists and turns kept this from being a predictable read.
Content: Language throughout, talk of boyfriend's groping hands, smoking
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Library
Dreaming Anastasia is a book that is right up my alley... magic, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, adventure, fairy tale with a little romance mixed in. The legend of Anastasia Romanov mixed with the Russian folktale character Baga Yaga meets modern day Anne Michaelson for a unique story that I enjoyed.
Without reading the epilogue this book could have almost been a stand alone. However after reading the prologue I'm intrigued and looking forward to reading the sequel tonight.
When I put this book down I was drawn back to it wondering how it was going to end. The story is told from alternating narrators of Anne, Anastasia and Ethan which meant great character development for all of them. Twists and turns kept this from being a predictable read.
Content: Language throughout, talk of boyfriend's groping hands, smoking
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Library
May 7, 2011
So like I said in my bio, I am a huge historical fiction buff. I don't know if you could consider this a historical fiction, but I thought this channeled some historical background. Personally, I always believed that Anastasia was alive. Though not in the way that Joy Preble describes. This is a very creative piece of work. I think the characters were thought out as well as the plot. I really got into the story and was saddened towards the end. You truly realize all the pain and suffering the Romanovs went through. Even the children, who were not to blame for the plight of Russia, were put through torture. This also shows an understanding of Russian culture and folklore. This wasn't a stiff retelling of the Romanovs but a combined adventure with the past and present merging together to create a fantastic tale of Anastasia. There is a bit of romance that was humorous at times, and if you read this book you'll know why. There was suspense towards the end. Overall, I loved this book and I hope to read the next. (Yes, there is a book two)
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