The Laughing Listener
May 2019
*I was graciously given a free copy in exchange for an honest review*
Format: Hardcover
Overall Rating: 5 Stars

When I requested to review this book, I didn’t completely know what I was getting into. I saw “Anastasia retelling” and put my bookish blinders on against the rest. Now that I’ve read Romanov, it’s DEFINITELY not what I was expecting at all, but I mean that in the best way. This is no light-hearted princess fantasy. It’s an emotional, historically accurate story that just happens to have some magic in it. And I freaking LOVED EVERY SECOND.

In high school, I was in an advanced English class. Because of this, my guidance counselor thought it would be a great idea for me to enroll in advanced History as well. I thought this was a terrible plan because me and history don’t mix, but got talked into it anyway. Turns out I was right and barely scraped by that class with a D, BUT—we had a whole unit on the Grand Duchess Anastasia and the whole Romanov family. I completely forgot everything I learned the moment I stepped out the classroom door that year, but it didn’t take me long to remember when I started reading this. A few pages in, it all came flooding back and I knew this was going to be a rough ride. Spoiler alert: I was definitely not wrong.



This novel is so emotional and heavy, but I mean that as a compliment! From the very beginning I was taken on a journey and I couldn’t put this down. Even knowing the ending didn’t change how invested I was or quiet my urge to find out what happens. All of the characters are so rich and amazing. I really loved getting to know them all, especially the Romanov family. Their bond to one another was so lovely to watch and seeing those bonds last through such adversity was inspiring. I have to admit that Anastasia and Alexei were my favorite to watch, but they were all really special.

It was also so beautifully written??? I saved soooo many quotes reading this thing because Brandes is such a wonderful storyteller! And the way she seamless weaved magic into the story was PERFECT. This book is more historical fiction with some fantasy elements thrown in, but it was done so effortlessly that I almost believe this actually happened. That the Grand Duchess Anastasia was an aspiring spell master with a magical Matryoshka doll.



Lastly, I’d like to give Brandes a shout out for the romance between Zash and Nastya. It took a backseat to the plot and family relationships, which I really appreciated! Playing up the romance too much would have cheapened the message and I’m glad it was so subtle and elegant.

FINAL WORD

This book may be emotional, but it’s AMAZING and beautiful. If you’re a lover historical fiction and fantasy, then you should ABSOLUTELY read this. You won’t regret it!