Search - The Crown and the Crucible (Russians, 1)

This was an absolutely wonderful book. The characters are realistic as well as the plot. You see this period in Russia from many, many different viewpoints and it is shocking how amazingly well each character is portrayed and how you sympathize with them. You sympathize with revolutionaries, when it is a revolutionary viewpoint and you sympathize with Princess Katrina Fedorcenko when it is hers. Most of all you sympathize with Anna Yevnovna, a 16 year old girl who goes from peasant, to kitchen servant, to maid to a princess. Judith Pella and Michael Phillips are amazing co-authors.

Not a bad book, if one considers plot and characters. I would recommended it to those who like a "little" history with their stories. As someone who reads Russian History, at times I felt the book wasn't necessarily authentically Russian per se in its depiction of the nobility. More of a general European, in fact, English leaning depiction of its monarchy and the nobility --which I guess is more available for research purposes. A lot of research was done and that is apparent, however, it just didn't ring authentic to one has read Russian history. A lot of questionable time line and character elements. However, if you don't need the most accurate portrayal and just want a good story, here you go.

Book one of a magnificent Saga of Love and War.
Great book, can't wait to read the others.