Editorial Content for The Tsarina's Daughter
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
THE TSARINA’S DAUGHTER is an impressive installment in Ellen Alpsten’s trilogy about important, early modern Romanov women. This second volume focuses on Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great and Catherine I (the titular Tsarina featured in the first book). The rise and fall of this imperial powerhouse makes for an intriguing story, as Elizabeth’s life is often overshadowed by the lives and deaths of later Romanovs.
"Alpsten’s focus on emotional bonds amidst the opulence of Romanov reigns puts THE TSARINA’S DAUGHTER on solid footing."
In some ways, Elizabeth’s parents were self-made. Peter the Great was a younger son who came to power by dominating his own brother, albeit in ruthless fashion, yanked Russia into early modernity single-handedly, and built St. Petersburg out of nothing. He even blazed a trail by marrying as his second wife a former serf renamed Catherine, whom he later even crowned as empress in her own right. These two tremendous individuals loom large in Elizabeth’s early life, funneling what might otherwise be a mostly idyllic childhood into a corridor that would lead to power.
Peter the Great’s larger-than-life presence is the backbone of Russia and his family. When he dies, his empire and clan crumble, casting the lives of Elizabeth and her sister, Anna, into shadow. As imperial favorites soar and sink, and her own mother proves not to have her back, Elizabeth must become her father’s daughter in truth and learn to fly…to save Mother Russia. Even if it means sacrificing what she loves most.
Alpsten crafts a compelling narrative of growth and court intrigue, occasionally weighed down by an unnecessary supernatural element that detracts from the character development. The story stops short, wrapping at the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign. One can hope that the concluding volume will focus more heavily on her rule, not just her relationship with niece-in-law Catherine the Great.
Still, Alpsten’s focus on emotional bonds amidst the opulence of Romanov reigns puts THE TSARINA’S DAUGHTER on solid footing.
Teaser
Born into the House of Romanov to the all-powerful Peter the Great and his wife, Catherine, a former serf, beautiful Tsarevna Elizabeth is the envy of the Russian empire. She is insulated by luxury and spoiled by her father, who dreams for her to marry King Louis XV of France and rule in Versailles. But when a woodland creature gives her a Delphic prophecy, her life is turned upside down. Her volatile father suddenly dies, her only brother has been executed and her mother takes the throne of Russia. As friends turn to foe in the dangerous atmosphere of the Court, the princess must fear for her freedom and her life. Elizabeth matures from suffering victim to strong and savvy survivor. But only her true love and their burning passion finally help her become who she is.
Promo
Born into the House of Romanov to the all-powerful Peter the Great and his wife, Catherine, a former serf, beautiful Tsarevna Elizabeth is the envy of the Russian empire. She is insulated by luxury and spoiled by her father, who dreams for her to marry King Louis XV of France and rule in Versailles. But when a woodland creature gives her a Delphic prophecy, her life is turned upside down. Her volatile father suddenly dies, her only brother has been executed and her mother takes the throne of Russia. As friends turn to foe in the dangerous atmosphere of the Court, the princess must fear for her freedom and her life. Elizabeth matures from suffering victim to strong and savvy survivor. But only her true love and their burning passion finally help her become who she is.
About the Book
Ellen Alpsten's stunning novel, THE TSARINA'S DAUGHTER, is the dramatic story of Elizabeth, daughter of Catherine I and Peter the Great, who ruled Russia during an extraordinary life marked by love, danger, passion and scandal.
Born into the House of Romanov to the all-powerful Peter the Great and his wife, Catherine, a former serf, beautiful Tsarevna Elizabeth is the envy of the Russian empire. She is insulated by luxury and spoiled by her father, who dreams for her to marry King Louis XV of France and rule in Versailles. But when a woodland creature gives her a Delphic prophecy, her life is turned upside down. Her volatile father suddenly dies, her only brother has been executed and her mother takes the throne of Russia.
As friends turn to foe in the dangerous atmosphere of the Court, the princess must fear for her freedom and her life. Fate deals her blow after blow, and even loving her becomes a crime that warrants cruel torture and capital punishment: Elizabeth matures from suffering victim to strong and savvy survivor. But only her true love and their burning passion finally help her become who she is. When the Imperial Crown is left to an infant Tsarevich, Elizabeth finds herself in mortal danger and must confront a terrible dilemma --- seize the reins of power and harm an innocent child, or find herself following in the footsteps of her murdered brother.
Hidden behind a gorgeous, wildly decadent façade, the Russian Imperial Court is a viper’s den of intrigue and ambition. Only a woman possessed of boundless courage and cunning can prove herself worthy to sit on the throne of Peter the Great.
