Legacies
Romanov by Nadine Brandes is a YA historical fantasy which I thoroughly enjoyed.
As the title suggests, this is about the last days of Czar Nicholas II and his family. The action takes place over a few fateful weeks in 1918.
The novel is grounded in facts that the historian will recognize, plus there is a fantasy element woven throughout.
All the action is seen through the eyes of Anastasia and is in the first person. We get to know her and her family intimately.
Czar Nicholas II was a family man. He instilled the values of love, care and compassion into his family. It was not just enough to love the lovable, he called his family to love their enemies and to practice forgiveness. There was a close family bond.
Faith in Jesus helped to see his family through very dark days. “We must show kindness to the soldiers… Show them forgiveness. We are a reflection of Iisus… Love. Forgive.” When forgiveness and not bitterness lives in hearts, then we are truly free even if our bodies are in captivity.
Prayer is important. “All night, I cried. I knew Iisus heart heard me.” Jesus always knows and hears the cries of our heart.
Alexei was just thirteen years old. His life as he knew it was torn away. “Everything he [Alexei] grew up learning and training for no longer applied to his life.” However, he still thinks and behaves in the correct manner.
Romanov is cleverly thought out and well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“The light could not be so swiftly overcome by darkness. Not when the light rested in a person’s soul.”
JULIA WILSON