This is a story of a young woman who came from impoverished royal family, became Russian tsarina and one of the wealthiest women in the world. In the end, she was forced to flee the country during the Russian Revolution, leaving her penniless and dependent on the charity of the British royal family.

This is a story of Princess Dagmar of Denmark, whose eldest son was the last Russian monarch. She marked the history as a resilient woman, who early on learned the Russian language, embraced its people and customs, and devoted her time to charities rather than politics. But when needed she knew how to rule. “Being a member of the imperial family came with obligation. I had discovered mine.” It was administration of the Red Cross.

In 1866 Princess Dagmar of Denmark, known as Minnie, agrees to marry Alexander III of Russia. Once in Russia, she converts to Orthodoxy and adopts her new name Maria Feodorovna. “I was no longer the impoverished daughter of a once-negligible family, a princess of no power. I was indeed a Romanov now…”

Her time in Russia, from early on, is marked by revolutions. The Nihilists are against anything established in social order including monarchy and religion. Minnie’s husband’s father, the ruling tsar Alexander II frees the serfs. He recognizes that change is inevitable. She understands her father-in-law as well as she recognizes that her husband stands for something else, and she needs “to pry open his constrained view.” As he stands by, “Autocracy, orthodoxy, and nationality are the three pillars of Russia, where the tsar is ordained by God to rule, not to tear down God’s rule.”

The freed serfs move to the cities in search of jobs, but this creates another exploitation of cheap labor at factories. This gives Nihilists fuel to urge serfs to rise up against monarchy.

She offers her help in managing Red Cross as their help might be very much in need in case of brewing revolutionary war. The experience makes her eyes wide open, “While we dwelled in splendor, Russia suffered right under our unseeing eyes. (…) Not only was the need overwhelming, there seemed to be no way to relieve it.” Now, she understood the hatred of Nihilists.

“It took months of disentangling the bureaucratic knots that had resulted in more than half of the Red Cross funds being redirected into unscrupulous pockets…”

After the death of her husband, her oldest son Nicholas becomes the Emperor, and his wife tsarina, who takes the title from Minnie. This and other issues put restrains between two women.

With poor economy and rising riots and violent demonstrations, the tsar declares Russia under a semi-constitutional monarchy. What his father had planned years ago and he was opposed to, now was a reality.

In 1917, the provisional Duma and Soviet government assume charge of the state.

The story starts very strong, with moving prose intertwined with rich historical details, it moves from the palaces of Copenhagen to the palaces of Saint Petersburg and outside the city. White nights and cold winters are infused with rich traditions and trials of life. Human emotions are beautifully expressed through the lives of imperial family, who were privileged, but humans as the rest of us.

However, the last 30% of the book is a bit drawn-out, slowing the pace. It is enlightening to have an overview of the events, and to be acquainted with the influence of Grigori Rasputin over the royal family. But to keep the pace steady, the end of the book could have been a bit more condensed.

Overall, it is a very interesting read and highly recommend it.

Also, highly recommend The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner. About one of the most powerful women of her time.

@FB/BestHistoricalFiction

“Don’t you know
They’re talkin’ bout a revolution
It sounds like a whisper”

--“Talkin’ Bout a Revolution,” Tracy Chapman, Songwriters: Tracy Chapman


Danish princesses, the daughters of the man who would come to be Denmark’s King Christian IX, Marie Sophie Frederikke Dagmar, Minnie, or Dagmar to her father, and her older sister, Alexandra, Alix, were both predestined to marry into royalty. Alix, of course, would marry first, and married Edward VII (Albert Edward), known to his family as Bertie, the son of Queen Victoria.

Minnie meets, and ultimately is courted by Nixa, Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsarevich of Russia, and a courtship ensues, and suddenly she finds herself busy preparing for a new life.

”Nixa had chosen me, for me. I’d not made it a simple task, but in the end he won my heart—not because he was the tsarevich but because of who he was inside. I fell in love with Nixa Romanov himself, with his gentle spirit and noble soul.”

Plans are being made, letters exchanged, professional portraits are taken, and exchanged, and – romantic that he is – he sends her a box of books. Russian fairy tales, poetry, novels by Tolstoy, and a Russian primer. Purchases were made for her trousseau, in order that she could ”travel to my nuptials dressed in the latest styles.” All was going smoothly when the telegram arrived.

She notices first the quiver in her mother’s voice when she says her name. Something has happened. Her Nixa has been thrown from his horse, and the situation has worsened. He has asked to see her, and they must leave quickly, he has spinal meningitis.

Along the way, praying for a miracle, for his recovery, she thinks of the life together they have planned, but can’t envision, can’t bear to think of a life without him.

Nixa, understanding his duty to his country as well, seeks to obtain a promise from Minnie to marry his brother, Sasha, from whom he extracted a matching promise. Eventually she concedes, wanting to offer him some solace in his last minutes.

Maria Feodorovna as she came to be known to the world, but still Minnie to family, marries Sasha, Tsesarevich Alexander of Russia, Minnie becoming Grand Duchess Maria Feodorovna of Russia. In time, she will come to be the mother of the last Russian tsar.

It is a time of much change, although serfdom had already been done away with, there is much anarchy and the people want more. It is a country, at the start, of those that have everything they need and everything they want, while others live in poverty. And while Maria has grown somewhat accustomed to her more opulent lifestyle, she is moved by the conditions. While she never was as poverty stricken as some of these people, she did not grow up in an affluent home. As much as she tries to persuade Sasha to improve the conditions of the poor, he can’t concern himself with such things.

Politics and policies through the generations, the lavish luxury, revolutions, designer ball gowns, manipulations, the gems, dissention, the palaces, the poverty. It’s a land on the brink. Enter Rasputin, and piece-by-piece it all goes to hell, through massive manipulation.

Everywhere around her, it seems Maria can’t make anyone see what is happening, but nothing will stop her from trying, and her frustrations abound.

This is the first book I have read by C.W. Gortner, who has painted a lovely picture of this woman, from her earlier years to her later years, and this time and place in history. It’s a look at a life that was, at times, fraught with peril, and at times filled with love. It certainly is not your average life, and I felt that it was a very thorough, perhaps sometimes overly so, look at this very unique time and place in history, covering the years 1862 through 1918. Years filled with power struggles and revolution, and while there may be a few adjustments, amendments or adaptations to this fictionalized account, it is clear after reading this that the author has clearly done his research.



Pub Date: 10 JUL 2018


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine Books

Dagmar, the daughter of impoverished royalty becomes the empress of All Russia. Royalty, yet so impoverished that she darned and repaired her own clothing. Then her father becomes the unlikely King of Denmark, and later is called The Father In Law of Europe as he either married off his children to royals, or they became rulers of other countries in their own right. One of the daughters he married off was Dagmar, going to the Tsarevich of Russia. As she began her path to marriage, she had some bumps in the road, but she was accepted and loved by the Romanov family. This marriage resulted in her changing her religion and her name, she became Maria Feodorovna. Her father in law, Alexander II, had a vision of allowing the people of Russia more say in the government, even allowing a constitution, which Maria believed in, as many other monarchies had done well under this kind of change. He was however, assassinated, causing his son Alexander III and Maria to become tsar and tsarina . Alexander III had very different views than his father, causing problems between him and Maria on what they both wanted for Mother Russia. She turned to social issues and raising her children but was still opinionated about how to rule. Her oldest son was Nicholas II, who against his parents wishes, married Alexandra, Princess Alix of Hesse. Throughout the three generations that effected Maria's life we see with the perfect clarity of hindsight, how the fall of the Empire of Russia, and the Romanov family happened.
While historical fiction is my go to genre, this is my first book by C. W. Gortner. I will be looking for more of her works. She has researched her subjects well, and pulls the reader into her books. I happily recommend this book to you, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Though I have always been infatuated with the tale of Anastasia, I didn't know much about her grandmother, The Dowager Empress. This novel goes through the various stages that Maria Feodorovna goes through. First, her childhood as a Danish girl, her engagement with the Russian royalty, and her marriage, and then as the Empress, watching over her children as they take on their own roles.

Knowing what happens to the Romanov family, one knows this isn't going to be a happy tale. Full of revolution, threats, and political scandals, there are moments of happiness that are hidden among the lives of the Romanovs.
I really felt myself immersed in this novel as the story began, Gortner has a way to entrance his audience and make them read this books in one sitting. As far as how historically accurate everything is, I'm not entirely sure, but it made for a very good story!

Being inside of Maria's head was something that was also really refreshing to see, rather than hearing the tale from Nicholas or Anastasia, two people who might have been too close to the state in Russia, or too young, we see Maria's opinions. How she disliked her son's wife, and seemed to have good reason to, even if the reader couldn't see it at times.

I will definitely be looking into Gortner's future historical fiction novels, because this was very enjoyable to read.

I was given this novel in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballentine books for allowing me to read this novel!

This book is narrated by the mother of Russia's last Tsar, Maria Feodorovna. It begins as Minnie, as she was known by family, was a Danish princess set to marry into the Romanov family. It covers her entire life, the ups and the downs..
I have to say, this book was absolutely fascinating. I knew next to nothing of the Romanov Empire, so this was completely new to me. It was heart-wrenching to read some of the things she and the other members of her family were forced to endure. The book was written in such a way as to make you feel like you were right there witnessing everything first hand. This is definitely a must-read for fans of historical fiction!

4.5 stars

I received an ARC of "THE ROMANOV EMPRESS" from NetGalley for an honest review. I wish to thank NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and C. W. Gortner for the opportunity to read this book.

This book has me from the very beginning. I have read several biographies and historical novels on the Romanov family and found this book helped fill a lot of the gaps. Yes, I understand that this was a fictionalized historical novel, but the insight that the author had including a tremendous amount of research made it all ring very true to me. I now would like to read a book about Tsarina Alexandra (Alicky) to see HER viewpoint, but the viewpoint of the Dowager Emperess Maria (Minnie) was fascinating. Plus, it answered so many questions about how so much of the European royalty is so closely related.

The author has a lovely writing style with a beautiful use of words including the native languages of the characters. This is the first book that I have read by him and I look forward to reading more of his books. Honestly, I could not believe that the author was male because he was so intuitive and insightful into the mind of Minnie - he really understood how a woman ticks.

DEFINITE recommend. Especially for anyone who loves European history, the Romanovs, or just a really good book!! 4.5 stars

I received this ARC via NetGally in exchange for an honest review.

i know nothing about the romanovs nor anything about russia. so this book was almost like a history lesson than anything. however, because of this book, i did some of my own research and i felt like the book should've been in two books instead of one.

one of the reasons why is because i wanted more information on maria and what she had to go through. some of the things in the books were sort of fleeting and forgettable. some other things were well in depth and something that i liked. one of the things that was missing was the coup d'etat with the entire romanov family and nicholas.

another thing that i thought was weird was how they villainized alexandra to the point where i didn't like her. i'm sure that if someone didn't do their own research on the romanov family and read this book, they would automatically despise alexandra and think of her as a snake or something. it felt weird because i understand why she did what she did, but i felt like he should've make her more sympathetic than making her into this evil villain of the story. i guess even biographical stories needs their own villain.

otherwise, i liked the story and i liked the way he wrote this book. some editing is needed and maybe more in-depth analysis would be better for the story.

A young Danish princess, Minnie has led a rather quiet life. Her family has never had a lot of money, and they have done most of the work themselves. When her father suddenly becomes the heir to the Danish throne, their lives begin to change. Her sister Alix takes the British heir as her husband, and suitors are soon clamoring for Minnie's hand as well. She accepts the suit of Nixa, the Romanov heir, but before they can marry, he is injured in an accident, and eventually dies from his injuries. He makes her promise to marry his brother Sasha, and while Sasha agrees, Minnie does not give her promise.

As her life with Sasha moves forward, their relationship moves from tepid to full-blown love. Together they raise several children and watch as their empire goes through several different turns. Murder, Rebellion, Revolution - Russia is a hotbed of activity. As Minnie does her best to keep her fragmented family together, war comes to Russia. When her son assumes the throne, he is unprepared, and his chosen wife, Alexandra of Hesse is not prepared for the duties of a Russian Empress. As the family pulls further into itself, Minnie tries to prod her son to action, but his distance only pushes the revolutionaries further.

This was an amazing book! I loved it from start to finish! We all know the story of the Romanov family, assassinated in the basement of a house, but we have not heard much about the mother that lost her son and grandchildren. Marie's story brings the entire Romanov dynasty together as they try to survive within the ravages of war, and the heartbreak that would have broken a weaker woman.
C.W. Gortner has outdone himself with this book! It was hard to put down and I snatched any time that I had to read and learn more about this dynamic woman who fought to save as many of her family as possible and keep the Russia she loved together.

European history was never a favorite genre of mine until I picked up C. W. Gortner’s book, The Vatican Princess. The genre is still not a favorite but C. W. Gortner is and I couldn’t wait to read his new offering, the Romanov Empress. I was not disappointed. Volumes have been written about Anastasia Romanov and her immediate family but the main character in this book is her grandmother, Tsarina Maria Feodorovna. Although she started her life as a princess in Denmark, her family was poor. Through a stroke of fate, her father is named the successor to the childless Danish king. When she becomes of marriable age, Maria is betrothed to the future Tsar of Russia. Her life is filled with trials and tribulations that the author has woven together for a page turning novel.

C. W. Gortner is a master at weaving historical facts together to produces a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. His main character, Maria, is larger than life. He tells the story in the first person which allows you to get a peek into her mind and emotions. You feel her highs and lows and her frustration as she maneuvers to protect her family. She becomes like a friend and you cheer her on and cry with her as life throws her happiness and heartache.

This book can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers and I highly recommend it. It does come with a warning though, once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down until you turn the last page!!

This is the story of Princess Dagmar of Denmark, who marries the Russian tsarevich, and eventually becomes Empress of all Russia. It follows her from age 15 until her exile decades later, following the execution of her son, Nicholas, the last tsar of Russia. It is a story of power, revolution and the general poverty of the Russian populatios. As you read this book, you follow the beginnings of dissension, how the rise of Communism came into being. I found this story completely fascinating and hard to put down. Well researched and well written this historical novel deserves 5 stars. My thanks to NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Romanov Empress, by C W Gortner, was a hit for me, and it was so close to a biography, instead of being a novel; without the conversations and thoughts by those in the book, it would be a closer to a real history book. This time period has always fascinated me, ever since l was a teen, and Nicholas and Alexandra came out, first sa a book, and then as the movie. So much is written about those two, even to this day, and not nearly as much about the previous emperor's consort, so it was a real pleasure to find and read this book, thanks to an ARC from NetGalley. With the subject concerned being written about in novel form, it gives a rare light and feeling to the actual people involved. This was a woman who truly experienced the highs, and the lows, of an exceptional life.

Many thanks go to C W Gortner, Ballantine Books, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. This is the fictional retelling of Princess Dagmar of Denmark, Her Majesty Alix's older sister, who is affianced to Tsarevich Nixa but married his brother, Sasha. They became the parents of Tsar Nicolas of the Russian Revolution, which does take up the end of the book, but it is not the sole topic-not nearly. Most of it deals with her relationships with her parents and her husband. This book reminds me of Daisy Goodwin's historical fiction. Very feminine narrative. Tries to pull at the reader's heartstrings . She does a good job. I enjoyed the book.

The Romanov Empress is a superb novel. It's a riveting read that doesn't fail to deliver. Gortner personifies the voice of Minnie impeccably. Her tenacity, determination, and strength are well characterized in the novel. Also her foibles and flaws. I liked the afterward where the author follow up with what happened to the main characters in the tumultuous aftermath. This year is the century anniversary of the Romanov murders and this book encapsulates their last days of both splendor and horror.

This is a very detail rich work of historical fiction! It's entertaining, and I found it informative about the Romanov Dynasty. I would recommend the book for those who are not just casual readers of historical fiction, but really enjoy history. Do remember where history takes this family! It's heartbreaking and beautifully written!

Thank you Netgalley for providing this copy for an unbiased review.

I love historical fiction, and the Romanovs are a fascinating subject I have read surprisingly few books about! Gortner has an easy, eloquent style and I always enjoy his novels. The Romanov Empress is no exception. It was engaging, educational and creative!

What an epic saga! I wasn’t sure at first if I was interested in this book because I’ve read about the Romanovs and didn’t think there could be more of interest to me but I was wrong. This book is from the point of view of the mother of the ill fated last czar. The book begins with her as a teenager with her family suddenly thrust out of obscurity to be on the cusp of assuming the throne of Denmark. Our protagonist, the future Empress Maria, is watching her eldest sister preparing to wed Queen Victoria’s son and become the Princess of Wales. Her older brother will eventually be placed on the throne himself as the King of Greece, and the grandfather of Prince Philip. I am amazed that such a family was unknown to me. I found myself pausing to look them up.

The story will follow our young protagonist as she adjusts to her role as the wife of Russia’s future czar. As we follow her family through their personal travails we will also have a better understanding of what will lead to the demise of the last czar, her son, and his family as we follow the conditions and rule of Russia. I am surprised that I never knew about this woman and her life. She was clearly a very formidable woman who’s life was very tragic. She was once the Empress and then finds herself fallen low at her end. In many ways the novel is written with an air of her adopted Russian ways. It doesn’t dwell on the tragedies but keeps moving forward. There are no pauses as events speed forward. If like me you know the events of the famous family who are killed and that of the civ

Immensely readable with beautiful prose, easy dialogue and vivid characters. This particular book falls right into the sweet spot of my current passion for royal history: the Victorian-Edwardian era. I’ve read several bios on many of the people depicted/mentioned in this novel and I love the author’s obvious effort at maintaining historical accuracy whenever possible (the little details are great) and yet it doesn’t feel like someone just threw a history book at your face.
But really, the best part of this book is just how well written it is. Words flow beautifully and the dialogue between characters and the inner thoughts of the narrator are delightful and engaging. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Although I haven't read anything else by Mr. Gotner, I have read quite a bit of nonfiction on the Romanovs, especially Nicholas, Alexandra, their children., and the Revolution. The differences in temperament between Maria and Alexandra, have been well document, but usually the emphasis is on Alexandra. This book was refreshing in its focus on Maria, her marriage, and her children. Just like Alexandra, Maria was surrounded by family tragedy, intrigue, and political upheaval, but unlike her daughter-in-law, who chose to withdraw personally and emotionally, Maria's survival can be credited to her outlook on life and her ability to adapt. I truly want to locate her official biographer!
Highly recommend.

I really love ready historical fiction, history books. I have absolutely loved this book. Well written, heart rending at times I had to stop reading and compose myself. I would read more about the subject and more by the writer. Highly recommend it

I loved learning about the grandmother of Grand Duchess Anastasia. This tells the story of a girl from a small country who becomes Emperess of Russia and then has to flee so as not to become a victim of the fall of the Romanov dynasty. I loved this book. The characters are vivid and come alive on the page.