Anastasia Romanov's story has never been told quite like this. A brilliant weaving of historical fiction, fantasy and romance, 'Anastasia' imagines Rusya and the court of the Tsars as a place of magic, mysticism and the supernatural far beyond just the reputation of a 'monk' with supposed healing powers. For those familiar with the period  there are plenty of names, places and events that ground the narrative in 'real' history, but the inventiveness and fictional elements transport you to a whole new world and leaves your imagination blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.

While it is a relatively slow paced book, it's so immersive. Throughout, you are drawn into the world of Anastasia so deeply that it's very difficult to pull yourself away. At no point was I willing the story along because it was too tedious - every step of the way you're learning more about the characters, the court or the world. It's very well thought out and, IMO, is up there with Sarah J Maas for worldbuilding. The author has taken a wider view of history, understanding that while the Romanov's story is ultimately tragic, they were by no means innocent themselves. And yet she's found a way to acknowledge that but still herd them towards a slightly happier ending.

I adore the characterisation of Anastasia and Damien. Their arcs are brilliantly drawn and their relationship just consumes you while you're reading. While this is primarily Anastasia's story, at various points the narrative voice does switch between the two. It absolutely works as it gives you a sense of their development from both points of view and gets you inside both of their heads, but a part of me wishes that this set up had been more consistently applied throughout the book. 

Likewise, I think what the author has done with Rasputin is absolutely spot on. Sorry, but this is how I'll be imagining the 'lover of the Russian Queen' from now on... it just explains so much!!!

There is a little bit of spice in here, but it works in the context of the story - it doesn't feel gratuitous and it's certainly not as explicit as it could be. However, nor is it 'closed door'. There is also a fair amount of swearing which is fine fir the most part, but just occasionally pops up in an incongruous place that pulls you from the setting for just a moment - for some reason it felt to me like it was Americanising the text.

I only have a couple of very minor criticisms. Firstly, the first chapter/prologue doesn't add anything to the story and feels completely disconnected. I was waiting for the whole book for it to slot in or make sense, but it never did. If I read it again, I'd skip it. 

There are also some inconsistencies in names/spellings; for example, Anastasia is referred to as Anya a couple of times in the text before she actually takes on that moniker,

and the author slips in her choice of vampyre/vampire a couple of times

. But that's nothing another editing pass wouldn't pick up on, and it doesn't spoil your enjoyment.

In short, though, I loved it!