This book will take you a on journey of growth and exploration. Like many, you will probably read this novel because you are a fan of the Anastasia myth, whether through the 90s animated film or further investigation into the Romanov family. You should expect to be swept away into a beautiful world that will expand before your eyes as the world expands through Anastasia's experiences. Sophie Lark has crafted a masterpiece that is perfectly subtle in its execution, you will be reading along as the straight forward presentation of the world increases in understanding and depth to reflect the growth of a young girl into a woman whose experiences give more weight to the world around her.
This fantasy romance takes the time and care of showing a version of the Romanov family in a world similar to our own, while also not erasing the political and economical tensions of the time. Lark's writing has a straightforward accessibility to it, in which she is able to use moments and lines to create a beautiful gravity to the feelings of her characters. Anastasia is a masterwork of character growth, Lark anchors the story with our heroine and we watch her change and grow and learn and become a lovely and well rounded character who can make and learn from mistakes.
I think Sophie Lark perfectly paces this story. Taking the time to really grow the nuances of the magical realistic world, with paranormal personifications, and the ever growing understanding of the world outside your own protective walls. Lark uses our heroine and hero to show two different sides to the political coin. I love the way both Anastasia and Damien are able to converse and challenge each other in the way they think and see the world around them. They are both able to find a beautiful balance with the other to develop a trusting and deep relationship that can easily grown into a love made for the ages.
This slow burn romance is build through time and true understanding of the other. These two are instantly drawn to the other but it is only through their growth separately and together as people that they can truly understand their true feelings. When these two finally take action on their feelings, Lark does a lovely job of showing and exploring their connection while keeping their chemistry ever building under the surface. Watching these two grow into a romantic couple who fully trusts and understand each other is heart warming and bitter sweet. They both must go through so much pain and growth on their own before they can fully embrace who they are meant to be together.
If you are looking for a girls journey into womanhood, this is the fantasy romance for you. If you are always wishing that Anastasia had gotten a different ending to her story than this is a beautiful fantasy version. I you love a slow burn romance between two soul mates you communicate and trust each other and are willing to risk themselves for a greater good, than this is the romance for you. I can not highly recommend this novel enough, my words will never be able to truly describe the experience, you must take the journey to see its full soul gratifying beauty!
Definitely a favorite of the year! Thank you so much to Literally Yours PR and Sophie Lark for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.