What really happened to Anastasia Romanov? Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead. In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams… - book jacket
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With a mixture of paranormal fantasy, contemporary and historical fiction, Dreaming Anastasia is a magical tale of dreams, folklore, and of course, Anastasia.
I enjoyed Dreaming Anastasia not just for the unique build on the mysterious disappearance of Anastasia Romanov, but for the stunning writing and backdrops of this book. From the streets of Chicago to the forest of Baba Yaga, Preble did a fantastic job on her debut novel!
The characters were well created and I really loved reading what three different people were thinking: Anne, Ethan, and Anastasia. I'm glad Preble scattered tiny tid bits of history throughout the book for those who aren't too familiar with the Romanov family; it was fun too see a different take rather than the well-worn tales of finding the real Anastasia still alive.
When the story of Baba Yaga (a Russian tale similar to Cinderella) was introduced in the book, I was a bit unsure it wold work in the story. Although the idea was still a bit odd at times, it still fits the plot because of it's magical effect on Anne and Anastasia's curse. It just wouldn't be Dreaming Anastasia without a dash of Russian folklore. Besides the Baba Yaga, the secret Brotherhood, and the spell, Preble also added lots of action that brought the book to a whole different level.
Overall, Dreaming Anastasia is a novel filled with magic, love, and dreams that will enchant readers long after the last page. I look forward to reading more by Preble!
Joy Preble grew up in Chicago. She has an English degree from NU and teaches English to high school students in Texas. This is her first novel. Visit joypreble.com
Pages: 302 Year Published: Sept. 2009 Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical fiction Age Group: YA, ages 14+
Content: Some graphic violence and sexual references
Enjoyed It: 4/5 Rating: (based on content)
Special thanks to Paul at Sourcebooks for sending me this book!
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