Summary:
Sixteen year old Anne thinks her life is pretty ordinary – until she smacks into handsome, mysterious, and okay, annoying Ethan on her way to chemistry class. Now Anne has powers she doesn’t understand, a history altering mission she may not want, and a growing attraction to this blue-eyed stranger. And Ethan- who at eighteen made some choices he’s starting to regret – realizes that Anne is the girl for whom he’s been searching – for a very, very long time. Stir in doomed Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia – who is definitely not quite as dead as the history books say – and Baba Yaga, the legendary witch from Russian folklore, and you’ve got DREAMING ANASTASIA, a contemporary YA fantasy that alternates between the voices of Anne, Ethan, and Anastasia as Anne and Ethan join forces to battle the bad guys and save Anastasia. Only problem is – no one’s quite sure who’s really bad and who’s good. And everyone has some secrets.
My Thoughts-
I started talking to Joy a bit ago and we planned to do something in honor of her novel Dreaming Anastasia. However, I was later asked to take part in her blog tour and I couldn’t pass that up. My reading, on the other hand, has been slowed a bit lately and I still have about 100 pages left of this book. I do intend to try and finish this by next Tuesday as that will most likely be when Joy will “stop by” if you will with a fun giveaway and I can then have my full review.
As for now, I have to say that I’m loving this. It’s a fairly fast read and I find it really interesting. I didn’t know much about Anastasia Romanov but I really want to learn more now and I think this book would be awesome for historical fans…but for others as well. It has some slight romance (so far), it has magic and the supernatural with fairy tales come to life and men who haven’t aged in over 100 years, and more. It’s a tale of friendship and family and, quite honestly, the ties that bind us to these special people in our lives.
I think people should definitely give this one a look whether in the bookstore or in the library. I can’t wait to have my final review up in a week or so.
Cover Talk-
I don’t always talk about the book’s cover like Alicia does with her reviews, but since this isn’t an official review yet and I just feel like it…I will. I love the girl on the cover and think she’s posed nicely for the story. Her dress is super cute. I wish I had one just like it! The picture above is the one I have on my copy but I haven’t seen the final version and I’ve seen another photo where the boy with the blue eyes is missing. Admittedly, I like the one where it’s just Anne, but the addition of the man (Ethan for those that want to know his name) isn’t too bad. I just feel it’s in a bit of an odd spot and doesn’t fit in with the overall look of the rest of the scene. Overall though? I’d say it’s pretty nice!
Song-
The following song is from the Disney movie Anastasia. I personally love it (and others from the film) but I wanted to share this one as it does make me think of the book, Dreaming Anastasia.
“Once Upon a December”
I absoluetly loved this book. I love this song too and the Disney movie Anastasia is one of my favorite. Thanks for the review and song!
This sounds like a really interesting book.
I am so excited to read this. I am in love with the cover and the story sounds brilliant.
I love that song (now)! :} The book sounds really good.
Zombie Girrrl: It's definitely a good one. You should check it out. I'm glad you like the song. Me too.
Elnice: yay, I'm so happy to hear and I hope you enjoy it.
H: It is, definitely. Worth a shot.
Casey: you're welcome. I'm glad you liked the book!
-Lauren
I like the dress in the cover too. Perfect song, it's one of my favorites 🙂
I have seen many reviews and good comments on this book..i am going to have to get it for my TBR PILE..looks so good!!