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…
I accepted a review copy of Haunted which is the sequel to Anastasia Dreaming. As I don't read books out of order I quickly read this one so I can start Haunted.
Dreaming Anastasia is a book that is right up my alley... magic, fantasy, historical fiction, mystery, adventure, fairy tale with a little romance mixed in. The legend of Anastasia Romanov mixed with the Russian folktale character Baga Yaga meets modern day Anne Michaelson for a unique story that I enjoyed.
Without reading the epilogue this book could have almost been a stand alone. However after reading the prologue I'm intrigued and looking forward to reading the sequel tonight.
When I put this book down I was drawn back to it wondering how it was going to end. The story is told from alternating narrators of Anne, Anastasia and Ethan which meant great character development for all of them. Twists and turns kept this from being a predictable read.
Content: Language throughout, talk of boyfriend's groping hands, smoking
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Library
4 Comments on Book Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joyce Preble, last added: 3/6/2011
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The story of Anatasia has captivated me since childhood. I honestly hadn't heard of this one though.
Thanks for the review!
Joy lives in my community, and I just met her at her launch party a couple weeks ago :) I snagged both of the books but have yet to read. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
This one sounds really good I'll put it on my list. I like your blog by the way ...have a good weekend...B,
I've always found the whole Anastasia mystery fascinating, when I found this book I had to buy it. I really enjoyed reading it and can't wait to read Haunted :)