The Enduring Intrigue of the Romanovs

If there is one topic that is guaranteed to get me to pull a book off a shelf, physical or digital, it is the Romanov’s. I have been fascinated with them since I was a child. When I was a kid, I joined a reading club at my local library. (Yes, yes. We’ve already discussed my incredibly geeky upbringing.) One summer, I think I was ten, I discovered a series of children’s books that covered the entire Romanov family. I read all twelve of them cover to cover. And hence, a reading obsession began.

For those unfamiliar with the family, the Romanovs were the last ruling family of Russia. They ruled from 1613 to 1917. And while the family in its totality is intriguing, it is the last Czar and his family that truly inspires fascination.

Tsar Nicholas came to power in 1894. The Tsarina, a German born princess, was not well regarded by the Russian people, especially after two events: one she provided only daughters until the couples fifth child. But the Tsarevich, Alexei, was stricken with hemophilia and was sickly for all his days. The other event was the introduction of Rasputin to the royal circle. And who isn’t fascinated by the mad monk?

And then when the family was finally executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, mystery surrounded their demise. Rumors abound that some survived the assassination. And then there’s Anna Anderson. Honestly, I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, I’ve read pretty much everything on the family and I still can’t get enough.

So as I was scrolling through books, looking for a new read, I found The Romanov Cross by Robert Masello. And it was incredible! Granted, anything with the Romanovs will keep my interest, but this was a new twist on an old mystery. It imported the rumors about Rasputin and Anastasia, twirling them together in a new way. Add in a dash of a potential humanity-ending disease and voile, captivating entertainment. Set in Russia and Alaska, it mixed history with mystery and a healthy dose of what if.

As I write this, I can’t help but think of one of my other favorite Romanov-themed novels, The Romanov Prophesy by Steve Berry. I’ve read it at least three times. The novel follows Miles Lord as he is chased across the globe while tracking down a modern day heir to the Romanov throne. Love that book! Easily one of my all-time favorites.

So, if you’re looking for a good book to read, try The Romanov Curse by Robert Masello or The Romanov Prophesy by Steve Berry. And if anyone out there has any Romanov-themed books to recommend, I’d love to hear from you!