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Sophie et la princesse des loups
Pour Sophie et ses amies, le voyage scolaire en Russie prend un tour inquiétant. Abandonnées dans un train, les trois jeunes filles sont recueillies par la princesse Volkonski. Leur hôtesse, fascinante et effrayante, raconte de terribles histoires de révolution, de diamants disparus et de tragédies passées. Quels lourds secrets recèle son palais délabré ? Ces loups blancs que Sophie semble être la seule à voir dans la forêt sont-ils bien réels ?
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2012
About the author
Cathryn Constable
8 books64 followersCathryn Constable read Theology at Cambridge University. She then worked at Vogue, W, Elle Decoration, Elle and The Independent.
She also wrote for a number of publications including Tatler, and The Sunday Times, before turning her hand to writing for children.
She is married with three children and lives in Islington, London.
She also wrote for a number of publications including Tatler, and The Sunday Times, before turning her hand to writing for children.
She is married with three children and lives in Islington, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
January 28, 2014
Sophie will steal your heart and will, forevermore, own a tiny piece of it. You’ll be fine with that. Think Annie; although Miss Sophie is as far from the spunky, spiral-curled red-head as a lonely, little phantom Russian girl, could be.
Under the perpetually gray skies of London, tucked into her tiny room with Delphine and Marianne, wrapped in her raggedy sweater, life was just fine for Sophie. With the Class Trip quickly approaching, the inevitability of being ripped from her “home” and ushered to her guardian’s, banished to silently haunt the shadows of the empty rooms, had Sophie slipping back to the dreams that both saved, and shattered her.
With no memory of her mother, only vague, distant memories of her cherished father, surrounded by snow, rushing her along to something….or maybe away from someone…..that part wouldn’t come; Sophie subsisted on dreams, fantasies woven around this tiny fragment of recollection. Possessing and nurturing such a vivid imagination, Sophie had little trouble accepting the bizarre Class Trip turn of events that would take her, along with both roommates, to Russia!
Admittedly less than eager, Delphine and Marianne weren’t so accepting. Quickly noticing a strange, yet familiar, woman watching them, the girls began to feel a bit nervous, particularly as their class mates seemed to be scattering away in tight cheerful groups. Those butterflies paled in comparison to later being unceremoniously, and quite literally, dumped into a snow-bank, with the pitch blackness of the night pressing down.
From here to a grand, albeit derelict, palace with a beautiful, intense and often confused princess, was perfectly acceptable to Sophie, Delphine could be placated by the grandeur of the still sparkling chandeliers and vastness of the rooms, while dependable Marianne felt fine so long as her pals felt fine.
The sense of foreboding, howling wolves, deliberate solitude and mounting, unanswered questions was soon to come. Even with hackles justly raised, the trio could never have prepared themselves for an adventure with jewel thieves, stolen identities, unfathomable choices made in seconds, many years ago, a family living underground to care for a mythical pack of wolves, or the consequences and rewards ingeniously, resourcefully hidden.
Ms. Constable has crafted an enchanting tale, filled with complicated, compassionate characters, both human and animal, all looking to solve the same mystery, for vastly different reasons. In spite of the icy princess, blustery snow and biting cold; this book will melt your heart.
Under the perpetually gray skies of London, tucked into her tiny room with Delphine and Marianne, wrapped in her raggedy sweater, life was just fine for Sophie. With the Class Trip quickly approaching, the inevitability of being ripped from her “home” and ushered to her guardian’s, banished to silently haunt the shadows of the empty rooms, had Sophie slipping back to the dreams that both saved, and shattered her.
With no memory of her mother, only vague, distant memories of her cherished father, surrounded by snow, rushing her along to something….or maybe away from someone…..that part wouldn’t come; Sophie subsisted on dreams, fantasies woven around this tiny fragment of recollection. Possessing and nurturing such a vivid imagination, Sophie had little trouble accepting the bizarre Class Trip turn of events that would take her, along with both roommates, to Russia!
Admittedly less than eager, Delphine and Marianne weren’t so accepting. Quickly noticing a strange, yet familiar, woman watching them, the girls began to feel a bit nervous, particularly as their class mates seemed to be scattering away in tight cheerful groups. Those butterflies paled in comparison to later being unceremoniously, and quite literally, dumped into a snow-bank, with the pitch blackness of the night pressing down.
From here to a grand, albeit derelict, palace with a beautiful, intense and often confused princess, was perfectly acceptable to Sophie, Delphine could be placated by the grandeur of the still sparkling chandeliers and vastness of the rooms, while dependable Marianne felt fine so long as her pals felt fine.
The sense of foreboding, howling wolves, deliberate solitude and mounting, unanswered questions was soon to come. Even with hackles justly raised, the trio could never have prepared themselves for an adventure with jewel thieves, stolen identities, unfathomable choices made in seconds, many years ago, a family living underground to care for a mythical pack of wolves, or the consequences and rewards ingeniously, resourcefully hidden.
Ms. Constable has crafted an enchanting tale, filled with complicated, compassionate characters, both human and animal, all looking to solve the same mystery, for vastly different reasons. In spite of the icy princess, blustery snow and biting cold; this book will melt your heart.
October 12, 2013
1.5 stars. It's a highly forgettable and predicable Middle Grade novel written for an audience of 12 years old or above. The story takes place in Russia but it is as unrealistic as you can get, not to mention those 13-year-old girls in the story are as stupid and immature as a bunch of five years old kids. I don't hate this book but I'm irritated by how juvenile and unrealistic everything in the book is. What a shame, the book cover is so pretty.
June 29, 2013
Got 126 pages into it and am rolling my eyes at the sheer unbelievableness of it all. The girls are extremely dumb if their "stranger danger" alarms haven't gone off by now. A strange man knowing their names and telling them a princess wants to meet them? The princess being so overjoyed to meet them? Getting incredibly P.O.'d that Sophie hasn't signed the paper? Really? Not one of those things made the girls think that, maybe, something wasn't right? Sophie feeling magically "at home" in Russia? I'm also really upset that her dad never taught her Russian and warned her about danger coming from Russia and what it would be. I HATE HATE HATE it when the protagonist is kept in the dark "for their own good". Horse Hockey! Two stars because I don't completely hate it, but I wouldn't recommend it.
March 17, 2025
Well, that turned out to be a disappointment. It was very confusing and honestly boring at times. It was pretty far fetched at times as well. I also didn’t appreciate the swear words either. So yeah, I wouldn’t recommend this book at all. It’s a shame cause the cover is pretty.
August 11, 2013
More reviews at Mrs. ReaderPants.
WHAT I LIKED: When I think back to this book months or even years from now, I probably will not remember much about the characters or the plot. For me, the crisp, wintry setting ruled this book. The once-beautiful ice palace that has fallen into disrepair, the lonely white wolves howling in the dark, the gorgeous images of fresh, untrod snow sparkling under a cold winter moon. These are the things I will remember most. Beautiful, haunting, desolate, cold, white, crisp. That setting is just...breathtaking.
Constable's writing style has an old-fashioned feel to it that many readers will love. The writing has a new-classic feel that reminds me of Birdsall's The Penderwicks and Kelly's The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. With a nearly all-female cast, The Wolf Princess will appeal more to girls than it will to boys.
The Russian history and use of Russian language are a nice touch. The fairytale feel and haunting wintry setting reminds me of Disney's Anastasia.
I love saying "Volkonskaya." Can I please change my last name to that?
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: So sloooowwww. This book took me about two weeks to finish, and that was only by skimming a lot of the last half. Before that two-week reading period, I had started reading it once before and put it down to read something else. Stuff happens in the story, but the action shots are slim-pickins until nearly the end. Even then, the final confrontation with the antagonist felt a bit anticlimactic.
I fell asleep reading this one pretty much every time I sat down to read it (hence, the two-week finish time). For what it's worth, I fell asleep with Calpurnia Tate and The Penderwicks as well. The old-fashioned feel to these books just isn't my thing, I guess.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Read it for the gorgeous Russian setting and old-fashioned fairytale feel if you are into that. Despite my boredom, I think I would have loved this book when I was in fifth or sixth grade. I'm too impatient now!
STATUS IN MY LIBRARY: On order. It may not be my favorite book, but there are plenty of girls in my library who will love it.
READALIKES: Rump (Shurtliff); Fairest Beauty (Dickerson), Towering (Flinn)
RATING BREAKDOWN:
Overall: 3/5
Creativity: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Engrossing: 1/5
Writing: 4/5
Appeal to teens: 3/5
Appropriate length to tell the story: 3/5
CONTENT:
Language: none
Sexuality: none
Violence: mild; some fairytale violence, story of young prince murdered while trying to protect his family, person falls through ice and dies
Drugs/Alcohol: none
February 9, 2015
I truly love it! Both of the present and the history of this story.
Most probably I'll reread it again.
And I seriously ship Sophie and Dmitri...
It would be in a dream if there is a book about those two in the future. ƪ(˘⌣˘)┐
Most probably I'll reread it again.
And I seriously ship Sophie and Dmitri...
It would be in a dream if there is a book about those two in the future. ƪ(˘⌣˘)┐
September 23, 2015
The title of this book should be, "Sophie Smith is the Dumbest Girl Alive."
Probably the best part about this book was that the scenery described in it was quite beautiful. I love snow, so I was glad to see the beauty of the palace and the forest surrounding it, and I was intrigued by the rooms and their furnishings, dilapidated though they were. However, as a lover of wolves, I have to say that they were extremely disappointing.
Some comments on this book:
1) Sophie Smith is the dumbest girl alive. It takes her until the last 20 pages or so to finally realize that SHE is the princess despite repeated hints, nudges, and even the people of the palace nearly revealing it to her on multiple occasions. She has such a vivid imagination (so the author tells us), but she's too stupid to think even once, "I wonder what it would be like if I turned out to be the princess; what a grand life that would be!" I managed to guess the twist within the first two chapters, but it took Sophie an eternity. Even when the princess herself tells her who she is, she keeps going, "But Princess! What do you mean? What are you talking about? What? What?" She is a bland, boring, stupid girl who deserves a life of squalor in London where no one loves her.
2) Her friends are stupid, too. I would have been scared shitless by most of the things that happened to them, and my "stranger danger" alarm would have been ringing non-stop. Did none of their parents or guardians teach them anything about safety? Delphine cares only for her fashion and is a selfish prat, while Marianne is the stereotype's stereotype of a bookworm. Both of them are 2D and extremely shallow. I didn't really care about them after I met them and could have happily watched them be swallowed up by the Russian winter.
3) The wolves are boring. We're all so focused on Sophie that we don't get to appreciate the beauty of the wolves. Also, I cannot believe that a female con-artist, a half-starved boy, and a former soldier could have wrangled an entire wolf pack into a garden and locked them inside without serious injury. Wolves don't put up with that crap.
4) The general's character was completely unbelievable. He is mercurial to the point of lunacy. One moment he's whispering; the next he's yelling; the next he's smiling; the next he has a gun; oh, now he's dancing with joy! He was like a crazy person, and his mood swings made no sense. Also, why on earth would he give all of that money to a teenage girl who claimed she could find the lost royal diamonds? He doesn't deserve to be a general if he's that stupid.
5) What time period is this? I thought it was somewhere in the 19th century until Delphine's phone is mentioned. Then I thought it was modern-day, but Sophie starts talking about how they do "wicked things" in Russia like smoke. Really? Are you honestly so sheltered?
6) How old are these girls? At first, I thought they were children based on the cover. Then I thought they were 18 or so. Then they showed me how stupid they were, and I wondered if they were actually under 10. There is little consistency in their behavior, and I have a hard time figuring out their ages.
7) The magic is barely explored. I was hoping for a bit more of the under castle, the wolf garden, the spirits of Russia. Instead all I got was a pouty "princess" and the Three Stooges.
8) The princess gives herself away so many times, it's just ridiculous. Even a young child, when faced with that many tantrums and cold words from a so-called "friend," would eventually walk away or fight back. Sophie just stands there and takes it like the wet noodle she is.
I do not recommend this book at all.
Probably the best part about this book was that the scenery described in it was quite beautiful. I love snow, so I was glad to see the beauty of the palace and the forest surrounding it, and I was intrigued by the rooms and their furnishings, dilapidated though they were. However, as a lover of wolves, I have to say that they were extremely disappointing.
Some comments on this book:
1) Sophie Smith is the dumbest girl alive. It takes her until the last 20 pages or so to finally realize that SHE is the princess despite repeated hints, nudges, and even the people of the palace nearly revealing it to her on multiple occasions. She has such a vivid imagination (so the author tells us), but she's too stupid to think even once, "I wonder what it would be like if I turned out to be the princess; what a grand life that would be!" I managed to guess the twist within the first two chapters, but it took Sophie an eternity. Even when the princess herself tells her who she is, she keeps going, "But Princess! What do you mean? What are you talking about? What? What?" She is a bland, boring, stupid girl who deserves a life of squalor in London where no one loves her.
2) Her friends are stupid, too. I would have been scared shitless by most of the things that happened to them, and my "stranger danger" alarm would have been ringing non-stop. Did none of their parents or guardians teach them anything about safety? Delphine cares only for her fashion and is a selfish prat, while Marianne is the stereotype's stereotype of a bookworm. Both of them are 2D and extremely shallow. I didn't really care about them after I met them and could have happily watched them be swallowed up by the Russian winter.
3) The wolves are boring. We're all so focused on Sophie that we don't get to appreciate the beauty of the wolves. Also, I cannot believe that a female con-artist, a half-starved boy, and a former soldier could have wrangled an entire wolf pack into a garden and locked them inside without serious injury. Wolves don't put up with that crap.
4) The general's character was completely unbelievable. He is mercurial to the point of lunacy. One moment he's whispering; the next he's yelling; the next he's smiling; the next he has a gun; oh, now he's dancing with joy! He was like a crazy person, and his mood swings made no sense. Also, why on earth would he give all of that money to a teenage girl who claimed she could find the lost royal diamonds? He doesn't deserve to be a general if he's that stupid.
5) What time period is this? I thought it was somewhere in the 19th century until Delphine's phone is mentioned. Then I thought it was modern-day, but Sophie starts talking about how they do "wicked things" in Russia like smoke. Really? Are you honestly so sheltered?
6) How old are these girls? At first, I thought they were children based on the cover. Then I thought they were 18 or so. Then they showed me how stupid they were, and I wondered if they were actually under 10. There is little consistency in their behavior, and I have a hard time figuring out their ages.
7) The magic is barely explored. I was hoping for a bit more of the under castle, the wolf garden, the spirits of Russia. Instead all I got was a pouty "princess" and the Three Stooges.
8) The princess gives herself away so many times, it's just ridiculous. Even a young child, when faced with that many tantrums and cold words from a so-called "friend," would eventually walk away or fight back. Sophie just stands there and takes it like the wet noodle she is.
I do not recommend this book at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2012
Cathryn Constable has a rare and extraordinary imagination which will enchant young girls (and much older ones) all over the world. They won't be able to help falling in love with Sophie Smith and the magical, snowy, icy, sparkling, strange and beautiful Russia she finds herself in. The book opens with Sophie's haunting dream memory of her father which sings its way through the story, and the courage Sophie has to muster to conquer the difficulties she faces is convincing and skilfully written.
There are scenes that make you think and scenes that make you wonder; scenes that make you fear for Sophie and scenes that make you cheer her on. And the magical story is, from time to time, brought back to reality by the humour, real friendship and occasional rivalry between the three utterly believable ordinary schoolgirls who find themselves in an extraordinary world.
I am far older than the readers this book has been written for, but it is testament to Constable's imagination that her story caught my imagination and held my attention. I only wish I were ten because when I was it took me days to return to the ordinary world from the world of a book as good as this one.
There are scenes that make you think and scenes that make you wonder; scenes that make you fear for Sophie and scenes that make you cheer her on. And the magical story is, from time to time, brought back to reality by the humour, real friendship and occasional rivalry between the three utterly believable ordinary schoolgirls who find themselves in an extraordinary world.
I am far older than the readers this book has been written for, but it is testament to Constable's imagination that her story caught my imagination and held my attention. I only wish I were ten because when I was it took me days to return to the ordinary world from the world of a book as good as this one.
December 26, 2016
Although at the beginning this book had some mistakes and unbelievable twists, they seemed to be forgivable. And although it did bother, it didn't stop me from continuing the read.
But once I got to about half, it just turned into such a bad book. It was a complete nonsense and well... кошмар, if we really do need to drop at least one word in Russian in every single chapter.
The story was very predictable and I don't think that there was anything at all that surprised me. The writing wasn't completely terrible, but I wouldn't call it good. It is such a shame, because I really wanted something with Russian soul in it, but this was not it.
But once I got to about half, it just turned into such a bad book. It was a complete nonsense and well... кошмар, if we really do need to drop at least one word in Russian in every single chapter.
The story was very predictable and I don't think that there was anything at all that surprised me. The writing wasn't completely terrible, but I wouldn't call it good. It is such a shame, because I really wanted something with Russian soul in it, but this was not it.
February 7, 2022
When I was young this book just gave me a “feeling”. Like a really mysterious cosy, slightly dark feeling. I loved books when I was younger that are quite mysterious and have that “magical and mystery” vibe to them. 💜
March 13, 2019
Sophie is at a College for Young Ladies in London. I assumed this was set in the 1800s or sometime around there, because the cover and summary just looked like this was an historical story. I had no idea what year this was in because the author didn't refer to it even once. But then she started referencing cars and headphones and rap music and I was like whoa, this must be modern!
Her friends are of course polar opposites in term of interest and personality as friends always are. Delphine is the vain, French girl who spends a long time in the bathroom getting ready and doing her hair. She combs her hair upside down to avoid wrinkles. Marianne is the smart, studious one who goes on and on about physics and looks forward to getting test results. Meanwhile Sophie wears raggedy clothes with holes in them and shares with her friends that she dreams of being someone else entirely, of having sweets and outfits and a pistol to shoot bears and wolves with. She wanted to go to St. Petersburg on their holiday trip.
And then shortly after a Russian woman came and was immediately taken with Sophie, wanted her and only her to show her around the school, and chose her to come to--of all places--St. Petersburg to convince her friends to send their girls to this school. So Sophie's dream was immediately fulfilled a very short while after voicing it and the headmistress chose Marianne and Delphine to come along too, because they're better examples of what the school can do for girls. A trip to the one city in the world she wanted to go, and her two best friends in tow. How perfect! I hate perfect.
In St. Petersburg the teachers left the 3 girls in the case of Dr. Starova, whom Sophie came to realize was the woman she gave a tour to at the school. Strangely, she pretended not to recognize Sophie and when Sophie reminded her she'd been looking for a school for her daughter Natalya, she said who? Like she didn't have a daughter by that name at all.
She was also taking them out of town to the country, which wasn't where they were supposed to go. When they came to the next train station, Sophie was her get off and then by the time the train got going again, she hadn't got back on.
She abandoned them mid-journey and a man on the train found their bogus tickets and threw them off out into the snow. They ended up at a cabin exactly like the one from the story her dad used to tell her. Too much for me to accept.
And then a train came right up to the hut, but Sophie noticed it was coming from the wrong direction. He had expected them and prepared the hut for them.
It felt completely like The Polar Express, because of the train and Marianne not having her ticket. A magical train taking you to a distinction you don't know with sweets and everything else.
Ivan Ivanovich, from the Volkonsky Winter Palace, said he was there at the request of Her Serene Highness, the Princess Anna Feodorovna Volkonskaya. Which we knew from the summary. But he told them they wouldn't find the Winter Palace in any guidebook because the family had been forgotten in history.
On the train ride she noticed that Delphine was doing her hair and she looked like she fit on the train, but Sophie herself didn't deserve to be there. She looked ridiculous, an imposter, wasn't special, or smart like Marianne. Sophie was pretty dull in comparison. All she had to her was her fanciful daydreams caused by her dad's stories. That was literally it.
Ivan saw her looking out at the moon and told her to be careful. "It will bewitch you. Before you know it, you can no longer live in the day, but only in the world of dreams."
What in the world is happening? Everything was so bizarre.
I always look to see if there's a boy but there was no mention of one in here. A book without love is so dry and boring, so I was a little more interested when a boy pulled up, driving the sleigh. Even though he was described as having a "flat snub nose."
Sophie told him it was kind of him to wait for them, and complimented the horse. He said something in Russian which of course she couldn't understand, and then Ivan got onto him for speaking to her. Ivan told Sophie that it's impolite to talk to servants and it wasn't kind for Dmitri to wait for them; it's his job and he had no choice. He told her it's kinder not to notice him because that means he did a good job and it makes it hard on him when you talk to him. I felt so bad for him because he blushed.
They took an ice road through this forest which Sophie also recognized. But when they got to the palace she could see that it had fallen into disrepair and wasn't as good up close.
I liked the moment when they got out of the sleigh and Dmitri was standing by the horse and staring openly at her. He looked like he wanted to talk to her but couldn't with Ivan there watching.
The first moment that I actually liked Sophie was when she wondered where Dmitri was going and wanted the stable to be warm for him, but felt sad that she knew it probably wasn't. She wanted to go and help him with the horse. She'd rather do that than meet a princess and I admired her for that.
The palace had been abandoned for almost 100 years, ever since the revolution in 1917 when the Russian Empire fell and they got rid of the Tsar and there was a civil war that started the Soviet Union. Ivan told them the story of Vladimir, the last Volkonsky prince. The revolutionaries came to murder him and he came down these very stairs in the palace to meet them. He ran back to the portrait room and faced death, allowing them to shoot him while his wife and child left.
Dresses had been laid out for them, and Sophie had the best one. Of course Delphine couldn't handle that and got Sophie to switch with her, which caused Anna to focus on her, thinking she was Sophie. It was all very irritating.
Sophie heard cries coming from somewhere in the castle. Anna had them sign papers supposedly to go ice skating. She wouldn't explain how they were there. They couldn't call their parents because the phone lines were supposedly out. Predictably, she got mad when she found out Delphine wasn't the right girl.
Sophie had been sad when she saw the state of the palace, that it had been neglected. She noted broken windows and cobwebs, shadows and dust. She thought the rooms that hadn't been touched the entire time were the saddest. Then she suddenly decided that it was romantic. I was so irritated. Who would be happy to stay in a dirty, run-down palace with suspicious strangers? Only the stupid Sophie, that's who.
And when she said Prince Vladimir died like a coward I couldn't believe her gall! He stayed and faced down his killers; how is that cowardly? That was so judgmental of her.
And then shortly later she was telling her friends that good things also happened here and that the prince saved his family and she thougt how noble and brave he was. WHAT? Why is she saying the exact opposite? Is he cowardly or brave?? Idk if the author did that on purpose to show how fickle the girl was, or if she really didn't realize how wishy washy she was.
I found it interesting that wolves are like a signature to the Volkonskys, that they use the symbol of the wolf instead of their name.
Each wolf has its own howl, like a fingerprint.
White wolves are guardians of the palace and on that night they came in and killed most of the soldiers.
I was so turned off and fed up with her romanticizing the whole story and palace and enjoying the tragedy and excitement of the lifestyle. Where is your head you stupid girl?
Anna told of a princess in her family from the 1800s who was a poor peasant girl but Prince Alexey gave up his position at court to marry her. He had a theater built and she danced for him every night. She had a waist he could encircle with his hands.
There were vague, little hints that were trying to be a mystery but failed to catch my interest because I was so bored I didn't care. It was the princess saying Sophie would one day give her something in return for the diamond ring she gave her in secret. Then she started questioning Sophie about diamonds in London. She wanted to know every detail of their lives.
Anna told her not to speak to Dmitri because he would lie about the Volkonskys, that he's like an evil spirit not to be trusted. Evil spirits come to your bed and suffocate you. What the heck?!
Delphine wondered why the princess was so interested in Sophie, wondered what could be special about Sophie. What a good friend? Seriously, how are they friends?
Sophie compared the diamond ring to the piece of colored glass her dad gave her and wondered why he kept such a poor trinket. I couldn't stand her!
It irritated me that she wanted the princess's attention on her and was completely captivated by her and wanted her approval.
When she said Dmitri had a kind expression like the best kind of older brother, I was like there goes that.
When the wolf came up when they were skating, she knew he could tell how long winter would last by the quality of the snow. He could hear their pulses and know which one was the weaker prey.
About halfway through I started thinking that Dmitri was a wolf, because the princess had called him an evil spirit. And when they were ice skating, Sophie had seen Dmitri by the wood and later a wolf appeared. When they got back to the palace, the princess spoke angrily to him. She had commented that they have all the wolves.
Despite the princess accusing her of lying about seeing the wolf, and getting mad at her and Ivan and Dmitri over every little thing, Sophie got upset with herself for even saying anything about the wolf and she just wanted to get back into the princess's favor. Worse, Delphine said it was lame to lie about seeing a wolf just to get attention. I couldn't stand Delphine, but I couldn't stand Sophie either.
She went wandering the palace and in one room Dmitri was up in the air holding onto a rope. And what does Sophie do? She's embarrassed that Anna got onto him, and knows it wouldn't be good to speak to someone in her contempt and someone Anna called dirty. I freaking hated her! Treating him like a piece of crap right along with her precious Anna.
She decided not to ask why Anna had gotten mad at him. "It was never very nice to admit you hadn't pleased someone or done what they had asked." WTF is wrong with you, you stupid girl?!
It was endearing when Masha, Dmitri's sister, took Sophie to their home in the Under Palace and Dmitri arrived. His hand was bleeding and his mom kissed the top of his head. He growled and shook her off but she kissed him again. And when Masha said he was brave and not afraid of anything, he made a face like he didn't want her to boast but he looked pleased.
Masha said Dmitri does many thing and he's very important. He elbowed her, blushed and looked at Sophie.
They talked about the wolves and they told Sophie that the last Princess Volkonskaya brought them here. She found a cub and nursed it and the wolves stayed with her for that and helped her escape that night. She promised the Starovskys that she would come back and wouldn't forget the family who served her.
Anna took them into the gallery and showed them be portraits of her ancestors. The last princess' painting was slashed and Anna was all "who wouldn't want to slash it?" She understood the rage that was felt that someone could be so rich, because the princess was wearing the rope of diamonds in the painting. She told the girls she needs to find the diamonds because she's in debt and promised a lot of things to a general who paid her to find the diamonds, but now she's out of time. She turned on Sophie, accusing her of not knowing anything.
If possible, things got even crazier. When Sophie defended the wolves to the general, he challenged her to a duel. And then a wolf interfered and it was about to attack Sophie and the princess shot it. The other wolves started howling and I was like what in the world is happening?
I started honking all kinds of things. That Anna wasn't really of that family, that she wasn't a princess at all. That Sophie was the reincarnated princess. That her dad was Vladimir and her mom was the wolf princess. I wondered if the author knew where she was going with it or if she was just making it up.
Delphine and Marianne wanted to leave and go back home, but Sophie wanted to stay and help the princess. The woman who lied to her, pretended to give her a diamond that was really a piece of glass, and killed one of the wolves. Sophie couldn't bear to leave her when she needed help. I sat there asking myself what this child thought she could do for a princess against a general of Russia. It was ludicrous that these children thought they had any help to offer, and double ludicrous that the adults expected them to help!
And then stupid Sophie went on and on to the princess about Dmitri and the wolves and the lullaby and her dad singing her a song. I have 0 patience for a character rambling, going on and on about something when they should just shut up. Of course special Sophie had to be the one to put it together. Her "worthless" piece of glass necklace from her dad made her think of the chandelier she'd sat on with Dmitri and she suddenly knew where they were. Of course "perhaps Dmitri and his family knew all along, too--except they didn't realize it."
"It's so simple," she laughed. She, Sophie Smith, would save this Volkonsky princess!"
Of course she's the one to save the day!
Despite Dmitri clearly not wanting to help her, and Anna's contempt and cruelty when she sent Ivan away for being useless to her, oblivious, stupid Sophie forged ahead and insisted Dmitri help her get up and down from the chandelier. Sophie's only thought was to be friends with the princess after and tell her about the wolves. What a dumbass. If you trust an obviously villainous person then you are a dumbass. I hoped then that the princess would betray her and she'd see how foolish and naive she was to trust a stranger with all signs pointing to her being bad the whole time.
Sophie was still too stupid to put it together. The princess was told to get rid of her and Sophie's little brain was chugging along, trying and failing to work for her. Anna said she was supposed to make it look like she was trying to shoot the wolf. HELLO, she tried to kill you!
Anna told her she was a "silly stupid little darling" and "You are so stupid!" It's pretty bad when you applaud that person.
And then to learn that Sophie is the wolf princess! That undeserving little loser is the last Volkonskaya princess. Her grandma was the child who ran away with her mother that night.
The truth finally came out, because Anna had to spell everything out for the little dummy, that she wasn't a Volkonskaya, which I had suspected for a while.
Anna turned into a cartoon villain, snatching Sophie's necklace which turned out to be a diamond and not glass, grabbing her hair, and pushing her outside. Really dramatic.
Sophie was so stupid that even after Anna told her she wasn't a Volkonsky, she kept calling her Princess. And then when the wolves came she thought they were going to kill her. Hello, little dumbass. You've spent the entire time saying they protect Volkonskys, you just found out you're a Volkonskaya, what are you worried about?
Dmitri came and fed the wolves and told her he knew she was a Volkonsky as soon as he saw her. That's what he'd said to her in Russian that day. She laughed and cried and then they stepped back from each other, embarrassed. I wanted so much more to happen!
General and Anna started leaving on the ice road, but Anna fell through, with Sophie's diamond; I was so mad! What a freaking waste. I hate when stuff like that happens. General got away with the diamonds which was too upsetting. They did manage to save the horse though, which I was happy about.
Sophie said Anna had thought she'd be happy with the diamonds, and Masha, wise beyond her years, said you have to have diamonds in your soul to be happy. And General won't have any luck because it is the way of the Volkonskys that they have to be given with love.
I liked that Dmitri was upset about her leaving them, and he didn't look at her. Sophie didn't want to cry embarrass them but it would have been nice if she had. More emotion please!
I respected her decision to stay in Russia. I liked how happy Dmitri was.
The old wolf that had been shot brought the rope of diamonds up in his mouth. How in the world he got them, and where he got them, we don't know. I'm assuming the wolves at some point ran off and killed the general in the forest. At least they got them so we know she can take care of the palace, but I don't like having to draw my own conclusions, and I was still so pissed that her diamond was lost with that traitor.
I liked the Russian dictionary at the end.
The writing was good. Things were described well like the Russian winter and the food, that made me think she had been to Russia and knew what she was talking about, but the plot was terrible, and the characters were awful. I liked Ivan and Dmitri and his family, but that was it. The whole thing was really lame and weird and predictable. It felt like it was trying to be so many other stories that have been done so much better. It had the same basic principles we’ve seen done many times, except this was so immature and juvenile in comparison, completely out-there and unrealistic. The only really good thing about this is the cover. I liked how each chapter page had color at the very top that faded to halfway down the page. That was a nice touch.
Her friends are of course polar opposites in term of interest and personality as friends always are. Delphine is the vain, French girl who spends a long time in the bathroom getting ready and doing her hair. She combs her hair upside down to avoid wrinkles. Marianne is the smart, studious one who goes on and on about physics and looks forward to getting test results. Meanwhile Sophie wears raggedy clothes with holes in them and shares with her friends that she dreams of being someone else entirely, of having sweets and outfits and a pistol to shoot bears and wolves with. She wanted to go to St. Petersburg on their holiday trip.
And then shortly after a Russian woman came and was immediately taken with Sophie, wanted her and only her to show her around the school, and chose her to come to--of all places--St. Petersburg to convince her friends to send their girls to this school. So Sophie's dream was immediately fulfilled a very short while after voicing it and the headmistress chose Marianne and Delphine to come along too, because they're better examples of what the school can do for girls. A trip to the one city in the world she wanted to go, and her two best friends in tow. How perfect! I hate perfect.
In St. Petersburg the teachers left the 3 girls in the case of Dr. Starova, whom Sophie came to realize was the woman she gave a tour to at the school. Strangely, she pretended not to recognize Sophie and when Sophie reminded her she'd been looking for a school for her daughter Natalya, she said who? Like she didn't have a daughter by that name at all.
She was also taking them out of town to the country, which wasn't where they were supposed to go. When they came to the next train station, Sophie was her get off and then by the time the train got going again, she hadn't got back on.
She abandoned them mid-journey and a man on the train found their bogus tickets and threw them off out into the snow. They ended up at a cabin exactly like the one from the story her dad used to tell her. Too much for me to accept.
And then a train came right up to the hut, but Sophie noticed it was coming from the wrong direction. He had expected them and prepared the hut for them.
It felt completely like The Polar Express, because of the train and Marianne not having her ticket. A magical train taking you to a distinction you don't know with sweets and everything else.
Ivan Ivanovich, from the Volkonsky Winter Palace, said he was there at the request of Her Serene Highness, the Princess Anna Feodorovna Volkonskaya. Which we knew from the summary. But he told them they wouldn't find the Winter Palace in any guidebook because the family had been forgotten in history.
On the train ride she noticed that Delphine was doing her hair and she looked like she fit on the train, but Sophie herself didn't deserve to be there. She looked ridiculous, an imposter, wasn't special, or smart like Marianne. Sophie was pretty dull in comparison. All she had to her was her fanciful daydreams caused by her dad's stories. That was literally it.
Ivan saw her looking out at the moon and told her to be careful. "It will bewitch you. Before you know it, you can no longer live in the day, but only in the world of dreams."
What in the world is happening? Everything was so bizarre.
I always look to see if there's a boy but there was no mention of one in here. A book without love is so dry and boring, so I was a little more interested when a boy pulled up, driving the sleigh. Even though he was described as having a "flat snub nose."
Sophie told him it was kind of him to wait for them, and complimented the horse. He said something in Russian which of course she couldn't understand, and then Ivan got onto him for speaking to her. Ivan told Sophie that it's impolite to talk to servants and it wasn't kind for Dmitri to wait for them; it's his job and he had no choice. He told her it's kinder not to notice him because that means he did a good job and it makes it hard on him when you talk to him. I felt so bad for him because he blushed.
They took an ice road through this forest which Sophie also recognized. But when they got to the palace she could see that it had fallen into disrepair and wasn't as good up close.
I liked the moment when they got out of the sleigh and Dmitri was standing by the horse and staring openly at her. He looked like he wanted to talk to her but couldn't with Ivan there watching.
The first moment that I actually liked Sophie was when she wondered where Dmitri was going and wanted the stable to be warm for him, but felt sad that she knew it probably wasn't. She wanted to go and help him with the horse. She'd rather do that than meet a princess and I admired her for that.
The palace had been abandoned for almost 100 years, ever since the revolution in 1917 when the Russian Empire fell and they got rid of the Tsar and there was a civil war that started the Soviet Union. Ivan told them the story of Vladimir, the last Volkonsky prince. The revolutionaries came to murder him and he came down these very stairs in the palace to meet them. He ran back to the portrait room and faced death, allowing them to shoot him while his wife and child left.
Dresses had been laid out for them, and Sophie had the best one. Of course Delphine couldn't handle that and got Sophie to switch with her, which caused Anna to focus on her, thinking she was Sophie. It was all very irritating.
Sophie heard cries coming from somewhere in the castle. Anna had them sign papers supposedly to go ice skating. She wouldn't explain how they were there. They couldn't call their parents because the phone lines were supposedly out. Predictably, she got mad when she found out Delphine wasn't the right girl.
Sophie had been sad when she saw the state of the palace, that it had been neglected. She noted broken windows and cobwebs, shadows and dust. She thought the rooms that hadn't been touched the entire time were the saddest. Then she suddenly decided that it was romantic. I was so irritated. Who would be happy to stay in a dirty, run-down palace with suspicious strangers? Only the stupid Sophie, that's who.
And when she said Prince Vladimir died like a coward I couldn't believe her gall! He stayed and faced down his killers; how is that cowardly? That was so judgmental of her.
And then shortly later she was telling her friends that good things also happened here and that the prince saved his family and she thougt how noble and brave he was. WHAT? Why is she saying the exact opposite? Is he cowardly or brave?? Idk if the author did that on purpose to show how fickle the girl was, or if she really didn't realize how wishy washy she was.
I found it interesting that wolves are like a signature to the Volkonskys, that they use the symbol of the wolf instead of their name.
Each wolf has its own howl, like a fingerprint.
White wolves are guardians of the palace and on that night they came in and killed most of the soldiers.
I was so turned off and fed up with her romanticizing the whole story and palace and enjoying the tragedy and excitement of the lifestyle. Where is your head you stupid girl?
Anna told of a princess in her family from the 1800s who was a poor peasant girl but Prince Alexey gave up his position at court to marry her. He had a theater built and she danced for him every night. She had a waist he could encircle with his hands.
There were vague, little hints that were trying to be a mystery but failed to catch my interest because I was so bored I didn't care. It was the princess saying Sophie would one day give her something in return for the diamond ring she gave her in secret. Then she started questioning Sophie about diamonds in London. She wanted to know every detail of their lives.
Anna told her not to speak to Dmitri because he would lie about the Volkonskys, that he's like an evil spirit not to be trusted. Evil spirits come to your bed and suffocate you. What the heck?!
Delphine wondered why the princess was so interested in Sophie, wondered what could be special about Sophie. What a good friend? Seriously, how are they friends?
Sophie compared the diamond ring to the piece of colored glass her dad gave her and wondered why he kept such a poor trinket. I couldn't stand her!
It irritated me that she wanted the princess's attention on her and was completely captivated by her and wanted her approval.
When she said Dmitri had a kind expression like the best kind of older brother, I was like there goes that.
When the wolf came up when they were skating, she knew he could tell how long winter would last by the quality of the snow. He could hear their pulses and know which one was the weaker prey.
About halfway through I started thinking that Dmitri was a wolf, because the princess had called him an evil spirit. And when they were ice skating, Sophie had seen Dmitri by the wood and later a wolf appeared. When they got back to the palace, the princess spoke angrily to him. She had commented that they have all the wolves.
Despite the princess accusing her of lying about seeing the wolf, and getting mad at her and Ivan and Dmitri over every little thing, Sophie got upset with herself for even saying anything about the wolf and she just wanted to get back into the princess's favor. Worse, Delphine said it was lame to lie about seeing a wolf just to get attention. I couldn't stand Delphine, but I couldn't stand Sophie either.
She went wandering the palace and in one room Dmitri was up in the air holding onto a rope. And what does Sophie do? She's embarrassed that Anna got onto him, and knows it wouldn't be good to speak to someone in her contempt and someone Anna called dirty. I freaking hated her! Treating him like a piece of crap right along with her precious Anna.
She decided not to ask why Anna had gotten mad at him. "It was never very nice to admit you hadn't pleased someone or done what they had asked." WTF is wrong with you, you stupid girl?!
It was endearing when Masha, Dmitri's sister, took Sophie to their home in the Under Palace and Dmitri arrived. His hand was bleeding and his mom kissed the top of his head. He growled and shook her off but she kissed him again. And when Masha said he was brave and not afraid of anything, he made a face like he didn't want her to boast but he looked pleased.
Masha said Dmitri does many thing and he's very important. He elbowed her, blushed and looked at Sophie.
They talked about the wolves and they told Sophie that the last Princess Volkonskaya brought them here. She found a cub and nursed it and the wolves stayed with her for that and helped her escape that night. She promised the Starovskys that she would come back and wouldn't forget the family who served her.
Anna took them into the gallery and showed them be portraits of her ancestors. The last princess' painting was slashed and Anna was all "who wouldn't want to slash it?" She understood the rage that was felt that someone could be so rich, because the princess was wearing the rope of diamonds in the painting. She told the girls she needs to find the diamonds because she's in debt and promised a lot of things to a general who paid her to find the diamonds, but now she's out of time. She turned on Sophie, accusing her of not knowing anything.
If possible, things got even crazier. When Sophie defended the wolves to the general, he challenged her to a duel. And then a wolf interfered and it was about to attack Sophie and the princess shot it. The other wolves started howling and I was like what in the world is happening?
I started honking all kinds of things. That Anna wasn't really of that family, that she wasn't a princess at all. That Sophie was the reincarnated princess. That her dad was Vladimir and her mom was the wolf princess. I wondered if the author knew where she was going with it or if she was just making it up.
Delphine and Marianne wanted to leave and go back home, but Sophie wanted to stay and help the princess. The woman who lied to her, pretended to give her a diamond that was really a piece of glass, and killed one of the wolves. Sophie couldn't bear to leave her when she needed help. I sat there asking myself what this child thought she could do for a princess against a general of Russia. It was ludicrous that these children thought they had any help to offer, and double ludicrous that the adults expected them to help!
And then stupid Sophie went on and on to the princess about Dmitri and the wolves and the lullaby and her dad singing her a song. I have 0 patience for a character rambling, going on and on about something when they should just shut up. Of course special Sophie had to be the one to put it together. Her "worthless" piece of glass necklace from her dad made her think of the chandelier she'd sat on with Dmitri and she suddenly knew where they were. Of course "perhaps Dmitri and his family knew all along, too--except they didn't realize it."
"It's so simple," she laughed. She, Sophie Smith, would save this Volkonsky princess!"
Of course she's the one to save the day!
Despite Dmitri clearly not wanting to help her, and Anna's contempt and cruelty when she sent Ivan away for being useless to her, oblivious, stupid Sophie forged ahead and insisted Dmitri help her get up and down from the chandelier. Sophie's only thought was to be friends with the princess after and tell her about the wolves. What a dumbass. If you trust an obviously villainous person then you are a dumbass. I hoped then that the princess would betray her and she'd see how foolish and naive she was to trust a stranger with all signs pointing to her being bad the whole time.
Sophie was still too stupid to put it together. The princess was told to get rid of her and Sophie's little brain was chugging along, trying and failing to work for her. Anna said she was supposed to make it look like she was trying to shoot the wolf. HELLO, she tried to kill you!
Anna told her she was a "silly stupid little darling" and "You are so stupid!" It's pretty bad when you applaud that person.
And then to learn that Sophie is the wolf princess! That undeserving little loser is the last Volkonskaya princess. Her grandma was the child who ran away with her mother that night.
The truth finally came out, because Anna had to spell everything out for the little dummy, that she wasn't a Volkonskaya, which I had suspected for a while.
Anna turned into a cartoon villain, snatching Sophie's necklace which turned out to be a diamond and not glass, grabbing her hair, and pushing her outside. Really dramatic.
Sophie was so stupid that even after Anna told her she wasn't a Volkonsky, she kept calling her Princess. And then when the wolves came she thought they were going to kill her. Hello, little dumbass. You've spent the entire time saying they protect Volkonskys, you just found out you're a Volkonskaya, what are you worried about?
Dmitri came and fed the wolves and told her he knew she was a Volkonsky as soon as he saw her. That's what he'd said to her in Russian that day. She laughed and cried and then they stepped back from each other, embarrassed. I wanted so much more to happen!
General and Anna started leaving on the ice road, but Anna fell through, with Sophie's diamond; I was so mad! What a freaking waste. I hate when stuff like that happens. General got away with the diamonds which was too upsetting. They did manage to save the horse though, which I was happy about.
Sophie said Anna had thought she'd be happy with the diamonds, and Masha, wise beyond her years, said you have to have diamonds in your soul to be happy. And General won't have any luck because it is the way of the Volkonskys that they have to be given with love.
I liked that Dmitri was upset about her leaving them, and he didn't look at her. Sophie didn't want to cry embarrass them but it would have been nice if she had. More emotion please!
I respected her decision to stay in Russia. I liked how happy Dmitri was.
The old wolf that had been shot brought the rope of diamonds up in his mouth. How in the world he got them, and where he got them, we don't know. I'm assuming the wolves at some point ran off and killed the general in the forest. At least they got them so we know she can take care of the palace, but I don't like having to draw my own conclusions, and I was still so pissed that her diamond was lost with that traitor.
I liked the Russian dictionary at the end.
The writing was good. Things were described well like the Russian winter and the food, that made me think she had been to Russia and knew what she was talking about, but the plot was terrible, and the characters were awful. I liked Ivan and Dmitri and his family, but that was it. The whole thing was really lame and weird and predictable. It felt like it was trying to be so many other stories that have been done so much better. It had the same basic principles we’ve seen done many times, except this was so immature and juvenile in comparison, completely out-there and unrealistic. The only really good thing about this is the cover. I liked how each chapter page had color at the very top that faded to halfway down the page. That was a nice touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
The first time I read the book I wasn't that impressed and I could guess what would happen but I enjoyed it because it left me with a lovely sensation. However reading it a second time made me appreciate this story even more. Yes it is simple as a plot and you know what will happen, but the descriptions are beautiful and you start dreaming of snow, Russia, tea with a teaspoon of jam and wolves running around ready to protect the wolf princess.
August 2, 2015
Опитах да бъда позитивно настроен към тази книга, но не мога да пренебрегна големите проблеми, които имах с нея. А те бяха доста. Не мразя тази книга, но не беше много добра.
May 30, 2018
an enjoyable read with a twist at the end. set in Russia which was interesting to read about.
Read
April 4, 2019DNF
March 3, 2022
I loved this book! It really pulled me along and I felt like I was in the book, standing to the side and watching everthing that happened. My favorite part was the end when Sophie discovered so much about herself and her family. I also really loved the wolves because they added something more to think about as you tried to figure out the same things Sophie was trying to figure out. I would reccomend this book to people who like wolves and magical fairytales. I would also like to note that I learned a little bit of russian too. I like the word lyustra, which is chandelier in russian.
February 19, 2025
O poveste magică, dar destul de simplă și previzibilă.
Până spre finalul cărții am încercat doar să ma orientez în timp și spațiu, să înțeleg motivele pentru care se întâmplau lucrurile, și abia la final am înțeles o parte dintre ele.
Nu s-a întâmplat nimic din ce nu mă așteptam. Cartea a fost exact cum au sugerat coperta și titlul ei.
Până spre finalul cărții am încercat doar să ma orientez în timp și spațiu, să înțeleg motivele pentru care se întâmplau lucrurile, și abia la final am înțeles o parte dintre ele.
Nu s-a întâmplat nimic din ce nu mă așteptam. Cartea a fost exact cum au sugerat coperta și titlul ei.
June 13, 2013
Let's make this clear: I have never been a huge fan of princess stories (particularly the Disney versions). As a result, this book is by it's very nature something that I would not normally read.
Despite that fact, I found it to be an overall cute book. The plot line was extremely predictable and cliche although I don't think that I have yet come across many of these "long lost royalty" type books in a modern setting. I therefore was more than a little confused about the time period to begin with but as the story progressed my confusion dissipated.
I enjoyed the Russian setting and this book did make me much more interested in the Russian language. (Before reading this book the only word in Russian I'd ever heard was "da" meaning "yes".)
This is a good book for girls between the ages of 10 and roughly 14 or anyone in the mood for a heart warming, uplifting story. I particularly recommend it for wintertime.
As for the cover to the American edition of this book . . . What was the publisher thinking?
to
I mean no offence to the people designing either cover and the American cover isn't exactly "bad" but the UK cover is an estimated ten times more times likely to end up on my bookshelf. Is there some reason that publishers can't coordinate? On the other hand, I suppose I shouldn't complain and just be overjoyed by the fact that I got to read an Arc . . . to be perfectly honest I very well might not have read it otherwise.
Despite that fact, I found it to be an overall cute book. The plot line was extremely predictable and cliche although I don't think that I have yet come across many of these "long lost royalty" type books in a modern setting. I therefore was more than a little confused about the time period to begin with but as the story progressed my confusion dissipated.
I enjoyed the Russian setting and this book did make me much more interested in the Russian language. (Before reading this book the only word in Russian I'd ever heard was "da" meaning "yes".)
This is a good book for girls between the ages of 10 and roughly 14 or anyone in the mood for a heart warming, uplifting story. I particularly recommend it for wintertime.
As for the cover to the American edition of this book . . . What was the publisher thinking?
to
I mean no offence to the people designing either cover and the American cover isn't exactly "bad" but the UK cover is an estimated ten times more times likely to end up on my bookshelf. Is there some reason that publishers can't coordinate? On the other hand, I suppose I shouldn't complain and just be overjoyed by the fact that I got to read an Arc . . . to be perfectly honest I very well might not have read it otherwise.
![Profile Image for Lala_Loopsie [fire breathing B!tch Queen].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1477498129i/41378358._UX200_CR0,77,200,200_.jpg)
May 11, 2015
I'm not gonna coment on this book, there is nothing i can say. I found it quite predictable...
September 25, 2015
Echt een stuk leuker dan ik in het begin had verwacht! Maar pfoe het hoofdpersonage was af en toe niet heel snugger en daar ergerde ik me soms mateloos aan. :p
Binnenkort een uitgebreide recensie op mijn blog!
Binnenkort een uitgebreide recensie op mijn blog!
February 27, 2018
Das Cover finde ich traumhaft schön und macht Lust auf ein verwunschenes und kaltes Wintermärchen.
Wir beginnen unsere Reise in einem Londoner Internat. Dort treffen wir die Waise Sophie welche sich selbst als sehr unscheinbar beschreibt. Sie gibt sich mit wenig zufrieden und ist trotzdem glücklich.
Sie hat Glück und kann mit ihren Freundinnen eine Schulreise nach Russland unternehmen. Sie freut sich auf den Schnee, auf Väterchen Frost und malt sich Russland verwunschen und traumhaft aus.
In St. Petersburg besteigt Sophie mit ihren zwei Freundinnen einen Zug welcher sie an ihr Endziel bringen soll. Jedoch haben sie sich einigen Widrigkeiten zu stellen durch welche sie letztendlich mitten im Nirgendwo an einem verlassenen Bahnsteig landen.
Dort werden sie nach bangem Warten von Ivan abgeholt welcher sie mit einem wunderschönen Schlitten zu einem Schloss mitten im Wald bringt.
Das alte und vergessene Schloss der Volkonskajas. Dort erwartet sie die Prinzessin.
doch ist alles so wie es scheint?
Sophie muss sich ihrer Vergangenheit und ihrer Zukunft stellen ... und warum hört sie des Nachts immer wieder das Heulen der Wölfe?? Was hat es mit Dimitri und Mascha auf sich und wird Sophie einem Geheimnis auf die Spur kommen??
Eine schöne Kinder- Jugendgeschichte welche vielversprechend began. Leider hat mich das schnelle und abrupte sowie offene Ende etwas enttäuscht. Meiner Meinung nach hatte das ende Potential für mehr.
Die Charaktere sowie die Landschaft fande ich sehr schön dargestellt und konnte sie mir gut vorstellen.
Wer eine schöne winterliche Geschichte lesen möchte, mit kurzen Kapiteln und interessanten Protagonisten ist bei diesem Buch genau richtig!
Wir beginnen unsere Reise in einem Londoner Internat. Dort treffen wir die Waise Sophie welche sich selbst als sehr unscheinbar beschreibt. Sie gibt sich mit wenig zufrieden und ist trotzdem glücklich.
Sie hat Glück und kann mit ihren Freundinnen eine Schulreise nach Russland unternehmen. Sie freut sich auf den Schnee, auf Väterchen Frost und malt sich Russland verwunschen und traumhaft aus.
In St. Petersburg besteigt Sophie mit ihren zwei Freundinnen einen Zug welcher sie an ihr Endziel bringen soll. Jedoch haben sie sich einigen Widrigkeiten zu stellen durch welche sie letztendlich mitten im Nirgendwo an einem verlassenen Bahnsteig landen.
Dort werden sie nach bangem Warten von Ivan abgeholt welcher sie mit einem wunderschönen Schlitten zu einem Schloss mitten im Wald bringt.
Das alte und vergessene Schloss der Volkonskajas. Dort erwartet sie die Prinzessin.
doch ist alles so wie es scheint?
Sophie muss sich ihrer Vergangenheit und ihrer Zukunft stellen ... und warum hört sie des Nachts immer wieder das Heulen der Wölfe?? Was hat es mit Dimitri und Mascha auf sich und wird Sophie einem Geheimnis auf die Spur kommen??
Eine schöne Kinder- Jugendgeschichte welche vielversprechend began. Leider hat mich das schnelle und abrupte sowie offene Ende etwas enttäuscht. Meiner Meinung nach hatte das ende Potential für mehr.
Die Charaktere sowie die Landschaft fande ich sehr schön dargestellt und konnte sie mir gut vorstellen.
Wer eine schöne winterliche Geschichte lesen möchte, mit kurzen Kapiteln und interessanten Protagonisten ist bei diesem Buch genau richtig!
October 30, 2021
Rozprávočka pre tínedžerky z ruského prostredia, ktorá sa nevie rozhodnúť, či má byť skutočným príbehom , alebo príbehom z minulosti. Tak sa zoberú tie správne čitateľské ingrediencie z oboch, zamiešajú sa , prikorenia záhadou, starým palácom v ruskej divočine v lese plnom vlkov a ide sa do príbehu.
Z koľkých anglických, francúzskych, amerických alebo japonských školáčok za posledných 30 rokov sa stali mimo internátnej školy princezné ? Koľko je takýchto a podobných príbehov?
Romantická slabotka, ktorá poteší srdce tínedžerky, ktorá sa cíti niekde hlboko v duši sama výnimočnou princeznou. Neškodné čítanie ktoré možno patrí k tomuto veku, v každom prípade okrem zábavy nikomu nič neprináša.
Teda okrem schopnosti utopiť sa v takýchto a podobných príbehoch na dlhší čas a stať sa budúcou hltačkou jednoduchých romantických kníh, ktoré " pohladia srdiečko".
Z koľkých anglických, francúzskych, amerických alebo japonských školáčok za posledných 30 rokov sa stali mimo internátnej školy princezné ? Koľko je takýchto a podobných príbehov?
Romantická slabotka, ktorá poteší srdce tínedžerky, ktorá sa cíti niekde hlboko v duši sama výnimočnou princeznou. Neškodné čítanie ktoré možno patrí k tomuto veku, v každom prípade okrem zábavy nikomu nič neprináša.
Teda okrem schopnosti utopiť sa v takýchto a podobných príbehoch na dlhší čas a stať sa budúcou hltačkou jednoduchých romantických kníh, ktoré " pohladia srdiečko".
August 23, 2017
I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"The Wolf Princess" by Cathryn Constable follows Sophie Smith, a young girl with no past, but she dreams of a fairytale life. One day, on a school field trip, Sophie and her two best friends find themselves travelling deep into wintry Russia where they are rescued by a mysterious princess, and they are taken to a palace that was once grand a long time ago. But there is something strange going on, things that Sophie can't explain, and Sophie begins to suspect that she is in far more danger than she ever thought.
I really wanted to like this book. I'm a sucker for anything that takes place in Russia. I thought this book might have potential to be a truly fantastic middle grade read. Instead, I found myself not really caring for the plot and the characters. Another problem, which might just be my problem, is that I was under the assumption that this book was going to be some sort of fantasy book. Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. The cover has a pretty girl with an adorable wolf and a castle in the background so I thought this was going to have fantasy, magical elements to it for some reason. I'm not really sure how to describe this book so here's my attempt: the book does take place in a contemporary setting, but instead of the Romanovs being the last of the Russian monarchy, it's this fictional family called the Volkonskys who were the last ruling dynasty, but their end is fairly similar to the demise of the Romanovs. I guess the best way to describe this book is simply an alternative history.
As for characters, like I already mentioned: boring. I did like Sophie, but there's not much to her because her history is a mystery, and let's just say things are very predictable when it comes to her characters conclusion by the end of the novel. But her two friends were irritating as could be. Why was Sophie even friends with these girls? They were often kind of horrible to her. I never got this sense of a deep bond between them, which Cathryn Constable wanted me to believe was there. And the supporting characters had potential to be interesting, but weren't. Anna Volkonskaya was a very one dimensional villain, not interesting at all. I will admit, I liked Ivan who was Anna's servant and adviser. He was very sympathetic and perhaps one of the more interesting characters. And I really didn't understand the point of characters like Dmitri and Masha who felt forced into the narrative.
Overall, pretty disappointed with this book, and I was seriously looking forward to it. Like I said, I had some crazy misconceptions about this novel because I felt "fooled" into believing this was a fantasy novel set in Russia. Boring plot, boring characters, abrupt ending that was a trainwreck. I felt like the whole novel was a trainwreck in general. These girls disappear in wintry Russia on their school fieldtrip. Did no one realize they were gone? And the girls were just idiotic anyway for trusting strangers in the middle of nowhere. And the worldbuilding wasn't that great either. Don't really recommend this book to be honest.
"The Wolf Princess" by Cathryn Constable follows Sophie Smith, a young girl with no past, but she dreams of a fairytale life. One day, on a school field trip, Sophie and her two best friends find themselves travelling deep into wintry Russia where they are rescued by a mysterious princess, and they are taken to a palace that was once grand a long time ago. But there is something strange going on, things that Sophie can't explain, and Sophie begins to suspect that she is in far more danger than she ever thought.
I really wanted to like this book. I'm a sucker for anything that takes place in Russia. I thought this book might have potential to be a truly fantastic middle grade read. Instead, I found myself not really caring for the plot and the characters. Another problem, which might just be my problem, is that I was under the assumption that this book was going to be some sort of fantasy book. Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. The cover has a pretty girl with an adorable wolf and a castle in the background so I thought this was going to have fantasy, magical elements to it for some reason. I'm not really sure how to describe this book so here's my attempt: the book does take place in a contemporary setting, but instead of the Romanovs being the last of the Russian monarchy, it's this fictional family called the Volkonskys who were the last ruling dynasty, but their end is fairly similar to the demise of the Romanovs. I guess the best way to describe this book is simply an alternative history.
As for characters, like I already mentioned: boring. I did like Sophie, but there's not much to her because her history is a mystery, and let's just say things are very predictable when it comes to her characters conclusion by the end of the novel. But her two friends were irritating as could be. Why was Sophie even friends with these girls? They were often kind of horrible to her. I never got this sense of a deep bond between them, which Cathryn Constable wanted me to believe was there. And the supporting characters had potential to be interesting, but weren't. Anna Volkonskaya was a very one dimensional villain, not interesting at all. I will admit, I liked Ivan who was Anna's servant and adviser. He was very sympathetic and perhaps one of the more interesting characters. And I really didn't understand the point of characters like Dmitri and Masha who felt forced into the narrative.
Overall, pretty disappointed with this book, and I was seriously looking forward to it. Like I said, I had some crazy misconceptions about this novel because I felt "fooled" into believing this was a fantasy novel set in Russia. Boring plot, boring characters, abrupt ending that was a trainwreck. I felt like the whole novel was a trainwreck in general. These girls disappear in wintry Russia on their school fieldtrip. Did no one realize they were gone? And the girls were just idiotic anyway for trusting strangers in the middle of nowhere. And the worldbuilding wasn't that great either. Don't really recommend this book to be honest.
November 11, 2013
La princesa de los lobos es una novela juvenil con una edición, cabe a destacar, increíblemente bonita. Sus páginas son lilas por fuera, es tapa dura, tiene muchos adornos en plateado que brillan y una portada preciosa. Su edición sencillamente me llamó tanto la atención que tuve que leer la novela. Y la verdad es que me he encontrado una historia fantasiosa muy original y perfecta si tienes entre doce y quince años.
Empezando por esto, como acabo de comentar, es una novela para adolescentes entre doce y quince años. Razón por la cual yo ya preveía todo lo que pasaba y desde el principio sabía lo que se supo al final de la novela. También razón por la cual muchas cosas que ocurrían me parecían un poco infantiles (que no es que lo sean, sino que la protagonista tenía quince años y yo ya esa etapa como que la superé).
Aún así La princesa de los lobos se me ha hecho una novela muy entretenida y me parece que sería una lectura perfecta para esas edades y que no decepcionará.
Los personajes de la novela son las típicas adolescentes inocentes, en especial la protagonista Sophie. A veces me parecía tan sumamente inocente que me hubiera gustado darle una bofetada. Es un personaje que se hace adorable por esa inocencia y por ser la menos popular de las tres amigas. Pero como digo a veces se me hacía insufrible que fuera tan tan tan taaaan inocente. De hecho las cosas que ocurren relacionadas con ella son muy predecibles. O al menos o adivinaba lo que pasaría...
Los otros dos personajes son cada uno con su caracterización y ninguna de las dos amigas me gustaron en especial, más bien me dejaron indiferentes.
La historia en sí es entretenida y su punto fuerte sin duda es la originalidad. Últimamente el género fantástico está demasiado trillado, pero esta novela se sale de tópicos y de lo ya tan visto. Es muy original y te mete de lleno en ese palacio de invierno.
La ambientación de la novela también me ha gustado mucho, la nieve, Rusia, el palacio... Pero me hubiera gustado más argumentación por parte de la autora, aunque entiendo que siendo un libro para esas edades tampoco vaya a ponerse con descripciones sobre Rusia y su forma de vida...
Tiene un ritmo muy rápido y con la edición que tiene se lee incluso más rápido.
Empezando por esto, como acabo de comentar, es una novela para adolescentes entre doce y quince años. Razón por la cual yo ya preveía todo lo que pasaba y desde el principio sabía lo que se supo al final de la novela. También razón por la cual muchas cosas que ocurrían me parecían un poco infantiles (que no es que lo sean, sino que la protagonista tenía quince años y yo ya esa etapa como que la superé).
Aún así La princesa de los lobos se me ha hecho una novela muy entretenida y me parece que sería una lectura perfecta para esas edades y que no decepcionará.
Los personajes de la novela son las típicas adolescentes inocentes, en especial la protagonista Sophie. A veces me parecía tan sumamente inocente que me hubiera gustado darle una bofetada. Es un personaje que se hace adorable por esa inocencia y por ser la menos popular de las tres amigas. Pero como digo a veces se me hacía insufrible que fuera tan tan tan taaaan inocente. De hecho las cosas que ocurren relacionadas con ella son muy predecibles. O al menos o adivinaba lo que pasaría...
Los otros dos personajes son cada uno con su caracterización y ninguna de las dos amigas me gustaron en especial, más bien me dejaron indiferentes.
La historia en sí es entretenida y su punto fuerte sin duda es la originalidad. Últimamente el género fantástico está demasiado trillado, pero esta novela se sale de tópicos y de lo ya tan visto. Es muy original y te mete de lleno en ese palacio de invierno.
La ambientación de la novela también me ha gustado mucho, la nieve, Rusia, el palacio... Pero me hubiera gustado más argumentación por parte de la autora, aunque entiendo que siendo un libro para esas edades tampoco vaya a ponerse con descripciones sobre Rusia y su forma de vida...
Tiene un ritmo muy rápido y con la edición que tiene se lee incluso más rápido.
July 24, 2017
This book is about a orphan called Sophie. Before all she wanted was to go to Russia , see the snow and the wild creatures, and start an adventure. When she and her friends suddenly got to go there, Sophie thought her wish had come true. But when they got stranded in the middle of nowhere, and a strange train going the opposite way comes to save them, Sophie is sure they will not go home.....yet.
When I first saw this book, i thought it was some princessly book. But when I opened it and read trough it, I found out that I was wrong. It was about adventure and about that money never brings happiness. It about friendships and trustworthy people, saving their loved ones, and not leaving them to by themselves. It about that money can never buy true love, happiness, or true friendships. Sure, money can buy happiness sometimes, but can money buy happiness when someone is dead or when you are all alone? My answer is no.
This book is one of the most brave, heartfelt story i have ever read before. The only catch is that there are many Russian words I don't know. :(
When I first saw this book, i thought it was some princessly book. But when I opened it and read trough it, I found out that I was wrong. It was about adventure and about that money never brings happiness. It about friendships and trustworthy people, saving their loved ones, and not leaving them to by themselves. It about that money can never buy true love, happiness, or true friendships. Sure, money can buy happiness sometimes, but can money buy happiness when someone is dead or when you are all alone? My answer is no.
This book is one of the most brave, heartfelt story i have ever read before. The only catch is that there are many Russian words I don't know. :(
February 27, 2017
I decided to read this book when my friend recommended it to me as one of her favorites. After reading it I can see why. Sophie is a kind and relatable character who continuously is getting her character developed. The backstory on the castle and the people in is is also very developed. My least favorite part of the story would probably be the iconic antagonist for coming out of nowhere and being disrespectful to get what they want. My favorite part of the book would probably be either the peasant characters or the wolves. One other thing that was a bit disappointing to me was the lack of wolves put in the story. I was ready for some wolves to go into the castle with scrolls in their mouth or something but they were barely in the book at all. The ending of the book includes a revealing plot twist.
November 22, 2019
It was such a cute story. I mean if you know me you know that snowy settings are my thing, and when you mix some Russian vibes in it, I'm sold. AND big plus, I'm in love with Wolves so that being said, one thing bothered me. Only one.
I know it is a middle grade, therefore the characters are not the more mature ones. I get that. But their reactions sometimes was just weird and not believable. I will not get too much into details saying this but sometimes it's ok to be scared if the situation is scary.
But overall I enjoyed the pace of the book, the story, the actions and some twists.
I know it is a middle grade, therefore the characters are not the more mature ones. I get that. But their reactions sometimes was just weird and not believable. I will not get too much into details saying this but sometimes it's ok to be scared if the situation is scary.
But overall I enjoyed the pace of the book, the story, the actions and some twists.
August 14, 2026
It was winter. It was snowing. There was a girl lost in the woods. And — Sophie felt her chest tighten with fear — a wolf …Vivid dreams – a train – a sleigh ride – a winter palace – wolves – abiding mysteries – lost diamonds. Cathryn Constable packs a lot into her children’s fantasy that hovers for much of the time in a no-man’s-land between realism and fairytale.
Though impoverished, young orphan Sophie Smith attends a small London boarding school, her best friends the comfortably-off Delphine and the studious Marianne, but while stuck under the capital’s overcast skies she dreams instead of snowy landscapes and crisp air.
An unexpected visitor to the school is instrumental in making it possible for Sophie and her friends to join a school trip to St Petersburg, but instead of staying with a Russian family there they find themselves abandoned at a remote train station in the depths of a Russian winter. What happens next is beyond Sophie’s wildest dreams, but it will take her deep into a world of danger, imminent death and, yes, wolves.
Modern life seemed so limited, so ordinary, so small, when compared to the lives of the last Volkonskys.This is a fantasy thriller to be enjoyed for its twists and turns, its settings and its feisty young protagonist, not to be analysed and criticised for any inconsistencies, unlikely situations and incredible resolutions. For myself I enjoyed this for its recognisable tropes assembled from other narratives, all embedded in dreamlike episodes involving sleigh-rides, labyrinthine corridors and northern forests, even as I resisted the critical voices in my head that niggled at tiny little details that to me didn’t always ring true.
So, when the trio of schoolgirls are picked up by a steam train the reader may be reminded of the Hogwarts Express; when we’re introduced to Princess Anna we may note the parallels with Hans Christian Andersen’s Snow Queen; when we come across frozen statues of animals in the palace’s courtyard we may recall the dastardly work of Narnia’s White Witch, Jadis; and when we meet the boy Dmitri and his family we might detect echoes of Dickon and his relatives in The Secret Garden.
Yet it’s the personalities the author has conjured up that most stick in the mind. Our focus is ever on Sophie, a classic orphan languishing in the care of an indifferent guardian; well-meaning, though prone when faced with a dilemma to make ill-advised decisions, she’s kind to those she knows but sometimes too trusting. Her two friends are her only true supports but there are secrets in her past which, though she’s unaware of them, could well change everything.
Agents of change appear first with the enigmatic Dr Starova, then Ivan Ivanovich – major-domo at the Volkonsky winter palace – and finally the long-awaited appearance of the ice-cool Princess Anna Feodorovna Volkonskaya. But who is the General Grigor whose very name turns the Princess pale? And what does she have against the pack of white wolves on the Volkonsky estate, even though the family name is derived from volk, the Russian for ‘wolf’?
As others have noted there are echoes of Eva Ibbotson here, in themes certainly though less so in the writing: Ibbotson feels more realistic, while this veers rather more towards fairytale. Yet, like many a fairytale, The Wolf Princess delves deep into the eternal conflict between care, compassion and love, and their opposites – cruelty, money and power. I found it best therefore to abandon myself to the twists and turns of the plot rather than fret about strict logic, because what kind of unimaginative pedant insists otherwise in, let’s face it, what’s essentially a tale of magic realism?
January 11, 2020
This is a marvelous story about an orphan girl, off at boarding school, who ends up going off for a weekend, with two of her closest friends, to stay with a Russian princess. The weekend is not at all what the girls anticipated as they aren't where they were supposed to be going. None of their phones work so the other girls cannot contact their parents and as a reader, you know something is not right with the situation and with the supposed "Russian princess." Things start to become more suspicious when Sophie hears lonely wolf howls but the princess denies their being any wolves left (despite the history of her ancestors being protected by them). It's also obvious the princess if obsessed with finding the lost family diamonds. Ultimately, Sophie befriends a servant boy she is told to stay away from and when the Princess's fiancé shows up and demands to know where the diamonds are, things start to get uncomfortable for Sophie and her friends (who wish to leave and go back to school). Ultimately, Sophie realizes that the whole thing is a sham....the person pretending to be the Princess is not anybody related to the family from the palace at all. In fact, the only living heir and true heir is Sophie. Turns out, she is actually the Russian Princess. It's a lovely story with beautiful elements of fantasy. The ending made me smile.
July 19, 2024
I started reading this book in middle school, but for some reason, I never finished it. So when I recently found it again, I decided to give it another try.
The book itself was enjoyable, but a bit predictable. The story is set in an amazingly beautiful and enchanting setting, which I found to be a significant plus. The characters were fun to get to know, and I enjoyed reading more about them.
However, the plot felt somewhat straightforward and lacked the suspense I was hoping for. Some of the twists were easy to see coming, which took away some of the excitement. Despite this, there were moments of genuine magic and wonder that kept me reading.
Overall, while "The Wolf Princess" might not have been as thrilling as I anticipated, it still offered a delightful escape into a winter wonderland. It's a good read for those who enjoy beautifully described settings and endearing characters, even if the plot may be a bit predictable at times.
The book itself was enjoyable, but a bit predictable. The story is set in an amazingly beautiful and enchanting setting, which I found to be a significant plus. The characters were fun to get to know, and I enjoyed reading more about them.
However, the plot felt somewhat straightforward and lacked the suspense I was hoping for. Some of the twists were easy to see coming, which took away some of the excitement. Despite this, there were moments of genuine magic and wonder that kept me reading.
Overall, while "The Wolf Princess" might not have been as thrilling as I anticipated, it still offered a delightful escape into a winter wonderland. It's a good read for those who enjoy beautifully described settings and endearing characters, even if the plot may be a bit predictable at times.
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