The Last Romanov [Paperback]

Dora Levy Mossanen (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 3, 2012

IN A TIME OF RASPUTIN'S MAGIC AND ROMANOV MYSTERY, A YOUNG GIRL FINDS HERSELF AT THE HEART OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

She was an orphan, ushered into the royal palace on the prayers of her majestry. Yet, decades later, her time spent in the embrace of the Romanovs haunts her still. Is she responsible for those murderous events that changed everything?

If only she can find the heir, maybe she can put together the broken pieces of her own past-maybe she can hold on to the love she found. Bursting to life with the rich and glorious marvels of Imperial Russia, The Last Romanov is a magical tale of second chances and royal blood.

"A master story teller at the height of her game...weaves history and magic into a riveting page-turner."—Robin Maxwell, bestselling author of Signora da Vinci and The Seceret Diary of Anne Boleyn

"This haunting tale of prophecy and redemption sweeps up into an opulent world of glamour, myth, tragedy and unforgettable humanity."—C.W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici

DORA LEVY MOSSANEN is the bestselling author of the widely acclaimed novels Harem and Courtesan, which have been t ran slated into numerous languages, and i s the recipient of the prestigious San Diego Editors' Choice Award. She blogs for the Huffington Post, reviews fiction for the Jewish Journal, and has been featured in various publications.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Crackles with tension and imagination --- an engaging story splashed upon a broad canvas. Mossanen mines an emotional landscape, rich in myth and characterization, offering an innovative perspective on what may have happened to the Romanovs. Savor the magic and enjoy the journey." - Steve Berry, author of The Jefferson Key and The Columbus Affair

"The Last Romanov spins a magically laced, bejeweled look at the end of Russia's Romanov family, as seen through the preternatural eyes of the long-lived woman bound to their fate. From the sumptuous halls of the Alexander Palace to the cramped back-alleys of the Jewish ghetto, this haunting tale of prophecy and redemption sweeps us into an opulent world of glamour, myth, tragedy, and unforgettable humanity." - C.W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici

"A lyrical, magical, and utterly captivating story of redemption and the triumph of the human heart. The Last Romanov brings a tumultuous era of history to rich life, and re-creates in sumptuous detail the world of the Imperial Russian court. Darya's story will hold you spellbound." - Anna Elliott, author of Georgiana Darcy's Diary

"Deeply rooted in an exotic time and place, ornamented with the observed detail that comes from exhaustive but discerning research, suffused with authentic historical drama, and populated with irresistible men and women who come fully alive on the page, all of which are [Mossanen's] trademarks as a novelist...a master storyteller works her powerful magic yet again." - Jonathan Kirsch, The Jewish Journal

"Mossanen's magical tale recasts familiar material in a modern light and injects pathos into a historic tragedy. " - Publishers Weekly

"The best sum-up of this incredible story is imaginative, thrilling, interesting, fast-paced - with characters that will have you glued to every page as you relive a historical time period that will always remain the perfect blend of myth, truth and fantasy. Enjoy!" - Once Upon a Romance

"Rarely has a book captivated me the way this one has. The Romanov story has been told several times, but I can assure you never in this fashion. This book offers a fresh perspective as well as a healthy dose of Russian history. Intrigue, romance, violence...you couldn't ask for more. " - Minding Spot

"The Last Romanov is an ambitious work. Mossanen peppers her prose with detailed images of palatial opulence and aristocratic indulgence, and the mystical, imaginative plot is grounded in historical fact. A story of redemption, history, and aristocratic intrigue, the novel is reminiscent of Gregory Maguire's and Robin Maxwell's work. " - Booklist

"If you are looking for a rich and mysterious adventure, Mossanen's The Last Romanov is it." - Luxury Reading

"Dora Levy Mossanen really does have a way with words; fashioning and blending fact and fiction until you don't know where one begins and the other ends. The Last Romanov is a deep and enticing story of redemption, love and hope, and comes highly recommended." - Romance Fiction Suite 101

"A decent and interesting take on the Romanov tragedy." - Christy's Books

"I found this to be an absolutely amazing work of fiction! Five star rating and highly recommended." - A Novel Affair

"If you are a fan of historical fiction, THE LAST ROMANOV should certainly be at the top of your reading list." - Two Ends of the Pen

"So very gorgeously written, so descriptive and rich in history, this book is unbelievably special." - abookishlibraria.blogspot.com

"Imperial Russia is about to burst into life before your eyes: prepare to be utterly and completely captivated." - citybookreview.com

"The events in this book are exciting and fit together like puzzle pieces. The reader will be surprised by the twists and surprises in this novel." - livetoread-krystal.blogspot.com

"Dora Levy Mossanen's The Last Romanov is a vividly told story, and her descriptions evoke the lushness of the Russian court." - Drey's Library

" Mossanen takes readers back to the Romanov court, to a time of healing magic and political machinations that rivaled any of the great conflicts of history." - Deb's Book Bag

About the Author

Born in Israel and raised in Iran, Dora Levy Mossanen fled to the United States at the onset of the Islamic Revolution. She is the recipient of the San Diego Editor's Choice award and the author of Harem and the international bestseller Courtesan, which have both been translated into numerous languages. She is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and a graduate of the USC masters of professional writing program. She lives in Beverly Hills, California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402265948
• ISBN-13: 978-1402265945
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.1 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #723,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Israel as the country was gaining its independence. I moved to Iran with my family when I was nine. After living in Israel, where female soldiers wore shorts and carried Uzis around, I had quite a time adjusting to a culture that required women to conceal themselves under chadors. And talk about bad timing. The first days of my arrival coincided with the 1953 coup of Dr. Mossadegh when the Shah had fled to Italy. Streets brimmed with demonstrators, supporting Dr. Mossadegh and dragging down statues of Mohammad Reza Shah. And the very next day, around the same streets, portraits of the shah were displayed again and blaring microphones announced his return. These were my first experiences in a country of contradictions, a culture rich in legend, mythology, folklore, and superstition.
Little did I know then that in 1979, a married woman, I will pack my bags and move again. This time, thank heavens, to California where I continue to live with my family.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An engaging tale about the Romanovs April 3, 2012

By Debra L. Martin

Format:Paperback

The story follows Darya Borodino, a young woman of noble birth, born with an opal eye. Some say she is gifted, others say she's a witch. It is Darya's unique gift for healing and the happenstance visit by the Empress Alexandra Romanov that will change Darya's life forever. Through a tragic accident, Darya finds herself an orphan and is soon taken in the royal family. When Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich is born, Darya is assigned as his caregiver. It is because of her love for this sickly child that she finds herself on a dangerous path brought about by the Bolshevik revolution.

I found the beginning of the story a little slow and hard to get into, but once the old and frail Darya begins to recount her life's story, the text flowed better. There were some descriptions that were too elaborate, but I understand how the author would want to convey every detail of beauty and opulence of the period to the reader. Ms. Mossanen does an amazing job of weaving fact and fiction, telling the story of the Romanov's elaborate lifestyle to their execution in 1918. Darya plays an intricate part in the royal family's lives to the point of giving up her own chance of happiness to stay with them and care for the ailing Alexei.

Although the tragic circumstances surrounding the Romanov's deaths in 1918 are a foregone conclusion, it is Darya's story that keeps you turning the pages. Did she ever find that which she sought? What became of her lover? You'll have to read the story to find out--no spoilers in this review. If you are a fan of historical fiction, THE LAST ROMANOV should certainly be at the top of your reading list. Recommended.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging Read April 5, 2012

By LAS Reviewer

Format:Paperback

What could happen in today's Russia if there had been a surviving member of the Romanov family? This is the question that Dora Levy Mossanen asks in The Last Romanov. She takes you through the last years of the Imperial Couple's rule, up to the moment of their execution... and possible survival of the teenaged Tsarevich, Alexis Romanov. Prepare yourself for one wild ride through history as Darya tells her tale and makes her search for the missing Tsarevich!

Darya believes it's her divine destiny to guard and protect the young Tsarevich Alexis Romanov from everything that might possibly oppose his eventual ascension to the Imperial throne of Russia. She's so focused on her duty to the royal family that she often sacrifices things important to her for their benefit. While this is an honorable and often required trait in a member of the royal household, it also shows a single-mindedness that might not always make for a good companion, either. She lets her care of, and eventual search for, Alexis Romanov consume the remainder of her life. Darya is, on the other hand, a loyal and caring caretaker to Alexis as well as a devout and dedicated soul.

Darya's one distraction from the young Tsarevich and the Imperial Family is her one true love, Avram. Their romance is fiery and passionate, made even more so by the fact that he is a forbidden Jew. For someone of her standing to be involved with a commoner was unheard of at that time, but for this commoner to also be a Jew? It was pure scandal. Darya and Avram do not let this come between them, however, showing both grace and the strength of true love to overcome all obstacles. The way the keep finding one another, despite the odds and political crisis of the time, is both magical and hope for us all.

However, despite Darya's complete obsession with the young Tsarevich and what became of him, her story is one of the most interesting I've read in a long time. This era of history, and the Romanov family itself, has long been a curiosity of mine. To find such an imaginative and intriguing story set during this time and involving this family was a happy surprise for me. Filled with both wild and the more sedate historical characters plus just a touch of the mystical, The Last Romanov brings magic and history together in a spectacular way.

The Last Romanov is a wonderfully well-written read for any lover of history or even just someone who believes in the impossible.

Originally posted at LAS Romance reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Bodice-ripping Historical Fiction June 16, 2012

By Paul E. Richardson VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Speaking of last surviving members of a dynastic family... The Last Romanov is also a fantasy, but it branches off in a more romantic direction - think bodice-ripping historical fiction stirred up with a bit of magic.

Mossanen's is a richly imagined tale that centers on the long and tumultuous life of a century-old woman, Darya - daughter of a grand duke and a circus dancer, whose fate is bound up with the Romanovs in ways she herself does not fully comprehend. She feels responsible for their fate, and especially for that of the tsarevich.

Somehow convinced that the Tsarevich Alexei survived the family's mass execution in Yekaterinburg (which she herself miraculously survived, whisked away by her Jewish lover), Darya spends her life searching for the heir, egged on by the incongruously powerful Russian Nobility Association, and by the prophesies of Rasputin.

As reviewed in Russian Life