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Empress of the Night
Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great | Eva Stachniak
7 posts | 4 read | 1 reading | 5 to read
Perfect for readers of Hilary Mantel, Alison Weir, and Philippa Gregory, Empress of the Night is Eva Stachniaks engrossing new novel, told in the voice of Catherine the Great as the Romanov monarch reflects on her ascension to the throne, her rule over the worlds greatest power, and the sacrifices that made her the most feared and commanding woman of her time. A critically acclaimed historical drama and instant #1 international bestseller, The Winter Palace brilliantly reimagined the rise of Catherine the Great through the watchful eyes of her clever servant Varvara. Now, in Eva Stachniaks enthralling new novel, Catherine takes center stage as she relives her astonishing ascension to the throne, her rule over an empire, and the sacrifices that made her the most feared and commanding woman of her time. As the book opens, the charismatic monarch is in her final hours. From the fevered depths of her mind, Catherine recalls the fateful trajectory of her turbulent life: her precarious apprenticeship as Russias Grand Duchess, the usurpers who seek to deprive her of a crown, the friends who beg more of her than she was willing to give, and her struggle to know whom to trust and whom to deceive to ensure her survival. We quarrel about power, not about love, Catherine would write to the great love of her life, Grigory Potemkin, but her days were balanced on the razors edge of choosing her head over her heart. Power, she learns, is about resolve, strategy, and direction; love must sometimes be secondary as she marshals all her strengths to steer her volatile country into a new century and beyondto grow the Romanov empire, to amass a vast fortune, and to control a scheming court in order to become one of historys greatest rulers. Gorgeously written with vivid detail and lyrical prose, Empress of the Night is an intensely intimate novel of a woman in charge of her fortunes, who must navigate the sorrows, triumphs, and hopes of both her soul and a nation. Praise for Empress of the Night [Eva] Stachniaks absorbing novel opens readers hearts to an extraordinary and misunderstood woman. . . . Wonderfully, lyrically written, Stachniaks story vibrates with passion, drama and intrigue. This is a feast for fans.RT Book Reviews Stachniaks insight into the opulent lives of Russias rulers continues in this reflective second novel. . . . Historical fiction fans will appreciate this personal account of a formidable and, indeed, infamous ruler.Library Journal The book takes on a dreamlike quality. . . . Ambitious . . . moving . . . structurally complex and psychologically intense . . . vivid descriptions.Quill & Quire Stachniak brings to life one of the most fascinatingand controversialfemale rulers of all time.DuJour Empress of the Night casts light on Catherines life with unflinching honesty and intimacy. This fun novel of lovers, intrigue, and malicious and manipulative nobility keeps readers enthralled with every page.Virtuoso Life From the Hardcover edition.
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review
Cedar_and_Grapefruit
Mehso-so

I was hopeful this would be an exciting story from Catherine the Great 's POV. It has good reviews, but it left me empty. Even her role in the coup lacked drama and excitement, focusing instead on the importance of the clothes she wore. Silly me bought the whole series at once. Let's see if The Winter Palace changes my mind on this writing style. Fingers crossed. 😮‍💨

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DarkHuntress107
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Pickpick

This was a very creative take on Catherine the Great's life. This was told from her POV and it was believable - that this might have been how she really thought. If you like history, this is a nice addition to the collection!

Betty I visited Catherine the Great's palace in Russia in 2011. Huge and fancy. Have you read Robert Massie's book? Tagging it (edited) 8y
DarkHuntress107 How cool! I'm so jealous! I'm sure it was beautiful! No i haven't, but I'll definitely look into it. Thank you! :) 8y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments
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thelovelyside
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On to the next book! I devoured The Winter Palace, so I'm looking forward to returning to Russia for Catherine the Great's next chapters. This is where it's going to get good! (Here comes the Empress!) #historicalfiction #russia #catherinethegreat #bookworm #historybuff #empressofthenight #thewinterpalace

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Angeles
Pickpick

Not as good as her previous book on the same subject. This time we hear the story of Catherine the great from herself. It is interesting that the author tells the same story from a different point of view but it is less thrilling. Still a good read

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AlienBritt
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Mehso-so

I liked it well enough, though I was iffy on the structure of the book (though I understand why it is done that way). The story was interesting, though it felt too centred around Catherine's love interests for my taste. But if you like fiction about royalty I think you'll like it.

MrBook That's a lot of flowing fabric right there. 8y
6 likes1 comment
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AlienBritt
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"True love makes no sense... True love is madness."

8 likes1 comment
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AlienBritt
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Passed a Little Free Library so we looped around to check it out. Put in my Mindy Kaling and grabbed this. Have never heard of this author so going in blind!

Stephanie-Anne 😻little free libraries!😻 8y
AlienBritt @Stephanie-Anne Little Free Libraries are the thing I fan-girl over right now. :) 8y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments