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When they took everything from her, they didn't count on her fighting to get it back...Born into the House of Romanov to the all-powerful Peter the Great and Catherine I, beautiful Tsarevna Elizabeth is the world's loveliest Princess and the envy of the Russian empire. Insulated by luxury and as a woman free from the burden of statecraft, Elizabeth is seemingly born to pursue her passions.
However, when her mother dies; Russia is torn, masks fall, and friends become foes. Elizabeth's idyllic world is upended. By her twenties she is penniless and powerless, living under constant threat. As times change like quicksand, Elizabeth must decide whether she is willing to take up her role as Russia's ruler, and what she's willing to do for her country.
About the author
Ellen Alpsten was born and raised in the Kenyan highlands, before attending L'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. Whilst studying for her Msc in PPE she won the Grande École short story competition with her novella Meeting Mr. Gandhi and was encouraged to continue writing. Upon graduating, she worked as a producer and presenter for Bloomberg TV in London. She contributes to in ternational publications such as Vogue, Standpoint and Conde Nast Traveller. Tsarina is her first novel. She lives in London with her husband and three children.
Summary
Born into the House of Romanov to the all-powerful Peter the Great and Catherine I, beautiful Tsarevna Elizabeth is the envy of the Russian empire. Insulated by luxury and free from the burden of statecraft with her younger brother in line to take the throne after Tsar Peter, Elizabeth is seemingly born to pursue her passions.
However, following a string of untimely deaths, including her father who dies without naming his successor, Elizabeth's idyllic world on the sprawling royal estate is shaken. By her twenties she is penniless and powerless, and under threat from Peter's would-be heirs. Elizabeth must decide whether she is willing to take up her role as Russia's ruler, even if pursuing the throne requires the greatest sacrifice of them all.
Foreword
The Tsar and Tsarina's daughter had it all, lost it all, and vowed to get it back -- at any price.
