Dreaming Anastasia Review

Saturday, February 20, 2010


Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Taken from GoodReads.

Dreaming Anastasia is the debut novel by Joy Preble and follows the story of modern-day Anne Michaelson as bizarre dreams of a girls splattered with blood plague her. She's certain her dreams are somehow tied to the death of her brother, but she can't understand them in the slightest. Enter Ethan Kozninsky, the stunning, posture-perfect guy who might just be able to explain what she's seeing and why she's doing us - and help her embrace her destiny to save Anastasia Romanov from the evil witch, Baba Yaga.

When the book first began, I was intrigued by all the great reviews, but I have to admit that I was a bit bored for a while. I enjoy back story, and I think it has its place, but I feel it was very heavy in this book. The action - the real action, didn't begin until later. I also was a bit disturbed that Anne wasn't more worried about her dreams. Yes, she was concerned when she woke up screaming, but they didn't make her worry all the time. I feel that, were I in that situation, I would be a complete wreck.

I don't want to give spoilers, so I won't give too much away, but Anne decides she should work with Ethan, which I think is great, but she still doesn't trust him. I think the trust bit is a little tired in the YA books I've read of late. I guess I'm saying that I'm on the fence on this one. I really enjoyed the ending, and I'll definitely want to read the potential sequel (is it true there is going to be one?), but for now, I'm just kind of mehhhhhhhh on it all. I give this book a 4 out of 5 because it's beautifully written, it just didn't capture me as well as I hoped for it to. That said, the cover is still stunning!

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16 comments:

  1. Shame it didn't capture you but I agree that the cover is gorgeous! x

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  2. I always hate it when story's take forever to get to the main action, but 4/5 is still awesome! Great review!

    *Ooh, and I downloaded the A&A music, and I like that band so far! Thanks for linking it!
    **And I'm so glad to be affiliates!

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  3. Aww STinker... Atleast it got a 4 not to bad

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  4. Thanks for the honest review! I bought this as soon as it came out, but sadly I haven't read it yet ...

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  5. Thanks for the review! I've seen this book around, but it never fully grabbed my attention. I might still check it out because it does sound interesting, but I'll go into it knowing I may not be completely absorbed right away.

    AVA Love!! I saw live years ago and it blew me away :D

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  6. I tried reading this , but have put it back on my TBR list. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it the next time I pick it up. Nice review!!

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  7. Very nice honest review. I am planning to read this one. I like historical fiction and this time period so maybe I will like it.

    I am visiting your blog from The Saturday Network.

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  8. I think this sounds like an interesting story. It's probably not one I'll rush out & buy but if I ever get my TBR list down to a more reasonable size then I'll probably give it a try :o)

    I'm just downloading the album now so I'll let you know what I think of it later

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  9. Melissa, I have been intrigued by this novel too as I love the story of Anastasia (via Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brenner and definitely way before your TV watching time). I am sorry that it is a slow starter though, but I think I will give it a try.

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  10. This sounds really intriguing! I enjoy blends of historical fiction and fantasy.

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  11. You have an award at my blog

    http://readingthebestofthebest.blogspot.com/2010/02/one-lovely-blog-award.html

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  12. Great Review. It looks like a really good book ^^

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  13. This sounds sooo good. I've been wanting to read this for like ever!

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  14. Ach! I bought that book! :(
    Oh well, thanks for an honest review anyway!

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  15. While the cover gorg, somehow this didn't capture my attention. Hmm...maybe something's wrong with me.
    Nice review :))

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  16. Great, honest review!! I have been wanting to read this one, just b/c I've been fascinated by the real Anastasia for awile.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I always do my very best to return the favour :)

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