Review: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Title: Dreaming Anastasia

Series: Dreaming Anastasia

Book #: One

Author: Joy Preble

Pages: 310

Published: September 1st, 2009

Reading Level: Young Adult

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?

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…


I had high expectations for this books, and I am sorry to report that I was very disappointed. The back of the book intrigued me, the premise was about the Romanov's who wee all murdered except for one. I had seen the movie, Anastasia, and I hoped the book would be as entertaining as that had been. The background behind the book was exciting, but overall, the novel was predictable and the ending was not satisfying. In the end, I was relieved to have finished it...sorry Joy Preble!

Although I was disappointed with the book as a whole, there were parts that I enjoyed. I enjoyed the point of view switching between the four main characters, both good and bad. It was a little confusing at times, but it brought a new feel to each chapter. I also enjoyed the romance that felt like an undercurrent throughout the book. To be honest, the romance between the two of the main characters spurred me on to finish the book!

As far as protagonists go, Anne Michaelson was not the best. I know everyone likes to see a normal person be the hero, but she was a little annoying and she didn't start taking the danger seriously until about halfway through.

I really enjoyed watching the action through Ethan's point of view. Although he is nearly one hundred years old, Ethan brings a fun, new energy to Anne's life, along with a lot of danger. He was definitely my favourite character from the novel.

The ending of the action in the novel was...predictable. The romance, however, was disappointing in the end. Again, I am sorry to Joy Preble, and the reader's who loved her book!! I am also sorry to give this book two masks, but it is my honest opinion.