The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges was a pretty good read. It was a combination of all the elements I look for in books: Victorian Age, magic, conspiracies, Russia, zombies, and stormy blue eyes. Katerina is a necromancer, but she's kept it a secret for all her life. Not even her parents know. ...
Ok, first of all, if you are going to write a book about old Russia, be prepared to explain it. I mean come on EVERYONE is a prince or princess? I think I am going to vomit. Second, if you are going to introduce 3+ types of vampires; be prepared to explain in detail the differences. I mean this b...
I: The Gathering Storm CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR The next morning at breakfast, we heard terrible news. There had been another death. Another soldier from the Order. Madame Tomilov did not know the dead man’s name, however, and quickly sent one of the footmen to find out. I worried about Petya, whom I h...
III: The Morning Star “ ‘Hail, Power of Heaven, opener of the way for those who have before,’ ” I read. “ ‘We have brought you cakes and ale and joints of meat. Hear the pleas of the departed.’ ” Danilo placed a small red stone on the altar. It was carv...
I beg her to speak louder, but her voice fades in and out. The only words I can hear are “don’t forget.” “What?” I shout. “Don’t forget what?” I open my eyes to a dark room. Once again, my nightmares haven’t let me sleep more than a few hours. I glance at my clock and see my phone lying on the ...
Loudly. At least it’s not off-key. I shudder and throw a robe on before going downstairs to the kitchen. Mom is making cupcakes. Dad has already left for work. I pour myself a glass of orange juice and open my pill case. “I thought you were taking the Zyprexa at night,” Mom says. “Because it make...
II: The Unfailing Light CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO In the end, the empress was not that cruel at all. The spell was lifted, and my mother and brother arrived at Smolny to pick me up the day the Christmas holidays began. Maman seemed nervous as she came to my room to oversee my packing. “It is freezing i...