Review of The Tsarina's Legacy by Jennifer Laam

Hey book lovers, how are you? I hope all is well! What are you currently reading?

Anyways I just finished my full review of The Tsarina's Legacy by Jennifer Laam.

And omg it was such a great historical fiction novel! I honestly haven't read that many novels in the historical fiction genre, but this one really topped it off!


Review of The Tsarina's Legacy.


Actual Rating 4.5/5 Stars
I got an ARC in exchange for review from St.Martin's Press, so thank you very much for the ARC.


I felt that The Tsarina's Legacy was extremely well written! Jennifer Laam is the queen of writing  Russian historical fiction. I loved the two POV changes: "Cathrine The Great's" husband Grigory Potemkin, which was based in the late 1700s, and Veronica Herrera's POV as the descendant of the Romanovs in present time.

I thought the overall story was unique, how the past and present weaved perfectly together. It was quite interesting learning about both perspectives of the characters, and how each role they played was an important part in the Russian culture and politics.

In the story we start off with Grigory/Grisha's POV as Cathrine The Great's husband. Grisha is still madly in love with Cathrine, and it's his goal to truly win back her heart. But a young, handsome man by the name of Platon Zubov is Catherine's new favorite. To Grisha, Zubov is a threat, influencing Cathrine in all the wrong ways and secretly siding with someone who plans to overthrow her.

Grisha, however, isn't blinded by new love, and is determined to preserve his wife's legacy.

Veronica Herrera is content in her California bound life, but she hasn't really been truly happy. Once she receives news that she's the descendant of the Romanov line, and is invited to take up an honorary position in the Russian court. She not only takes this invitation, but she also embarks on a mission to help stop the anti-gay propaganda in Russia. Though the series of events in present day Russia, Veronica is tested in ways that she would have never imagined.

Both Grisha and Veronica want somewhat of the same things for the country they love. Both go through the twists and turns of being on a high political podium, while also trying to make a better future for Russia.

I loved how this story was full of accurate historical aspects that were related to Russia. I felt that I not only learned a lot about Russia, but now I have a desire to learn more about Russia's history. The characters both grew on me, and I found myself rooting for them.

The only problem I had with the story was that it felt overly saturated for me. I had somewhat of a hard time getting through a couple of chapters in the story because there was too much historical information for me to soak in all at once. Historical fiction novels are new for me, so I feel like it was kind of on my part too, for not being into it as much as I'd like.

 The Tsarina's Legacy is completely worth reading! The romance, politics, and knowledge were an extreme treat to delve into! I recommend it to all!

I hope you liked my review!
Thank you again St. Martin's Press for sending me a ARC in exchange for review!




To learn more about Jennifer Laam please click here!