The Witch's Daughter

An enjoyable read about Russia, and Rasputin, who forecast that if his death was caused by the nobility then woe betide Russia. This novel was based on historical fact, so I appreciated learning Russian history as I read the novel, I knew some of it, but not as much as I learned from this book. A good read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

The beauty of this book is that it’s written in such a way that I didn’t realise it was a sequel until I read the author’s acknowledgments! This was a beautifully written story but also so informative, it really expresses the chaos and terror of the revolution. I also loved that the author focuses on so many strong female characters. I have now ordered the first book, The Witches of St Petersburg and look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to Netgalley, Imogen Edwards-Jones and Aria for this ARC.

Book Review 📚
The Witches Daughter by Imogen Edward-Jones - 4/5 ⭐

Well this was a breath of fresh air. It's not your typical fantasy set it a magical world with magical people. It's in Russia following the life and death of Rasputin. It was oddly wonderful. And to top it off, it's based off face. So your learning along the way.

There are some wonderful descriptions of Russia throughout the story and it really sets the scene for you. It follows straight from the first book without missing crucial information which I adore. Imogen has such a way with words that opens up the world around you, truly imaginative.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the characters, old and new, were as amazing as they are in the first book. It's a beautiful story to follow and really does open your mind to the history of Russia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria and Aries for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

So, my first introduction to the Russian Revolution came through reading Anastasia, one of the Royal Diaries books when I was in high school, and The Witch's Daughter felt like that book, with this overwhelming cloud of foreboding as to what we know is going to happen to the Russian royalty, but with this mature, adult twist.

Starting with the murder of Rasputin and ending with their rescue in Crimea, the book follows the story of Princess Militza and her daughter, Nadezhda, in the last months before the Russian Revolution. I loved the conflicting perspectives, the thorniness of Militza and the slow radicalisation of Nadezhda, and the Revolution in the background. It was thoroughly immersive and factual — loved learning so much more about Russia and the main characters during this time!

The Witch’s Daughter opens in 1916. Rasputin has just been killed by Princess Militza, famed as one of the 'Witches of St Petersburg', and, coincidentally (or maybe not), Russia descends into chaos and violence as revolution ignites. The ruling Romanov family find themselves fighting for their lives as the citizenry, formerly friendly nations and even their own servants turn against them.

Militza and her daughter Nadezhda (the titular Witch’s Daughter) are just two of the book’s lively characters. It’s great to see so many strong female characters. Whether nobility or revolutionary, they don’t simply just make the most of whatever agency has been given to them by their position, but also proactively manufacture opportunities from whatever situation they find themselves in.

The menfolk of the period are certainly present, but very much in the background. Lenin and Trotsky make an appearance, as do various members of the Romanov family. But the most rounded figure is the seemingly bombproof Bertie Stopford (antiques dealer/diplomatic courier/smuggler of valuables/spy). I would have very much liked to know him, though suspect, sadly, that I would have been far too lowly for his crowd.

Edwards-Jones’s familiarity with all things Russian is woven throughout the book, without hitting you over the head with a sledgehammer. This is a period that is completely new to me, and I didn’t feel like I was drowning in facts, nor all at sea in an unfamiliar historical landscape. Occasionally it feels like there is some telling rather than showing, but it does bring readers up to speed quickly and help move the story along.

And the story does rattle at a pace. I read the book on my kindle and was swiping through the pages quickly wanting to know what happened next.

This book follows on from The Witches of St Petersburg, but I didn’t realise this until I was about halfway through. It is completely not necessary to have read the first book before you tackle this one. Though, if you enjoy this one as much as I did, you might want to go back and read it afterwards!

Imogen Edward-Jones' "The Witch's Daughter" is a captivating mix of history and magic set in the intriguing world of Russian witchcraft. Picture Russia during Rasputin's time and the Romanovs' era – it's a fresh and unique spin on fantasy.

What's cool about this book is the way it brings Russia to life with vivid descriptions. You can practically feel the opulence of the Romanov court and sense the chaos of the revolution. The story moves at a good clip, keeping you turning pages, and Nadezhda's journey of self-discovery adds depth to the plot.

The characters, especially strong females like Princess Militza and Nadezhda, steal the show. They're resourceful and resilient in a world gone crazy, making the story engaging.

Imogen Edward-Jones doesn't bog you down with too many historical facts, which is nice. She smoothly weaves in Russian history and culture, giving you the right dose to enjoy the story without feeling overwhelmed.

In a nutshell, "The Witch's Daughter" is a spellbinding mix of history and magic that's a must-read for anyone into Russian witchcraft and history. It's a journey that's both alluring and perilous, and it's bound to leave you eager for more.

Can be read as a standalone book but much more enjoyable if you have read the previous book, the witches of St Petersberg first. A good follow up book covering the years after Rasputins death and the uprisings across Russia.

This was such an amazing read!

Imogen does such an amazing job of immersing you in revolutionary Russia - the luxury of the court, the suffering and chaos. Princess Militza and Nadezhda are amazing women - resilient in a world gone crazy, making the story engaging! I need to read the first book, The Witches of St Petersburg but I have no doubt I'll enjoy it as I did this book!

The prologue of the book is dated 1914 describing the current situation of soldiers from Russia, sent to war.
Moving forward the story mentions the murder and death of Rasputin, 1916 St. Petersburg Russia, and of the ensuing ramifications of what unfolded in St. Petersburg, and further afield in Russia.

I didn’t realise until reading the authors acknowledgement at the end of the book that this was a sequel to her book The Witches of St. Petersburg, which I have not read, but now very much wish to do so. I feel because of that I read it and perceive it can be a stand alone.
Based loosely on a true story, the characters were real, with imagination weaved into a story.
For myself I learned such a lot that I hadn’t known about Russia, but it was a more palatable read and easier to understand woven into a story, as history books or documentaries have me zoning out. This said there were some horrific atrocities carried out to the rulers and people living during that awful period of time. An eye opener.
The Grand duchess Militza Nikolayevna, and her also titled sister Stana (Anastasia) who hailed from the impoverished kingdom of Montenegro before marriage, practiced black magic.
The story in this book is also told through Militza’s daughter Nadezhda.
A compelling read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

The Witch’s Daughter by Imogen Edwards-Jones. I loved this book, I loved the first one, The Witches of St Petersburg and I didn’t know she had written a second one. This follows events directly after the death of Rasputin and Militza, her sister and daughter are all caught up in the Revolution. I loved the way this portrayed the utter madness of the Russian revolution and how wild it got. The contrast between the ruling elite and their serfs was so interesting and it’s Russian history so I know I’m a little bit bias. Even thought there are elements of “magic” in this, I still find it all believable and I loved it. I don’t think they’ll be a third in the series but if Imogen wants to write some more books set in Russian that would be so fine with me. My take away from this book is always keep room in your boots.

A brilliant story, Imogen Edwards-Jones brings to life a tumultuous period of history. Told mainly from the Russian elite perspective it depicts the changes that unfold after the murder of Rasputin.
The Black Princesses and their families are the focus of the story. This is a well researched book, I love the reference notes at the end that bring the characters to life even more.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Witch’s Daughter.