Review: Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire #1) by Sherry D. Ficklin

This was my first approval on NetGalley so I was super excited to read it! I was even more surprised at how much I enjoyed it!!

Queen of Someday

(Stolen Empire #1)

by Sherry D Ficklin

October 7, 2014

262 pages

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Goodreads Summary:

ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES...

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme? 

Review

4.5 Stars.

Holy what did I just finish! I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book! That last few chapters had my insides all tangled up. What an emotional roller coaster ride towards the end. I seriously needed some time to settle my feelings before I could type a coherent sentence.

Not only does this book have a gorgeous cover, the story was pretty amazing! I had no idea it was loosely based on historical facts since it fit so well with the fictional parts! I really enjoyed the writi 
I'm so glad I got the chance to read this book! That last few chapters had my insides all tangled up. What an emotional roller coaster ride towards the end. I seriously needed some time to settle my feelings before I could type a coherent sentence.

Not only does this book have a gorgeous cover, the story was amazing! I had no idea it was loosely based on historical facts since it fit so well with the fictional parts! I really enjoyed the writing style. I thought the tone and speech conformed to the time period perfectly. The romance took up a huge part of this book but I didn't mind because I thought it was really well done. I was really surprised at some of the outcomes of the relationships.

Sophie was extremely likeable. Despite being a Princess, she was not spoiled or snobby in any way. She started out as this innocent girl just looking to make life easier for her and her family. As the story progressed, surrounded by people who knew how to manipulate and play games with others she had to toughen up. Along the way she made faithful friends, learned valuable lessons and found love. Or she thought she did. Threats and heartache shaped her and by the end of the book, she was a different Sophie than the one that got into the sled with her Mother. Her transformation was impressive and wholly believable. I especially loved that every hardship she faced only solidified her resolve to carry on.

I literally had no clue who the love interest(s) was going to be so imagine my surprise when it turns out there were three. We have a Prince, a Romantic and a Protector. Our Prince, Peter, was a true player. At first I genuinely believed he felt something for Sophie. However, when Sophie found him (view spoiler)getting together with Elizavetta and he laughed, I hated his guts. Despicable and sadistic indeed. I also have no love for (view spoiler)Alexander, our Romantic. Obviously his love for Sophie wasn't as grand as he was making it out to be because he sure moved on quickly. I know I can't entirely blame him for it (view spoiler)since he only married Rina to save Sophie's life and she did give them her blessing but I really wanted to. Ugh the frustration! He made me very angry. My favourite was (view spoiler)Sergei, our Protector. Honestly, I had absolutely no idea how he was going to fit into the love line since he was giving off mixed signals. At times, he seemed to be off limits but other times, he was totally flirty and all touchy. He was definitely the one I was cheering for though. Deep down I knew he was going to be the one when they first laid eyes on each other (view spoiler)in the snow.

A lot of things were not as it seemed and holy crap I loved that ending. It was perfect! After finishing this book I briefly looked up the life of Catherine the Great. I can't wait to dive into a new chapter with Sophie and witness her raise to power!! Seriously, this book isn't even out yet and I'm already pining for the second one. So if you love historical fiction with great romance, this is going to be a book you don't want to miss out on.

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinion are my own and not affected in any way.