ARC Book Review: Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

Queen of Someday

Sherry D. Ficklin

ARC Disclaimer: I was not paid in any way by the publishers to review this book favourably. The review is my own honest opinion (Whether or not it is agreed with).

Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing

Published Date: October 7th 2014

Pages: 262

Genre:  Historical, Political, Young Adult

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?

Queen of Someday starts out introducing us to Sophie, a girl who although Princess in name, has grown up living a rather non-Princess-y life out in the sticks. So not surprisingly, when given the indirect invitation to be the wife of the the Russian Empress's heir, her mother jumps at the chance to regain lost wealth and prestige. Sophie, however, is just glad to be given the opportunity to marry someone her own age rather then being shipped off to the highest bidder.

Of course, despite having the Empress fully behind her, things are not as easy as Sophie hoped they would be. The prince likes playing game and she soon realizes that their personalities are far from compatible. On top of that she meets another who stirs her into feelings and someone is trying to kill her

It’s a lot for an innocent sixteen year old girl to handle.

In the author notes of this book, Ficklin mentions that she conceived the series wondering how Catherine the Great went from innocent German girl to cold-hearted Empress, and I think that’s one of the shining parts of this book. I loved watching Sophie grow and change thanks to the people she met and the situations she faced.

I loved learning about the people around her as she learned about them and the way they were more than they seemed.

And in general I have become very attached to her as a character, which is important as she will carry the series and I want to continue reading so that I can know how she evolve next. How does she become this person from history? How will Ficklin interpret her feelings as she goes through things

My favourite character from the very beginning was Sergei. His quiet but strong support was vital for Sophie and so much more of what she needed than the dramatic affair with Alexander. She always read as 100% herself with Sergei, while Alexander made her act more like how she was before she came to the palace.

I have so much respect for the way Sophie acts in general. Especially at the end. She will make sure that Peter doesn’t win and that is the most important thing, really. I know I should worry more about the heart of the people or other things, but if she beats him at his own game, I will be immensely satisfied. Peter is too spoiled for his own good.

This is historical fiction, so if you love stories exploring how famous figures came to be, you will adore this book. It has easily become one of my favourites, bringing me back to my childhood when I read the Royal Diary books and Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer. So if you enjoyed those books as well, I urge you to pick this up

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