Joy Preble

While I enjoyed the first book, the ending felt definite to me. I didn't get the feeling that this was to be a more than one book storyline. And to a degree I can still stand by that statement. DREAMING ANASTASIA can still stand on its own, HAUNTED however cannot in my opinion.

There is a matter of disconnect between to the two books that I didn't feel was fully addressed. The ending of DREAMING led the reader to believe the happily ever after love that Anne and Ethan shared would continue. HAUNTED is really quick to disprove this. Its not so much they aren't still in love, but they are still in love and not together. Anne is trying, really desperately, to be normal. To put all the crazy supernatural stuff behind her and focus on being normal. This is her mantra. Ethan, the poor fool, spent time roving Europe in hopes of coming to grips with his intense feelings for Anne and failing rather spectacularly at that.

Their reunion is not quite what either one expected.
Ethan surprised me with how well he took being mortal again. His core self didn't change--his primary mission and want was to protect Anne. He tried to be what Anne needed, but that was hard because Anne wasn't even sure what she needed.

Anne was less of a trial this time. Her angst made more sense this time around and I truly felt for her. I think if Ethan had stayed gone...well her plans may have worked out. It doesn't mean it was any better than the life she has, or that Ben is any better than Ethan. Nor does it mean that she didn't genuinely hold affection for Ben. Problem is in paranormal books destiny is what destiny is.

Knowing that there is a third book to be released, I was more prepared for the ending to not be a closed loop. In some ways this could also be considered an 'end'. If book three isn't released I don't think there is enough to make fans cry foul, but there's enough threads that could be expanded upon to make a third book an interesting read. For myself, I wish to see where Anne and Ethan's path is taken, but I am content to wait. This is not an 'autobuy' or dying to read now' series for me. It’s predictable and enjoyable, good for lazy afternoon reading.… (more)

The story of the last daughter of the Romanov clan is probably one that most young girls hear at an early age. A lost princess, rumors that she survived and is in the world somewhere, and the demonic Rasputin who defied attempts to control and kill him--its a true modern fairy tale. Preble's take on the mystery and legend is unique and enthralling, mixing the few facts we know, Russian folk lore and modern day.

The inclusion of Baba Yaga, the proverbial witch in the woods of Russian folktales, was interesting. I've seen her written in so many different ways recently, that this wizened mostly mad old woman--who does things for the fun of it, not for any real reason most of the time--was refreshing.

The story itself is told from multiple first person viewpoints and times as we see events unfold around Anne, Anastasia and Ethan that could either be the final piece of the puzzle that is the lost princess or something far more sinister.

From a historical standpoint I know very little about Russian history, the Romanov Assassinations or the country's folklore. What little I know is gleaned from other stories or from what my father has told me honestly. As this wasn't meant to be a historical non-fiction novel, or even a historical fiction novel, I don't think it matters very much. Preble includes many details that were fascinating and made up plenty of her own I'm sure.

The overall tone of the book is rather melancholy however. For all the 'good' moments, there was an undercurrent of sadness that had me tensely wondering when the other 'foot' would drop. When it did I was very sad and briefly thought about skipping it, but I couldn't. Its an interesting conclusion that fits the tone of the novel, just not one I would normally enjoy.… (more)