The Witches of St. Petersburg: A Novel

by Imogen Edwards-Jones Narrated by Kathleen Gati

Overview

Inspired by real characters, this transporting historical fiction debut spins the fascinating story of two princesses in the Romanov court who practiced black magic, befriended the Tsarina, and invited Rasputin into their lives-forever changing the course of Russian history.

As daughters of the impoverished King of Montenegro, Militza and Stana must fulfill their duty to their father and leave their beloved home for St. Petersburg to be married into senior positions in the Romanov court. For their new alliances to the Russian nobility will help secure the future of the sisters' native country. Immediately, Militza and Stana feel like outcasts as the aristocracy shuns them for their provincial ways and for dabbling in the occult. Undeterred, the sisters become resolved to make their mark by falling in with the lonely, depressed Tsarina Alexandra, who-as an Anglo-German-is also an outsider and is not fully accepted by members of the court. After numerous failed attempts to precipitate the birth of a son and heir, the Tsarina is desperate and decides to place her faith in the sisters' expertise with black magic.

Promising the Tsarina that they will be able to secure an heir for the Russian dynasty, Militza and Stana hold séances and experiment with rituals and spells. Gurus, clairvoyants, holy fools, and charlatans all try their luck. The closer they become to the Tsarina and the royal family, the more their status-and power-is elevated. But when the sisters invoke a spiritual shaman, who goes by the name of Rasputin, the die is cast. For they have not only irrevocably sealed their own fates-but also that of Russia itself.

Brimming with black magic, sex and intrigue, The Witches of St. Petersburg is an exquisite historical fiction debut novel filled with lush historical details from the Romanov era.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

11/26/2018
Edwards-Jones’s rich historical debut explores the lives of the Montenegrin princesses Militza Nikolayevna and Anastasia, who married Russian royals and introduced Siberian mystic Grigory Rasputin to the Tsarina Alexandra. After their arranged marriages in 1889, the young sisters settle into their lives, though doing so is difficult. They’re derided for their provincial upbringing and told they smell of goat. However, their reputation for otherworldly talents captures the tsarina’s attention, and after the death of the tsar’s beloved brother, George, Alexandra begs the sisters to help her conceive a son. After an endless parade of professed holy men and charlatans, a son, Alexei, is born, but his blood disorder puts more pressure on the sisters. Enter the odiferous, duplicitous Rasputin, who claims he can help Alexei. A palpable darkness settles over the narrative as the author plunges into the unsavory aspects of mysticism and the occult while revealing how far the sisters are willing to go to retain power. The sisters do inspire sympathy: they have very little agency, and the occult offers them glamour and influence beyond their wildest dreams. Edwards-Jones also paints a sympathetic picture of the tsarina, herself an outsider. Readers fascinated with the Romanovs and this tumultuous period in Russian history will be enthralled by this deliciously dark and memorable novel. Agent: Rachel Mills, Furniss Lawton. (Jan.)

From the Publisher

Even if you are not a Russian scholar like Imogen Edwards-Jones, you will immediately be drawn into this true-life tale of two little known Montenegrin princesses who ruled Russian society at the turn of the last century, befriended Nicholas and Alexandra and the most famous man in Russia—the sexually rapacious Rasputin. With precision and razor-sharp accuracy, Edwards-Jones chronicles their lives—right up to the chilling last scene which will have you heading straight to Wikipedia. Quite simply, a brilliant take on the historical novel.”  — Candace Bushnell, bestselling author of Sex and the City

“Readers fascinated with the Romanovs and this tumultuous period in Russian history will be enthralled by this deliciously dark and memorable novel.” — Publishers Weekly

“Court intrigue, mysterious black magic, and tense political drama keep the pages turning and the thrills coming. Sure to delight history buffs and dark fantasy lovers alike. “ — Kirkus Reviews

“With swashbuckling fervor, journalist and author Imogen Edwards-Jones blends themes of power, magic, and sex in her new novel, The Witches of St. Petersburg, creating a florid portrait of the last decade of the Romanov era.” — Washington Independent Review of Books

Candace Bushnell

Even if you are not a Russian scholar like Imogen Edwards-Jones, you will immediately be drawn into this true-life tale of two little known Montenegrin princesses who ruled Russian society at the turn of the last century, befriended Nicholas and Alexandra and the most famous man in Russia—the sexually rapacious Rasputin. With precision and razor-sharp accuracy, Edwards-Jones chronicles their lives—right up to the chilling last scene which will have you heading straight to Wikipedia. Quite simply, a brilliant take on the historical novel.” 

Washington Independent Review of Books

With swashbuckling fervor, journalist and author Imogen Edwards-Jones blends themes of power, magic, and sex in her new novel, The Witches of St. Petersburg, creating a florid portrait of the last decade of the Romanov era.

  Candace Bushnell

Even if you are not a Russian scholar like Imogen Edwards -Jones, you will immediately be drawn into this true-life tale of two little known Montenegrin princesses who ruled Russian society at the turn of the last century, befriended Nicholas and Alexandra and the most famous man in Russia—the sexually rapacious Rasputin. With precision and razor-sharp accuracy, Edwards-Jones chronicles their lives -- right up to the chilling last scene which will have you heading straight to Wikipedia. Quite simply, a brilliant take on the historical novel.” 

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173470966
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	01/22/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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