Book Review: Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

Queen of Someday

By Sherry D. Ficklin

Review by Nicole
Advanced copy courtesy of Netgalley

Synopsis: 

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:
Sophie and her mother are invited to the Russian court as a potential bride for the empress’s son Peter. Although she isn't the only one. Sophie’s mother is selfish in her reasons for Sophie to marry Peter and it’s clear that she isn't the best maternal figure. Despite this obstacle Sophie faces with making tough decisions with no real right outcome she manages to navigate the Russian court where it’s clear no one can be trusted and you get the feeling that there might be danger lurking around every corner. Not everyone wants Sophie to marry Peter, and there are plenty others vowing for the chance at being his bride.

Sophie is a witty and entertaining character who selflessly prioritizes the needs of her family over her own. You watch her grow as the story progresses from an innocent naive of court politics into the beginnings of a great leader. 

As for the romance options I did feel that one of them was the better choice of those involved but his character was still lacking. I think there could have been a little more development between them.

Queen of Someday is filled with romance and action, full of twists and a casual knowledge of history it was an entertaining fiction of Catherine the Greats early years.