Review Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Title: Dreaming Anastasia

Author: Joy Preble

Published: September 1st, 2009 (Sourcebooks)

Pages: 310
Source: bought

Series: Dreaming Anastasia #1
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads: What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?

Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.

In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

One of the greatest things about visiting New York last year was the browsing in bookstores. I got to know some great new titles I wouldn't have discovered in a Dutch bookstore. Dreaming Anastasia was one of them! The title immediately got my attention, the cover is pretty and the synopsis sounded great. And reading it was even better! At first I was a bit afraid I wouldn't like it after all, because I have absolutely no knowledge of Russian folklore, but that didn't matter at all. That was one of the greatest things about this book, the way Joy Preble mixed the Russian folklore into the story. Gradually I learned more and more about Baby Yaga. 


The story is devided in chapters written from Anne's point of view, the others from Ethan's. And you get to know Anastasia from her diary entries. I could really relate to Anne. She gets dragged into a situation she never asked for, but it's the only way she can get away from the dreams. When Ethan comes to her and tries to explain everything at first she's scared, but in the end she's determined to help Anastasia. 
And there's Ethan. A great guy, who's pretty mysterious. I loved him! He really tries to help Anne, but he's also determined to rescue Anastasia at all costs. 


The style of writing was nice and I enjoyed reading this book, even more than I thought I would. I really liked learning new things about Russian folklore. Normally I choose my books after at least checking Goodreads, and it was a great experience to really pick a book by the synopsis and that it turned out to be great. If you want to try something different this is a great choice!

Upcoming (8)

In Upcoming I talk about the books that I will review on this blog. So you know what you can expect here in the upcoming days. 
My new books arrived last week (yay!) and I got accepted on some really cool books on Netgally (yay again!) and with my vacation coming up I intend to catch up on my ever growing TBR pile. So in the upcoming weeks I'll review them here. 


This week

Review Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.
In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Review Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

What really happened to Anastasia Romanov?
Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.
In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college--until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams...

Synopsis from Goodreads

Next week

Review City of Swords by Mary Hoffman
I'm so happy! City of Swords is finally here. Review will be up next week!


Review I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk
My perfect summer read! 

Hope to see you soon!