Fans of The Last Czars, a Netflix original series, will love this decadent look at one of the most intriguing monarchs in history… can become the greatest empress in history, 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?
Fans of the hit TV show REIGN will devour this scandalous glimpse into the life of one of the most vibrant women in history. This series is complete with all three books available to read today.
Novels inThe Stolen Empire Series by Sherry D. Ficklin:
- Queen of Someday
- Queen of Tomorrow
- Queen of Always
- The Winter Queen
- The Hollow Queen
- The Broken Queen
Also, check out Sherry D. Ficklin’s Historical Romance The Canary Club
Fresh out of jail, “Bad Luck” Benny is desperate to care for his struggling family, even if that means once again landing on the wrong side of the law. Masie, the daughter of a wealthy gangster, has the voice of an angel and gun smoke in her veins. A pawn in her family’s bid for control of the city, she turns to an unlikely ally who might be the only person able to spring her from her gilded cage.
Two worlds collide in this compelling story of star-crossed lovers in gritty prohibition-era New York.
- The Canary Club
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I love a good historical fiction and Sherry Ficklin’s version of Catherine the Great is among my favorites. I love watching Catherine grow from a young girl into the woman who ruled a nation…and the gorgeous men along the way didn’t hurt one bit. If you love a book with strong romantic elements, forbidden love, and a young girl who is cunning enough to survive even the most dangerous situations, this is a must read!
I have read several books on Catherine the Great. This one was excellent. Gave real insight into the possibilities of her coming to power.
I absolutely love the “story” of Catherine the Great! I enjoyed the story and thought the author did a good job building a character who is human…she has flaws, hopes and dreams! There were nice options at the end of the chapters where the author spoke about her deviations from history.
All in all, a delightful read.
Loved it. Was totally hooked and went right to next book as soon as I finished this one. Not 100% historically accurate but a lot of it was which I always appreciate. If you enjoy historical fiction, I would highly recommend this series!
This book is a historical fiction of Catherine the Great and Russian life during this time period. The political intrigue in the Imperial Court has Sophie learning how to survive. Who should she trust and who would betray her? What I liked the best is that she accepted her fate and learned to make the best of life.
What a way to start a series! Within the first few pages I was excited, intrigued, and hopelessly sucked in.
Between secrets, betrayal, and a few stolen kisses this book had zero dull moments. At times I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen and often who to trust. If you’re a fan of historical fiction dramas you’ll need to pick this up pronto.
*This is loosely based on Catherine the Great. The author states in the conclusion that she has reimagained a lot of things but took inspiration from history and some of Catherine’s own words.
Part of a series, so be prepared to purchase the next book to see what happens to Catherine
Catherine the Great of Russia is an interesting story filled with surprises. This book is loosely based on early events: her first arrival to Russia and her complicated relations with Peter, the heir to the throne. Catherine (Sophie still in this book) is drawn romantically to two other men, especially when Peter turns out to be troubled. The way these complexities unfold prevents this book from being a romance.
We as readers get an inside view into life in a palace for people at the top. Catherine discovers it’s not all fun and games and that real danger threatens her and those she cares about. She must not make a wrong move…but she does. She falls for someone other than her fiance and attempts something foolishly reckless in order to follow her heart.
This story set in Imperial Russia, centuries ago, features several well-drawn characters and complications. The world building serves to help us picture Catherine’s surroundings, her golden cage. Introspection and difficult decisions enlighten us to characterization, and the pace is still quick. It may not be one-hundred percent accurate to history, but it’s more of a young adult romantically-influenced rendition. It is an entertaining story, and those who like YA set in the past will probably enjoy this book. As a bonus, there are occasional links in the ebook you can click on to see footage, quick clips.
Sherry immediately sucked me in from the first page. I don’t normally read historical fiction, but QOS was a page turner. Sherry writes with authenticity and her plot is exceptional! She knows just the right layers of political intrigue and suspense and adds in believable splashes of romance.
But ultimately, Catherine’s is a Russian drama as sharp as vodka. But I love how Sherry makes us root for her love life but also Sophie’s desire to ascend to the throne while dealing with a petulant child for a future husband. I thoroughly appreciate how she carved out some form of agency and finding some semblance of affection and love in an unexpected place AFTER getting figuratively stabbed in the heart, which coincidentally feels like my book hangover after reading this.
Be prepared for this book to get its claws in you!
Nice will written story but the big downer for me is the undeclared cliffhanger at the end. I know a lot of authors do this and I hate it and prefer authors declare it upfront so readers make an informed choice. Each book in a set should stand alone with a full arc – not cut off halfway through and force you to buy the next one to end this particular story line
I am now determined to find out about the real history of Catherine the Great. Thank you!
Only bad thing about this book is it is part of a series so you have to keep reading the books to find out what happens.
Definitely a book that had you running to get the next in the series. I made the mistake of not fully understanding what the “disclosure” page was and read spoilers on the second book for myself. Oops
Good story. The videos were very impressive and made me feel I was there.
Though the story is mostly fictional and the ending is such that you should actually read the sequels, this is not a bad story that ponders the events that lead to Sophia (later Chatherine the Great of Russia) becoming the person she became.
I’m a history nut and found this story informative. The short videos by the aurthor explaining the culture and actual facts verses “story” facts very cleaver and interesting. Going to read more of the series.
This book was easy to read and Sophie’s thoughts are very human. In the Russian court there is much back stabbing and intrigue. She must traverse through it and depend on people she has just met. She must make hard choices, and when she tries to turn to love – it turns out badly and then she must go down a harder route.
Sophie is a strong woman, able to defend herself, and i read the book in just two days as i wanted to see what happened to our Sophie.
If you enjoy historical fiction this is a good choice.
If you have ever dreamed of being a princess, this book will have you questioning your desires! This book shows just how manipulative royals can be to secure their thrones and pit people against each other as political pawns. Great book!
Good story line. Great detail.