"Political intrigue abounds.fans of historical fiction based on real people will devour this rich repast." - Booklist "Alpsten's gifts at laying on evocative period detail and engendering empathy for her characters will keep the pages turning." -- Publishers Weekly Praise for Tsarina : "Astonishing.the ultimate Cinderella story." -- Daisy Goodwin, bestselling author of The Fortune Hunter "A fascinating and extraordinary ride." -- Booklist (starred) "Alpsten shines." -- Publishers Weekly "As detailed as the jewels and enamel inlay on the creations of Faberge.

" -- Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Shoemaker's Wife "Masterfully researched and beautifully written." -- Nancy Goldstone, author of Rival Queens "Intrigue, rivalry, and sumptuous decadence leap to vivid life." -- C.W. Gortner, author of The Romanov Empress Game of Thrones without the dragons." -- Natasha Pulley, author of the international bestseller The Watchmaker of Filigree Street " Tsarina should come with a health warning--once you start reading, it's impossible to stop." -- Hannah Rothschild, bestselling author of House of Trelawney "Alpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to [Catherine's Game of Thrones without the dragons." -- Natasha Pulley, author of the international bestseller The Watchmaker of Filigree Street " Tsarina should come with a health warning--once you start reading, it's impossible to stop.

" -- Hannah Rothschild, bestselling author of House of Trelawney "Alpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to [Catherine's Game of Thrones without the dragons." -- Natasha Pulley, author of the international bestseller The Watchmaker of Filigree Street " Tsarina should come with a health warning--once you start reading, it's impossible to stop." -- Hannah Rothschild, bestselling author of House of Trelawney "Alpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to [Catherine's Game of Thrones without the dragons." -- Natasha Pulley, author of the international bestseller The Watchmaker of Filigree Street " Tsarina should come with a health warning--once you start reading, it's impossible to stop." -- Hannah Rothschild, bestselling author of House of Trelawney "Alpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to [Catherine's] extraordinary career." -- Sunday Times (UK) "An entertaining romp through the endless intrigue, violence and debauchery of court life." -- Mail on Sunday (UK) "A vivid page-turner of a debut." -- The Times (UK).