Alpsten's colourful narrative does full justice to her extraordinary career

Sunday Times

With its sprawling canvas and huge cast...it's an entertaining romp through the endless intrigue, violence and debauchery of court life.'

Mail on Sunday

The extraordinary life of Catherine I of Russia is brought to life in Alpsten's colourful novel.

Sunday Times, Summer Picks

This is the ultimate Cinderella story of an illiterate peasant girl who becomes the empress of Russia. It makes Game of Thrones look like a nursery rhyme.

Daisy Goodwin

As detailed as the jewels and enamel inlay on the creations of Faberge...[a] crisp, elegant fictional account of history, woven with emotion and brio.'

Adriana Trigiani

Luscious...Alpsten has clearly done some brilliant research. It reads like Game of Thrones without the dragons.

Natasha Pulley