Description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHOR’S CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD
SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN

‘It makes Game of Thrones look like a nursery rhyme’ – Daisy Goodwin

Lover, mother, murderer, Tsarina

1699: Illegitimate, destitute and strikingly beautiful, Marta is sold into labour at the age of fifteen – where in desperation she commits a crime that will force her to go on the run. Cheating death at every turn, she is swept into the current of the Great Northern War. Working as a washer woman at a battle camp, she catches the eye of none other than Peter the Great. Passionate and iron-willed, Peter has a vision for transforming the traditionalist Tsardom of Russia into a modern, Western empire.

With nothing but wits, courage and formidable ambition, Marta will rise from nothing to become Catherine I of Russia. But it comes at a steep price and is tied to the destiny of Russia itself.

Publisher Review

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 * [Alpsten] recounts this remarkable woman's colourful life and times. * Count Nikolai Tolstoy *