Best Fiction Books About the Romanov Family
I’ve always been intrigued by the Romanov family. Perhaps it was because of the beloved Anastasia animated movie or my first time seeing a Faberge egg, but I’ve been drawn to books about the Romanov family. Below you’ll find my favorite Romanov historical fiction novels and the books on my to-read list.
I distinctly remember reading my first non-fiction book about the Imperial family in high school, but it took me another decade to start reading fictional books about this family. That is probably because I got sidetracked reading other Books about the Royal Family!
For me, it all started with Anastasia Romanov. The mystery surrounding her death and the speculation that she may have survived is perfect reading material.
The Best Books About the Romanov Family
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Romanov Historical Fiction
The Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly – Jump to Section
The Best Book About Anastasia Romanov
I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawson – Jump to Section
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Romanov Historical Fiction
Lost Roses
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Best-seller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Martha Hall Kelly wrote a prequel to the bestselling Lilac Girls and features Caroline’s mother, Eliza! Set against the backdrop of WWI, this story once again features three narrators. This time the characters are American Eliza, Russian aristocrat Sofya, and Varinka a Russian peasant.
It spans New York, Paris, St. Petersburg, and the Russian countryside. I knew little of Russia during WWI going into this book, so I was startled at how much destruction and turmoil took place during that time period.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are a historical fiction lover, this is the book you’ll want to read. This book overlaps some characters with Lilac Girls but is a stand-alone novel.
Find this book in: Friendship Books / Romanov Novels/ Books With Flowers in the Title / WWI Novels
Plot
I’ve been enthralled with the Romanovs since I saw my first Faberge egg. While most of my reading has focused on the fall of the dynasty, I was intrigued by this biographical fiction novel set after the reign of Peter the Great.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It was FASCINATING to see the cultural backdrop of Russia’s imperial court. I loved learning about the court intrigue and the ruthless way power changed hands.
Find this book in: Cozy Winter Books / Royal Reads / Romanov Novels
Books about Anastasia Romanov and the Russian Revolution
Plot
I’ve had an obsession with Anastasia since I saw the Fox animated classic of the same name. I was a firm believer that she had escaped the evil clutches of her captors when I was younger.
I later learned the truth, but I still choose to believe otherwise. This novel has a dual timeline from the perspective of young Anastasia and her most famous imposter.
Why Kirsten loves it
In this story, we get glimpses into what really happened when the Romanovs were overthrown and what would influence a person to claim to be someone else.
Find this book in: Retellings of Disney Classics / Books Like The Crown / Romanov Historical Fiction
The Lost Daughter
Author: Gill Paul
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was OBSESSED with Gill Paul’s book Another Woman’s Husband 
when I read it earlier this year so I was eager to try another of her books. The Lost Daughter follows a similar format of skipping between two different timelines, this time exploring the Romanovs. The first tells the story of Grand Duchess Maria in 1918 and the second is set in 1973 when Val Doyle seeks to investigate her father’s dying words.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Kirsten likes it
Maria’s story drew me in immediately, but I floundered a bit when it skipped over to Val’s portions. I just didn’t feel a connection to her and found myself wishing it would get back to Maria’s parts. Still, it was a good biographical historical fiction royal novel if you are interested in a lesser-known Romanov.Â
Find this book in: Books about the Romanovs / Books like The Crown / Biographical Fiction
The Last Grand Duchess
Author: Bryn Turnbull
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I love stories about the Romanov Dynasty. Ever since I saw a collection of Faberge eggs when I was a child, the story of the last members of the Russian Imperial family have always fascinated me.
This biographical historical fiction story revolves around the eldest daughter, Olga. Its dual timeline switches between the family’s life after the revolution and Olga’s childhood and the events that lead to the revolution in the first place.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, War
Why Kirsten loves it
We all know how this tragic story ends, so this book is all about the journey. I love that Turnbull focused on a sister other than Anastasia.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Romanov Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction/ Best Winter Books
More Books about the Romanov Family
Expert Tip
Who is the Romanov family?
The Romanov family is the last imperial dynasty in Russia. They reigned from 1613-1619. The dynasty began when Mikhail Romanov was elected in 1613 and ended with the Russian Revolution in 1917.
During that family, the Tsar (Nicholas II), his wife, and their five children were executed by the Bolsheviks. For years, there were rumors that the youngest child, Anastasia, survived.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book about the Romanovs?
There are so many great books about the Romanovs, but my favorite is The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner
What is the difference between an Imperial Family and a Royal Family?
A Royal Family is ruled by a king and queen over a kingdom. An Imperial has an Emporer/Empress or a Tsar. They rule over a larger area like an empire.
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Epilogue
Which of these Romanov historical fiction stories have you read?
