Ricochet
“When the time comes, malenkaya, you’ll escape. Take it, and promise you’ll find me.” These words were spoken by Rasputin as he secretly gave young Anastasia a necklace of gold and garnet, which she’s worn ever since. When guards execute her family, a bullet ricochets off her necklace. The next thing she knows, 17-year-old Anastasia and 13-year-old Alexei wake up in an unfamiliar Russia, one with armored airships! Alexei understands what’s happening: they’ve been transported to a parallel reality. Rasputin told him it was possible, which means he has a chance to claim his throne, the one his father shamefully abdicated. For Anastasia, she hopes to save their family. After multiple jumps between worlds, they meet Lev, a soldier who promises to return Alexei to his family; however, he’s never heard of Anastasia Romanov. When Anastasia and Alexei are separated on the way, will the promise of the throne tear Alexei away from loyalty to his sister? Can Anastasia find a place where she’s never existed?
The author does a great job balancing magical versus historical/politically charged elements. As Anastasia and Lev undertake a quest to help her brother, the magic threading through the plot begins to unfold in intriguing ways. And where is the elusive Rasputin–because here, all magicians have been executed. For Alexei, who’s always coveted the throne, how much is he willing to sacrifice? This world of luxury, one where he isn’t coddled because of his illness, surely he’s entitled to this? For Anastasia, even though her family’s alive, tragically, they don’t know her. Both characters wrestle with their grief, self-worth, loyalty, and a fascinating new choice: who can they become in this new world? This is an enchanting, well-plotted novel with daring escapades, strong characters, and heart-stirring consequences appropriate for ages 13 and up.
