Title: The Accidental Empress
Author: Allison Pataki
1st Date of Publication: February 17, 2015
ISBN: 9781476790220
# of Pages: 512
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Rating: 13+
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Book Description: New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.
The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.
Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.
Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.
With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”
The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.
Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.
Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.
With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”
Setting: 1953-1960, Bavaria, Austria, and Hungary
Point of View: 3rd Person- Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria, Empress of the Austria-Hungarian Empire
Goodreads Rating: 3.79
My Rating: 4
Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both
View on the Cover: The woman is beautiful and makes me wonder about her story.
View on Title: How can someone become an empress accidentally? It intrigued me and I wanted to know her story even more.
View on Title: How can someone become an empress accidentally? It intrigued me and I wanted to know her story even more.
Pros:
- Sisi's character is so strong in the book. She is very resistant to those who are oppressive but she gets her way sometimes.
- The main storyline of the book are historically accurate. There are just the details that are fictional, which makes the whole story interesting.
- You get a decent understanding of the issues that happened in this time period, which is why Franz acts a certain way.
- The ending was beautiful even though it left at a cliffhanger.
Cons:
- Franz's mother, Sophie, was the most aggravating character in the book. I know she is the antagonist, but I just kept wishing she would die of old age soon.
- Franz's character was a bit agitating, which is mostly caused by his mother.
- I felt that it was a little long and could have been a little shorter, but that could be because I typically read 300 page books in a week rather than 500 page books. (It is still worth the read despite this little complaint.)
Critics' Reviews:
“A glorious novel about a misunderstood empress…With a sumptuous sense of history and evocative attention to detail, Allison Pataki conjures the rebellious, glamorous spirit of Sisi of Austria.” –C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of The Queen’s Vow“I felt as if I’d been transported to Austria in this powerful and sweeping novel. A heart wrenching, beautiful story, rich with historical detail and political intrigue. Skillful and utterly captivating.” –M.J. Rose, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch of Painted Sorrows
“The Accidental Empress is a tale of royal love we don’t know but should, and who better to share it with us than the supremely gifted and entertaining historical novelist, Allison Pataki. A delightful gift for readers…The Accidental Empress is enthralling.” –Allegra Jordan, author of The End of Innocence
Allison Pataki's Website:
Other Recommendations:
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki
Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
The Traitor's Wife by Allison Pataki
Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran
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