The Morning Star by Robin Bridges

August 27th, 2013 Kimberly Review 88 Comments

27th Aug
The Morning Star by Robin Bridges
The Morning Star
by Robin Bridges
Series: Katerina Trilogy #3
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1890- Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, wants to be known as a doctor, not a necromancer. But Tsar Alexander III forbids women to attend medical school; his interest in Katerina extends only to her ability to raise the dead. Twice now, Katerina has helped him by using her power to thwart the forces of darkness—vampires bent on resurrecting the lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich so that he can take what he sees as his rightful place on the throne. Katerina thought she had bound Konstantin to the Greylands, the realm of the dead, but he has found a way out. Now he is searching for the Morning Star, a sword that will allow him to command a legion of supernatural warriors. Katerina must find the sword before Konstantin does—and she must travel to Egypt to do so. Along the way, she puts up with unwanted attention from her former fiancé, the nefarious Prince Danilo, and struggles with her feelings for her true love, George Alexandrovich. But with the looming threat from Konstantin, Katerina's focus remains on the sword. Russia's fate will be determined by whoever wields the Morning Star—and delivers the final blow.

Today I am excited to be a part of Random House’s tour for Morning Star book three in Robyn Bridges’, Katerina series. Set against historical Russia, this is a paranormal tale that kept me on edge with a kick-ass necromancer. Grab a cup of coffee, and settle in for my review.

I am not Russian, nor have I ever traveled to Russia, but I absolutely love books with Russian settings.  The Katerina Trilogy set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the year 1890 was impressive and I enjoyed the journey. The Morning Star is the third and final book in this non-stop action tale centered around, Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, a necromancer who longs to be a doctor in a world of men. Bridges delivered a tale, froth with danger, and weaved in a sweet romance. Three-word review: captivating, suspenseful, and heartwarming.

Tsar Alexander III has forbidden Katerina to attend medical school, he wants his necromancer near since she has twice thwarted the forces of darkness led by the evil Lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich. Katrina bound him to the Greylands but he is back and searching for the Morning Star; a sword forged in heaven that will lead an army of undead. The quest to find the sword first has Katrina in danger and traveling to Egypt. Russia’s fate lies in her hands and the tale that unfolds kept me turning the pages.

I adore Katerina and who wouldn’t? She is bright, eager to learn and despite fear is undeniably brave. She is a diamond of the first water. Determined to pursue her medical training, she learned behind the tsar’s back and I admired her determination. Despite being a necromancer, and having to go to battle, she values all life..good and evil making her the ultimate heroine. George Alexandrovich is her true love, and despite his illness, he is ready to lay down his life for her and his country. The romance is sweet and filled with gooey goodness. I loved how they interacted and put the other first in all things. Katerina can cast you to the Greylands but blushes like a school girl and I found it refreshing. Prince Danilo, who shares a blood bond with Katerina, is back and he causes all kinds of problems for Katerina. While I don’t particularly love the blood drinker, Bridges ended up endearing him to my heart. Other characters and creatures aid the tale, as we travel in search of the sword and battle the darkness.

Bridges world-building amazes me, from her interpretation of the Greylands to her use of Egyptian customs. Her cast of supernatural creatures includes Fae, vampires, werewolves, Grigori and a Bogatyr. Despite all the confusing names, I slipped right back into this tale and was once again exploring Russia. There are balls, exotic foods, and tarot cards wrapped in and around this suspenseful tale. As the pace ebbed and flowed with danger, action, and touches of romance. The tale was captivating as the evil Lich Tsar moved to control the Grigori and take control of Russia in his pursuit to take the throne. Talisman, spells, and magic accompanied us as we traveled to Grey and ancient Egyptian sites holding me spellbound. The ending, was, oh my! It was brilliant, and I didn’t see it coming but it rang true and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

If you love mystery, suspense, and paranormal woo-woo, Morning Star, will draw you in with its battle of Light and Dark. I am sad to see this series come to an end but eager to see what Bridges brings us next.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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88 Responses to “The Morning Star by Robin Bridges”

  1. Christine

    I can’t wait for this series!! I’ve always been obsessed with the Russian Tzars and this sounds like something I’d love 🙂

  2. Kimberly

    I have had the first book in the series on my TBR pile since before it came out. I can’t believe I haven’t gotten to it yet and that book 3 is already coming out. It sounds like a great series!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have books/series like that in my tbr pile too Kimberly..so many books, so little time!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was good, with the balls, the views and royalty all wrapped in paranormal woo-woo!

  4. Anne

    Russian history is fascinating. This novel sounds captivating and special. Thanks.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Anne, I really enjoyed this series and hope you get a chance to read them.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Celine, I wish the publishers could do International too 🙁

  6. Maida

    I am not familiar with this series but I love the sound of it. Katerina sounds like an amazing character and someone I would easily get invested in. I can’t wait to meet her. I can appreciate great world building, and I am very excited to experience it here. The plot sounds really twisty and action packed, and I love that! I am looking forward to reading this! I’m glad to see you enjoyed this Kim! Fab review! 😀

    ~ Maida
    Literary Love Affair 

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Maida, I really enjoyed this trilogy and hope you get to experience it and meet the characters!

  7. Lark

    I don’t usually gravitate toward books set in Russia for some reason, but this series sounds very good. If only I weren’t already so swamped with good books to read! Still, I will be keeping an eye out for these.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Lark, there aren’t a lot of books with Russian settings but I do adore the ones I find!

  8. Valerie Rhodes

    Wow Russian Necromancers this will be a first for me to read.. definite tbr…. thanks for sharing and I love all fae, witchery, necro’s, were’s..anything..haha

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are welcome Valerie and good luck, I hope you get a chance to read this trilogy 🙂

  9. Ginny

    Great review! I haven’t read this series but it definitely sounds like something I would enjoy since I love paranormal woo-woo. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you pick them up, this was such a good series 🙂

  10. aurian

    Hmm this sure is very promising, thanks for the great review, I have not come across it before.

  11. Candace

    Danilo- loved him, hated him, and then loved him. Mostly I loved that I didn’t know whether to love or hate him! So glad you loved this one too!

  12. Michelle

    I really need to read this series soon, especially since RH sent me this one. I don’t own the second one though! *pouts* I’m really glad that you enjoy this series so much!

  14. Christy

    You are not from the mother land?! No vodka for you!!

    That was said with a Russian accent. 😛 Seriously, glad you’re enjoying the series so much. Great review.

  15. Debbie Haupt

    Hi Kimba, emailing from my couch on vacation this week (did you miss me) 🙂
    great review I also love historical fiction in Russia
    thanks
    deb

  16. Andrea

    Here’s another series I’ve heard great things about and haven’t read’. I’ve read very few books set in Russia, but I did like the setting and culture.
    So glad you enjoyed, Kim!

  17. Carmel

    This sounds like an interesting mix of old and new. I may have to check-it out. Thanks for the review Kimberly. You rocked it as usual. 🙂

  18. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Love the sound of the world and I do like variations of the Russian world at that time. It’s somehow so perfectly mysterious and ripe for stories. Plus, you had me at paranormal woo woo. 😀 How could I resist?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      exactly…everyone loves a little woo-woo and I so agree about the setting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awesome Megan, enjoy and would love to hear your thoughts when you do :

  22. Tammy

    I don’t think I’ve read a book that takes place in Russia except didn’t one of the last Vampire Academy books have Rose & Dimitri in Russia, maybe..Anyway I love reading about new places.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do too Tammy and hope you get a chance to read these 🙂

  24. Sarah

    What a pretty cover. I really want to read this after reading the cover and your wonderful review! 🙂

    Sarah

  25. Carl

    I find Russia fascinating, both the history and the current events. I’m glad that we have more access to news from there these days because it’s interesting to watch the country develop after decades of totalitarian rule. They still have a long way to go in social progress before they catch up to Europe and North America, though. Thanks for the excellent giveaway.

  26. braine

    Why am I only seeing this series now? Russian necromancers?! Love that combo! I must ask my local library to purchase this series.

  28. Olena

    Ohh this sounds like an exciting read. Great review! Definitely going to enter the giveaway so that I can check out this book.

  30. Julie S.

    I was born in Russia so books with this type of setting really interest me. I’ve been wanting to read this series for so long. I got books 1 and 2 as gifts, so I need to get book 3 and then I can read them all 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh enjoy them Julie, I would love to hear your thoughts when you finish them.

  31. Susan

    Outstanding Review Kimba.I happen to love that era/With A Paranormal Twist ;)And my Grandfather was Russian…Will Put All 3 as TBR..and Share Your Post…

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Susan, I hope you enjoy them and thanks for spreading the love 🙂 #hijacker

  32. Charlotte

    Sounds like a book that needs to be added to the reading list.

  33. Victoria (aka zEmfIrKa)

    OK… I must admit I’m always hesitant when something concerns Russia, as I am Russian. But I think just the first few lines of this post made me check this book out! A Russian setting and paranormal… hmm lots to contemplate 🙂 Love the cover too!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Victoria, the paranormal events, light and dark courts all make this fascinating.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes book travel is the best..well traveling in the Tardis is probably the best..but this would be a close second..LOL

  35. Jenea

    The world building sounds completely fascinating, and Katerina sounds awesome. Wonderful review. Adding this series now!

  36. Kristin

    Wow this cover is super pretty and the book sounds good as well. I might need to track down a copy of Book 1 and start it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Kristen, I loved them and hope you get to try book one 🙂

  37. Nick

    I just skimmed your review, Kim, because I still haven’t read the second book in the series and have been wanting to for a long time now since I liked book one.
    I’m glad to see that this is still going strongly for you and the idea of more mystery, suspense and paranormal has me excited.
    Thank you for reminding me that I have to check out the second book from the library. 🙂

  38. kindlemom1

    I can’t believe I completely forgot about this series until seeing another review on this the other day! I LOVED the first book.
    I am so glad that you enjoyed the third installment so much. I really need to get caught up now!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      That has happen to me, and I am like “what?” “how did I miss this?” You will be happy to know book two and the final book are worth it 🙂

  39. Sam

    I love books with Russian setting too, but I’ve read very few. I’ve been curious about Robin Bridges’ series. And wow, this sounds like a really strong installment. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kimba. Fantastic review as always! 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      This was a good trilogy Sam, I hope you decide to try it 🙂

  40. Chene Sterckx

    This book sounds right up my ally 🙂 Wish I could enter the giveaway. oh well *adds to TBR pile* and *goes and looks for the series to buy* he he
    Thanks Kimba 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Sorry Chene, I wish they all could be international 🙁

  41. Naomi

    Ok firstly, I love that cover! It is amazing. Secondly, it sounds like a great read. And lastly, you sold me on your amazing review. I think I would love to meet Katerina and dive in the world that Bridges has created!! This series sounds amazing!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

    • kimbacaffeinate

      thanks Naomi, and yes the cover is wonderful and the tale amazing 🙂

  42. Lauren

    I’ve been holding off on reading these, but now that I know that the last book is excellent, I feel confident this series will be a win for me. I love all things Russian, and the paranormal aspects sound exciting! Lovely review 🙂

  43. Tanja

    I have heard of this series but I had no idea that the third book is out. I remember seeing The Gathering Storm around. Anyhow I usually tend to avoid Russian settings, simply I read Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and other famous Russian authors in high school and that wasn’t a good time for reading such complex books. I should get some courage and try this series. Great review 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I hope you decide to try them, the action, and supernatural elements add to the tale.