Queen of Tomorrow by Sherry D. Ficklin

July 10th, 2015 Kimberly Review 69 Comments

10th Jul
Queen of Tomorrow by Sherry D. Ficklin
Queen of Tomorrow
by Sherry D. Ficklin
Series: Stolen Empire #2
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Sophie—now Catherine, Grand Duchess of Russia—had a tough first year at Imperial Court. Married at sixteen to Grand Duke Peter, heir to the throne, and settled in their own palace, things are finally looking up. As a new day dawns, she thinks only of securing her future, and the future of their country, during one of the greatest political upheavals of her time. Fighting desperately against forces trying to depose the Empress Elizabeth and put the young Prince Ivan on her throne, Sophie soon finds herself in the middle of a war brewing between her beloved Prussia, and her new empire. But even as she navigates the fragile political landscape, she quickly realizes that she has only begun to discover the tangled web of deceit and infidelity woven over the lavish court of Oranienbaum Palace. When a strange and delicate alliance forms between the young couple, she glimpses a future of happiness, only to see it lost in a moment at the hands of those who still seek to end her life—and prevent her reign. Out of favor with the empress and running out of options, Sophie will have to sacrifice her own innocence on the altar of Russia if she is to save the nation, and herself. To survive, she will have to do the unthinkable, betray those closest to her and become something greater and more dangerous than she ever imagined she could be… a queen

Queen of Tomorrow is the second book in the Stolen Empire by Sherry D. Ficklin and it rocked its predecessor as Ficklin began Catherine’s transformation. With it the tone of this trilogy darkens and in a word is was brilliant. Set in Russia and loosely based on a young Catharine the Great I found myself swept up as Catherine navigated the Imperial Court.

Catherine is now the Grand Duchess of Russia and wed to Peter the Grand Duke. Under the ever-watchful eye of the Empress, Catherine must navigate the courts, appease the Empress, and watch as her husband openly taunts his mistress. Ficklin skillfully draws us back into the story as it picks up right where the Queen of Someday ended. She has this wonderful ability to lure the reader into her story and make them care about the characters.

Watching Catherine create allies, spread her wings and find love all while suffering held me spellbound. I found myself cheering for this clever young woman. While it is true that Ficklin took, liberties particularly with the time line, her interpretation of Catherine the Great only made me eager to learn more about this period in history.

Oranienbaum Palace and Winter Place were both beautifully described and one would think with all the celebrations, gowns and gaiety that these would be fairy tale places to live. Nothing could be further from the truth because behind corridors, there is drama, political maneuvering, backstabbing and power plays. No one is safe; especially with the unrest in Prussia, England and Australia.

Catherine endures more than most could handle throughout Queen of Tomorrow and each scar is like armor making her strong, smarter and wiser. She must control Peter, appease the Queen, gain allies and take care of the people. It is like a wild game of Chess and I was impressed as she carefully considered each move. She conducts herself like a lady and I admire that about her. Do not be fooled into thinking you can walk all over her, because the girl has some wicked spunk. Someone she manages to still genuinely care about people, especially the lower class in her kingdom. Seeing her work the court council to her advantage was a thrill and watching take on the Empress gave me goosebumps.

Queen of Tomorrow was action-packed, intense and darker than the first. Be warned there are violent acts including abuse and rape. Ficklin does managed to show happy moments, weaving in love and kindness despite the circumstances. The ending sets us up perfectly for Queen of Always, which releases in September and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

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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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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69 Responses to “Queen of Tomorrow by Sherry D. Ficklin”

  1. Tiffany

    I absolutely loved this book! In fact, I think I enjoyed it more than the first one, despite the tough scenes this book offered. Sophie has grown so much, and it was great seeing her run things. I can’t wait for the third book to be released!

  3. Steph

    I just won an ARC of this book and need to read the first one. I have been hearing such good things about this series.

  5. Naomi

    Wow Kimberly! This series sounds fantastic! Seems the author has created a realistic adaption to the time frame. Catherine appears to be a strong character, dealing with a marriage that is far from ideal.

  6. Benish

    Wow a full five stars ?? I don’t think I’ve seen that from you so far 🙂 I have this series on my TBR though so here’s to hoping it’s as a good as it sounds – awesome review!

  7. Berls

    I agree 100% Kimba! I loved this so much and I’m so impressed by Sophie. I can’t wait for the next one, thank goodness we only have to wait until September!

  8. Stormi

    I just recently picked up the first one when it went on sale for Free..LOL. I am curious about this series. 🙂

  10. Lorna

    Well of course I had to go see on Amazon and just picked up Queen of Someday-it was free. 5 stars from you=I have to at least try it! Fantastic review 🙂

  13. Amir

    That cover rocks! This is the first time I’ve heard of this book but seeing that you gave this 5 STARS, I really should fix that. I’ve always been fascinated with the Russian court, I think it was mostly because I was so fascinated with Anastasia when a was a kid and I don’t know much about Catherine the Great but totally googling her right now. I’ll check this series out! Thanks Kimba! 🙂

  14. Lexxie

    I’ve been curious about this series since the first one was released, and now you’ve definitely made me very interested in reading it. It’s always amazing when a second book warrants five stars.

  15. Paij Slater

    Well now I have to read it because you gave it 5 stars. Great review Kim! Have a fantastic weekend. Maybe one day I will actually get to all the book I want to read 🙂

  17. Cyn

    I feel like I’ve never really heard of this series before, but 5 stars! I’ll have to take a look! It does sound pretty intense, glad that there’s happy moments to balance it out. Great review, Kim!

  18. Lindy

    I find the drama, political maneuvering, backstabbing and power plays behind politics fascinating. Catherine sounds very intelligent and interesting to read about! Great Review Kim 🙂 I can tell how much you loved this one!

  19. Kathy

    Wow! 5 cups! I’m not big on historical fiction, although what I have read has been loved, but you’ve made me do a double-take on the genre, and that cover is stunning.

  20. Melissa (Books and Things)

    Oh this sounds like the type of historical fiction I like. I just checked for it at my library and didn’t see it but they do have one book by her. It is about Nicola Tesla and so now I’m curious about that one as well. LOL

  21. Heidi

    Such a gorgeous cover. I don’t recall the first book at all, need to go look it up. I like that this one was so much stronger even if it does have dark parts. It is also nice that the third book releases in September. No long wait.

  22. Ramona

    Yep, I did hear about the rape and it put me off from trying out the first book. There are some things I really can’t read about when I’m reading for pleasure. I love your review, Kimba, very insightful, as usual 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful weekend <3

  24. sherry fundin

    Glad you enjoyed the read so much. I have not heard of this series. Thanks for sharing, Kim and have a great weekend.

  25. Nicole

    I have the first book in this series, and I’ve been meaning to read it for a while now. I’m glad to see that the second book lives up to (or is even better than) the first! Now I need to get to reading!

  27. Lanie

    I actually don’t really know anything about Catherine the Great, this one sounds like it’d be a good place to start:) I love the cover to, it was one of my top picks this month. Great review!

  28. Jenny

    I think I would be a fan of this series Kim, I’ve always been fascinated by Russia and I haven’t read too many books that feature it as a setting. Sounds like this was a bit of a brutal read though, so I’m going to need to make sure I have chocolate on hand:)

  29. Nick

    I know you adored the first book as well, Kim! I’ve had it on my TBR ever since. I’m so happy that this was yet another successful sequel. Catherine seems like she’s quite badass, so I can’t wait to meet her. I’ll be sure to binge-read this trilogy once the final book comes out.
    Great review, Kim!

  30. Kristin

    DAMN! I have got to pick up the first one now! (it’s on my shelf *head down in shame*) You’re killing me! I almost feel like I need to go back in hiding just to catch up with my series and yours and Christy’s books!! Almost… 😉

    Jeez, just wow! I had no clue you loved series so much! I’m still shocked by the 5 cups!

  31. Silvia

    Perfect score, huh? You definitely piqued my curiosity, now I need to check the first instalment in the series!

  32. kindlemom1

    I’m so excited to start this series Kim! I have the first book and just need to grab this one. I love that this was a great sequel and didn’t suffer at all.
    Wonderful review and I hope you are feeling better and have a nice relaxing weekend!

  33. Melliane

    Isn’t it awesome when book 2 is like that? I just love that! I’ve heard about it but I don’t think I remember what book 1 is, so I’ll check that out now.