by Sherry D. Ficklin
Series: Stolen Empire #3
Genres: Historical Fiction
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN If her time at court has taught Catherine anything, it’s that there is no room for weakness in Imperial Russia. With the Empress’ health failing and rumors of a change in the line of succession, her place in the royal line is once more in jeopardy. Tormented by her sadistic husband and his venomous mistress, Catherine must once more walk the fine line between pleasure and politics—between scandal and survival. When her young son becomes the target of those rebelling against Peter’s reign, Catherine will have to rise up to protect herself, her child, and her nation from his unstable and potentially catastrophic rule. This means putting herself at odds with the most dangerous man she’s ever known, trusting those who once proved to be her enemies, and turning a nation against its sovereign. In the ultimate battle for the crown, new alliances will be forged, loyalties will be tested, and blood will be shed.
Queen of Always by Sherry D. Ficklin is the last book in the Stolen Empire series and perhaps the darkest. Catherine needs to be ruthless if she is to survive life in the Imperial Court. Ficklin delivered in sharing the last chapters of Catherine’s story and it held me spellbound.
Our Catherine is a clever, clever girl. She is also ruthless, passionate and at times calculating. Forced into marriage and ripped from the arms of her lover; she has suffered lost, is tormented and yet she is forever a lady. Never showing weakness beyond the walls of her quarters.
“I have done dreadful things, Dash. I have made mistakes that I will never be able to atone for, and I have allowed myself to be selfish in ways you might never understand.” The bitter memory of sprinkling the poison in the Empress’ tea floats into my mind. I think of every lie I’ve told, of every misstep I’ve made. “I’m not proud of my choices, but neither would I retract a single one,” I say finally.”-Catherine, Queen of Always
Catherine quickly finds her position in jeopardy as Peter’s mistress sinks her teeth further into him. His radical ideals threaten the court, the church and Russia. As she builds alliances, she also must face the two men she loves.The romance was rather interesting, and young Catherine is quite bold. Can she choose between them?
Ficklin weaved a suspenseful tale as Catherine makes moves to secure life for her and those of her son. Queen of Always is darker than its predecessors as tension rises and danger lurks. Politics, religion, betrayals, and threats made for a page-turning read. The author managed to have me holding my breath, dropping my chin in shock and even shedding a tear.
A mention of coffee..had me smiling!
“…….There’s a cup of what looks like pitch black tea. I pick it up, examining the contents. It smells burnt somehow. “What on earth is this?”
She nods to it, “That’s a new drink the cook thought you might enjoy. It’s called coffee. It can be bitter so there is cream you can add to it. She says it’s all the rage at French Court.”
“Coffee? Odd.” I take a sip and nearly gag. It’s strong, so much more bitter and heavy than tea, but, still…
I take another sip.
“It’s quite good, I think.” I say, admiring the warmth of the cup in my hand.
Dashka beams. “I thought you’d enjoy it.”
As we begin the tedious process of dressing and grooming, I sip on the beverage, asking for a second cup soon after the first. Soon I feel my heart speed up, my face flushes, and I feel more awake and alive than I’ve felt in weeks.
At times, Catherine is ruthless and her hands have blood on them, yet she is equally compassionate. Even though it causes her to suffer she does not bend in her convictions. Even as she works to secure her place in Russia, she looks to the people and their needs. The balance between her ruthlessness and compassion never ceased to amaze me. Ficklin’s interpretation of Catherine provides a strong heroine that readers will connect with. For all that she endures, she holds her head high and presents a strong reassuring presence. She is someone whom you respect, even as you guard your back.
Queen of Always was a delightful conclusion to the trilogy that I quickly consumed. Fans of historical fiction, suspense and strong characters should consider adding the Stolen Empire trilogy to their bookshelves.
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
Olivia
I have the first book in this series on my TBR and I am so looking forward to when I cxan read them! This series has come out so quickly though DD: I love the covers, love politics and historical fiction and am so glad the conclusion to the series was a good one too.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh enjoy…this was such a delightful trilogy Olivia and the covers….beautiful!
Kristin
It still surprises me when you sneak a YA title in here or there. 🙂
I’m glad this trilogy totally held up for you until the end!! Catherine sounds so tortured for all she has to endure so I’m still on the fence about this series – you know me and my HEA. Can’t let my un-real book world get too depressing, even if it’s historical. My prozac can’t handle that 😉
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fantastic trilogy. I read YA, but not contemporary.
Paij Slater
I cannot wait to read this series! I am so glad you liked it 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yay I am so glad you will be reading them!!
Braine Talk Supe
Guess what, I got reader ADD now too! I think you passed it on to me 😛
JK.
Not the ADD though, I got the freebie first book, I should try that, maybe SF will help keep me in line
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..my daugher is that way. If I say my stomach feels off..the next thing ya know hers is feeling funny. Oh and if she reads the side effects to meds..she gets them!!
Angela Adams
“At times, Catherine is ruthless and her hands have blood on them, yet she is equally compassionate. ” — it’s a talented author who can create such a character. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
It helps that Catherine the Great was such a person..but yes the author made me feel for her 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
I would have thought she would need a bit of cream and sugar for the coffee as a first taste. 🙂 Cute quote! Oh this sounds interesting despite the tear. 😉 I do love retellings so this one is really up my alley.
kimbacaffeinate
Her portrayal of Catherine is a gripping one Melissa,
Kim
I LOVE this cover!!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Gads..all of the covers are simply stunning in this trilogy Kim!
Kim
Oh my gosh. I just looked and the ARE!!!!
Katherine
This sounds fascinating! I’ve always been fascinated by the Romanovs but never went much farther back than the early 1900s. Catherine sounds like a complex and interesting character and definitely one I would enjoy reading about.
kimbacaffeinate
This was well done, and while she does take some liberties with the timeline..it is stellar.
Christy
Did you say Ruthless? Damn, she sounds like my kinda girl.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am sure you will love Catherine..the girl has game
Debbie Haupt
Hi Kim this sounds really good. I didn’t know Clean Teen Pub published adult stuff too.
Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
This is YA, but geared for older.
Ramona
I’m so embarrassed to admit that I never got around to reading this one, even though reviews have always been fantastic, which I know… Glad you were happy with the conclusion of the trilogy, Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I think I remember some of the darker elements in book two had you concerned, but this is a great trilogy.
Haniya
Catherine sounds AMAZING! I think I’ll enjoy this trilogy!!
kimbacaffeinate
It was wonderful I hope you enjoy it!!
Bookworm Brandee
I’m really going to have to check out this series. I’m glad you enjoyed the last installment. It’s nice when things wrap-up well. I’m thinking that my son might like this series as well since he read a biography of Catherine last year. I’ll keep you posted. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it takes some liberties which she explains in the first book…but it was gripping. There are some dark, violent moments Brandee.
Heidi
I have the first book sitting right next to me in my TBR stack. I hope to get to it soon, I swear I can’t seem to find time to read these days.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL. On on Sunday Post I talked about having book ADD. I had 4-5 books going at once. Ugh. This series is fantastic Heidi.
Tyler H Jolley
I’m so happy for Sherry, this has been a really great series.
kimbacaffeinate
It really was a great series. I am curious to see what she will do next.
Lily B
hummm.. kind of glazed over this series have to admit… going to have to revisit looking at it. Darker you say? Interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh you should totally try it, there are dark elements throughout and its based on Catherine the Great
Mary Kirkland
Not sure this is really my kind of book but that cover is lovely.
kimbacaffeinate
Catherine is such an interesting character Mary.
Ria
Lovely review! I’m also a huge fan of gaw-jess book covers and this trilogy has nailed it!! OH NO MY TBR is growing instead of shrinking!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I agree the covers are marvelous! LOL..my pile shrinks and expands daily!
kindlemom1
I know how much you like this series Kim! I have the first book (probably because of you!) I just need to actually read it now.
kimbacaffeinate
I am glad you are going to start them Ali.
blodeuedd
I got book 1 so yay
kimbacaffeinate
That is awesome..the covers are lovely
Nick
Now that this last book is out, I’m ready to binge-read! It sounds like an amazing series and I hope I will love it as much as you’ve loved these books.
kimbacaffeinate
YES…it is so good and I have no doubts you will become caught up in Catherine’s story Nick!
Kim
Gorgeous review, Kim – you always write such great post on historicals that have me drooling! This is a new series to me, but I’m excited to see the conclusion was all that you had hoped it to be. I’m very curious now 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Hi Kim…I hope your summer was a good one. This is based on Catherine the Great, and Ficklin does such a great job with her. I hope you decide to try them, plus the covers for this series are simply stunning!
Jenny
I think I need to read this trilogy Kim! Catherine sounds like an extraordinarily memorable character, I love that she’s all the darker shades of gray. Those type of characters are always the most fascinating for me:)
kimbacaffeinate
This was such a good series Jen. It is based on Catherine the Great, and I have a thing for tales set in Imperial Russia..no idea why….but I do!
Paula M
I remember loving the first book in this series! I really need to catch up. Thanks for the great review, now I know that the series won’t disappoint me <3
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy..this was a great trilogy!
Lexxie
I kind of skimmed your review, Kim, as I haven’t started this series yet – but four stars for the ending is good, right? And this is a mix of fiction and history, is that correct?
Have a great day 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes this series was excellent. It is based on Catherine the Great..but liberties are taken 🙂