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The Rasputin Dagger

A tale of love, loss, and political intrigue

Theresa Breslin author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Random House Children's UK

Published:10th Aug '17

Should be back in stock very soon

The Rasputin Dagger cover

Set during the Russian Revolution, The Rasputin Dagger follows Nina and Stefan as they navigate love and political turmoil in St Petersburg.

In The Rasputin Dagger, set against the backdrop of Russia in 1916, Nina Ivanovna finds herself in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Her only hope lies in traveling to St Petersburg, where she seeks to escape her troubled past and carve out a brighter future. As she navigates the turmoil surrounding her, she crosses paths with Stefan Kolodin, a young and idealistic medical student passionate about enacting change for his country and its people. Their lives intertwine amidst the unrest of a city on the brink of revolution, sparking a tumultuous relationship marked by both passion and political intrigue.

As Nina becomes more entrenched in the lavish lifestyles of the Russian royal family, she encounters the enigmatic monk, Grigory Rasputin. His influence and the allure of his ruby-studded dagger present Nina with a dangerous choice: the potential to change her fate or risk being condemned to a life of despair. The story unfolds with a rich exploration of love, loss, and friendship, all while highlighting the intense political landscape of the time.

Theresa Breslin, a Carnegie Medal winner, masterfully weaves a tale that captures the essence of a pivotal moment in history. The Rasputin Dagger is not just a story of romance; it delves into the complexities of human relationships during a time of great upheaval, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction.

A thrilling tale of political action and love . . . Breslin evokes compassion for the hapless Imperial family, without losing sense of the crisis facing Russia’s people, and seamlessly inserts her characters into the events leading to the rise of the Bolsheviks * Financial Times *
Theresa Breslin gives a gripping account of Nina’s life in St Petersburg amongst the growing unrest of The Russian Revolution, seamlessly blending historical events and traditional folk tales with a dramatic plot. This meticulously researched book is a must-read for historical fiction fans and a great way to mark the centenary of the Russian Revolution. * Scottish Book Trust (Children's Book of the Month) *
Breslin's young adult book takes on some big themes from Russian history and makes them accessible to all. * Irish Independent *
Rich with historical detail this fascinating and epic tale will sweep you away whilst reminding us of the chaos and turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Riveting. * South Wales Evening Post *
There will no doubt be many more novels about the [Russian] revolution this year and this will be at the forefront. * Books for Keeps *

ISBN: 9780552565257

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 24mm

Weight: 277g

400 pages