The Empress: A Novel

I enjoyed it, for the reasons above. However, it does not cover the complete series. Hopefully, there will be a part 2.

I liked the characters

I've followed Gigi Griffis for years now and was super excited to read her adult debut. It did not disappoint! The story was captivating from the beginning and though I was a bit wary at first as I usually stick to regency historical romance, I really fell into the story. I liked the characters and the development, plus the instant soul mates trope is one of my favorites. The only part I disliked was how quickly it ended as I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters. Fingers crossed for a sequel!

The Empress is the novelization of a show that will be premiering on American Netflix next month. I was a history major in college but have to admit I knew little of Elisabeth (Sisi) and her relationship with Emperor Franz Joseph before reading, This book made me want to do more research into their lives and relationship. Clearly, this is a fictionalized version of the story. I found it not to have a ton of depth and the writing to be somewhat simplistic. This made it an approachable read for those who don't read a lot of historical fiction. For readers who are looking for more comprehensive look into Elisabeth and Franz's relationship, this is not the book for that.The story is told from three different perspectives: Elisabeth, Franz, and Helene. Helene had been groomed to expect she would marry Franz. After a chance encounter with Elisabeth, Franz only had eyes for Helene's sister instead. About three quarters of the way through the book, Helene becomes vindictive. I understand her hurt and disappointment but seeing it from her perspective and how she would do things to purposefully upset Elisabeth seemed weird. I could have done without her chapters. I think the "love triangle" with Maxi was forced. I am excited to watch the show on Netlfix and am grateful this book spurned my interest in doing more research. It was a fluffy read that is probably a good companion to the series but not for those interested in much actual history.Thank you to NetGalley and Zando Projects for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #zandoprojects #theempress #empressbook

I was worried at first that I wouldn't like this book. But it turns out I loved this book. Now time to watch the show. I couldn't put the book down and the TV show is amazing.

I saw this series on Netflix and then remembered I also had the book on my TBR…of course I had to read the book first before diving into the show. I’ll also say I was unfamiliar with the story of Sisi and Franz prior to reading this, though I did look them up when I started reading. I cannot speak to historical accuracies though, I don’t know enough of their real life story to do so.This is a reimagining of the courtship between Princess Elisabeth (Sisi) of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria. Elisabeth has promised that she will have a great love, or no man at all, despite expectations of the time that she eventually marry someone of her family’s choosing. Emperor Franz is initially promised to Sisi’s older sister, Helene, but falls in love with Sisi instead. Drama ensues.I enjoyed this. I liked Elisabeth’s character and how she had standards. I also felt for Helene when she felt that Sisi betrayed her. Maxi was an interesting character and I found him more enjoyable to read about than Franz. And having had a complicated relationship with my mother growing up, I related to Elisabeth’s relationship with her own mother. I also liked the writing style and overall prose.Ironically, I didn’t love the love story. I didn’t feel the passion and longing between Sisi and Franz, nor did I feel their chemistry. They felt like good friends to me, than lovers. There is insta-love here, but perhaps that was how it happened in real life?The ending was quite abrupt. And there were some things thrown in that felt like unnecessary drama - Maxi flirting with Elisabeth, Franz’s PTSD that seemed to be completely forgotten about as the book progressed, Elisabeth’s initiation into court life felt like it was very rushed - I imagine someone of her character would have difficulty adjusting to court life (as I understand, historically she did have trouble adjusting).The story is told in third person from Helene, Sisi and Franz’s POV.I will still be watching the show and would read future works by this author. Recommended if you enjoy historical romances, and Sisi’s story in particular.

The Empress is a wonderfully told story based on true life. I saw the Netflix, I bought the book and audio book!

Novel stinks. There is no history in it only superficial sex.

I found the book was rather childish, but I loved the show and the show was quite true to the book.

I actually watched the show first and thought it was well done, which made me get the book. I always thought the book would get more serious, and while it kept me entertained I do feel like it fell short of the adaptation, which is funny because usually it tends to happen the other way around.

Glad I did not watch this on Netflix.