Reader Response: Letter Essay

Dear Dr. Seglem, 4/24/17

When I pulled The Gathering Storm (the first in a trilogy) off the shelf at the library, I
was immediately intrigued by the image of St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, that was on
the cover. Historical fiction, and particularly Russian history, is one of my favorite topics to read
about. As I began to explore the back cover, I learned that the main character was a member of
the Russian imperial family - even better. But I quickly realized this would not be a typical
historical fiction story. Katerina Alexandrovna, the Duchess of Oldenburg, was a necromancer.
She could bring the dead back to life. While I was a little hesitant, I decided to give the book a
fair shot, and I have to say I am glad I did.
As Robin Bridges first novel, she takes Russian history in the 1880s and gives it
unexpected twist. The Tsar is in danger. Members of the royal bloodline hold secrets - more
secrets than Katerina Alexandrovna could have ever imagined. As she dances her way through
balls with Europes highest royalty, expected to find an husband, rumors spread about the dark
family from Montenegero. These rumors that say the Montenegero family are blood drinkers. As
Katerina tries to keep her distance, she feels drawn to the handsome Montenegrin Prince, Danilo.
People believe the vampires are returning to Russia, and suddenly members of the Tsars army
are being unexpectedly killed and then brought back to life - forming an undead army of some
kind. Then, Katerina finds herself engaged to Prince Danilo, against her own wishes. She learns
that her gift makes her valuable to the Montenegrins, With your blood, Danilo will become a
more powerful ally for the tsar. Now, if youre not going to behave properly, we shall have to do
something about that. (329). The climax of the story comes when Katerina finds herself being
kidnapped by the crown prince:
What did you do to me? I tried to sit up and look around but the crown prince held me fast
You must let me go. Must I, my love? He stroked my hair. He laughed when I flinched. We
are leaving for Cetinje tonight, for my birthday celebration. Your mother has already been
notified to join us. She believes you are leaving on the train with my sisters. Your father has
already given me your passport papers. (314-315).
Although she feels that her gift of necromancy is a curse, But the life I had brought to
the dead was not a gift. It was not a life at all. Perhaps that was the true reason Id wanted to be a
doctor all those tears. I wanted to ease peoples suffering and prevent death altogether (350-
351), she also realizes that it may be the only thing that can save the Tsar. Her gift is invaluable -
Our parents have been looking for a necromancer like her for a very long time. (319)
Even as I came towards the end, I was unsure of my thoughts towards the book; but, the
action packed chapters kept me hooked through the last pages. It was so unlike stories I typically
read and I was a little bothered by the excessive dark magic and (in my opinion) the cliche
presence vampires. But, as I began to reflect I realized that the story contained similar elements
to the Harry Potter series, which I absolutely loved when I was a child. Once I was able to get
past the dark magic, I realized that I liked the way Katerina found a way to use her curse for
good. I was drawn in by the love interest between her and the Tsars stubborn son, George
Alexandrovich. I liked the quick-paced action and Katerinas steadfast dream of being a doctor. I
liked the way Bridges developed her character through the story. At the beginning, Katerina was
shy and obedient. For me, her turning point was one of my favorite parts of the story:
 I grabbed Elena in the hallway on her way to algebra. What did you do to her?
Elenas eyes grew wide and innocent. Moi? Whatever spells youre trying to
cast on me with your brothers hair, whatever hateful spell youre casting on
Dariya, youre going to stop immediately. You say the most bizarre things.
Elena shook her head sadly. Perhaps you feel unwell too. Do you have a fever?
She reached up to touch my forehead. I knocked her hand away. The girls in the
hallways moved quickly to their next classes, making a deliberate effort to ignore
us. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one of the Brown Forms teacher staring at
us nervously. Lowering my voice, I said, I will not let you hurt Dariya or any of
the other students here. (87)

I love this section because for the first time, Katerina was not afraid to stand up for
herself and call out Elena (who was a member of the Montenegrin family). After this moment,
Katerina seems to have a new level of confidence and boldness. I like that Bridges includes this
character development in the plot, because it helped me come to really like the main character.
Overall, I would give this story a 7/10. I would highly recommend it to girls who enjoy fantasy
and are looking for a more challenging read.
While there were parts that I felt were predictable - like the Montenegeros being a family
of vampires and the romance that blooms between the Duchess and Prince George, I was still
drawn into the book and had trouble putting it down. The book was definitely a fantasy, but I was
pleasantly surprised. Bridges even left enough of a cliff hanger that I might find myself finishing
the trilogy over the summer.

Thanks for checking in with me every week!

Love,

Melody