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The Russians #1-5
The Russians: The Crown and the Crucible / A House Divided / Travail and Triumph / Heirs of the Motherland / The Dawning of Deliverance
Against the vast and formidable backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, the lives of two families, the Burenins and the Fedorcenkos, become inextricably intertwine, in this sweeping saga of love, faith, and courage from Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. Compelling characters, fluid, thrilling reading, and a strong sense of history set these books apart in the minds of more than a half million fans who’ve loved them. Join Phillips and Pella again or for the first time as peasant and princess alike face the prospect of their beloved Russia being torn apart. Conflict within and without brews as thoughts of revolution stirs the masses and war looms in the Balkans. The lives of the characters will be forever changed…and so will yours.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
221 books581 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 12, 2008
This is one of my favorite series. I first read it as a teen. I loved learning about Russian history and the characters' love stories are so captivating. Katrina is a Russian princess, Anna becomes her hand-maid. Katrina is in love with her brother's best friend Dmitri, and Anna falls for Katrina's brother, Sergei. The story, beginning in 1870, follows as they grow into women in the volatile Russia. Anna's own brother, Paul, becomes a revolutionary. We see the revolutionary side of things through his eyes and the side of the peasants through Anna's eyes. We see the side of the aristocracy through Katrina's father's eyes- Viktor, a prince of Russia. When I was younger I would skim through the historical chapters, but now that I'm older the chapters are more interesting. The story follows Katrina's daughter, Mariana, and Anna's children. Katrina's evil cousin plays a role.
The book does have Christian overtones, but I didn't feel like it was too preachy or overbearing.
The book does have Christian overtones, but I didn't feel like it was too preachy or overbearing.
April 2, 2016
Michael Phillips (with Judith Pella) is not only prolific but a well researched writer. I'm not surprized that he states James Mitchener is one of his favorite writers they share a lot in common. Their books may be long but never have a dull moment and you feel you know their characters when they are done. This Russian series (especially the first 3 in the series) are these authors at the height of their talents.
You will also wish to read some of the many books of famous Christian Scottish author George MacDonald, whom Phillips has spent much time editing and updating his books so another generation can access and enjoy them.
You will also wish to read some of the many books of famous Christian Scottish author George MacDonald, whom Phillips has spent much time editing and updating his books so another generation can access and enjoy them.
February 26, 2017
Enjoyable read and insight into Russian culture/ history that I read as a young person. It inspired to me to take on Tolstoy's classic War & Peace.
War & Peace, Tolstoy, 1865
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Looking for more strong historical setting fiction? Try Michener.
Poland, Michener, 1983
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Or, how about a shorter read about American missionaries encountering China?
A City of Tranquil Light, Caldwell, 2010
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
War & Peace, Tolstoy, 1865
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Looking for more strong historical setting fiction? Try Michener.
Poland, Michener, 1983
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Or, how about a shorter read about American missionaries encountering China?
A City of Tranquil Light, Caldwell, 2010
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 18, 2008
I read this series several years ago and really enjoyed it. It provides wonderful insights into Russian history via fiction. The first book starts in pre-revolutionary Russia, then the following books move through the revolution. The books also discuss popular historical figures like Nicholas, last czar of Russia and the controversial Rasputin. These books are published by a Christian company, so they are very clean. They are weak (especially the fiction part) at times, but well-written.
May 7, 2013
This is a great, historical series. It takes you through life during the Russian Revolution and you take the journey with two different families - one a poor, peasant family and the other a family of Russian aristocrats. This series enlightened me to much I was in the dark about Russian history and I couldn't put the books down. I highly recommend this series. There are a total of seven in all.
December 7, 2010
Series set in Russia at the time of the czars. Alexander, Nicholas. Good series. Gets harder for me to stay with it as it progresses, though. Guess I'm just not int he right frame of mind right now.
October 3, 2008
I enjoyed learning about Russian history in this series.
January 5, 2009
I read these books a long time ago, but they are a good, easy read.
August 20, 2010
a good way to look at Russian history for young readers...includes the "Christian romance" element but is more tastefully done than others. good characters
August 26, 2012
Entire series very interesting historical novels written about the fall of czarist Russia -- especially for people whose ancestors come from Russia.
May 22, 2013
I read these series when I was 9 or 10 years old. I loved them and have wanted to read them again for years. I just ordered them and look forward to reading them again.
November 14, 2010
I loved this series. I understand there are two more in the series which I hope to read next year.
June 24, 2016
Loving this series
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews