A bit Princess Diaries, a bit Bridgerton but also unique in its own way, the Empress takes you on a timeless journey of royalty, court and all the glitter and tarnish you wish to see. The characters are interesting and make the story, while the plot is all you’d hope for in a princess, or empress, story! Pick this up and be transformed to another time and place.

The Empress was a wonderful love story. Helene was due to have an arranged marriage to the Emperor, Franz. Helene was training on how to be the perfect wife. Her sister Elizabeth (Sisi) is a wild, carefree woman. When the family get to the palace to meet the emperor it doesn’t go exactly like it was planned. Franz meets Sisi in the gardens. The immediately had a magnetic attraction. Franz now has to decide the fate of two sisters.
This was such a good book…loved it! I hope there might me another one to follow.

Thank you Netgalley, Zando Projects and Gigi Griffis for the ARC for my review.

“The Empress” is a wonderful historical fiction romance featuring Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz of Austria. Despite it’s centuries old setting, Griffis makes the characters feel fresh and relatable. The book covers approximately the same time period as the first three episodes of the Netflix show. The book and Netflix series can stand on their own, but I think they are best consumed together. The series obviously has the visual element and the acting, but the book allows you to get in the head of the characters and understand why they made certain choices. If this becomes a book series, I will definitely read more. One shortcoming is it felt a little too perfect, while in the Netflix series you get a sense of conflict between Sisi and Franz, Sisi and her sister, and Sisi and Empress Sophie.

Thanks to Zando Projects and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This piece of historical fiction was written for or in conjunction with the Netflix drama of the same name. It might even be a novelization. It certainly reads like one:

At the end of each chapter I can practically hear a director calling, “Scene!” That doesn’t mean it’s poorly written, but it also doesn’t seem to devote a great deal of detail to, well, details. As if the reader is expected to have watched the Netflix show and fill in the gaps with the actors, costumes, and set dressing provided. Ordinarily I wouldn’t be excessively bothered by a lack of description, but this novel is set in a historical era and location with which I’m only passing familiar and other readers who didn’t minor in history may be even less so, so I feel that more details are required, for immersion’s sake if nothing else. Another thing that makes me think “novelization,” with this book is how much information we get on everyone’s thoughts and motivations, the sort of things that are difficult to convey in film without voiceovers or unnatural-sounding conversations.

I wonder if the poems attributed to Elisabeth are actually ones she wrote, actual contemporary poetry, or penned by Griffis on her behalf. They were some of the best writing in the book, technically. Full of Romantic sensibilities. Elisabeth’s other sensibilities seem almost anachronistic in the way that female leads in historical novels must always be: too wild and individualistic for conventional mores and resentful of being expected to act like literally every other female in their social set (although the ways in which behaving like a normal person are unbearable are left vague because, again, we’re not given a lot of historical detail here). I do remember that Elisabeth turned out to be more than a little eccentric, but for most of the first half of the novel she reads just like every other historical heroine in a YA novel.

Overall, this is a bland piece of fiction that could have been set anywhere, any time before 1900 had it not dropped some historical figures’ names. Sisi is just like every other YA heroine, not a single supporting character is allowed any depth or complication, and the importance of Sisi’s marriage to the emperor is simplified so much as to render the historical aspects unrecognizable and irrelevant. In fact, it stops at her wedding as if that was her happily ever after, instead of continuing on to the parts of Empress Sisi’s reign that actually made her an interesting figure. It’s a disappointing bit of fluff.

This book was not at all what I expected it to be. For one, it focuses on a very short timeframe from when Sisi met Franz to when she married him. Compared to the Netflix show, the book covers episodes 1-3. The book hints at political unrest, but generally focuses solely on their relationship. I felt very unsatisfied with the story and the ending. If this was truly just a romance novel based on history, it needed to add more emotion to the text. I felt very detached from the characters. If it was a historical fiction, it needed to have much more detail. Overall, not a horrible read but won’t be recommending it unless someone loves the show and wants to read as much as possible about Sisi.

Yeah it was alright, although I felt like the pacing was a bit slow, I glad that I read it when I did, so I can compare it to the show.

Description:
The year is 1853, and Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria has been very clear: She will wait for the head-over-heels love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. Just because her older sister, Helene, is eagerly heeding their mother’s advice and preparing to marry Emperor Franz of Austria does not mean Sisi must also subject herself to such a dutiful existence. Sisi knows there is more to life than luncheons and corsets—if only someone would let her experience it all firsthand.
Meanwhile, in Austria, the emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In a bid to keep the peace, Franz has recommitted himself to his imperial duties—and promised to romance the pliant Helene of Bavaria at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the empire than with the announcement of a new empress? But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of the court, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of their families and standing up for what they truly believe in...

Review:
I genuinely enjoyed this story. I didn't know anything about this bit of history and the blend of the reality with the emotional fictions were well done and inspired a not small amount of googling and wikipedia reading and research. I really enjoyed Sisi and her story both romantic and with her family. Gigi's writing really makes this history come to life and feel remarkably relatable to modern day romance stories.

Thank you Netgalley and Gigi Griffis for the ARC of this book.

This was a quick read and well written historical fiction novel. The chapters were short and following multiple main characters along the way. Each character was developed well and the love story was beautiful as it unfolded.

Overall this was a very fun read and I would recommend to readers of all genres as it entertaining and refreshing. This is exactly what I needed to satisfy me while I wait for more Brigerton!

Rating: 3.6 leaves out of 5
-Characters: 4/5
-Cover: 3/5
-Story: 3.25/5
-Writing: 4/5
Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction
Type: Ebook
Worth?: Yeah

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this for free in exchange for an honest review. Did I forget to put up that I was reading this? Yes, yes I did. Lol. But with that out of the way it wasn't a BAD book. It was a good enough book to read when you need a book to occupy your time. Could it be more historical? Yes, yes it could. Could I have had less romance? Eehhh. The romance was fine, and this is coming from someone who doesn't care for a lot of it. I know there is a spicy scene in it which it was a little heated, but if you read a lot of spicy books I don't think it will be that big. Sisi (Elisabeth) and Franz are kinda cute, I think I could get behind them. Lol.

I think the only thing that REALLY bugged me was how the kindle version looked. A lot of the chapters were pushed together or the beginning word was all outta sorts. I really had to push through to keep reading and almost DNFed it because of how horrible the kindle version was.

Definitely an interesting work of historical fiction (I realized I knew almost nothing about Emperor Franz Joseph or Empress Elisabeth, had to go look them up!), but I loved that this book was primarily about relationships. We get to see the interactions between both sets of siblings (Sisi and Helene, Franz and Maxi) as well as the romantic relationships that form REALLY quickly. I haven't been reading a lot of historical fiction this year, and I kind of forgot how rapidly these semi-arranged royal marriages happen. The primary events of the story each happen within what seems like a 24 hour period each time. I did love that we got such a close look at a single day in Sisi and Helene's home life, the meeting between the sisters and Franz, and Elisabeth and Franz's reunion before their marriage, but I honestly wished there were a bit more! I'm hoping that with the associated Netflix should (which I have not watched but now plan to) there will be more to Elisabeth and Franz story (especially now that I know about their actual lives - so interesting!).

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.

I appreciated the writing but after reading so many books about Sisi I was disappointed. I really wanted to like this one but it missed the mark.

I loved getting to read this before I watch it on Netflix. I think the book is very well written and I would definitely prefer it to the show. I would love to read more from this author.

This book was absolutely everything. I loved this epic story about this fascinating tale of a remarkable woman.

This is a very readable account of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph’s meeting, courtship, and marriage.
However, it’s a bit too short on historical accuracy for my tastes.

3.5 stars

A reimagining of the courtship between one of history’s most iconic couples: Sisi and Franz of Austria? Yes please!

Griffis created a wonderful piece of historical fiction with a beautiful romance. And I only want more!

I admit that I initially wanted to dive into this romance because I knew that it was going to become a TV series on Netflix and I always like to read books before they make it to the big or small screen.

If you too like romance books made into TV shows, I highly recommend reading this before tuning into the 6-part TV series!

Do you believe in love at first sight? Well, Sisi does and she won’t settle for anything less than a satiating love when it comes to marriage.

After turning down suitor after suitor, she finds herself on a trip to meet the Emperor of Austria who plans to propose to her older sister. But after a few clandestine, private run-ins, it’s Sisi who captures the Emperor’s heart and earns a marriage proposal.

This book totally hooked me and didn’t let go! I love a feisty heroine in my romance books, especially historical romances, and Sisi did not disappoint.
She was a young woman who spoke her mind, stood up for her convictions and didn’t bow down to societal expectations of marriage.

Franz was equally enticing, a man struggling with the ramifications of an attempt on his life that left him with some severe PTSD while struggling to secure his own political power from under his mother’s control.

Yes, theirs is an instalove love story but it worked and I totally bought into it. I only wish that we got MORE of their love story!

I was captivated by the first half of the book, setting up the backstory of both Sisi and Franz, leading up to their meeting and connection. It was beautiful.

Unfortunately, the last half of the book felt rushed and only gave part of their story. After their epic proposal, you’re left with the angst of their siblings acting like complete tools and the distance between Sisi and Franz who won’t see each other again until the day before their wedding.

Even their reunion was a bit disappointing as it was overshadowed by a really uncomfortable moment where Sisi’s “purity” was assessed and Franz’ brother once again shows his true colors.

All of that was to reaffirm Sisi’s devotion to Franz and yet it left a sour note for the end of the book which was quite abrupt after the wedding nuptials.

After such a great build up to their love story, you’re left wanting so much more in terms of their relationship, Franz’ plans, his brother’s play and even Helene’s fate.

But maybe that is a sign of great writing – leaving you wanting more - and perhaps we will get a continuation of the story if Netflix wants another season.

We can only hope!

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was everything I wanted it to be. It had me turned pages without even realizing. It was so good!

Sisi isn't supposed to fall in love with Franz, but she does. It's her proper and perfect sister, Helene, who is slated to be the next Empress. Instead, Sisi - call me Elizabeth - and Franz fall head over heels for each other, and fight against the odds to marry. Can Sisi, impetuous and carefree, tame herself enough to become the Empress without losing the very bit of her that makes her unique?

This book is written to mirror the new Netflix series that was filmed in 2021 and is coming out this fall (2022). I adore Franz and Sisi, and have a soft spot for the Bavarian princesses, so I was thrilled to read this. Especially since I've been to many of the places mentioned in the book, there was some nostalgia for me. I'm sure there will be complaints about how the author (and series writers) sexed up this book (it's tasteful and not spicy at all) but I think we tend to look back at these eras and see it as being quite tame and reserved, but historical documents say otherwise.

I really liked this. I don't think there are many books about Sisi, and especially not about how she and Franz fell in love, so I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to anyone who like historical romance (tame enough for YA readers too), strong female leads, and enough family drama to keep you turning pages far after bedtime. 3.75 stars!

I was provided an ARC copy of this book through Netgalley. My thanks to the publisher and the author for providing it to me.

The Empress by Gigi Griffis
is a great historical fiction that delves into the lives of Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and Emperor Franz of Austria.

I enjoyed reading their introduction and beginning in alternating points of view and chapters in the voice of Franz and Sisi. (There are even a few snippets focusing on Sisi’s sister Helen.

There is romance, spice, drama, history, court antics, intrigue…and definitely is not short on interesting antics.

If you like historical fiction that involves royalty, then this should be of interest.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Zando Projects for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/11/22.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjA6GjDrwZn/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4939844404

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-empress-gigi-griffis/1141371195?ean=9781638930167&bvnotificationId=175c635a-3e80-11ed-8644-12c16b14f539&bvmessageType=REVIEW_APPROVED&bvrecipientDomain=hotmail.com#review/218346926

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3AX443ZN4UZSO/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

I loved this story! It was fast paced, well written and a sweet love story. I immediately looked up the history regarding them as soon as I finished this book. Elisabeth's sister, Helene is chosen to marry the Emperor Franz. Excited over their upcoming engagement they travel to meet the Emperor and his family. However, Franz and Elisabeth keep meeting unexpectedly and the sparks are flying. What will happen?!?

Thank you to NetGalley, Gigi Griffis, and Zando Projects for providing this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I felt as though I stepped back in time when I opened this book with the food, fashion and simply just the way things worked back then. I enjoyed the cinematic read of this book and highly expected it to have that with the Netflix logo on the cover. The storytelling was creative and very compelling. I really enjoyed reading this book. It does read as a YA fiction story, and i felt like there were a lack of details in some places and an over telling of details we have already been told.


I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a young adult and into historical romantic fiction.

This review will be posted to my Goodreads and Amazon accounts immediately and to my instagram account (@ginganinja333), and to my newly created bookstagram (@paulas.book.nook) as well.