The time is 1853, and Elisabeth ‘Sisi’ of Bavaria, wants to marry for love, unlike her sister Helene who is marry Emperor Franz of Austria, to do her duty. Yet, when Sisi meets Franz after an assassination attempt, they connect, and they soon must decide whether they should follow the expectation of court or their hearts.
The relationships are well explored: between Sisi and her sister, and between Sisi and Franz. The ups and downs of sibling relationships was interesting to read about and realistic. I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Franz and Sisi and could see how this could be transformed into a series. There was plenty of drama and theatrics that could easily play out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and whilst not fully accurate I adored both the characters, and their connection was so good. I struggled to get into the book at, but I really enjoyed the characters and being able to have their inner monologue. Another thing that made me enjoy the book was reading it whilst watching the show, seeing where the dialogue was the same, as well as being able to understand what was going on in their heads during key scenes. So would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoyed the show

I feel like this is a well written book about a part of history many will probably not know about. I do also think that this will make a great TV show and if you like things like bridgerton then this will be one for you to watch and to read.

Hm. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this one. Ironically, I feel like the TV series is going to give us a much stronger, well-rounded narrative rather than the book. I think (?) this is a novelisation / being written in conjunction with the Netflix series, rather than being IP that Netflix adapted and it does show in the narrative. I thought the structure was off - a lot didn't happen for a long time and then suddenly, we were a few chapters from the end and still in the thick of the plot.

It's certainly an intriguing story - and very different from the traditional historical romances. What I enjoyed a lot was the lack of sugar-coating - there was talk of assassination, of the invasive protocols of the court, of wars, of duty, of jealousy. It all felt very real and very intense, as you would expect when discussing two real-life historical figures. However, I found those figures portrayed in fiction to a bit one-note, with little space for them to grow or change. Helene gets the most to do in that respect but is pushed aside for chapters that only talk about jealousy (and nothing happens) once she's not in the running to be Empress.

'The Empress' is an interesting book, but I struggle to see the point of its existence when you could just watch the TV show and get everything you need from that.

Thank you net galley for sending me an advance readers copy in exchange for a honest review.


This had multiple issues that made it utterly dissapointing as a read.


1. Elisabeths character.

I get Elisabeth being a bit more adventurous and refusing to listen to court rules with her sister marrying the Emperor but her being empress and still having the personality of a Victorian shoe-less hippy was slightly annoying to say the least.

2. Storylines and characters shoved to the side and forgotten?

Storylines like Franz's PTSD who play an important role on the first part of the book are suddenly forgotten although they still remain to the readers knowledge unresolved? Also characters like Elisabeths father and little sister are missing for 90% of the book?

3. Franz is an uninteresting character.

4. Pacing issues

I have strong issues with how this is 300 pages long and none of them are used to dive into the actual important parts of the plot like the interactions of royals with the outside common folks? All the action takes place in the palace with the most exciting thing being Elisabeth going around bare foot with the Emperors brother.


Overall not a good read. It's clear that Gigi Griffins has talent and this could be a good recommendation for someone who enjoys a historically inaccurate light read but definitely not for me.

As a huge Bridgerton fan, I was really excited to read this novel and can completely see why Netflix has chosen to adapt this story! This is a fictionalised version of a historical love story and I adored doing some research after and seeing where there were elements of the real story that shone through.

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC, a must read for fellow Bridgerton fans!

The Empress is a fictionalized account of the love story of Emperor Franz of Austria and Duchess Elisabeth of Bavaria. I am not a big romance fan, but I was interested in reading this because I don't know much about the couple or that time and place. However, I was not the right audience for this. The book is very focused on the personalities and their growing relationship, and felt very surface-level and cutesy. I wanted more depth about the historical era. Don't get me wrong, it was entertaining, I was just looking for more substance.

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump and decided to request some books on NetGalley to get me out of it. The empress caught my eye, I liked the title and the storyline. A bit of historical romance.

From the start it had be wanting to find out more and got me out of my reading slump! I managed to finish it in a few sittings.

It’s a really nice, easy read. It reminded me of the second season of Bridgerton, falling in love with the one unintended.

A cliche but an enjoyable one.

Thank you NetGalley and Swift press for the opportunity to read and review this title.

I have been interested in Sisi ever since I 'discovered' her through the musical Elisabeth back in the 1990s, and I have read non-fiction and fiction texts about her as well as watching any film/TV versions I come across (including the truly awful recent German-language TV series). I will watch the Netflix one too when it starts, so when I saw this book available on NetGalley I decided to request it, to read it first. This is historical fiction, so naturally the story was highly romanticised. However, I felt it did so within realistic bounds for the time period and setting. The story moved along at a good pace and the text flowed well, so it was easy, relaxing reading. The multiple POVs allowed us to see things from different perspectives throughout and the main characters were all well presented. Overall it was a fun and engaging read, and it leaves me quietly optimistic for the Netflix series. Recommended for lovers of historical romance fiction and those interested in Sisi. I am giving it 4 stars.

Let me start with saying I cannot get enough of this book! I loved it! I read it in one day, whenever the kids were sleeping or in school. Thanks NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this lovely novel. It was a true delight.

Being a big Empress Sisi fan, I was not at all disappointed with this piece. The author described such a vivid world, from the Bavarian mountains to the imperial palaces, I felt like I had been transported and could vividly see what the author was saying.

Ms Griffis also had such a way with words that at times my heart really ached for Sisi. I was also delighted to read the view of Nene as well. She tends to be forgotten about in history after she isn't picked, but it's rather nice to have this ongoing story with her, she doesn't completely disappear from our view.

After reading this novel, I checked out the trailer for the upcoming series on Netflix,. I am so excited for it, I heard many of the same lines that were in the book and the scenes, I could recognize which chapters they had come from. So it gives me a great hope that if the novel is so similar to the show, then the series should do well too. But my most important question, will there be a second book? I would love to read the continuation of this story. I think this novel really did a great portrayal of Sisi, I hope more novels are to come. Really high praise to the author, I look forward to purchasing this book very soon!

I really enjoyed The Empress. It reminded me of series one Bridgerton and I can see why Netflix has adapted this to a TV series.
My one complaint was where the book ended. I would have liked to see how the relationship developed past this point. So intrigued I then looked further into Sisi's life and suspect this book is not historically very accurate but I enjoyed it nonetheless!

The Empress, Gigi Griffis

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Romance

Well, I just looked at the genre headings of fiction and completely missed that this was based around real people. (blush) It kind of makes my initial thoughts about how light and sweet it felt, how unreal, seem weird. That's how it felt to me though, a real lack of drama and reality, when from the story description I was expecting heat, steam, jealousies and drama. There was all of those but in a very genteel, muted form I felt. I love historical reads, I know that circumstances are going to be very different from today but still expected so much more from this story.
I didn't dislike the book, there were some really interesting descriptions in parts, but the story as a whole fell flat for me. Still, as always that's only my opinion, others will love it, we all want different things.

Stars: two and a half. I didn't dislike it, I just felt there was a lack of excitement, that I was expecting so much more.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers.

'The Empress' is a romantic, light story inspired by the real-life historical figure, Elisabeth (Sisi) of Bavaria who became the Empress of Austria in the mid-19th Century. It was always intended for Sisi's older sister Helene to marry Emperor Franz Joseph but when Franz meets Sisi, the tables are turned.

Sisi is an individual, she's not about to become a cookie cutter for court life. Rather, she's often an embarrassment to her mother; constantly flouting convention. She certainly won't be forced into a marriage to make a 'good' match, but rather wants, 'a man who satiates my soul'. When Sisi is introduced to Franz, she meets a kindred spirit; someone else for whom convention is foisted, but dreams of freedom to be himself. Their romance is unexpected and, if they choose to pursue it, there will be consequences.

Gigi Griffis delivers an easy-to-read romance with 'The Empress'. Although inspired by fact, the romance seems more imagined and glosses over any real depth. That, however, does not take away from this light, 'escape' read. The more modern tone and manner in fact lend to the book's digestibility. All in all 'The Empress' is an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley and Swift Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a fun anf playful historical read with plenty of spice. I really liked the writing and the characters and after reading this I am excited for the series.

The Empress is a dazzling reimagining of the courtship between one of history's most iconic and beloved couples: Sisi and Franz of Austria.
The year is 1853, and sixteen-year-old Elisabeth "Sisi" of Bavaria has been very clear: she will wait for the sweeping, head-over-heels kind of love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. It is not her fault Mother refuses to listen. After all, just because her older sister Helene has chosen the line of duty, and is preparing to marry Emperor Franz of Austria, does not mean Sisi also needs to subject herself to such a passionless, regimented existence. Sisi knows there is more to life than corsets, luncheons, and woefully unfashionable dukes if only someone would give her the chance to experience it 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 Bavarian princess, Helene, at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the country 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 their families, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of the court, and the burning desires of their hearts.
Wow read in one sitting really gripping and so well written really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Swift Press
I just reviewed The Empress by Gigi Griffis. #TheEmpress #NetGalley

The Empress is a fast-paced, witty romance with likeable characters. It reads like The Handmaiden meets The Great with similar plot points of Bridgeton.
Not sure if the book is historically accurate, but honestly that isn't something I care for. Very fun and playful.

With all that being said, the book lacked charatcer development and personality. Apart from the main character, Elisabeth "Sisi", no other had substantial personality traits or change of character.
I also would have liked to see more interaction with regular people of the empire, not just the royals.

Would read again and do recomend for an enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley, Swift Press and Gigi Griffis for letting me read “The Empress” in exchange for an honest review.

I came to the conclusion that I will rate this 3,5 ⭐️. There was nothing wrong with the book, at least not to me. The writing was solid, the story interesting, but it’s not my genre/ I had different expectations.

⚠️possible trigger: death of an animal, cheating⚠️

Smut factor: 🌶 I don’t know what was supposed to be steamy? More like cutesy?

I always had a thing for the traditional “Sisi” movies. I grew up watching them and still like them, even if they are all fluff and pretty unrealistic. Seeing the new series, was a different experience. Rough around the edges, cold and more real. No fluff.
When seeing the movie cover on the title, I expected pretty much the same.
But this went a different way, more like the original movies with a sprinkle of reality.

Elisabeth is wild and young and free. She has a fierce soul and strives for life. She feels estranged from her beloved sister Helene, who grew up, to become the next empress.

But fate has a different plan. Elisabeth feels attraction and love for the Emperor, on their “secret” meetings. She is torn between her feelings, her first love and loyalty to her family.

I am not that up to date on the events of history of that part of the world. I could tell you all about the French Revolution, but this part of Europe never held an interest for me, historically. That’s why I can not say how historically correct it is, but I doubt it is. There’s probably a drop of truth in there, but how shall we know. I expected more of an historical drama than a romance. But I found myself surprised, I actually liked the story.

We get three different point of views, Elisabeth -who hates being called Sisi - Helene and Franz.

Based on what I knew from the earlier movies, I was surprised about the harsh relationship Elisabeth had with her mother. After a bit of Googling, I saw that this version hits home more closely. Oh the power of deception.
I liked actually that Helene was showing her hurt and anger so openly. That was skipped over in the movies.

I don’t regret reading this, even if it was not what I expected. It was easy to read, written fluently and kept my interest up. Someone who enjoys romance and historical courtships should definitely read this.