The Empress

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

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 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.

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!

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.

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!