Reviews

Catherine: The Great Journey, Russia, 1743 by Kristiana Gregory

bargainsleuth's review against another edition

2.0

Once again in a Royal Diaries book, the Epilogue and Life in Russia sections left out a lot of important information that would confuse the reader. It stated that after her husband became king, Catherine feared for her life. Which makes no sense to a reader who just saw the two get married in the fictionalized story. The author never explains WHY Catherine thought her life was in danger. She also didn't explain the coup very well. Just, all of a sudden, Catherine becomes Empress. I thought these books would be much more thorough than the Dear America series (the Royal Diaries are a spin off) because they are based on real people, but that hasn't been the case.

idratherliveinbooks's review against another edition

reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.5

jmckendry's review against another edition

3.0

I read one or two of these books as a child, and as I've begun to think about what I want my own future children to read, I remembered this book series.

I had never read this one before, and I had honestly forgotten how historically accurate these stories are. Entertaining, true, and perfect for young readers, I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel and I can't wait to read more from this series.

bergha1998's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ladyofbooks's review against another edition

3.0

A quick simple read, filled with history and fascinating characters. Not bad but I wanted more.

jillka777's review against another edition

4.0

I loved these books as a kid! Revisiting as an adult with a wider knowledge of history brought more "darkness" to the picture for this one in particular. For example, knowing what kind of a ruler she was prior to reading did color some passages in this book for me. Still highly recommend for informative historical fiction for kids!

emmyrosem's review

adventurous informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

anhistorianabouttown's review against another edition

emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

emmarj's review against another edition

4.0

I've finished my nonsensical goal of reading all these books! Yay, me. Catherine is the last book of the series, ending it on a better note than many of the last installments. Bonus points for reading this right after the premiere of the HBO mini series about Catherine. The book is interesting but ends abruptly like most of the royal diaries. I would have liked to read more about what happened to Johanna, Catherine's mother, after she was sent back to Prussia, but otherwise I think the book is a good overview of Catherine's youth.

libraryofretellingsandstars's review against another edition

" The Great Journey" by Kristiana Gregory follows 14 year old Sophie (Catherine's) journey to becoming queen. 

I would give"Catherine The Great Journey" by Kristiana Gregory a 5-star review because, 1; it was nice to learn more about her beginnings 2; this is a great book for kids who want to learn more about royals.