A reluctant king, a shut-in queen, a mad monk, and a rebellion on the rise. The fall of the Russian empire is famously shrouded in myth and mystery. How did Czar Nicholas manage to lose the trust and adoration of the Russian people? Was the monk Rasputin really a holy man or a con-artist trying to steal the crown? Did Princess Annastasia survive the massacre that killed the rest of the royal family? Through thorough research and thoughtful writing Candace Fleming answers all these questions and more. Using diary entries and letters from the last rulers of the Russian Empire the author brings to life the people behind the stories. Perfect for history buffs and fans of royal intrigue.