Berry,
Steve. The Romanov Prophecy. Ballantine. September 2004. c400p.
ISBN 0-345-46005-7. $24.95. Fiction.
In his accomplished second thriller (after The
Amber Room) Berry turns to another great historical
mystery—the 1918 murder of Nicholas II and his family,
skillfully blending fact with a contemporary tale of conspiracy.
After the fall of communism, the Russian people have voted
to restore the monarchy. Miles Lord, a black lawyer from
Atlanta, has been hired by a mysterious cabal to pave the
way for Stefan Baklanov, a Romanov by birth. When Lord discovers
documents hinting at the survival of two of Nicholas’s
children, he finds himself marked for death and on the run.
Accompanied by a circus performer, Akilina (the “Eagle”),
Lord follows a series of clues as he attempts to unravel
one of Rasputin’s last prophecies, in which Lord now
plays a crucial role as “the Raven.” Exciting
action, an engrossing puzzle, and atmospheric settings make
this a great read. Highly recommended for all public libraries.