Four Families. Three Prophecies. Two Religions. One Throne
The Auxiliary Child sets itself apart from other narratives inspired by the relationship between Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra by taking place after 2007, the year that brought closure to the long-standing mystery surrounding their family's fate.
In that significant year, the remains of the last two Imperial children, Duchess Anastasia and Tsarevich Alexei, were believed to have been found. By March 2009, forensic DNA testing confirmed their identities, effectively extinguishing any lingering hopes for a Russian Imperial "Happily Ever After."
Or did it?
This story invites readers to delve into the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring mystique of the Romanov legacy. It challenges the notion of finality in historical events and opens the door to the possibility of an alternate narrative, encouraging reflection on what might have been.
Synopsis
As the echoes of a tragic past resonate through time, hidden truths emerge and destinies unfold.
In an era of shifting alliances and ominous prophecies, Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra secretly send their newborn daughter to England, unaware of the extraordinary legacy she carries. As Rasputin’s sinister influence tightens its grip on the Russian Empire, tragedy strikes, culminating in the massacre of the Romanovs and the disappearance of the one destined to restore their bloodline.
Decades later, in Boston, Alex Ashmore uncovers a long-buried family secret that ignites a perilous quest for the truth. Shielded by the covert Auxiliary Agency, Alex must navigate a treacherous world of deception while evading the ruthless R.A., an underground political movement led by a man with a vendetta tied to a forbidden faith.
Will that foretold come to pass or will malevolent forces prevail?
Blending historical intrigue with a modern-day quest for identity and authenticity, The Auxiliary Child is a gripping saga of the enduring struggle for a nation’s soul.
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The Inspiration
THE INSPIRATION
Tsar Nicholas II, born on May 18, 1868, in Tsarskoye Selo, was the last Emperor of Russia, reigning from 1894 until his abdication in 1917.
The son of Tsar Alexander III and Empress Maria Feodorovna, he was raised with a strong sense of duty and commitment to the Orthodox faith. In 1894, Nicholas married Alix of Hesse, a German princess who would become Tsarina Alexandra and together they had five children: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei, the heir to the throne. Their close-knit family emphasised traditional values, yet their reign was marred by political strife and discontent.
The disastrous Russo-Japanese War humiliated Russia, and the 1905 Revolution forced Nicholas to create Russia's first parliament, the Duma, a concession that went against everything he believed about absolute monarchy. His challenges escalated during World War I. The conflict devastated the Russian economy and Nicholas's popularity plummeted, leading to his abdication in March 1917 amid revolutionary fervour.
Following his abdication, the imperial family was placed under house arrest, first in Tsarskoye Selo and later in Yekaterinburg. On July 17, 1918, they were executed by Bolshevik forces, marking the end of the Romanov dynasty. Their deaths symbolized a significant shift in Russian governance, transitioning from imperial rule to communism. The legacy of Nicholas II and his family remains complex, with differing views of them as martyrs or symbols of an outdated autocracy.
Amid the tragedy of their execution, rumors emerged that one of the daughters, Anastasia, had survived. The most notable claimant was Anna Anderson, who in the 1920s claimed to be the Grand Duchess. Her story gained media attention and support, but skepticism remained. After the fall of the Soviet Union, DNA testing in the 1990s confirmed Anderson was not Anastasia. Despite this, the legend of a surviving Romanov continues to captivate public imagination, perhaps because it reads like a tragic fairy tale, showing how quickly power can crumble and how even the mightiest can fall.
REVIEWS
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JAKE RANDELL,
THE WASHINGTON PAPER
MANDY FERNANDEZ, SEATTLE DAILY
GEMMA NASHVILLE, BOOKS IN REVIEW
AUTHOR BIO
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Karli Amber Smith is a passionate storyteller whose journey began at Young Authors’ Conferences. With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, including positions at Twentieth Century Fox, she immersed herself in a rich tapestry of narratives that continued to fuel her love for storytelling.
Currently, Karli is a member of the Leadership Team at a global software company while actively pursuing her creative passions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, and she cherishes the stories she shares with her family, friends, and pets.
Karli is excited to present her debut novel, The Auxiliary Child, inspired by her fascination with history and the many stories that have shaped our world.
- Book SigningSat, 19 JulyBallarat Central