Fortune’s Price started with a lot of promise, especially in its exploration of family dynamics, inheritance laws, and the brutal realities of war. The historical depth in the first part of the book was informative, and I can see how it would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction. As someone who doesn’t typically read much in this genre, I appreciated the attention to detail and the way the author wove in real historical events.

However, as the story progressed, I found myself losing interest. The pacing slowed down after the initial chapters, and despite the historical context being rich, the characters didn’t engage me as much as I had hoped. The mystery in the final third was better paced, and I found myself reading faster to uncover the truth, but it didn’t captivate me the way I expected it to.

Jennifer Antill’s writing is undeniably solid, and her background in Russian Language, Literature, and Politics brought an authentic feel to the setting. I also liked the "Who’s Who" section, which helped with understanding some of the Slavic name customs, a nice touch for readers unfamiliar with the culture.

That said, I struggled to connect emotionally with the characters. While the portrayal of cholera and its societal impact was powerful, I didn’t feel enough investment in the personal journeys of the characters. The historical backdrop was rich, but the personal stakes didn’t resonate with me. Overall, it’s a solid historical fiction read for fans of the genre, but not one I’ll be recommending to others.That's why I'm giving it 2 ⭐.

The story takes place in 1830, Russia and Poland. Two men are competing for a fortune that may not be worth it. It’s a story of strength and sorrow.

This was everything that I was looking for from a historical fiction novel and had that element that I was hoping for and was glad it worked out together to tell this story. I was engaged with the story and how the characters worked in a unique way. I was never bored when reading this and was enjoying the characters going through this. Jennifer Antill has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

Fortune’s Price by Jennifer Antill immediately caught my eye with its stunning cover, and I’m happy to say that reading it during a cold November felt like perfect timing. This historical fiction novel, set in Russia, offered a fascinating glimpse into a culture that felt both familiar and fresh to me as someone from Bulgaria. The inclusion of Slavic words, sayings, and famous Russian figures closely tied to my own country’s history added an extra layer of connection for me.

The first part of the book, which delves into family dynamics, inheritance laws, and the horrors of war, felt like a history lesson in the best way. As someone who rarely reads historical fiction, I was surprised by how engaging and informative it was. The final third of the book, where the central mystery unfolds, was especially gripping — the pacing was spot-on, and I found myself racing through the pages to uncover the truth.

Jennifer Antill’s writing is absolutely captivating, and her background in Russian Language, Literature, and Politics clearly enriches her storytelling. The historical details and the authenticity of the characters and setting are impressive.

One aspect that resonated deeply was the portrayal of cholera and its impact. The parallels to our recent experiences with COVID — especially the mistrust of doctors and the government — felt painfully relevant. A quote like "The government’s trying to murder us!" hit hard and added to the emotional depth of the story.

I also appreciated the “Who’s Who” section at the beginning of the book, which will be incredibly helpful for readers unfamiliar with the Slavic custom of shortening names. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that makes the story even more accessible.

Overall, Fortune’s Price is a captivating blend of historical detail and compelling mystery, perfect for readers who enjoy history and family sagas, served with a pinch of romance.