The Empress

A Novel

By: Gigi Griffis

Narrated by: Ellie Rose Boswell, Dominic Burgess

The year is 1853, and Princess Elisabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria has been very clear: She will wait for the head-over-heels love the poets speak of, or she will have no love at all. Just because her older sister, Helene, is eagerly heeding their mother’s advice and preparing to marry Emperor Franz of Austria does not mean Sisi must also subject herself to such a dutiful exis¬tence. Sisi knows there is more to life than luncheons and corsets—if only someone would let her experience it all firsthand.

Meanwhile, in Austria, the emperor is recovering from an assassination attempt. In a bid to keep the peace, Franz has recommitted himself to his imperial duties—and promised to romance the pliant Helene of Bavaria at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the empire than with the announcement of a new empress?

But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens, away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of the court, their connection cannot be denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more, they must soon choose between the expectations of their families and standing up for what they truly believe in . . .

Absolutely loved this!!

I could not stop listening. I was pulled in and could picture everything. This was an amazing listen.

Disappointed and Confused

So this is a “novelization” of the Netflix series. I expected it to add depth and complexity to the series, but it somehow has less of both. And it’s a bit too mushy for my tastes. It also ends at the wedding, which I was surprised and confused by, because the first season continues long after the wedding… and there’s no sequel that I could find. I didn’t hate it. It was an enjoyable listen, but the series is better. The series is one of the best things I’ve seen, and so well done. This novel felt like a stripped down version of it.

Watch the Netflix Show, Wanting More?

Engrossed by the Empress on Netflix, I wasn’t ready to let the characters go, especially Elisabeth. The book gave more details which helped to understand some things that I felt needed exploration in the series. Though not as much detail as I hoped, it was beautifully written and sticks by the true story as I understand it. I’m hoping for book two because the rest of Elisabeth’s life and death is as interesting, maybe more so, in my opinion.

One small complaint. The male narrator pronounces Frantz differently than the characters on Netflix and the books female narrator. I found it distracting.

It's remarkable that this is the first book, at least on audible, by Gigi Griffis, and it's already picked up as a TV series.

Best book I’ve encountered in years

Such beautifully detailed descriptions that were given in just the right amount of words to paint vivid images & keep me engaged. I felt the character’s pain & joy. I was immersed. I certainly recommend this book & I will try another book by this author next!

Just half of the story

Loved how the story came to life but the ending was a lacking. If I had known that the book was only half of the story, I wouldn’t have used a credit. I was hoping to hear the same story that aired on Netflix.