Accidental Empress (Pataki) - Book Reviews

Book Reviews
Intricately plotted, Pataki's latest is engrossing and incredibly real (four stars.}
Romantic Times


Sisi's story is still popular in Austria but is less well known outside of it, and this novel offers an engrossing introduction to this colorful 19th-century personality. Even historical fiction readers who have grown weary of "royal marriage" plots will find much to savor here in the striking depictions of the Viennese court and intriguing descriptions of the political maneuvers between Austria and Hungary. Highly recommended for fans of both Michelle Moran and Philippa Gregory. —Mara Bandy, Champaign P.L., IL
Library Journal


A love match alters the course of the Habsburg dynasty in Pataki's second novel.... The plot doesn't stray far from the conventions of novels about royalty, exposing all the unsurprising human disappointments lurking behind the gilded façade. Still, Pataki deserves kudos for choosing her subject matter well—Sisi's life is ideal fictional fodder.
Kirkus Reviews