I just finished it last night, and agree that it is well worth reading. As I said in my previous post, I have not read Michael & Natasha, so much of the information wasn't all that familiar to me except the basic facts of Michael's life.
The author has little if any love for the actions of N&A, specifically Alexandra, which is understandable, and this book leaves an unfavorable impression of her as a power hungry schemer. On that note, I wouldn't recommend it as someone's introduction to the entire Romanov family, but it fills in some important gaps and I would recommend to anyone who already is familiar with the people and what caused the fall of the monarchy. At the same time, I feel that there is a lot more still to learn about Michael Alexandrovich from scholars, and his life should be examined more thoroughly. This book serves as a good starting point and introduction to his life, if a bit uncritical. My only real gripe is that Michael comes across as too perfect, and to "born for the job" and doesn't give any voice to those who felt he wasn't ready, such as his own mother.
I do understand the argument the author makes about Michael being "The Last Tsar/Emporer." He acknowledges that it may not have been a legally sound abdication on Nicholas behalf, while arguing that there was nothing anyone could do about it afterwards, even citing Kirill's proclamation, which was made days after Michael was declared legally dead, as the reference to Michael as being the last occupier of the throne (though the author is not a fan of Kirill or his granddaughter nor their claims).
Michael's own thoughts on laws and the government are fascinating, and such a contrast from the sheer backwardness of Nicholas and Alexandra. After finishing, I tend to agree that Michael was likely the best suited to rule Russia during those turbulent times.
