The entire series by Boris Akunin on the history of the Russian state is very easy and interesting to read. Perhaps, at times, he adds personal emotions, but I didn’t notice any major discrepancies. Especially when you consider that history is often shaped by the victors 
, and the emotional component actually benefits the text, making it more engaging to read.
The fourth volume covers the Time of Troubles (after Boris Godunov), the rise of the Romanov dynasty, the annexation of Ukraine, and ends right before the final ascension of Peter the Great (which will be the focus of the next volume).
The narrative is somewhat uneven, much like the period it covers—first, there’s a whirlwind of events during the Time of Troubles, the succession of three False Dmitris, and so on, followed by a lull.
I would have liked to read more about the neighboring states during that time (the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth), but the book is, after all, about Russia. Still, it’s incredibly gripping, and it’s hard to put down. Interestingly, the accompanying fictional books about the same periods are often less engaging than the nonfiction part.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
