Scan barcode
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is my 2nd read in less than a year and I loved it even more on a re-read. It is a coming of age story about a girl in Medievil Russia who can see the characters of folklore Cheroti who are household/ nature spirits and pagan deities. Christianity is sweeping through Russia and her village starts to be told they cannot be Christian and leave offerings to the household spirits. Vasya tries to build a bridge between these two worlds whilst trying to save her family from darkness that resides in humans and some folklore characters. But society feels Vasya should take her place in the world as she is no lo get a girl but a woman. Vasya is her own person she makes her own path and her freedom is important not only for herself but for all those who need protecting.
The writing in this is so immersive you are pulled into the world of both a historical Russia and a fantastical world of folklore. The strength of Vasya is astounding. The relationships between her family members are either beautiful, heart breaking or hurtful. I love the characters, human and Cheroti the villainous ones are excellently drawn. It's a slow burn book, but the simmering heats up and the time taken to get their means your understanding and affection for the characters is more heartfelt. Fantastic scene setter for an amazing trilogy.
The writing in this is so immersive you are pulled into the world of both a historical Russia and a fantastical world of folklore. The strength of Vasya is astounding. The relationships between her family members are either beautiful, heart breaking or hurtful. I love the characters, human and Cheroti the villainous ones are excellently drawn. It's a slow burn book, but the simmering heats up and the time taken to get their means your understanding and affection for the characters is more heartfelt. Fantastic scene setter for an amazing trilogy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Sexual assault
emmasanderson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Really nicely written. Took a little time to get into due to Russian words and folklore ( didn’t notice glossary until the end as read as ebook….). Then it really took off and was very fast paced. Completely outside my usual genre and read on a recommendation but I had forgotten how much I love folklore and fairy tales. Pure escapism - I really enjoyed it!
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Domestic abuse, Sexism, Blood, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
paulina_laukova's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child death and Misogyny
Minor: Sexual harassment
beholderess's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Blood, and Death of parent
antygona94's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Sexual assault