marci_travels's review
5.0
This is a young adult/advanced middle grade book full of rich story telling and lavish detail. We meet many of the characters from Russian fairy tales: Baba Yaga, the ruskali, Prince Ivan, Koshchi the Deathless, and of course Vasilisa. The story weaves 1919 Edenfall Pennsylvania and Old Rus together to build a story that enchants and provides excitement. Really just a delightful story that remains long after the last page is turned.
panamaangie's review
5.0
I loved this book!!!
Thank you for this arc. One of the best middle reader but written for all ages that I have read in a long time.
This is a wonderful retelling of a Baba Yaga fairytale full of family loyalty and a brave girl who will face her fears to save her family. She learns to face injustices, cruelty, and bullying all while being able to maintain her kindness ,her loyalty and her love of her family and friends. The story is beautifully written from Pennsylvania all the way to old Rus. and back.
Thank you for this arc. One of the best middle reader but written for all ages that I have read in a long time.
This is a wonderful retelling of a Baba Yaga fairytale full of family loyalty and a brave girl who will face her fears to save her family. She learns to face injustices, cruelty, and bullying all while being able to maintain her kindness ,her loyalty and her love of her family and friends. The story is beautifully written from Pennsylvania all the way to old Rus. and back.
badwolfreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Vasilisa
Julie Mathison
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 (3.5)
Vasilisa lives with her mother, father, and grandma in Pennsylvania (they came from Russia). Her father is away at war (missing) and finances are not good. Mom is considering marrying a man from the town, but he gives Vasilisa bad vibes. She investigates and realizes he's a creature from Old Rus. He's got some kind of voodoo doll of her grandmother and he kidnapped her best friend. Vasilisa meets Ivan who also has some beef with this creature. They have to go back to Old Rus to defeat him, and they have to do this by going through Baba Yaga. During their journey, Vasilisa and Ivan realize they love each other.
I definitely felt like I was listening to someone tell a story, and there were Old World vibes. It was a cute story! I didn't ever feel like DNFing, but it also didn't really leave too much of an impression on me. I did like that all of the characters had different dimensions; aside from the main character all of the characters had good and bad qualities. I found myself sympathizing with all of the characters (but definitely some more than others).
This is book one in a 2-part series, but I think this is the end of the line for me.
Julie Mathison
⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟 (3.5)
Vasilisa lives with her mother, father, and grandma in Pennsylvania (they came from Russia). Her father is away at war (missing) and finances are not good. Mom is considering marrying a man from the town, but he gives Vasilisa bad vibes. She investigates and realizes he's a creature from Old Rus. He's got some kind of voodoo doll of her grandmother and he kidnapped her best friend. Vasilisa meets Ivan who also has some beef with this creature. They have to go back to Old Rus to defeat him, and they have to do this by going through Baba Yaga. During their journey, Vasilisa and Ivan realize they love each other.
I definitely felt like I was listening to someone tell a story, and there were Old World vibes. It was a cute story! I didn't ever feel like DNFing, but it also didn't really leave too much of an impression on me. I did like that all of the characters had different dimensions; aside from the main character all of the characters had good and bad qualities. I found myself sympathizing with all of the characters (but definitely some more than others).
This is book one in a 2-part series, but I think this is the end of the line for me.
story_sanctuary's review against another edition
5.0
This is such a different story than BELIEVE, Mathison’s debut, which I loved that I was scared I wouldn’t be able to get into this one. However– I had zero trouble. Right from the first pages, Vasilisa and her grandmother had my heart, and I was desperate to follow their story to the very end.
So many of the relationships in the story were really believable and complex. I especially loved the friendship between Vasilisa and Evelyn and Vasilisa’s relationship with Meredith, the local herbalist.
One of the things I liked also about VASILISA is that it makes a really nice bridge between middle grade and young adult books. Vasilisa turns fourteen in the story, and she has a love interest, but it’s not at all the focus of the book. The family relationships and adventure make it a great fit for upper middle grade readers (5th and 6th graders), and the more mature elements, like the romance, open the door for lower young adult readers (7th and 8th graders). It’s often difficult to find books that hit that age group, so I love that this one does.
I think readers who enjoyed tales about Russian folklore, like NEVERTELL by Katharine Orton and THE DOOR IN THE STAIRCASE by Katherine Marsh will love the folklore and adventure of VASILISA.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
So many of the relationships in the story were really believable and complex. I especially loved the friendship between Vasilisa and Evelyn and Vasilisa’s relationship with Meredith, the local herbalist.
One of the things I liked also about VASILISA is that it makes a really nice bridge between middle grade and young adult books. Vasilisa turns fourteen in the story, and she has a love interest, but it’s not at all the focus of the book. The family relationships and adventure make it a great fit for upper middle grade readers (5th and 6th graders), and the more mature elements, like the romance, open the door for lower young adult readers (7th and 8th graders). It’s often difficult to find books that hit that age group, so I love that this one does.
I think readers who enjoyed tales about Russian folklore, like NEVERTELL by Katharine Orton and THE DOOR IN THE STAIRCASE by Katherine Marsh will love the folklore and adventure of VASILISA.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
andrewhatesham's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
_marianal_'s review against another edition
3.0
3/5 stars
When I saw the book available to review I was intrigued as it sound something that I would love. Is inspired by Russian fairytales/folklore and even that is something that I don't read often it caught my attention. The author kindly send me a copy and I'm very grateful.
In general I enjoy the book and the story of Vasilisa and hear all about the old Russian tales. But unfortunaly I didn't fell in love with it. I thing that some of the caracters could have been more development and the same with the relations between them. Specially Vasilisa and Ivan relationship could have been more explored. Also I have a dificul time conecting with the writing.
I would still like to give a chance to the next book and would recomend it to anyone looking for a Russian folklore inspired book.
When I saw the book available to review I was intrigued as it sound something that I would love. Is inspired by Russian fairytales/folklore and even that is something that I don't read often it caught my attention. The author kindly send me a copy and I'm very grateful.
In general I enjoy the book and the story of Vasilisa and hear all about the old Russian tales. But unfortunaly I didn't fell in love with it. I thing that some of the caracters could have been more development and the same with the relations between them. Specially Vasilisa and Ivan relationship could have been more explored. Also I have a dificul time conecting with the writing.
I would still like to give a chance to the next book and would recomend it to anyone looking for a Russian folklore inspired book.
srivalli's review against another edition
4.0
4.3 Stars
One Liner: Slow start but engrossing and beautiful
Edenfall, Pennsylvania, 1919:
The Great War may be over, but its aftermath continues to affect people. Vasilisa’s father is presumed dead, and her mother is being pursued by an orge. Babka, her grandmother, assures her everything will be fine. But Vasilisa knows she needs to do something fast. The events appear beyond Babka’s control.
Ivan arrives in Edenfall with a task at hand. When Vasilisa’s and Ivan’s paths collide, they realize what they have to do. Baba Yaga and Koschei are right in the middle of the mess, and The Old Tales are the only way to set things right.
Vassy and Ivan need to take up their roles and rewrite The Old Tales. Good has to triumph over evil once more. But how hard will it be for these two young kids?
My Observations:
The book begins at a languid pace with the right amount of foreshadowing. As the story progresses, we see character development and world-building in parallel. The imagery is lovely.
Vasilisa’s character comes out alive on the pages. She’s such a delight to read. Ivan complements her character very well, bringing out both sides at the appropriate times.
Since the story is the retelling of the famous Russian folklore, the book leans heavily on it. This can be a little hard if you have no idea about Russian lore. I knew bits and pieces, so managed without looking up the characters when reading.
The book deals with many topics like kindness, bravery, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, and a few more. It is a layered book but doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming.
I loved the scenes where the characters show their vulnerability while trying to become a better version of themselves.
Little Bruno is my absolute favorite! I’m not telling you who he is. ;)
The book has a long ending, which felt a bit overdone. The intention is to lead book one to book two, but I’d have preferred some of it in book two rather than at the end of the first book.
To sum up, Vasilisa is an adventurous and entertaining story of a young teen protecting her dear ones from mystical creatures.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only. All opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
One Liner: Slow start but engrossing and beautiful
Edenfall, Pennsylvania, 1919:
The Great War may be over, but its aftermath continues to affect people. Vasilisa’s father is presumed dead, and her mother is being pursued by an orge. Babka, her grandmother, assures her everything will be fine. But Vasilisa knows she needs to do something fast. The events appear beyond Babka’s control.
Ivan arrives in Edenfall with a task at hand. When Vasilisa’s and Ivan’s paths collide, they realize what they have to do. Baba Yaga and Koschei are right in the middle of the mess, and The Old Tales are the only way to set things right.
Vassy and Ivan need to take up their roles and rewrite The Old Tales. Good has to triumph over evil once more. But how hard will it be for these two young kids?
My Observations:
The book begins at a languid pace with the right amount of foreshadowing. As the story progresses, we see character development and world-building in parallel. The imagery is lovely.
Vasilisa’s character comes out alive on the pages. She’s such a delight to read. Ivan complements her character very well, bringing out both sides at the appropriate times.
Since the story is the retelling of the famous Russian folklore, the book leans heavily on it. This can be a little hard if you have no idea about Russian lore. I knew bits and pieces, so managed without looking up the characters when reading.
The book deals with many topics like kindness, bravery, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, and a few more. It is a layered book but doesn’t feel heavy or overwhelming.
I loved the scenes where the characters show their vulnerability while trying to become a better version of themselves.
Little Bruno is my absolute favorite! I’m not telling you who he is. ;)
The book has a long ending, which felt a bit overdone. The intention is to lead book one to book two, but I’d have preferred some of it in book two rather than at the end of the first book.
To sum up, Vasilisa is an adventurous and entertaining story of a young teen protecting her dear ones from mystical creatures.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Voracious Readers Only. All opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
tr3nzbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves magic, fantasy and adventure, friendship and love.
This book has now become one of my favorite books and I have just started reading the second book in the series Elena the Brave. Kudos to the author for making such a wonderful book.
Due to this book I have learned a few Russian words. I would also like to point out that the first time I hear the term Baba Yaga being used was in the first John Wick movie. I absolutely loved the story of Baba Yaga.
It is like a story within another story. Our protagonist Vasilisa is often told stories by her Babka about the Old Rus. About a girl also named Vasilisa who saved a boy named Ivan from the clutches of Baba Yaga after Ivan brought Koschei's egg to Baba Yaga herself. What our Vasilisa didn't know that the story was real and her Babka also named Vasilisa was the heroine of that story.
In this story our main character Vasilisa and her matryoshka is joined by a boy named Ivan as they embarked on a journey in the Old Rus itself. Where they encounter the three Baba Yaga sisters and later Koschei himself (husband of Baba Yaga).
Will Vasilisa and Ivan find a cure for Vasilisa's Babka? Will Vasilisa and Ivan find Vasilisa 'a papa? Will they find Koschei's egg? Hat is the final fate of the three Baba Yaga sisters and Koschei? Will Vasilisa and Ivan ever make it home? Read the book to find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book has now become one of my favorite books and I have just started reading the second book in the series Elena the Brave. Kudos to the author for making such a wonderful book.
Due to this book I have learned a few Russian words. I would also like to point out that the first time I hear the term Baba Yaga being used was in the first John Wick movie. I absolutely loved the story of Baba Yaga.
It is like a story within another story. Our protagonist Vasilisa is often told stories by her Babka about the Old Rus. About a girl also named Vasilisa who saved a boy named Ivan from the clutches of Baba Yaga after Ivan brought Koschei's egg to Baba Yaga herself. What our Vasilisa didn't know that the story was real and her Babka also named Vasilisa was the heroine of that story.
In this story our main character Vasilisa and her matryoshka is joined by a boy named Ivan as they embarked on a journey in the Old Rus itself. Where they encounter the three Baba Yaga sisters and later Koschei himself (husband of Baba Yaga).
Will Vasilisa and Ivan find a cure for Vasilisa's Babka? Will Vasilisa and Ivan find Vasilisa 'a papa? Will they find Koschei's egg? Hat is the final fate of the three Baba Yaga sisters and Koschei? Will Vasilisa and Ivan ever make it home? Read the book to find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
purplelorikeet's review
4.0
It's 1919 and Vasilisa is a thirteen-year-old girl living in Edenfall, Pennsylvania. The Great War has ended but her father is missing, presumed dead, and the family life is not quite normal. Vasilisa's mother is being "courted" by an ogre in disguise and her Babka, also named Vasilisa, is not well. Meanwhile, Ivan has travelled to Edenfall in order to fulfil the wish of his father to look after Vasilisa and her grandmother. These two young people will work together to reach Old Rus and to deal with Baba Yaga in her three forms and also with old Koschei, the ogre.
This is a gentle story with an adventure to take on that is filled with both adversaries and allies. It draws heavily on Russian fairy tales and culture. Other aspects of the book include themes like coming of age, immigrant families, and finding one's place in the world. Although the target age is for older children and above, it's quite suitable for all ages.
Overall I give this a solid four stars.
I give this review voluntarily and thank Booksirens and the writer for sharing an advance review copy.
This is a gentle story with an adventure to take on that is filled with both adversaries and allies. It draws heavily on Russian fairy tales and culture. Other aspects of the book include themes like coming of age, immigrant families, and finding one's place in the world. Although the target age is for older children and above, it's quite suitable for all ages.
Overall I give this a solid four stars.
I give this review voluntarily and thank Booksirens and the writer for sharing an advance review copy.
books__brews_and_booze's review against another edition
4.0
I've been on a folklore kick lately, so when I saw "Vasilisa" by Julie Mathison, I leapt to read it, having just finished several books featuring Vasilisa and Baba Yaga. Mathison's rendition of Vasilisa and Baba Yaga is not like any other I've read, which I appreciate.
Yes, there are some things that are 'very Baba Yaga,' that one may expect to see, like her chicken hut and mortar and pestle. But it really is neat to see different interpretations of the witch-woman.
* What I Liked
- The humor and wit is great
- It's clear the author loves language
- Evelyn: A complex, interesting and surprising character -- her story line was so surprising
- I love the lessons Vasilisa imparts to those around her, simply by being herself
* What Tripped Me Up
- This is probably my modern vantage point showing, but Vasilisa and Ivan seemed much older than their 14 years of age, when they spoke.
I do wonder if this has to do with the hardened realities they experienced, that made them grow more mature beyond their years, perhaps? I kept on having to remind myself that they were just teenagers, even though they spoke in a more mature way, and that briefly pulled me out of the story and into reality (perish the thought)!
* Other thoughts:
- Fast moving plot
- Interesting characters
- Plot twists and surprises
- Characters who grow and change over the course of the book
- And ... a promise that we, as readers, will be able to return to Old Rus again in the future, as the Old Rus series will consist of four volumes!
Thank you Netgalley, for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
Yes, there are some things that are 'very Baba Yaga,' that one may expect to see, like her chicken hut and mortar and pestle. But it really is neat to see different interpretations of the witch-woman.
* What I Liked
- The humor and wit is great
- It's clear the author loves language
- Evelyn: A complex, interesting and surprising character -- her story line was so surprising
- I love the lessons Vasilisa imparts to those around her, simply by being herself
* What Tripped Me Up
- This is probably my modern vantage point showing, but Vasilisa and Ivan seemed much older than their 14 years of age, when they spoke.
I do wonder if this has to do with the hardened realities they experienced, that made them grow more mature beyond their years, perhaps? I kept on having to remind myself that they were just teenagers, even though they spoke in a more mature way, and that briefly pulled me out of the story and into reality (perish the thought)!
* Other thoughts:
- Fast moving plot
- Interesting characters
- Plot twists and surprises
- Characters who grow and change over the course of the book
- And ... a promise that we, as readers, will be able to return to Old Rus again in the future, as the Old Rus series will consist of four volumes!
Thank you Netgalley, for the opportunity to read the advanced reader copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.