agenericmirkwoodelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
At first, I was skeptical of this book! Though the writing was gorgeous, I was struggling to pick out exactly why the events of the first third were relevant. It felt less like a structured story, and more like a (slightly gritty) slice of life story about a wealthy Russian family.
But by the end?
Oh my goddess!! I could not put this book down! There were moments, just before act three, where I felt myself feeling genuine dread! It’s extremely rare that a book makes me feel that. It was so eerie in a way it could not have accomplished had there not been the level of setup that there was.
That, combined with the amazing characters, makes this a worthwhile read for sure!
But by the end?
Oh my goddess!! I could not put this book down! There were moments, just before act three, where I felt myself feeling genuine dread! It’s extremely rare that a book makes me feel that. It was so eerie in a way it could not have accomplished had there not been the level of setup that there was.
That, combined with the amazing characters, makes this a worthwhile read for sure!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry and Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Body shaming
graceert's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Death, and Sexual assault
Minor: Gaslighting and Religious bigotry
mysimas's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Maybe more of a 3.5* book, but it made me happy, so rounding up.
Sometimes I felt like I was reading one of those horsegirl stories for young teens — seriously, the obsession of this book with horses is astounding — but other than that, I was sucked into the 14th century Russia and fell in love with both its human and magical inhabitants alike (with the exception of Konstantin who was a major creep and eerily similar to Hugo’s Frollo — ew, just ew, get them away from me!!).
There’s strong themes of religion (Christianity killing the old gods and in extension the humans) which I didn’t mind as I’m not Christian (but I can see why some Christians wouldn’t be happy with this theme), and just as strong themes of female oppression, and it was cathartic to see Vasya’s small victories in this regard.
My major complaint is the book ends rather abruptly and some questions remain unresolved (such as thee importance of Vasya’s blue pendant). Maybe they’ll be dealt with in the sequels??
Sometimes I felt like I was reading one of those horsegirl stories for young teens — seriously, the obsession of this book with horses is astounding — but other than that, I was sucked into the 14th century Russia and fell in love with both its human and magical inhabitants alike (with the exception of Konstantin who was a major creep and eerily similar to Hugo’s Frollo — ew, just ew, get them away from me!!).
There’s strong themes of religion (Christianity killing the old gods and in extension the humans) which I didn’t mind as I’m not Christian (but I can see why some Christians wouldn’t be happy with this theme), and just as strong themes of female oppression, and it was cathartic to see Vasya’s small victories in this regard.
My major complaint is the book ends rather abruptly and some questions remain unresolved (such as thee importance of Vasya’s blue pendant). Maybe they’ll be dealt with in the sequels??
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death
hiashleynine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Death, and Religious bigotry
ameliabee33's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
Vasilisa sees creatures that other people in her village can't, the things of the old, pagan ways. In the cold north of Russia Vasya has grown up with fairytales of the creatures in the forest and of Morozko, the Frost Demon. When a zealous monk, Konstantin, comes to Vasya's village, our heroine finds herself in a battle between the people she grew up with/loves as well as a much bigger battle between the Frost Demon and the Bear. The Bear is the one-eyed, blue-scarred man that haunts her dreams and can split the world.
Vasya is constantly torn between her family and the life she wants to lead, one where she is just a girl that goes and explores the world and isn't reprimanded for being who she is. With folklore vs catholicism becoming the main conflict in her village, Vasya is portrayed as the antagonist of the Church. She gives gifts to the spirits that help her people but she is labeled rebellious, she wants too much, and she needs to behave as a woman should. Vasya is also an antagonist to the idea of being a woman in 1300s Russia. There are 2 choices for women, be married and have kids or become a nun. Vasya wants a third option, to live in the woods with the spirits instead of accepting the cards fate has dealt her.
There is also the mystery of Morozko and his involvement with Vasya. He found her lost in the woods as a very young child and forced a sapphire necklace upon her when she was a teenager. The spirits keep telling Vasya that the Bear is coming and that she needs to work with Morozko to defeat him. But why is the necklace needed? Why is Morozko invested in the success of Vasya? What does an immortal deity want with a young human girl?
This book reminded me very heavily of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, it is very heavy in its fairytale-like telling. The atmosphere is cold, given that the setting is 99.9% in the snowy winter. There is a winter Lord presiding over the the entire story. The imagery is rich and decadent. The characters are diverse in personalities and goals. There is a hint of a trope that an immortal wants a young girl (why do we keep writing that???) and if that is a firm line for you, you might want to pass this series. Lots of religious zeal and nutjobs give the tale a very intense atmosphere.
TDLR; A great first book in a winter fantasy/fairytale trilogy! The reason I docked it 0.25 starts is because of the hinted romance between an immortal being and a young 16 year old girl. Also some of the names and nicknames are used so interchangeably that it got confusing at times. Characters and plot are rich!
Vasya is constantly torn between her family and the life she wants to lead, one where she is just a girl that goes and explores the world and isn't reprimanded for being who she is. With folklore vs catholicism becoming the main conflict in her village, Vasya is portrayed as the antagonist of the Church. She gives gifts to the spirits that help her people but she is labeled rebellious, she wants too much, and she needs to behave as a woman should. Vasya is also an antagonist to the idea of being a woman in 1300s Russia. There are 2 choices for women, be married and have kids or become a nun. Vasya wants a third option, to live in the woods with the spirits instead of accepting the cards fate has dealt her.
There is also the mystery of Morozko and his involvement with Vasya. He found her lost in the woods as a very young child and forced a sapphire necklace upon her when she was a teenager. The spirits keep telling Vasya that the Bear is coming and that she needs to work with Morozko to defeat him. But why is the necklace needed? Why is Morozko invested in the success of Vasya? What does an immortal deity want with a young human girl?
This book reminded me very heavily of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, it is very heavy in its fairytale-like telling. The atmosphere is cold, given that the setting is 99.9% in the snowy winter. There is a winter Lord presiding over the the entire story. The imagery is rich and decadent. The characters are diverse in personalities and goals. There is a hint of a trope that an immortal wants a young girl (why do we keep writing that???) and if that is a firm line for you, you might want to pass this series. Lots of religious zeal and nutjobs give the tale a very intense atmosphere.
TDLR; A great first book in a winter fantasy/fairytale trilogy! The reason I docked it 0.25 starts is because of the hinted romance between an immortal being and a young 16 year old girl. Also some of the names and nicknames are used so interchangeably that it got confusing at times. Characters and plot are rich!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Religious bigotry
lisaandthebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
This book was a perfect mix of mythology, fantasy and realism. I didn't know anything about this book before starting to read it and I think that was the best way I could have read it.
I really enjoyed the discussion of religion and missionary work, but what really sold me was all the russian folklore! I love mythology and I want to read more retellings / mythology inspired books about different parts of the world.
I have to say that someone told me that this book is an enemies to lovers story and that is just not true? There is no romance, or at least it's not a main focus at all! I actually really liked that about this book. Also I am a big fan of the 'wild girl' trope :)
The ending was bittersweet but I really liked it. I didn't cry though, which made me realise, that I wasn't truly connecting with the characters. That is normally a big dealbreaker but this time I didn't actually mind that much. I guess the book is a 'vibes before plot' kind of book and it's very slow paced as well (but it's also quite short).
I am so excited for the other two books in the trilogy though I'm surprised it is a trilogy at all. This book could have been a standalone as well. I am interested to return to this world though and there are a lot of things I still want to hear more about.
I really enjoyed the discussion of religion and missionary work, but what really sold me was all the russian folklore! I love mythology and I want to read more retellings / mythology inspired books about different parts of the world.
I have to say that someone told me that this book is an enemies to lovers story and that is just not true? There is no romance, or at least it's not a main focus at all! I actually really liked that about this book. Also I am a big fan of the 'wild girl' trope :)
The ending was bittersweet but I really liked it. I didn't cry though, which made me realise, that I wasn't truly connecting with the characters. That is normally a big dealbreaker but this time I didn't actually mind that much. I guess the book is a 'vibes before plot' kind of book and it's very slow paced as well (but it's also quite short).
I am so excited for the other two books in the trilogy though I'm surprised it is a trilogy at all. This book could have been a standalone as well. I am interested to return to this world though and there are a lot of things I still want to hear more about.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Death, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Bullying, Violence, Grief, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Murder, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Pregnancy, and Rape
thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Hey look, I finally read this! And then proceeded to devour the next two books immediately, so pretty safe to say I loved it.
Definitely going on my new faves list.
CW: y'all it's set in like the 14th century so
Definitely going on my new faves list.
CW: y'all it's set in like the 14th century so
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Violence, Sexism, and Blood
Moderate: Rape, Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, and Animal death
thereadinghammock_mserinv's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a rich lore-heavy narrative tapestry this story turned out to be. I'm SO glad I listened to the audiobook versus reading physical or digital, as I think all the names and Russian phrases would have tripped me up as a reader and detracted from my enjoyment of the overall story. But as a listener, I loved Kathleen Gati's delivery of each character and distinguishing between spoken dialogue and narrative story with the use of accents and other modular voice changes.
I loved the integration of traditional Russian folklore. The house spirits, the forest sprites, the monsters. I appreciated how the village began with such a lovely integration of the Old Ways and Christianity, sharing reverence for both in equal measure. Yes, the village still side-eyed the idea of a witch, but everyone still left offerings for their Domovoy and the Vasila, out of respect.
Vasyia simultaneously wise beyond her years and a petulant child in the way only a teenage girl made to grow up a bit too fast must be. Alyosha was such a wonderful brother, and though he may not have fully understood what was going on, was ride-or-die for his sister and wanted nothing more than to keep her safe. Anna and Father Constantine were characters I loved to hate, but also felt for the struggles they went through as their own hopes and dreams were dashed by the will of another.
I loved the integration of traditional Russian folklore. The house spirits, the forest sprites, the monsters. I appreciated how the village began with such a lovely integration of the Old Ways and Christianity, sharing reverence for both in equal measure. Yes, the village still side-eyed the idea of a witch, but everyone still left offerings for their Domovoy and the Vasila, out of respect.
Vasyia simultaneously wise beyond her years and a petulant child in the way only a teenage girl made to grow up a bit too fast must be. Alyosha was such a wonderful brother, and though he may not have fully understood what was going on, was ride-or-die for his sister and wanted nothing more than to keep her safe. Anna and Father Constantine were characters I loved to hate, but also felt for the struggles they went through as their own hopes and dreams were dashed by the will of another.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Death, Mental illness, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Death of parent
Minor: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Animal death, Death, and Grief
zams's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Super fast read, really great story and interesting characters, I can't wait to read the next books.
Sehr schnell zu Lesen, tolle Geschichte und interesante Charaktere, kanns kaum erwarten die nächsten Bücher zu lesen.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Rape
mengzhenreads's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Obsessed with the atmosphere and setting of the book, I loved the wintery medieval Russian setting and the pastoral, quaint, and lyrical writing style. It was giving very much folk tale, very much warm and cosy, and I was just fascinated by the world and magic that the author created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Religious bigotry, and Death
Moderate: Child death, Animal death, and Sexism
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault