eli_like_a_lie's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Death of parent
Moderate: War, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
cookiecat73's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, War, Xenophobia, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Classism, Infertility, Toxic relationship, Body horror, Death of parent, Acephobia/Arophobia, Animal cruelty, Grief, Sexism, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Misogyny, Vomit, Self harm, Sexual content, Animal death, and Child abuse
tamara_joy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Genocide
Moderate: Blood, Death, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Miscarriage, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Grief, Murder, Religious bigotry, and Violence
antimony's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
reminder to my future self that if a book mentions someone vying for power in the summary i will not enjoy myself while reading it. even if it has baba yaga. i don't like reading about nobility i don't like fantasy politics i don't like strategizing and battles and war. and the romance was nonsense it felt like ya-levels of fake and shoehorned. sorry!
the feminism also felt like very ya. like yaga oftentimes felt like when people try to write feminism into their historical fiction but give the character a very modern view of things instead of a view that would fit into the times while still wanting a better life for women. AND she spends so long talking about how she doesn't want to get married, she doesn't need a man, marriage is just a way for her to be trapped, and then falls in instalove with a guy she has no chemistry with and gets pregnant and gets married and has a kid and is obsessed with this man for no reason. and no one has any personality!!!! :(
additionally . how in the world was this so slow for covering a timeline of twenty years :/ so maybe it was boring on its own not just because of the war.
ALSO what olesya salnikova gilmore wanted to do with subverting baba yaga stories that were told by christians to make her into an evil witch instead of a nice healer with pagan roots was like. nice idea i guess. but to be perfectly honest. i love evil baba yaga that eats kids and has skulls on her house etc. and there was not nearly enough time spent with her house i love her house :( and this did not feel like it was about baba yaga at ALL!
the feminism also felt like very ya. like yaga oftentimes felt like when people try to write feminism into their historical fiction but give the character a very modern view of things instead of a view that would fit into the times while still wanting a better life for women. AND she spends so long talking about how she doesn't want to get married, she doesn't need a man, marriage is just a way for her to be trapped, and then falls in instalove with a guy she has no chemistry with and gets pregnant and gets married and has a kid and is obsessed with this man for no reason. and no one has any personality!!!! :(
additionally . how in the world was this so slow for covering a timeline of twenty years :/ so maybe it was boring on its own not just because of the war.
ALSO what olesya salnikova gilmore wanted to do with subverting baba yaga stories that were told by christians to make her into an evil witch instead of a nice healer with pagan roots was like. nice idea i guess. but to be perfectly honest. i love evil baba yaga that eats kids and has skulls on her house etc. and there was not nearly enough time spent with her house i love her house :( and this did not feel like it was about baba yaga at ALL!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
pvbobrien's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Murder, Religious bigotry, Blood, Pregnancy, War, and Grief
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Sexual violence, Torture, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Misogyny
rhi_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, War, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Animal death, Death of parent, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Torture, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
eegekay's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, War, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Child death, Blood, and Murder
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
A powerfully poignant and compelling debut that delves into the rich tapestry of Russian Folklore and presents a fascinatingly refreshing (and feminist) exploration into the oft-vilified witch of legend, Baba Yaga. Presenting us with a wise and courageous woman willing to defy the gods (and Ivan the Terrible) in order to save her people from tyranny.
As a half goddess in possession of magic, Yaga is used to being alone, especially when her previous encounters with mortals led to nothing but betrayal and heartbreak. Now she lives in the safety of her hut in the woods, where only those in need of her healing magic can seek her out—even if they do spread falsehoods about her wielding dark magic and wicked intent.
However, when an old friend Anastasia (now the wife of the Tsar) shows up with symptoms of a strange illness and begging for help, Yaga descends back into the world of mortals once more. For the kindhearted Tsaritsa’s life seems linked to the very fate of Russia itself—and Yaga is determined to do anything to protect it.
But, in travelling to Moscow Yaga realises the city’s on the brink of chaos and destruction. Tsar Ivan (the soon to be dubbed Ivan the Terrible) grows more volatile and violent by the day, as Yaga believes the tsaritsa’s illness is linked to poisoning. What Yaga can’t know is that Ivan is being manipulated by beings far older than Yaga could’ve imagined, and they’re plan rests solely on the tsar’s increasingly violent tendencies.
This was such an immersive read, and much like Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint have done with their feminist reimaginings of maligned and oft-ignored women in Greek mythology, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore has presented us with a bright, courageous and compelling woman whose story I didn’t want to put down!
I loved how very different this portrayal of Yaga was compared to the malicious, child eating witch of legend and really enjoyed the vulnerability and emotional complexity that is woven in her character. I also loved her sharp wit and how easily she manages to take control of a situation—especially when she manages to intimidate and send even the most hardened of soldiers scurrying. But, it was Yaga’s softer side that really endeared her to me, and made her feel all the more real (and human) to me.
In fact, most of the characters we encounter alongside Yaga are multifaceted, flawed and full of an incredible depth that I really enjoyed. Even Koshey the Deathless (the villain of many a folktale himself) was embued with an endearing dose of humanity and tragedy that had me sympathising with him a little by the end.
The world building was also impressively detailed and perfectly blends history and mythology to create a rich and sweepingly immersive experience that truly captures the essence of life in 16th C Russia.
The folkloric fantasy elements were especially well done and, when paired with real historical events and places, really brought the vast culture and traditions of Russia, it’s history and the vast folkloric heritage of the region to life.
I especially liked to duality of light and dark that plays a vital role in the narrative (good and evil, life and death, light and dark) and is symbolic for the complex and dual nature of being human.
Overall, a delicately woven and gorgeously enchanting debut that historical fiction lovers, fans of fierce and loveable warrior witches or Madeline Miller and Elizabeth Arden are bound to enjoy.
Though, I do warn that given the rather brutal themes and events (which involve war, violence and death-some of which is based on actual events) I do advise checking out the TWs before picking this up.
Also, a huge thank you to Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for this absolutely gorgeous finished copy.
As a half goddess in possession of magic, Yaga is used to being alone, especially when her previous encounters with mortals led to nothing but betrayal and heartbreak. Now she lives in the safety of her hut in the woods, where only those in need of her healing magic can seek her out—even if they do spread falsehoods about her wielding dark magic and wicked intent.
However, when an old friend Anastasia (now the wife of the Tsar) shows up with symptoms of a strange illness and begging for help, Yaga descends back into the world of mortals once more. For the kindhearted Tsaritsa’s life seems linked to the very fate of Russia itself—and Yaga is determined to do anything to protect it.
But, in travelling to Moscow Yaga realises the city’s on the brink of chaos and destruction. Tsar Ivan (the soon to be dubbed Ivan the Terrible) grows more volatile and violent by the day, as Yaga believes the tsaritsa’s illness is linked to poisoning. What Yaga can’t know is that Ivan is being manipulated by beings far older than Yaga could’ve imagined, and they’re plan rests solely on the tsar’s increasingly violent tendencies.
This was such an immersive read, and much like Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint have done with their feminist reimaginings of maligned and oft-ignored women in Greek mythology, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore has presented us with a bright, courageous and compelling woman whose story I didn’t want to put down!
I loved how very different this portrayal of Yaga was compared to the malicious, child eating witch of legend and really enjoyed the vulnerability and emotional complexity that is woven in her character. I also loved her sharp wit and how easily she manages to take control of a situation—especially when she manages to intimidate and send even the most hardened of soldiers scurrying. But, it was Yaga’s softer side that really endeared her to me, and made her feel all the more real (and human) to me.
In fact, most of the characters we encounter alongside Yaga are multifaceted, flawed and full of an incredible depth that I really enjoyed. Even Koshey the Deathless (the villain of many a folktale himself) was embued with an endearing dose of humanity and tragedy that had me sympathising with him a little by the end.
The world building was also impressively detailed and perfectly blends history and mythology to create a rich and sweepingly immersive experience that truly captures the essence of life in 16th C Russia.
The folkloric fantasy elements were especially well done and, when paired with real historical events and places, really brought the vast culture and traditions of Russia, it’s history and the vast folkloric heritage of the region to life.
I especially liked to duality of light and dark that plays a vital role in the narrative (good and evil, life and death, light and dark) and is symbolic for the complex and dual nature of being human.
Overall, a delicately woven and gorgeously enchanting debut that historical fiction lovers, fans of fierce and loveable warrior witches or Madeline Miller and Elizabeth Arden are bound to enjoy.
Though, I do warn that given the rather brutal themes and events (which involve war, violence and death-some of which is based on actual events) I do advise checking out the TWs before picking this up.
Also, a huge thank you to Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for this absolutely gorgeous finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and War
Moderate: Murder, Religious bigotry, and Grief
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
kearstenkeepsreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for providing an arc for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! Olesya Salnikova Gilmore writes a debut novel that is a beautifully compelling feminist reimagining of the infamous Baba Yaga. She brings you into this intense world of old gods and the new God and the fight between light and darkness, good and evil. Gilmore truly blends the rich beautiful culture of Russia with a beautiful mythical reimagining of Baba Yaga that draws you in from the beginning.
This book is steeped in lore and magic and history. You are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, hurt and joy. The book does move on the slower side because it is focused on Yaga and her journey to realizing balance in her own life. At first clinging to her immortality and separation from mortals to embracing her mortal half fully and then having to find that balance to save not only the ones she loves but Russia herself.
If you love historical fantasy and feminist reimagining's then do yourself a favor and read this book. It is now a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to see what else Gilmore writes in the future!
I absolutely loved this book! Olesya Salnikova Gilmore writes a debut novel that is a beautifully compelling feminist reimagining of the infamous Baba Yaga. She brings you into this intense world of old gods and the new God and the fight between light and darkness, good and evil. Gilmore truly blends the rich beautiful culture of Russia with a beautiful mythical reimagining of Baba Yaga that draws you in from the beginning.
This book is steeped in lore and magic and history. You are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, hurt and joy. The book does move on the slower side because it is focused on Yaga and her journey to realizing balance in her own life. At first clinging to her immortality and separation from mortals to embracing her mortal half fully and then having to find that balance to save not only the ones she loves but Russia herself.
If you love historical fantasy and feminist reimagining's then do yourself a favor and read this book. It is now a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to see what else Gilmore writes in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death of parent
leahjanespeare's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Don’t mind me, just picking up the pieces of my heart after finishing this sucker punch of a book.
On the brink of a changing world in the 16th century: old gods, wondrous and dangerous magical beings, all slowly being replaced by the Christianity sweeping through Russia. We come across the infamous witch, Baba Yaga. But she is not who you know from the storybooks written by men. Her story is not one of terror and wickedness, but of power and love. Yaga takes it upon herself to rid her country of the tsar Ivan the Terrible, and the malicious gods behind the curtain of his madness. Crossing decades and worldly realms, Yaga is unstoppable in her determination to protect those in need, and in the process discovers more about her immortal self. Expertly blending real historical events such as the Oprichnina’s massacres and bloody reign across the land, with ancient pagan Slavic beliefs and tales, this is truly a unique, fiercely feminist, and inspiring story to behold. I’ve never read anything like it before.
ALSO! It avoided one of my biggest pet peeves in ‘feminist’ stories which is the woman who has power cannot also have love at the end of the day- and visa versa.
Love AND power all the way in this one!!!
On the brink of a changing world in the 16th century: old gods, wondrous and dangerous magical beings, all slowly being replaced by the Christianity sweeping through Russia. We come across the infamous witch, Baba Yaga. But she is not who you know from the storybooks written by men. Her story is not one of terror and wickedness, but of power and love. Yaga takes it upon herself to rid her country of the tsar Ivan the Terrible, and the malicious gods behind the curtain of his madness. Crossing decades and worldly realms, Yaga is unstoppable in her determination to protect those in need, and in the process discovers more about her immortal self. Expertly blending real historical events such as the Oprichnina’s massacres and bloody reign across the land, with ancient pagan Slavic beliefs and tales, this is truly a unique, fiercely feminist, and inspiring story to behold. I’ve never read anything like it before.
ALSO! It avoided one of my biggest pet peeves in ‘feminist’ stories which is the woman who has power cannot also have love at the end of the day- and visa versa.
Love AND power all the way in this one!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Death and Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual content, Animal death, and Suicidal thoughts
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