oddfoxsocks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
amber_t's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This was absolutely brilliant and I cannot believe that its a debut!
This is perfect for readers who appreciate lush, evocative storytelling and immersive settings. What I wouldn’t give to have tea in The House Under the Rowan Tree?
I think that fans of Howl’s Moving Castle will be especially charmed with this book. Liszka’s determination and open heart worked beautifully with the Lezsy’s stubbornness❤️ The romance was heart shattering, but it never overpowered the furthering of the plot.
I can’t wait until pub date!!!
This is perfect for readers who appreciate lush, evocative storytelling and immersive settings. What I wouldn’t give to have tea in The House Under the Rowan Tree?
I think that fans of Howl’s Moving Castle will be especially charmed with this book. Liszka’s determination and open heart worked beautifully with the Lezsy’s stubbornness❤️ The romance was heart shattering, but it never overpowered the furthering of the plot.
I can’t wait until pub date!!!
fletcher's review against another edition
4.0
Oj. I was happily reading along, feeling like this was a pretty basic fantasy romance YA, and then the ending destroyed me. 😭
Solid, easy read, quick pacing—honestly too quick for me in the beginning, but it is YA after all. Very basic romance for the most part, but listen… Leshy romance? I was hooked the minute I saw that. If you like death and demons and foresty goodness and the idea of a leshy love interest (who is BISEXUAL 📢📢📢 I was SO happy for the bi rep!!!), you’ll probably like this too.
Knocked off a star for the simplicity/predictability of most aspects, the twin souls thing (just not my favorite concept), and the fact that I just didn’t really connect to the protag. Other than that, loved it. My friend picked up the ARC for me at NYCC because she Knew this was my shit and she was right lol. It’s exactly what it says on the tin and I’m happy about that. And now I’m going to have to watch out for the next book..?
Solid, easy read, quick pacing—honestly too quick for me in the beginning, but it is YA after all. Very basic romance for the most part, but listen… Leshy romance? I was hooked the minute I saw that. If you like death and demons and foresty goodness and the idea of a leshy love interest (who is BISEXUAL 📢📢📢 I was SO happy for the bi rep!!!), you’ll probably like this too.
Knocked off a star for the simplicity/predictability of most aspects, the twin souls thing (just not my favorite concept), and the fact that I just didn’t really connect to the protag. Other than that, loved it. My friend picked up the ARC for me at NYCC because she Knew this was my shit and she was right lol. It’s exactly what it says on the tin and I’m happy about that. And now I’m going to have to watch out for the next book..?
unapologetic_romantic's review
slow-paced
3.75
Where The Dark Stands Still is a retelling of Slavic folklore and is written in a slow, lyrical way to make sure you don’t forget it. It felt like I was being told a tale throughout each page, adding mystery and magic to the reading experience. Learning about the different creatures and myths was incredibly enjoyable, and the story as a whole was moving.
I had difficulty when I first started reading because it felt a lot like I was outside looking in, but the further I read the easier it was to feel the characters, understand their choices and see their growth. I usually like a faster pace within the books I’m reading but the last twenty to thirty percent made up for the slow journey to get there. It was exciting and thrilling, I was nervous for both Liska and the Leszy but I loved how the tale unfolded. It was melancholy but also hopeful. If there is a sequel I will be reading it because I would love to see what happens next.
lucyswarby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Words cannot explain how much I loved reading this. Before requesting it, I saw reviews and mentions that it reminded them of Howl’s Moving Castle, and this mixed with the Polish folklore (which I had never taken interest in before reading this) was such a beautiful combination. The following are my favourite quotes from this:
‘Remember what you did last time? her mind whispers. If you free it, you will truly become a monster. ‘Fine’ Liska hisses, blood leaking down her arm. ‘Then let me be a monster.’’
‘’You are not a monster, Liska Radost. You are sunlight, and you breathe life into everything you touch.’’
Spoiler
‘Remember what you did last time? her mind whispers. If you free it, you will truly become a monster. ‘Fine’ Liska hisses, blood leaking down her arm. ‘Then let me be a monster.’’
‘’You are not a monster, Liska Radost. You are sunlight, and you breathe life into everything you touch.’’
meganpbell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Meet the darker, gothier little sister of Uprooted and The Bear and the Nightingale—with a hint of Howl’s Moving Castle! Rooted in Polish folklore and set in a wickedly magical wood full of dangers and wonders alike, this grim yet romantic young adult fantasy marks the debut of a writer to watch.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
decacat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
meghannreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.25
This book reminded me a bit of For the Wolf but gave more Beauty and the Beast vibes rather than Little Red Riding Hood. I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced, character driven, and focused a lot on the romance. I LOVED the found family aspect and all the characters in general. The Leszy 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹
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