Scan barcode
A review by sproutedpages
This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
This Fatal Kiss is a YA fantasy novel recounting and reimagining folklore of the Slavic rusałka (water nymph). It seems to blend pre- and post-19th century depictions of rusałki— but, thankfully, while actively challenging the perception of them as “unclean spirits”.
The focus of this novel is primarily on the perspective characters and their interpersonal relationships, but This Fatal Kiss could have benefitted from a greater focus on worldbuilding. There is very little sense of setting— both in its intended time period and its detailing of the characters’ surroundings. The characters are charming, and their banter is enjoyable (“What do you water nymphs usually do when you’re not trying to trick unsuspecting humans into falling in love with you?” “Sometimes we entertain ourselves by capsizing the little rowboats the tourists take out on the river to scare them.” “Don’t do that,” Kazik said immediately.)— a bit of flowery, whimsical prose in the worldbuilding could have rounded out the modern folkloric atmosphere quite nicely, I think.
Several plot threads were left unresolved, though the conclusion to the novel seems open-ended enough to allow for a sequel. I did expect this to be a standalone novel, so the lack of momentum and resolution did feel frustrating, at times. That being said, if a sequel novel is ever published, I will absolutely seek it out for exactly that reason!
Thank you to Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel! All opinions within this review are voluntarily given and entirely my own.
The focus of this novel is primarily on the perspective characters and their interpersonal relationships, but This Fatal Kiss could have benefitted from a greater focus on worldbuilding. There is very little sense of setting— both in its intended time period and its detailing of the characters’ surroundings. The characters are charming, and their banter is enjoyable (“What do you water nymphs usually do when you’re not trying to trick unsuspecting humans into falling in love with you?” “Sometimes we entertain ourselves by capsizing the little rowboats the tourists take out on the river to scare them.” “Don’t do that,” Kazik said immediately.)— a bit of flowery, whimsical prose in the worldbuilding could have rounded out the modern folkloric atmosphere quite nicely, I think.
Several plot threads were left unresolved, though the conclusion to the novel seems open-ended enough to allow for a sequel. I did expect this to be a standalone novel, so the lack of momentum and resolution did feel frustrating, at times. That being said, if a sequel novel is ever published, I will absolutely seek it out for exactly that reason!
Thank you to Peachtree Teen and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this novel! All opinions within this review are voluntarily given and entirely my own.
Content Warnings
CWs (as provided by author Alicia Jasinska): brief depictions of fantasy violence and death, drowning and near drowning, abusive relationships, a history of sexual assault, physical assault, struggles with sexual identity, and suicidal ideation.