A review by tr3nzbooks
Vasilisa by Julie Mathison

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.