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aksmith92's review against another edition
- 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
The setup: This tale begins with a Russian fairy tale. A few children are huddled around Dunya, a nursemaid, hearing the story of the frost-king, a mythical being who controls the winter but can also be death itself. We pivot outside the story to learn about a family living in a small town in Rus' (pre-dates Russia, my friends) where Pyotr, the patriarch, overseas this land and community. He has a wife he loves, Marina, and a handful of children. Marina becomes pregnant again and notes how important this birth will be - Marina comes from a line of magical women. Unfortunately (no spoiler!), Marina dies in childbirth, and Vasya, her daughter, is left without her birth mother.
During the novel, we follow the family as children grow up and the patriarch remarries. There is a blend of "old ways," versus the growing Orthodox religion. A common theme throughout the novel is the replacement of the old ways/chyerti (gods) and the shunning of those who still practice the old ways. In addition to that prevalent idea, there is this fantastical element of the fairy tale itself around the frost-king and Vasya being connected to this magical line. Katherine Arden poetically combines Russian folklore and history into a magical realism/fantasy novel.
What I liked: The prose and writing style differed from what I am used to, especially since Arden tried to stay realistic with Rus' language at the time. However, it made it unique and compelling. I found this writing to be atmospheric in its own way, and not only was it interesting, but I had a blast reading it. I also loved many of the characters. So many were flawed, including Pyotr, Vasya's father, and Anna, Vasya's stepmother. Each character was unique and exciting in their own way. Lastly, I loved this fairy tale retelling. I know little Russian folklore and fairy tales, but this seemed original. It was something I hadn't read much about before (except for Uprooted by Naomi Novik), and it just had the vibes of a lovely winter read.
What fell flat: Not much! But it was a bit slow (for me). There was so much character development and setup, which I usually love, but at times, it did drag just a little. Additionally, this was hard to read at times because of all the misogyny in this culture and the blatant sexism that accompanied the time period (which I have no doubt is factual). And, you know, I have to mention it even though I know this fits the "time period," but I disliked that the main female character was 15, yet she was acting older, and there may be pieces of the plot in the future books that have her doing very non-15-year-old things! I don't want to elaborate because I don't want to give anything away, but you know how I feel about teenage girls in fantasy novels!
However, this was beautiful storytelling, and I cannot wait to read the next ones in the series!
Graphic: Animal death, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Blood, Gore, Child death, Toxic relationship, Body horror, Grief, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Misogyny, Murder, Vomit, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Pregnancy
Sexual assault happens on page, albeit briefly - unwelcomed forced touching and kissing.margaret_k30's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Blood, Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Self harm and Toxic relationship
Minor: Pregnancy, Animal cruelty, Adult/minor relationship, and Violence
geminisoul's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Self harm, Violence, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Grief, Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
doodeedoda's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Pregnancy, Child abuse, Grief, and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent
furreverreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Chilling, exciting, atmospheric. A perfect mix of frustrating characters, and lovable characters; villains and heroes.
Arden wrote it beautifully, incorporating the Russian language and traditions well I think. I was not ready for it to end, but do think she ended it well.
Ugh! So far definitely the best book I’ve finished in 2024.
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, and Death
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, and Animal death
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
4.5
Overall an exciting and interesting tale 😍 I can’t wait to continue the series and see what happens with the characters!
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Death, and Child abuse
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Grief, Gore, Animal death, and Religious bigotry
megan_pristineprose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Misogyny, Death, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Gore and Physical abuse
Minor: Murder, Child death, and Infidelity
thebankofbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Pedophilia, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Misogyny
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
colorcrystals's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Blood, and Animal death
Minor: Animal cruelty and Fire/Fire injury
moonneedstoread's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment, Murder, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Grief and Violence