Reviews with content warning for Religious bigotry - The Witch and the Tsar

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.

Content Warnings

careinthelibrary's review

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.0

One of my most anticipated releases this year, I'm disappointed.
This failed to engage me from almost the get-go. The plot and tension never got off the ground. The characters weren't believable, it didn't feel authentic or connected to a rich history of storytelling and history, and it just bummed me out to keep trying to find something exciting, complex, or unique about it.
The last third was skim read with displeasure.

Content Warnings

leahjanespeare's review

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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!!!

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