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whatiskatelynreading's review
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Blood, Murder, and War
eegekay's review
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, War, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Child death, Blood, and Murder
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
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.
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
Graphic: Violence, Death, and War
Moderate: Murder, Religious bigotry, and Grief
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
careinthelibrary's review
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.
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
Graphic: Death, War, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Moderate: Colonisation, Murder, and Religious bigotry
Anti-paganism / anti-witchcraftkearstenkeepsreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for providing an arc for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! Olesya Salnikova Gilmore writes a debut novel that is a beautifully compelling feminist reimagining of the infamous Baba Yaga. She brings you into this intense world of old gods and the new God and the fight between light and darkness, good and evil. Gilmore truly blends the rich beautiful culture of Russia with a beautiful mythical reimagining of Baba Yaga that draws you in from the beginning.
This book is steeped in lore and magic and history. You are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, hurt and joy. The book does move on the slower side because it is focused on Yaga and her journey to realizing balance in her own life. At first clinging to her immortality and separation from mortals to embracing her mortal half fully and then having to find that balance to save not only the ones she loves but Russia herself.
If you love historical fantasy and feminist reimagining's then do yourself a favor and read this book. It is now a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to see what else Gilmore writes in the future!
I absolutely loved this book! Olesya Salnikova Gilmore writes a debut novel that is a beautifully compelling feminist reimagining of the infamous Baba Yaga. She brings you into this intense world of old gods and the new God and the fight between light and darkness, good and evil. Gilmore truly blends the rich beautiful culture of Russia with a beautiful mythical reimagining of Baba Yaga that draws you in from the beginning.
This book is steeped in lore and magic and history. You are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, hurt and joy. The book does move on the slower side because it is focused on Yaga and her journey to realizing balance in her own life. At first clinging to her immortality and separation from mortals to embracing her mortal half fully and then having to find that balance to save not only the ones she loves but Russia herself.
If you love historical fantasy and feminist reimagining's then do yourself a favor and read this book. It is now a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to see what else Gilmore writes in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death of parent
oracle_of_madness's review
adventurous
4.0
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc!
I loved this beautiful historical fiction fantasy that revolved around Baba Yaga and the infamous Ivan the Terrible of Russia.
I love reading anything that gives me a real taste of history from any part of the world and I especially loved this incredible folklore surrounding a very dark time. It's a bit slow in parts but that's not something that bothered me because the writing was so beautiful. I loved seeing the old gods of Russia in this story along with Baba Yaga. Also, I love how this author conveyed the importance of the mortal pieces that make up these immortal gods and half-gods creating a very human side to some of them.
A beautiful story that I definitely recommend to fans of Russian folklore!
Out September 20, 2022!
I loved this beautiful historical fiction fantasy that revolved around Baba Yaga and the infamous Ivan the Terrible of Russia.
I love reading anything that gives me a real taste of history from any part of the world and I especially loved this incredible folklore surrounding a very dark time. It's a bit slow in parts but that's not something that bothered me because the writing was so beautiful. I loved seeing the old gods of Russia in this story along with Baba Yaga. Also, I love how this author conveyed the importance of the mortal pieces that make up these immortal gods and half-gods creating a very human side to some of them.
A beautiful story that I definitely recommend to fans of Russian folklore!
Out September 20, 2022!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Grief, and War
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