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claudiashelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-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? Yes
4.5
❝ Wild birds die in cages. ❞
I love this one! I genuinely do. This novel is a dark fairy tale steeped in Russian mythology, complete with magic demons, blended fantastical elements, Catholic Orthodox and familial turmoil. I adore everything about this book. Following Russian folklore was difficult for me at first, but I believe that was a challenge I appreciated. Sadly, there was still dumb Patriarchy in this book, which is awful, but the world-building is so excellently described that it has effectively created a grand atmosphere where I felt like in a mediaeval Russian winter heeded by incredible manoeuvring.
I just feel unfortunate for going over this incredible Winter storybook in such hot conditions in a tropical country, cries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Slavery, and Death
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