Reviews

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

n2k1p1's review against another edition

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adventurous sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The ending was good, but of course this is my personal opinion. I liked it.

mollyobrien's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious 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

3.75

A delight. I felt like it was a much better version of For the Wolf with major Polish influence. I really enjoyed the ending too! 

s_b_reading's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

 Book Review:
Where The Dark Stands Still.
By A.B. Poranek.
⭐4/5

I recently read a captivating story that truly resonated with me. The narrative drew me in right from the start, particularly due to Liska's unwavering determination and the enigmatic nature of the leszy character. Every twist and turn of the plot kept me engaged, prompting me to revisit the story time and time again. I had the privilege of accessing this book through Netgalley and Penguinrandomhouse , and despite having to set it aside occasionally due to the demands of a bustling family environment, I found myself so enamored with the tale that I also opted to procure the audiobook version for a more immersive experience.
Reflecting on the conclusion, I find myself grappling with mixed emotions. While I am satisfied with how the story wrapped up, there remains a lingering desire for further exploration and expansion on certain aspects. Despite this ambiguity, the overall impact of the book was significant, pulling me out of a prior reading slump and reigniting my passion for books.
 

mel91's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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

eviessreading's review against another edition

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5.0

With an amazing plot, beautiful romance and loveable characters, Where The Dark Stands Still is one of my favourite reads of all time! This book follows Liska, a young girl from a quiet village, who must hide her magic in order to prevent her neighbours from discovering who she really is. She ventures into the magical forest in search of a wish-granting flower, instead she stumbles upon the Leszy, a 700 -year-old demon, with whom she makes a bargain: one year of her servitude for her wish.

Poranek has taken fantasy and intertwined Polish folklore to create a magical story. Reading this book was so fun, learning about the world, characters (Jaga the sassy house-demon being my favourite), researching the original folklore stories and getting lost in the enchanting Driada.

The world-building in this book is phenomenal, with vivid descriptions, I felt completely immersed in the story and could not put it down. With a heart warming, yet heart breaking story, I truly believe this is going to be one of the biggest books of the year.

I cannot think of a single criticism for Where The Dark Stands Still, I am completely obsessed!

A beautiful YA gothic fantasy romance, Where The Dark Stands Still is a must-read for 2024!

patibooks7's review against another edition

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"where the dark stands still", bedąca polską adaptacją "pięknej i bestii" jest pięknie napisana i porusza tematy traumy, represji i akceptacji. ta książka sprawiła, że poczułam wszystkie uczucia, od przerażenia po złamane serce i wszystko pomiędzy.

megsssss_'s review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious medium-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

4.25

sophiapinheiro's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny hopeful mysterious sad medium-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

4.5

emaurreads's review against another edition

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5.0

ripped my heart out, stomped on it, put it back together to tear it to shreds. hannah i’m billing you for my therapy bills

ayeshalovesfable's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I think this is my second time reading Polish folklore, and there is something so beautiful about it.

The way the story started was wonderful, and I knew at that moment that this was going to be the best read for me. Leski and Leszy both have my heart. I liked their character development, especially that of Leszy. I knew something was off from the first page, and their story was not that simple. The secrets were definitely mind-blowing.

For me, the story got more interesting in the second half of the novel. The pace picked up from there, and I felt there were so many haunted things behind stabilizing Driada.

As for the ending, it was totally unexpected. What am I going to do now? In short, this is an enchanting folklore with perfect fantasy and suspense.