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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
This was the most elaborate story I've read and I can't wait to hear the rest of the story also audiobook HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
Rating: 2.5/5
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More reviews like this one can be found on my blog, CoffeeCocktailsandBooks
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Review
Gah, I wanted to love this book so much.
I've seen nothing but 4 and 5 star reviews from people I trust, but guys, I'm sorry, this one wasn't for me.
I had a lot of trouble connecting with the story and it was a bit of a slog to get to.
Now, don't get me wrong. There were some things that I enjoyed. I loved the battle between Christianity and "the old religion" and the fact that though many people in Vasya's village have converted, they still leave offerings and believe the local tales.
I also liked the dogmatic fear that Konstantin insights on the town, believing that you can only teach religion through fear. I also loved the seemingly torn nature Konstantin had between his faith and feelings towards Vasya (I kind of picked up a Judge Frollo thing, that he was torn by faith and feeling).
Anna's infatuation with Konstantin, both as a religious leader and a bit of a lust interest was super interesting as well. At first she likes having a religious leader to lean on and to protect her from the demons, but then develops these feelings (unsure if romantic, sexual, or just jealously) for him later on.
Though I think the slow paced plot really hindered my enjoyment. Instead of connecting with the story, I was just waiting for something to happen. I didn't even feel like there was a real threat until like the last third of the book.
As for the actual, mythological threat, it was okay. I enjoyed the different demons and Vasya's relationship with them. I also enjoyed that Vasya chooses her fate to help save others.
Final Thoughts
I think I've made it clear that despite anything I may have actually enjoyed, the pacing and disconnect I felt with the narrative completely ruined this. I never connected with this story or felt engrossed, and there were times I just didn't care. I felt like this was required reading from school instead of this captivating look at folklore.
I can see why people like this one and I will still be reading the sequels, but I wish I liked this one more.
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More reviews like this one can be found on my blog, CoffeeCocktailsandBooks
-------
Review
Gah, I wanted to love this book so much.
I've seen nothing but 4 and 5 star reviews from people I trust, but guys, I'm sorry, this one wasn't for me.
I had a lot of trouble connecting with the story and it was a bit of a slog to get to.
Now, don't get me wrong. There were some things that I enjoyed. I loved the battle between Christianity and "the old religion" and the fact that though many people in Vasya's village have converted, they still leave offerings and believe the local tales.
“It is a cruel task, to frighten people in God’s name.”
I also liked the dogmatic fear that Konstantin insights on the town, believing that you can only teach religion through fear. I also loved the seemingly torn nature Konstantin had between his faith and feelings towards Vasya (I kind of picked up a Judge Frollo thing, that he was torn by faith and feeling).
Anna's infatuation with Konstantin, both as a religious leader and a bit of a lust interest was super interesting as well. At first she likes having a religious leader to lean on and to protect her from the demons, but then develops these feelings (unsure if romantic, sexual, or just jealously) for him later on.
“If this is the last decision I can ever make, at least it is my decision. Let me go, Alyosha. I am not afraid.”
Though I think the slow paced plot really hindered my enjoyment. Instead of connecting with the story, I was just waiting for something to happen. I didn't even feel like there was a real threat until like the last third of the book.
As for the actual, mythological threat, it was okay. I enjoyed the different demons and Vasya's relationship with them. I also enjoyed that Vasya chooses her fate to help save others.
Final Thoughts
I think I've made it clear that despite anything I may have actually enjoyed, the pacing and disconnect I felt with the narrative completely ruined this. I never connected with this story or felt engrossed, and there were times I just didn't care. I felt like this was required reading from school instead of this captivating look at folklore.
I can see why people like this one and I will still be reading the sequels, but I wish I liked this one more.
Along the edge of the forest a Russian village is filled with house spirits and demons lurk in the woods. Only a few can see these beings and Vasilisa is one of them.
When Vasilisa's mother dies and her father remarries a very devout woman, an entire household is turned around. Having been raised to feed the house spirits and fear Frost, the winter demon in the deep forest, Vasilisa is forced to forget about these entities under the rule of her step-mother. However, Vasilisa cannot just forget these beings, not as she finds it is her destiny to be a part of them and even conquer one who seeks to bring fear into the hearts of all for the sake of his own hunger. Fairy tales and folk lore come to reality in this novel as Vasilisa battles the encroaching Christian faith that threatens to oust the old ways and the reality that the death of the old ways means death to the crops that keep them alive. Vasilisa is not a perfect heroine; she is not pretty, she is outspoken, and she knows that marriage (in the 14th century mind you!) is not for her. Her family is extensive and manages to both support her and hinder her throughout as she stumbles her way through the fairy tales of her childhood coming to life. It was fascinating to read about the old Russian and Slavic folk tales, to learn of new creatures and stories that wrap into these character's lives. The blending of myth and history was beautiful and eloquent, for this was a new form of fairy tale in itself. Vasilisa's interactions were engaging and entertaining, pulling one from rural life in Russia to an enchanted realm filled with fairies and monsters. The balance between her life with her family and her life with those creatures she could see was delightful. This novel was absolutely everything I would want in a story that incorporates mythology into history.
It was simple magic that has the potential to be so much more, which is why I am delighted this is just the first in a trilogy. It was a wonderful foundation book, the start of the hero's journey, and I look forward to reading onward.
When Vasilisa's mother dies and her father remarries a very devout woman, an entire household is turned around. Having been raised to feed the house spirits and fear Frost, the winter demon in the deep forest, Vasilisa is forced to forget about these entities under the rule of her step-mother. However, Vasilisa cannot just forget these beings, not as she finds it is her destiny to be a part of them and even conquer one who seeks to bring fear into the hearts of all for the sake of his own hunger. Fairy tales and folk lore come to reality in this novel as Vasilisa battles the encroaching Christian faith that threatens to oust the old ways and the reality that the death of the old ways means death to the crops that keep them alive. Vasilisa is not a perfect heroine; she is not pretty, she is outspoken, and she knows that marriage (in the 14th century mind you!) is not for her. Her family is extensive and manages to both support her and hinder her throughout as she stumbles her way through the fairy tales of her childhood coming to life. It was fascinating to read about the old Russian and Slavic folk tales, to learn of new creatures and stories that wrap into these character's lives. The blending of myth and history was beautiful and eloquent, for this was a new form of fairy tale in itself. Vasilisa's interactions were engaging and entertaining, pulling one from rural life in Russia to an enchanted realm filled with fairies and monsters. The balance between her life with her family and her life with those creatures she could see was delightful. This novel was absolutely everything I would want in a story that incorporates mythology into history.
It was simple magic that has the potential to be so much more, which is why I am delighted this is just the first in a trilogy. It was a wonderful foundation book, the start of the hero's journey, and I look forward to reading onward.
The bear and the nightingale brings you back to that place in childhood fairytales where magic doesnt have to run parallel to the laws we understand in the real world. It just works. Magical beings just exist, magical words just make shit work. It’s simple, but so effective in releasing you from the critical brain and letting you enjoy the unpredictable and other the fae are.
I don’t know if it’s just my tv show brain polluting my reasoning (courtesy of Supernatural etc) but I felt like the big finale was...a small finale. A wee finale if you will. Then again I wonder if it’s my reading pace picking up as things get more intense, so the scene goes by much faster. Either way, I wish the ending didnt seem so quick. The entire book is this wonderful slow burning fairy tale that you get to really steep yourself in and really let your mind get pulled along in the current, where the ending is like someone throwing cold water over you. Thrilling but not something you really get to enjoy!
time and words are spent letting you explore her family, their motivations and the deep history their life is steeped in - they arent the “simple” farm folk you get when a lot of writers portray an isolated community, but a grinding, steely workforce passing the seasons as they seemingly always have. This is why, when change comes, you honestly can feel the cogs of their lives start to falter and spin out of sync - and change comes in so many forms, from within as without.
I don’t know if it’s just my tv show brain polluting my reasoning (courtesy of Supernatural etc) but I felt like the big finale was...a small finale. A wee finale if you will. Then again I wonder if it’s my reading pace picking up as things get more intense, so the scene goes by much faster. Either way, I wish the ending didnt seem so quick. The entire book is this wonderful slow burning fairy tale that you get to really steep yourself in and really let your mind get pulled along in the current, where the ending is like someone throwing cold water over you. Thrilling but not something you really get to enjoy!
time and words are spent letting you explore her family, their motivations and the deep history their life is steeped in - they arent the “simple” farm folk you get when a lot of writers portray an isolated community, but a grinding, steely workforce passing the seasons as they seemingly always have. This is why, when change comes, you honestly can feel the cogs of their lives start to falter and spin out of sync - and change comes in so many forms, from within as without.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Wonderfully written fairy tale for adults. Strong nature-centric folklore and "magic" themes. Takes you to another world. Couldn't put it down.