Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - The Girl in The Tower

This book was just as amazing as the first in the series, and does not fall victim to the second book slump. There is adventure and intrigue, deception and betrayal. The setting of medieval Russia both has its positives in the magnificent imagery created by the author and moments that will anger as it hinders Vasya’s ability to show her true strength. The ending was so gratifying and the perfect way to end such a riveting second installment.

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chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? No

5.0

This is a much quicker pace than the first book, the story moves to Moscow, politics in the city. Whilst Vasya is reunited with the siblings she said goodbye to as a child, the folk of fairy tales are trying to stay present as the people in Moscow forget and put Paton gods aside as superstition. Bandits are rife in the villages the Tarta's want their ransom and Vasya refuses to abide by Russian rules and stay hidden in the Tower with the rest of the women. Not whilst she sees animals, people and being who need her.

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galactic_gigi's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Following the first book in it‘s magical footsteps, this book delivered everything needed in a sequel. We get a heroine that is maturing throughout the book while facing human and magical dangers. Vasya‘s development during this book is incredible and I wished to protect this innocent child from all the cruel things her world has to offer. However, she masters the difficulties she faces wonderfully given the circumstances and I‘m still amazed how good of a heart she has. If I were faced with all this stuff, I would gladly stay in a not-quite-there-hut in the forest.
The slow-burn left me sighing more than once and at this point I can‘t wait to nearly die in a winter night just to be saved by a handsome frost-demon. Also: the YEARNING. From both of them! And he is always there for her. These are the things that keep the seasonal depression at bay!
Despite introducing a new villain in this book, I still can’t fathom the idea of how much hatred and rage a certain priest provokes in me. The pure entitlement this man feels towards Vasya leaves me with the most urgent need to introduce him to a wall. Of Brick. Repeatedly. Needless to say, Vasya is confronted with a lot of misogyny and sexism, as could be expected in a historical fantasy. However, the reveal in the end was a little bit obvious if you know some Russian folklore but it was executed really well and the betrayal left me aghast (somehow I managed to expect it but also denying myself so yeah, the shock was real).
The things I liked most were definitely the scenes with amoroso and the ones with her little niece. Also, as I mentioned: I really want an opportunity to train my right hook with this blond dude….

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marlireads's review against another edition

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4.0

The writing and the fairytale vibes are just sooo lovely

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