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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Entirely enjoyable, and a lovely add to the ice list. Reminded me a bit of the Water of Possibility for an older audience, and especially loved the depictions of Moscow
Magical, infused with real folklore, with familiar and yet inventive tropes. Anyone who loved Lyra of the Golden Compass will find an equally compelling heroine in Vasya.
Audiobook & hardback - Stunning piece of Russian folklore. Absolutely gorgeous storytelling; so rich with feeling and the bite of winter cold.
We grow up alongside the family, and watch as our main character grows into a strong, independent and fierce woman in a time when it was near impossible to do so.
Not the easiest read as the language used about women can be quite triggering and the way the men talk like they’re cattle can be grinding. A bit of a slow burner- you ease through the story slowly as the fairytale unfolds.
We grow up alongside the family, and watch as our main character grows into a strong, independent and fierce woman in a time when it was near impossible to do so.
Not the easiest read as the language used about women can be quite triggering and the way the men talk like they’re cattle can be grinding. A bit of a slow burner- you ease through the story slowly as the fairytale unfolds.
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:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This reads as a dark fairy tale, and I enjoyed every minute.
Arden’s style is beautiful and magical. I can’t wait to read the second book.
Arden’s style is beautiful and magical. I can’t wait to read the second book.
This was a good story with interesting characters, and since I'm not familiar with much Russian folklore beyond Baba Yaga it was fun to read a fairy-tale-like story that was new to me.
There were a couple of gaping plot holes, and the pacing had issues. Near the end of the book the plot stalled for a bit and I started to dread that the book might be intended as the start to a trilogy, but then everything wrapped up in a rush in the last few pages.
My biggest annoyance is that after setting up Vasilisa as a brave and competent heroine, the plot sidelines her during the climax.
Overall, though, a good first novel from this author, and I'd be interested to read more from her.
There were a couple of gaping plot holes, and the pacing had issues. Near the end of the book the plot stalled for a bit and I started to dread that the book might be intended as the start to a trilogy, but then everything wrapped up in a rush in the last few pages.
My biggest annoyance is that after setting up Vasilisa as a brave and competent heroine, the plot sidelines her during the climax.
Overall, though, a good first novel from this author, and I'd be interested to read more from her.
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What a great way to start the year with the club (Fantasy & Frens -Fable)! A beautifully written story immersed in folklore and magic. I loved the prose, which was fast paced,easy to read, and I couldn't wait to turn the page and find out what happened next. What stopped this from being 5 stars for me was the character development which I felt needed to be tighter. Will definitely continue the series.