4.09 AVERAGE

g_monaghan's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 42%

Ughhh I had such high hopes but this was sooo slow, I might regret dnfing but I couldn't keep my eyes open trying to get through this 😔
dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

I don’t know why I only gave this book 4 stars the first time I read it, because I love it so much.

I absolutely adored this book! It started off incredibly strong and I was intrigued right from the start. It did lose me a bit in the middle, but then it picked up again and I was back to being hooked. I loved Vasya. She was such a strong, incredibly well-written character. I also love the relationship she had with her horse, and their little scenes reminded me so much of the moments I’ve spent with my own horses (especially his disapproval over her braiding his mane and tail
adventurous dark mysterious medium-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

This was a good audiobook, despite the characterisation of child Vasya. I enjoyed the novel more than expected, especially the way all the tales linked together.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

My rating on this one is more about me than the book. I just wasn't in the mood for something slow and lyrical. Beautifully written but I was just wanting something to capture my attention a little more.
adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Really interesting take on Russian folklore. Engaging and quick read. I understand it’s the start of a trilogy (surprise there, since lately everything is a trilogy or a series); but I’m invested enough to want to see it through, so I’ll be reading the rest.

I WANT MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was a cool book. I know very little about Russian folklore. I know in The Huntress they discuss the ruselkas but this was so much more! It’s was such a great blend of historical fiction and fantasy. At times I had to remind myself the mystical was happening because Arden did such a great job of weaving into the story line. This is mot my typical read, but I am so glad I got it, read it and that there are 2 more!!