Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - Where the Dark Stands Still: A sweeping, gothic YA fairy tale

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Where the Dark Stands Still: A sweeping, gothic YA fairy tale by A.B. Poranek

16 reviews

chasinggrace's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is a stunning, cozy book. The Polish folklore was detailed, the sentient house was whimsical, and the characters’ personalities were palpable. While slow-paced, I was never bored. This is 5⭐️ not because it’s action-packed or never-before-seen, but because it’s heartfelt and beautiful.

the only thing I would change is I’d give this story a happier ending 😭 I was in tears at the end and the epilogue did NOT help. When did cozy fantasy = death and heartbreak?? In my head Eliasz is alive in the House Under the Rowan Tree, idc.

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kwthor'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? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Sweet fantasy with a bitter sweet ending.

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katievallin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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? Yes

3.5

I liked the vibes: the sentient forest and house, the feeling of home, the found-family, the gradual romance. I liked the characters and the very obvious similarities to Beauty and the Beast.

I didn't like the body horror

and human sacrifice.

Those definitely made it seem more dark and evil than it started off being. I also feel conflicted about the clash between the church and paganism.

Also the climax was very sad, and I did not appreciate that.

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creolelitbelle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

I love dark fantasy stories and fairy tale/legend/folklore retellings; this book does those aspects great justice. Prior to reading it, I was unfamiliar with Slavic tales aside from Baba Yaga, about who I recently checked out a modernized retelling. The gods of Leszy and Veles (spelled Weles in the book) feature prominently, and the protagonist's name, Liska (Czech or Slavic for "fox") epitomizes her character and physical traits. Throughout my reading, I found myself looking up concepts like Kupala Night and those various Slavic names to better understand the foundation of the novel, but knowing the background is not necessary to enjoying the narrative. I do think that the book could be enhanced with a little information at the end about the Slavic culture and how it relates to the plot and characters. For those who want to discover more about the originating culture, having that resources handy would be super convenient.

Liska's motivations entirely understandable, even if she diverts almost immediately off the forest path, a foreboding act in any dark fantasy or fairy tale, going back to "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Hansel and Gretel". The Leszy is harsh but mysterious and kind enough that I kept wanting to discover more about him and the house with Liska. Actions are committed rashly at times, but that is to be expected for a teenager and by superstitious villagers that run high on emotions regarding magic and witchcraft. The ending left me wanting more, wishing for one more page, but the note it dropped on provides hope. I loved how well multiple pieces of Slavic culture were woven into the book without my feeling lost or overwhelmed. I definitely recommend. This could be a wonderful book for spooky fall vibes.

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betweentheshelves's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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

4.0

Liska has been raised to believe that magic is evil and all magic users are monsters. Including herself. So, she decides to take matters into her own hands by going into the spirit-wood to find the mythical fern flower. A flower she can use to banish her powers for good.

However, everyone who has searched for the fern flower has disappeared. It’s there Liska meets The Leszy, the demon who guards the woods. In exchange for what she wants, Liska has agreed to serve him for one year. But there’s something dark lurking in The Leszy’s manor. Does Liska have the power to destroy it?

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Where the Dark Stands Still by AB Poranek to review! I’m always here for books with dark fairytale vibes, and this book definitely fits the bill.

I saw someone describe this as Howl’s Moving Castle meets Polish folklore, and honestly, that’s the perfect way to describe this book. The gothic manor that Liska finds herself in has a mind of its own, revealing secrets to her that the Leszy (also known as Eliasz) doesn’t want her to know. The way magic works in this book is so interesting, and the intertwining of Polish folklore just adds to it.

The characters are also well done. A main part of the story is Liska trying to deal with the trauma she has from having magic in a society that deems it evil. Eliasz does his best to help her work through this and show her that magic doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Of course, we do get a little romance between them, and the chemistry between them is well done.

I’d imagine if you get the right narrator, this would also make a fantastic audiobook. Parts of the story have a kind of oral history feel to them. If you like dark folklore inspired fantasy, this will definitely be the book for you!

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meganpbell's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

Meet the darker, gothier little sister of Uprooted and The Bear and the Nightingale—with a hint of Howl’s Moving Castle! Rooted in Polish folklore and set in a wickedly magical wood full of dangers and wonders alike, this grim yet romantic young adult fantasy marks the debut of a writer to watch.

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