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kittyluvr30's review against another edition
4.0
the atmosphere, the cast of characters, and the plot in the second half of the book was
jrudy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The characters were well developed, and the world building through fairy tales was really well done. I think the tone of the writing really added to the world and characters. I would have given it a higher rating, but the ending fell a bit flat to me and the story was predictable.
zeroshelfcontrol's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written but rather slow story, though perhaps it would have been better in print format, not audiobook.
deluciate's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful story with fascinating characters. I've always loved fairy tales and I enjoy finding new (to me) stories based in other cultures.
madmadmaddymad's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was very much like reading a fairytale. All the different aspects of the world came together to build an exciting story. And I love our girl Vasya, wirh her strength of heart for the spirits of her house. I liked how her stepmother could also see the spirits - but from her perspective they were demons and devils. I liked the play of witchcraft and religion in this book - the torment and turmoil it put its characters through.
Also, Konstantin gave me such Judge Claud Frolo vibes.
Also, Konstantin gave me such Judge Claud Frolo vibes.
stephclover's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
willa_reads_books's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
took me a while to get into it, i like the writing, it was just a bit slow for me. hated the stepmom
lillithclaire's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
apothecarum's review against another edition
libby time expired - will pick up later
thimi_time's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was my second time reading this book. I will say that, although I hadn’t realised until recently that this was not in fact a standalone novel like I’d thought during my initial read years ago, I think I’m more inclined to read the sequels than I would have been during my first time reading this.
However, since this was a re-read, I was determined to cast a critical eye over it, too. The first 1/4 of the novel is a bit of a slow start, with a lot of exposition and world-building to get through, but the rest was pretty decent. Being older during my 2nd read of the book, I think I was less bored with the mythology, but some parts are definitely hard to get through. But Vasya is definitely a very compelling protagonist and I am interested to see where her story goes (in the sequels, which I now know are a thing).
Some parts I didn’t like:Konstantin continually lusting over Vasya, like seriously man?? Very icky to keep reading. Also the girls being married off young, like super young (which I do understand may have happened historically, but I don’t have to like it or enjoy reading it). Also that certain characters are very one religion is better than all others. . One part I did find totally cool though is Vasya being a total fierce and impressive horse rider! The way she just vaults on to horseback? Perfection.
However, since this was a re-read, I was determined to cast a critical eye over it, too. The first 1/4 of the novel is a bit of a slow start, with a lot of exposition and world-building to get through, but the rest was pretty decent. Being older during my 2nd read of the book, I think I was less bored with the mythology, but some parts are definitely hard to get through. But Vasya is definitely a very compelling protagonist and I am interested to see where her story goes (in the sequels, which I now know are a thing).
Some parts I didn’t like: