A review by kearstenkeepsreading
The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense slow-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

Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for providing an arc for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! Olesya Salnikova Gilmore writes a debut novel that is a beautifully compelling feminist reimagining of the infamous Baba Yaga. She brings you into this intense world of old gods and the new God and the fight between light and darkness, good and evil. Gilmore truly blends the rich beautiful culture of Russia with a beautiful mythical reimagining of Baba Yaga that draws you in from the beginning.

This book is steeped in lore and magic and history. You are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, hurt and joy. The book does move on the slower side because it is focused on Yaga and her journey to realizing balance in her own life. At first clinging to her immortality and separation from mortals to embracing her mortal half fully and then having to find that balance to save not only the ones she loves but Russia herself. 

If you love historical fantasy and feminist reimagining's then do yourself a favor and read this book. It is now a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to see what else Gilmore writes in the future!
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