A review by amrabad
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

adventurous emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Liska has magic that she doesn’t want anymore. In order to get rid of it she makes a bargain with the forest demon, The Leszy. She stays in his manor in a sentient forest and finds both friends and herself. She experiences magic and the forest during her time in the manor, giving her a lot to consider. 

This was a blind date from my bookshelf pick by my husband (based on the cover, which is beautiful). This book absorbed me. I started it and forgot about every other book I was reading. And while I typically don’t enjoy reading YA much anymore, this was lovely. The writing was beautiful, the magic, which is based on Polish folklore, was fascinating, and the story itself was well structured and well paced. It gave a cozy but a little bit spooky vibe, which I’m learning is one of my favorites.

I will absolutely read this book again.