Review by arialuna - Where the Dark Stands Still

arialuna 's review for:

Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

5.0

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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

I absolutely loved the folklore that is interwoven throughout the story, and how oral traditions are passed down despite the obvious shift there was towards a more secular faith.

As someone born into one world, but belonging to another, I appreciated Liska's ability to deconstruct the religious doctrine she was bound by to truly come into her own.

I also enjoyed the setting, as the House Under the Rowan Tree felt like a more lively version of it's predecessor — the Castle from Howl's Moving Castle. It felt mystical and yet homely all the same.

I also loved the mention of the food she prepares and observes, especially the kielbasa, because Polish and Ukrainian food have many similarities. It felt comforting and familiar in the way a warm hug does.

I hope to see what more Liska and her adopted brood have in store, as this book certainly made me miss it the moment I put it down.

Content Warnings