Words cannot describe how much I loved this story! I’ll admit, it was slow in the beginning, but it did not deter me from continuing to read. So, without further ado, there may be spoilers ahead so here is your warning and if you would like to purchase this book, simply click the image above and it’ll take you to Amazon!
Book Summary: This story is a Russian folklore retelling about a girl (Vasilia aka Vasya) trying to save her family from an evil being that threatens to destroy not just her hometown, but all of Russia.
At first, her family and the town lived in peace, prospering well in the outskirts of Moscow, but when her mother does and her father remarries, things start going downhill. Along with Vasya’s stepmother comes a new priest who brings the fear of God with him and slowly Vasya’s village forgets their old ways in favor of becoming god-fearing Christians. This awakens an ancient evil hidden in the forest surrounding Vasya’s village who threatens to thrust all of Russia up in flames. Vasya must come to terms with her own powers and find her own path if she is to save both Russia and her own family from death.
Expectations: When I first picked up this book, I had no expectations because I knew nothing about Russian folklore, but when a Barnes and Noble employee walked by and said, “If you like folklore retellings, you will like that book.” Well, I didn’t think twice and added it to my pile of books.
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this book and found my own name being used in it as Vasya’s mother. I hadn’t opened the book when I first picked it up at the bookstore, so I was shocked when I started reading and saw my name in it. But I wasn’t surprised it was in a Russian story as I have had many-a Russian folk ask me if I was Russian or tell me that my name is a Russian name.
Anyways, I was charmed by this book and the characters within it, especially Vasya as she was described as being “ugly” and “frog-like” until she grew into her features and abilities towards the end of the book. It’s always a breath of fresh air when main characters aren’t described as being painstakingly beautiful or pretty but are described as being more human. Additionally, I loved Vasya’s character because she was wild and loved her family more than anything. She would do anything for them except try to be who she is not. That is probably my favorite part of the whole story; that she is exactly who she is and sometimes it gets her into trouble. Lots of trouble.
Recommendation/What I Learned: I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves folklore retellings, magic, and faeries. Knowing absolutely nothing about the book when I started reading, I found this book to be an exciting story that I would tell anyone and everyone to read. I would give this book a 4.5/5 as there were parts in the story I did not like; Pyotr marrying a girl much younger than he is and still bedding her, the men slapping Vasya, etc. But aside from those things, I really loved this book.
From this book I learned that you shouldn’t have to hide who you are to please other people, there will be people out there who will love you for exactly who you are. They will be fascinated by who you are. I also learned that no one should be living their life in fear. Ever. It eats away at you every day and night and can threaten to take over everything you hold dear. God should be a loving and caring figure, not one where you should fear and need repent to for everything you do. We are human and God created us as such. He knows our mistakes, our sins, but he also knows our capabilities, our love, our purpose, and our kindness.
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