This checked all my boxes—magic, folklore, adventure, and heart. The love between family even in a stoic people was so real, and it managed to be a cozy tale in spite of the cold and unforgiving setting. It gives many of the same feelings as Naomi Novick’s works, which are some of my favorites. Loved it. Thrilled to read the next.

Not something I would have normally picked up to read but it was recommended by a friend and I read this quickly and enjoyed it! I pictured Adam Driver as the winter king, I want this to be a movie! I felt like I was there, can’t wait to read the others.

Great characters, storyline was engrossing.

Creative telling of the development of religion and life in Russia. I did not know northern Russia was inhabited by mostly Scandinavian descendants. I loved the interplay between old gods and the new one true god religion. I loved the story of a family and their struggles and character.

In this time of Covid this is a wonderful story for escaping the Now. Well written and told like an old fairytale for adults. I suppose for anyone who enjoys fantasy and stories of the Old Ones, but happily, not classified as Young Adult. I will be ordering the rest of the trilogy next.

This book sweeps you up and carries you into the next two.

My rating system: 5 stars are reserved for books that totally blow me away, or classics that I believe would have when they were new. I don’t give too many of these out, because it’s the highest rating that you could ever possibly give any book on here. 4 stars for books that I would recommend to just about anyone, or, at least, to someone who doesn’t dislike the genre. 3 stars for books that I would only recommend to someone who is fond of the genre. 2 stars for books that I would be hesitant to recommend to anyone at all, but the book was not a total disaster. 1 star for books that I found so terribly ridiculous, or poorly written, that I wish I had not spent time reading to begin with.

Such a compelling read! I love books that spend time developing the characters and this book really guides you through how the main character became herself. Also, I knew nothing about Russian mythology or history and I was afraid I would be confused, but it’s written so well that it did not matter at all! This is a masterpiece. I loved every word.

Beautifully written, so vivid In how she writes. She is an incredibly rare talent, she is genuine in her craft. This trilogy may be her debut but I can liken her to storytellers like Alice Hoffman. She’s incredible. My new favorite author.

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