The fantasy adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as Vasya, no longer a child, is confronted with the stark realities facing a wellborn maiden in 14th century Russia. Because she refuses to marry or to be packed off to a convent, her only other option is to flee her home, disguised as a boy. Unprepared to face the world on her own just yet, she finds temporary refuge with the enigmatic frost demon Marozko. The attraction between them is strong as ever but ambivalent on both sides.
Determined to find her own way, Vasya and her great horse Solovey decide to travel on. But when she encounters a village that has been raided by bandits, who have stolen away three young girls, Vasya impulsively decides to track the bandits and rescue the girls.
One thing leads to another and Vasya finds her masquerade could compromise not only her reputation, but the reputations and safety of her brother, sister and niece, even as she becomes aware of a sorcerous plot to assassinate her cousin,the Grand Prince of Moscow and usurp his rule. She comes to understand that she is not the only one who will pay the price for the choices she makes.
An enticing blend of Russian history and folklore provides the foundation for this feminist high fantasy adventure. It will be interesting to see how Arden resolves her tale in Book Three.
Click HERE to read a review from Publishers Weekly.
Click HERE to read a review from Kirkus Reviews.
Click HERE to read a review from Tor.com.
Click HERE to listen to a podcast interview with the author.
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