Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

The myth / folktale of Baba Yaga is an old Slavic one. The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore sets this retelling in the era of Ivan the Terrible. The story is entertaining but long. The mix of history and mythology also takes some study to follow with glossaries and list included in the book. For me, the history submerges and becomes part of the mythology, and I enjoy an entertaining book about gods, goddesses, and monsters.

Read my complete review at rel="nofollow" target="_top">http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/11/the-witch-and-tsar.html

Reviewed for NetGalley.… (mehr)

Yaga is an immortal living deep in the forest and tending to those in need. However when her friend the Tsaritsa is being poisoned, Yaga has to travel to Moscow where she meets an old acquaintance. Accused of witchcraft and thrown into prison Yaga is helpless to stop her friend being poisoned. years later Yaga is called on to support those fighting the Tsar as he is possessed by evil. This is a supernatural enemy and Yaga may not be strong enough to survive.
This is a truly magical book weaving together several different strands of Slavic myth with the real life story of Ivan the Terrible. Yaga is made to be both human and yet more, she is not the evil witch of legend. The emotions are strong and the characters well drawn. A really wonderful fantasy.… (mehr)