Another delight

Really loving this trilogy the harsh landscape and life of the people of this period in Russia paired with the folklore/fairytales is a joy. Can’t wait to start the 3rd book.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book. The reading is excellent and I appreciate that a reader with Russian family members was found, so that pronunciation of Russian names and words was accurate and consistent.
I preferred the atmosphere of the first book, but know that most in my reading preferred the adventures and wider world explored in this one. If you found the first book a little slow or lacking in action then I strongly recommend you give this one a try.
I look forward to listening to the third book soon.

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Superb story

A magnificent story full of vivid imagery and tension and really evoking a sense of Russian folklore. The reading was a little disappointing, especially in narrative passages as the voice often lacked modulation and expression.

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Incredible!

Katherine Arden brings her story to life! I loved the first book in the trilogy and after this book I am longing for the final book. I wish that these stories could go on and on. It really is a fairy tale that is able to capture the mind of an adult and sweep you away to another world. It was also special because my home in Europe surrounds me with cold, rain and snow.

I would advise the reader to start with the first book in the trilogy. Much thanks to the author Katherine Arden and the narrator, Kathleen Gati for these books. They will always remain top among my favourites.

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Great sequel

Once again I listened to this as an audiobook. I even got up to 1.5x speed because I wanted to “read faster”.

I loved this book and continue to love the characters and the world. I was intrigued and interested throughout.

I didn’t give this 5 stars likely because the novelty of the world from the first book was lost, especially as this has much less folklore and more politics which was still fun. I think I will leave it a bit before finishing the trilogy so I can be enchanted again by the unique setting and world.

Definitely enjoyed this read and the story was fun too. Vasilisa is getting older and her life harder. It’s hard to witness but I have a feeling her character in the 3rd book will be better for it!

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Wonderful

Loved the first book and this is an equally fine follow-up. Amazing narrator who really captures all the characters . Wonderful, rich fairy tale that also convincingly evokes a fascinating period of Russian history.

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Gripping and magical.

An adult fairytale about the fairytales of medieval Russia. Brilliantly told and read as it builds on the characters and worlds introduced in book 1. Audacious heroine and colourful manipulative wicked villain.

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More magic

Another beautifully written and magical story - I can’t wait for the last part of this trilogy. If you like fairytales just close your eyes and be transported to Russia in the winter. Thank you Audible and Katherine and Kathleen, just wonderful.

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Loved the language and the imagery.

I read the first book in the trilogy and couldn't wait to download this. The complicated names and language challenge the reader and I loved the author's explanations of the Russian words/tales. This created vivid images with a good balance of historic licence, fantasy & human emotion.

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These are wonderful stories!

I love this book and the first in the series, more than anything I’ve heard recently. Everything about the novel and the audio performance was spellbinding. I’m waiting as patiently as I can for book three. The characters are so engaging and the descriptions are excellent. The story is thrilling. I have nothing negative, not even slightly, to say about it. I’m going to buy the books.

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