Books matching: eastern european fantasy setting
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- #1
Save:A layered, beautifully written fairy tale reimagining with powerful female leads and a satisfyingly intricate plot - just be prepared for a leisurely pace and multiple POVs.
"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her...July 2018•478 pages - #2
Save:Deathless is dazzling and ambitious - a poetic fever dream of myth and history - but it can be confusing, overwhelming, and emotionally brutal. Try it if you crave powerful prose and fairy tales for grown-ups, but be ready for a wild, sometimes messy ride.
'Deathless' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novel that intricately weaves together Russian folklore with the historical backdrop of pre and post-revolutionary Russia. The story follows Marya Morevna, the human bride of Koshchei the Deathless, as she navigates a world filled with magical elements such as firebirds, Baba Yaga, and house spirits, all set against the grim realities of the Soviet era. Valente's writing style is described as seductive, mesmerizing, and poetic, drawing readers into a dark and enchanting narrative that delves into themes of love, power, and the duality of life and death.
In a city by the sea which was once called St. Petersburg, then Petrograd, then Leningrad, then, much later, St. Petersburg again, there stood a long, thin house on a long, thin street. By a long, thi...March 2011•353 pages - #3
Save:A fresh and inventive twist on Sleeping Beauty with Russian folklore, time travel, and humor. It's a must-read for fans of fairy tales and mythic retellings - just be prepared for some old-school gender takes and a slow burn at times.
'Enchantment' by Orson Scott Card is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty set in Russia and the United States. The story follows Ivan, a young man who discovers a sleeping princess named Katerina in the forest and embarks on a journey through time and adventures filled with elements of Russian folklore, romance, and magic. As Ivan and Katerina navigate the complexities of their different worlds, they must decide how they feel about each other while facing challenges like evil knights and Baba Yaga. The novel seamlessly weaves together themes of family relationships, cultural identity, and the clash between past and present, creating a captivating and unique fantasy narrative.
I’m ten years old, my whole life you’ve called me Vanya. My name is on the school records, on government papers as Ivan Petrovich Smetski. Now you tell me I’m really Itzak Shlomo. What am I, a Jewish...November 1984•430 pages - #4
Save:A spellbinding fairy tale that’s equal parts dark, whimsical, and heartfelt - even if it rushes in spots. If you want magic with roots, a fierce heroine, and an enchanting atmosphere, “Uprooted” is a must-read.
"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.
The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.
Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrific...May 2015•462 pages - #5
Save:A sweeping, immersive read that’s perfect for fans of big, ambitious historical sagas and anyone curious about Russia’s past, but may feel too dense or detached for those seeking character-driven stories or a quick, breezy novel.
"Russka: the Novel of Russia" by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical novel that spans 1800 years of Russian history, following the lives of multiple families through different eras. The book starts with the people of the Steppes, then delves into the periods of the Tatars, Ivan the Terrible, the Cossacks, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Tsar Nicholas, and the Revolution. The narrative weaves together personal stories with major historical events, offering a vivid portrayal of Russia's past and the resilience of its people.
The book is structured as a saga of six families, providing a comprehensive view of Russian history from ancient times until the 1990s. Readers are taken on a journey through the turbulent events that shaped Russia, from the early periods of history to the developments leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union. With lifelike characters and intricate period details, Edward Rutherfurd brings the history of Russia to life in a captivating and engaging manner, offering a rich tapestry of passion, loss, and the enduring spirit of the Russian people.
Like horsemen they came from the east with their billowing white canopies, from who knew what endless steppes – sweeping majestically over the little collection of huts by the river’s edge and continu...January 1980
