Books matching: russian folklore
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- #1
Save:The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where the protagonist Vasya can see spirits and is caught between the world of Christianity and the old gods. The story follows Vasya's journey as she navigates the magical and mysterious woods, facing challenges related to family, courage, love, and magic, all while defying traditional gender roles.
The book is written in a lyrical and fairy tale-like style, drawing heavily on Russian folklore and mythology. It explores themes of resilience, tradition, family, and the clash between old and new worlds, creating an atmospheric winter setting that captivates readers with its intricate and layered storytelling.
It was late winter in northern Rus’, the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow. The brilliant February landscape had given way to the dreary gray of March, and the household of Pyotr Vlad... - #2
Save:'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... - #3
Save:'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 ... - #4
Save:In tsarist Russia, a kitchen boy and a playboy are forced on the run, encountering spirits and demons in the woods. The relationship between the two men is sweet and contentious, with subtextual slashy undertones. The plotline is buried in boring waiting around and inaction, with the point of view switching between characters causing confusion. The story revolves around feelings and emotions, exploring the power of emotions in controlling one's environment and the importance of agreement among wizards.
A particularly large one lingered where water ran off The Cockerel’s west porch, but it was not ice that shattered, it was aunt Ilenka’s butter-churn, when Pyetr Kochevikov rode his horse up onto the ... - #5
Save:In "The Secret History of Moscow" by Ekaterina Sedia, readers are taken on a journey through the dark and mystical underbelly of Moscow, where mythic characters and folklore intertwine with the modern city life. The story follows a group of unlikely heroes, including a schizophrenic translator, a bored cop, and an alcoholic painter, as they unravel the mystery of people turning into birds and discover a secret mythic world hidden beneath the streets of Moscow. As they delve deeper into this underground realm, they encounter past gods and embark on odyssey-like adventures, all while exploring the shifting cultural landscape of post-Soviet Russia.
Sedia's writing style infuses the haunting Russian mythos with the grey physical and emotional landscape of Moscow in the 90s, creating a backdrop for social and economic commentary on post-Soviet life. Through a blend of dark urban fantasy and Russian folklore, the author paints a vivid picture of a city where fading myths and disillusioned antiheroes must confront the challenges of a world where gods and heroes have been relegated to the Underworld, and the line between reality and myth blurs.
She had long pale fingers, tapered like candles at the church. She swiped them through the flame of a match carefully at first, feeling nothing. Then she held them there longer, expecting them to drip... - #6
Save:In the Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy tale that intricately weaves together Russian folklore elements, such as the firebird and Baba Yaga, with a unique and enchanting storyline. The book follows Prince Ronan of Serre, who is grieving the loss of his wife and child, and Princess Sidonie of Dacia, who is betrothed to Ronan against his wishes. As their paths intertwine with wizards, witches, and magical creatures in the Forest of Serre, a complex and engaging narrative unfolds, showcasing McKillip's lyrical writing style and ability to create captivating characters.
In the forests of Serre, Prince Ronan crossed paths with the Mother of All Witches when he rode down her white hen in a desolate stretch of land near his father’s summer palace. He did not recognize h... - #7
Save:In the book "Firebird" by Mercedes Lackey, set in Russia during a time of tsars and magick, the story follows the protagonist Ilya, a young man from a rough and violent household. After encountering a magical Firebird, Ilya receives gifts that help him survive and become a hero. Banished from his home, presumed dead, and aided by various allies, Ilya embarks on a quest filled with surprises, Russian folklore, and overcoming obstacles. The narrative is a delightful voyage into the myths and fantasies of Russian culture, painting a vivid picture of old-world Russia and showcasing a sword and sorcery fantasy tale that deviates from typical magical creatures.
The story unfolds with Ilya using his wits, courage, and kindness to navigate through a dangerous and enchanting world, making unexpected allies and ultimately learning the true meaning of love. While facing graphic and dark themes, the book explores themes of friendship, overcoming challenges, and the importance of actions over appearances. With elements of Russian folklore, magic, and adventure, "Firebird" is a reimagining of a classic Russian folktale, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and fairy tales to create a captivating narrative.
ANOTHER SLIVER of silvery-pale wood joined the tiny pile at Ilya Ivanovitch’s feet, and the rough shape in his hand became a little more foxlike. The wood rasped against the sword calluses on his palm... - #8
Save:'A Wolf for a Spell' by Karah Sutton is a magical tale that intertwines the lives of Zima, a wolf struggling to protect her pack and the forest, Nadya, a human orphan on a mission to save her friend from a distrustful tsar, and Baba Yaga, a witch with a complex nature. The story delves into themes of teamwork, overcoming fears, and the importance of honesty and self-discovery. Set in a world of Russian folklore, the book weaves together adventure, magic, and excitement as the characters embark on a journey to defeat evil and protect what they hold dear.
The book is praised for its originality, beautiful illustrations, and engaging storytelling that captivates readers of all ages. With a mix of adventure, intrigue, and peril, 'A Wolf for a Spell' keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the characters through a wondrous world filled with folklore and magic.
- #9
Save:"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... - #10
Save:'Egg & Spoon' by Gregory Maguire is a children's fiction novel set in Russia, featuring a rich array of Russian folklore and folktales such as The Firebird, Baba Yaga, and nesting dolls. The story follows two young girls, a city girl and a country girl, who accidentally swap places and find themselves embroiled in a magical adventure. The narrative blends elements of a moralistic fairy tale and a Tsarist Russian version of 'The Prince and the Pauper', all set against a backdrop of Russian history and culture.
THE HEELS OF MILITARY BOOTS, STRIKING MARBLE FLOORS, made a sound like thrown stones. The old man knew that agents were hunting for him. He capped the inkwell and shook his pen. In his haste, he splat...
