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Revision as of 16:10, 31 August 2020
, 16:10, 31 August 2020no edit summary
There are two main threads to the plot this book and the complexity comes from the weaving of the two threads together. This is done with such subtlety and care that the story flows beautifully but with much more weight and action than in the previous book. The first thread is Vasya’s continued relationship with the old world of spirits and sprites and her magical power. This is not cliché spellcasting and witchcraft but rather shows the power of tradition and belief, both in oneself and in one’s religion. Vasya battles with the impact this has on her life; she has already been chased out of one village as a witch, and she sees the spirits slowly dwindle as Christianity strengthens its hold over Moscow. Again we see that the weakening of the small spirits leaves the way open for greater evil to take advantage. Into this battle steps Father Konstantin, back for revenge for the wrongs he believes are all Vasya’s doing whist still refusing to take responsibility for his own feelings and actions. He remains a sinister, rotten man, choosing to label Vasya as a witch and blaming her for his own corrupted soul. I love this character and was so pleased to see his return.
At the same time there is the second plot line, that of the girl in the tower. This plot line was very gently suggested and hinted at and allowed the whole plot to take on extra importance and weight but without ever being heavy handed. The story keeps allowing the reader to guess the importance of the girl in the tower. In this plot line the women take centre stage and there are several characters who are all connected. Marya is Vasya’s niece and shares Vasya’s spirit as well as the gift of Sight and in her we see Vasya’s childhood fears of being raised to be a wife and mother, shut away as a lady in a rich luxurious cage. That life is being played out before her by her sister Olga who has done her female duty to marry and produce heirs and is kept at all times in her palace, only allowed to leave the walls to attend church. Vasya is appalled by this life and sees Marya’s struggle with it, but is also aware how difficult it is to refuse to conform to society's expectations. There is a moment of wonderful imagery where Vasya is running free around the city and looks up to see her sister and niece watching through the window in one of the palace towers. Vasya has to battle the evil rising within the city, refusing to leave her family to suffer but without being trapped into the restricted life of the girl in the tower. She is determined to fight for her family but will her family fight for her freedom? This story is beautifully written, and yet again I finished this book itching to start the next.
We also have a review of [[The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden]]. Whilst waiting for the third instalment another books book to try is [[Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier]]
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