Title: The Witch and The Tsar
Author: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Pages: 432
Release Date: 8 December 2022
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Hello fellow book lovers, today I'm sharing my review for the powerfully poignant and compelling, The Witch and The Tsar by debut author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore. Which delves into the rich tapestry of Russian Folklore and presents a fascinatingly refreshing (and feminist) exploration into the oft-vilified witch of legend, Baba Yaga.
Synopsis
In this stunning debut novel, the maligned and immortal witch of legend known as Baba Yaga will risk all to save her country and her people from Tsar Ivan the Terrible—and the dangerous gods who seek to drive the twisted hearts of men.
As a half-goddess possessing magic, Yaga is used to living on her own, her prior entanglements with mortals having led to heartbreak. She mostly keeps to her hut in the woods, where those in need of healing seek her out, even as they spread rumors about her supposed cruelty and wicked spells. But when her old friend Anastasia—now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness—arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia’s. Yaga must step out of the shadows to protect the land she loves.
As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan—soon to become Ivan the Terrible—grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.
Review
This was such an immersive read, and much like Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint have done with their feminist reimaginings of maligned and oft-ignored women in Greek mythology, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore has presented us with a bright, courageous and compelling woman whose story I didn’t want to put down!
I loved how very different this portrayal of Yaga was compared to the malicious, child eating witch of legend and really enjoyed the vulnerability and emotional complexity that is woven in her character. I also loved her sharp wit and how easily she manages to take control of a situation—especially when she manages to intimidate and send even the most hardened of soldiers scurrying. But, it was Yaga’s softer side that really endeared her to me, and made her feel all the more real (and human) to me.
In fact, most of the characters we encounter alongside Yaga are multifaceted, flawed and full of an incredible depth that I really enjoyed. Even Koshey the Deathless (the villain of many a folktale himself) was embued with an endearing dose of humanity and tragedy that had me sympathising with him a little by the end.
The world building was also impressively detailed and perfectly blends history and mythology to create a rich and sweepingly immersive experience that truly captures the essence of life in 16th C Russia.
The folkloric fantasy elements were especially well done and, when paired with real historical events and places, really brought the vast culture and traditions of Russia, it’s history and the vast folkloric heritage of the region to life.
I especially liked to duality of light and dark that plays a vital role in the narrative (good and evil, life and death, light and dark) and is symbolic for the complex and dual nature of being human.
Overall, a delicately woven and gorgeously enchanting debut that historical fiction lovers, fans of fierce and loveable warrior witches or Madeline Miller and Elizabeth Arden are bound to enjoy.
Though, I do warn that given the rather brutal themes and events (which involve war, violence and death-some of which is based on actual events) I do advise checking out the TWs before picking this up.
Also, a huge thank you to Random Things Tours and Harper Voyager UK for the finished copy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
About The Author
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore was born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the US, and graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in English / political science, and from Northwestern University School of Law with a JD. She practiced litigation at a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an author. She is happiest writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern European folklore. She lives in a wooded lakeside suburb of Chicago with her husband and daughter. The Witch and the Tsar is her debut novel.
