R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 6/20/2022 + 1440 more book reviews

Having read and enjoyed [book:The Bear and the Nightingale|25489134], it was natural to turn to the sequel where Vasyilisa's talent for seeing what others do not earns attention of Morozko, the winter king. Working together, they save her people from destruction. The victory is brief because villagers proclaim her a witch and insist that she either marry or enter a convent. Vasya will accept neither, choosing travel and adventure. Disguised as a boy, she rides her powerful stallion, Solovey, fights bandits and wins the respect and praise of the Grand Prince of Moacow who proclaims her a hero. Realizing that she cannot reveal she is a girl, because it would be disastrous not only for her but her family, she continues the deception. Unable to extract herself from the intrigues in Moscow's court, she turns to Morozko for counsel that she is uncertain she can trust.

Strong, independent and determined, Vasya faces inner struggles with mixed feelings for the Winter King, a desire to find her own place in the world, and frequent uncertainty about what to do, she grows and learnd to endure change. Events find her fighting beside the Grand Prince, her brother, the monk, and her sister, Olga, the married aristocrat. Her siblings must support her disguise or face disaster. Meanwhile, Vasya discovers a plot to overthrow the crown. The tale continues to a climax including death, forgiveness, truth and chance to live a new life.

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