Guilt and grief can sometimes make you miss what’s right in front of you. 

 

All Gisela can think about is finding a way to become human again so she can go back to her island home, find her little brother, and make sure he’s taken care of. All Kazik can think of is his belief that his grandmother wouldn’t have died when she did if it were not for some forest spirits that attacked her. 

 

At the same time, Gisela’s not recognizing how much she loves the village she’s dwelling in or how much she’s come to love her water nymph sisters. Kasik can’t see the reason things are getting so much worse for him on a magical and personal level is because he’s taking his pain out on people (and spirits) who don’t deserve it. 

 

One capricious water nymph and one brooding exorcist. They’re natural enemies and they know it. They act like it. Then they strike a bargain involving a boy they coincidentally both have a crush on. There’s no way this could go sideways, surely? 

 

Peachtree Teen continues to amaze me with the diversity of novels they publish, especially since it’s a YA imprint. This is a YA historical, polyamorous, LGBTQ romantasy. The time in which this takes place is (I think) deliberately nebulous, but it’s a time with electricity but not modern (I should mention this is not set on Earth, but a fantastical realm). The feel of the world that’s built gives off Slavic vibes (as does the folklore used). 

 

Author Alicia Jasinska deserves all the snaps for writing a beautiful and genre-appropriate polyamorous LGBTQ romance. By that I mean “YA-appropriate”. I’m not someone who ascribes to the notion of restricting reading based on the age of the reader, but I know there are parents, teachers, librarians, and readers out there who will want to know if this book gets spicy or if the polyamorous relationship in these pages is unrealistically portrayed for the age of the characters (which is around 18). I can tell the topic is handled with sensitivity with the characters who need it and without shame all around. There is no spice and no clothing is mussed. The romance leans more toward words and affection than it does action. 

 

I did have an issue with the ending, but not because it’s a bad ending. It was because I got confused. The ending seems to imply there might be a sequel, but I can’t see a sequel listed anywhere and I don’t think I’ve seen one announced. Mark my words, though: If there’s a sequel, I need it in my hands.  

 

I was provided a copy of this title by the publisher and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you. 

 

File Under: Folklore/Fantasy/Romantasy/Found Family/Historical Fantasy/LGBTQ Fantasy/LGBTQ Romance/Polyamorous Romance/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy/YA Fiction/YA LGBTQ Romance