A fitting end to a very strange adventure. The storytelling was wooden and disconnected at times across this trilogy—and after the first book, I didn’t think I’d continue, but curiosity prevailed (and a stubborn determination to finish what I’ve started—if not too damaging to my sanity—well, and even sometimes if it is…) anyway, this story paid off in the end.

A roaming adventure that follows Vasya and Morozko over miles of broken and twisted farmland communities suffering the hardships of oppression and the elements with flailing faith, to the tensely divided Moscow of the 14th century. The adventure crosses between that which is tangible and seen into the magical world of spirits and manipulative gods both feared and revered by the people who cannot see them but know they’re there. Vasya lives in both worlds and in this third installation, she learns to navigate the strange relationships she has struggled with in the past. As she comes to understand and accept her special ability, despite increasing opposition on all sides, she grows in maturity, and even finally receives love for herself, much to our surprise.

We meet with all the characters of the earlier story: Sasha, The Bear, Constantine, Dmitri, Olga, Masha, and Morozko…and while it’s not exactly a bow-tied happy ending, it’s hopeful, with sparks of reconciliation and the ultimate conquering of true evil. 

A unique fictional adventure that reshapes one’s perspective of the mystical influence of folkloric animism in Russia’s long religious history; a definitively sprawling undertaking by a knowledgable author.