Though it only took me a couple of days to read this book, make no mistake it was an absolute slog during the first 75%. There was so much setup to this book that it felt like nothing had happened during the majority of the book and there's only so much laying off foundation of a story you can do when that's all you have for the longest time. I didn't find the first part very engaging, Vasya's childhood could have easily been summed up in a couple of chapters, but there's more time spent on characters that we never see again in this book. I know that they'll probably have some role to play in later installments, but I digress. The second part was much the same, only it just kept repeating the same plot threads: her stepmother is nasty, the priest wants to convert Vasya, but she is too headstrong and wild, her father is disappointed that he can't save her by marrying her off, lather rinse repeat.

It's not until the final part that it finally picks up. Here is all the plot progression and action I've been waiting for and thankfully it did pay off, it just took 80% of the book to get there. Honestly, the ending was always going to decide if I was going to continue with this series and I think I may check out the next book knowing that I was at least satisfied by the end of the first. 

I was not very familiar with Russian folklore going into this book, maybe a handful of Baba Yaga stories and The Firebird, but that was about it. It was neat to see the stories and creatures that make up the myths of this culture and I look forward to seeing more in the next books.

While the pacing of the book was a big negative for me, I did enjoy Vasya's character: her determination, stubbornness, kindness, and sheer will. Her character didn't really grow much over the course of the story, but I think the aim was to test her mettle rather than have her go through a transformation. I am somewhat curious as to where the story will lead her next and it's that feeling that really makes me want to stick around to see what's next for her.