Imagine a fairy-tale version of Eastern Europe, where small hamlets edge an evil Wood and a wizard named The Dragon broods in a tower.

The Dragon takes one maiden from Agniezka's village every ten years. No one knows why and when the girls return after their ten years of servitude they only say The Dragon never touched them and they swiftly move away to new lives away from the village and the wood.

Agniezka is one of the Dragon-Year girls, but everyone knows that beautiful, patient, and talented Kasia will be the one he takes. Except he doesn't.

Despite her clumsiness, her unkempt hair, her messy clothes, the Dragon chooses Agniezka. Feeling scared and unprepared, Agniezka doesn't understand her role in the tower, nor why she was chosen. The Dragon doesn't seem to need her as a servant, and when he does summon her all she does is irritate him.

That is, until Agniezka discovers she may in fact have powers of her own.

I really enjoyed this tale. It is a trope-defying fairy tale, where the leading lady discovers she has powers, but that her powers are at the best when she is herself and does things her way. The romance, which is slight, is built on mutual respect.

And man, the Wood is CREEP-TASTIC. I won't say too much, but think of a demonic possession that can happen just by breathing the air. No thank you.

Highly recommend.



An enchanting fairy tale for adults. Full review to come.