In the depths of Russia, Vasya is born to a dying woman who has claimed she is the child that will be full of magic and wildness. As Vasya grows older, her connection to folklore and the creatures of magical tales becomes obvious as she is the only one who sees the creatures who survive in the belief that they exist, and the offerings villagers leave out to them. In turn, they protect the household and its inhabitants. When Vasya's father remarries, he brings home a woman who fears the creatures and sets in motion a series of events that could bring disaster on Vasya and her family.

Okay, I knew I would love this and I didn't read this for ages because I knew it but I was afraid somehow it would let me down. But I shouldn't have worried as this was more or less perfect for me, and everything in this book was just a lovely recipe of success for me. The blend of Russian history and folklore with the perfect dash of magic in creatures and The Winter King. A little girl growing up wild on fairytales and with an affinity for horses? I'm there.

I loved the writing style in this book, and while I agree that the middle part of the story was slower than the other parts, I just loved being with the characters so much I didn't mind spending more time with them.

There were parts of this book - those with The Winter King - that reminded me of Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver so readers who enjoyed that, may enjoy this book as well.

This book wrapped up quite nicely so I'm intrigued and excited to see what happens next for Vasya.