Days After I Buy This Handful historical fantasy Medieval ebook
A most interesting and illuminating read about a period and a people of whom I knew little. The storyline follows the trials and tribulations of Yaroslava, a young Russian princess, as the Mongols sweep into mediaeval southern Russia, take her prisoner and kill or enslave most of the people she knows.
My initial impression was of a slow tale, but I was mistaken. It kept me reading and as an avid but impatient reader of everything - genre and literature - that is a very good sign! The story builds momentum, then bowls along at a fair rate and becomes involving at an early stage.
One cannot help but feel for this young and relatively innocent girl whose world is permanently destroyed by an irresistible force of 'barbarians'. Her adaptation to her changed circumstances is carefully visualised and skilfully written by Larisa Walk and the whole work feels 'real' as a result. I tire of reading novels labelled ostensibly as 'historical' where actual fact is subsumed into an imagined reality far from historical accuracy or any semblance of the period. It's perfectly acceptable in steampunk, time travel or alternate reality works, but not in historical novels that follow a linear timeline. There are one or two instances of magical elements in this book (I feel it could have been an excellent purely historical novel without the fantasy) but they don't detract from a cracking good read. In fairness, the book is labelled as historical fantasy, so I have no real complaint.
All in all, a genuinely good book, well written by an accomplished indie author and worth the five stars I have no hesitation in giving. Recommended!
I love fantasy novels, and I love historical novels, and this book gave me both both. The historical period and location are unusual - medieval Russia, not a common period for historical novels - and I enjoyed that.
ReplyDeleteYaroslava a young princess who feels that her birth and upbringing oblige her to become a leader of her people when they need her. The need comes when the population of her town are carried away into slavery. But she needs to grow into the role, and her personal situation - she's a slave herself, and in love with the enemy leader - conflict with her commitment to lead her people. The plot is simple and powerful. The writing style is smooth. The fantasy elements are applied with a light brush and drawn from Russian mythology. I recommend this novel for lovers of historical fiction.
A most interesting and illuminating read about a period and a people of whom I knew little. The storyline follows the trials and tribulations of Yaroslava, a young Russian princess, as the Mongols sweep into mediaeval southern Russia, take her prisoner and kill or enslave most of the people she knows.
ReplyDeleteMy initial impression was of a slow tale, but I was mistaken. It kept me reading and as an avid but impatient reader of everything - genre and literature - that is a very good sign! The story builds momentum, then bowls along at a fair rate and becomes involving at an early stage.
One cannot help but feel for this young and relatively innocent girl whose world is permanently destroyed by an irresistible force of 'barbarians'. Her adaptation to her changed circumstances is carefully visualised and skilfully written by Larisa Walk and the whole work feels 'real' as a result. I tire of reading novels labelled ostensibly as 'historical' where actual fact is subsumed into an imagined reality far from historical accuracy or any semblance of the period. It's perfectly acceptable in steampunk, time travel or alternate reality works, but not in historical novels that follow a linear timeline. There are one or two instances of magical elements in this book (I feel it could have been an excellent purely historical novel without the fantasy) but they don't detract from a cracking good read. In fairness, the book is labelled as historical fantasy, so I have no real complaint.
All in all, a genuinely good book, well written by an accomplished indie author and worth the five stars I have no hesitation in giving. Recommended!
Fascinating book, a historical novel with a difference, well written and very interesting. I knew more about Russia from its music, art, the revolution, Lenin, starving peasants and the cold war but I also knew that it had a sad past, being constantly invaded by merciless conquerors. This book made Russia real for me. But it isn't just a history book, we have the old fairy tales brought to life, the same tales that must still be told and the struggle of the old ways and the Christian. I loved the different ways the conquerors and conquered viewed the many rivers and forests and I understood how the earth we love can have power over many things. The main character is full of doubts and yet brave and she has a secret that will be revealed when she is of age, which coincides, not surprisingly, with a better understanding of others as well as herself. It is a mixture of reality and unknown power and I want the sequel because there has to be one, I want to find out if she finds her home again and her cat.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen many historical fiction pieces set in ancient Russia. Quite a few (of varying strengths) about the Huns and the Khans and their role in history (as fiction). So it was a divergence to read this novel - and pleasantly as it turned out. The main character is Yaroslava, a princess without a throne or home for that matter, who has been taken as a slave by Batu Khan, along with those useful inhabitants of her village. Of course, the action revolves around her plans to escape with her former subjects. This was a delightful read, rich in historical detail and both Russian and Mongol folklore. I will be on the lookout for more of this type from this author.
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