The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

"A delicate weaving of myth and history, The Witch and the Tsar breathes new life into stories you think you know."–Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf In this stunning debut novel, the maligned and immortal witch of legend known as Baba Yaga will risk all to save her country and her people from Tsar Ivan the Terrible—and the dangerous gods who seek to drive the twisted hearts of men. As a half-goddess possessing magic, Yaga is used to living on her own, her prior entanglements with mortals having led to heartbreak. She mostly keeps to her hut in the woods, where those in need of healing seek her out, even as they spread rumors about her supposed cruelty and wicked spells. But when her old friend Anastasia—now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness—arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia’s. Yaga must step out of the shadows to protect the land she loves. As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan—soon to become Ivan the Terrible—grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine. Olesya Salnikova Gilmore weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and Russian history, reclaiming and reinventing the infamous Baba Yaga, and bringing to life a vibrant and tumultuous Russia, where old gods and new tyrants vie for power. This fierce and compelling novel draws from the timeless lore to create a heroine for the modern day, fighting to save her country and those she loves from oppression while also finding her true purpose as a goddess, a witch, and a woman.

A case of wasted potential on this one. Historical fantasy with the most famous figure from Russian folklore (Baba Yaga) set in the most tumultuous period in Russian history (the Oprichnina of Ivan the Terrible) with a more feminist twist should be a recipe for success, but what is served up is so neutered and boring.

The author correctly points out that the Baba Yaga of legend has largely been shaped by the chronicles of men rather than women, and in all probability they are probably correct that it is based on an ancient fertility god. Traditionally she is shown as an withered crone who flies around in mortar. She has a certain duality to her - she may help or she may hinder those who seek her out. The author here correctly identifies the duality inherent in the ancient pagan traditions but then completely removes it from the Yaga figure in this story. All the interest is removed as a result. The idea that the figure presented is more feminist also fails in my mind as her relationship with a man (Vasily) becomes a central theme of the book - I honestly feel the original telling is more feminist in this respect!

What of the historical setting? Yes, the author does present some of the horrors of the Oprichniki but again this desire to smooth over the rough edges robs it of its impact. The pseudo mysticism of trying to recapture the identities of the lost Slavic gods makes the plot meander and get lost, robbing some of the immediacy of the very real horror and suffering of the time.

I am left feeling that there is the potential for a great book set around these themes. For me this was not it.

I just don't care? I want to read about Yaga pottering about in the woods, not having to visit the big city and scheme with/against her ex.

Once again I was left crying at work.

The story started off as most refelings do but oh it took a turn for the better.
A feminist retelling of the Witch and the Tsar? Sign me up!

I loved this version of Baba Yaga. Strong in her own way, caring she is everything I look for in a character.

The side characters shine as well. I loved them all, even if I cannot say heir names or spell them. This brings me to my only gripe with this story. Listening to the audiobook it was hard to know who was who at times as tome all the names sounded similar. it didn't take any enjoyment from the story and understood what was going on despite the language barrier.

The ending almost had me in tears. The lead up to the climax and how everything was resolved, but I learned for one character close to Yaga. I thought it would be a bitter sweet ending.

And whatever direction the author chose ( I'm not going to tell you, you'll have to read it yourself to find out) it would have suited the story either way.

An excellent tale that has made me want to reread it again.