Books matching: russian folklore
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- #1
Save:A beautifully wintry, folklore-rich adventure - magical, immersive, and thoughtfully written, but don’t expect a rush of action. Best enjoyed with a blanket and a steaming cup of tea when you’re in the mood for a modern fairytale.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where the protagonist Vasya can see spirits and is caught between the world of Christianity and the old gods. The story follows Vasya's journey as she navigates the magical and mysterious woods, facing challenges related to family, courage, love, and magic, all while defying traditional gender roles.
The book is written in a lyrical and fairy tale-like style, drawing heavily on Russian folklore and mythology. It explores themes of resilience, tradition, family, and the clash between old and new worlds, creating an atmospheric winter setting that captivates readers with its intricate and layered storytelling.
It was late winter in northern Rus’, the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow. The brilliant February landscape had given way to the dreary gray of March, and the household of Pyotr Vlad...January 2017•382 pages - #2
Save:Deathless is dazzling and ambitious - a poetic fever dream of myth and history - but it can be confusing, overwhelming, and emotionally brutal. Try it if you crave powerful prose and fairy tales for grown-ups, but be ready for a wild, sometimes messy ride.
'Deathless' by Catherynne M. Valente is a novel that intricately weaves together Russian folklore with the historical backdrop of pre and post-revolutionary Russia. The story follows Marya Morevna, the human bride of Koshchei the Deathless, as she navigates a world filled with magical elements such as firebirds, Baba Yaga, and house spirits, all set against the grim realities of the Soviet era. Valente's writing style is described as seductive, mesmerizing, and poetic, drawing readers into a dark and enchanting narrative that delves into themes of love, power, and the duality of life and death.
In a city by the sea which was once called St. Petersburg, then Petrograd, then Leningrad, then, much later, St. Petersburg again, there stood a long, thin house on a long, thin street. By a long, thi...March 2011•353 pages - #3
Save:A fresh and inventive twist on Sleeping Beauty with Russian folklore, time travel, and humor. It's a must-read for fans of fairy tales and mythic retellings - just be prepared for some old-school gender takes and a slow burn at times.
'Enchantment' by Orson Scott Card is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty set in Russia and the United States. The story follows Ivan, a young man who discovers a sleeping princess named Katerina in the forest and embarks on a journey through time and adventures filled with elements of Russian folklore, romance, and magic. As Ivan and Katerina navigate the complexities of their different worlds, they must decide how they feel about each other while facing challenges like evil knights and Baba Yaga. The novel seamlessly weaves together themes of family relationships, cultural identity, and the clash between past and present, creating a captivating and unique fantasy narrative.
I’m ten years old, my whole life you’ve called me Vanya. My name is on the school records, on government papers as Ivan Petrovich Smetski. Now you tell me I’m really Itzak Shlomo. What am I, a Jewish...November 1984•430 pages - #4
Save:A moody, thoughtful fantasy rooted in Russian myth, but with slower pacing and a style that may not click for everyone. Great if you crave atmosphere, folklore, and nuanced themes; less so if you want fast action or simple heroes.
In tsarist Russia, a kitchen boy and a playboy are forced on the run, encountering spirits and demons in the woods. The relationship between the two men is sweet and contentious, with subtextual slashy undertones. The plotline is buried in boring waiting around and inaction, with the point of view switching between characters causing confusion. The story revolves around feelings and emotions, exploring the power of emotions in controlling one's environment and the importance of agreement among wizards.
A particularly large one lingered where water ran off The Cockerel’s west porch, but it was not ice that shattered, it was aunt Ilenka’s butter-churn, when Pyetr Kochevikov rode his horse up onto the...January 1989•350 pages - #5
Save:A moody, folklore-infused fantasy steeped in Russian atmosphere - imperfect but memorable, especially if you're looking for something different in urban fantasy.
In "The Secret History of Moscow" by Ekaterina Sedia, readers are taken on a journey through the dark and mystical underbelly of Moscow, where mythic characters and folklore intertwine with the modern city life. The story follows a group of unlikely heroes, including a schizophrenic translator, a bored cop, and an alcoholic painter, as they unravel the mystery of people turning into birds and discover a secret mythic world hidden beneath the streets of Moscow. As they delve deeper into this underground realm, they encounter past gods and embark on odyssey-like adventures, all while exploring the shifting cultural landscape of post-Soviet Russia.
Sedia's writing style infuses the haunting Russian mythos with the grey physical and emotional landscape of Moscow in the 90s, creating a backdrop for social and economic commentary on post-Soviet life. Through a blend of dark urban fantasy and Russian folklore, the author paints a vivid picture of a city where fading myths and disillusioned antiheroes must confront the challenges of a world where gods and heroes have been relegated to the Underworld, and the line between reality and myth blurs.
She had long pale fingers, tapered like candles at the church. She swiped them through the flame of a match carefully at first, feeling nothing. Then she held them there longer, expecting them to drip...November 2007•306 pages - #6
Save:A unique, atmospheric fairy tale reimagining that brings Russian legends to life - perfect for fans of magical adventures, though a slow burn that may not thrill everyone.
In the book "Firebird" by Mercedes Lackey, set in Russia during a time of tsars and magick, the story follows the protagonist Ilya, a young man from a rough and violent household. After encountering a magical Firebird, Ilya receives gifts that help him survive and become a hero. Banished from his home, presumed dead, and aided by various allies, Ilya embarks on a quest filled with surprises, Russian folklore, and overcoming obstacles. The narrative is a delightful voyage into the myths and fantasies of Russian culture, painting a vivid picture of old-world Russia and showcasing a sword and sorcery fantasy tale that deviates from typical magical creatures.
The story unfolds with Ilya using his wits, courage, and kindness to navigate through a dangerous and enchanting world, making unexpected allies and ultimately learning the true meaning of love. While facing graphic and dark themes, the book explores themes of friendship, overcoming challenges, and the importance of actions over appearances. With elements of Russian folklore, magic, and adventure, "Firebird" is a reimagining of a classic Russian folktale, blending elements of romance, fantasy, and fairy tales to create a captivating narrative.
ANOTHER SLIVER of silvery-pale wood joined the tiny pile at Ilya Ivanovitch’s feet, and the rough shape in his hand became a little more foxlike. The wood rasped against the sword calluses on his palm...1996•352 pages - #7
Save:Lyrical, magical, and hauntingly beautiful - this is fairy-tale fantasy at its finest, especially if you crave poetic writing and mythic moods. Not for the hyper-literal, but a must for lovers of elegant, enchanting prose.
In the Forests of Serre by Patricia A. McKillip is a fantasy tale that intricately weaves together Russian folklore elements, such as the firebird and Baba Yaga, with a unique and enchanting storyline. The book follows Prince Ronan of Serre, who is grieving the loss of his wife and child, and Princess Sidonie of Dacia, who is betrothed to Ronan against his wishes. As their paths intertwine with wizards, witches, and magical creatures in the Forest of Serre, a complex and engaging narrative unfolds, showcasing McKillip's lyrical writing style and ability to create captivating characters.
In the forests of Serre, Prince Ronan crossed paths with the Mother of All Witches when he rode down her white hen in a desolate stretch of land near his father’s summer palace. He did not recognize h...June 2003•304 pages - #8
Save:A magical, beautifully illustrated fairy tale full of heart, wolves, and adventure - the perfect pick for young readers and folklore fans alike!
'A Wolf for a Spell' by Karah Sutton is a magical tale that intertwines the lives of Zima, a wolf struggling to protect her pack and the forest, Nadya, a human orphan on a mission to save her friend from a distrustful tsar, and Baba Yaga, a witch with a complex nature. The story delves into themes of teamwork, overcoming fears, and the importance of honesty and self-discovery. Set in a world of Russian folklore, the book weaves together adventure, magic, and excitement as the characters embark on a journey to defeat evil and protect what they hold dear.
The book is praised for its originality, beautiful illustrations, and engaging storytelling that captivates readers of all ages. With a mix of adventure, intrigue, and peril, 'A Wolf for a Spell' keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow the characters through a wondrous world filled with folklore and magic.
December 2020•321 pages - #9
Save:A layered, beautifully written fairy tale reimagining with powerful female leads and a satisfyingly intricate plot - just be prepared for a leisurely pace and multiple POVs.
"Spinning Silver" by Naomi Novik is a reimagined fairy tale based on Rumpelstiltskin, following the story of three young women from different backgrounds who find strength and agency in challenging circumstances. Miryem, the daughter of a moneylender, discovers her ability to turn silver into gold and attracts the attention of the powerful Staryk king. Alongside Wanda, a poor girl seeking to escape her abusive father, and Irina, the daughter of a duke caught in a political scheme, the women's lives intertwine as they navigate magic, danger, and self-discovery. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the perspectives of these characters, showcasing Novik's talent for intricate world-building and character development.
The real story is, the miller’s daughter with her long golden hair wants to catch a lord, a prince, a rich man’s son, so she goes to the moneylender and borrows for a ring and a necklace and decks her...July 2018•478 pages - #10
Save:A gorgeously written, witchy urban fantasy that reimagines Romeo and Juliet’s tragedy in the heart of a magical Manhattan - perfect for fans of intricate family drama and moody, atmospheric reads.
One For My Enemy by Olivie Blake is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in modern-day New York City, where two powerful witch families, the Antonovas and the Fedrovs, are engaged in a longstanding feud. The story follows the intricate dynamics between the siblings of both families, the loyalty, sacrifices, and struggles they face, all set in an urban fantasy world with elements of magic and criminal enterprises. The narrative unfolds like a play, with acts and scenes, drawing inspiration from the legend of Koschei the Deathless and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, creating a captivating and enthralling setting.
The characters in the book are deeply realized, each with their own motivations, ambitions, and loyalties, making the relationships between them feel real and touching. The siblings, particularly Marya Antonova and the Fedrov brothers, are central to the story, showcasing bonds of love, sacrifice, and loyalty amidst the backdrop of a long-standing family feud. The plot twists, the well-paced storytelling, and the enthralling romance between Lev and Sasha add layers of complexity to the narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
At the furthest point forward there was Dimitri, the eldest, who was the uncontested heir; the crown prince who’d spent a lifetime serving a dynasty of commerce and fortune. He typically stood with hi...January 2019•396 pages
