If you liked the first book, you'll like this one, too. Vasya is such a well drawn character that you feel as if she's real. That's one of the things I like best about any book. If the characters are believable, the plotline is interesting, then the book has me, and this one does. I loved The Bear and the Nightingale. LOVED it. I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read it, but pick it up and give it a read. You're going to want both of these books on your shelves and in your hands to recommend to everyone.