This is the second book of a trilogy which is built around a rich tapestry of Russian folklore. Since this was a subject about which I knew very little, I found it thoroughly fascinating! While one might enjoy this book if read alone, I highly recommend reading The Bear and The Nightingale first. The Girl in the Tower extends the story that began in the previous novel into a broader portion of the early Russian world. Vasya sets out to find adventures beyond the home she has lost. To survive, she must disguise herself as a young man which will bring her to Moscow and into contact with other members of her family. As they come to learn she is their sister, they are caught in the complex tale of identities, both those within the world of men and those in the realm of fantasy. The book is an engrossing and beautiful read.