I tried to read the first book The Bear and the Nightingale awhile ago and struggled getting thru the first 25 pages. I put it down and came back to it awhile later. It must have been a timing thing because I loved it and I loved this sequel, too. There is so much chemistry between Vasya and the mysterious frost demon. She is a strong female character who will not settle and accept her fate but make her own way. Fearless and loyal. The author does a great job using Russian folk lore and tales and creating an interesting and engaging story. As soon as I was done, I wanted to read the third book. Sadly this is only a trilology.