By happenstance I fell into the first of this series "The Bear and the Nightingale". What luck that was. This is the continuance of that story. Katherine Arden has done a wonderful job of weaving Russian folk tale into a fantastical lyrical story. The author takes her time building her characters and unveiling her story. I have recommended this book to many, and eagerly await the next installation in this trilogy. The tales characters are embroiled in old superstitions and what the new religion is now telling them what to believe. Full of demons and kitchen spirits, priests and snow gods, nobility and town folk, and a main character who you will be rooting for, this book's characters are wonderfully written. Grab and read the first in the series and be happy the next one awaits your immediate perusal!