If I had read the cover of this book more thoroughly before picking it up, I would’ve realized that this novel is a modernized version of the Russian folktale Vassillissa the Light. Since I did not, I spent the majority of the novel going WTF!!? Luckily, I have some minor knowledge of Baba Yaga, who is a witch in the Russian folktale, and I kind of remembered that she was evil, and so, got partially clued in that this was a modern retelling of a folktale. Even knowing that I still would have to say WTF!!? HOWEVER, the story was well written and strangely fascinating. Enough that I kept reading, and enjoyed the experience.
Vassa, the heroine in this novel, as with most mythological tales was given tasks to accomplish. While these tasks seemed to be impossible, she, with the help of some magical constructs (in this case, a talking doll, some loving geese, and a hero with stars for eyes) manages to save not only herself but the whole world from unending nights and dancing, evil department stores that behead their shoppers. Yep, that’s what she said.
If you pick up this book, do as I say and not as I do. Read the synopsis, and possibly the cliff notes version of the actual Russian folktale. It will make so much more sense! If not, then do not fear! You have not ingested any accidental qualudes or taken shrooms. You have not become Alice and fallen down the rabbit hole. You will be confused, yet impossibly enraptured by this well told, fanciful modern fairy tale. Alls well that ends well, and in this case, it did! End well, that is!
❤❤️❤️❣️
Buy it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo!
Copyright 2016 Deborah Kehoe A Chick Who Reads All Rights Reserved
The Reading Chick 
Glad to hear you enjoyed this! I only recently learned it was a retelling too. It does sound like a fun adventure. Great review! 😀
– Lashaan
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Thanks! I did totally enjoy it. It was so well written, but totally bizarre. A really fun trip! Lol.
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Well, I have to say, this sounds quite a different story. I love retellings, and sometimes they may turn into something very very different, just because you have to rework the original ideas in the tale.
I also love that cover, let me tell you! 😉
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It was different but really fun to read!
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I enjoyed the way you wrote the review. It is nice to be completely surprised by the contents of some books.
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Thanks! I always try to give a little info about the plot but it’s my feelings for the characters or the unique style of writing that I like to write about. This was a tough one and I’m not sure I could’ve relayed the plot as fascinating as it was while reading it.
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