Every time you take one path, you must live with the memory of the other: of a life left unchosen. Decide as seems best, one course or the other; each way will have its bitter with its sweet.

The sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale. While the first mostly took place in the edge of the Russian wilderness, this one travels far and wide. To towns being raided to Moscow itself. And all the while, we have Visilisa, refusing to choose either life in a convent or married. One thing leads to another, she disguises herself as a boy–as one does–and things escalate from their.

It doesn’t feel quite as fairy tale as the first book, instead, opening up the world into a more traditional feeling sort of historical/fantasy story. It’s still a fun blend of real history and supernatural powers fading from the world, but somehow feels more grounded.

I think that if you like the first, you’ll like this one as well. And I’m curious to see which the third is more like. Onward!

“Think of me sometimes," he returned. “When the snowdrops have bloomed and the snow has melted.”