The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore – a Review

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Description:
As a half-goddess possessing magic, Yaga is used to living on her own, her prior entanglements with mortals having led to heartbreak. She mostly keeps to her hut in the woods, where those in need of healing seek her out, even as they spread rumors about her supposed cruelty and wicked spells. But when her old friend Anastasia—now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness—arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia’s. Yaga must step out of the shadows to protect the land she loves.

As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan—soon to become Ivan the Terrible—grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and Russian history, reclaiming and reinventing the infamous Baba Yaga, and bringing to life a vibrant and tumultuous Russia, where old gods and new tyrants vie for power. This fierce and compelling novel draws from the timeless lore to create a heroine for the modern day, fighting to save her country and those she loves from oppression while also finding her true purpose as a goddess, a witch, and a woman.

Review:

The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is a fantasy storyline. This is set in 16^th century Russia, with the legendary Yaga (not the evil witch Baba Yaga), who is a half-goddess and half-mortal, and the main character throughout the story.  We meet Yaga, as she lives in the forest, and helps heal others with spells and potions; she is immortal, having lived hundreds of years, and always remaining young and beautiful.  Many years ago, she was friends with Anastasia, until she left Russia, due to how mortals perceived her as evil and cruel. Yaga is content to live in her solitude (only those in dire need of her help as a healer), with her wonderful faithful animal companions, Noch (her owl), Dyen (her wolf) and Little Hen (izbushka).

Many years later, Yaga is surprised to see her old friend, Anastasia come visit her in the forest; she is now the wife of the Tsar Ivan; and desperately hoping for Yaga to treat her mysterious illness.  She learns quickly that Anastasia has been poisoned, and Yaga will treat her. But who is poisoning her?   When a recuperated Anastasia leaves to go back to Russia, she begs Yaga to help find out who is doing this to her.  In a short time, Yaga will decide to go back to Russia and help watch over Anastasia. When she arrives in Moscow, she spends time with both Anastasia and Ivan, and begins to see the country border lining in chaos; especially with Ivan manipulated by others.

Over a couple of decades, Yaga will align with others to stop Tsar Ivan, who has become known as Ivan the Terrible, using his army to kill every one he considers traitors or enemies.  Destruction and chaos is all over Russia, destroying everything they held dear. 

What follows is an amazing, gripping story, with Yaga in the forefront, as she meets wonderful people who care about their country, and will do anything to fight and protect each other. There is a lot of action throughout, and to say too much more would ruin it for you. You really need to read this book. There is a surprising and sweet romance, which Yaga never thought she could ever have.  I absolutely loved how her animals, Dyen and Noch were always there for her. 

The Witch and the Tsar is mesmerizing story of Russian history and mythology; as well as reinventing Baba Yaga, who was a fabulous heroine, always fighting to save her country. This is a powerful story, filled with folklore, heartbreak, captivating, and an amazing story from start to finish.  THE WITCH AND THE TSAR was a wonderful story, so very well written by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore. If you enjoy history, folklore, with a bit of romance, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher