BLOG TOUR: The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Ace and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Witch and the Tsar

Author: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

Published by: Ace

Released: September 20, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by the Publisher

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Synopsis: In this stunning debut novel, the maligned and immortal witch of legend known as Baba Yaga will risk all to save her country and her people from Tsar Ivan the Terrible—and the dangerous gods who seek to drive the twisted hearts of men. 

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. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I was sold as soon as I heard Baba Yaga! This book was full of interesting choices when it came to it's story. It presents a Yaga that is not the one that first comes to mind. It also takes place in 16th century Russia, which is not one that I know much about. I loved how I learned while reading this story. It introduced me to a subject that I don't have much knowledge about.

This is a slightly chunky book with a lot packed into it. It wasn't the fastest thing I've ever read, but I did enjoy it.

This was a unique story and I'm glad I got to read it. If you have a hankering a unique story, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Nicola Levine Photography, LLC 2021

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore was born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the U.S., and graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in English/political science, and from Northwestern School of Law with a JD. She practiced litigation at a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an author. She is most happy writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern European folklore. She lives in a wooded, lakeside suburb of Chicago with her husband and daughter. The Witch and the Tsar is her debut novel.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore! Thanks so much to Ace and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore for letting me be a part of the tour! This is a perfect autumn read, and I'd definitely recommend picking it up.