Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.

"Where the Dark Stands Still" is a gripping dark fantasy that masterfully entwines elements of folklore, magic, and personal transformation. Set in a small village near the ominous spirit-wood, the story introduces us to Liska Radost, a young woman who has been taught to fear magic and its practitioners. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she inadvertently unleashes her own powers, leading to catastrophic results. The narrative takes a darker twist when Liska is captured by the Leszy, the demon warden of the wood, who proposes a chilling bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish.

As Liska is whisked away to the Leszy’s decrepit manor, she is plunged into a world of enigmatic secrets and haunting pasts. The author excels at building a moody and atmospheric setting that pulls readers into the eerie, almost sentient, woods and the decaying grandeur of the Leszy’s home. Liska’s journey is not just a physical one; it’s a deeply emotional and psychological odyssey. The complexity of her character development is compelling, as she grapples with her newfound powers and the moral ambiguities of her situation.

The narrative is rich with tension and intrigue, and the pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Leszy, with his mysterious motives and tragic backstory, adds layers of depth to the story, making him more than just a typical antagonist. "Where the Dark Stands Still" is a beautifully written tale that explores themes of power, redemption, and the haunting shadows of the past. It’s a must-read for fans of dark fantasy who appreciate well-crafted worlds and complex characters.

### Book Review: Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

First things first, let's get the negative out of the way. Yes, singular. I have only one pet peeve in this book apart from the name Leszy. The first 60-plus percent of this book was really slow at times. The world-building and character development could have been done with fewer words, in my opinion. Once the story takes off, it takes off with a bang, and you forget all about the slow start. But this slow start may be off-putting for some, so stick with it. Once it gets going, it really goes.

Now, let's talk about the characters and character building—definitely not a negative. Liska rocks. Here’s a girl who’s grown up to be afraid of her own shadow, so she’s not overly afraid of anything else. She gets scared and frightened, but it never cripples her because she fears her own power. Isn’t that a beautiful way to describe humanity these days? Though admittedly, few of us rise to the occasion as she does, if and when we do, I hope we do it with the love and care Liska displays.

Leszy. What a weird name. Reading it made me giggle like a high schooler in biology class when the teacher says "sex" while blushing. But let’s move on. Leszy is sooo sarcastic—I loved that. The antlers and super blond hair were odd, but who cares if he appeals to me? It's Liska who falls head over heels for him. His previous relationship with a man, forming a subplot, was beautiful. Love knows no gender, and even a demi-god gets that.

The sentient, crumbling manor was fascinating. I loved how it and the surrounding grounds rose to the occasion when called upon. Jaga is probably my favorite character. So much attitude in such a small form. Mosiko and Marys added humor and comic relief, but Jaga stole the show.

The love story ripped me to pieces. I’m glad the story wrapped up in the epilogue, but was that a tear I felt forming? It can’t be. I don’t do the crying thing. Must be allergies.

### What Made This Book Stand Out

**The Title:**
I’ve never felt the need to praise a book title before, but I must for this one. "Where. The. Dark. Stands. Still." Such an evocative title that predicts harm and suffering to no end. I don’t recall ever being so taken with a book title.
**5/5 stars for the title.**

**The Cover:**
I must confess, I’m a true cover aficionado. Not necessarily a good thing, but it’s my thing nonetheless. This cover grabbed me and held me, only to be surpassed by the title. The combination had me convinced I had to read the book long before I got through my TBR pile. This one skipped to the top like a circus trapeze artist.
**5/5 stars for the cover.**

**The Skeleton of the Story:**
The found family theme. This makes me question my statement about the slow start. Liska’s negative relationship with herself was described with tenderness and realism, making it relatable. I’m not sure if the slow start would be better off without some of Liska’s and Leszy’s inner struggles. Leszy’s self-hate could have reminded me of the typical teenage angst trope, but his honesty and how he conveys it to Liska makes this a moot point. Liska’s negative relationship is not limited to young adults; it personifies the human condition, releasing her from typical teenage angst.
**4/5 stars for the story skeleton.**

**The World-Building:**
The Polish folklore added a lot to this story. Beauty and the Beast came to mind throughout, although it stands on its own merits. I loved the world where paganism is abolished and replaced by the church, yet that same church turns into worse demons than the pagans. The split between self and doctrine was handled so well that I have to tip my hat to the author. Well done. Neither side can take a stance against how this aspect was handled.
**4/5 stars for the world-building.**

### Final Note
I am blown away that this book is a debut novel. It doesn't read like one at all.

**Interesting Fact:**
Did you know that the name Leszy is derived from Slavic mythology, where Leshy (or Leszi) is a forest spirit? This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the character and ties in beautifully with the folklore elements of the story.

Amazing Slavic folklore and storytelling. It’s a great gothic fantasy which draws you in immediately! I honestly struggled to put it down!

I'm so sad I didn't love this as much as everyone else seems to have done - I think it might have just been timing and I might revisit it in the future, especially after reading all the reviews of people crying at the ending?? Because I really struggled to connect to this book and the characters and I feel like it's just that I'm not in the right place to have read it. I'm especially sad I didn't particularly enjoy this because I loved My Throat an Open Grave and Your Blood, My Bones, both of which I feel have similar vibes to this book. One to come back to at a later date <3

I loved this book. So far this is my favourite book of the year. It left me crying near the end. This book brought out all the feels. It was whimsical and enchanting, like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film such as Howl’s Moving Castle. It left me with such a book hangover. Highly recommended if you want to have your heart broken and put back together bit by bit.

Liska has learned to hid her magic growing up in a village on the edge of a spirit-wood, she knows it brings nothing but danger and destruction. One midsummer’s night she has finally had enough and ventures into the wood in search of a flower said to grant it’s finder one wish, so she can finally be rid of her magic. Instead, she finds the warden of the wood who offers her a deal; one year in his service and he will grant her wish.

This was such a beautifully told story, with a stunning cast and haunting setting. Poranek sets the scene of Liska’s village and the woods that loom over it so well.
I thoroughly enjoyed Liska as a protagonist, she really felt like a breath of fresh air as far as YA protagonists in a narrative such as this go. She struck a really fine balance of being very no-nonsense and pragmatic, while maintaining her optimism and faith in humanity. An element of this character building that I especially appreciated was while we get some sense of this optimism from her perspective, where it really shines is through the Leszy's eyes, and his acknowledgement of it is a surprise to her.
My only minor issue overall is I wish it had committed to more of the year in the wood. Because as I was reading, it felt perfectly paced for a slow burn stretching over the majority of the year, so I was shocked to realise it had only been four months by the time everything comes to a head. I felt like just going all in for a few more months would not only have helped raise the stakes with a sense of time running out, but also made the level of undying love and commitment between Liska and the Leszy a bit more understandable. Like, I was still all in, I just really like those sort of dynamics to be built over time.
But truly, a hauntingly beautiful story, Poranek’s prose is stunning and I really can’t wait to read more from her.

Thank you Penguin Random House UK and NetGalley for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

This one follows Liska who finds herself in a bargain with the demon warden of the woods near her home, the Leszy. In return for a year of service, he will grant her wish - to remove her magic. But there is more to the bargain than she realised and if she wants to return home, she'll have to unravel the Leszy's secrets about what his true intentions are.

Liska is so determined and I loved seeing her growth. There was so much depth to the story, Liska is developing her relationship with the Leszy but also herself and her magic. Everything is described so beautifully with a dark fairytale atmosphere. It was a little rushed towards the end but the plot was so engaging with elements inspired by Polish folklore. If you'd like a fantasy with cosy cottage core vibes but darker undertones and a found family, give this one a go!

This was one of the few books that rightfully got the "TikTok Hype". I was a bit unsure at first because the pacing seems a
little slow, but this gives the reader time to settle in this lovely world. What a charming book about polish folklore!

A beautifully atmospheric fantasy adventure based and rooted in Polish folklore. I was so captivated by this whole story, but especially the writing style. Superb!!

Loved the folklore in this. It's kind of green man (Leshy) crossed with Beauty and the Beast/ Bluebeard. Had me gripped all the way through!

Book Review:
Where The Dark Stands Still.
By A.B. Poranek.
⭐4/5

I recently read a captivating story that truly resonated with me. The narrative drew me in right from the start, particularly due to Liska's unwavering determination and the enigmatic nature of the leszy character. Every twist and turn of the plot kept me engaged, prompting me to revisit the story time and time again. I had the privilege of accessing this book through @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse , and despite having to set it aside occasionally due to the demands of a bustling family environment, I found myself so enamored with the tale that I also opted to procure the audiobook version for a more immersive experience.
Reflecting on the conclusion, I find myself grappling with mixed emotions. While I am satisfied with how the story wrapped up, there remains a lingering desire for further exploration and expansion on certain aspects. Despite this ambiguity, the overall impact of the book was significant, pulling me out of a prior reading slump and reigniting my passion for books.

#wherethedarkstandsstill #a.b.poranek #book #booknerd #penguinrandomhouse #netgalley #ya #romance #captivatingbook #bookstagrammer #bookreview #bookreviewer

ARC received from Netgalley

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of "Where the Dark Stands Still," a charming and romantic fantasy novel that will transport you to a realm with magic and wonder. Perfect for fans of beloved classics like "For the Wolf" and "Howl’s Moving Castle," this enchanting tale is sure to capture your heart with its endearing characters, beautiful writing, and lush setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.

One of the highlights of this novel is its memorable cast of characters, each bringing their own unique qualities to the story. Liska, the protagonist, is a strong and determined young woman with a kind and caring heart. Witness her journey as she navigates her relationship with magic and breaks free from the confines of her village. The Lesky, a tortured soul with a prickly exterior hiding a caring nature, serves as the perfect fantasy love interest for Liska. Their relationship is both adorable and heart-wrenching, reminiscent of the dynamic between Sophie and Howl in "Howl’s Moving Castle."

Set against the backdrop of a magical forest teeming with beauty and danger, "Where the Dark Stands Still" draws inspiration from Polish folklore to create a rich fairytale atmosphere. The simplicity yet beauty of the magic woven throughout the story adds an extra layer of enchantment to the narrative, making it truly spellbinding.

While the majority of the book unfolds at a slow, meandering pace that feels cozy and inviting, some readers may find the last third of the story to be a bit rushed. A pivotal reveal marks a significant shift in the narrative, sparking intrigue and anticipation. However, the swift resolution that follows may leave some wishing for more development, especially in the final arc of Liska and the Lesky’s relationship. Perhaps introducing the reveal earlier in the story could have built up tension for the climactic confrontation and lent a more fitting bittersweet tone to the conclusion.

Despite its pacing issues, "Where the Dark Stands Still" shines as a stunning debut from author A.B. Poranek. With its captivating world-building, engaging characters, and enchanting storytelling, this novel is a must-read for fans of romantic fantasy. Here’s hoping for more magical adventures from A.B. Poranek in the future!

This was a good book, I just think I picked it up at the worst time.

The pacing was off, the plot was at a snail's pace, and I couldn't really connect with any of the characters. Although it did have the Miyazaki vibes I was searching for! I felt 0 chemistry between the characters. I think this would've been a great read if I wasn't in a weird reading slump.

My favourite aspects of this book was the GORGEOUS writing and that STUNNINGGGGG cover. I would love a poster of this just for the aesthetics! Thanks to the pubilshers and netgalley for the arc!

I feel like this was the perfect standalone fantasy to get anyone out of a slump.
It has all the components I look for in a good fantasy read; some type of nod to older mythology or folklore, a somewhat creepy sentient manor/castle, a misunderstood villain, a unique and ragtag group of characters you fall in love with, and some unexpected twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what this author creates next.

It was a very unique story line. I loved the plot. There were lots of twists and turns; I couldn't put the book down. It was nice to read a book that was a bit different and to have a different kind of demon that still cares about human lives. I really want there to be a second book; I need more, even if it's just her living in the forest, helping more children with magic, and changing people's perceptions of magic. It was a nice, fast-paced novel, but it also felt a bit rushed, like we were missing out on things and wanting to get the story finished. I only wish he didn't have to die, but I am glad he was somewhat reincarnated.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've heard so many good things about this book, and I keep seeing praise posts all over Instagram and tiktok, so I really REALLY wanted to love this book! In the end, though, I have mixed feelings about it.

I started reading this book on 22nd April. Come 18th May, I still had only made it 30% into the book. The first 30% were so slow and I felt like nothing happened and I didn't really get to know the characters at all, and it put me off of reading it. On the 18th May though, I decided I just need to push through, and my goal was to make it to 50% that day. To its credit, the book did pick up a bit after the 35% mark and I ended the day on 66%. Today is the 19th May and I've read the last third of the book. The ending is packed full of action and was actually really good! The ending was both heartbreaking and beautiful, and I do feel that it had very much a fairytale vibe to it.

What I liked:
- Liska and the Leszy, once I felt like I got to know them a bit, and their banter, which was great!
- Liska learning to embrace her true self
- The side characters, including the sentient house
- The story was giving Beauty and the Beast as well Howl's Moving Castle vibes throughout
- The epilogue, which I won't spoil, but very much felt fairytale-like!

What I didn't like:
- The pacing; too slow at the start and then all the action at once towards the end
- The Leszy always calling Liska a "not-so-clever Fox"; it got very tedious over time.
- It felt like the author was almost trying too hard with the Polish vocabulary at times

Some of my favourite quotes:

If only we could go back to that time, Liska thinks, when we were young and full of stories.

'Impressed?' he asks, amused.
'I think I might be going into shock.'
'I do have that effect on women,' he says casually. 'Most people, really.'

'Don't you know?' the Leszy says, wry and enigmatic at once. 'Anything can be a door. You simply need to know how to open it.'

'You utterly mad, imperious thing,' he breathes. 'You did it. You freed your magic.'

'But – but what do I do now?'
'What you always do, Liska. You keep going.'


Final thoughts:
Where the Dark Stands Still is a good story about learning to embrace the darker sides of yourself and coming to terms with who you are, that you don't have to change because someone will love you for who you are and that there is a place in the world for you! Overall, the themes were good and I enjoyed the characters and dialogue, as well as the work building, but I did feel like it was quite slow at the start, which I think has put others off of the book as well. If you can make it past the first 30%, the book becomes quite enjoyable though, and I think if I were to reread it, I might enjoy the beginning more than I did the first time around.

3.5⭐, rounded up becaude of the ending.

"Where the Dark Stands Still" by A.B. Poranek is an engaging fantasy that transports readers to a small village on the edge of the spirit-wood, where magic is feared and its practitioners are deemed monstrous. The protagonist, Liska Radost, unexpectedly unleashes her own powers with dire consequences and is subsequently caught by the Leszy, the demon warden of the wood. The Leszy offers Liska a perilous bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish, setting the stage for a tale filled with dark enchantment and intrigue.

Poranek excels in creating an eerie and atmospheric setting. The spirit-wood and the Leszy's crumbling manor are vividly described, immersing readers in a world where danger lurks in every shadow. Liska's journey into this sinister environment is compelling, as she navigates her fear of magic and the enigmatic nature of her captor. The tension is palpable as Liska discovers that she is not the first to make such a bargain and that her predecessors have mysteriously vanished. This mystery drives the narrative forward, keeping readers hooked as Liska delves into the Leszy's past.

However, while the book is rich in atmosphere, it occasionally lacks depth in character development and plot progression. Some of Liska's interactions with the Leszy and other characters feel rushed, and more exploration of their backstories and motivations would have added layers to the story. Additionally, the pacing can be uneven at times, with certain revelations and plot twists occurring too abruptly. Despite these shortcomings, "Where the Dark Stands Still" remains a solid three-star read, offering a haunting and intriguing tale that will captivate fans of dark fantasy and mysterious bargains.

This was a beautiful and whimsical read that had me completely captivated. AB's writing is stunningly well done and the descriptions of the world and it's characters were divine. This is a magical story that consumed me, I would highly recommend!

Beautifully written, captivating and what a storyline. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the lavish descriptions and the creativeness of the characters. The magic of the book was fantastic and it really grabbed my attention and had me hooked.

Oh my holy moly. This is easily one of the best books I've read in 2024 so far. It's such a strong debut and I can't wait for what Poranek comes up with next.