The House of Frost and Feathers
A sweeping magical fantasy folk fairytale based on Slavic mythology
by Lauren Wiesebron
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Pub Date 16 Jan 2025 | Archive Date 16 Jan 2025
Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape
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Description
SPINNING SILVER meets HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE in this beautiful debut Slavic folklore fantasy.
Marisha's time is running out. She's already lost her family to the sleeping plague, and she fears she'll be next. Penniless and desperate for protection, Marisha is forced to accept a job as apprentice to the notorious koldunya, Baba Zima.
Despite Baba Zima's reputation for cruelty, Marisha finds herself drawn into the magical world of koldunry, and is thrust into looking for a cure to the plague - if Marisha finds it, she will finally be free.
As the search grows increasingly dangerous and seemingly impossible, Marisha uncovers hidden connections between the sleeping plague, her own family's history, and her haunting dreams: of a masked ball where sleepers are trapped endlessly dancing - and a monstrous beaked man who shadows her every step . . .
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781399723190 |
PRICE | £20.00 (GBP) |
PAGES | 432 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
I absolutely loved "The House of Frost and Feathers" by Lauren Wiesebron. It is the right side of fantasy for me - the more fairy tale side of Slavic Folk Tradition as opposed to the Terry Pratchett kind. It had echoes of "The Bear and The Nightingale" by Katharine Arden. A brilliant way to while away a few hours and get lost in another world.
The House of Frost and Feathers is a brilliant, captivating read. While it has echoes of Howl’s Moving Castle, it enchanted me in much the same way as Eiko Kadono’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Much like Kiki, young Marisha sets out from the only family she knows, embarking on an adventure that leads her into the heart of a mysterious and magical world. The story introduces intriguing twists along the way, with the curse-like plague serving as only the beginning of Marisha’s journey into a world steeped in Slavic folklore—and just one of many surprises the book has in store. For those new to this folklore, it’s a rich introduction, opening a window into a fascinating culture.
Young Marisha’s transformation from vulnerable to strong is heartening, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. My only critique would be the need for a glossary, as some untranslated terms left me guessing.
That aside, it’s a haunting book you won’t want to put down!