As someone who lived for a short time in a Russian-speaking region (Crimea), I am a bit picky about books set in Russia. Often the details are not quite right or don’t reflect the culture I came to know and love.
So, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered The Carver and the Queen, a historical fantasy by Emma C. Fox, another book from Owl's Nest. Not only is this an immersive read, but the details about Russian life during 1813 (think the Regency period in England) are authentic and accurate.
 |
| A scene from The Stone Flower, the ballet this novel is based on--from https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill/2024/4/12/1_1900/ |
If you like rich historical fantasy with a Slavic bent, you will love this book. Although it is classed as a young adult, this novel would also appeal to upper middle grade readers who are ready for more in depth stories. (There is some violence and frightening situations, but this is otherwise a clean read.)
Synopsis
In the age of Imperial Russia, deep in the Ural Mountains, two teenagers plot their escape from serfdom and dream of a destiny beyond their birth. Petr, a castoff orphan, longs to make a name for himself as a sculptor of malachite, the Ural’s most treasured gem. His best friend Lena harbors an even more impossible goal: to escape an arranged marriage to the cruel village bailiff and become an artist in her own right.
When their bid for freedom falls to pieces, Petr seeks help from the mythical Malachite Queen, only to find himself trapped in an underworld where godlike skill comes at the cost of his humanity. It’s up to Lena to contrive a daring rescue before Petr is lost forever in a kingdom of stone. (from Amazon)
What I loved:
1. Well-drawn, smart, and sympathetic characters: The narrative switches between Lena and Petr. From the start, I felt for Petr when he is punished unjustly, and Lena, who is fighting to avoid an arranged marriage with the man who harasses Petr. It is not a surprise that they become fast friends.
2. Incredible world building and lyrical writing: Fox not only made this world accurate in terms of Russian peasant traditions (such as jumping over a fire on Ivan Kupala*), but she used Russian folklore, such as water sprites (rusalkas) as some of the fantasy elements.
 |
| *from https://ukraine.ua/stories/ivan-kupala/ |
3. An interesting antagonist: Malachinista, The Malachite Queen, reminded me of the White Witch of Narnia in her fierceness and her ability to lure unsuspecting men. I liked how Fox shows how enticing evil can be and the importance of not thinking we are too strong to be tempted.
 |
| Carved Malachite box: Photo by carole smile on Unsplash |
4. A strong message about being true to those you love, being brave even if you are in a position of weakness, and the power of love to overcome evil. Lena's sacrificial quest to help find Petr was very inspiring.
5. A relationship based on shared dreams and values. I loved how Lena and Petr’s friendship and later sweet romance were built on their shared dreams of stone carving and their desire for freedom from Demyan Gorlov.
Favorite quote: “Sometimes we must reach the end of ourselves to find what lies beyond us.”
*See https://ukraine.ua/stories/ivan-kupala/ for more information about Ivan Kupala day in Ukraine.
Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):
🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Sasha is a good boy! He comforted Lena when she was sad and fought for her when Gorlov came to the house. Then Lena rescued him and brought him to Granny Vichta when he got hurt. I would do that for my family.
Your turn:
Do you like historical fantasy? What makes a good antagonist? What books have you been enjoying lately?
