Like [b:Uprooted|22544764|Uprooted|Naomi Novik|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1550135418l/22544764._SX50_.jpg|41876730], another of Novik's excellent fantasy novels, 'Spinning Silver' is a brilliantly constructed twist on fairy tales and mythology. In this case, Russian mythology and a conflict between magical ice and fire beings. The tale is told via three female protagonists, who try to protect their loved ones from magical and more prosaic dangers. I adored the characters, plot, and world-building. Given my love of snow, the lavish descriptions of endless snowy winter in the Staryk realm were a delight. The protagonists' similar yet sometimes conflicting motivations made for a very compelling narrative. I appreciated the complexity of playing off one supernatural power against the other and the difficult trade-offs involved.

The magic was also fascinating, as it worked very differently in the human and Staryk realms. Miryem's skill is shown ingeniously and I really liked the role played by her Jewish family in the plot. Both Miryem and Irina display considerable ingenuity and bravery, taking the initiative to negotiate for what they want. Wanda has much less scope for this, as she lacks the privileges of birth, wealth, and family support that the other two have at least some of. She nonetheless takes the initiative and has an important role in events. I would like to have seen more of the friendship between the three, as they are each so vivid and interesting. The plot resolution is nonetheless brilliant, simultaneously moving, neat, and satisfying. 'Spinning Silver' gave me exactly what I want from fantasy: thoughtful allegories for reality, exciting adventures, picturesque settings, strange magic, appealing protagonists who make smart decisions, and a lot of escapism. ( )

Unexpectedly fresh and nice. The author uses jewish and western slavs folklore ideas. ( )

1st read: March 2020
2nd read: August 2023

This is a great, stand-alone fantasy book. I really like the characters and the world that the author created.

But the way that the author switches from POV to POV is a little too abrupt. Sometimes it took me a bit to figure out whose perspective I was reading about.

I listened to some of the audiobook this time around, and the narrator is excellent. ( )

A wonderfully written book, and immediately one of my favourite standalone fantasy novels of all time. Novik weaves a terrific tale with fairy tale tropes tackled with realism and humanity, without giving up a single shred of the magical. The switch between -- and at time surprising introduction of -- viewpoints is excellently handled, and particularly the young boy's voice is delightfully idiosyncratic and engrossing. My sole complaint, really, is the rather unfortunate trend between this and Novik's previous (also excellent, if maybe slightly less memorable to me than this one is) fairy tale-inspired novel "Uprooted" -- spoilers ahead -- where a woman forced into subordination by a callous and powerful male figure eventually finds a way to redeem their captor. In a single instance, this is not too troublesome, but between the two novels this happens thrice, with siimlar outcomes, which on a metatextual level feels like a troublesome message be implying. But I won't let that diminish my enjoyment of or enthusiasm for this book, which I warmly recommend to just about anyone. ( )

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father's inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty--until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold. When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk--grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh--Miryem's fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. Set an impossible challenge by the nameless king, Miryem unwittingly spins a web that draws in a peasant girl, Wanda, and the unhappy daughter of a local lord who plots to wed his child to the dashing young tsar. But Tsar Mirnatius is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and her two unlikely allies embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love.