Katherine Arden's debut weaves Slavic mythology into the story of Vasilisa Petrovna, a young woman who can see the household spirits that protect her family's remote Russian village.

Set in medieval times when Christianity is displacing pagan beliefs, the novel follows Vasya as she navigates between her gift for communing with domovoi, rusalka, and other folkloric creatures, and the increasing pressure to conform to Christian expectations of womanhood.

Arden excels at atmospheric world-building, painting a vivid picture of harsh Russian winters and the thin boundary between the human and spirit worlds. Her prose is lyrical without being overwrought, and she handles the folklore elements with genuine respect and research. Vasya emerges as a compelling protagonist—stubborn, brave, and refreshingly complex in her refusal to be confined by societal expectations.

The supporting cast, including her conflicted priest-brother Konstantin and the enigmatic winter-king Morozko, feels authentic to the historical period while remaining emotionally accessible to modern readers. The pacing builds steadily toward a climactic confrontation between old and new beliefs, with genuine stakes for both Vasya and her community.

However, the novel occasionally gets bogged down in exposition, particularly in the first third where Arden works to establish both the historical context and mythological framework. Some readers may find the religious themes heavy-handed, and the romance subplot feels underdeveloped compared to the richer family dynamics. The book works best for readers who enjoy atmospheric fantasy with strong folkloric elements, similar to fans of Naomi Novik or Erin Morgenstern. Those seeking fast-paced action or contemporary fantasy tropes should look elsewhere. This is contemplative fantasy that rewards patience, offering a thoughtful exploration of how cultures evolve and what we lose when old ways disappear. Readers uncomfortable with religious themes or preferring straightforward good-versus-evil narratives may find the moral complexity frustrating.