The Witch and the Tsar

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A perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction, The Witch and the Tsar magnificently paints an old Russia full of vengeful gods, court intrigue and high adventure. In the center of it all is the half-goddess Yaga, isolated and proud, whose compassion for humanity drives her into a war with Ivan the Terrible and the mythical beings who use him for their own ends. Immersive and beautifully written, Yaga’s story reminds us that gods—like humans—can choose their own fates.” It's a universal truth that if anyone knows all about snow besides Alaskans, Scandinavians, Inuit, Canadians, my friend from Minnesota, and polar bears, it's the Russians. One can read The Witch and the Tsar for its delightfully imaginative powers in retelling Old Russia’s fabled mythology surrounding Baba Yaga, along with a slew of other well known larger-than-life’s deity types, and their beloved, interesting companions. One can read it for a simple tale of a woman finding her power and her own place in a man’s world. And that would be enjoyable enough, for it’s a fine tale and will keep you enraptured to the end. I received an ARE of The Witch and the Tsar from Ace of Berkley of Penguin Random House in return for a fair review. Thanks, folks, and thanks to NetGalley for facilitating.

Ivan Bilibin, Baba Yaga, illustration in 1911 from “The tale of the three tsar’s wonders and of Ivashka, the priest’s son” (A. S. Roslavlev) She has been alone for centuries, with only her beloved animals for company. But, when Tsaritsa Anastasia, wife of Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, shows up at Yaga’s cottage on the brink of death, Yaga is compelled to travel with her to Moscow to keep her safe. As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan—soon to become Ivan the Terrible—grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.Tongue-in-cheek musings aside, this book has got praise for its "authenticity," and yet, to me it's been the least authentic depiction I've ever read of Baba Yaga for more reasons than just the characterisation. The author might be from Russia, but about all the difference that made from Baba Yaga retellings by Western writers is that Olesya Gilmore knows the proper gender of Russian names. Big achievement, that. The rest? She goes for the same stereotypes and clichés about Russia and Russians that Western authors get regularly roasted for. This was an engaging, violent, and emotional story that kept me engaged. Those that enjoy reimagined folk tales and mythology may want to consider this book as their next read.” Noch’s bright yellow gaze fixed on me pointedly. She let out a screech loud enough to reanimate the skulls on the fence encircling my izbushka.

This is a fantastic question I’ve never heard before! A fire-breathing dragon, or zmey in Russian folklore, would be pretty unbeatable, for who could beat a creature breathing flames? But an alkonost from Slavic mythology would also be cool. The alkonost is a fierce creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. They can fly and are known for their beguiling siren-like singing. We would just put everyone in battle under our spell! A painting portraying Baba Yaga. According to Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga was a witch who often preys on children to eat them. However, some accounts present her as a wise and helpful creature. The painting was created in 1917 and is now located at the House Museum of Viktor Vasnetsov in Moscow. Gilmore impresses with this feminist retelling of the Baba Yaga folktale set in 16th-century Russia…Gilmore’s immersive prose steeps readers in this wonderfully epic folktale full of magic and myth.” Over the next several decades, the reader accompanies Yaga as, all around her, Russia falls victim to Tsar Ivan, Gilmore’s immersive prose steeps readers in this wonderfully epic folktale full of magic and myth.” – Library Journal (starred review)

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Already?” I asked in Russian. Someone was coming. Someone desperate enough to risk being seen. “Who is it?” In The Witch and the Tsar, Baba Yaga is transformed by the magic of Olesya Salnikova Gilmore’s prose from a shadowy figure into a breathing woman with a beating heart… A powerful and moving debut.” A delicate weaving of myth and history, The Witch and the Tsar breathes new life into stories you think you know.” A perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction, THE WITCH AND THE TSAR magnificently paints an old Russia full of vengeful gods, court intrigue, and high adventure. In the centre of it all is the half-goddess Yaga, isolated and proud, whose compassion for humanity drives her into a war with Ivan the Terrible and the mythical beings who use him for their own ends. Immersive and beautifully written, Yaga’s story reminds us that gods - like humans - can choose their own fates” - Anika Scott, author of THE SOVIET SISTERS

Let’s talk about magic for a moment. It’s an important ingredient in any fantasy novel, but is usually more ethereal in myths. How have you approached magic in The Witch and the Tsar ? Her peaceful life ends when Anastasia , wife of Tsar Ivan The Terrible, an old friend of hers visits her to request urgent help. Over a couple of decades, Yaga will align with others to stop Tsar Ivan, who has become known as Ivan the Terrible, using his army to kill every one he considers traitors or enemies. Destruction and chaos is all over Russia, destroying everything they held dear. A) fierce, historically rich reimagining…full of complicated, three-dimensional women well beyond its titular heroine.” - Paste Magazine

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Olesya Salnikova Gilmore weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and Russian history, reclaiming and reinventing the infamous Baba Yaga, and bringing to life a vibrant and tumultuous Russia, where old gods and new tyrants vie for power. This fierce and compelling novel draws from the timeless lore to create a heroine for the modern day, fighting to save her country and those she loves from oppression while also finding her true purpose as a goddess, a witch, and a woman.