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A review by willowbiblio
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"But nothing is ever equal with humans, really- we give and we take, the scales ever tipping. That's just the way of it. I am what he has, and he is what I have- there's no point in keeping score."
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I truly could not put this book down, I read it in less than 24 hours. This was exactly the kind of book I needed to read right now. It had such a strong open with the introduction of mysticism and the knowledge that Liska carries shame and is an outsider in her village. It immediately raised questions and intrigue. There was such excellent imagery throughout this book as well; the stag rotting, creatures transforming, and woods themselves. I loved the enrichment of the story and immersion in Polish culture/folklore through foods, names, and more.
Jaga was the best! I thought the relationship between the main characters was so wholesome and audience appropriate. I really appreciated how tasteful the intimacy was because the audience here is YA, not adults. I also loved how at the end we got the Leszy's POV of the moments that were special to the characters and reader.
The use of magic as butterflies, giving additional meaning to the phrase "butterflies in my stomach" was inspired. I also appreciated the nod to feminism. Men said women would go mad if they used power because they were stronger, and Kazimiera was proof of that lie.
In general, this was such a lovely and immersive tale of a young woman learning to love every aspect of herself, stand up against bigotry, and face really hard problems by not doing it alone. Really beautiful messaging. I look forward to reading Poranek's future work. So glad this was gifted!
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I truly could not put this book down, I read it in less than 24 hours. This was exactly the kind of book I needed to read right now. It had such a strong open with the introduction of mysticism and the knowledge that Liska carries shame and is an outsider in her village. It immediately raised questions and intrigue. There was such excellent imagery throughout this book as well; the stag rotting, creatures transforming, and woods themselves. I loved the enrichment of the story and immersion in Polish culture/folklore through foods, names, and more.
Jaga was the best! I thought the relationship between the main characters was so wholesome and audience appropriate. I really appreciated how tasteful the intimacy was because the audience here is YA, not adults. I also loved how at the end we got the Leszy's POV of the moments that were special to the characters and reader.
The use of magic as butterflies, giving additional meaning to the phrase "butterflies in my stomach" was inspired. I also appreciated the nod to feminism. Men said women would go mad if they used power because they were stronger, and Kazimiera was proof of that lie.
In general, this was such a lovely and immersive tale of a young woman learning to love every aspect of herself, stand up against bigotry, and face really hard problems by not doing it alone. Really beautiful messaging. I look forward to reading Poranek's future work. So glad this was gifted!