The first book of the trilogy could be a standalone so I wonder if it had been thought fully as a trilogy from the beginning or if the author gave the first book an open ending in case it wasn't successful? In all cases, this second book was as enchanting and cosy as the first one.

It was a bit slow for the story to truly start but the second half and ending were as magical as the first book's ending was. 

I love that the story is so focused on the siblings' dynamics and not only the romance between Vasya and Morozko. I also appreciate Vasya's strength and fight for her independence while struggling to find her path as a woman in a very masculine society that expects women to simply sit in terems, get married and have children and nothing else. I also like that Vasya's actions and mistakes have proper consequences for herself and her family, even if she saved the day at the end.

It took me far too long to figure out Kasyan's nature, and I wonder if Medved is ever going to come back...

I liked this second book, and I can't wait for the third. I have a feeling that there won't be a happy ending for the chyerti though and that makes me a little sad...