2.5/5 Stars: ‘The Bright & The Pale’ (Book #1 of ‘The Bright & The Pale’) by Jessica Rubinkowski.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Adventure, Fantasy Retelling.
→ Trigger Warnings: Drowning, Discrimination, Trauma.

In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★
→ Character Development: ★
→ Setting: ★★★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★
→ Writing: ★★★

General Comments: An atmospheric opener, well suited for a cold winter’s night, but marred by careless tropes. The icy atmosphere of this Russian-inflected novel is vividly rendered, and briskly paced. There are several twists, turns, and betrayals. There is queer representation amongst the compatriots; however, the representation of Adamanian people, adept with explosives etc…, evokes Islamophobic stereotypes.

Favourite Quote: ‘Fear the mountain, my dear. Fear the dark depths and the cold halls. Fear the call. For when the mountain sinks its teeth into you, it will never let you go.’

Time Read: Four Days.
→ Audiobook: No.
→ Audiobook Narrator: -