This is probably the best written of any fairytale-esque book that I've come across the last few years. There are magical elements, but it's also very grounded in reality, which makes it much more compelling. The characters are entrancing, especially our main heroine Vasya, and the atmosphere is magical. It moved at a slow pace, but in a good way that immerses you in the world and lets the characters grow and breathe. You kind of know what's going to happen, though there are some twists and surprises along the way - I suppose it's like any good telling of a fairytale in that way. I'll definitely have to pick up the second and third in the trilogy.