The Witch and the Tsar

A case of wasted potential on this one. Historical fantasy with the most famous figure from Russian folklore (Baba Yaga) set in the most tumultuous period in Russian history (the Oprichnina of Ivan the Terrible) with a more feminist twist should be a recipe for success, but what is served up is so neutered and boring.

The author correctly points out that the Baba Yaga of legend has largely been shaped by the chronicles of men rather than women, and in all probability they are probably correct that it is based on an ancient fertility god. Traditionally she is shown as an withered crone who flies around in mortar. She has a certain duality to her - she may help or she may hinder those who seek her out. The author here correctly identifies the duality inherent in the ancient pagan traditions but then completely removes it from the Yaga figure in this story. All the interest is removed as a result. The idea that the figure presented is more feminist also fails in my mind as her relationship with a man (Vasily) becomes a central theme of the book - I honestly feel the original telling is more feminist in this respect!

What of the historical setting? Yes, the author does present some of the horrors of the Oprichniki but again this desire to smooth over the rough edges robs it of its impact. The pseudo mysticism of trying to recapture the identities of the lost Slavic gods makes the plot meander and get lost, robbing some of the immediacy of the very real horror and suffering of the time.

I am left feeling that there is the potential for a great book set around these themes. For me this was not it.