02 Feb Book Review: Spinning Silver
Spinning Silver
by Naomi Novik
480 pages
Del Ray
In Naomi Novik’s brilliant fantasy, three unlikely women are drawn together in a quest to stop a terror—of ice and fire—that threatens them all.
The protagonist, Miryem decides to take over the family business of moneylending since her father is unable to collect the debts owed, which caused her family to be one step away from poverty. It isn’t long before she gains a reputation for not backing down, but also for turning silver into gold.
The king of the Staryk, creatures who live in a world of ice and snow, overhears a boast by Miryem, and her fate, along with two kingdoms is cast. He gives her an outrageous challenge, and Miryem unintentionally brings two young women into her nightmare: a poor girl, Wanda, and an unlucky daughter of a scheming lord, who secretly plans for her to marry a handsome young tsar.
Only, the Tsar Mirnatius hides a terrible secret that looms over the two kingdoms like a black cloud, threatening to swallow them whole. Miryem’s quest takes her, and her two allies, into fatal choices and to their own limits of power.
Spinning Silver is a true page-turner! It was highly recommended by my writing group, and admittedly, it made me eager to get my hands on it. I love unique fantasy and escaping from the mundane, and this book fit the bill; magnetically pulling me into its mesmerizing fairy tale world of snow and ice—all woven with great skill by Naomi Novik. The characters evoked heartbreaking empathy as they faced unexpected challenges that beset them at every turn. There were many surprising twists in the plot, especially at the end, which was deeply satisfying. Romance, intrigue and danger were replete in this complex and enchanting story woven with themes of power, love and sacrifice.
This is the kind of story that you don’t want to end. I love Naomi’s style of writing and storytelling, which is par excellence, and I look forward to reading her other novels, since this one hooked me good.
If you like this book, you’ll love The Dreylyng Prophecy
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