This book was so much fun! It combined cozy romantasy with classic fairytale fantasy elements in beautiful ways. While the first half was mostly romance focused, things got more intricate and fantastical in the second half. It made me not able to put the book down. 

The dynamics between the characters were so good. In the beginning Gisela and Kazik’s dynamic kept reminding me of Nina and Matthias from Six of Crows. There was A-tier bickering, Gisela being beautifully flirty and teasing. But it then grew into its very own dynamic, especially with Aleksey added to the mix, who adds some wonderful himbo vibes. I desperately need a novella of them living happily ever after as a trio and it’s just filled with bickering and cuteness.

The world building was very minimal. It definitely was not the focus of the book. My brain, also based on the cover, made it purely an old times fairytale world but then technology was mentioned and I was a bit thrown off. I still do not quite know what this world looks like. It is all very limited to the town where this story takes place. 

Overall I really loved reading this book. I immensely enjoyed learning about Slavic folklore. I loved that the romance was polyamorous. And now I really want more, because this book definitely leaves room for a part 2 and I really want to see Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey being in a relationship.