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Liska Radost grew up near the spirit-wood, and like the others in her small village, she knows that Magic is monstrous and those who practice it are monsters. When Liska unleashes her own powers with devastating consequences, she is caught by the demon warden of the wood—the Leszy—who offers her a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish.
Shortly after Liska is whisked away to the Leszy’s crumbling manor, she discovers the sinister roots of their bargain. If she wants to survive the year and return home, she must unravel the secrets and confront the ghosts of her host’s past. Not all who enter the wood return, and if Liska doesn’t tread carefully she’ll become its next victim.
Where the Dark Stands Still is a dark Beauty and the Beast retelling reminiscent of Howl’s Moving Castle and is steeped in Polish folklore. Fans of dark fairy tales and gothic stories will likely fall in love with its sentient crumbling manor and overgrown forest trails, as well as the skeletal creatures from derelict nightmares that dwell within these magical woods.
The backbone of this book is its themes of found family. Liska is able to create safe, beautiful spaces for those around her, despite always having been denied a safe haven of her own. As the story progresses, she begins to see herself through the eyes of those who care about her in return and begins deconstructing her view of herself, allowing for a beautiful message about growth and self-love.
Overall, Where the Dark Stands Still is a slower-paced standalone with beautiful atmospheric writing, an intriguing magic system, and fun banter. It’s the kind of story that gives readers cozy cottage-core vibes while also touching on something sinister. It may especially appeal to fans of For the Wolf, The Bear and the Nightingale, and An Enchantment of Ravens.
Rated: Moderate. There are 5 uses of mild language and 12 uses of the name of Deity. Violence includes some gorier descriptions of injuries and wounds, death and blood, and a history involving humans sacrificed to monster. Sexual content includes a heated make-out session and partial undressing before fading to black. A mythical creature takes the form of a naked woman.
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