Elena the Brave
Old Rus Series: Book Two
by Julie Mathison
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Pub Date Mar 01 2022 | Archive Date Aug 07 2023
Starr Creek Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
Enjoy this winner of the 2022 Writer's Digest Self-Published E-Book Award for YA Fiction and 2022 Publishers Weekly's BookLife Prize Semifinalist.
Old Rus, a land of witches and ogres, bogatyr warriors and six-headed dragons, magic and myth. A land lurking below the waking world, a fabled land – except for the chosen few.
It’s 1942, and the world is at war. Elena Petrovna Volkonsky is just a schoolgirl in a Pennsylvania steel town, the Russia of her forbears long forgotten – except in tales, sung by her babka in haunting tones. Elena can picture Old Rus clearly as she ponders her pet rock, its surface black and smooth, but its depths strange. Such visions! An ancient Rus where Prince Vladimir the Bright Sun rules Kiev on the banks of the snow-swollen Dnepr, wending southward through wild steppes all the way to Byzantium. If only it were real! If only hers was not just an ordinary family in trying times. An ordinary family – with an extraordinary destiny.
Be careful what you wish for.
Meanwhile, Old Rus is in crisis. A dragon flies, a maiden is captured, and the great bogatyr, Dobrynya, is tasked with her rescue. But his son, Mitya, senses treachery on all sides. How can you save a man who will not save himself? And must he venture alone, trailing his father across the steppes where warring nomads range, even to the distant peaks of the Sorochinsk Mountains? He is prepared to do just that when a strange girl appears in the prince’s stables and upends all his plans.
What happens when two worlds – and hearts – collide?
"A vivid mix of history, romance, and folklore with a notably relatable hero." ~ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A Note From the Publisher
eBook: 9781735003771
Hardcover: 9781735003788
eBook: 9781735003771
Advance Praise
“Mathison’s tale hauntingly interweaves the dragons, 1940s America, and the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in a way that might have felt forced in less-skilled hands.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Mathison returns to Old Rus, the exceptionally well-constructed fantasy world introduced in VASILISA, one that blends the mythical and the historical to winning effect… Readers will feel fully immersed in the tale from the first page to the last.”
– The BookLife Prize
“A beautifully written tale. The author excellently weaves old Russian myths, lyrical prose, and 1940s history into one coherent and compelling tale that is hard to put down. The prose is particularly magical, with gorgeous sentences and lush language, and the relationships between characters, especially Elena and Vasilia and Elena and Mitya, stick with the reader longer after the tale has been told.”
– Writer’s Digest Critic’s Review
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781735003764 |
| PRICE | $14.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 350 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Jaimie C, Reviewer
It’s always a treat when I get to spend time with Vasilisa, Elena and Old Rus.
I’m a big folklore fan and am particularly intrigued by Russian folklore.
I’m also a big fan of author Julie Mathison. She writes such beautifully crafted sentences that pause me in my reading tracks, so I can give them time to sink in.
Elena is a fun, clever character who is definitely brave. But she is young and naive and we see such growth over the course of the book. It is a coming-of-age story, and Mathison shows how the adventure Elena goes on changes her.
I love the layers and depth of the story. Five stars and I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Vasilisa.
Thank you Netgalley and Starr Creek Press, for the opportunity to read Elena the Brave.
Renee W, Reviewer
For those who love tales of magic and myth, this book weaves a most fascinating tale. I got totally engrossed while reading this one. Wonderful story plot. May not be the read for all but give it a try. Use your imagination and enter the world that author Julie Mathison has given. I enjoyed it!! Thanks #netgalley and #StarrCreekPress for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Lori C, Reviewer
This historical fantasy YA book is an absolute stunner! I love this story so much!! I could not get enough, it pulls you in and you completely lose track of time and space!
I just reviewed Elena the Brave by Julie Mathison. #ElenatheBrave #NetGalley
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Morgan E, Reviewer
Elena the Brave by Julie Mathison takes readers on a journey to Old Rus, a land of magic, myth, and Russian folklore, while intertwining it with the backdrop of World War II. With its unique setting and incorporation of Russian mythology, this fantasy book offers a refreshing change from the typical Western European settings often found in the genre.
One of the highlights of the story is the rich and vivid Russian mythology and folklore that permeate the narrative. Mathison brings to life a land of witches, ogres, and dragons, creating a captivating world that adds depth and intrigue to the story. Elena, the young protagonist, approaches problems with creative and out-of-the-box ideas, making her a resourceful and engaging character.
The book's setting in Old Rus provides a refreshing departure from the usual fantasy settings, immersing readers in a different cultural context. The incorporation of Russian words and phrases adds authenticity to the narrative, although the random use of italics for these words can be distracting.
While the story takes some time to fully engage readers, once it picks up pace, it offers an enjoyable reading experience. The inclusion of side characters adds depth to the story, providing a well-rounded cast that contributes to the overall narrative.
However, some aspects of the book may feel familiar and predictable, such as the trope of a character coming between a couple. Additionally, Elena, presented as brave and determined, doesn't experience significant growth or development throughout the story, which may leave some readers wanting more character progression.
Overall, Elena the Brave is a book that shines with its exploration of Russian mythology and folklore, offering a fresh perspective in the fantasy genre. While the pacing may be slow at times and character development could have been further explored, the unique setting and imaginative storytelling make it an enjoyable read for those seeking a different kind of fantasy adventure.
3.8 rounded up to 4/5.
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