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The Witch and the Tsar

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The Witch and the Tsar

By: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore
Narrated by: Katia Kapustin
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About this listen

‘A delicate weaving of myth and history, The Witch and the Tsar breathes new life into stories you think you know’ Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf

Yaga lives deep in the Russian forest, tending to any that call upon her for her healing potions and vast wisdom.

She has been alone for centuries, with only her beloved animals for company. But, when Tsaritsa Anastasia, wife of Tsar Ivan Vasilyevich, shows up at Yaga’s cottage on the brink of death, Yaga is compelled to travel with her to Moscow to keep her safe.

However, the Russia Yaga sees as she makes her journey to the heart of the country is one on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan – soon to become Ivan the Terrible – grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.

Set in sixteenth-century Russia, The Witch and the Tsar upends the stories we know of Baba Yaga as the bony-legged witch of Slavic fairy tales and the stuff of nightmares. For beyond the rumours of her iron nose, fangs for teeth, and house on chicken legs, is the story of a woman so wise and strong that she has to be cloaked in lies to hide her true power.

Fantasy Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Magic Medieval World Literature Russia Middle Ages Witchcraft Magic Users Paranormal

Critic reviews

‘An utterly enchanting, wholly immersive debut that deftly reimagines the legend of Baba Yaga. This one is unmissable’ Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching

‘This epic tale brings both history and folklore to vivid life. It's a fresh, exciting take sure to capture fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and Jennifer Saint's Ariadne’ Publishers Weekly

‘Fierce and fearless, The Witch and the Tsar whisks the reader back to a sixteenth-century Russia that's enthralling, frightening, and completely unforgettable. With stunning prose and sharp insight, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore conjures up a captivating battle between gods, emperors, and folkloric spirits, led by a prickly, powerful heroine who leaps off the page and refuses to be ignored. This is Baba Yaga like you've never seen her before, and you're going to love her’ Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman

‘Beautifully written, gripping…a story of Baba Yaga as you have never met her before – don’t even THINK about missing it!’ Gabriella Saab, author of The Last Checkmate

‘The Witch and the Tsar delivers high stakes, memorable characters, and a sixteenth-century Russia you can almost reach out and touch. Yaga’s tale is a story I never knew I needed’ Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart

‘A perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction, The Witch and the Tsar magnificently paints an old Russia full of vengeful gods, court intrigue, and high adventure. In the centre of it all is the half-goddess Yaga, isolated and proud, whose compassion for humanity drives her into a war with Ivan the Terrible and the mythical beings who use him for their own ends. Immersive and beautifully written, Yaga’s story reminds us that gods – like humans – can choose their own fates’ Anika Scott, internationally bestselling author of The Soviet Sisters

All stars
Most relevant
Ok gripe first. A book where a woman finds all her contentment comes with husband and baby is not a feminist novel. That aside I really enjoyed this story of the legendary witch’s involvement with Ivan the terrible and the author’s commitment to getting right the history and historical elements.

Interesting take on the Baba Yaga legend

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What a well written book.!the narrator read with such feeling.I really enjoyed the way the writer portrayed The Baba Yaga (as she is known in legend) as a a person,a woman.
The story which unfolds is one of a woman in legend who is half immortal born of a goddess and half human and mortal.The main character is portrayed as an empathic ,strong yet vulnarable ,sometimes lost woman.Her life is filled with mistrust and prejudice from some yet admiration and trust from others who know the real person behind the rumours and stories.It is also woven with a love story and love for parents ,children and fellow humans and animals alike.Of loyalty and hatred.
Set in a time of deep superstition and mistrust the author has given us a very humanistic account of a struggle for someone who does not quite know her place in the world.Her fit in life.Belonging to both worlds but to none.Loved and respected by many and hated by many.Trying to help people who would believe her to only want to harm.
I really enjoyed this book.I was on her side all the way!
I recommend this book highly. .

Wonderful!

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