I apologize to all who could follow the storyline. I was really trying to get into this book. Chapter three was very heavy in the fantastical words and names. I made it through chapter 7, but could not get past all of the fantastical words. This just was not for me.

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.