The Witch of Duva by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Freebie!
Publication Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Tor
POV: 3rd person & female
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Fantasy, Family, Witches, Dark.
BLURB:
There was a time when the woods near Duva ate girls…or so the story goes. But it’s just possible that the danger may be a little bit closer to home. This story is a companion folk tale to Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel, Shadow and Bone.
REVIEW:
THAT TWIST. (There were many actually, but THAT twist!—was a poignant one.)
I don’t usually read short stories (or novellas) because they tend to feel underdeveloped and don’t give that kind of satisfaction after finishing them, since I always feel like there was something missing or could have been better but was not. I have an exception in mind though, besides this one: Gilded Ashes, which is a fairy tale retelling as well.
This…was captivating. I thought I wasn’t going to be surprised because it’s a Hansel and Gretel retelling and what can possibly be done with that story? Well, apparently, a lot since Leigh Bardugo managed to create so many twists and turns.
And a likable heroine. I couldn’t help but be invested in Nadya’s story from the beginning. What I found a shame though is her brother, Havel, being, absent in the plot and only present when the narrator was willing to give us some insights on him. That wouldn’t have been a problem if it were just a normal story but, being a retelling of Hansel and Gretel, I feel like he should have been at least physically there during one chapter.
This is set in the same world-building as The Grisha trilogy. Having LOVED Shadow and Bone, I had to read this. And I’m so grateful I decided to not prolong the reading time for I would have regretted it for sure. We do see enough of the world-building which itself is pretty rare in a short story—good job!
I really don’t want to spoil it for you and, hey, being a short story, it’s better if you begin your read knowing pretty much nothing, at least that’s my opinion.
I decided to summarize it anyway though, for those who are interested: Nadya’s mother died and her father started seeing someone else (there’s a famine in between and her brother going away—to the draft) but, that woman (Karina) does not like Nadya. At all. And it’s mutual. She keeps pushing Nadya on going away and leaving the house and so one day she does. Into the woods.
And she encounters the witch.
And things get really good—even though they already were. But, then, the plot is at its best.
The writing was great and, seriously, I don’t know what happened. I turned the first page a minute ago and then BOOM, last page was already before me. It was so addictive that I didn’t even look once at what page I were at a certain moment, which I always do so I can count approximately how much time I will need to finish it (really bad habit.)
It is recommended to read Shadow and Bone first for I think you would understand a little bit better and feel more connected to the story but, if you don’t, it’s not that of a problem; you will still enjoy this very much, I believe.
The best part? You can read it for free, here! Enjoy! ^_^
I need to read this as well! I think I got it when it was free but now I need to double check. Glad you liked it so much!
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Sounds super Interesting!!
I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award http://perksofbeingreaders.blogspot.com/2014/10/one-lovely-blog-award.html
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I confess that the cover doesn’t really attract me but it sounds so well done and quite differernt too. It’s the first time I hear about it but you made me curious now! lovely review!
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I wish I had a better experience with this series. As it stands, I’m having a hard time finishing up the third and last book. Really glad you enjoyed this one, though.
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i haven’t read this series yet, but I plan on doing it… soon(ish). I don’t know… I get all excited about something and then the last book comes out and there are mixed reviews and I hate when that happens =( but anyway I’ll give it a go =) and thanks for the link to get the novella for free ^^
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WAIT? There’s a prequel to Shadow and Bone? I’ll admit – I’m a bit skeptical – but it sounds fabulous regardless! As you know, I absolutely adore books with mind-boggling twists and turns, so this sounds like it would be right up my alley. Even though the books that I’ve read in the Shadow and Bone trilogy have been a bit mediocre IMO, I’m definitely going to add this to my TBR regardless. Thanks for sharing Lola and, as always, BRILLIANT review! ❤
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Yay for free eBooks that flesh out the world well, I love the fairy tale retelling here with Hansel and Gretel! Sounds like a really magical book 🙂 Great review Lola.
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Sounds like you really enjoyed this! Not my kind of novella, but your review was lovely. 🙂
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I do like free 🙂 *hurries over*
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Thank you for sharing! I’m going to read this today.
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I actually really love the cover for this one but I must admit I was never interested in reading this one until your review. THAT twist? Yeah I really want to read this one now!
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I was actually going to skip all of the novellas for this series but I guess I won’t! I never knew a novella to have a twist!
Amber Elise @Du Livre
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I don’t read shorts much anymore either, except when they’re related to a book series I like. I’ve read this one and like you I totally didn’t see that coming! I totally didn’t realize it was a Hansel and Gretel retelling!
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Haha, I think you know my feelings about Leigh Bardugo’s actual novels, but I read this novella back when Tor released it and LOVED it! It was so enchanting, and your review just hit the nail on the head for how I felt about it. 🙂
BTW, you’ve been tagged! 🙂
http://thebookofjules.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-random-question-tag.html
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This sounds like something I woud LOVE being a fan of retellings and of Shadow and Bone! I’m glad you enjoyed The Witch of Duva and I’m adding it to my retelling wishlist. Wonderful review, Lola 🙂
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Awesome! I already downloaded a copy. Thanks for sharing us your review. 🙂
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I haven’t actually read the Grisha trilogy (ONE DAY, I PROMISE) but I think this is a great way for me to sample Bardugo’s writing. 😀 Thank you for sharing!
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