Book Review: Spinning Silver by Naomi Novil
(Four Stars)
“For a moment I felt her a sister, our lives in the hands of others. She wasn’t likely to have any more choices in the matter than I did.”
Well-constructed fairy tale. Three female protagonists, two of whom had such similar voices that the reader occasionally must seek clues elsewhere. Interesting supporting cast, with enough humanity and inhumanity to compel and thrill.
“I had not known I was strong enough to do any of these things until they were over and I had done them.”
Draws deeply on Russian and Jewish cultures, but tells her own tale. Intricate plot, occasionally overlapping and backtracking to the point that the reader must puzzle out whose view point the story, always first person, is being told from.
“But it was all the same choice, every time. The choice between the one death and all the little ones.”
As a Matter of Fancy 
I’ve read this one. Didn’t enjoy it as much as her first book. Novil’s two villains felt so similar it made for tedious reading about midway through the book. Her description of the lands and buildings, the world-building, were well-written and vivid. The most engaging aspect of the book.