Alexander Utkin

I enjoyed the first volume so much that when I saw volumes 2&3 on the shelves at the library I snatched them up immediately, even though I was trying to reduce my library checkouts at the time. (As usual.)

I continue to really love the art in this — it is so distinctive and consistent. It was funny reading this right after watching The Witcher, because there is a "law of surprise" situation and instantly, reading, I was like, "Oh, no! I know where this is going!" (And it does.) Then later show more we meet Vasilisa in the woods and you know we're going to meet her again later on — I'm so curious how she will reappear.

Basically this story is a classic fairy tale trop that a man gets caught by some powerful creature, does some fast talking and gets free, but then his child eventually has to pay for it. This fragment of the story doesn't have a super satisfying ending to the arc, but luckily the next volume is already in hand. show less

Another impulse decision at the library. I mean, how was I supposed to resist that cover? I'm glad that I didn't. The story was that mix of refreshing and familiar any good new-to-you folk story tends to be, and the art is just gorgeous. Distinct, rich, bold in style -- very well matched to the story it's telling. Both of my kids and myself enjoyed it, though we all wish there was more. Guess it's time to see if I can put the sequel on hold yet! And hope for a beautifully bound collection of show more them all when they're done. show less

Again, the art! Especially the little duck that I love so much!

Volume 2 ended kind of in the middl of a thing, and this volume picks it up and continues it in a satisfying way. While this one wraps up its arc a little better, it is clear that there is so much more to this story, which is fantastic! This whole series is full of familiar folk tale elements, but it is still so fresh and charming somehow.