School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Gisela is a rusałka, a water nymph of Slavic folklore, transformed after her violent death near water, and now existing among her fellow drowned spirits in the river kingdom of Wojciech, the irritable old water goblin. She can only regain her humanity and life, if she can earn a kiss from a living human, or avenge her untimely death. Kazik is the local exorcist, whose quest to stop evil spirits in their European spa town brings him into constant conflict with Gisela and the other rusałki. They are unlikely allies, but when Aleksey, the strange new boy in town, draws both of their attention, they find themselves working together to get Gisela her kiss. The rich Slavic fantasy world unfurls throughout, weaving folklore with fairy-tale, as it reimagines elements of "The Little Mermaid" into something entirely new. The almost completely queer cast of characters includes pansexual and genderfluid representation which, while transgressive within the "old world" religious setting of the book, is fully accepted and celebrated by all the characters involved. The multiple points of view build suspense as each character learns that in this world of magical spirits, not everyone is as they seem. While resolving the main plot, the ending clearly sets the stage for a sequel for Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey. VERDICT This beautiful Slavic reimagining of "The Little Mermaid" will appeal to fans of fairy-tale retellings and queer romantasy adventures.--Molly Saunders
Publisher's Weekly Review
After mysteriously drowning in the river near the tourist town of Les´na Woda at 16, Gisela became a rusalka, or a water nymph. She longs to reunite with her family, but the only way to return to her human life is to kiss a mortal. Her attempts have been foiled by reclusive Kazik, the 16-year-old grandson of a late witch who views Gisela as an evil spirit demonizing the town. Upon informing Kazik of the quickest way to dispatch her, Gisela sets her sights on Aleksey, Kazik's former classmate. But Kazik is interested in Aleksey too, and when Aleksey returns both Kazik and Gisela's admiration, the trio become tangled in a web of complicated feelings. Yet Aleksey is not all he seems to be either, and he may know more about Gisela's plight and the death of Kazik's grandmother than he's letting on. Jasinska (The Midnight Girls) employs Gisela, Kazik, and Aleksey's alternating perspectives to spin a delightfully queer polyamorous romance teeming with splashes of ethereal magic. As the trio's relationship unfolds via charming banter and self-conscious uncertainty, secrets heighten the tension in this historical fantasy that's inspired by Slavic folklore. Protagonists cue as white. Ages 14--up. Agent: Rena Rossner, Deborah Harris Agency. (Sept.)
