Where the Dark Stands Still

oh my goodness, I LOVE this book!! It was so cleverly written, the main plot was expertly woven into a few side plots that ALL wrap up into a FANTASTIC ending! I laughed, I cried. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book by this author!

Liska has been raised to believe that magic is evil and all magic users are monsters. Including herself. So, she decides to take matters into her own hands by going into the spirit-wood to find the mythical fern flower. A flower she can use to banish her powers for good.However, everyone who has searched for the fern flower has disappeared. It’s there Liska meets The Leszy, the demon who guards the woods. In exchange for what she wants, Liska has agreed to serve him for one year. But there’s something dark lurking in The Leszy’s manor. Does Liska have the power to destroy it?I’m always here for books with dark fairytale vibes, and this book definitely fits the bill.I saw someone describe this as Howl’s Moving Castle meets Polish folklore, and honestly, that’s the perfect way to describe this book. The gothic manor that Liska finds herself in has a mind of its own, revealing secrets to her that the Leszy (also known as Eliasz) doesn’t want her to know. The way magic works in this book is so interesting, and the intertwining of Polish folklore just adds to it.The characters are also well done. A main part of the story is Liska trying to deal with the trauma she has from having magic in a society that deems it evil. Eliasz does his best to help her work through this and show her that magic doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Of course, we do get a little romance between them, and the chemistry between them is well done.I’d imagine if you get the right narrator, this would also make a fantastic audiobook. Parts of the story have a kind of oral history feel to them. If you like dark folklore inspired fantasy, this will definitely be the book for you!

Where the Dark Stands Still is a dark fantasy debut with inspiration from Slavic folklore and it reminded me of a mix between Uprooted and Howl’s Moving Castle (Gothic Version)Liska grew up in a small town where magic is considered evil, she has a secret, she has magic and cannot control it, if the town finds out, there will be consequences, on the summer solstice she goes into the forbidden forest, she has a purpose, she is searching a way to end her magic, but she meets the Leszy, the demon warden of the wood, they make a deal, she will live with him for a year and will be her servant, or is that what he believes at first...I loved it! It is a debut that has all the elements that I love: Folklore (in this case, Slavic), A wood (dangerous) powerful magic, spirits, demons, and other dangerous creatures, a house that feels like another character, brave characters, tormented with secrets, mystery, and an atmosphere that feels gothic. It's set in summer, but the setting makes it feel like a more autumnal read. There is always an air of mystery.Liska is brave and smart and she wants to belong, Leszy is not the evil demon that everyone believes. They have more in common than they first think. It is easy to empathize with them, you are going to suffer with both and wish them the best. They are a romance, is a slow burn, it's the primary element of the book, but it's lovely, at the beginning it's her call her silly fox, little by little I will call her my clever fox. Cuties.The magic is simple and interesting, its layers and secrets that Leszy and Liska have to learn. The monsters are inspired by folklore and a little creepy, you don't need to know much about mythology to understand it. There are evil monsters that want to harm humans and there are others that coexist with them, the house spirit was grumpy and cute at the same time.It feels like a dark fairytale, the writing style is beautiful and witty, it's atmospheric, and the pacing makes you enter the story and hooks you, at the beginning it is slow, you accompany Liska to discover the cottage, find hidden rooms and investigate the secrets by Leszy but as it progresses and the danger increases, there is more action, the end is a 360-degree turn of emotions, it’s a story where the use of magic does have its consequences and one must take risks.PS: The cover is a chef's kiss, beautiful, and haunting, and captures the story perfectly.Read it if you want: • Slavic Folklore • Creepy Forest and Magical Cottages • Gothic Fairytale Vibes • Dark Cottage-core

Beautifully written. Amazing storyline in extremely original setting.

Where the dark stands still is my new favourite book. Slavic story with ghibli feeling. The very last sentence left the most peaceful feeling I’ve ever experienced.