Tag: forest magic

Review: Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

Anna and AlexisLeave a comment
Alexis holds Where the Dark Stands still on a gray blanket next to three decorative pumpkins.

Alexis:

Where the Dark Stands Still is my kind of book. It’s Howl’s Moving Castle meets Uprooted with a dash of Sorcery of Thorns. I really enjoyed it, and it ended up being 4.5 stars for me. 

“‘God,’ Liska pants.

‘Not quite,’ the Leszy says, watching her carefully. ‘But it’s still a better compliment than screaming the moment you see me.’

She might have rolled her eyes if she wasn’t still trembling.” 

I loved the atmosphere and Poranek’s writing style. The world is Polish folklore-inspired, which I really enjoyed. It was great seeing Liska, the main character, learn and grow as a character as the book went on. And if you like Howl, well, you’ll like the Leszy, the demon of the wood. 

My only critiques: The Leszy’s nickname for Liska was definitely overused, and the beginning was a little slow. 

This was a great debut! If you like creepy woods, demons and spirits, and magic/forest magic, I definitely recommend it!