The Witch and the Tsar

An utterly enchanting, wholly immersive debut that deftly reimagines the legend of Baba Yaga. This one is unmissable Alexis Henderson, author of The Year of the Witching This epic tale brings both history and folklore to vivid life. It's a fresh, exciting take sure to capture fans of Madeline Miller's Circe and Jennifer Saint's Ariadne Publishers Weekly Fierce and fearless, The Witch and the Tsar whisks the reader back to a sixteenth-century Russia that's enthralling, frightening, and completely unforgettable. With stunning prose and sharp insight, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore conjures up a captivating battle between gods, emperors, and folkloric spirits, led by a prickly, powerful heroine who leaps off the page and refuses to be ignored. This is Baba Yaga like you've never seen her before, and you're going to love her Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman Beautifully written, grippinga story of Baba Yaga as you have never met her before dont even THINK about missing it! Gabriella Saab, author of The Last Checkmate The Witch and the Tsar delivers high stakes, memorable characters, and a sixteenth-century Russia you can almost reach out and touch. Yagas tale is a story I never knew I needed Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witchs Heart A perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction, The Witch and the Tsar magnificently paints an old Russia full of vengeful gods, court intrigue, and high adventure. In the centre of it all is the half-goddess Yaga, isolated and proud, whose compassion for humanity drives her into a war with Ivan the Terrible and the mythical beings who use him for their own ends. Immersive and beautifully written, Yagas story reminds us that gods like humans can choose their own fates Anika Scott, internationally bestselling author of The Soviet Sisters

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore was born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the United States, and graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in English and Political Science, and from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law with a JD. She practised litigation at a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an author. She is most happy writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern European folklore. She lives in a wooded lakeside suburb of Chicago with her husband and daughter. The Witch and the Tsar is her debut novel.