Vassa in the Night

Vassa in the Night follows teenager Vassa Leeds as she navigates a dark version of Brooklyn where nights stretch longer and longer. She lives with her stepmother and stepsisters, accompanied by her magical dancing doll Erg, in a world where the infamous BY's convenience stores are known to behead shoplifters. When Vassa is forced to visit BY's on a late-night errand, she becomes entangled in the store's supernatural mysteries. The store's owner, Babs Yagg, sets impossible tasks for Vassa while the animated hands of previously executed shoplifters patrol the aisles. Drawing from the Russian folktale "Vasilisa the Beautiful," this urban fantasy reimagines Baba Yaga's chicken-legged hut as a 24-hour convenience store. The novel blends everyday Brooklyn life with Russian mythology and dark magic. The story explores themes of family loyalty, sacrifice, and the fluid nature of truth in a world where reality shifts like shadows. Through its fantastical elements, the novel examines how people navigate between light and darkness, both literal and metaphorical.

Readers found this modern Baba Yaga retelling ambitious but uneven in execution. Some described the surreal, dream-like atmosphere and dark magical elements as captivating, while others felt lost in the bizarre imagery and meandering plot. Positive reviews highlighted: - Creative worldbuilding and nightmarish atmosphere - Fresh take on Russian folklore - Memorable supporting characters, especially By and Erg - LGBTQ+ representation Common criticisms: - Confusing narrative that's difficult to follow - Underdeveloped main character - Pacing issues, especially in the middle - Writing style that some found pretentious Average Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (80+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 3.4/5 (20+ ratings) One reader noted: "The imagery is stunning but the story gets lost in its own weirdness." Another stated: "Beautiful writing that sometimes sacrifices clarity for style." Many compared it to American Gods but for YA readers, though some felt it didn't quite achieve its ambitious goals.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Two rival magicians compete through their young proteges in a mysterious traveling circus that operates from sunset to sunrise.

Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente A retelling of Russian folklore follows Marya Morevna's marriage to Koschei the Deathless during the Russian Revolution, blending magic with historical events.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden This reimagining of Russian fairy tales centers on a young woman who protects her village using old magic despite the arrival of Christianity.

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert A teenager must venture into a dark fairy tale realm to rescue her mother and confront her connection to her grandmother's sinister collection of stories.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton A generational tale follows a family of women with unusual traits, culminating in the story of a girl born with wings in a world that blends reality with magical elements.

🌙 The story draws inspiration from the Russian folktale "Vasilisa the Beautiful," reimagining it in a modern Brooklyn setting while keeping the magical and mysterious elements of the original tale. ⚡ The night in the book literally stretches and behaves differently from normal time, creating extended periods of darkness that only certain characters can perceive. 🏪 The magical BY's convenience store in the novel is based on real New York City bodegas, but with a sinister twist that plays on urban legends and local folklore. 📚 Author Sarah Porter is also a visual artist and has illustrated several of her own books, though not Vassa in the Night. 🐻 The character of Vassa carries enchanted dolls in her pocket, similar to how the original Vasilisa from the folktale carried a magical doll given to her by her dying mother.