Set in Stone by Stela Brinzeanu

Set in Stone by Stela Brinzeanu. 

Thank you to Netgallery for an ARC for an unbiased review. 

My husband and I love Romania and visit it as often as possible. We love the myths, legends and history, and find ourselves trying to learn what we can about it all, including the tied history to Moldova. 

We are an LGBTQA household (both Bisexual, he is trans). 

I love historical fiction, particularly if it revolves around myths and legends, folklore etc.

The synopsis for this book was right up my street.

As to be expected of a book of this kind and era, there are TW for a few things. Not least homophobia, rape and incest. Although most isn't graphic, you should skip this book if you feel it could be an issue. 

There are definite pros and cons for me with this book.

The basis of the story came through extremely well. Much of the background is one you can find within other European Women's stories of the time in one guise or another. And further afield too. So in some regards it isn't unique or unsurprising. Yet this managed to still feel fresh and engaging. 

The characterisation was solid. I felt each character within the settings were clearly allowed to show who they were. 

The biggest let down for me was the romantic component and that lack of development between Mira and Elina. It felt almost too neatly packaged I guess is how I'd term it. 

I also felt at times at the start the pacing was a little slow for them. I will say though as the book got into the final 3rd, that pacing was rectified and it was a strong finish to the book. 

If I had to sum that aspect up, I'd say the author has no problem bringing us a folktale we can understand. Or even in general the characters within that. But fitting in a romantic component is where she faltered somewhat. I definitely feel the; this is a debut novel, vibe. But despite this I'd certainly read future publications by the author. The book was strong enough for me to delve in again.

I'm vying though on how to rate it. One part of me feels a 3 out of 5 stars fits, but another thinks it deserves 4 stars for a lot of the development and story arc as a whole. So I'm allowing it 4 out of 5 stars. If Historical Queer lit is your thing, especially if Folktale/Folklore based, then certainly give this a try. Or if it is something you've wanted to try but always felt a little daunted by it, then this book is definitely a great jumping off point.

4/5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟