My Spinning Silver Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik is a standalone historical-fantasy novel that weaves together fairy tale and folklore in a wintry, magical world. Set in the fictional kingdom of Lithvas, the story centers on Miryem, a determined moneylender’s daughter who builds a reputation for “turning silver into gold” to save her family from poverty. Her bold claim catches the attention of the Staryk—the ruthless, winter-faerie king—who gives her a deadly challenge and threatens to claim her as his own. Miryem’s magic entangles two other women: Wanda, a poor peasant girl seeking freedom for herself and her brothers, and Irina, a nobleman’s daughter who’s married off to the tsar—only to discover he is possessed by a fire demon set on destroying both human and fae worlds. Their fates collide in a battle against endless winter, fierce magic, and the ugly truths of power. Drawing on the bones of Rumpelstiltskin but spinning out its own original legend, the novel brings together themes of agency, identity, compassion, and sacrifice as each woman faces impossible choices to save themselves, their families, and their world.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Spinning Silver blends fairy tale magic with sharply real emotional stakes. The wintry setting is lush and atmospheric—every frosted street and enchanted forest feels vivid. The writing pulls me in with its dark, clever retelling of old tales, but what really holds me is the strength and grit of the characters. Miryem is fiercely practical and honest about her own limits, Wanda’s resilience is quietly heroic, and Irina’s transformation from pawn to power-broker kept me on my toes. I cared deeply for all three, and the way they fight for themselves (and each other) resonated long after I turned the last page. The shifting points of view are handled with clarity and subtlety, showing every side of the story without ever losing tension. I admire how the book tackles themes like prejudice, power, and what it means to “owe” or “be owed,” all without losing its sense of wonder. The romance is slow-burn, thorny, and deeply satisfying, layered with mutual respect and believable growth. Even though the pacing stretches in places, the payoff is rich—a story full of heart, magic, and hope in the middle of a brutal winter. For me, this book is more than a reimagined fairy tale; it’s an exploration of how we can stay kind and strong when the world is at its coldest.
Who Will Like This Book
If you’re a fan of retold fairy tales, stories of strong women, or fantasy with Slavic and Jewish folklore roots, Spinning Silver is for you. Readers who appreciate atmospheric world-building, layered characters, and themes of justice, sacrifice, and found family will find plenty to love. If you like romance that develops from enemies to uneasy allies—and eventually to something like love—there’s lots here, but it’s never the only focus. The pacing is thoughtful, sometimes sprawling, with multiple narrative threads, so it’s best for those who enjoy immersive reads. The book does feature tough topics: antisemitism, poverty, emotional abuse, and forced marriage are all present, often depicted with honesty but never gratuitous detail.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Includes references to poverty, forced marriage, prejudice, emotional abuse, and violence. If you’re sensitive to these issues, check content warnings before reading.
Tagged As
fantasy, fairy tale retelling, standalone, historical fantasy, Slavic folklore, Jewish heroine, enemies to lovers, strong heroine, slow burn, winter setting, magic, fae, arranged marriage, romance, kings and queens, family bonds, found family, multi-pov, character-driven, emotional depth, sacrifice, coming of age, indie novel, kindle unlimited
Steam Level
The romance is subtle and understated—expect yearning, quiet moments of trust, and emotional payoff, but no explicit content or graphic scenes. The story’s heart lies with its characters, their magic, and the intricate alliances they form.
