Vasilisa Audiobook By Julie Mathison cover art

Vasilisa

Old Rus Tales, Book 1

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Vasilisa

By: Julie Mathison
Narrated by: Kimberly Gifford Olbrich
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About this listen

Vasilisa has listened to tales of Old Rus all her life, a fantastical forest realm ruled over by the witch Baba Yaga, home to the mischievous Leshy, the deadly rusalka, and Old Koschei, butcher of hearts. But never would she have dreamed it to be real -- nor imagined that she would go searching for it, accompanied only by Ivan, a mysterious orphan searching for revenge. When her grandmother falls ill and the visions begin, Vasilisa embarks on a journey to the thrice-tenth kingdom, where the secret to Babka's cure and Ivan's revenge lies hidden in the mists. The old witch will help them, if she doesn't eat them first. But as Vasilisa and Ivan face each trial together, they soon find that the greatest test of all may be the growing love between them.

©2021 Starr Creek Press (P)2025 Julie Mathison Fantasy Historical Science Fiction & Fantasy Heartfelt Magic Witchcraft Magic Users

Critic reviews

2022 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist

2021 BookLife Prize Semifinalist

2022 Wishing Shelf Award Finalist for Best Books for Teenagers

2023 Best Book Award for YA Fiction Finalist, American Book Fest

"A universe where the real and fantastical merge effortlessly."--The BookLife Prize

"I loved every second of this book. I'd compare it to The Girl who Drank the Moon in its world-building and writing style, with the deep magic of The Bear and the Nightingale."—CeliaMcMahonReads
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A wonderful take on the most ancient tales. Love the link between the New World and the Old Rus.

Enchanting

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Julie Mathison has truly outdone herself with Vasilisa. From the moment I started listening, I was completely captivated. The storytelling is rich, vibrant, and utterly magical, creating an immersive experience that draws you deeply into its world.

Mathison's signature style shines through vividly crafted characters and an enchanting narrative inspired by folklore yet brilliantly original. The protagonist, Vasilisa, is courageous, relatable, and compelling—someone you'll root for wholeheartedly throughout her journey. Each twist and turn of the story was masterfully executed, balancing moments of suspense, tenderness, adventure, and wisdom.

The audiobook's narration is exceptional. The narrator brings distinct personalities to each character, making the story not only easy to follow but truly come alive. The pacing, tone, and emotional delivery added layers of depth, making for a memorable listening experience that kept me thoroughly engaged until the very last word.

I couldn’t recommend this audiobook highly enough. A perfect pick for anyone who loves enchanting tales infused with folklore, strong characters, and heartfelt storytelling. Vasilisa deserves every bit of its five stars and more—truly an audiobook treasure!

A beautifully narrated masterpiece

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