Critical Praise

“Like Bulgarian-born Princeton grad Zourkova, Bulgarian-born Princeton student Theodora Slavin gets caught up in tales of the samodivi, or wildalones-forest witches of her country’s folklore who ensnare men. Think TWILIGHT and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES; the fluid, pulsing, gothic narrative seems right for the screen.” 

—Library Journal

“Readers who love fantastical romances and mythology are apt to fall under the spell of Zourkova’s debut, and once they reach the final page, they will hope that Thea and the Estlin brothers’ adventures continue in future books.” 

—Booklist

“Ancient Greek mystery religions, culture clash and college romance form a heady blend in Zourkova’s poetic, striking debut.” 

—Publishers Weekly

“Zourkova pens a wonderful debut that intertwines love, mystery and Greek mythology in its pages. Readers will eagerly journey alongside Thea as she tackles an atypical freshman year of college. [...] her story is one that cannot be missed.” 

—RT Book Reviews (4 1/2 stars)

“A clever, dark romance steeped in mystery, with a bittersweet thread of melancholy and keen sense of place. Fantasy and romance lovers, as well as those who liked Donna Tartt’s THE SECRET HISTORY or Pamela Dean’s TAM LIN should enjoy this.” 

—Library Journal (starred review)