Spinning Silver

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, 466 pages.
Novik brings us into an odd world of Russian fairy tales mixed with modern fantasy. Miryem must work to rescue her family from her father's failure as a moneylender. He was lending to anyone, and collecting from no one until all of the family's money was gone. Her abilities to turn the silver she lent out to the gold she collected attracts the attention of  the Staryk, strange and frightening ice-creatures who terrify the people who live near their woods. The tasks Miryem must complete for the Staryk bring changes to her life, to Wanda, Miryem's servant / friend, and to the life of the new Tsarina. Irina had no hopes for marriage until her father bought the silver jewelry made from the Staryk coins. The beauty of the silver cause almost everyone to see Irina differently. Her new husband, the Tsar Mirnatius, doesn't seem to see the jewelry; something else make him want her for his wife. Irina must think quickly when she discovers what it is the Tsar really wants. The way the stories converge makes for a thrilling read. Novik tells a fascinating tale.