Having previously read 'The Sisters of the Winter Wood', I came to this book expecting the same magical elements. Yes, there is magic, but it seems darker. Once again The author is telling us stories of Jewish persecution - this time in 14th Century Hungary - and once again she is interweaving her own family's history with retelling of fairy tales and figures and events from history.

The story is about Rabbi Isaac and his three daughters and the magic that they have within them. Hannah can make things grow, Sarah can control fire and Levana can read the stars. However a black mist is descending and for a while Rabbi Isaac and his followers keep it at bay and the family live a life that is devout and happy until a terrible tragedy befalls them and they are forced to flee. They find a new home where there is more religious freedom but change their names and hide their faith. The story then recounts the choices each sister makes to keep herself and her family safe.

The book is written from the point of view of each of the sisters and, although they are young and think of love and marriage, you are able to understand their deep love for family, for their faith. The persecution of the Jews in this book is much more 'real'. There is a violence in this book that was not in the previous one and be aware that there are a couple of scenes that are disturbing. The author does not shield the reader from the reality of what the Jews suffered in those times. But the magical element is quite breath-taking. There are dragons, what is there not to love?

Although, on the whole, I prefer 'The Sisters of the Winter Wood', I did enjoy this and the way that each sister's story developed as they grew to understand their own abilities. In particular I loved the story-telling, as all of the characters would weave fairy tales into their own narratives to reveal truths. If you love history, magic, fairy-tales and of course the occasional dragon, pick this one up.

Three sisters with very definite characters of their own,growing up in a very male dominated world.
Theres magic,and mystery,and folk tales.
Theres death and destruction too.
Theres a lot to like in fact.
For me though,as I followed those sisters on their journey,I felt it lacked a certain spark that had me fully invested.

An entertaining read non the less.