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11 Haziran 2023

Discover the Magic and Mystery of Two Witches of Kyiv: Part One - The Biddings of Mara by Scot George

- Who is the author? - Why is it worth reading? H2: Plot Summary - What are the main events and characters in the book? - How does the story unfold and end? H2: Themes and Symbols - What are the main themes and messages of the book? - How are they expressed through symbols and motifs? H2: Writing Style and Tone - How does the author use language and narration to create the mood and atmosphere of the book? - What are some of the literary devices and techniques that he employs? H2: Historical and Cultural Context - When and where is the book set? - How does it reflect the historical and cultural background of Kyiv and Ukraine? - What are some of the historical and cultural references and influences that can be found in the book? H2: Strengths and Weaknesses - What are some of the positive and negative aspects of the book? - How does it compare to other books in the same genre or by the same author? - What are some of the criticisms and praises that it has received from readers and critics? H2: Conclusion - What is the main takeaway from the book? - Who would enjoy reading it and why? - How does it relate to current issues or trends? H2: FAQs - Q1: Is this book part of a series? - Q2: Is this book based on a true story? - Q3: How long is this book? - Q4: Where can I buy this book? - Q5: Are there any adaptations or spin-offs of this book? # Article with HTML formatting Two Witches of Kyiv: Part One - The Biddings of Mara (Volume 1) - A Review

If you are looking for a thrilling and captivating fantasy novel that blends history, magic, and folklore, you might want to check out "Two Witches of Kyiv: Part One - The Biddings of Mara (Volume 1)" by Scot N George. This book is the first installment of a planned trilogy that follows the adventures of two young witches in Kyiv, Ukraine, during the turbulent times of the 17th century. In this review, we will explore what makes this book an engaging and enjoyable read for fans of fantasy, historical fiction, and Ukrainian culture.

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Introduction

"Two Witches of Kyiv: Part One - The Biddings of Mara (Volume 1)" is a fantasy novel that was published in 2017 by Scot N George, an American author who has lived and worked in Ukraine for over a decade. The book is inspired by his love for Ukrainian history, culture, and mythology, as well as his personal experiences in Kyiv. The book tells the story of two young women who discover their magical abilities and become involved in a dangerous plot that threatens their city and their lives. The book combines elements of historical fiction, urban fantasy, horror, romance, and comedy, creating a rich and immersive world that draws readers in.

The book is worth reading for several reasons. First, it offers a unique and original perspective on Ukrainian history and culture, showcasing its diversity, complexity, and beauty. The book portrays Kyiv as a vibrant and dynamic city that is influenced by various cultures, religions, and political forces, such as Poland-Lithuania, Russia, Turkey, Sweden, Cossacks, Jews, Muslims, Christians, pagans, etc. The book also incorporates many aspects of Ukrainian folklore and mythology, such as witches, spirits, demons, legends, rituals, etc., giving readers a glimpse into the rich and fascinating heritage of Ukraine. Second, the book features well-developed and likable characters that readers can relate to and root for. The two main protagonists, Kateryna and Olena, are strong, smart, brave, and loyal, but also flawed, vulnerable, and realistic. They have distinct personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, and they grow and change throughout the book. The book also has a diverse and colorful cast of supporting characters, such as friends, enemies, allies, rivals, mentors, lovers, etc., who add depth and intrigue to the story. Third, the book delivers a fast-paced and exciting plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book is full of twists and turns, surprises and revelations, conflicts and resolutions, action and suspense, humor and horror, romance and betrayal, etc. The book balances the historical and the fantastical aspects of the story, creating a believable and compelling scenario that blends reality and imagination. The book also sets up the stage for the next two books in the trilogy, leaving readers eager to find out what happens next.

Plot Summary

The book begins with a prologue that introduces the main antagonist of the story, Mara, a powerful and evil witch who has been imprisoned for centuries in a secret underground chamber beneath Kyiv. She is awakened by a mysterious figure who offers her a deal: he will help her escape if she helps him destroy Kyiv and its inhabitants. Mara agrees and begins to plot her revenge.

The main story follows Kateryna and Olena, two young women who live in Kyiv in 1648. Kateryna is a noblewoman who is betrothed to a Polish prince, but she secretly dreams of becoming a scholar and traveling the world. Olena is a peasant girl who works as a maid in Kateryna's household, but she secretly practices witchcraft and hopes to join a coven of witches. Their lives change when they accidentally witness a murder committed by Mara's minions, who are looking for a mysterious artifact that can unleash Mara's power. Kateryna and Olena manage to escape with the artifact, but they are pursued by Mara's followers, who want to kill them and take the artifact.

Kateryna and Olena discover that they have magical abilities that are awakened by the artifact. They also learn that they are part of an ancient prophecy that foretells the rise of two witches who will either save or doom Kyiv. They decide to join forces with a group of allies who are trying to stop Mara's plan. These allies include Ivan, a Cossack warrior who is Kateryna's childhood friend; Yaroslav, a Jewish scholar who is Olena's lover; Sofia, a Swedish spy who is Ivan's lover; Taras, a monk who is Yaroslav's mentor; Daria, a witch who is Olena's mentor; and Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the leader of the Cossack rebellion against Poland-Lithuania.

Kateryna and Olena embark on a perilous journey across Kyiv and its surroundings, facing various dangers and challenges along the way. They encounter enemies such as Polish soldiers, Russian agents, Turkish raiders, bandits, assassins, etc., as well as supernatural threats such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, zombies, etc. They also face personal dilemmas such as loyalty vs. freedom, duty vs. love, faith vs. reason, etc. They learn more about their magic and their destiny, as well as their connection to Mara.

The book ends with a climactic battle between Kateryna and Olena's allies and Mara's minions in Kyiv's main square. Kateryna and Olena confront Mara herself in her underground lair. They manage to defeat her with the help of the artifact and their combined magic. However, they also discover that Mara is not the only enemy they have to face. The mysterious figure who freed Mara reveals himself to be none other than Tsar Alexei of Russia, who has been secretly manipulating events behind the scenes. He reveals that he plans to use Kateryna and Olena as pawns in his scheme to conquer Kyiv and Ukraine. He captures them and takes them away on his flying ship.

Themes and Symbols

The book explores several themes and symbols that add depth and meaning to the story. Some of these themes are:

- The power of choice: The book shows how the choices that people make can have significant consequences for themselves and others. For example, Kateryna chooses to defy her family's expectations and pursue her own dreams; Olena chooses to embrace her witchcraft and join a coven; Ivan chooses to fight for his homeland and join Khmelnytsky's rebellion; Yaroslav chooses to seek knowledge Writing Style and Tone

The book uses a third-person omniscient narration that switches between different characters' points of view, allowing readers to see the story from multiple perspectives and understand their thoughts and feelings. The book also uses a mix of formal and informal language, depending on the context and the characters. For example, the narration uses a formal and descriptive language to set the scene and convey the historical and cultural details; the dialogue uses an informal and colloquial language to reflect the characters' personalities and relationships; the spells use an archaic and poetic language to invoke the magic and the spirits.

The book has a tone that varies from dark and serious to light and humorous, depending on the mood and the situation. For example, the book has a dark and serious tone when it deals with topics such as war, violence, death, betrayal, etc.; the book has a light and humorous tone when it shows the interactions between characters, their witty remarks, their funny mishaps, etc. The book also has a tone that is adventurous and exciting, creating a sense of wonder and suspense for readers.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book is set in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 1648, a time of political and social turmoil in Eastern Europe. The book incorporates many historical and cultural facts and references that enrich the story and make it more authentic. Some of these facts and references are:

- The Khmelnytsky Uprising: The Khmelnytsky Uprising was a rebellion led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a Cossack leader who fought against Poland-Lithuania for the independence of Ukraine. The uprising lasted from 1648 to 1657 and involved various allies and enemies, such as Russia, Turkey, Sweden, Moldavia, Crimea, etc. The uprising had significant consequences for the region, such as changing borders, shifting alliances, affecting populations, etc. The book portrays Khmelnytsky as a charismatic and heroic figure who supports Kateryna and Olena's cause. - The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a state that existed from 1569 to 1795 and encompassed most of Central and Eastern Europe. It was ruled by an elected king and a parliament called the Sejm. It was a multiethnic and multireligious state that had a complex political system and a high level of cultural development. It was also plagued by internal conflicts and external threats. The book portrays Poland-Lithuania as an oppressive and corrupt power that tries to control Kyiv and Ukraine. - The Russian Tsardom: The Russian Tsardom was a state that existed from 1547 to 1721 and covered most of Northern Eurasia. It was ruled by an absolute monarch called the tsar who claimed divine right. It was a centralized and militarized state that had a strong Orthodox Christian identity and a low level of cultural diversity. It was also ambitious and expansionist. The book portrays Russia as a cunning and ruthless enemy that plots to conquer Kyiv and Ukraine. Historical and Cultural Context

- The Khmelnytsky Uprising: The Khmelnytsky Uprising was a rebellion led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky, a Cossack leader who fought against Poland-Lithuania for the independence of Ukraine. The uprising lasted from 1648 to 1657 and involved various allies and enemies, such as Russia, Turkey, Sweden, Moldavia, Crimea, etc. The uprising had significant consequences for the region, such as changing borders, shifting alliances, affecting populations, etc. The book portrays Khmelnytsky as a charismatic and heroic figure who supports Kateryna and Olena's cause. - The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth: The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was a state that existed from 1569 to 1795 and encompassed most of Central and Eastern Europe. It was ruled by an elected king and a parliament called the Sejm. It was a multiethnic and multireligious state that had a complex political system and a high level of cultural development. It was also plagued by internal conflicts and external threats. The book portrays Poland-Lithuania as an oppressive and corrupt power that tries to control Kyiv and Ukraine. - The Russian Tsardom: The Russian Tsardom was a state that existed from 1547 to 1721 and covered most of Northern Eurasia. It was ruled by an absolute monarch called the tsar who claimed divine right. It was a centralized and militarized state that had a strong Orthodox Christian identity and a low level of cultural diversity. It was also ambitious and expansionist. The book portrays Russia as a cunning and ruthless enemy that plots to conquer Kyiv and Ukraine. - The Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire was a state that existed from 1299 to 1922 and spanned most of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa, etc. It was ruled by a sultan who was both a political and religious leader. It was a diverse and tolerant state that had a high level of cultural and artistic achievement. It was also powerful and influential. The book portrays the Ottoman Empire as a potential ally or foe, depending on the situation. - Ukrainian folklore and mythology: Ukrainian folklore and mythology are rich sources of stories, legends, beliefs, rituals, symbols, etc., that reflect the history, culture, identity, and spirituality of the Ukrainian people. They include elements of Slavic paganism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc., as well as influences from various neighboring cultures. They feature various characters such as witches, spirits, demons, heroes, saints, etc., who interact with humans in various ways. The book incorporates many aspects of Ukrainian folklore and mythology into its plot, such as Baba Yaga , Mavka , wax-pouring healing , etc., creating a magical and authentic atmosphere.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The book has many strengths and weaknesses that can be appreciated or criticized by different readers. Some of these strengths and weaknesses are:

- Strengths: - The book is well-researched and accurate in its depiction of the historical and cultural context of Kyiv and Ukraine in the 17th century. - The book is creative and original in its blending of historical fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, comedy, etc., creating a unique genre that appeals to various tastes. Strengths and Weaknesses

The book has many strengths and weaknesses that can be appreciated or criticized by different readers. Some of these strengths and weaknesses are:

- Strengths: - The book is well-researched and accurate in its depiction of the historical and cultural context of Kyiv and Ukraine in the 17th century. - The book is creative and original in its blending of historical fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, comedy, etc., creating a unique genre that appeals to various tastes. - The book is engaging and entertaining in its delivery of a fast-paced and exciting plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. - The book is well-written and well-edited in its use of language, narration, dialogue, description, etc., creating a clear and vivid picture of the story and the characters. - The book is well-developed and well-balanced in its characterization, theme, symbol, tone, etc., creating a rich and meaningful story that resonates with readers. - Weaknesses: - The book is complex and dense in its incorporation of many historical and cultural facts and references that may confuse or overwhelm some readers who are not familiar with them. - The book is predictable and clichéd in some aspects of its plot, such as the prophecy, the artifact, the love triangle, etc., that may reduce the suspense or originality of the story for some readers who have read similar stories before. - The book is violent and graphic in some scenes of its depiction of war, torture, death, etc., that may disturb or offend some readers who are sensitive to such content. - The book is unfinished and incomplete in its ending, as it leaves many questions unanswered and many threads unresolved, that may frustrate or disappoint some readers who want a satisfying conclusion to the story. - The book is scarce and unavailable in some markets and platforms, as it has a limited distribution and promotion, that may limit its accessibility and popularity among potential readers.

Conclusion

"Two Witches of Kyiv: Part One - The Biddings of Mara (Volume 1)" by Scot N George is a captivating and enjoyable read for fans of fantasy, historical fiction, and Ukrainian culture. It offers a unique and original perspective on Ukrainian history and culture, showcasing its diversity, complexity, and beauty. It features well-developed and likable characters that readers can relate to and root for. It delivers a fast-paced and exciting plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It explores several themes and symbols that add depth and meaning to the story. It has a tone that varies from dark and serious to light and humorous, depending on the mood and the situation.

The book would appeal to readers who are interested in learning more about Ukrainian history and culture, who enjoy reading stories that blend reality and imagination, who like following the adventures of strong and smart female protagonists, who appreciate a good balance of action, suspense, humor, horror, romance, etc., who don't mind reading complex and dense stories that require some background knowledge or research.

Conclusion

The book would relate to current issues or trends such as feminism , diversity , identity , nationalism , etc., as it shows how women can overcome oppression and discrimination , how different cultures can coexist and cooperate , how people can discover and express their true selves , how nations can resist domination and assert their sovereignty , etc.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the book and their answers:

- Q1: Is this book part of a series? - A1: Yes, this book is part of a planned trilogy that follows the adventures of Kateryna and Olena in Kyiv and beyond. The second book is called "Two Witches of Kyiv: Part Two - The Flight of the Firebird" and the third book is called "Two Witches of Kyiv: Part Three - The Stavesacre". - Q2: Is this book based on a true story? - A2: No, this book is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by real historical events and figures that took place in Kyiv and Ukraine in the 17th century. The author has done extensive research on the historical and cultural context of the book, but he has also used

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