We are very pleased to announce that Anna Kashina’s Ivan-and-Marya will be out in time for Solstice.

Marya is the most beautiful woman in the world, but she is cold and hard, though with good reason. Brutalized by her father, bent into the shape of his choosing, she has become her father’s greatest ally and a vicious enemy to any who oppose him. In this story of once-upon-a-time in Russia, Marya sacrifices a young virgin girl on the Solstice of every year. The sacrifice is to Kupalo, to help their crops grow and make their land and bodies fruitful, but the soul of the girl is fed to Marya’s father, Kaschey, the Undead.

Ivan, a young man questing to put an end to the virgin sacrifice, falls in love with Marya at first sight. His gentleness makes Marya believe him a fool, but when she confronts him she finds him a tougher enemy than she imagined. Ivan’s hidden strength – and the forces that aid him – challenge not only her powers, but the very foundation of her beliefs.

To achieve their ‘happily ever after’, Ivan must fail, and Marya must face her darkest desires. Only then will Kaschey’s unnatural power be broken over them all.

Please note: Ivan-and-Marya contains dark sexual and violent situations. It is true to its origins, a tale of terrible love, betrayal, death, and valiant deeds.