Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

Spinning Silver

by Naomi Novik

'A gorgeous read. The sort of book one reads again and again' – Genevieve Cogman

Rumours have drawn unexpected attention – and now her life hangs in the balance. From the author of the award-winning Uprooted, Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver is a rich, original tale inspired by the folktale of Rumpelstiltskin.


Will dark magic claim their home?

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father is too kind-hearted to collect his debts. They face poverty, until Miryem hardens her own heart and takes up his work in their village.

Her success creates a rumour that she can turn silver into gold, attracting the fairy king of winter himself. He sets her an impossible challenge – and if she fails, she will die. Yet if she triumphs, it may mean a fate worse than death. And, in her desperate efforts to succeed, Miryem unwittingly spins a web which draws in the unhappy daughter of a lord . . .

Irina’s father schemes to wed her to the tsar – he will pay any price to achieve this goal. However, the dashing tsar is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of mortals and winter alike.

Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and Irina embark on a quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power and love.

'I loved this book so much' – Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series

'I couldn’t put it down'– Katherine Arden, author of the Winternight trilogy

Reviewed by emruth13 on

5 of 5 stars

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My god, this was glorious. First, I LOVE Rumplestiltskin. So a retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales? YES PLEASE. And the retelling being by Naomi Novik? UM YES! ALL THE YES!
I loved all the different POVs and was able to quickly figure out whose eyes I was seeing through. I loved how the three main POVs were connected to each other even if they didn't yet realize it. I just loved this book SO MUCH! And that ending was the best thing ever. So much love.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 June, 2018: Finished reading
  • 20 June, 2018: Reviewed