Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik (Paperback)

Miryem grows up in a family of moneylenders, but her father’s gentle nature makes it difficult for him to collect the debts owed to them. As a result, their household slowly falls into poverty. Determined to change their fortunes, Miryem takes control of the business herself and begins demanding repayment from those who owe her family money.

Her determination quickly spreads through the village, and people begin whispering that Miryem can turn silver into gold. What begins as a rumour soon reaches the ears of the Staryk king, a powerful ruler from a frozen realm. Drawn by the claim, he confronts Miryem and sets her a challenge that appears impossible. If she fails, she will lose her life. If she succeeds, the price may be even greater.

At the same time, another young woman faces a dangerous future. Irina, the daughter of an ambitious lord, is forced into a marriage with the tsar as part of her father’s plans for power. Yet the tsar hides a dark secret that threatens far more than their kingdom.

As their stories become connected, Miryem and Irina must confront magic, ambition, and the consequences of choices that could change the fate of both the mortal world and the winter realm.