The Black Volga: Fear on Four Wheels

August 24, 2024Polish, Slavic Spirits (series), JournalE.S.O. Martin

Black Volga, prowling the streets of Warsaw

During the height of Soviet control, whispers of a sinister government car, a black GAZ Volga, spread across Poland and beyond, igniting fears of disappearances and foul play. This vehicle, associated with the dark times of communism and alleged state oppression, became a potent symbol of the era’s anxieties and the chilling possibility of being snatched from the streets.

Origins of the Legend

The legend of the Black Volga appears to have roots in real incidents—disturbing reports of kidnappings that were allegedly carried out by individuals using a black Volga, a car often used by communist government officials. The most infamous stories involve chilling accounts of people being abducted for horrifying purposes, such as blood and organ harvesting. One tale tells of a man who was reportedly drugged and found himself in a hotel bathtub full of ice, missing a kidney. Another recounts a young girl’s narrow escape from an attempted abduction by a couple in a Black Volga.

A Vehicle of Terror

The Black Volga soon transcended its origins as a mere government car to become a boogeyman of the communist era. It was said to roam the streets at night, an ominous presence that could appear anywhere, at any time. The legend evolved, with some versions suggesting that the car was driven by the devil himself, or by ghosts, or that it was a sentient being preying on the unsuspecting. These supernatural elements intensified the fear surrounding the Black Volga, making it not just a symbol of state terror but a creature of nightmarish proportions.

Symbolism and Socio-Political Context

The fear of the Black Volga was not just about the threat of abduction. It represented deeper societal fears—of state surveillance, of political persecution, and of the vulnerability of ordinary citizens under oppressive regimes. During a time when trust in the state was at an all-time low and paranoia was high, the Black Volga embodied the ultimate betrayal: the state as predator rather than protector.

Legacy of the Black Volga

Today, the tale of the Black Volga serves as a chilling reminder of the power of urban legends in expressing and amplifying societal anxieties. It also highlights how such stories can evolve, gaining layers of myth that reflect the collective fears and uncertainties of a community or a nation.

While the Black Volga may no longer be a present fear on the streets, its story lingers in the cultural memory of those who lived through those times and continues to fascinate those who hear the legend. Whether as a cautionary tale or a macabre piece of folklore, the Black Volga remains a powerful symbol of the dark side of authority and the enduring impact of urban legends in shaping our understanding of history and human fears.

If you would like to learn more about slavic folklore, mythology, and urban legends, check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” blog series. You might also consider signing up for my free Reader’s Club. Club members receive monthly emails with updates on my works in progress, book reviews, and notifications about new entries in my “Slavic Spirits” series.

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UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Book Review: Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” Series

August 17, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Power, Blood, and Class: Teens Rebel for a More Equitable World

Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series captures the imagination with its vivid portrayal of a dystopian world divided by blood—those with common Red blood serve under the elite Silvers who possess god-like superpowers. This series blends the grim realities of class warfare with the allure of fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of YA dystopian fiction.

For anyone who had fantasized about the Marvel X-Men universe where people develop super powers, Victoria Aveyard’s series imagines what would happen if such a society were fast-forwarded into the future where there was a hardened class divide between those with Powers and those Without.

Series Overview:

The series begins with “Red Queen,” where Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded commoner, discovers she possesses powers of her own—a rare and dangerous anomaly in a world where power is dictated by blood. This revelation thrusts her into the heart of the Silver elite, where she must navigate betrayal, intrigue, and rebellion.

1. Red Queen: Mare Barrow’s world is divided between the powerful Silvers and the oppressed Reds. Her life changes when she displays Silver-like powers, leading to her posing as a lost Silver princess engaged to a Silver prince. This first book plays on the love triangle romance trope as Mare is courted by both royal princes Cal and Maven. However, their love story is a tangled web of betrayal, manipulation, and obsession.

2. Glass Sword: Following the events of the first book, Mare, Cal, and the Scarlet Guard seek other Red-and-Silver hybrids to combat the Silver oppression. The quest forces Mare to confront the darker side of her own powers and the potential for tyranny within herself.

3. King’s Cage: Captured by King Maven, Mare becomes a pawn in his continued war against the Scarlet Guard. The book deepens the exploration of political power dynamics and personal betrayals.

4. War Storm: As alliances form and shatter, Mare’s journey culminates in an epic showdown that decides the fate of her world. The final installment wrestles with the costs of revolution and the complexities of peace.

5. Broken Throne: A collection of novellas that expand the universe and provide closure, exploring the new world order after the main series’ tumultuous events.

Personal Reflection:

What drew me into the “Red Queen” series was not just the inventive superpowers and the vivid battle scenes, but the intricate, multi-perspective storytelling that Aveyard masters.

One of my favorite characters was Evangeline Samos. Initially portrayed as Mare’s rival, Evangeline’s character unfolds with complexity over the series. Her forced engagement, meant to secure political power, clashes with her desire to be with the woman she loves, highlighting the personal sacrifices demanded by the rigid class system. This evolution from a mean girl to a nuanced character shows Aveyard’s strength in character development, adding depth to the narrative and enriching the reader’s experience.

This series does an excellent job of portraying how even those who seem to benefit from a system of oppression can also desire its downfall, and how alliances can form across enemy lines when higher stakes are revealed.

The series’ blend of action, moral dilemmas, and a realistic portrayal of revolution—complete with its victories and heartbreaks—makes it a standout addition to the YA fantasy genre.

For lovers of dystopian tales and intricate fantasy worlds, Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series offers a rich journey into a land where the fight for equality is entangled with personal growth and sacrifice.

If you’re captivated by stories of rebellion, power, and heartache, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more reviews, deep dives into your favorite books, and updates on the latest in fantasy and romance literature.

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The Wodnik: Guardian and Menace of Slavic Waters

August 10, 2024JournalE.S.O. Martin

Few creatures blend the line between the benevolent and the malevolent as distinctly as the Wodnik. This water demon is both revered and feared, embodying the age-old respect and caution that Slavs held towards the mysteries of water.

Nature of the Wodnik

The Wodnik typically appears as an old man with a long beard and frog-like or fish-like features, suggesting his close association with aquatic life. Despite this often less-than-charming visage, the Wodnik possesses the ability to shape-shift, appearing as a more human-like figure when it suits his purposes. This capability is particularly evident when he ventures away from his aquatic home, whether to interact with humans or to manage his own mysterious errands.

Wodnik and Human Interactions

The relationship between Wodniks and humans is complex. Traditionally, these beings are seen as the custodians of their water realms—guarding ponds, lakes, and rivers against pollution, overfishing, or other human encroachments that might disrupt the natural order. A Wodnik’s wrath is swift and severe, manifesting in drownings or sudden floods, especially if they perceive any insult or threat to their domain.

However, humans have found ways to coexist with these capricious spirits. Travelers crossing waters might perform spells, sing songs, or offer small gifts to appease the Wodnik, ensuring their passage is unharmed. Millers, in particular, share a unique bond with the Wodnik, providing annual offerings to guarantee a peaceful cohabitation and the safe operation of their watermills.

Wodnik or bałamutnik, shifting into humanoid form

In some tales, the Wodnik, under the guise of a handsome man known as a bałamutnik, seeks human companions. These relationships are marked by the human spouse gaining abilities like breathing underwater or enduring the cold depths, revealing a complex, albeit eerie, form of symbiosis.

The Underwater Realm

Wodnik, with his collection of teapots containing the souls of the drowned

Legends speak of the odnik’s residence as an underwater palace crafted from ice, clear as glass, and as majestic as any human castle. Inside, amidst this frozen splendor, lies a peculiar room filled with teapots. These are not ordinary vessels; they are said to contain the souls of those who had drowned in the wodnik’s waters. According to myth, if a teapot’s lid were to open, the soul would escape as a bubble, rising to the surface. Once free from the watery depths and touching the open air, the soul transforms into a white dove, soaring upwards to find peace in the afterlife.

The Wodnik’s Dual Nature

The Wodnik exemplifies the dual nature of many mythological beings—both protector and destroyer, depending on human actions. This duality serves as a reminder of the consequences of human interaction with the natural world. As stewards of their watery domains, Wodniks demand respect and responsible behavior from those who live nearby or seek to traverse their waters.

Through the stories of the Wodnik, Slavic folklore teaches respect for nature, caution about the unseen forces that dwell within it, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. In an era where ecological balance is more crucial than ever, the tales of the Wodnik resonate as a poignant metaphor for the guardianship of our natural resources.

If you were intrigued by learning about the wodnik, I welcome you to check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” blog series. You might also like to join my Reader’s Club. Club members receive a monthly email with updates on my works in progress, book reviews, and links to new entries in my “Slavic Spirits” series.

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Book Review: The “Empyrean” Series by Rebecca Yarros

August 3, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Love and Dragons: Romance in a the Basgiath War College

Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series stands out in the New Adult fantasy romance genre, blending high-stakes action with steamy romance in a world where dragon riders soar and battles rage. The series, projected to include five books, has currently published two that set the stage for an epic saga of love, war, and resilience.

Series Overview:

Set in a vibrant world where dragon riders are at the heart of military defense, the “Empyrean” series introduces readers to a war-college setting filled with young cadets training to become protectors of their realm. These cadets are paired with dragons, forming bonds that go beyond the battlefield, including psychic links that deepen their relationships and tactics.

1. Fourth Wing: Introduces Violet Sorrengail, a cadet with a unique blend of bravery and vulnerability. Born with a genetic disorder that makes her joints loose, Violet’s physical limitations do not deter her spirit or her strategic mind. Her journey at the academy intertwines with Xadan Riorson, another rider whose family she has been taught to fear, but whose secrets might shatter the way she sees her family and her world.

2. Iron Flame: Expands on Violet and Xadan’s relationship as they struggle with wanting to be vulnerable to each other, while needing to keep secrets to maintain national security. They also wonder if the devotion they feel for each other is simply a symptom of their bonded dragons, or if their love is genuine. The duo’s strategic prowess and deepening bond are tested as they navigate through battles that are as much about wits as they are about physical strength.

There are three additional books anticipated in this series. The next book, Onyx Storm, is anticipated in 2025.

Personal Take:

What captivates me about the “Empyrean” series is its seamless fusion of fantasy and romance—”romantasy”—appealing to a broad audience through its dynamic setting and compelling characters. The inclusion of a protagonist like Violet, who manages her genetic disorder while training to become a dragon rider, is particularly groundbreaking. It shifts the typical narrative around physical disability in action-oriented roles, presenting a hero who is both formidable and distinctly human.

The psychic connection between riders and their dragons adds a rich layer to the narrative, enhancing the emotional and tactical depth of the story. Yarros does not shy away from the complexities of Violet and Xadan’s relationship, which is filled with passionate disagreements and profound understanding, capturing the essence of a partnership where both parties grow and adapt.

For fans of fantasy that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the complexities of love and war, Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series offers a thrilling dive into a world where the bonds between dragon and rider illuminate the battles faced both in the skies and within the heart. If you’re drawn to stories where romance meets epic fantasy, or if you’re looking for narratives that feature diverse and richly developed characters, the “Empyrean” series is not to be missed.

I know that I am avidly awaiting the next book.

If you would like to learn about more “romantasy” books like these, consider signing up for my newsletter, where I review stories with epic love and epic fantasy. You’ll also receive updates on my works in progress and my “Slavic Spirits” blog series, which explores the little-known world of Slavic fairy tales and mythology.

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The Rusałki: Enchanting Spirits of Slavic Waters

July 27, 2024Journal, Slavic Spirits (series)E.S.O. Martin

One of the most famous slavic creatures are the rusałki, the ethereal water nymphs of lakes, rivers, and swamps. These mythical beings, often depicted as hauntingly beautiful maidens with perpetually wet hair, weave a narrative of beauty, sorrow, and danger, rooted deep in the cultural psyche of the Slavic people.

Origins of the Rusałki

A rusałka is said to be the spirit of a young women who met an untimely death by drowning or through tragic or violent circumstances. Transformed into supernatural beings, rusałki inhabit the watery realms that claimed their lives. According to legend, at midnight, they emerge to sing and dance under the moonlight, their ethereal songs floating over the still waters.

Their appearance is mesmerizing: rusałki are often described as having long, flowing hair that remains forever wet, thanks to their magical combs made from fish bones. This distinctive feature symbolizes their eternal bond with the water, a reminder of both their beauty and their plight.

The Allure and Peril of the Rusałki

Much like the sirens of Greek mythology or the selkie of Celtic mythology, the rusałki possess an otherworldly allure that can prove fatal to humans, especially men who, perhaps, had a history of harming women. As creatures of vengeance, the rusałki’s songs were hauntingly beautiful and seductive. There are many tales tell of men so entranced by the rusałki’s melodies that they walked into the lakes or rivers, never to surface again.

Green Week and the Power of the Rusałki

Birch Wreath, given as an offering as part of funeral rites on Green Week to appease water spirits and help the deceased pass on.

The influence of the rusałki is said to peak “Green Week,” which takes place seven weeks after Easter, ending on Pentecost. This period is marked by an array of rituals designed to appease or ward off these water spirits. Villagers living near bodies of water take special precautions to protect themselves from the Rusałki’s enchantments.

During Green Week, communities engage in practices such as singing protective songs, wearing red ribbons (red being a color believed to ward off evil spirits), and making offerings. Bonfires are lit, symbolizing light’s power over darkness, and wreaths made from willow branches are crafted and set afloat on rivers. These acts serve both to honor the rusałki and to safeguard the living from their seductive powers.

On Semik’s day (the Thursday of Green Week) villagers hold funeral rites for those who died before their time. They make wreaths of birch trees to float down the river, as birch trees are thought to act as hosts for the souls of the deceased. Young women bring fried eggs and beer as offerings to these birch trees. Through song, and by floating birch branches down the river, these restless souls are thought to be released and put to rest so that they can complete their journey to the afterlife.

Cultural Significance of the Rusałki

In Slavic mythology, that waters held many dangerous monsters — perhaps because not many people in these agrarian-based societies knew how to swim. Water was both a source of life, and a potential danger.

The rusałki are more than just mythological figures; they embody the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, highlighting both its nurturing and perilous aspects. These nymphs represent the beauty of nature that can both give life and take it away. They remind us of the respect and caution that ancient Slavs held for the natural elements around them, particularly the unpredictable waters.

In modern times, the legend of the rusałki continues to fascinate and inspire. Their stories are a poignant reminder of the mysteries that lie just beneath the surface of the waters and the woods, and of the ancient rites that sought to understand and appease the forces of nature.

If you would like to learn more about Slavic folklore, please consider signing up for my free Reader’s Club. Club members receive monthly emails with updates in this “Slavic Spirits” series, as well as book reviews, and updates on my works in progress.

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Book Review: Legacy of Orïsha Series by Tomi Adeyemi

July 20, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Magic Reawakened: Navigating Power and Identity

Tomi Adeyemi’s groundbreaking series, Legacy of Orïsha, has captivated readers with its rich tapestry of West African culture and thrilling fantasy narrative. With the series spanning three books, the final installment, Children of Valor and Virtue just released this year. Adeyemi’s novels have not only gained acclaim but have also been optioned for film, promising to bring this vibrant world to a broader audience.

Series Overview:

Legacy of Orïsha unfolds in a world where magic once flourished, and the maji, or magic wielders, were revered. However, a ruthless monarchy has suppressed magic and persecuted the maji in response to fear and grief over past grievances. The series is renowned for its lush world-building inspired by West African mythology, its intense action sequences, and its exploration of themes such as oppression, redemption, prejudice, and the struggle for power.

This series appeals to young adult readers and fans of epic fantasy looking for rich cultural narratives and dynamic character development. It tackles complex themes like racial discrimination, cultural heritage, generational trauma, and the moral complexities of leadership and rebellion, making it not only an entertaining fantasy series but also a thought-provoking read about societal struggles.

Book Summaries:

Book 1: Children of Blood and Bone

The series kicks off with Children of Blood and Bone, where we meet Zélie Adebola, who remembers when Orïsha hummed with magic. But when magic is stripped away under the orders of a merciless king, Zélie has one chance to bring it back. With the help of her brother Tzain and rogue princess Amari, Zélie sets out on a dangerous quest to restore her people’s gifts. This book sets the stage for an epic saga, as they battle both physical and mystical forces aiming to thwart their mission.

Book 2: Children of Virtue and Vengeance

In the sequel, the newly awakened maji face a regime bent on their destruction. Zélie and Amari struggle to unite the maji in a fractured kingdom. As they fight to secure Amari’s claim to the throne and protect new maji recruits, they encounter grave challenges that test their resolve and force them to question their own motives and methods. *Children of Virtue and Vengeance* expands on the political intrigue and complex relationships established in the first book, diving deeper into the characters’ personal battles and the broader war for justice.

Book 3: Children of Anguish and Anarchy

In the thrilling finale of Tomi Adeyemi’s “Legacy of Orïsha” series, Zélie Adebola faces her most formidable challenge yet. After seizing the royal palace, Zélie thought the worst was over, but finds herself imprisoned on a foreign ship by warriors known as the Skulls. The true mastermind behind her capture is King Baldyr, who seeks to harness Zélie’s powers for his own ruthless ends. As catastrophe looms over Orïsha, Zélie, along with Amari and Tzain, must forge new alliances and confront Baldyr to save her people from destruction. This final installment brings a storm of action and emotion, pushing Zélie to her limits in a desperate fight for freedom and justice.

Personal Take:

Reading Legacy of Orïsha is a journey into a uniquely crafted universe that masterfully blends magical fantasy with real-world issues. Adeyemi’s skill in narrating from multiple points of view adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to experience the diverse perspectives and inherited traumas of the characters as they all strive to make a better future. The depiction of such a vividly imagined world through the lens of West African culture is both refreshing and impactful, offering a story that is as educational as it is entertaining.

If you would like to learn about more books like these, please consider subscribing to my Reader’s Club for more recommendations.

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