Foul Days, Genoveva Dimova
Foul Days, Genoveva Dimova
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Foul Days

Author: Genoveva Dimova

Narrator: Zura Johnson

Unabridged: 15 hr 5 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/25/2024


Synopsis

The Witcher meets Naomi Novik in this fast-paced fantasy rooted in Slavic folklore, from an assured new voice in genre fiction.

As a witch in the walled city of Chernograd, Kosara has plenty of practice treating lycanthrope bites, bargaining with kikimoras, and slaying bloodsucking upirs. There’s only one monster she can’t defeat: her ex, the Zmey, known as the Tsar of Monsters. She’s defied him one too many times and now he’s hunting her. Betrayed by someone close to her, Kosara’s only choice is to trade her shadow—the source of her powers—for a quick escape.

Unfortunately, Kosara soon develops the deadly sickness that plagues shadowless witches—and only reclaiming her magic can cure her. To find it, she’s forced to team up with a suspiciously honorable detective. Even worse, all the clues point in a single direction: To get her shadow back, Kosara will have to face the Foul Days’ biggest threats without it. And she’s only got twelve days.

But in a city where everyone is out for themselves, who can Kosara trust to assist her in outwitting the biggest monster from her past?

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.

About Genoveva Dimova

Genoveva Dimova is a fantasy author and archaeologist. Originally from Bulgaria, she now lives in Scotland with her partner and a small army of houseplants. She believes in writing what you know, so her work often features Balkan folklore, the immigrant experience, and protagonists who get into incredible messes out of pure stubbornness. When she’s not writing, she likes to explore old ruins, climb even older hills, and listen to practically ancient rock music.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Robin

we love monsters, magic, and slow-burn romance in this house thank you to edelweiss for providing the arc Read my review here Follow me on Instagram......more

Goodreads review by ;3

4.5 book with a slow burn romance subplot so good and a witchy balkan monster mystery so good u gotta put off folding laundry and every other chore u got......more

It should be said that while this is being compared to The Witcher and Naomi Novik, it's really only similar in the fact that it is a fantasy drawing on Eastern European folklore. Foul Days has neither the thematic depth and sharp characterization of the Witcher, nor the lyrical writing and whimsy o......more

Goodreads review by Ed

Mystery, Slavic folklore, witches and monsters: Foul Days by Genoveva Dimov is a sure-footed, swift-paced race against time that will leave you swigging rakia to cope with the tension. When I review books, I don't describe the plot - that's for you to discover when you read it, which you will if you'......more

Goodreads review by Julie

I received an ARC of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was so excited to be able to read Foul Days early! The Witcher written by Naomi Novik is 100% spot on as a pitch, and it fully lived up to that lofty promise. An unputdownable, confident debut brimming with charact......more


Quotes

Praise for Foul Days:

“Charming, wry, and emotionally resonant. Dimova’s propulsive, assured prose captures a fresh, gritty world bursting with wonderful characters—and monsters galore! Get ready to meet your new favorite supernatural crime-busting duo.”—Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

Sharply written, utterly imaginative, by turns terrifying and hopeful—a wonderful read.”—New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow

Dimova dazzles in her immersive fantasy debut... Dimova’s atmospheric worldbuilding and well-shaded cast make it easy to sink into this fantasy adventure. Kosara is especially vividly rendered and her witty narrative voice is sure to get readers on her side. This is a standout.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Dimova melds Slavic folklore, murder, and mystery into her fast-paced, magical debut, with detailed world-building and thoughtful consideration of matters related to trauma, the immigrant experience, and trust.”—Booklist, starred review

“There's no safety when the Foul Days come for you: this book will drag you in and not let you go until dawn.”—Marie Brennan, award-winning author of A Natural History of Dragons

Foul Days is a fast-paced murder mystery in a Balkan-inspired fantasy world where your ex can be a literal monster. Charming, clever, and compulsively readable, this debut is wholly original and monstrously fun.”—Rebecca Schaeffer, author of the Market of Monsters series

A sure-footed, swift-paced race against time, Foul Days brings Slavic folklore to terrifying life. This is a brilliant modern fantasy that’s not afraid to show its teeth.”—Ed McDonald, author of The Redwinter Chronicles

“[An] energetic, witty debut... This twisty, fast-paced fantasy adventure feels like what would happen if Delilah S. Dawson and Naomi Novik teamed up to rewrite The Witcher.”—Library Journal

Foul Days is a phenomenal blend of danger and delight from an exciting new voice in fantasy. The characters, the world, the magic, and the monsters are all compelling, but the deft way in which Dimova brings them all to life while weaving in heavier themes of classism and abuse will leave you breathlessly awaiting the sequel long before you reach that final page.” —Kamilah Cole, author of So Let Them Burn

A fast-paced thrill ride with immersive worldbuilding and a snarky but realistic main character who you just can't help but root for.” —Frances White, author of Voyage of the Damned

“An immersive, thrilling read which will stand as a classic of Slavic folklore among the likes of Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy.”—Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins on Their Bones

Delightfully witty and utterly charming, Foul Days is part epic fantasy adventure and part romantic buddy comedy through an engaging fantasy world inspired by Slavic folklore. I couldn’t put it down.”—Hana Lee, author of Road to Ruin

Foul Days is an incredible story filled with monsters and magic which deserves not only to be read, but savored.” —Maelan Holladay, author of The Storm Gathers