Spinning Silver | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

Spinning Silver | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

February 28, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there, fellow bookworms! Are you ready to get lost in a world of magic, courage, and a touch of enchantment? Well, look no further, because I'm here to introduce you to the captivating world of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. Whether this is your first foray into the realm of fantasy or you're a seasoned fantasy aficionado, this book promises to take you on an adventure you won't soon forget. In this sprawling tale, you'll meet a cast of unforgettable characters. From Miryem, a determined young woman who spins silver into gold and attracts the attention of a mysterious Staryk king, to Wanda, a brave girl who finds her strength while serving as Miryem's companion. And let's not forget Irina, a noblewoman who must navigate treacherous court politics to protect her kingdom. These women's stories intertwine in unexpected ways, creating a narrative that is as thrilling as it is magical. Now, I know what you might be thinking, "If I enjoy Spinning Silver, what other books could possibly compare?" Well, fear not, my friend! In the upcoming paragraphs, I'll be sharing a list of compelling reads that capture the spirit of Spinning Silver. So, get ready to embark on a reading journey filled with captivating worlds, strong heroines, and stories that will whisk you away from reality. Trust me, you won't want to miss what's coming up next!
The Book Cover Image for Spinning Silver
The Book Cover Image for Spinning Silver
Fantasy
Magic
Adventure

Uprooted

Uprooted is a captivating fantasy novel about a young village girl who is chosen to serve a powerful wizard and must navigate a dangerous magical world to protect her loved ones. Filled with thrilling adventures and richly described settings, Uprooted is a spellbinding tale that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Author
Naomi Novik
Year Written
2015
Uprooted
Fantasy
Folklore

The Bear and the Nightingale

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is a captivating fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where a young girl named Vasya must embrace her inherited magical gifts to protect her village from an ancient evil. With beautifully crafted prose and a richly imagined world steeped in Russian folklore, this atmospheric tale explores the power of belief, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the courage of a girl who defies societal expectations to become a legend.
Author
Katherine Arden
Year Written
2017
The Bear and the Nightingale
Fantasy
Fae
Intrigue

The Cruel Prince

"The Cruel Prince" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, filled with political intrigue, deception, and a cruel prince who becomes her greatest adversary. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, this book takes readers on an enthralling and darkly magical adventure of survival and power struggles.
Author
Holly Black.
Year Written
2018
The Cruel Prince
Fantasy
Historical Fiction

The Golem and the Jinni

The Golem and the Jinni is a captivating historical fantasy novel that follows the unlikely friendship between a creature made of clay and a being of fire, exploring the complexities of their existence in 19th-century New York City. Through beautiful prose and rich storytelling, Helene Wecker masterfully weaves together folklore, immigrant experiences, and themes of identity and belonging in this enchanting tale.
Author
Helene Wecker
Year Written
2013
The Golem and the Jinni
Fantasy
Adventure
Historical Fiction

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

"The Ten Thousand Doors of January" is a captivating tale that follows January Scaller as she discovers mysterious portals to other worlds and learns about her own extraordinary heritage. With beautiful prose and a mix of adventure, fantasy, and historical fiction, this novel takes readers on a magical journey of self-discovery and the power of imagination.
Author
Alix E. Harrow
Year Written
2019
The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Fantasy
Adventure
Heroine

Dealing with Dragons

"Dealing with Dragons" follows the fearless and unconventional princess Cimorene as she runs away to live with dragons, navigating a world of enchantment and wit. This humorous and captivating fantasy adventure is filled with magic, strong female characters, and unexpected twists.
Author
Patricia C. Wrede
Year Written
1990
Dealing with Dragons
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Adventure

The Girl in the Tower

"The Girl in the Tower" is a captivating historical fantasy novel set in medieval Russia where a brave young woman named Vasya embarks on a dangerous journey battling mythical creatures and navigating political intrigue in a quest for freedom and self-discovery. It is a beautifully written tale of courage, adventure, and the power of embracing one's true nature.
Author
Katherine Arden
Year Written
2017
The Girl in the Tower
Fantasy
Mystery
Young Adult

The Hazel Wood

The Hazel Wood is a gripping fantasy novel that follows the journey of Alice as she delves into her grandmother's mysterious world, the Hinterland, in search of her missing mother. With dark fairy tales and a haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and mystery.
Author
Melissa Albert
Year Written
2018
The Hazel Wood
Mystery
Romance
Fantasy

Winterwood

Winterwood is a captivating novel by Shea Ernshaw that takes readers on a journey through a secluded forest where secrets are buried deep and magic lingers in the winter air, centering around a missing boy and a young witch determined to solve the mystery. With its hauntingly beautiful prose and atmospheric setting, Winterwood will transport you into a world of mystery, romance, and the allure of the unknown.
Author
Shea Ernshaw
Year Written
2019
Winterwood
Fantasy
Fairy tale
Young Adult

Spindle's End

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley is a mesmerizing reimagining of the Sleeping Beauty story, where a courageous princess must confront a formidable curse that threatens her kingdom and her own destiny. With richly detailed world-building and compelling characters, this enchanting tale offers a fresh perspective on a beloved fairytale.
Author
Robin McKinley
Year Written
2000
Spindle's End
Fantasy
Romance
Mythology

The Star-Touched Queen

"The Star-Touched Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel that weaves together elements of Indian mythology and romance, taking readers on a journey filled with magic, danger, and enchantment. With lush prose and vivid imagery, it explores the story of a young queen who discovers her extraordinary powers and embarks on a quest to uncover her true destiny.
Author
Roshani Chokshi
Year Written
2016
The Star-Touched Queen
Fantasy
Romance
Mystery

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a captivating tale of two young magicians who are bound in a mystical competition that unfolds within a mysterious and enchanting black-and-white circus. With its intricate storytelling and vivid imagery, this book will transport you to a world filled with magic, romance, and suspense.
Author
Erin Morgenstern
Year Written
2011
The Night Circus

FAQ

Overview

Spinning Silver is a mesmerizing and enchanting fantasy novel that weaves together the lives of three courageous women against a backdrop of magic and danger. Miryem, a young woman with a knack for turning silver into gold, reluctantly takes on the role of a moneylender to save her family from poverty. As she delves into her newfound profession, she attracts the attention of a cold Staryk king, Mirnatius, who challenges her to transform his silver into gold. Meanwhile, Wanda, an abused girl, becomes Miryem's servant and discovers her own strength and resilience as she forms a bond with her mistress. In a parallel plotline, Irina, a noblewoman trapped in a political marriage, seeks to protect her kingdom by navigating the treacherous world of court politics. As the lives of Miryem, Wanda, and Irina become intricately intertwined, they must rely on their wit, determination, and the power of their interconnected stories to face a formidable threat. With its lush prose, memorable characters, and a gripping narrative, Spinning Silver is a captivating tale of courage, love, and the enduring power of storytelling. Naomi Novik masterfully blends elements of folklore, mythology, and fantasy to create a world that feels both familiar and enchantingly unique. This spellbinding novel will transport you to a realm where ordinary people can perform extraordinary feats and where the threads of fate are spun with silver and gold.

Length of Read

8h

Main Characters

- Miryem: A determined and resourceful young woman who takes on the role of a moneylender, challenging societal expectations and using her wit to save her family. - Wanda: A brave and resilient girl who becomes Miryem's servant, escaping an abusive home and finding her strength through her friendship with Miryem. - Irina: A noblewoman forced into a political marriage, who uses her intelligence and cunning to navigate treacherous court politics and protect her kingdom. - Mirnatius: A cold and mysterious Staryk king, whose icy nature conceals a deeper vulnerability and desire for warmth. - Stepon: Miryem's father, a kind-hearted but ineffective moneylender, whose inability to collect debts forces Miryem to step in and take charge. Each character in Spinning Silver brings their own unique perspective and strengths to the story, whether it's Miryem's determination, Wanda's resilience, Irina's strategic thinking, Mirnatius' enigmatic nature, or Stepon's kindness. Their interactions and growth drive the narrative forward, creating a rich and compelling tale.

Ending & Meaning

Oh boy, get ready for a thrilling and satisfying conclusion! In the ending of Spinning Silver, the lives of Miryem, Wanda, and Irina reach a crescendo of magic, sacrifice, and redemption. As they face a formidable threat, they tap into their inner strength and the power of their interconnected stories to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Without giving too much away, let's just say that the ending of Spinning Silver beautifully explores themes of resilience, the importance of human connection, and the transformative power of storytelling. It reminds us that we all have the ability to shape our own destiny, even in the face of adversity. Through their trials and triumphs, Miryem, Wanda, and Irina show us that bravery comes in many forms and that the bonds we forge with others can be a source of immense strength. So, if you're seeking a story that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired, Spinning Silver is the perfect choice. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and the potential for a brighter future.
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