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?

In Foul Days by Genoveva Dimova, the author has created a detailed and complex novel that is emotional and full of action. The story moves quickly, but still allows time for the reader to get acquainted with Chernograd, Kosara and Bakharov as well as find out exactly why Zmey is a monster.

I love the way Kosara is written, her deep love for her city but also how she struggles with trust and learning to be strong, not trusting even herself. I love the fun references to other witches, like the house with legs or the mention of gingerbread. Witches are treated with respect in this novel, shown to be women of power, just like Kosara if she can learn to embrace her powers. I also like the way the author explores the differences between Chernograd and Belograd, the discrepancies but also the similarities. Best of all, I love the intrigue and romantic elements that leave me wanting more by the end of the novel.

If you love stories about strong women, witches and novels that are detailed and complex, this is the novel for you. It was exciting, full of intrigue and romance, Kosara is easy to fall in love with, with all her flaws but also strengths. The ending only whetted my appetite for more from this fantastically skilled author.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Monsters