The classical fantasy genre has many critics. A considerable number of fans has abandoned writing and reading this type of literature, claiming that it is no longer possible to convey something interesting, fresh and original. Therefore I was really curious wether Wiera Szkolnikowa has managed to change anything in the matter.

What fascinates me the most in "Namiestniczka" is the construction of the narrative world. It is a universe typical of the classical fantasy and created with a great attention to details. It possesses its own well depicted history, geography, culture, religion, politics and social relations. Moreover, the fact that anryjskie empire is varied in those aspects is very important, because it gives the impression of authenticity. The country’s system and mythology are the strongest and most relevant elements of Szkolnikowa’s world. They are the key points of the plot and I can honestly say that they are described in a vivid and interesting manner and the so called fantastic realism is perfectly preserved.

The novel has another significant characteristic that turns reading into pure pleasure: the multitude of moral plots that embellish the story and interweave, creating a clever intrigue. The author pays more attention to joustings, complicated feudal relations, family ties, unfortunate marriages of convenience, passionate, yet forbidden love affairs, sad lives of illegitimate children, misalliances and everyday dilemmas, than to the typical adventure plots. Everything is tinged with a hint of magic and singularity. It constitutes an addition to the flow of events and Szkolnikowa manages to measure the proportions between fantasy and realism with a pharmacist’s precision.

In the novel there are many archetypical motifs, well known and popular since forever in the fantasy genre: searching for a mysterious book that forms a threat to the world, an ancient prophecy, the birth of unusual children that are to fulfill a crucial role in the history, or awaiting the return of the long-lost ruler. Nevertheless, they were presented in such a way that they do not strike as derivative or trite. Even the presence of the race of elves is not irritating. Though Szkolnikowa describes them with little originality and using clichés, the impression of a slavish imitation of Tolkien disappears when considering other elements of the novel.

The character of the eponymous ruler, Enrissa, is also a nice surprise. An interesting heroine is a rarity in the fantasy novel. In most cases she is either boring and lacks personality or is flat and archetypical. Sometimes it happens that a female character is created only to serve the purpose of being someone’s lover, mother or sister. In contrast, Szkolnikowa depicts a completely independent protagonist with a fascinating personality. She is a woman to the core, as well as a competent ruler, well acquainted with the arcana of governing an immense empire. The reader gradually gets to know different aspects of Enrissa, one more intriguing and realistic than the other.

Other characters are also worth paying attention to. They are numerous and diverse: they represent different professions and social classes, come from various parts of the empire and have varied characters and temperaments. Each of them has a place in the narrative world and fulfills a determined and necessary function. Neither gives an impression of a "passerby" and all of the creations have been reflected upon carefully. All the characters share a common trait: they are vivid and well depicted.

"Namiestniczka" is a nice and quick read. Some might feel discouraged by the volume (820 pages), but the novel has the reader gripped to the point where they do not notice that the story is coming to an end, because the pages seem to fly by. The author’s style is not very characteristic, but it is neat and pleasant to read. Although the language is simple, unsophisticated and devoid of ornament, its lightness is captivating.

The edition is aesthetically pleasing. The bright and sunny colours of the cover are to my liking. The graphics are in perfect harmony with the content and the atmosphere of the novel. The figure on the cover is close to my impression of the protagonist. Giving the binding a form of a lavishly ornamented book was a good idea. The composition is solid and the paper is of a considerably good quality and, personally, I do not feel bothered by its slightly yellowish colour. The fact that the font is clear and not too dense is also an advantage, as it does not tire the eyes while reading. I am just wondering wether publishing in a larger format and smaller volume would not be more favourable.

The reading is a great way of relaxing after a hard day’s work and of spending a few solitary winter evenings. I recommend it to both the supporters of classical fantasy and those who do not take delight in the genre. Maybe the fortunes of Enrissa and her empire will change the attitude of the sceptics? And I am waiting eagerly for the continuation.

The above text is a translation of Lorelay's article "Namiestniczka. Księga I (Wiera Szkolnikowa)". You can find the original version here.

Article translated by Monika "Nine" Glibowska.