The Great River by Alena Malukhina is a fairytale fantasy title that leads you to the Source of the Great River. A very subtle story that reeks of real magic. All the characters in this book are magical creatures inhabiting the forest and waters. Varna and Oikyu, two main characters, each have a secret and a magical ability, both are lonely in their own way, and each deal with that loneliness in their own way. She talks nonsense and gets into trouble without end. He lurks in his inner darkness. She goes against the rules. He's looking for his own way but they come together in search of something more, and something that will help them rid themselves of their curses. The debut book by Alena Malukhina with illustrations by Anastasia Balatyonysheva is a new word in domestic fairy tales for teenagers. Follow it: it will lead to the sun from the most underground darkness.