Polina Volkova

Hey there! I'm Polina Volkova, and I write dark fantasy romance that probably shouldn't be read after midnight. (But let's be honest, that's exactly when you'll want to read it.)

I grew up in Russia surrounded by folklore that would make the Brothers Grimm look like they were writing bedtime stories for kids. Those ancient tales of witches in dark forests, bargains with supernatural beings, and the price of magic? They weren't just stories to me – they were the seeds of everything I'd eventually write. Now I live in the Pacific Northwest, where the misty forests and moody weather feel just like home. Perfect for conjuring up the kind of stories that live in the shadows, right?

My journey into writing wasn't exactly straightforward. I spent years working as a translator, diving deep into other people's stories while my own kept scratching at the back of my mind. (Fun fact: I once translated a 400-page technical manual about industrial piping. Talk about motivation to write something more exciting!) But those old folktales from my childhood wouldn't leave me alone. They kept whispering, "What if?" What if those witches in the woods weren't what they seemed? What if modern girls found themselves tangled in ancient magic? What if love could bloom in the darkest places?

That's how "Into the Deep Wood: The Witch" was born. It's my first published novel, but trust me – there are many more dark tales waiting to be told. When I write, I'm not interested in giving you the same old sanitized fairy tales. I write about real magic – the kind that costs something. The kind that leaves scars. And yes, the kind that can lead to the deepest, most consuming love you've ever read about.

My stories aren't for everyone, and I'm totally okay with that. If you're looking for light and fluffy romance where everything's tied up in a neat bow by chapter three, I'm probably not your girl. But if you want to explore the darker side of love, where ancient magic meets modern world, where choices have real consequences, and where happily ever after has to be fought for with blood and sacrifice? Pull up a chair. You're my kind of reader.

When I'm not writing, you'll find me wandering through Pacific Northwest forests (collecting mushrooms and inspiration), drinking way too much tea (Russian-style, strong enough to stand a spoon in), and spoiling my black cat, Baba. (Yes, named after Baba Yaga – I told you those folktales stuck with me!)

My writing philosophy is pretty simple: I believe the best stories are the ones that don't flinch from darkness but still find light within it. Every book I write will take you deeper into the woods, where ancient magic still rules and modern hearts learn to navigate age-old powers. Expect morally grey characters, complex relationships, and magic that feels real enough to raise the hair on the back of your neck.

In my books, you'll find: - Witches who aren't what they seem - Magic that demands a price - Love stories that burn slow and deep - Modern heroines facing ancient powers - Forests that hide more than just trees - Choices that can't be unmade - And endings that you'll never see coming

The response to "Into the Deep Wood: The Witch" has been incredible, and I'm so grateful to every reader who's ventured into these dark woods with me. I'm currently working on the next book in the series (no spoilers, but let's just say you haven't seen anything yet), and I can't wait to share more of this world with you.

Want to join me on this journey? Find me on Instagram where I share writing updates, forest adventures, and probably too many pictures of my cat. I love hearing from readers – especially the ones who stay up way too late reading "just one more chapter."

Remember: the deepest magic always has a price. Are you willing to pay it?

(P.S. Yes, I really do believe there's magic in the woods. No, I won't tell you where exactly. Some secrets are better left in the shadows... for now.)