The Winternight Series by Katherine Arden

Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Synopsis - At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year but Vasilisa doesn't mind--she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse's fairy tales. Her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil. After Vasilisa's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa's new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows. And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa's stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent. As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed--this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse's most frightening tales.

Thoughts - I read this book in 2017. The second book hadn't come out yet and I sort of forgot about the series. I thought about it again and thought I'd complete the series since the next two books had been published. The following thoughts are copied from my 2017 post. This is a magnificent tale.. it took me a while to get into it.. there are a lot of Russian terms and initially I found my self rereading paragraphs.. so I will say do not read this when you are in the mood for something light and quick.. this is a deep and all consuming sort of tale and so worth it.. this may just be my favorite of the year.

The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden

Synopsis - Vasilisa faces an impossible choice. Driven from her home by frightened villagers, she has only two options left: marriage or the convent. She cannot bring herself to accept either fate and instead chooses adventure, dressing herself as a boy and setting off astride her magnificent stallion Solovey. after she prevails in a skirmish with bandits, everything changes. The Grand Prince of Moscow anoints her a hero for her exploits, and she is reunited with her beloved sister and brother, who are now part of the Grand Prince’s inner circle. She dares not reveal to the court that she is a girl, for if her deception were discovered it would have terrible consequences for herself and her family. Before she can untangle herself from Moscow’s intrigues—and as Frost provides counsel that may or may not be trustworthy—she will also confront an even graver threat lying in wait for all of Moscow itself.

Thoughts - Since I was reading the second book after 4 years it again took me a while to get into.. it has a lot of Russain terms, thankfully Ms. Arden provides a glossary at the back of the book. Within a couple of chapters the story had managed to fully absorb me. The writing is so rich. I don't really now how to describe it but I can tell you this.. being a women it pretty much every century has sucked. But I'll still take this century. Hands down. This is by no means I light book. I highly recommend it though. 

       

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

Synopsis - Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.

Thoughts - WOW.. just wow. I am glad I read the last two books back to back. The last book starts seconds after the second book ends and a chapter in and my heart was already shattered. The author made such a bold opening move. I hated her and was in awe of her for being so courageous. It was a magnificent story. The fantasy/folklore gets more intricate and complicated with every book as our heroine learns more about the world and herself. I had to reread parts especially about 'midnight' that I didn't initially understand fully. But once again.. a terrific must read book. The heroine is young and naïve, yet so strong and courageous. It was wonderful watching her grow into this amazing woman. I started the book in tears and ended it in tears.. this time happy tears. 

ps.

                  Etsy           Instagram           Twitter           Bloglovin