Goodreads Summary–At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. 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. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, 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.
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The Writing
Katherine Arden is such a talent, and I would not be surprised if she becomes an author that people talk about for years to come. She writes such a lyrical prose that feels natural, and not at all forced. She was able to write a gripping fairy-tale for adults, which is not an easy feat!
The Setting
The Bear and the Nightingale is set in Russia, and the main character and her family live in a small village just outside the wilderness. I have discovered that I enjoy stories that involve a forest, especially is there is some element of magic. I also appreciated the fact that the majority of the book is set during the winter. It is so rare that I read a book set during that time of year and it really added to the story.
Atmospheric
I adore books that are very atmospheric and The Bear and the Nightingale is one of the most atmospheric novels that I have ever read. This is a credit to Katherine Adren’s talent that she made me feel as though I was a part of this world. There is really something magical about this book and the world that Arden creates.
The Characters
Vasya was an absolute joy to read about. She is spunky and independent, and always up for an adventure. It was great to read about a young female character that was so fearless. The side characters, both the good and the bad, were just as memorable.
Slow Start
It did take me awhile to get in to this book. There are so many character names (and they all have nicknames as well) and she often used Russian words so it took me awhile to get used to having refer to the glossary in the back, but I did eventually get the hang out it and it was so worth it!
“I gave everything for you, Vasilisa Petrovna.’
‘Not everything,’ said Vasya. ‘Since clearly your pride is intact, as well as your illusions.”
“Vasya felt cold despite the steam. “Why would I choose to die?” “It is easy to die,” replied the bannik. “Harder to live.”
“Nay, it is the coming storm. The first sign is fear. The second is always fire. Your people are afraid, and now the fires burn.”
It has been a long time since I have read a book that was so atmospheric that it gave me chills. It is one of those books that takes hold of your soul and doesn’t let go!
Katherine Arden is very high on my tbr. Great review. I hope I read this soon.
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as I did!
This was such a good book! And the perfect winter read. 🙂 I’m really looking forward to reading the sequel some time. Great review! 😀
Thank you. It truly is the perfect winter read. I am hoping to read the sequel soon. I have heard great things!
It took me a minute to get into this one too, then I really enjoyed myself.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! I could see people DNFing it at the beginning because it is confusing but it is so worth continuing on with it.
This is on my list to read this month, but now you’re making me want to start it RIGHT NOW! I just might have to… Great review!
Oh my God Alyssa you are going to love it!! Thank you!
I’ve heard so much about this one being so beautiful and atmospheric that I totally might have bought it. I’m so glad I did when I was reading your review because you have totally sold me on wanting to reading it ASAP. It sounds so great. I am glad to know it did have a slow start so I can mentally prepare myself not to just give up. XD Wonderful review, Kristin! 🙂
Thank you Mandy. I am so happy you are going to read this book. I think you’re going to love it! I think it is good to know that it takes a while to get in to but is totally worth it!
Wow, this sounds like an AWESOME book! Will definitely be adding it to my TBR. Can’t wait to read it! Great review!
Thank you Kat! I think you will love it!
Lovely review! I adore this book. Like you said, it’s so atmospheric, and Vasya’s such a fascinating character to read about 🙂
Thank you! Vasya is so special. I can not wait to read more about her in the next book!
I loved the atmosphere Katherine Arden manages to create – it’s magical!
It truly is magical! She’s so talented!
I’m so glad you ended up loving this, even if it took you a bit to get into! I so agree that it’s well written and that it’s incredibly atmospheric 😀 Great review!!
Thank you! It completely blew me away. I was not expecting to end up so captivated by it!
Yes, I can see why this book may take some time to get into. The synopsis looks really interesting. Based on the quotes, however, it seems that there are multiple names and language barriers that it’ll take awhile to get used to.
It definitely takes a little getting used to but onces you do it is amazing!
This is one of my favourite books and I was so glad the sequel didn’t disappoint. Great review!
Thank you! I am so excited for the sequel!
Ohhhh yesss….that slow start is what made me nervous about this book. I really had to drag myself through the first few chapters before I could really digest the story and eventually enjoy it. I recently picked up the sequel at work and am looking forward to reading it soon.
That’s exactly how I felt. I was worried I wouldn’t like it but so glad I pushed through and ended up loving it!
I loved this book as well! Great review! I also have a review for this on my blog if you’re interested 😁
Thank you! I am definitely going to check out your review!
this was such a great story and your review is lovely! i’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
i got the second book already, but keep putting it off, because i remember how cold the first book made me feel with all that snow, and i’m getting fed up with being cold in real life 😀
Thank you!!
That’s so true!! It is so well written that it makes you feel cold. Maybe it’s a good one to read in the summer when it’s too hot? 😁
Ahhh I really want to read this book! I’ve been hearing nothing but great things and I want to read more russian inspired tales! I cannot wait💕.
It deserves all of the hype! I really do not think you will be disappointed!
Glad you liked this one!! I liked what you said about it being refreshing that it’s such a wintery book- I find myself forgetting that there are scenes set during the spring and summer in it, because the winter atmosphere was just SO good.
Fabulous review and so pleased you liked the book 🙂 I can’t wait to make time for book 2 🙂 I just miss Moroshko! 😀
Thank you!! I am excited to read it too. So many memorable characters!