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aksmith92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I binge-read this beauty of a book over a weekend filled with SNOW! It was perfect. Truly. There is nothing like reading Russian folklore that takes place in a tiny town centuries ago in northern Rus', where mid-winter is an integral part of their culture, and I get to read while looking out my window with snowflakes falling. I highly recommend doing it this way if you can plan for it!
The setup: This tale begins with a Russian fairy tale. A few children are huddled around Dunya, a nursemaid, hearing the story of the frost-king, a mythical being who controls the winter but can also be death itself. We pivot outside the story to learn about a family living in a small town in Rus' (pre-dates Russia, my friends) where Pyotr, the patriarch, overseas this land and community. He has a wife he loves, Marina, and a handful of children. Marina becomes pregnant again and notes how important this birth will be - Marina comes from a line of magical women. Unfortunately (no spoiler!), Marina dies in childbirth, and Vasya, her daughter, is left without her birth mother.
During the novel, we follow the family as children grow up and the patriarch remarries. There is a blend of "old ways," versus the growing Orthodox religion. A common theme throughout the novel is the replacement of the old ways/chyerti (gods) and the shunning of those who still practice the old ways. In addition to that prevalent idea, there is this fantastical element of the fairy tale itself around the frost-king and Vasya being connected to this magical line. Katherine Arden poetically combines Russian folklore and history into a magical realism/fantasy novel.
What I liked: The prose and writing style differed from what I am used to, especially since Arden tried to stay realistic with Rus' language at the time. However, it made it unique and compelling. I found this writing to be atmospheric in its own way, and not only was it interesting, but I had a blast reading it. I also loved many of the characters. So many were flawed, including Pyotr, Vasya's father, and Anna, Vasya's stepmother. Each character was unique and exciting in their own way. Lastly, I loved this fairy tale retelling. I know little Russian folklore and fairy tales, but this seemed original. It was something I hadn't read much about before (except for Uprooted by Naomi Novik), and it just had the vibes of a lovely winter read.
What fell flat: Not much! But it was a bit slow (for me). There was so much character development and setup, which I usually love, but at times, it did drag just a little. Additionally, this was hard to read at times because of all the misogyny in this culture and the blatant sexism that accompanied the time period (which I have no doubt is factual). And, you know, I have to mention it even though I know this fits the "time period," but I disliked that the main female character was 15, yet she was acting older, and there may be pieces of the plot in the future books that have her doing very non-15-year-old things! I don't want to elaborate because I don't want to give anything away, but you know how I feel about teenage girls in fantasy novels!
However, this was beautiful storytelling, and I cannot wait to read the next ones in the series!
The setup: This tale begins with a Russian fairy tale. A few children are huddled around Dunya, a nursemaid, hearing the story of the frost-king, a mythical being who controls the winter but can also be death itself. We pivot outside the story to learn about a family living in a small town in Rus' (pre-dates Russia, my friends) where Pyotr, the patriarch, overseas this land and community. He has a wife he loves, Marina, and a handful of children. Marina becomes pregnant again and notes how important this birth will be - Marina comes from a line of magical women. Unfortunately (no spoiler!), Marina dies in childbirth, and Vasya, her daughter, is left without her birth mother.
During the novel, we follow the family as children grow up and the patriarch remarries. There is a blend of "old ways," versus the growing Orthodox religion. A common theme throughout the novel is the replacement of the old ways/chyerti (gods) and the shunning of those who still practice the old ways. In addition to that prevalent idea, there is this fantastical element of the fairy tale itself around the frost-king and Vasya being connected to this magical line. Katherine Arden poetically combines Russian folklore and history into a magical realism/fantasy novel.
What I liked: The prose and writing style differed from what I am used to, especially since Arden tried to stay realistic with Rus' language at the time. However, it made it unique and compelling. I found this writing to be atmospheric in its own way, and not only was it interesting, but I had a blast reading it. I also loved many of the characters. So many were flawed, including Pyotr, Vasya's father, and Anna, Vasya's stepmother. Each character was unique and exciting in their own way. Lastly, I loved this fairy tale retelling. I know little Russian folklore and fairy tales, but this seemed original. It was something I hadn't read much about before (except for Uprooted by Naomi Novik), and it just had the vibes of a lovely winter read.
What fell flat: Not much! But it was a bit slow (for me). There was so much character development and setup, which I usually love, but at times, it did drag just a little. Additionally, this was hard to read at times because of all the misogyny in this culture and the blatant sexism that accompanied the time period (which I have no doubt is factual). And, you know, I have to mention it even though I know this fits the "time period," but I disliked that the main female character was 15, yet she was acting older, and there may be pieces of the plot in the future books that have her doing very non-15-year-old things! I don't want to elaborate because I don't want to give anything away, but you know how I feel about teenage girls in fantasy novels!
However, this was beautiful storytelling, and I cannot wait to read the next ones in the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Pregnancy
Sexual assault happens on page, albeit briefly - unwelcomed forced touching and kissing.tlbignerd's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It has a little slow start, but information that was needed for the story. Everything came together incredibly well, and I can't wait to read the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
megan_pristineprose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is very dark. Not as whimsical as I had hoped.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore and Physical abuse
Minor: Child death, Infidelity, and Murder
andra_mihaela_s's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
From me, The Bear and the Nightingale gets 4.5 stars!π₯³π₯°
This was an interesting reading experience π§..due to the holiday rush ( cleaning, baking, hanging out with friends), I read this book in 2 sittings that were days apart!π€£π π€·ββοΈ...thankfully, it didn't affect my opinion on it!π
We follow Vasya and her family as they live at the edge of the Russian wilderness, where winters last most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses.
After our MC's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, the stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits, but Vasya, sensing that more is hinged upon these rituals, refuses to give them up!
CW: gore, death, murder, horror ( supernatural) and other triggers specific to fairy tales π
This book is first and foremost a tribute to Russian folklore with lots of atmosphere and beautiful descriptions.
The action takes place before the fall of Constantinople and is very focused on the human experience : custom, role of men and women in society, food, beliefs, dress and conduct, the struggle between responsibility / duty and dreams....and finally...the role of religion π
I truly enjoyed the characters in this novel! Both Vasya and Anna were very dear to me, as they mirror each other and give you both perspectives on something essentially ingrained in the way of life : myths / folklore.
As always, discussion on religion/ beliefs are a weakness of mine and Konstantin pov was appreciated.
The author manages to bring you sufficiently close to each character ( according to their importance to the plot) while maintaining a distance specific to fairy tales.
I also enjoyed reading from the perspective of Pyotr, Alyosha, Konstantin and Morozko, and I strongly believe that getting only Vasya 's pov would have been a mistake βΊοΈ
All this personalities coupled with different circumstances, getting into the same 'pot' to cook while the sauce is wintery....perfection π₯°π
Soooo..if you love retellings energy with magical realism and character based plot...I highly recommend you try this one!
This was an interesting reading experience π§..due to the holiday rush ( cleaning, baking, hanging out with friends), I read this book in 2 sittings that were days apart!π€£π π€·ββοΈ...thankfully, it didn't affect my opinion on it!π
We follow Vasya and her family as they live at the edge of the Russian wilderness, where winters last most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses.
After our MC's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, the stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits, but Vasya, sensing that more is hinged upon these rituals, refuses to give them up!
CW: gore, death, murder, horror ( supernatural) and other triggers specific to fairy tales π
This book is first and foremost a tribute to Russian folklore with lots of atmosphere and beautiful descriptions.
The action takes place before the fall of Constantinople and is very focused on the human experience : custom, role of men and women in society, food, beliefs, dress and conduct, the struggle between responsibility / duty and dreams....and finally...the role of religion π
I truly enjoyed the characters in this novel! Both Vasya and Anna were very dear to me, as they mirror each other and give you both perspectives on something essentially ingrained in the way of life : myths / folklore.
As always, discussion on religion/ beliefs are a weakness of mine and Konstantin pov was appreciated.
The author manages to bring you sufficiently close to each character ( according to their importance to the plot) while maintaining a distance specific to fairy tales.
I also enjoyed reading from the perspective of Pyotr, Alyosha, Konstantin and Morozko, and I strongly believe that getting only Vasya 's pov would have been a mistake βΊοΈ
All this personalities coupled with different circumstances, getting into the same 'pot' to cook while the sauce is wintery....perfection π₯°π
Soooo..if you love retellings energy with magical realism and character based plot...I highly recommend you try this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gore
Moderate: Murder and Classism
moonneedstoread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Violence and Grief
jessversteeg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Fascinating look at how Orthodox Christian faith might have intersected with medieval Russian pagan beliefs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Vomit
ninariella's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Death of parent
Moderate: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Murder, and Sexual harassment
ameliabee33's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
Vasilisa sees creatures that other people in her village can't, the things of the old, pagan ways. In the cold north of Russia Vasya has grown up with fairytales of the creatures in the forest and of Morozko, the Frost Demon. When a zealous monk, Konstantin, comes to Vasya's village, our heroine finds herself in a battle between the people she grew up with/loves as well as a much bigger battle between the Frost Demon and the Bear. The Bear is the one-eyed, blue-scarred man that haunts her dreams and can split the world.
Vasya is constantly torn between her family and the life she wants to lead, one where she is just a girl that goes and explores the world and isn't reprimanded for being who she is. With folklore vs catholicism becoming the main conflict in her village, Vasya is portrayed as the antagonist of the Church. She gives gifts to the spirits that help her people but she is labeled rebellious, she wants too much, and she needs to behave as a woman should. Vasya is also an antagonist to the idea of being a woman in 1300s Russia. There are 2 choices for women, be married and have kids or become a nun. Vasya wants a third option, to live in the woods with the spirits instead of accepting the cards fate has dealt her.
There is also the mystery of Morozko and his involvement with Vasya. He found her lost in the woods as a very young child and forced a sapphire necklace upon her when she was a teenager. The spirits keep telling Vasya that the Bear is coming and that she needs to work with Morozko to defeat him. But why is the necklace needed? Why is Morozko invested in the success of Vasya? What does an immortal deity want with a young human girl?
This book reminded me very heavily of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, it is very heavy in its fairytale-like telling. The atmosphere is cold, given that the setting is 99.9% in the snowy winter. There is a winter Lord presiding over the the entire story. The imagery is rich and decadent. The characters are diverse in personalities and goals. There is a hint of a trope that an immortal wants a young girl (why do we keep writing that???) and if that is a firm line for you, you might want to pass this series. Lots of religious zeal and nutjobs give the tale a very intense atmosphere.
TDLR; A great first book in a winter fantasy/fairytale trilogy! The reason I docked it 0.25 starts is because of the hinted romance between an immortal being and a young 16 year old girl. Also some of the names and nicknames are used so interchangeably that it got confusing at times. Characters and plot are rich!
Vasya is constantly torn between her family and the life she wants to lead, one where she is just a girl that goes and explores the world and isn't reprimanded for being who she is. With folklore vs catholicism becoming the main conflict in her village, Vasya is portrayed as the antagonist of the Church. She gives gifts to the spirits that help her people but she is labeled rebellious, she wants too much, and she needs to behave as a woman should. Vasya is also an antagonist to the idea of being a woman in 1300s Russia. There are 2 choices for women, be married and have kids or become a nun. Vasya wants a third option, to live in the woods with the spirits instead of accepting the cards fate has dealt her.
There is also the mystery of Morozko and his involvement with Vasya. He found her lost in the woods as a very young child and forced a sapphire necklace upon her when she was a teenager. The spirits keep telling Vasya that the Bear is coming and that she needs to work with Morozko to defeat him. But why is the necklace needed? Why is Morozko invested in the success of Vasya? What does an immortal deity want with a young human girl?
This book reminded me very heavily of Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, it is very heavy in its fairytale-like telling. The atmosphere is cold, given that the setting is 99.9% in the snowy winter. There is a winter Lord presiding over the the entire story. The imagery is rich and decadent. The characters are diverse in personalities and goals. There is a hint of a trope that an immortal wants a young girl (why do we keep writing that???) and if that is a firm line for you, you might want to pass this series. Lots of religious zeal and nutjobs give the tale a very intense atmosphere.
TDLR; A great first book in a winter fantasy/fairytale trilogy! The reason I docked it 0.25 starts is because of the hinted romance between an immortal being and a young 16 year old girl. Also some of the names and nicknames are used so interchangeably that it got confusing at times. Characters and plot are rich!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry and Murder
vigil's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*re-read, even better than i remember it to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
lisa_m's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
This book was a perfect mix of mythology, fantasy and realism. I didn't know anything about this book before starting to read it and I think that was the best way I could have read it.
I really enjoyed the discussion of religion and missionary work, but what really sold me was all the russian folklore! I love mythology and I want to read more retellings / mythology inspired books about different parts of the world.
I have to say that someone told me that this book is an enemies to lovers story and that is just not true? There is no romance, or at least it's not a main focus at all! I actually really liked that about this book. Also I am a big fan of the 'wild girl' trope :)
The ending was bittersweet but I really liked it. I didn't cry though, which made me realise, that I wasn't truly connecting with the characters. That is normally a big dealbreaker but this time I didn't actually mind that much. I guess the book is a 'vibes before plot' kind of book and it's very slow paced as well (but it's also quite short).
I am so excited for the other two books in the trilogy though I'm surprised it is a trilogy at all. This book could have been a standalone as well. I am interested to return to this world though and there are a lot of things I still want to hear more about.
I really enjoyed the discussion of religion and missionary work, but what really sold me was all the russian folklore! I love mythology and I want to read more retellings / mythology inspired books about different parts of the world.
I have to say that someone told me that this book is an enemies to lovers story and that is just not true? There is no romance, or at least it's not a main focus at all! I actually really liked that about this book. Also I am a big fan of the 'wild girl' trope :)
The ending was bittersweet but I really liked it. I didn't cry though, which made me realise, that I wasn't truly connecting with the characters. That is normally a big dealbreaker but this time I didn't actually mind that much. I guess the book is a 'vibes before plot' kind of book and it's very slow paced as well (but it's also quite short).
I am so excited for the other two books in the trilogy though I'm surprised it is a trilogy at all. This book could have been a standalone as well. I am interested to return to this world though and there are a lot of things I still want to hear more about.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Classism