Reviews

Der Bär und die Nachtigall by Katherine Arden

jsoakes's review against another edition

4.0

A near perfect fairy tale. Magic, marriage, and mystery abound in this delightful medieval story. I loved all the folklore and fairy magic from old-world Russia as I was unfamiliar with many of the elements that seemed so natural in this setting. The stories within the story were fantastic little bits of magic unto themselves.

I like that the magic is never really explained and that our protagonist never really does anything truly spectacular (without meaning to). It gave authenticity to the story of this girl who uses her belief to learn and to survive.

I liked the inclusion of the church and all of the intricacies that come with mixing of belief and questioning doctrine. However, I did not enjoy Father Constantine and did not appreciate his "temptations." It was a bit creepy and a bit obvious. Similarly, the ending was predictable, but also unfortunate and a bit too convenient.

lmsmaxwell's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful. Told in the language of fairy tales. Loved it.

eso_felho's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional slow-paced

3.25

miért kell az összes olyan könyvnek disappointolnia, amiről előtte fogadni mertem volna hogy új kedvencem lesz bruhuhu

szeretni szoktam minden könyvet ami népmese hangulatú és ez most se volt másképp, az atmoszféra nagyon jó volt, de folyton úgy éreztem hogy egy előzmény sztoryt olvasok csak és végig vártam hogy mikor fog végre elindulni a valódi cselekmény

iduninthegarden's review against another edition

adventurous dark inspiring 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

4.5

karenreagan's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

vidgottmod's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

grainnewalsh's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.25

ironspinesally's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

itsam3m's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

theninthbow_reads's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this the first time I read it, and loved it just as much on the re-read.

It's the perfect blend of history, fantasy, and folklore with wonderful characters. I can't wait to see where this trilogy goes.