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fatherprozac's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
booksmacked's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Minor: Animal cruelty, Death, and Blood
matchai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexism, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty and Sexual assault
katreadswaytoomuch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
At first glance, I assumed this was a cross between Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast. It’s so much more than that though. There’s definitely elements of both, but it doesn’t follow a predictable plot.
I listened to this on audio. First, great choice in narrator. Kathleen Gati really puts the reader in the story. Second, it felt like an oral tradition — a story being told on a cold winter night in front of the fire just waiting for spring to come. Just beautiful
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
sfoerster's review against another edition
- 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
Female lead
Magic in real world
Complicated family dynamics
Mildly challenges religious views
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment
spiritedfaraway's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Are you going to save us, then?”
“If God gives me strength, I will save you.”
“I am only a country girl,” said Vasya. “I have never seen Tsargrad, or angels, or heard the voice of God. But I think you should be careful, Batyushka, that Gad does not speak in the voice of your own wishing. We have never needed saving before.”
This book flows really well even with all the different point of views and it just keeps you reading until you look up and realize that the sun has come back up and that the book is, unfortunately, finished.
The Bear and the Nightingale takes place in a fantasy version of historical Russia and tells the story of Vasya and her family. It reads like a fairytale and is absolutely beautifully written. Vasya is a wild child with a touch of magic and a willingness to be brave. The different relationships she has with her family are wonderful and feel very real. And her friendships with the spirits are lovingly written.
The few problems I had mostly had to do with the fact that there wasn't a lot that actually happened until almost the very end of the book. This is definitely a character driven story and if you love plot more then this might not be the book for you. I enjoyed reading this immensely though.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Mental illness and Miscarriage
Minor: Animal cruelty
kestrel's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, and Blood
Moderate: Child death, Pedophilia, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Animal cruelty and Body shaming
gracecleo's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, and Grief