Scan barcode
A review by cinnamonmarti
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
What a way to start the year! The Bear and the Nightingale is an impressive and hypnotizing blend of Russian folklore, fairytale and history. If you like historical fantasy and family sagas, you'll love this. I found the atmosphere very immersive and the main character, Vasya, is a true gem: stubborn and gentle, wise and playful.
The first half is perhaps a bit slow and the novel itself also serves as a buildup for the trilogy, but I was never bored and I'm eager to know more about Vasya and the winter king. The whole cast of characters is compelling and I hope we'll see more of Alyosha, Sasha and Olga too!
The first half is perhaps a bit slow and the novel itself also serves as a buildup for the trilogy, but I was never bored and I'm eager to know more about Vasya and the winter king. The whole cast of characters is compelling and I hope we'll see more of Alyosha, Sasha and Olga too!