Reviews

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

nmslibrary's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Okay guys, this book is amazing!! I took the opportunity to read this book while it rained all week and I wished I read this while snow fell. 

The scenery and vibes were amazing. I was fond of the hut, the hunted/cursed woods but my favourite scenes by the oven or pech’, it was so cozy and enchanting. 🪵❄️

This book was super easy to read. The writing was fluid and tale like written, it was lyrical and transported you in this fairytale. Moreover I loved the different pov we had, I wasn’t lost or anything. The different point of views were welcoming, you couldn’t just hate a character for his or her past actions

(although it was impossible not to hate Anna😤).

I was enamoured learning about russian folklore. I loved the introduction of fae folk like the rusalka, the domovoi, the upyr and others.🧚‍♂️ Add to that the magic which made the book even more riveting and entertaining. 

Going into this book, I thought it was your usual fantasy (or romantasy) with Russian folklore retelling. However this book was a bit like Anne of Green Gables. Our main character Vasya is only 4 years old towards the beginning of the book. Therefore we see her grow up and this was so precious, I loved how carefree, outspoken, and good hearted.🤍 She is nonetheless badass, she broke all the codes women had to follow at this period like marriage and bearing children. All these attributes/ charms combined in her personality made her engrossing and delightful to read. 

A few words about the side characters which were just as interesting and important to the story. The side characters were not all lovelable but they all had luggages to carry which made them compelling. 

If this chaotic review didn’t convince you well you’re definitely missing out on something. Trust me just read this book!!🐻🌳✨

amillerknaack's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

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

3.5

I’ve been told the second and third are better. This just moved really slowly.

loonatrum's review against another edition

3.0

3.5! it was a nice book, but not much was happening. the last hundred pages were really great and everything came together. i loved the prose tho and the dark atmosphere and the idea. also vasya is such an interesting character! i will still pick up the sequel!

segotia's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

gabby_albers'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? Yes

4.0

I loved the setting and the dark mythological themes. This book was a little slow for me, and I really wanted more from Frost and the other spirits than what was there. I appreciated the focus on religion and community and how sometimes, especially in the time the book is set, those things don't get along through no fault of the people involved. I think I just was looking for a little more fantasy and whimsy than it had. Still not sure if I'll read the other books in the trilogy, but I really did enjoy this book. Beautifully written, different enough to stay interesting. 

charli734's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

adenwatt's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

i absolutely loved this book. it captivated me right away, and if i did not have work, i probably would have finished it in one sitting. it is the first book that i’ve consumed in less than 24 hours in ages.

i enjoyed the world building, the dynamics between vasya and her family, the chyerti and how they were affected by konstantin’s presence and his fearmongering.

katherine arden is a fantastic writer and i look forward to reading more of her writing. i highly, highly recommend this novel. i think it has earned a spot as my number one favourite book, honestly.

hypocretin's review against another edition

I will maybe try to come back to this one. The writing and atmosphere is lovely, but parts of it just stray a bit far into the realm of exoticism and fetishization for my taste, and it made me feel squeamish and uncomfortable in a way that took me out of the narrative. Also, "special" main characters just bore me to tears lol

charmingmissfit's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

kristenv's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0