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headasmith's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
phaedruus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, War, Grief, Death, and Animal death
Minor: Rape
christinefolan's review against another edition
5.0
It is no easy feat to integrate magic and mythology into a complex and rich historical backdrop while still keeping the plot engaging, dynamic, and exciting. Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy is above all else the story of a young girl finding her place in a world that is fighting to exclude her, and the journey she undertakes in order to create a new and more unified one.
Vasya is an outsider who is still relatable and sympathetic, and her struggles and victories are real and are never contrived or forced. While there is romance, it serves to further the character arcs of the important players and never distracts or takes away from the relevance of the plot.
If you love mythology, history, and anything Russian, then this series is for you.
Vasya is an outsider who is still relatable and sympathetic, and her struggles and victories are real and are never contrived or forced. While there is romance, it serves to further the character arcs of the important players and never distracts or takes away from the relevance of the plot.
If you love mythology, history, and anything Russian, then this series is for you.
anusaamy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
letstalkaboutbooksbaybee's review against another edition
3.0
I really wish I had read this right after I finished the second book 5 years ago, because it picks up almost immediately after that one ends but I honestly did not remember anything about the book other than I really enjoyed it.
Not this books fault, it is 1000% my fault for being a dummy.
The writing in this book continues to be beautiful, I don’t think Katherine Arden is capable of anything less than beautiful prose. There’s no shortage of action or magic. The pacing felt a smidge slow at times but nothing horrible.
I almost want to go back and read the first two books again to really get the whole experience, but that may have to wait until future me has finished a few other series I’m in the middle of.
Not this books fault, it is 1000% my fault for being a dummy.
The writing in this book continues to be beautiful, I don’t think Katherine Arden is capable of anything less than beautiful prose. There’s no shortage of action or magic. The pacing felt a smidge slow at times but nothing horrible.
I almost want to go back and read the first two books again to really get the whole experience, but that may have to wait until future me has finished a few other series I’m in the middle of.
sbult1005's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
3.75
lyakimov's review against another edition
5.0
I’m so sad that it’s over, give me moooore! I don’t know what to do with myself now that I finished the series! It’s been so long since a series has affected me so strongly (in a good way).
Each of these books is so unique in its own way, in themes, characterization, and plot. We see Vasya’s incredible character development throughout the series and I honestly truly enjoyed the ending. Hopeful, leaving you wanting more, not rushed. I was so sad about Sasha though.
I’m sad we didn’t see Vasya go back to her home village and see Alyosha and Irina again, but I understand why that did not happen. I liked the mysterious realm of Midnight as well and I think it’s a fitting place for Vasya to be.
The whole dynamic between Morozko, Medved, and Vasya was very interesting and I liked that Medved was not made a true “villain.” There was only morally gray in-between and not just good or bad. That being said, Konstantin was so damn annoying as always and he got what he deserved even though he’s a sympathetic antagonist.
I am not a big romance lover so its rare I love a couple, but I absolutely adored the relationship between Vasya and Morozko. It was not too overbearing on the plot and it melded well with the overall themes and development of both their characters.
As always, I loved the sibling dynamics between Vasya, Sasha, and Olya. Sasha’s death hit me so hard, especially with the way that everything ended.
I’m not ready for it to be over!!! Please give me more, Katherine Arden!
Each of these books is so unique in its own way, in themes, characterization, and plot. We see Vasya’s incredible character development throughout the series and I honestly truly enjoyed the ending. Hopeful, leaving you wanting more, not rushed. I was so sad about Sasha though.
I’m sad we didn’t see Vasya go back to her home village and see Alyosha and Irina again, but I understand why that did not happen. I liked the mysterious realm of Midnight as well and I think it’s a fitting place for Vasya to be.
The whole dynamic between Morozko, Medved, and Vasya was very interesting and I liked that Medved was not made a true “villain.” There was only morally gray in-between and not just good or bad. That being said, Konstantin was so damn annoying as always and he got what he deserved even though he’s a sympathetic antagonist.
I am not a big romance lover so its rare I love a couple, but I absolutely adored the relationship between Vasya and Morozko. It was not too overbearing on the plot and it melded well with the overall themes and development of both their characters.
As always, I loved the sibling dynamics between Vasya, Sasha, and Olya. Sasha’s death hit me so hard, especially with the way that everything ended.
I’m not ready for it to be over!!! Please give me more, Katherine Arden!
snowship's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katiegilley's review against another edition
4.0
“I have been running through the dark, trying to save all who have need of me. I have done good and I have done evil, but I am neither. I am only myself.”
This is the last in the Winternight Trilogy. Set in Medieval Russia during a time when some believe in the old gods and others are turning towards Christianity. Vasiya, our young hero, is a witch who can see the magical creatures that her ancestors once believed in. Those same creatures help her through this incredible novel as she fights to save her family and the way of life that she loves.
I really enjoyed this series. I gasped with delight at the magical word that Arden created. It’s full of talking horses, enchanted forests, cottages hidden in the woods, and demons walking among us. It was endlessly atmospheric and I loved being steeped in a giant Russian fairy tale. I was sad when it was over!
This is the last in the Winternight Trilogy. Set in Medieval Russia during a time when some believe in the old gods and others are turning towards Christianity. Vasiya, our young hero, is a witch who can see the magical creatures that her ancestors once believed in. Those same creatures help her through this incredible novel as she fights to save her family and the way of life that she loves.
I really enjoyed this series. I gasped with delight at the magical word that Arden created. It’s full of talking horses, enchanted forests, cottages hidden in the woods, and demons walking among us. It was endlessly atmospheric and I loved being steeped in a giant Russian fairy tale. I was sad when it was over!