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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
En la zona rural de una Rusia medieval vive un noble con su mujer y sus hijos. La mujer muere dejando a su última hija: Vasia, una chica que crece salvaje por sus escapadas al bosque y con la capacidad de ver pequeños espíritus como los que cuidan de las casas.
A pesar de los intentos de su padre por casarla y de ver cómo sus hermanos van cumpliendo cada uno con su destino, Vasia se niega a seguir el camino que se espera de ella. Más aún cuando un invierno especialmente duro, los habitantes de la comunidad empiezan a tener miedo, se levantan los muertos y aparece el Rey del Invierno...
Y así, sin darme cuenta, me he visto atrapada en esta historia mágica, llena de seres del folclore ruso y con una protagonista capaz de enfrentarse a todo por proteger a los suyos aunque estos la vean como una bruja...
Es el comienzo de una trilogía, así que tengo ganas de saber cómo continúa la historia y qué ocurre con Vasia, el Rey del Invierno y todos estos pequeños seres. Me ha gustado mucho la ambientación, toda esa mitología y cómo se va construyendo todo poco a poco hasta que te ves dentro
A pesar de los intentos de su padre por casarla y de ver cómo sus hermanos van cumpliendo cada uno con su destino, Vasia se niega a seguir el camino que se espera de ella. Más aún cuando un invierno especialmente duro, los habitantes de la comunidad empiezan a tener miedo, se levantan los muertos y aparece el Rey del Invierno...
Y así, sin darme cuenta, me he visto atrapada en esta historia mágica, llena de seres del folclore ruso y con una protagonista capaz de enfrentarse a todo por proteger a los suyos aunque estos la vean como una bruja...
Es el comienzo de una trilogía, así que tengo ganas de saber cómo continúa la historia y qué ocurre con Vasia, el Rey del Invierno y todos estos pequeños seres. Me ha gustado mucho la ambientación, toda esa mitología y cómo se va construyendo todo poco a poco hasta que te ves dentro
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
”We who live forever can know no courage, nor do we love enough to give our lives.”
This book was like a beautifully woven tapestry, glimmering with resplendence at every turn of the page. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—it reads like an adult fairytale, like a comforting hug from your inner child. Katherine Arden’s storytelling feels so natural, so distinctive, it’s as if she was born to craft tales like this.
Once again, I find myself drawn to the villain-who’s-not-really-a-villain: Morozko, the winter-demon with the face of a man. He is Death. But even Death itself begins to show traces of humanity when faced with the jurisdiction of a young, brave girl touched by life. It’s true that his intentions and moral standing remain an enigma throughout the book - we know we shouldn’t trust him, and yet, I can’t help but trust him enough with the lives of the characters. He’s a paradox: deeply mysterious yet multifaceted, a presence that is both impactful and ephemeral at once.
“Nothing changes, Vasya. Things are, or they are not. Magic is forgetting that something ever was other than as you willed it.”
As for Vasya—what a remarkable protagonist. Main characters often frustrate me, especially when we meet them as children, but Vasya stood apart as a genuinely strong heroine who outshone everyone else. Born the last child of a witch, called ugly and othered for the magic in her heart, she constantly endured scorn and isolation with a quiet, unyielding strength. Vasya’s bravery felt natural—not reckless or forced, but deliberate. She was brave because she CHOSE to be, not because she was forced into it. Her choices, always guided by her sense of right and wrong, made her deeply admirable, even from her wild, spirited youth.
”You left me this mad girl, and I love her well. She is braver and wilder than any of my sons.”
In conclusion, this book was everything I’d hoped for. I cannot wait to dive into the next two books. If they’re anything like this first one, this trilogy will undoubtedly become a cherished winter favourite.
This book was like a beautifully woven tapestry, glimmering with resplendence at every turn of the page. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—it reads like an adult fairytale, like a comforting hug from your inner child. Katherine Arden’s storytelling feels so natural, so distinctive, it’s as if she was born to craft tales like this.
Once again, I find myself drawn to the villain-who’s-not-really-a-villain: Morozko, the winter-demon with the face of a man. He is Death. But even Death itself begins to show traces of humanity when faced with the jurisdiction of a young, brave girl touched by life. It’s true that his intentions and moral standing remain an enigma throughout the book - we know we shouldn’t trust him, and yet, I can’t help but trust him enough with the lives of the characters. He’s a paradox: deeply mysterious yet multifaceted, a presence that is both impactful and ephemeral at once.
“Nothing changes, Vasya. Things are, or they are not. Magic is forgetting that something ever was other than as you willed it.”
As for Vasya—what a remarkable protagonist. Main characters often frustrate me, especially when we meet them as children, but Vasya stood apart as a genuinely strong heroine who outshone everyone else. Born the last child of a witch, called ugly and othered for the magic in her heart, she constantly endured scorn and isolation with a quiet, unyielding strength. Vasya’s bravery felt natural—not reckless or forced, but deliberate. She was brave because she CHOSE to be, not because she was forced into it. Her choices, always guided by her sense of right and wrong, made her deeply admirable, even from her wild, spirited youth.
”You left me this mad girl, and I love her well. She is braver and wilder than any of my sons.”
In conclusion, this book was everything I’d hoped for. I cannot wait to dive into the next two books. If they’re anything like this first one, this trilogy will undoubtedly become a cherished winter favourite.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my second read. This was my introduction to Russian vibe fairytales back when I first read it. I have since read a lot more Russian literature and have really grown to love the style. What a rich, but dark history and culture.
This is such a well-crafted story. Katherine Arden is a master storyteller.
This is such a well-crafted story. Katherine Arden is a master storyteller.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
The main character, Vasya, was fascinating to follow—strong-willed and connected to the mystical world around her. The balance between tradition, religion, and folklore added depth, even when the pacing felt slower at times. While it wasn’t the type of story I thought I was getting into, I ended up appreciating the mix of whimsy and mystery.
Overall, this book was an interesting and unique experience—definitely worth the read if you enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy!
I absolutely devoured this book it was such a fast read but in a good way. The writing has such a gorgeous poetic rhythm too it and I couldn’t get enough so I just kept reading and reading. I have such a love for fairytale/folklore books they are always an absolute favourite of mine and this was no exception. Such a treat to read and I can’t wait to continue
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated