Reviews

It’s always a treat to read a wintery book in the heat of summer, and “The Bear and the Nightingale” didn’t disappoint. A co-worker recommended this a few months ago and I’m so glad she did, because I thoroughly enjoyed it! This series follows Vasilisa (or Vasya), a girl growing up in medieval Russia who slowly realizes she has “the sight,” which allows her to see and communicate with members of the spirit world, called “chyerti.” Many of the first spirits she encounters are protectors of various parts of her world — the hearth, the stables, the river, the forest. These kinds of mythologies are so interesting to me (like, leaving little bits of bread out for the spirit that guards your hearth and protects your house? hell yeah), so I was instantly hooked. But, of course, telling people she sees forest and river and house spirits does not go super well for Vasya, as it’s not something fit for a proper young girl to discuss, and trouble ensues. Fortunately, she gets help from the one and only winter-king, and folks, you KNOW I love that shit!! Mysterious Tom-Hiddleston-as-peak-Loki-looking guy who’s literally and figuratively cold but maybe has a warm heart in there somewhere? Sign me the hell up. ALSO, and MOST importantly, horses play a central role in this book. It’s truly a “this hole was made for me” situation. If it sounds like it might be your jam, I’d recommend getting your hands on a copy ASAP.

cinnamontwisty's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

This reads like an old folk or fairy tale, and it's amazing! The writing feels magical, and I fell in love with Vasya, the main character. This is definitely a new favorite, I can't recommend it enough!

the_readingpa's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

msjb22's review against another edition

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I could not stand the casual treatent of marital rape in the first part, no matter how historically accurate it is.

novabird's review against another edition

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5.0

A confession, I was at times quite jealous of Arden's ease of writing this modern Russian folk tale. It was as if she's a gifted international student who became a literary sponge during her time there in Russia and simply learned a whole other culture, and language in one year by osmosis. This was superb on so many levels! However, I eschew series. Yet, this was so satisfying, that I might never be tempted to ride further on barebank into the wind across the whole of the earth and follow after her.

kellybee_'s review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

inkpaws's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious

4.75

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