betweenbookends's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
The Winter of the Witch was such a fitting end to The Winternight Trilogy! And it has certainly become one of the most enjoyable fantasy series I've read. Though it started slow, with each succeeding book I feel this trilogy has only gotten better. I’m not discussing any plot points here as it’s the third and final book, and I don’t intend to spoil anything. What really makes this trilogy stand out compared to so many fantasy books out there is the way this series in infused in Russian myth and fable, bringing in traditional Russian folktale characters and beliefs, demons and ancient powers in an incredibly authentic way. Arden has masterfully created a story that is so textured and layered with characters that really tug at your heart. The central character Vasya is incredibly realistic, flawed, but a heroine you end up rooting for through and through. Solovey, Vasya’s horse will always remain a favourite. I also loved the character of Morozko, the Winter King and level headed Sasha, Vasya’s priest brother. These books are so atmospheric, so much so that I’m sure this series will be the first to come to my mind every time there’s a heavy snowfall or it’s freezing outside, and I’m all snuggled up at home. Reading this was the adult equivalent of coziness comparable to getting lost in a magical fantastical, and thrilling story as a child. The Bear and the Nightingale starts slow and stumbles along the way, but it is setup novel for so much of what happens later on. So I'd urge you to stick on for the ride and I’m sure you’ll find it very rewarding by the end of it.
The Winter of the Witch was such a fitting end to The Winternight Trilogy! And it has certainly become one of the most enjoyable fantasy series I've read. Though it started slow, with each succeeding book I feel this trilogy has only gotten better. I’m not discussing any plot points here as it’s the third and final book, and I don’t intend to spoil anything. What really makes this trilogy stand out compared to so many fantasy books out there is the way this series in infused in Russian myth and fable, bringing in traditional Russian folktale characters and beliefs, demons and ancient powers in an incredibly authentic way. Arden has masterfully created a story that is so textured and layered with characters that really tug at your heart. The central character Vasya is incredibly realistic, flawed, but a heroine you end up rooting for through and through. Solovey, Vasya’s horse will always remain a favourite. I also loved the character of Morozko, the Winter King and level headed Sasha, Vasya’s priest brother. These books are so atmospheric, so much so that I’m sure this series will be the first to come to my mind every time there’s a heavy snowfall or it’s freezing outside, and I’m all snuggled up at home. Reading this was the adult equivalent of coziness comparable to getting lost in a magical fantastical, and thrilling story as a child. The Bear and the Nightingale starts slow and stumbles along the way, but it is setup novel for so much of what happens later on. So I'd urge you to stick on for the ride and I’m sure you’ll find it very rewarding by the end of it.
elste's review against another edition
5.0
“Love is for those who know the griefs of time, for it goes hand in hand with loss. An eternity, so burdened, would be a torment. And yet – Yet what else to call it, this terror and this joy?”
A brilliant end to a magnificent trilogy.
Some would claim the Winternight Trilogy is an age-old tale of good versus evil, light battling dark, fire against ice. But in truth, it cannot be explained away with black/white mentality – for then we would lose the meaning hidden in the deep shadows of endless gray.
”There are no monsters in the world, and no saints. Only infinite shades woven into the same tapestry, light and dark. One man’s monster is another man's beloved. The wise know that.”
Would you explain the turning of seasons as a war between fire and ice? And who is to claim the ruler betwixt order and chaos? Our spirited, benevolent heroine understood that the singular solution of alliance and accord must prevail in order to achieve the delicate balance of life coexistence. “God help me, they are mine.” as Vasya walks between The Bear and The Winter King.
A brilliant end to a magnificent trilogy.
Some would claim the Winternight Trilogy is an age-old tale of good versus evil, light battling dark, fire against ice. But in truth, it cannot be explained away with black/white mentality – for then we would lose the meaning hidden in the deep shadows of endless gray.
”There are no monsters in the world, and no saints. Only infinite shades woven into the same tapestry, light and dark. One man’s monster is another man's beloved. The wise know that.”
Would you explain the turning of seasons as a war between fire and ice? And who is to claim the ruler betwixt order and chaos? Our spirited, benevolent heroine understood that the singular solution of alliance and accord must prevail in order to achieve the delicate balance of life coexistence. “God help me, they are mine.” as Vasya walks between The Bear and The Winter King.
soniabookish's review against another edition
5.0
“There are no monsters in the world, and no saints. Only infinite shades woven into the same tapestry, light and dark. One man’s monster is another man’s beloved. The wise know that.”
— 5 ★
The Winter of the Witch is the perfect conclusion to The Winternight Trilogy, it had the magic of the first book and the action and political intrigue of the second. Vasya is one of those characters that you want to strangle at first, but as the story progresses, you grow with her, you learn the world is not always as you wished it were, and finally, you can’t help but fall in love with her. She’s also a perfect representation of women strength. I hope to always carry a little part of Vasya with me, deep in my soul. And remember, that anyone could be the hero of their own story.
“I have plucked snowdrops at Midwinter, died at my own choosing, and wept for a nightingale. Now I am beyond prophecy.”
I can’t really express with words how I feel at the moment. I wish it wasn’t over and I’m heartbroken, but I’m glad I got to know this amazing world, that made me believe in impossible magic, in cheyerti and winter kings. What a joy it is to have discovered this story, which brought such magic into my life.
“Love is for those who know the griefs of time, for it goes hand in hand with loss. An eternity, so burdened, would be a torment. And yet—” He broke off, drew breath. “Yet what else to call it, this terror and this joy?”
“Magic is forgetting the world was ever other than as you willed it.”
— 5 ★
The Winter of the Witch is the perfect conclusion to The Winternight Trilogy, it had the magic of the first book and the action and political intrigue of the second. Vasya is one of those characters that you want to strangle at first, but as the story progresses, you grow with her, you learn the world is not always as you wished it were, and finally, you can’t help but fall in love with her. She’s also a perfect representation of women strength. I hope to always carry a little part of Vasya with me, deep in my soul. And remember, that anyone could be the hero of their own story.
“I have plucked snowdrops at Midwinter, died at my own choosing, and wept for a nightingale. Now I am beyond prophecy.”
I can’t really express with words how I feel at the moment. I wish it wasn’t over and I’m heartbroken, but I’m glad I got to know this amazing world, that made me believe in impossible magic, in cheyerti and winter kings. What a joy it is to have discovered this story, which brought such magic into my life.
“Love is for those who know the griefs of time, for it goes hand in hand with loss. An eternity, so burdened, would be a torment. And yet—” He broke off, drew breath. “Yet what else to call it, this terror and this joy?”
“Magic is forgetting the world was ever other than as you willed it.”
bananab23's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
paurw's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? No
5.0
Esta trilogía es espectacular y el final no decepcionó.
Sé que algún día la releeré porque la narración, el mundo el conflicto, la ambientación me ha encantado.
La relación entre los personajes humanos y no humanos también la he disfrutado mucho.
Hasta me sacó una lagrimita.
Mil recomendada!
Sé que algún día la releeré porque la narración, el mundo el conflicto, la ambientación me ha encantado.
La relación entre los personajes humanos y no humanos también la he disfrutado mucho.
Hasta me sacó una lagrimita.
Mil recomendada!
starlightmay's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
martinaaev's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
alicia418's review against another edition
5.0
if ivy by taylor swift is my most listened to song of 2023 this series is to blame