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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
An excellent winter read. I'm torn between going back to the beginning and rushing on to the next book.
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I devoured this book like a ravenous upyr, and found myself longing to leave offerings by hearth and stable for the domovoi and vazila if it would invite even a fraction of the magic of this book into my home.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a most interesting book filled with captivating characters and beautiful nature. If you like stories set in winter, this is the perfect book for you. This is my first book from Russian culture, and especially russian folklore. It was an interesting fairytale with new stories that at least I had not heard about previously. It was impossible not to fall in love with the main character. She was interesting and really brave. There were thrilling moments in the story that had me holding my breath. All my questions raised during the book was answered in the towards the end.
I felt that the characters were well introduced, but in the beginning I struggled a little with the Russian names and their nicknames. There were also several Russian terms and names that I had to search up to get some content. I didn't notice the glossary in the back of the book until I finished it. But that is my own fault.
This is definately a book I would recommend. I found that the book only got better as I kept reading it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I felt that the characters were well introduced, but in the beginning I struggled a little with the Russian names and their nicknames. There were also several Russian terms and names that I had to search up to get some content. I didn't notice the glossary in the back of the book until I finished it. But that is my own fault.
This is definately a book I would recommend. I found that the book only got better as I kept reading it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
3.5 stars, engaging but takes way too long (almost halfway through the book) to get the story promised in the synopsis started
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
the use of russian mythology was so interesting, especially the use of everyday creatures (not just the big/dramatic/famous myths and epics). however one of my favourite aspects of the book was the themes & messaging of how (then) modern religion was used to brainwash and proselytise an isolated village (that had been upholding traditions and practices of the old religion) using tools (and taking advantage) of fear, guilt, and hysteria, which then resulted in physical, tangible impacts due to the old religion (and its dependent creatures) being abandoned, demonised, and shunned.
it was especially interesting to read through different character perspectives, as they demonstrated how these ideas can unfold and impact people. for example: vasya and anna are both able to see the creatures (and are subsequently labelled 'witches' by either themselves or others), but while vasya views these beings as creatures that can provide aid, friendship, and protection, that are just as valid living in the village as any of the human locals, as beings she can connect, empathise, and relate to, anna reacts to her sight with shame and terror, turning to religious fervour and becoming a cruel and closeminded person to protect herself from what she sees. anna is taken advantage of by religion and konstantine, not only being drawn in but pushing closer even when it seems that they are attempting to push her away. vasya, while showing some curiosity and even fondness for konstantine, does not hesitate to protect her village and the local beings in the face of his exploitation. konstantine himself demonstrates the ideals and values of colonial imposition, viewing the locals religion as savage and in need of rescuing to become 'pure' (i.e. a good, god-fearing christian).
i really loved the (beginnings or hints?) of romance between vasya and morozko !! was very cute and they made a really enjoyable pairing to read.
it was especially interesting to read through different character perspectives, as they demonstrated how these ideas can unfold and impact people. for example: vasya and anna are both able to see the creatures (and are subsequently labelled 'witches' by either themselves or others), but while vasya views these beings as creatures that can provide aid, friendship, and protection, that are just as valid living in the village as any of the human locals, as beings she can connect, empathise, and relate to, anna reacts to her sight with shame and terror, turning to religious fervour and becoming a cruel and closeminded person to protect herself from what she sees. anna is taken advantage of by religion and konstantine, not only being drawn in but pushing closer even when it seems that they are attempting to push her away. vasya, while showing some curiosity and even fondness for konstantine, does not hesitate to protect her village and the local beings in the face of his exploitation. konstantine himself demonstrates the ideals and values of colonial imposition, viewing the locals religion as savage and in need of rescuing to become 'pure' (i.e. a good, god-fearing christian).
i really loved the (beginnings or hints?) of romance between vasya and morozko !! was very cute and they made a really enjoyable pairing to read.
I should have written this review back in February when I finished this book. But this book has stuck with me in the months since I finished it, and it still remains one of the best books I've read this year.
The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautifully written fantasy based on Russian folklore. I know so little about Slavic folklore and mythology, that when I come across it in books like this one, and Deathless, I always enjoy it. Which tells me I should read more on this topic.
I really loved Vasya as a character. She's the kind of strong female character I can get behind. Someone who makes mistakes, but who grows, someone who is headstrong and stubborn at times, but who does listen and does learn. She's so caring, as well, about her family and the little village where she lives, wanting to protect them and their way of life.
The plot kept me engaged throughout, even though it moves fairly slowly. And the writing! The writing was one of my favourite things about this book. It's so beautiful.
I'll definitely come back to this series in the future.
The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautifully written fantasy based on Russian folklore. I know so little about Slavic folklore and mythology, that when I come across it in books like this one, and Deathless, I always enjoy it. Which tells me I should read more on this topic.
I really loved Vasya as a character. She's the kind of strong female character I can get behind. Someone who makes mistakes, but who grows, someone who is headstrong and stubborn at times, but who does listen and does learn. She's so caring, as well, about her family and the little village where she lives, wanting to protect them and their way of life.
The plot kept me engaged throughout, even though it moves fairly slowly. And the writing! The writing was one of my favourite things about this book. It's so beautiful.
I'll definitely come back to this series in the future.