Reviews

L'orso e l'usignolo by Katherine Arden

gauriraut's review against another edition

4.0

Almost seemed like a prequel to me. The first half did an excellent job of setting the scene and building up the suspense for the climax. Which when it came, was in no way underwhelming. I only wish somehow the book got darker and crueler (which is silly because loads of evil things happen lol) than it did and we got more of the villain, but I think that will come in the next two books, which I'm excited to read.

Ps. This book was made special by the fact that, me, a person dwelling in the tropics, knowing only summer, rains, and less summer, has now seen and experienced snow.

ladyphoenixqueen's review against another edition

4.0

Slow start, but once I got into it, it was really good. I can't wait to read the next one!

chofigabriela's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

aolmstead's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Easily the best book I've read all year. A stunningly written version of Russian folklore that many westerners haven't heard before.

forloveoflit_'s review against another edition

1.0

Decided not to finish this one...very boring and long winded. Too much detail and perspective switching for its own good

bookishnerdyjess's review against another edition

I tried both audio and physical copies fo read this. I tried physical first but had trouble with the names and following which character were were following. And then the audio book amplified that POV switch problems I had with the physical copy. 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Rape

well_not_this_time's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

4.75

yodamom's review against another edition

5.0

I felt like I was sitting on my Grandmother hearth listening to a tale weaved out of hundreds of generations. It was magical, just the right level of dark, and well written. The visual writing was so beautiful I dreamed of the images weaved together in the pages. The story stayed with me long after I finished the book. This would make one fabulous movie !
This story of a young girl in Medieval Russia, her time is filled with magic, pagan beliefs, fears and the church. She was born into this magical world with abilities passed down from her mother. Her abilities to see the spirits of the world around her are not accepted when the church strives to drive the demons out of house and body. The balance of home and forest broken and prices must be paid.
I have missed grand folk tales such as this. What a pleasure I had reading it. This is a debut novel ? I can’t wait to read the next book from her.
Thank you to the publisher for an advanced reading copy for review

hannahhew's review against another edition

5.0

4.5

srabani_reads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

4.75