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A review by betweenbookends
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden
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.