A review by katherineharnisch
The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

adventurous emotional fast-paced

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

5.0

 

This series was captivating! The story kept me interested through all three books, and I enjoyed them all equally. 

 

From the beginning, it’s clear there is much tension between the newer (in this time and place) religion of Christianity and the old ways of making offerings to spirits. The heroine, Vasya, is more inclined to practice the old ways as she has such a strong calling to nature and the spirit world. However, as time goes on she is pulled closer to the people of the Christian world, for better or worse. 

 

This series had everything I love in a good story: great plot, compelling characters, and beautiful writing. There were marriages and funerals, wars and revelry, great sorrow and quiet happiness. On top of all of that, I found the descriptions of the Russian landscape to be quite immersive. 

 

I highly recommend this series, particularly to people who love historical fiction with a bit of magic.