Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mariahmmm 's review for:
The Bear and the Nightingale
by Katherine Arden
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Synopsis: In the wilderness of Russia and their bitter winters, we follow Vasya as she grows from babe to child, full of feral energy and a touch of Fae magic. In an effort to curb her mischief, her father remarries, unknowingly choosing a wife who, like Vasya, also sees the Fae creatures that reside in their home. But unlike Vasya, her new stepmother fears the creatures and recruits the new ambitious priest to drive them from the town. As the creatures fade, they are replaced by fear, fire, and famine, heralding in the return of the Winter King's evil brother - a danger only Vasya can defeat.
Review: A complex, trudging story that spent most of the book following Vasya as she grew from babe to child. Keeping track of the vast character list was difficult as most had multiple names (e.g., Vasya/Vasilisa/Vasochka for our main character), and the story never seemed to really pickup in pace or intrigue.
DNF 45%
Review: A complex, trudging story that spent most of the book following Vasya as she grew from babe to child. Keeping track of the vast character list was difficult as most had multiple names (e.g., Vasya/Vasilisa/Vasochka for our main character), and the story never seemed to really pickup in pace or intrigue.
DNF 45%
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Grief, Abortion, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Abandonment