The Bear and the Nightingale: A Novel

This novel based on Russian folktales pulls you into an unfamiliar treacherous and vivid world. You will find no fairies or elves here, but you will find a variety of forest spirits and gods with powerful magic battling for and against their isolated human neighbors and the church. The writing is masterful and the characterization is outstanding. The women are powerful and compelling, and the men are equally complex and conflicted. This is fantasy at its best: fresh, thrilling and strangely beautiful.

Great tale filled with hardship, strife, and love. I enjoyed the mythology and Russian culture that filled this novel. I felt for vasya during her more problematic moments and cheered her on during strong ones. The characters were interesting and well developed. The only one I wished for more on was morozorvo. Towards the end I half expected it but ended up disappointed. I had hoped a happy ending for him as well and I'm not sure if there was one.

Beautifully written book. I wanted it to never end. Love that it is set in Rus'. Magical. Wonderful characters. Strong personalities. You are totally there and can see everything as the author describes it. Hope she writes tons of books. Thank you!

Love reading this unique tale. It is loosely based on the Slovakian/Russian folk lore of a girl meeting Jack Frost after being left in the woods in the dead of winter by her father, with the persistence of her nagging and demanding step-mother. But, the story branches out on its own. I recommend reading this book in the winter. Katherine Arden has a beautiful way of creating the feel for the reader to feel the bitterness of the cold, and warmth of the fires in the houses with her words. The reader is magically transported to a village in ancient Russia; feeling terrified of the monsters that lurk in the dark forest, seeing the love of a family and the bravery of Vasya, our protagonist, in this cozy winter read.

Terrific...I really loved this book and have since sent it to several friends who also loved it. It has elements of historical fiction, fantasy, romance, magical realism and action and all are blended seamlessly into a truly engrossing, entertaining read that I didn't want to end.

This was an excellent book. From the overall storyline to the characters, to the many sub-plots, this was an interesting and complex tale woven very well. Even though there was a lot going on, the book never gets too complicated to follow. the author has done a masterful job of keeping the story exciting while weaving in bits of history, folktales, and mythology.

Reading this book felt like I was seated around a fire as my Grandma told a timeless Russian Fairytale.
I loved the way the Winter season was so vividly described- it felt like a character in the story.

This is not my usual genre of books, but I am so happy that I chose to go with my gut & read this book. An incredible adventure full of mythological characters, magical forests & cold winter nights.

What an engaging tale, with just enough Russian culture to intrigue but not be overwhelmed with need for definitions. The glossary is helpful but I didn't really notice it in the back until I had finished the book!
The characters here are quickly and deftly put forward but also given time for the reader to attach to them.
Looking forward to the sequel.

This was a great story and it was beautifully written. I love those types of books that make it more than just the plot and into a piece of art. This reminded me of my favorite from 2016 The Bird and the Sword, just in the style it was written. It even had hints of classic, like The Scarlet Letter. The folklore was really fascinating as well. Definitely suggest this one if you are looking for a really interesting well written story.

I loved this!

What a vividly drawn fantasy from an extremely talented debut author. A cast of fascinating characters against a harsh Russian background help to bolster this unique story.

While I was slow to get into it, I appreciated the slow build story that lead to a truly tense finale. I cannot wait for the sequel!

I recommend this to any and everyone.

What an amazing and unique story this was! I loved every word of it! I was quickly able to fall into the characters and became very invested in them. I was also easily transported into the amazing world created by Katherine Arden. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the next in the series!

Whimsical, atmospheric, and dark. I didn't even know I needed this book in ny life. The protagonist was a strong independent lady even when in the time period there was no such thing. Kept me coming back to the characters and thinking about it way after I've finished reading.

A beautiful, eerie story of life in the Russian wilderness and a young girl's belief in and respect for the house and forest spirits of folklore. She fights her cruel stepmother, the elements, and difficult circumstances to prove that the spirits are there and always watching, willing to intervene if called upon. Thought provoking and well written!

The deeply layered story on story. With love hate fear and sorrow. Just as you become overwhelmed with a character, the story changes and brings another story line and character overlaying them. You want the demise of some but then as their time comes you change your mind and wish them peace. A happy ending? Maybe or just the reassurance the people are where they should be.

I really like how the young author included various Russian fairy tales into a unique story telling. You really get an ancient Russian feel to the environment and landscape, one can feel the cold Russian winters through your bones. Yes, I like how the author took a traditional Russian fairy tale female character and gave her independence, strength and uniqueness. She strays from the traditional female fairytale character, she does not merely try to be pretty and attract a husband. Also she gives a good/verses evil twist. The priest, who should and tries to be good and in doing so makes some rather evil alliances. Overall a good retelling from a knowing but still young storyteller. I think she said she visited/ studied in Russia.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale. Combining elements of history, Russian folklore, mysticism and fantasy, this tale of a high spirited Russian girl with the gift of second sight was a wonderful read. Well written with strong characters and a marvelous sense of place, here is a captivating story of good and evil, courage and cowardice, love and sacrifice that will linger long after the the last word is read. A terrific first novel!

Beautiful fairy-tale writing. This is one rare book that I jumped into without much knowledge of it, but the writing and story drew me in right away. Russian names may be intimidating at first, but if you stick with it you won't notice after a few chapters. One of the best books I read last year.

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I'll start off by saying that I absolutely loved The Bear and the Nightingale. It reminded me so much of some of the books I read when I was younger, of the Night Circus and Shannon Hale books and books that are original but also based on fairytales or folklore. The writing is fantastic, the storytelling lilting and magical.

The story shifts focus between our protagonist, Vasilisa, better known as Vasya, and another character, Konstantin, the priest that comes to stay in their town. Vasya is not the kind of female heroine one really expects from a story like this - she's not outwardly brave, she's quiet, she often takes the brunt of insults or hurtful words from those around her. However, in the magical world where the cold and forest has it's own kind of magic that those people fear, it is Vasya's kindness that helps her to befriend magical creatures and in the end, help to save those she loves from the more dangerous things in the forest.

While Konstantin is not truly a main character, he is in opposition to Vasya's character. They both attempt to help protect her family but in two very different ways. I loved how their approach differed and how despite the intentions, Vasya's open-mindedness and kindness tends to be more successful that Konstantin's devout yet often times ignorant ideology.

The world is magical and dark and dangerous. It's also bright and romantic. It's one kind of fairytale, one with gods and spirits and the walking dead, within another kind of fairytale, one with Russian aristocracy, a wicked stepmother, and the tensions between Russian lore and religious ideology. It is filled with action, danger, family drama, and a little bit of romance. Cinderella meets Anastasia meets Anna Karena. The story has everything to be successful but I truly think the writing and storytelling is what really makes the Bear and the Nightingale unique and truly shine. You'll be shivering with the cold, be in awe of the Russian court, be scared to look out your window when it's dark. It is so reminiscent of some classic fairytale, told with such elegance, beautiful imagery, and language that immerses the reader in the time period and world.

The language might not be for everyone, sometimes feeling a little heavy or old-fashioned, though I believe that is what really makes the world feel real. The mix of reality with the touch of folklore might not appeal to some, the lines often purposely blurred. However, overall, I think part of the magic of this book are these very things, so I suggest pushing through and giving it a try.

This book was what really helped me get out of my reading slump and reminded me why I love stories like this. It was so refreshing and beautifully told and I highly recommend it to any reader who loves Russian folklore, the tale of East of the Sun West of the Moon, fairytale retellings, or just any well-written magical story with an unlikely heroine. And if you're in a reading slump.

Absolutely loved this book. It is a treasure. I bought it because it was on sale and rated highly on Goodreads, and boy am I glad that I did. Tore through it in a day and a half, couldn't put it down. It's written in third person and as someone who usually reads sci-fi, it's different from my usual cup of tea. But I LOVED it, I'm not very familiar with Russian folklore and I found the world and the stories absolutely fascinating. This has become a favorite of mine.

Vasya has quickly become one of my favorite fictional characters. While the beginning of the book is a little slow, with lots of exposition and background established, it really draws you into the simple-yet-fantastical atmosphere of this old Russian village. The old gods and creatures of lore clash against the church, putting the protagonist, Vasya, at odds with her own people. This little, wild child is put through so much and inspires you with her kindness and fearless attitude to forge her own path. I finished most of this in two sittings, it's hard to put down.

Found this through the store as it was recommended to me from another book I recently read. I love this book! I couldn’t put it down and immediately ordered Arden’s second book Girl in the Tower and finished within a week. The writing is beautiful, the imagery is dark and filled with magic. I found myself lost in the world Arden created. There’s plenty of suspense and character development that keeps the reader engrossed. Highly recommend!

This was such a wonderful story, full of magic and courage and love. I was enchanted from the first page and engrossed to the end. It's beautifully written and the characters so rich. They will stay with me a long while. Thank you for taking me away to a whole new world.

Thought it was adult fiction, but turned out to be more young adult fiction. Still enjoyed the story immensely and will read any others in this series. Character development was well executed. Author also introduced early Russian folk stories without being academic about it.

A very good re-telling of the Russian fairy tales. I gave this book 4 stars because the story ended before covering all that was promised in the summary that made me want to read the book. It will take a couple of books at least to tell the complete story.

Euclidean. I really appreciate the editors' indulgences in the author's literary form, and styling/translations. All the more unique, other-worldly, and 'authentic.' An unpredictable, satisfying tale - perfect for Winter (that, happily, continues .. ;)

I really enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale. I am not familiar enough with Russian folklore to know how much of the novel incorporated real Russian tales and how much was the author's imagination. Either way, I am glad this is a trilogy, because I wasn't ready for this book to end.

I have always love fairy tales and folklore. This story is charming and at the same time full of evil undertones. Old ways versus new. Good versus evil. The heroine caught in the middle does not disappoint and I found myself cheering her on. Set in Russia of long ago and using Russian folklore was one of the things I loved about this story. I look forward to reading more in this series.

A fantastic debut by Ms. Arden. I was instantly transported into a land pre-dating the stars. The story incorporated Russian fairy tales that I wasn't familiar with before reading this book but we're fascinating and made the book what it is. A magical adventure that I wish had never ended. Loved it!

Intriguing with very good prose. I like a fictional book that makes me think. I didn’t know the descriptions of the various gods and demons were at the end of the book, but I learned a lot by searching myself. I will recommend this book to my granddaughters

This is a beautiful book, full of darkness and pain and wonder. It’s like a truthful retelling of a fairytale or a new legend told in an traditional way. There is some phrase repetition but even the best writers get stuck on a description that evokes the necessary imagery. Highly recommended.

Not my typical read, however I found myself turning the pages. Very interesting and captivating. Based on ancient Russian folklore. The author does a good job of getting into your mind. She makes you think it’s very real.

Beautifully written. Colorful, persuasive narrative with a strong sense of Fairy Tale come to life. I really got caught up in the story. It was very real to me and I could not put the book down until finished. The first thing I did after finishing was look for another book by the same author! Truly an inspired tale.

I was lucky to find this book!

Beautifully written. Colorful, persuasive narrative with a strong sense of Fairy Tale come to life. I really got caught up in the story. It was very real to me and I could not put the book down until finished. The first thing I did after finishing was look for another book by the same author! Truly an inspired tale.

I was lucky to find this book!

I would have been satisfied with this story alone, but finding out Vasya's story continues feels like sunrise after a fresh snow...a wonderful, surprising delight. Arden creates a story that feels like an instant, treasured classic.

An enjoyable journey through fifteenth century Russian woodlands in winter so cold I needed a blanket. Especially enjoyed spending time pronouncing the Russian names of the delightful creatures from wood nymphs, to guardian of the hearth. Some frightening descriptions of both man and beast and wonderful exploration of emotions and motive. Well written.

I just finished reading "The Bear and the Nightingale" and the word that keeps popping into my head is "wow"! It has been a long time since I read a book so different that it held my held interest into the late hours of the night reading instead of sleeping. Perhaps it is not everyone's cup of tea but "The Bear and the Nightingale" has my vote for the most unusual and strangely beautiful story I have read in recent history.

Enjoyable tale! Mixes Russian history with folk lore. Characters fit perfectly and realistically into this story. I really enjoyed the opportunity to read about life in Medieval Russia within a story line that kept me turning the pages. To be certain there is plenty of folklore-fantasy but it seems a realistic part of life in that era Russia.

Set in medieval Russia, the heroine finds herself in a struggle between gods. I liked the tension created between the humans and the supernatural, the male female relationships, and personal struggles. However, my knowledge of medieval Russia left me wondering how the tartars affected Russia and in my mind I struggled with pronouncing Russian names. Overall, a very pleasant reading and I want to move on to the next book.

I loved this book. The main character is vivid and real, and her relationships with the supporting cast are compelling and important. Every detail is deliberate, such that the world is fleshed out in a way that pushes the plot forward. The themes of family, growing up, and courage to do what others condemn are well-developed.

Fantasy in Russia -- I've never come across that before. I really enjoyed the character development and the plot twists never felt like GOTCHA moments that were non sequitur but like actual surprises.

This was a wonderful book which I enjoyed so much that I immediately ordered the 2nd and third installments. It is an innovative twist on the classic Russian fairy tales with an endearing and strong female heroin.

I absolutely love these books. However, I have Kindles for all of my family and a few of my friends so that we can share books. This author has made it so that you can only download it on six devices. I have downloaded on all three of my own personal devices. My Kindle, my iPhone, and my iPad. In order for others to download it I need to buy another copy. I just want everyone to know that you need to be careful how many you download. It makes me not want to read her other books

The writer drew me into this world immediately. I loved the characters and the story! It was especially perfect to read this on a summer weekend, dreaming of frost-demons and snowfall to escape the reality of the heat and humidity. I can’t wait to try the next book in this series!

I enjoyed reading about folktale creatures and how they wove in and out of the story, but at times I wanted a bit more detail in certain descriptions that I fell would have fleshed out the characters more.