A Novel (Winternight Trilogy) - The Bear and the Nightingale

I’m not a huge fan of fairytale retellings so this one was a gamble for me. Vasya was a relatable main character but by the end I found myself so distant from the story I didn’t care like I wanted too. Over all I enjoyed the story and finished it rather quickly but I don’t think I’ll pick up the sequel. The world is beautifully written but I hate the cold so I never would actually want to visit. Maybe I’d have enjoyed it more in spring...

The story unfolded too slowly at the start and rushed too quickly at the end but otherwise transports the reader on a vivid journey alongside a likable protagonist. I would recommend this story to readers who enjoy Russian folklore and stories with historical settings mixed with magic. If you’re wanting a romance, dislike vampires, and want lots of action, read something else.

Only 100 pages in so far, but loving it. When I can just relax and get lost in a book, it's a very good book indeed. Delightful. The author has a wonderful imagination and ability to tell a good story. I will check back once I finish the book. So nice. NOVEL COMPLETED and it didn't disappoint. My opinion hasn't changed. I will follow this author and look forward to seeing more of her work.

Writing quality: 5/5
Character development: 4/5
World creation: 3.5/5
Thought provoking: 3/5
Story: 4.5/5

A simple story well told. Good character development. At times the plot seems a bit over structured, but ultimately I think this adds to the inevitable folktale feel and benefits the atmosphere of the author's well crafted world.

Within these pages I found a tale that transported and transformed me. For a time it felt as if I was living in the wonder and the trials of the Rus'. My mouth was filled with the taste of the thin cabbage soup during a winter of near starvation. My nose wrinkled at the stench of unwashed bodies filling the streets and court of Ivan II and Moscow. My body labored joyfully in the spring and summer to nurture the crops. My ears were filled with the songs and tales that could hold the mind as the winter storms wailed.

I began to understand clearly the joy of resting atop the winter oven beside the others and the need to name the inexplicable forces that ruled my world. The chyerti filled a vital need, allowing acceptance of the mysteries.

I am in awe of Katherine Arden. I thank her for sharing this amazing, under appreciated, lore. She has taken me someplace I did not know I needed to go. If I had my way this volume would be required reading in every high school, every student's journey to look to history, anthropology, literature, and psychology. It brings it all out, so very real to the senses, introducing you to the path of humankind.

Write more please, I will wait impatiently for your next offering. I want to travel with you to meet the realms you will wander as you introduce me to the world that was, that I have been ignorant of.... ignorance is curable after all and I look forward to the journeys to come.

Layered, intricate tale of courage, respect for the weaving of nature and man. I could feel the cold, the hunger, the edge of madness, my thanks to the author for bringing this tale to English speakers, as the Bear was won't to do, I devoured the story in on mighty bite staying up til the wee hours when one day finally becomes another.

It started out promising as a fable of old Russia. A maternal sorceress, an old woman spinning fairy tales, a family with an independent young daughter, a troubled step mother, princes, death, household elves, an ambitious priest and a stern, but benevolent, father. Such wonderful characters, who all got caught up in writing that just didn't know when to go. It ended up as a gory horror story, obligatory vampires and monsters included. Disappointing.

This book is all over the place. It's as if the author didn't know if she wanted to make the book into fantasy or historical fiction so she chose both. At times, this approach doesn't weave together well at all. The description of the book gives the illusion that you're settling in for a dark folk/fairytale set deep in a Russian winter, but what you get is only half that and the other half doesn't mesh. This novel seriously lacks cohesion. It's like two or three mini novels being thrown together for different types of readers. I doubt I will continue on with this series.

I really expected more based on the reviews. So much of the story felt redundant. The same bits of action and dialogue kept happening over and over again. This book could have been much shorter and more to the point and maybe this more enjoyable. I did like the main character and was intrigued to keep reading but in the end I think my time would have been better spent.

From the description provided on the the store website, I did not realize this was a YA novel. I've enjoyed many novels labelled "YA" but this one felt like a "light" version of this area of writing. It was so simplistic and the characters were so one-dimensional, it was profoundly disappointing.

I think if you take this story and remember that that is all it is, it's quite an enjoyable read. At first I tried to too much thought into it. As a Christian it made me sad that the God aspect was made into a completely silent character. I think there was missing character development in that area. Seriously, if you have two demons, devils, death and fear, whatever you choose to call them, there should be a counterpart. I know some will argue they were each other's counterpart, and death was the good guy in this story, but it was still odd to me that God himself was apparently the imagined spirit. Again, as a christian, this made me sad. I will admit to knowing next to nothing about Russian folklore, so maybe that is where there problem lies. Either way, this book had captivating characters, with a Grimm's fairy tale aspect to it.

3 out of 5 stars to The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, the first in a fantasy and historical fiction series about Russian fairy tales.

Why This Book
I ordered this online many months ago based on the description I’d read in Goodreads. Then a friend of mine, , was planning to read it. We decided to do a buddy read together earlier this month.

Plot, Characters & Setting
A Russian girl loses her mother and her place in a family. She meets strange creatures who no one else can see. Her father remarries to provide her with a mother figure, then has more children. Something happens in the background where there is a war between religions, people and culture. It’s a battle to maintain your village and your family, but also to connect the past with the future.

Approach & Style
I read the paperback version over a two-week period. It’s 312 pages or 28 chapters long. Chapters are about 10 to 12 pages, told in third person.

Strengths
It had absolutely beautiful imagery and lyrical prose. You truly feel transported to a new world full of complex characters, interesting plots and high imagination.

There is a lot of great history and views on religion, politics and royalty. You believe you are in Russia dealing with true occurrences and fantastic situations.

Concerns
The language was too confusing for me, often leaving me wonder what was real and what was fantasy. I’m not normally a fantasy reader, so it might have been partially my fault.

Names on the characters change a bit too often, which made it slightly difficult for me to recall who each person was.

Final Thoughts
I had been in a reading slump and was working on the final chapters of my own book. I might have been distracted while reading this one. I wanted to love it, but I didn’t. I think it’s a strong book, and for that, I settled on a 3 rating. It is good, just not the right match for me.

About Me
For those new to me or my reviews… here’s the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog, where you’ll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I’ve visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.

In her debut novel, Katherine Arden uses her knowledge of Russian culture and mythology to their maximum potential. Vivid imagery, intense sequences, supernatural beings affecting the actions of human characters make “The Bear and the Nightingale” a compelling story. The unique setting and the use of an unusual, unfamiliar historical period and setting draw the adventurous reader into the narrative. The bravery and spirit of the main character Vasilisa Petronova – Vasya – drive the action and are keys to the conflict and the outcome of this novel.

On her deathbed, Marina Ivanova tasks the family servant Dunya with the responsibility for her newborn daughter, Vasya. Herself, the daughter of a “witch woman”, Marina has only a little of her mother’s ability; however, she believes Vasya will inherent all her grandmother’s abilities. As the years go by, Vasya learns about the different beings, those who are helpful and those who are dangerous, living in or near her home and in the nearby forest. As she grows, Vasya is able to see and speak with these spirits. The arrival of a stepmother, Anna, becomes a source of conflict; Anna is haunted by the different spirit beings and terrified by their presence. The new priest Konstantin, a gifted painter of icons, views Vasya as dangerous to his celibacy and to her father Pyotr’s lands and people; he wants to drive her from her home through marriage or by having her enter a convent. Only Vasya’s brother Alyosha and her half-sister Irina believe in her. When Vasya escapes those who will carry out Konstantin’s plan for her removal, her unusual abilities become the focus of and the story contained in the remainder of the novel.

Katherine Arden incorporates folklore and the beliefs of pre-Christian Russia into the story. These play significant roles in the conflict as well as in the behavior of and the personal relationships among the characters. Throughout “The Bear and the Nightingale”, allusions to Russia’s future conflicts and the revolution play into the story. At one point, Vasya hears a voice telling her of coming events. “…it is not frost you should fear …It is …fires …it is the coming storm …” When one of the spirits talks to Vasya, it tells her “…The Bear is awake …”

Characters in “The Bear and the Nightingale” are distinct individuals; each displays personal characteristics that may be either appealing or disturbing. Vasya is brave; she is an individual who care for her family and will do anything to protect them. Her parents are willing to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of their daughter. Anna, Vasya’s stepmother, is unappealing and someone for whom the reader will have little sympathy. The priest Konstantin is the novel’s most reprehensible character. Self-righteous, his pride in the icons he creates overshadows his piety. “…He filled these people with the fear of God …They needed him …he was God’s messenger …They worshiped his icons …” Yet Konstantin is willing to sacrifice Vasya for his own sanity. When he talks with the “shadow” he learns what he must do. “…Give me a witch and take yours; give me a witch and be free …” In the end, he realizes what he has done. “…I listened to the devil …I will never be clean again …”

“The Bear and the Nightingale” is not an easy read, but it is a compelling novel and worth your reading time. The use of Russian names, historic cultural beliefs, and mythical beings require concentration during your initial reading. However, once you move into the novel you will have little difficulty understanding and identifying characters, both human and supernatural. The concluding sequences of this book are intense; they will maintain your interest until you reach the book’s last page. Readers should hope that Katherine Arden continues writing novels of this caliber.

Arden starts out by evoking the feeling of sitting in a little house by a warm oven, in a cold Russian winter in the past, listening to a fairytale and, quite skillfully, drawing us into a fairytale that is far more elaborate. Starting a fairytale with a fairytale proves to be an excellent technique for setting the mood. I’ve read a fair amount of Russian literature and history and this feels so authentic. The writing is well done and really creates the feeling of a fairytale with great depth. That is why I loved this book. Fairytales are fascinating for their unique plots, but usually lack in depth and how well they are told – Arden does such a wonderful job with all of these factors and weaves quite a spell over the reader.

Wait for a cold winter night to read this. Get a blanket and a cup of tea and let this book take you to medieval Russia. This beautifully written book brings breathes life into an old Russian fairy tale. I'm having a hard time believing this is a debut novel. The pace is perfect fairy tale pace. Subplots are expertly woven in. The characters are complex. Fantasy is interwoven with history. The writing is beautiful and descriptive without being tedious. (I find so much "beautiful" writing to be tedious, but Arden captures the mood exquisitely). Most importantly, the story grabs you and pulls you in and doesn't let go.

The only critique I have of this book is that I wish it was longer. It is just over 300 pages, well-written, and every scene is excellent. Still, it leaves you wanting more - that's probably a good thing.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a very well written and well researched story of the change from paganism to Christianity in historic Russia. In fact, I had a hard time discerning if this was more historical, magical realism, or urban fantasy since the story stays grounded yet magic peeks continually around the edges. Arden doesn't go for over-idealized characters and each certainly has a personality of their own. And yet, admittedly, I had a hard time plowing through most of the book. I found I didn't connect with the characters, didn't want to read about Christianity ruthlessly obliterating the magical world, and felt the book was missing charm and playfulness in its over-earnest storytelling.

Story: Out in the more deserted reaches of Russia, a nobleman raises his family quietly yet efficiently. His wife's family had a mysterious background with connections to the Russian Czar. And now his youngest daughter, Vasilisa, is exhibiting the same fae traits of her mother and grandmother. While his sons and daughters move in the political world and make advantageous marriages that take them far from home, Vasilisa is left with her new stepmother - a woman afraid of the old world magic and very much invested in Christianity for protection. When a minister with a 'golden tongue' is sent to the family to keep him from over-influencing the Czar's court with his entrancing Christian sermons, Vasila and her old world magic will become embattled with her unhinged stepmother and the zealous priest. Meanwhile, the fortunes of her family continue to morph as the political landscape shifts constantly.

The original wording of the book makes this sound like a fairy tale but I feel this is far too serious and grounded for that categorization (unless one harkens back to the grim original versions of most fairy tales). And in the beginning, I felt this was a bit more of a magical realism, with otherworldly creatures occasionally appearing in the every day life of a mansion buried deep in a far off forest. But then the middle part of the book took a different direction with the introduction of the Christian priest and zealot stepmother, each determined to punish Vasilisa into foregoing her paganism and embracing their faith. I found this whole middle part to be tedious, especially since the blurb on the book had promised a 'Jack Frost' type of character but by 3/4 he had only appeared in one or two short scenes.

I also found I didn't like many of the characters. Arden took pains to make them grounded and real - with all the foibles and contrariness that can be expected. Vasilisa was a main character but the book follows the viewpoints of several people, including her brothers, sister, stepmother, the priest, the Czar, etc. In that way, it felt a bit overwritten as so many first novels can be; the author feeling the need to explain the big picture through all the POVs instead of letting the story organically unfold and trusting the reader to understand why things were happening as they did.

Because the book is somewhat of a mixed bag, I admittedly also have very mixed reactions to it. Once it veered toward the battle of religions, it completely lost me and I had a hard time wanting to pick it up again. But at the same time, I also was very impressed with the writing depth and the assimilating mood that Arden so effectively created.

Would I recommend this? Absolutely. But at the same time, I have to admit that for me personally, I did not enjoy the Bear and the Nightingale as much as I would have hoped. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a historical fantasy steeped in Russian folklore. This wonderful debut novel by Katherine Arden is a fairytale retelling of Vasilisa the brave (or beautiful) that will take your breath away and leave you wanting for more!

This story is gorgeously written, The characters are all fully fleshed out and the world building is just... amazing. This fairytale retelling is atmospheric. Described in great detail and vivid imagery, you'll feel yourself transported to this fictional medieval era of northern Rus', right alongside it's people!

Katherine Arden fluidly weaves together different genres; very well thought out. There are conflicts of old and new beliefs, magical and non magical people, set paths and wanting to make your own way and there's even a war! There are times when this story is uplifting and inspiring and then there are times when tragedy strike's and dark moments and evil things arise.

In the beginning, I was a bit put off by it's slow pace, but I came to appreciate it. By the end, I was surprised at this book's length because it felt longer than it actually is, but I was disappointed too, because I wish there was more, haha. This book gives you time to learn it's characters, both human and mythical, understand the folklore and get lost in it's mood and setting. The book demands your patience and attention but allows you to savor it's multilayered magical story. This is not a book that you should attempt to read in one day, but instead, take your time reading.

I really feel this is a perfect winter read; the cold weather will help bring this novel to life. I read this book with a cup of hot chocolate (or two or three, haha) snuggled under a blanket, watching snow fall and it was such a lovely experience.

I really love Vasilisa, she's strong, gifted and fearless. I'm very eager to continue her story and see where this trilogy will take us. I will definitely be on the look out for more books from this author and will most likely put her on my auto-buy list.

I highly recommend the Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. If you enjoy fairy tales, historical fiction, Russian culture or fantasy, then this book is for you.

**** I received an eBook copy of this title through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. ****

It's hard to imagine a story which was less written for me:
- Heavy folklore aspect from a culture I am unfamiliar with
- Historical fantasy
- Religious persecution and politics as one major religion takes the place of a previous
- Magic!
- Strong female protagonist
- Slow burn realism of everyday life in a historically accurate setting
- Imperfect and realistic, yet healthy, familial relationships
- LOTS of exploring relationships and character development!

The major theme of this book is the conflict between new and old beliefs. Christianity is coming to the fore and it does not align well with the old religions which worships nature spirits. Arden masterfully shows us the old ways through the eyes of Vasya, both great and terrible, and how the human's worship of them brings balance to the world. When Anna's zealous priest shows up, he rallies the villagers against the old ways, weakening the protective spirits and causing the symbiosis to break down.

Things start to break down for me when all characters who turn towards Christianity are set up as being weak, misguided, and if not true evil, well, dangerously close. The closest thing to balance we see is in Vasya's brother Sasha going off to study Christianity with a passionate desire for a religious vocations. Yet Sasha's absence through most of the novel is a glaring hole I'd love to see explored.

My own knowledge of Russian mythology and folklore, let alone medieval culture, is limited. Arden includes an apology in notes at the end of the novel regarding her twisting and mixing of all these ideas. She borrowed and merged mercilessly, apparently. My impression from her note is that Arden was concerned her peers would judge her for changing common tales. Well, Katherine Arden, I had no idea what was consistent and what was your own creation. This doesn't make the story any less appealing.

I wonder how I might have reacted to this story knowing the original tales… But in the end, what matters is that Arden's tale is enchanting.

The writing is lush and glorious. The story is hypnotic. The characters are complex and compelling, from the young heroine to the (evil or misguided?) “holy man” and demons. The author flawlessly blends the harsh reality of life in 14th Century Russia with folklore and fantasy. There’s even a wicked stepmother, but she’s a woman with internal demons of her own, unlike Vasya, the young, free-spirited heroine. Vasya, like her new stepmother, sees demons and spirits, but Vasya seeks to know them, to understand them, not deny them. Some of them, in turn, help her, and Vasya will need help. She must fight for her freedom and her life – her stepmother and the villagers believe she is a witch – while she alone sees the evil encroaching closer and closer to the heart of the village. It is as if an epic battle between good and evil will take place in their small village in the very cold, very far north. This young, small heroine is to others just a girl who, like all girls, must be married off or sent to a convent, giving her a choice of one cage or another, while she knows she must stay – for now -- and protect her family as best she can.

This is a wonderful book, hard to put down. The pages almost turn themselves. The descriptions of nature, especially, are so sumptuous, I wish I could quote some here. Better to read the book and find them in context.

I'll keep this short and not so sweet. Looks like I'm going to be the voice of dissension on this one. I'm sure you've seen the hype surrounding this book. It's hard to miss. Ads were everywhere when it was released, featuring one accolade after another. And the description sounds amazing, doesn't it? I so wanted to love it. I love Russian historical fiction, and I went into it expecting to love it, to be wowed, to be swept off my feet. Alas, none of that happened. While it's not a bad book, at the end of the day, I honestly found it to be just plain boring.

I loved the folklore and magical elements, and I liked Vasilisa, but the pacing is soooo slow. Agonizingly slow. And the omniscient style means we get the point of view of way too many characters, some who don't even have a name, that's how insignificant they are to the story, yet we get their fleeting thoughts anyway. And if you know me, you know I'm a stickler for a tight, focused point of view structure. The author's writing has been described as beautiful and lyrical, but I thought it was rather on the simple side. And then when I got to the end and discovered this is the first in a trilogy, I couldn't help but note that the story would not need to be a trilogy if this book had been trimmed down, the pace quickened, and the rest of the story added in. I actually groaned at the thought of reading this story stretched out over two more books at a snail's pace.

I don't mean to sound harsh, and I know plenty of readers are loving this, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I'm still giving it three stars because I did stick with it till the end, and I did find some things to admire about it. But not enough to continue on with the other books.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a tedious novel with lovely but over-done descriptions, an unoriginal dragging plot, and no pay-off.

One point in the novel's favor is that on the level of imagery and characterization the novel is well-written. When she puts forward her abilities as a writer describing a significant scene or character, then she has the ability to affect the reader. If this author can be paired with a good editor that can excise the nonsense and push forward her storyline, then she has real potential. However, the author falls into the trap of letting the imagery and her clear love for her characters / world drag down the plot.

The novel often spends a lot of time on characters and scenes that have no pay-off. I do not mind novels with a multitude of characters and complex ties between characters or events, but the plot is so simple and frankly cliche (ancient, evil spirit threatens to rise after thousands of years) that this is not that kind of novel. Many times I was pulled out of a scene wondering why so many words were being wasted on a trivial matter or character. One example from late in the novel is that while Vasya is in the Winter King's home rather than explain her significance in the battle, the significance of the enchanted necklace, or anything of consequence the reader is "treated" to a scene in which Vasya braids her new stallion's hair. !!!!! Dawdling along with many scenes such as this one, the novel is a slog. There's no reason for this novel to be 336 pages with the amount of absolutely nothing that happens with the characters.

Moreover, the plot is unoriginal and highly predictable drawing from well-worn archetypes so the reader is not left wondering how this is going to turn out. For example, at the point in the novel in which Konstantin (the priest) is introduced to the village, I relayed to my husband his character and the set up (that he was a young, handsome, and charismatic but arrogant, conservative priest sent to the North where many old traditions are still kept by the villagers) then I asked my husband to tell me what happens when he arrives in the village and how he treats Vasya. My husband (who had not read a word of the novel but is an experienced fantasy reader) was exactly able to tell me what happens next with the priest. Again, I don't mind cliche or archetypes but their use needs to be cleverly done to not drag down a novel. The Bear and the Nightingale was not clever.

My final word is to pass on this tedious, disappointing novel.

What would you do if you had a gift, a gift that enhances your life and that of those around you, but they don't know it? A gift that, if discovered, might even get you killed? Vasilisa, the last-born daughter of a land-holding family in the depths of Russia, knows this dilemma all too well. When evil blooms on the backs of a tarnished priest and a devout woman, Vasilisa will be the only one to stand between the flames and her people. Will she make that choice, knowing it could mean her death at the hands of those people she is trying so hard to save? Or will she save herself and watch them all burn?

First, before anything else, this book has been compared repeatedly to Naomi Novik's "Uprooted". And just...no. They are very different books. If you *liked* Novik's book, then you may like this one as well, particularly the fairy tale aspect that they share. However, they really are quite different in atmosphere, story, and characters.

As for that story and those characters - Arden did a wonderful job evoking the dark, cold, lonely winter, and the terror that could bloom when "something wicked this way comes". She really does have a lovely writing style that lent itself beautifully to this tale. As for the characters, Vasilisa of course would be my favorite, followed by the fairy creatures who really made me wish that we still believed in them - or those like them - in this day and age. They are complex, interesting, and - in some cases - quite fun. The whole story reminds me of a fairy tale based on fairy tales - something meant to be read or spoken aloud, during the cold of winter, around a fire - maybe even with something hot in a mug to sip on. Of course, as with many of the older fairy tales, good does not always win, and there is always a price to be paid. The question is, who pays that price, and who wins in the end?

I would definitely recommend this book. It is the kind of book you could read again and again and find details that you missed the first, second, and even third time.

It started out strong. The tale of the Frost King, description of life in the north, the contrast with Moscow -- all drew me in. In Moscow I hit the first snag: "He did his best not to think of Marina...who had stared him full in the face as she said her vows...." Um, they're Russian Orthodox; there are no wedding vows. (I'm RO and was just married in the RO church. There were and are no vows; it's a different concept of marriage.) Then came the issue of Fr. Konstantin -- arrogant, lustful, and under the influence of evil. Yes, this is fantasy, but a basic understanding of the real parts of a story is an essential part of good storytelling. A priest with such an issue of arrogance would have been cared for rather than sent off to tend a flock. Fr. Konstantin seemed to want to beat the fear of God into his new flock, which is completely the opposite of what an Orthodox priest would do. Forced conversion is foreign to Orthodoxy; a person must come willingly, entirely of his own accord. It's not true faith otherwise. It's lip service, and that's all just about everyone in the story seemed to be paying. Hellfire and brimstone and fear of hell are not preached, and no one is thumped on the head with a bible in real life. Also, repentance is never used as a hammer. Confession and absolution are a healing balm. Again, it is completely voluntary (but necessary if one wants to be in communion). I kept wondering of which denomination the priest was, because he sure wasn't RO. There was a scene where a demon was seen in the iconostasis. Seriously? In a consecrated church? Sorry, but again, this would not happen. That the priest had a lustful dream involving the Mother of God that morphed into a vampire attack...disgusting and offensive. I get the story; it's familiar, unbalanced, and tiresome: Christianity = bad, animism/witchcraft/old ways = good.

The story became simply stupid with the addition of the vampires and then last battle between good and evil where all the critters and their brothers showed up. Had the story just stuck to the tale of the Frost King, his brother, and Vasya, without the constant stabs at Christianity, without bringing in just about every Russian mythological creature, without jumping all over the place, it would have been more coherent and enjoyable. I waited until finishing to judge the book, because there is *always* a chance for redemption. My literary diet has consisted of mostly fantasy and sci fi for more than 40 years. This book looked like it would be a winner. But the story fell far short, crashed, and burned.

Beautifully written book but folktales just don't do it for me now. I've read many Russian tales in the past and the subject matter just doesn't capture my attention at this point. Many more important books to read .

Everything about this book screamed READ ME. The cover. The synopsis. All of it. So obviously going into The Bear and the Nightingale I had a few expectations as well as an eagerness to see if it was truly as amazing as it looked/sounded. While it lived up to my hopes and dreams on some fronts, others didn't quite make the cut.

The first thing I noticed was the writing. Descriptive, vivid, beautiful. It ebbed and flowed in a way that I immediately associated with a master storyteller. I loved that the story surrounds Russian folklore because it's not something I've seen often in fiction and was quite refreshing. This isn't some epic tale common to fantasy or a young adult adventure. It's a fairy tale that Arden breathed life into to bring something new to the world.

That may sound flowery in the way I wrote it but this book evokes such an unusual kind of storytelling that isn't in my usual reading and deserves it all.

As for the story itself, I enjoyed the multiple perspectives. It's a fine line and sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't, but I think Arden pulled it off splendidly. She addresses several themes throughout, with the core idea of family permeating the entire book.

Now, the writing was good. The story had that magical element that made it seem more than just a book. But I wasn't completely hooked.

The pacing of this book is SO slow. I waited and waited for something to happen but it didn't. The Bear and the Nightingale was slow going which, for the level of detail in the world isn't surprising. I've had this issue with books in the past where it takes half the book to set everything up before the pace picks up but this one felt like it had an unusually long wait, especially for the first in a series. I put it down several times in favor of more action-packed reads. It's a personal preference, for sure, and I wouldn't let the pacing dissuade you from reading this one.

My other issue came with the characters. I never felt excited by their adventures, their own stories. I felt the disconnect as I would when being told a story versus living it through the words of an author. While Arden's writing style is beautiful, it didn't entice me to fall into the world with full abandonment or to grow attached to the characters.

It's hard to really summarize my feelings about The Bear and the Nightingale because while I wanted to love it and some of the elements were truly magical, the primary things I look for in a book -- the hook, a connection to the characters -- just weren't there. It's one that took far too long to pick up and just didn't work for me, but if those things don't bother you then I would highly recommend this title. This one definitely comes down to reading preferences!

The evil stepmom is a storytelling trope that has roots in reality. In times and places where resources were scarce and women often died (usually of childbirth-related complaints) by early middle adulthood, a new wife who had children of her own looked out for the best interests of her offspring above any others. The most famous literary example of a wicked stepmother? Probably Cinderella. It's a story that's remarkably common around the world: China has a version. Iran has a version. And of course, there's the European takes on the tale that inspired the brothers Grimm. It's this familiar territory that Katherine Arden mines for her debut novel, The Bear and the Nightingale.

Arden gives us as our heroine Vasilisa, the youngest child of Pyotr and Marina. Vasya grows up with her four older siblings in a small village in Russia, bordering the kind of large and dark wood that a good fairy tale needs. After Marina dies in childbirth, the girl grows up half-wild, listening to old Slavic folk tales at the feet of her elderly nurse. But to Vasya, they're not just folk tales. She can see them, the spirits that populate Slavic mythology, and talk to them too. It's a trait she shares with her stepmother-to-be, Anna. But while rural-dwelling Vasya accepts this about herself, Anna, as a member of the urban nobility, is a devout Christian and thinks herself tormented by devils. Once she moves to the countryside after her marriage to Pyotr, the only place she can find peace is the church. She becomes obsessed with the handsome and vain priest, Father Konstantin, who is just as obsessed in turn with rooting out the local superstitions. There's a tinge of American Gods here, because the fading belief saps the strength of the spirits just when they're most needed in a battle brewing between the larger and more powerful forces of evil and of justice.

The characters that populate The Bear and the Nightingale are wonderful. Vasya is a delightfully high-spirited heroine, but what I enjoyed even more was that Arden didn't make Anna a simple bad stepmom. Instead, she's presented as scared, and her behavior towards Vasya is obviously rooted more in this fear than spitefulness. And even though the father in Cinderella stories often comes off as neglectful, Pyotr is a loving parent who has a hard time dealing with his first wife's death, his second wife's obvious mental health issues, and a daughter he doesn't know how to raise. And the world that Arden creates is rich and vivid. It's the first first-in-a-series that I've read in quite a while that's made me actually Google when the next entry is coming out because I want to continue along in the story Arden is beginning to unfold. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

Would that we all had the time to read every new book the moment it comes out, with nothing conspiring to keep our to-read shelves piled high. Unfortunately a little thing called 'life' demands most of our attention and that is the only (poor) excuse I have for arriving so late to this beautiful novel. The Bear and the Nightingale transported me: to medieval Russia in the depths of winter; to a childhood when our abilities were still undefined and limitless; to a world where a strong, scared girl can still melt a frost king's heart.

The story moves at a leisurely pace; our heroine, Vasya, isn't even born yet when the book begins. A delay in the action better serves to introduce unfamiliar readers with the culture and customs of medieval Russia. (Arden also includes an extensive glossary at the end of the book that defines and further explains many of the words and concepts at play throughout the story.) It's difficult to imagine that, according to the author, this is one of the least well-documented eras in the country's history. So little world-building takes place because from the first page Vasya's home and family leap forward fully formed. Rich prose perfectly suits the fantasy setting, evoking a rustic country estate and a magical house built of firs and snow and shadows with equal splendor.

A third person omniscient narrator ensures that nearly every player, great and small, contributes to the story. There is no set structure for how perspectives alternate, though divisions within each chapter keep them separate. Instead we drift among them as the action dictates, staying most frequently with Vasya once she's grown.

And what a protagonist to follow! In the midst of winter Vasya becomes the human embodiment of an ember, a spark seeking out any dry kindling and setting it ablaze. Her headstrong and oftentimes rebellious attitude brings with it real consequences. Both the regimented upper class and the superstitious peasants regard her differences as detractors from an ideal; even Vasya's beloved siblings struggle to summon a patient tolerance for her wild ways. By turns innocent and insightful, brave and blundering, confident and confined, she matures before our eyes. Her ability to see beyond the mundane—both literally and figuratively—inspires the smallest twinge of jealousy for the lost magic of childhood. And as Vasya battles for the safety of her friends and family, the reader will feel inspired to take up arms as well.

Morozko, the brooding frost king, is the perfect complement to her fire. Ever taut, the tension between them stems first from an imbalance between mortal girl and immortal being; later, it draws on an equality of spirit that hangs heavy and unacknowledged between them. Hints of romance do peek through, threatening a growing heat and greater heartbreak in the books to come. Even in its early stages, theirs has quickly become a new favorite literary relationship for me to root for.

Vasya's mortal antagonist, the dogmatic priest Konstantin, reminds strongly of Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame with his warring lusts for God, power, and carnal love. His mythical counterpart, first seen as a one-eyed man deep in the forest, looms over misfortunes large and small. Moments of genuine horror—like the appearance of upyr, or vampires—assure that his reach is absolute, with the consequences of a possible victory rippling far beyond Vasya and her rural home.

Like any great introduction to a new series, The Bear and the Nightingale ends with its most immediate threats neutralized and the promise of greater challenges looming ahead. In this stunning debut, Arden has written an ode not just to a little-documented period of Russian history, but also to the very spirit of great fairy tales everywhere. Like Naomi Novik and Catherynne Valente before her, she did more than entertain me: she made me believe again. While I may not peep into ovens and bathrooms looking for domovoi and banniks, the world feels a little more magical for having Vasya and her companions in it.

Although Katherine Arden is a Texan by birth, she writes like a seasoned Russian novelist. I presume studying Russian literature in Moscow had a lot to do with her Russian folklore style. I especially admire her using the Russian peculiarity (to us, not to them) of each character having multiple names. Sometimes this causes confusion for the reader. But when you realize that Russians have a first name, patronymic name and surname spelled in may varieties each, it’s less puzzling. They might also have a peasant name or a cutesy/loving name to go along with their other names. For example our main character is Vasilisa, but she is also known as; Vasya, Vasilisa Petrovna, Vasochka, and Vedma by a bathhouse spirit named Bannik. Oh yes, Vasya sees lots of spirits and they all relate to her. If you want a better example of multiple names, read Dostoevsky’s 1866 masterpiece, Crime and Punishment (see my review of 11/17/2014). Katherine Arden’s descriptive writing is in play when writing about the approaching cold winter in northern Russia, “The season was just turning, the drab fields full of shaved stubble and dusted with snow...it was cold, but Vasya did not think of it. She had been born to cold.” Throughout the novel the author has a foreboding style of writing that makes the reader wince when thinking of what’s going to happen next...and the heebie-jeebies usually transpire. I find it hard to believe that this novel is Katherine Arden’s first.

Katherine Arden recreates fourteenth century Russia with this fresh tale drawn from old Russian fables. Pyotr Vladimirovich was a great lord living on rich lands with many peasant workers. He enjoyed a good life with his wife, Marina; sons, Kolya, Sasha and Alyosha and daughter, Olga. Longtime nurse and nanny, Dunya, also lived in the big house, now the chief cook and family storyteller. Early in the novel, Dunya tells the tale of The Frost King, “The master of the white snow, the black firs, and the silver frost” to the children. All the peasants believed him to be real along with all the other woodland spirits. Later in the day, Marina tells Pyotr, “I am with child.” Pyotr was concerned because Marina was older now “and she had grown so thin that winter.” Marina said, “I want a daughter like my mother was.” Marina’s mother is a story in itself. During the reign of Ivan the first, “A ragged girl (Marina’s mother) rode through the Kremlin-gates, alone except for her tall gray horse. Despite filth and hunger and weariness, rumors dogged her footsteps. She had such grace, the people said, and eyes like the swan-maiden in a fairy tale...when Ivan first saw this girl, he sat unmoving for a full ten minutes. A year later he married this mysterious girl.” Who is she? Where did she come from? “The princess would not say where she had come from: not then and not ever.” The Church didn’t like the princess or her daughter, Marina. “At the bishop’s insistence, Marina, her only child, was married off to a boyar (Pyotr) in the howling wilderness, many days’ travel from Moscow.” The stage is set for the birth of Vasya. Will she have the same special abilities and attributes as her grandmother had?

Vasya is born. “Marina breathed out once, gently, and died.” Before Marina died, she named the baby girl, Vasilisa...Vasya. “All that winter, the house echoed with the child’s cries. More than once, Dunya and Olga, despaired of her, for she was a scrawny, pallid infant, all eyes and flailing limbs. But the winter passed and the child lived. She ceased screaming and throve on the milk of peasant woman.” As she got older, Vasya had a habit of going into the woods alone. One day she didn’t come home for supper after a day in the forest. Who was Vasya calling when she sat in the snowy forest and said, “I know you sleep when the snow comes, but couldn’t you wake up? See, I have cakes (stolen from Dunya’s kitchen).” With no answer, Vasya decides to go home, but for some reason gets lost in the woods. She sees a tree unlike another. It was big, black and gnarled like a wicked old woman. “A man lay curled like a beast at the foot of this tree, fast asleep. She could not see his face; it was hidden between his arms. Through rents in his clothes, she glimpsed cold white skin. He did not stir at her approach.” With Vasya’s urging, he finally woke up. One side of his face was fair with a gray eye. The other side of his face was a mass of bluish scars with the eye socket sewn shut. He says, “What manner of girl-child comes here, all alone?” And then Softer, “Such eyes, Almost I remember...Well, come here.” He made his voice coaxing. “Your father will be worried.” What did this thing (?) almost remember? I know that I told you a lot, but so far I’ve only reviewed the first 24 pages of a 314 page novel...are you ready to buy your own copy yet?

Before the one-eyed man could do any harm to Vasya, “There came the crunch of hooves in the snow, and the snorting breaths of a horse. A horse and rider stepped into the clearing. The horse was white and strong; when the rider slid to the ground, Vasya saw that he was slender and bold-boned, the skin drawn tight over cheek and throat. He wore a rich robe of heavy fur, and his eyes gleamed blue.” I told you that the author’s descriptive writing was to my liking. Anyway, who are these strange men and is one of them the Frost King? If so, who is the other man? The man in the rich robe of heavy fur says to the one-eyed man, “What is this?” The ragged man cringed, “No concern of yours, she came to me-she is mine.” The newcomer said to him, “Is she? Sleep, Medved, for it is winter.” So, they obviously know each other. Vasya is now frightened and turns around and flees. The stranger doesn’t follow. Vasya is eventually found by her brother, Sasha and returned home. Later, “Sasha, though he told no one, ranged the forest to the west, looking for this one-eyed man, or an oak tree with roots about its knees. But never man nor tree did he find, and then the snow fell for three days, straight and hard, so that none went out.” Okay, that’s the end of my 29 page review. The real good stuff is still ahead...and I mean real good. Did you notice that I never mentioned the bear or the nightingale? I also didn’t mention all the Russian folklore spirits and demons that you will meet. Only one thing annoyed me. I had to keep going to Google or Wikipedia to decipher some Russian words; such as, devushka (girl) or domovoi (a household spirit in Russian folklore). Guess what? I didn’t realize that the author had a glossary at the book’s end that would have answered all my questions. Oh well!

I enjoyed parts of this book immensely, but those parts were few and far between. This is the third book in a row that could have been a short story or maybe a novella. While there is enough meat here to make it into a novel, that meat isn't utilized. Too many things left unexplained and too many side characters that don't amount to anything and too much time navel gazing, worrying and explaining.
My main problem with the book is the unbelievable premise that none of these characters would talk to each other. We are informed that Anna and Vasya can both see the house spirits. Anna sees them as demons and against God and screams every time she sees them. Vasya sees them as helpers and protectors, which they are. There comes a point in the story when they both realize they can see things no one else can. Vasya gets a whipping for it, then the story says "Six years later." Wait... They never talked about this? Seriously?
Vasya tracks down a Vampire with her brother. They dig it up, it opens it's eyes but can't move since it is daylight. It has full red lips and clearly a live but undead thing. Show your father? Nah, lets let everyone continue to think Vasya is a spooky witch including her father. Don't give them any proof they are in danger and Vasya is saving them, let them keep believing that Vasya is a danger. Another scene, a "man" the winter king or some such, gets into a fight with Vasya's father's son. He does not take the boys life if the father will promise to give this jewel to Vasya. 200 pages later she still doesn't have the jewel. And everyone is keeping it a secret from her. And the father is keeping it a secret from Dunya and Dunya is keeping it a secret from him and from Vasya. It's all so illogical and convoluted. And dishonorable on the father's part.
The premise only works if no one ever tells anyone anything, even when it could help them or explain things that are going on.

The story was okay but all the Russian words kept me confused. the main girl was called at least four different versions of her name and so we're the others. I had a hard time keeping straight who was who. I read that the author was trying to give the book a Russian feeling. I'm sorry, I just didn't care for it. Sorry.

I had the privilege to meet Katherine Arden at NYCC this year and obtain a copy of her debut book, The Bear and the Nightingale. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this novel. I knew I was going to like it but I devoured it. I found myself captivated with every page and thoroughly entertained. Part of me wanted to read it quickly to see what would happen but I also wanted to pace it out and savor it.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a Russian folk tale set in medieval Russia. The story has an incredible family dynamic and their relationships are very strong. All the characters were complex and realistic. It’s fast paced with beautiful writing that gives you a magical atmosphere. The author also does an amazing job including a word and explanation glossary at the end of the novel.

Vesya is a unique child and grows into becoming a strong heroine. She is called a witch by the townspeople. She can see and communicate with the spirits in her house, the river, the forest. These spirits are left offerings and in turn protect their areas from a great evil known as the Bear. When Vesya’s stepmother prevents the house from doing this, the winters are longer and the crops die. The animals are being hunted by wolves and the Bear is getting stronger. Vesya does everything she can to keep the spirits happy, but she is just one girl and cannot.

The ending is great and left off with the possibility of more novels (I think the author mentioned possibly a trilogy). There’s also no cliffhanger either, so as a standalone it’s perfect. I adored this novel and cannot wait for more by the author.

Vasilisa grew up at the edge of the Russian wilderness where the weather is harsh and cold for most of the year. Winters are particularly cruel, but she has many pleasant memories of her siblings and her nurse by the fire telling fairy tales to pass the time. Since her mother died in childbirth, her father goes to Moscow to present his sons to royalty and find a new wife. He brings home Anna, a young woman from a royal family who is also notorious for seeing demons everywhere. She and Vasilisa butt heads immediately because Vasya sees creatures as well, but knows they are house spirits or domovoi that make their lives easier in exchange for tribute. The arrival of a fiery priest Kostantin creates fear of hell and damnation in her town and causes other people to shun their domovoi, which causes further misfortune and weakens them to the attack of sinister forces.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a wonderful merging of Russian society as it adapts to Christianity and Russian folklore. The very beginning has Vasya's nurse Danya telling her fairy tales of the cruel winter and how humility and kindness get you further than selfishness. I wasn't quite drawn in until Vasya sees and interacts with the domovoi in her house. The people that live near the Russian wilderness, away from big cities, believe in Christianity and go to church, but also pay tribute to their house spirits or domovoi more out of habit than anything. Unbeknowst to most of them, these gifts of food and drink help them immensely by extending the use of resources and keeping crops and cattle healthy. Once these creatures are shunned due to the fire and brimstone antics of Father Konstantin striking fear into the villagers' hearts. Now, the domovoi have weakened, leaving the humans with dwindling resources and mounting fear, unaware of the supernatural danger their spirits protect them from.

Everyone knew Vasilisa was different right from birth. As she grew up, she realized she could see and understand the domovoi and other creatures right out of her nurse's fairy tales. Over time, she learns to care for and respect them. Through her friendship and tribute, they respect her in return and teach her how to move silently through the forest and how to talk to horses. As she grows into womanhood, Vasya keeps her sweet nature entwined with a wildness and confidence that others find troubling. Vasya is an amazing character that does what she can, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Her perseverence proves to be unshakeable even in the face of the disapproval of her whole town. Unfortunately, her only future paths are in the prison of either marriage or a convent. Her access to the supernatural world helps her break out of her social norms. The supernatural forces she faces are out of her realm of reality and understanding, but it doesnt stop her from fighting for her family and her town anyway.

The only other person with any knowledge at all that fairy tale creatures are real is Anna, Vasya's stepmother. She fits into the evil stepmother trope well, but she's more fleshed out than that. Everyone around her assumes she's crazy because she sees what she assumes are demons everywhere. She's basically Vasilisa, but intent on ignoring the creatures instead of getting to know them. Her existence throughout life is tortured because no matter how devout she is or how hard she prays, these demons plague her. Instead of trying to educate Vasya, Anna simply abuses her whenever Vasya acknowledges the domovoi. I had sympathy for her because she doesn't understand her situation and feels constantly attacked. However, she lost my sympathy when she decided to abuse her stepdaughter and taking everything she can away from her. This character shows how Vasya could have been had her temperament or upbringing or attitude been different.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a wonderful book that I couldn't put down. The fairy tale elements are woven in throughout, contrasting with the real world woes of the townspeople. Vasya interacts with many figures from Russian fairy tales using her knowledge of their tales and her generous nature. It takes a little while to hold my interest, but once it does, it doesn't let go. Katherine Arden is amazing and I would love to read whatever she writes next. This book is highly recommended to fans of Neil Gaiman or fairy tale literature.

’ve really been looking forward to reading this one–there’s nothing like a good fairy tale to raise the spirits. I’ve been trying to get ahold of it forever, it seems, and it finally came available at the library. I’ve heard so many amazing things about The Bear and the Nightingale.

The setting is quite gorgeous–medieval Russia, way up in the north where it’s cold and isolated. There’s all kinds of magical creatures–called demons, by the Christ-following family members, but really more like fae and spirits. Arden has packed her book full of old Russian-lore. Some I had heard of before, like the Rusalka, but most were new and fascinating. The head “demon” is kind of a Jack Frost type soul, crossed with Death.

Aside from the lore, though, I had a hard time connecting to the story as much as I thought I would. There were many characters that came and went for no purpose: Is Sasha’s storyline even necessary? Olga could be removed altogether and we’d never know she existed. I found the book to drag on a lot longer than necessary, and I was very ready for the ending when it came.

I do have the second installment that I was supposed to read at the beginning of December before publication, but because I had to wait so long to get this one, I’m a bit behind schedule. It’s a sequel, but I’m not entirely sure how this could continue on. Maybe it’ll be a different legend? Stay tuned.

Set in a version of medieval Russia, Ms Arden’s novel creates a world where myth is difficult to distinguish from reality, where what is seen is only part of what is believed to exist.

In a village in the far north of Russia, where winter is long and harsh, Vasya is the child her mother insists on having. Vasya sees the house spirits and comes to understand the magic which keep the dark forces at bay and the world in harmony. After her mother’s death, Vasya’s father remarries and her stepmother sees the same spirits but is convinced they are demons. And then, Konstantin, a priest is sent to the household. He is determined to exorcise the demons. Will he succeed? And at what cost? The crops fail, and the wolves move ever closer to the village. The villagers start to view Vasya as a witch, and she is faced with a difficult choice.

This is the first novel in a trilogy, and I’m eager to read the second novel (to be released early in 2018). For the time it took me to read this novel, I was transported to a magical world. A world in which harmony required both sacrifice and sharing. I was pleased to be reading about Morozko, the demon of winter, from the relative safety of the Australian summer.

“Get out,” said Pyotr. “You are nothing; you are only a story. Leave my lands in peace.”

It may only be a story, but for a while it was a world.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

3.5 stars
Fairytales, an escape to another world bearing a dose of reality, a little suspension of disbelief, may be good for the soul once in a while and Russian fairy tales are very much a part of this story . But so is a view of medieval Russia, know as Rus in the 14th century. A time when arranged marriages of the royalty cannot be refused. I really enjoyed the setting, the time and place, the beautiful descriptions of the snow and how I could just about feel the cold. Vasilisa, a memorable character, for sure, was born soon before her mother dies. Martina wished to have a daughter with her own mother's special gifts. Gifted or cursed, Vasilisa/Vasya converses with the spirits and demons she sees . I absolutely love the Russian custom of endearing nicknames, we see throughout just as in the Russian classics.

I don't read much fantasy so at times this felt a bit much for me with demons and spirits abounding. While there are many things to enjoy about the novel, especially the lovely lyrical writing, it was the fantasy that proved a bit too much for me . I seem to be an outlier here with a 3.5 star review and the high ratings overall and from several of my Goodreads friends. You should read those reviews. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys the fantastical and magical a bit more than I did here.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Del Rey through NetGalley

2.5 stars

A few helpful notes before reading:

1) There is a glossary of Russian words in the back. You'll need it. No Table of Contents in the hardcover. And if you're not one to skim the before and after stuff of the story before you read then you might miss the helpful glossary.

2) Russian names have multiple diminutive versions that can look kinda weird. So you can expect something like 2-3 variations of a character's name right on the same page at times... this can be very confusing and annoying to readers unfamiliar with Russian culture, esp when a diminutive looks nothing like the original name. If you can pick up on the pattern or have some familiarity with Russian culture/names, it gets better. But I think the author could have made a note of that or handled it better in the text.

3) This is a very loosely-based retelling of the Russian fairy tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful."

4) I would put this in the genre of YA Literary Historical Folkloric Fantasy. It's literary fiction and full of layers. Not so hollow and simplistic that adults won't like it. But sometimes it's also very slow-moving and dense and requires some extra focus. Definitely contains the tedious side of lit fic.

Overall, I just wasn't very excited about this one. Frankly, I was often bored. Not bored enough to DNF, however. I am only a casual visitor to fairy tales and fantasy, so maybe I'm predisposed not to like it much. But I'm trying to explore and enjoy things outside my comfort zone, so I really tried here.

It reads like a fairy tale and sometimes the language was quite lovely... but the plot moves at a snail's pace. The first half, in particular, I felt could have been edited way down (the first 50-70ish pages, ugh). So many overwritten scenes that just didn't engage or come to life-- or go anywhere. Though the opening chapter or two was interesting, I really didn't perk up until the first demon showed up... and from there on my engagement went from zero to spotty. I loved the setting/imagery and the supernatural aspects of the novel (when they would finally make an appearance). But I found myself observing the author's writing style and syntax as a point of interest more than the plot itself. The story took work to get through (probably because it did take so long to accomplish anything plot-wise) and just wasn't all that fun or pleasurable. I'm no stranger to literary fiction... but it does have its tedious side, as I said.

The story is set in Medieval Russia, mid to late 14th century. There is a plot here, but I felt like it wasn't all that clear in my mind until about halfway through so I found myself feeling lost as to where this story was actually going most of the time (maybe I was bored and lost focus??). Terrible pacing and development of plot... terrible! It ultimately centers around the clash between ancient beliefs/religions (Paganism) and the new (Christianity). Gods struggling for dominion. And a young girl (Vasilisa) with supernatural traits--which she embraces.... struggling with those characters representing Christianity as well as her appointed role as the daughter of a nobleman.

Love all the ideas and some aspects of the writing, but again, it was just executed as a really slow, aimless read for me with a weak payoff and I remained only half-interested, at best. Feel like I'm leaving a very generous rating. I'm not likely to read any more books in this trilogy. Glad I found this one in the library. Not one I want to own. Though I am willing to check out another retelling of this Russian fairy tale, which came out a few months before this one called Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter.

Writing: 4 Stars;
Characters: 5 Stars;
Plot: 3 Stars;
Entertaining: 3 Stars;
Read Again? No.

Total: 3 Stars;

I love the characters and the world.

What I did not like was the prevailing note of melancholy throughout the book. There were some bright moments, but everything was shrouded by the mantel of gloom. I do not mind drama, but this was unrelenting drama. Instead of cheering for the main character, I just wanted this book to end, so the torture would end.

I need humor even in the most dramatic books to relieve tension and allow me to breathe. Listening to this book, I felt as if someone was pushing down on my chest, again and again, not allowing me to get up.

The end is not an ending, but the beginning of Vasilisa’s journey. I hope the next book is more entertaining. This one was rather exhausting.

I borrowed the audiobook (great performance) from the Toronto Public Library.

I loved reading a Russian fairy tale! It's such a unique flavor and cast of characters, definitely different than anything I have ever read before.

Arden's writing is so beautiful. I felt completely immersed in Vasilisa's world. Even in the heat of a Texas summer, the cold of a Russian winter burst through the pages. Her descriptions were so rich and vivid that I barely needed any imagination at all to envision the medieval Russian world. And what a lovely world she created! I was so enamored with Vasilisa and the Russian folklore.

A lot of authors feel like if they don't set a rapid running pace, readers will get bored. Instead books often feel frantic. But The Bear and the Nightingale sets a more leisurely pace that lets you slow down and savor the luscious text. However, I still read this book pretty quickly. The story was unfamiliar enough to me that I couldn't guess what was coming, so I didn't want to stop reading. I had to know what came next!

I just adored the magic in this book. It was a very subtle magic, not always obvious that it's there. But what enchanting magic! Vasilisa can talk to horses! Who doesn't dream about being able to talk to horses? Yet, subtle as the magic was, it permeated every page of the book. I loved how the reader's awareness of magic grew only as Vasilisa's did. It helped the whole thing feel so much more mysterious. 

I can't say enough about how well Arden created a unique atmosphere in this book. It felt chilly, enchanting, mysterious, magical, and like any good fairy tale, just a little creepy. Something is lurking in the forest, and whatever it is wants Vasilisa. Whatever it is, it smells like death.

I fell in love with the characters too. Vasilisa, the quintessential wild child filled with passion and wisdom beyond her years. Peytor, her father, torn between his duty and his love for his family. Alyosha, probably my favorite big brother character ever. He really loves Vasilisa and is willing to go above and beyond for her. I even loved Konstantine, the priest who finds himself inexplicably attracted to Vasilisa. Complicated characters like Konstantine are hard to pull off, and Arden nailed it.

There are only two tiny critiques I would give. The use of so many Russian words and names was a great way to help me feel like I was part of the world, but the names got confusing. I wasn't sure how to pronounce many of them (a pronunciation guide in addition to a glossary would have been so helpful!), and the frequent use of diminutives, nicknames, made it hard for me to keep track of who was who. Especially since the nicknames don't necessarily resemble their actual name in any way! The second was that the church and the Christian God came across as bad guys. People are dying because they villagers are praying to God, and He does nothing to help them. I don't know, I just think that's a good way to alienate readers and could have been handled a little better.

But overall I just loved loved LOVED this book! I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves fairy tales. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next book!

The Bear and the Nightingale is a stunning literary fantasy. Set in medieval Russia (when exactly I am not sure), Arden’s vivid writing brings to life various Russian fairy tales, including Vasilisa the Beautiful, and old folklore about invisible spirits found in nature.

Our Vasilisa is not exactly beautiful; in fact, she is described as ugly, but full of irrepressible curiosity and fearlessness. She is a bit feral and hard to contain in her proper place as a young woman. Predictably, she frequently gets in trouble. Strong and independent, she is also different from everyone else in one key way – she sees and interacts with the spirits guarding her family’s house, stables, the river and other places – spirits which no one else can see. Except for her stepmother, who is convinced that they are demons. Vasilisa befriends these spirits but gets blamed by the fanatical new priest in the village for all the terrible things that start happening.

Although Arden’s detailed grasp of Russian culture and history enhances the core story, I found that there were chapters that seemed extraneous. There is a lengthy digression to events that seem to only peripherally involve Vasilisa, including one about her brother that I thought was going to gain in significance but did not surface again. These parts could have been excised for a much tighter narrative that focused on our protagonist’s journey.

Despite these chapters, however, I found The Bear and the Nightingale to be an immersive experience – I could almost feel the chill of a Russian winter as I read.

The Bear and the Nightingale settled into my soul. It feels like the fantasy books written at the start of a new century: worldly and almost timeless.

Set in a part of Russia where the old gods are honored alongside Christianity, there's a fairy tale quality to the writing that feels like I've heard the story before, only with a fresh new perspective. This book is gorgeously told, the world building is solid--something I always look for in a fantasy novel. I felt the chill of the harsh winter winds. I supped on the foods. I could imagine the small beings who took care of the hearth and the horses, and the entity simply known as Frost.

The characters are well rounded. Our protagonist, Vasya, is a strange girl, who is more than her worldly village can understand. She's wild and smart and brave. There's magic surrounding her although we are only given small hints at its origins. It makes me wonder if there will be a sequel? Regardless, she will be tested by a mad stepmother, a charismatic priest, and the spirits haunting the forests around her home. This is a heroine's quest at its finest.

I have some questions regarding the myths that are the bones of the story, but I won't divulge them because they may be spoilers. But this book is a true standout. Read this curled up on a cold winter night.

This is the first adult novel that I have listened to on audio so this may be a little more of a review on the audiobook in general than the story itself.
Without the print version, I had the hardest time keeping up with the names and Russian words. I cannot tell you any names from this story beyond Vassa, Anna, Dunya, and Irena and I'm not even sure I'm spelling those correctly without looking it up first. This has more to do with my ignorance of Russian names and language and less to do with the audiobook experience. On my part, it probably wasn't the best choice but at the time it was the only audiobook available that interested me.

The first half of this book was rather dull. I do believe I would have had a hard time with it in print form. Something about the narrator's voice kept me interested even though nothing was really happening plot-wise, though. We learn that V's mother dies, her father remarries, that the house has spirits (or demons as her stepmother, Anna, calls them), and that V is a bit of a wild child, living outside more than in. The story revolves more around her family and their drama at first, with her being the odd child in the background. But as she grows, these other characters start to pay more attention and notice her wild ways.

We finally get into the fantasy elements in the second half of the book, when V is a young woman. This is when most of her family and the townspeople have forsaken the usual tidings given to the house spirits and these spirits or demons start to appear more and more. This does not go over well with the (now) very devout family members and townspeople and V, being the odd man out, is thought to be the cause.

I did really enjoy V as a character. She's strong, courageous, and a bit of a feminist, in a culture where women are either married off or sent to a convent.

After doing a little bit of research on this Russian fairytale, I have learned that this particular story is based on the tale of Frost, a winter spirit known as Morozko in this story. Without having any prior knowledge of this or any other Russian folklore, I must say that this reminded me a little of Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones just without all the romance. I certainly will be on the look out for more stories like this so I can learn a bit more about these fairytales in the future.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a magical and chilling fairy tale that will steal your breath away. It draws on Russian folklore and mythology to weave an atmospheric — and at times dark and cold — story told in various POVs, with a slow and steady pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Katherine Arden’s debut novel is a thing of beauty. It has also earned a place on my favorites shelf! Arden’s lyrical writing mimics the tone of classic fairytales very well, and at the same time brings new life to old myths and makes them unique to her story. And what an incredible story it is!

This novel is told in way too many POVs to list, but its focus is on Vasilisa, a stubborn girl who always seems to attract trouble. Vasya is wild, strong-willed, and brave, and she lives in a world where there is more truth to fairy tales than people like to admit. Vasya is charming and easy to like, and as she grows up and develops as a character, that feeling only grows deeper.

In fact, The Bear and the Nightingale has an amazing set of characters. From Vasya’s family members to the mythological creatures, every character is layered and serves a purpose important to the plot. Even the villains transform throughout the story, and their descend into dark paths are both scary and very well-executed.

The slow pace actually serves this novel very well. It takes a while for things to unfold and for us to fully understand the implications of what is happening, but when we do it is in the best of ways. There is also a lot of foreshadowing, and Arden uses fairy tales as a resource to give us little details that will be important to the story/characters later on.

The ending is a bit of a question mark, as it leaves room for a lot of things to be explored. It does conclude the main arc, in a way that is both satisfying and a little bit sad. I’m sure Arden will do great things in the sequel to this installment, The Girl in the Tower, if this debut is any indication of her potential as a writer.

The Bear and the Nightingale has firmly earned its place in the list of my Favorite Books Ever. Arden’s writing is enchanting, the folklore is rich and interesting, and Vasya’s story and her journey will stay with me for a very long time. Fans of Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente will absolutely love this, as well as anyone who enjoys historical fantasy novels filled with myths and legends.

This was such a pleasant read. It was the perfect read for a time that feels so uncertain and the world seems so ugly. Arden's prose is beautiful and pleasant and the story was equally enjoyable. I found myself feeling strongly for all the characters. Sometimes I hate some of them, some I pitied and a few I even loved.

I adored Vasya the heroine of this story. I loved reading about her journey and I found myself rooting for her with every trial she faced. Vasya is a young woman who hungers for independence in a world she is denied it. I found myself frustrated as she had to deal with people thinking less of her simply because of her gender.

I also loved the magic of this world. The strange little house spirits and the different creatures that lived in the forest. I adored how each one had it's own personality and purpose. It made for such a charming read and made this world feel all the more real.

I would absolutely recommend this book I loved every moment.

I'm so glad others have the exact same feelings as I do about this book.
To begin with I absolutely loved the writing of this book. It has a unique cast of characters that are beautifully fleshed out and a pretty tightly woven story. While the beginning didn't catch me, I fell in love with the story as Vasya became older and roved the woods more. Also, anyone who's a nerd about Russian fairy tales will instantly be able to recognize the stories and characters referenced in this book and can watch them come to life in a new form. Even if you aren't familiar with them, the creatures and their stories are so well described and interlaced into the plot that they're not out of place and you won't feel lost thinking "Who?"

However, the ending of the book is a bit of a mess. It becomes a loose bundle a yarn that leaves you saying, "I guess?"

[Spoilers below]
When Vasya finally meets the "frost-demon" who is mentioned in the first chapter of the book I was looking at the thinning pages and found myself thinking "How's she going to resolve this?" The book has so much build up and tension that becomes lost at the end of the story. The climax is very disappointing and feels like a cop out. And wasn't there a prophecy that Vasya was given half way through the book? Whatever ever happened to her "choosing her own death"? I found it weird that there was so much build up to this "final" battle about Vasya forging her own path and being who she is, yet she ends up relying heavily on the "frost-demon" for help (and I guess falling in love with him? Kind of?). In the final battle Vasya doesn't actually do anything. It's almost like she stopped believe in her own might in the end and fully relied on others (all males) to help her. This is coming from a character who always did stuff on her own despite what anyone told her. Because of it, she kind of became the type of woman she fought against. Helpless.
[Spoiler ends]

I kind of wished this book had ended with a cliffhanger and continued into a sequel. Than Vasya's own strength could have been developed more and the final "fight" would have been better. Oh well, we can only hope for more from here on, right?

Deep in the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year. Hardy souls struggle to carve a life out in a place where the snowdrifts are often taller than the houses.

Young Vasilisa doesn’t mind. She was born to this wild place and happily spends many a winter night huddled around the fire with her siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Of them all, the loves the story of Frost – the blue eyed winter demon who appears in the night to claim unwary souls. Wise is the person who fears him, her nurse says. And wise is the person who honors the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their home from evil.

With Vasilisa’s mother dead, her father; in the realization that his young daughter needs a woman’s influence, marries again. Fiercely devout, the new stepmother forbids the family from keeping the old way and honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa somehow senses that more hinges on the rituals than any one knows.

The Bear and the Nightingale is one of those books that reads like a fairy tale within a fairy tale. As a little girl, Vasilisa grew up on the stories and when she becomes a young woman she finds herself living one. She is the plucky, brave girl with the overbearing and sometimes cruel stepmother. She escapes to the woods or out to the barns where her only friends are animal or spirit. Her father and other siblings are well meaning but they are unfortunately clueless.

Though at times Vasilisa can come across as headstrong, one has to remember that she is a teenager and is reacting as such. Her world is changing, both internally and externally, and she is having to adjust.

Set during a time in history where Russia was undergoing changes both religiously and socially, Arden skillfully weaves a story incorporating these issues in how the characters react. Everyone’s reactions – their anger, their sadness, their fear – all have a realism about them that draws the reader in. The characters are well written and it is easy for one to form an attachment to one or more.

I personally enjoyed reading The Bear and the Nightingale and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

This is such a beautiful book, and I feel so damn lucky that I just didn’t get around to reading it when it first came out, as now I immediately have the second book at hand to continue on with.

Vasya is daughter to a fairly wealthy man. Winters are hard, but he is lord of a small area, commanding a few villages/towns and the lands that surround them. He loses his wife in childbirth of Vasya, but has a handful of children already from previous births, so it is they and Dunya, the nurse/kitchen woman, to raise her. That is, until, the king asks he marry another and he takes a God-fearing woman home with him from the courts. She is seemingly insane and harsh, but she gives Vasya’s father another daughter at least.

The novel is told in a time of second sight, where there are beings who must be respected and bestowed of gifts in order to keep the peace, otherwise crops will wither and the cold will take loved ones in the night. They sleep upon ovens that stay lit through the night for warmth, eat of hard black bread and soft cheese, and pray for endurance. Vasya’s step-mother hates the old ways they live to so far from the big city, and with her presence the little creatures that once did the sewing and mending, or tended to the bathhouse, or looked after the horses, feel they are being chased away.

Then a new priest arrives in their home, and the old ways are spurned all the more. Duyva removes the fey stitches from her apron, and soon it is left to Vasya alone to share her crusts and spill her blood in order to keep her family safe. Despite the stepmother’s fearful demands and beatings, Vasya remains wild and at one with the woods and the whispers, and with these connections her gifts grow as much as they can – as they will need to, if her family is to survive the next winter.

The author says in the back of the book that she took certain liberties with some translations. I know little of Russian folklore so for me this worked beautifully – the many names a single person may be referred to as, what they eat and drink and do, their way of life… I love books where they are more or less controlled by their land (such as many Australian books are, by our need for water and the long stretches of desert) and in this is was, of course, the ice and snow and cold.

I loved the countless creatures and how they each hold their own domain, and none are particularly evil or good; they just are. The same of the stepmother and the priest; they are certainly the antagonists but they were truly acting in what they believed was right for their souls and for the souls around them. Just as Vasya’s father, who has to care for so many people under his lordship.

The book is quite short in a way, yet we see Vasya from birth to womanhood and we see such a packed world in such simple scenes. A whole lot of nothing happens for a while and yet it never feels like nothing is happening; it’s just a beautiful collection of words. This is a very enjoyable piece of work.

Magic and spirits and ghosts all exist; those that feed off of love can protect the household when humans believe in their power, but those that feast upon fear need nothing but for people to loose their faith in the old ones. When the inhabitants of a small town in Russia are forced out of their beliefs by a visiting priest, evil begins to seep in.

Arden weaves a fairy tale that contains beautiful detail, mythology, and history with an adventurous spirit and a sense of wonder. Each household spirit and creature of evil feels tangible as our hero Vasya befriends or battles them to protect her people. Vasya herself is strong-willed and clever with scenes dedicated to showcase her abilities. As this is a coming-of-age story is told from the hero's birth, the beginning almost seems to ramble, yet never loose its footing, as we watch the years pass for Vasya. The beauty of her village is revisited in descriptive language that encourages readers to picture rippling ponds and deep snow drifts, creating a strong bond between the reader and the little town she calls home.

The book shifts from character-driven to plot-driven as conflicting beliefs comes to a boiling point and the lush landscape is nothing but bitter frost. Arden's story is captivating throughout with magic first being sprinkled in each chapter until fantasy breaks free and takes the story from a cozy fireside story to a roaring adventure of fate and destiny.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

The Bear and the Nightingale is a powerful, evocative tale written in the style of old Russian fairy tales with an active narrator, and an oddly close and personal omniscient point of view. The voice carries with it a storyteller’s cadence, mixing telling with experiencing such that the reader is drawn in instead of pushed away until I could feel the sharp bite of cold and the burn of heat. Proof of the book’s success in that is how I accidentally started this novel out of order so had to stop, but when I picked it up again almost three months later, I started right where I’d stopped and what I already knew rose up to inform what I read next.

This is the story of a girl with an unusual bloodline who can see and talk to the old folk when most continue the tributes out of tradition and habit more than true belief. She’s a wild thing, truly unsuited for a female role, who spends her free time running in the forest, returning with all manner of berries and herbs to appease the nurse who raised her when her mother died in childbirth.

At the same time, this is about the clash of old beliefs with new, and the costs of rejecting old truths. When the family priest is replaced by an Orthodox fanatic, he considers the old ways a path to the devil, simultaneously saying God created all things while rejecting those beings created of magic, faith, and tributes to keep the village safe. His rejection is so complete, and his voice so compelling, he convinces everyone to deny what he does not understand and betray truths as a devil’s lie.

You see their world through the eyes of many characters, rife with the little details that make their lives solid and concrete, like using ice blocks for windows in the winter so the light comes in but the cold does not. At the same time, you meet the old creatures from the start, and a reader would have to work hard to believe them nothing more than childhood imagination.

The narrative offers a fascinating look into both how people can be sheep when driven by a hypnotic orator and how blind people can be to the clear line between this rejection and their sufferings. As in most fairy tales, rejection of tradition, of the balance between the fey world and our own, has serious consequences, and the suffering falls on those who were swayed by an evocative voice most of all.

In case it isn’t clear by now, I loved this story with its powerful and complex nature. It contains a bevy of fascinating characters, many not human, and an exploration of the lines between good and evil as well as the slippery slope between saintly and corrupted. There are none so blind as refuse to see, and the priest is blinded by his sins of pride and arrogance, too full of himself to recognize what he’s doing and punishing others for his own weaknesses.

If you like fairy tales but want a full and complete story, this book is for you. The style is traditional rather than modern, but there’s something about the cadence that will throw you into the darkened woods and make you feel the struggle between a new world and the old one.

P.S. I received this novel from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is a novel based on Russian Folklore and is a dark fairytale based on a variety of creatures, gods, and household spirits. The story takes place in the 14th century and follows Vasilisa Petronova, a spirited young girl who has the "Second Sight" as did he mother, who passed away when Vasya was born.

The girl is a bit of a rebel and not one for following rules. She is also able to see a variety of household guardian spirits such as the domovoi who helps clean the house and assist with the mending, spirits of the forest, and spirits of the stables. Oh, she can also communicate with horses. People in the story regularly comment on her wildness, some villagers calling her a wood sprite, others a witch.

One day her father returns from Moscow with a new wife, Anna, who is extremely devout and strict. Anna forbids her family from honoring and providing offerings for the household spirits. Once the people of the village stop making offerings to the spirits, bad things begin to happen: Crops fail, food sources dwindle, children of the village sicken and then die, and evil creatures of the forest begin to draw nearer.

Soon we learn that a beast, known as the bringer of storms, has awoken from the control his brother, Morozko, Lord of Winter has over him. Soon a battle will take place between the two brothers and Vasya has to call upon her innate gifts — gifts that she has hidden from everyone — in order to protect her family and her village from the newly awakened threat.

I found it fascinating to read Vasya's interaction with the spirits and how she integrated herself more and more into their world. And she was such a badass! I loved the strong, bold, rebellious heroine and found myself falling in love with her more and more as the story progressed.

Though she wants to please her family and tries to do what's "proper" for a young lady, she is also not big on rules and desires freedom above all else — freedom to be the person she is meant to be, which of course, create some major conflicts in the story. In so doing, this amazing character succeeds in outsmarting both men and demons.

Another thing I liked was the world building — it was was amazing! I felt that the world that Ms. Arden created in this story was magical, captivating and compelling yet also dark and dangerous. And the detail that went into the storytelling made it real for the reader — or at least it did for me.

The prose is beautiful, incredibly imaginative with vivid descriptions, a truly magical plot and a huge array of interesting and complex characters. This was a perfect fairytale, complete with spirits, demons, a wicked stepmother, tensions between modern religion and the old gods, Russian History and even the walking dead.

I enjoyed the otherworldly, fairytale aspect to it and found it enchanting in every way. I was completely and totally enthralled by this book.

It was an enticing story with a complete and gratifying conclusion. I understand that there is a second book that continues this story, which I definitely will be reading. Recommended!

Let me begin with the fact that I think Russian mythology is great. I regret only that my own people’s mythology could not be preserved in such splendid detail. I grew up with the beginnings of the understanding of Russian folklore at least a little (it’s a neighbouring country) and I found out bits and pieces through other great (non-Russian) fantasy books like Deathless or American Gods. The Bear And The Nightingale only reinforces this feeling! Slavic mythology is great, and I DO want to read more about it.

I also can not believe this was a first book. It’s just so good!

So onto the review. What did I expect from this book? I couldn’t hold back from thinking it would be something like Deathless – a girl, spirited away into the crazy world of beasts and magic, expected to defend herself and clear her own path. But of course, going into the book, I consciously realized that comparing it with another I really liked is by no means a great way to look at a new story. However, I found out it’s absolutely different from Deathless – and that’s great.

We observe Vasya, a Russian girl in the middle ages, growing up. She is not a typical girl, and to be honest, she should have been happier to be born a boy – especially in those days. This is the part of the plot that comes in when the story deals with women’s position in the middle ages – either at the hearth raising babies, or at the coven, hidden away. There was simply no other way to be, and so we learn the cruelty of such a limited existence. Especially if you’re different – like Vasya – a little roguish, a little tomboyish, and.. a little magical.

Vasya has to grow up without a mother. Of course, her father brings her a stepmother – what fairytale does not have one? While she is also ever so slightly magical, these two women are contrasted in how they deal with it. Vasya accepting her gift happily, and Anna only panicking, screaming and running away to hide from what she thinks is her curse.

And so Vasya is shunned by the village, by her stepmother, and pitied by her family. The new strict priest doesn’t help either. Unfortunately, he brings such unrest into the village that people stop observing respectful rites for the old spirits. And slowly, their world tumbles into darkness. I don’t think the author wanted to criticize Christianity so much here – I think she merely wanted to show that if you take people’s belief in the very basis of their existence away, nothing good will come of it. Also, in this critique of the violence of Christianity over other faiths in the middle ages, the author contrasted real faith with broken, fearful faith really well. We see an example of a priest with a very broken spirit and very dark views, but we are also presented with other priestly characters in the story, which are bright and respectful. The author will not tell us what to believe. She will let us choose our own opinion.

So what is this book about? It’s about so many things, so many layers of society and how it works, so many problems in it as well. It’s also about magic and bravery, although I did not mention it in this review. Yes, there’s load of magic and spirits, there’s the evil Bear who symbolizes the evil and greed of the world, and there’s Frost/Death, who is the good guy, as much as demons can be. There’s loads of horses too, and they.. sort of talk. In the end there are even brutal old-Russian style bloodsuckers, which is pretty cool! But for me, that is not what the book is about – those are just the props, so I didn’t talk about them a lot. For those in doubt – it’s a proper fantasy book. And you’ll probably love it! There’s just one thing – don’t expect too much action – this is one of those books where the scene is being set for at least half of the book, steadily darkening the setting. And only when you almost reach the end, you experience the action. It’s also definitely adult fiction, it’s serious and not quirky, no banter or other things common in YA, if you were expecting those. It’s not anything nor the sort. But it is very satisfying, the characters are relatable and the fantasy interwoven into reality so seamlessly you will start looking out for imps in your own back yard.

** Trigger warning for rape and child abuse. **

“What happened?” she asked.

“My fish are gone! Some durak from the village must have come and …”

But Vasya was not listening. She had run to the very brink of the river.

“It’s not yours!” she shouted. “Give it back!” Kolya thought he heard an odd note in the splash of the water, as though it was making a reply. Vasya stamped her foot. “Now!” she yelled. “Catch your own fish!” A deep groan came up from the depths, as of rocks grinding together, and then the basket came flying out of nowhere to hit Vasya in the chest and knock her backward. Instinctively, she clutched it, and turned a grin on her brother.

###

“A prophecy then, sea-maiden.”

“Why do you call me that?” she whispered.

The bannik drifted up to the bench beside her. His beard was the curling steam. “Because you have your great-grandfather’s eyes. Now hear me. You will ride to where earth meets sky. You will be born three times: once of illusions, once of flesh, and once of spirit. You will pluck snowdrops at midwinter, weep for a nightingale, and die by your own choosing.”

###

Marina, thought Pyotr. You left me this mad girl, and I love her well. She is braver and wilder than any of my sons. But what good is that in a woman? I swore I’d keep her safe, but how can I save her from herself?

###

Vasilisa Petrovna is born to a lord and a princess, on the edge of the Russian wilderness, many centuries ago. She comes on the tail of the first howling winds of November, and her mother Marina leaves the earth shortly thereafter. Vasya is raised by her four older siblings – Kolya, Sasha, Olga, and Alyosha – and her mother’s aging nurse, Dunya. And, to a lesser extent, her father Pyotr Vladimirovich: every time Pyotr looks into the face of his screeching child, he sees the ghost of his dead wife. So mostly he avoids dealing with her too much.

With time, Vasya grows wild and bold, just like Marina intended. She can see creatures that others cannot, the chyerty of the old religion: The domovoi, household-spirits who guard the home; the vodianoy in the river and the twig-man in the trees; the vazila, who are one with the horses; the rusalka, the polevik, and the dvornik. Vasya feeds them with bread and friendship; she fortifies their strength and, in return, they teach her their secrets: how to talk to animals, swim like a fish, and climb trees like no human child should be able to.

Marina’s mother, you see, had the gift of second sight. While Marina had only a little of her mother’s gifts, she knew that Vasya would have even more. Much more. A prophecy told her as much. Yet in a Rus’ caught between the old religion and Christianity, Vasya’s neighbors whisper that she’s a witch who cavorts with demons. The arrival of Father Konstantin only deepens the rift between worlds, as do the snow, fire, and famine that follow swiftly on his heels. Though she just wants to keep her family and her village safe, Vasya will soon find herself caught in the middle of a struggle between two ancient forces.

Based in part on the Russian Jack Frost, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE is an epic and sprawling fairy tale that’s packed with whimsical touches and has a wonderfully feminist bent. Vasya is a captivating heroine, and it’s a delight to watch her grow from a sprightly toddler to a tomboyish kid and, finally, a bold and courageous young woman. Despite the amount of shade that’s thrown her way, Vasya risks life and freedom to save her kinsmen and women from themselves.

The struggle between Christianity (as personified by Father Konstantin) and the old gods is compelling, and Konstantin makes for a complicated – yet ultimately vain – villain. In many ways, this plot thread reminded me of HIS DARK MATERIALS: the Church’s demonization of Lyra in general and, more specifically, Father Gomez’s pursuit of Lyra and Will. While you might think, upon his introduction, that Konstantin will be the story’s Big Bad, this isn’t necessarily so. For a time there, I thought I knew where the story was headed – but it took a delightfully unexpected twist.

I also really loved Alyosha and Dunya, all the animals, and of course the many spirits Vasya encounters during her travels: some of them friendly, others cruel, all necessary and vital to this ecosystem we call life.

It’s hard to undersell the “epic and sprawling” part, and it’s essential to know that this is just the first installment in a planned trilogy. I didn’t realize this until I started researching for the review, and so the ending took me aback a little. Out of context, it’s pretty abrupt. So I was pretty psyched to read that we haven’t seen the last of Vasya.

Incidentally, I was left with some unanswered questions – Who is the nightingale in this story, Alyosha or Solovey? What is the significance of the necklace? Why is Morozko considered cruel, when thus far he’s been nothing but kind and helpful? – which I hope will also be explored more fully in the sequels.

** Full disclosure: I received a free electronic ARC for review through NetGalley. **

OVERALL RATING: 3.5 Stars

Whoa, this book was slooooooooooooow… I’m so torn about this one. It didn’t help that I went in with super high expectations, not only because it’s gotten good reviews, but the description sounded right up my alley. In the end, this book had high highs and low lows that were a little disappointing, but won’t deter me from continuing the series.

~| THE UGLY |~
Hmmmm where to start? … This is hard because the stuff I liked I really liked. The setting, writing, characters, and mythical guardians were all amazing to read about and built a magical world that I loved being a part of. But the story—particularly the beginning half—just drags on and on and on. My attention listening to the audiobook kept drifting in waves, which didn’t seem to negatively effect my understanding of the story at all. I paid attention in the beginning, then spaced out, then came back when Vasilisa got lost in the woods and found a one-eyed man, then spaced out again, then came back when her father went to Moscow for a new wife, and so on and so on. To me it feels like the entire beginning could be dramatically condensed and still weave the same amazing tale.

I also had a hard time with this narrator because she was a bit too monotone for me and didn’t help the whole almost-falling-asleep thing. Gati did an amazing job with the Russian accents, so I can understand why she was chosen, but truthfully I found her a tad dull.

~| THE GOOD |~
That being said, if the second book is anything like the last half of this one, I’m guaranteed to love it wholeheartedly. It was so good!!! That frost demon made me FEEL some things! PHEW!! Also, Vasilisa asking the frost demon if he ever gets jiggy with it pretty much made my life. ANYWAY.

I was practically falling asleep on my keyboard all through the beginning, but had to fight the urge to give this five stars by the end. Once Vasya gets older and Anna, her new stepmother, comes to live with the family, the story really picks up and finally managed to capture my attention. That’s when we start seeing more magical creatures and learning the rules of this magical world. And when Vasilisa FINALLY meets up with Morozko (a.k.a the frost demon) IT'S ON.

The writing and world building in this book are AMAZING all the way through. Arden weaves such an enchanting story that just feels like an old Russian folktale as you read it. I know absolutely nothing about Russia during this time period, but she makes it all sound true. It feels like I could time travel back there and find guardians hiding in the forest among the trees.

And Vasilisa’s character is SUBLIME. It’s no exaggeration when I say she’s probably one of my favorite female protagonists ever. Fierce and brave and wild—she always does what’s right for her family, but doesn’t let anyone get in the way of what she wants. Even though we have to suffer through the monotonous beginning, part of me understands why because her character transformation by the end is beautiful. The oppression of women is a physical weight on this book that effects every female character in different ways. Seeing that bear down on Vasilisa made me a little misty-eyed at times, but it was so rewarding to see her determination at the end.

~| FINAL WORD |~
This is just a beautiful book. If you can stick with the slow pace in the beginning, it’s definitely worth it by the end and I’m excited to see where Vasilisa takes us next.

It's not often that I pick up a book by a new author that sweeps me entirely off my feet... but somehow Katherine Arden has managed to do just that. I've always had a fascination with Russia and its mythology and folklore, and I love stories that take familiar myths, fairy tales, and folk tales and retell them with a new twist or style. "The Bear and the Nightingale" was not only set in a country that intrigued me, but incorporated its troubled history and its unique and fascinating folklore as well, so I went into it with high hopes indeed -- even allowing for the fact that it was a first novel and so might not be the author's best work. Well... if "The Bear and the Nightingale" is any indication, Arden is going to be a splendid writer, as her debut novel is one of the best new fantasies I've read in quite a while.

"The Bear and the Nightingale" follows Vasilisa, known to her family as Vasya, a spirited girl who lives with her family at the edge of the Russian wilderness. She has the love of her father and older siblings, as well as the tales of her old nurse and the company of the spirits of the household and forest, to sustain her through the long and bitter winters... until her father brings home a new wife, and a new priest is sent to tend to their village and household. Her stepmother is devout to a degree that borders on insanity, and the priest is determined to save every soul even if he must resort to fear to do so, and as a result Vasya watches the beloved guardians of house and forest dwindle and weaken... and is dismayed to find both stepmother and priest are conspiring to either marry her off or send her to a convent. Determined to strike her own path, Vasya flees into the forest... and discovers she has a greater destiny than marriage or nun-hood, one that will determine the fate of everything she knows and loves.

Arden's writing is very good, descriptive without being overly flowery and keeping a nice and steady pace throughout the novel. There are times when it seems that the writing goes off into odd side tangents, but said tangents end up tying back into the story before too long -- there are few superfluous segments in this story, with even seemingly inconsequential things helping to serve the plot. And Arden incorporates elements of Russian mythology and history quite well, building a world that's both believable and fantastic -- no small feat for any fantasy writer.

Vasya is a surprisingly likable heroine, possessed of her own spirit and personality and not just an empty vessel for the reader to pour their own personality into. She's neither the helpless YA "heroine" who needs a more powerful romantic interest to save her, nor a cliched constantly-angry "strong girl" that seems to be the go-to stereotype for a "strong female character" anymore. Her nurse is a likable soul as well, and though her father is distant for much of her life, it's made very clear that he loves his daughter regardless and wants what's best for her. The stepmother could have easily been made a flat, cliched "wicked stepmother" villain, but she's given her own depth and sympathetic side, and while I disagree with many of her actions, I appreciate that her character is given some complexity and some reasoning behind said actions beyond "I hate my stepdaughter." The priest is less sympathetic as a character, but at least has some motivations behind what he does. The supernatural characters are less complex and have vast portions of their personalities and characters left vague, but perhaps the sequels will flesh them out more...

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is a fantastic story and a promising start from its author. It can easily stand well on its own, but like many fantasies anymore it's also the opening volume of a trilogy... a trilogy I intend to follow. I eagerly look forward to starting the next book, "The Girl in the Tower," and plan on keeping an eye out for more by this author...

This is an excellent read for lovers of historical-style fantasy and fairy tale retellings. It's also a great choice if you seek an atmospheric winter read. While following a traditional plot, the common tropes of folk stories are examined more thoroughly here. The evil stepmother has reasons for her behavior beyond jealousy. The constant equation of beauty to goodness is subtly picked apart. The Bear and the Nightingale is an light but intelligent read. It has the charm of a casual story but enough substance to not be entirely fluff. It's a perfect story for a cold, snowy day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to all involved in providing me with this opportunity.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a novel set in a very medieval, heavily forested northern Rus' in the mid-fourteenth century, many days' travel from the burgeoning, muddy, smoky trading post town of Moscow. This is a time of Byzantine emperors in Constantinople and also a time of old beliefs in household and forest spirits, of vampires and witches, in a silent clash with Christian dogma. In this cold, conflicted atmosphere, lives the household of a great lord, Pyotr Vladimirovich, his wife Marina, the children's nurse Dunya, and Pyotr's children - aristocratic Kolya, devout Sasha, gentle, matronly Olga, little Alyosha, and wild, fey Vasilisa, the youngest. The story opens with Dunya recounting the traditional Russian folk story of Morozko, the demon of winter, the death-god, and of Marfa, the good-hearted beauty of her peasant household and her cold, cruel stepmother, who preferred her daughter from a previous marriage.

The Bear, however, is not a fairy tale for children. For one thing, it's too long (336 pages); for another, the major focus of the story is the conflict between the church and the chillingly real old spirits, some malevolent, some just mischievous, some kind and keeping hearth, home and stable viable in the bitter, snowy Russian north. Rather, this is a bildungsroman of a willful young woman (Vasilisa) who sees and compassionately interacts with these spirits as she grows up in a household under the baleful eye of her new stepmother, Anna, who also sees, but fears, the spirits. They are the only characters with this ability, which they keep hidden out of concern for being branded a witch. Enter a hellfire and brimstone priest, Father Konstantin, to stir the pot, and you have a many-layered blending of history and folklore, of cold compassion and slurping evil, of willfully blind idolatry, foolish trust and innocent courage. It is a tale of fantasy and magic, skillfully interwoven with actual history and people. It is a song played on a balalaika in a minor, eerie, yearning key, full of hope and terror and wonder. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What drew me to Katherine Arden’s debut novel, The Bear and the Nightingale was the reference to Russian Tales, which animated my childhood. I was excited to see how she would use them to tell a new tale. And I am so happy I got to read this book, which plunged me right as I had hoped, into my childhood and the magic world of Ded-Moroz (the Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, call him Father Winter), Baba-Yaga (a witch who looks like a grandma), Russalka (a mermaid with magic powers) and so on. Words cannot describe how much pleasure I had reading this “new tale”.

The Bear and the Nightingale, a classic fairy tale told in a new light, tells the story of Vasilisa (Vasya) Petrovna, youngest daughter of the grand lord of Lesnyaya Zemlia, Pyotr Vladimirovich, who is also brother-in-law to the grand Prince of Moscow, and of her family. Pyotr Vladimirovich was happily married with four children, Kolya, Olya, Sasha and Lyoshka when his wife Marina died in childbirth, bringing to this world his last born – Vasya. Vasya, her mother told Pyotr, would be like her mother was – gifted with the magical blood of her bloodline. As she dies, she begs her husband to take great care of her daughter. Vasya grows curious of mind and of a wandering nature. She strives to be like her brothers, especially Sasha whom is her favorite; she takes upon herself to dress like a boy, and go onto exploring the surrounding forest. She also befriends the house spirits the villagers all leave ritual offerings for, but which only she is able to see. Seven years after Marina’s death, Pyotr decides to take a second wife. He goes to Moscow, to introduce his sons, Kolya and Sasha to their uncle and Prince of Moscow. The Prince himself has a daughter, Anna Dmitrievna, who is said to be crazy, as she sees demons everywhere. To kill two birds with one stone, and ensure his son’s successful succession to the throne, the Prince of Moscow strikes a deal with Pyotr: he will take his daughter as his second wife, and in return, Pyotr’s daughter Olya will get to wed a Prince herself. Sasha decides to join a monastery and serve God, meanwhile Kolya insults a man who turns out to be Morozko, the winter-king. Again, Pyotr finds himself striking a deal in Moscow: he promises to give a gift Morozco has intended for his youngest daughter, Vasya in return for the life of Kolya. As Pyotr returns to Lesnyaya Zemlya, he brings back with him a wind of change. A reluctant bride who will prohibit the villagers to continue to give offerings to the household spirits, through the influence of a new priest, Konstantin Nikonovich. With his arrival, and the promotion of Christianity, horrible things will start to happens, of which only Vasya will have the power to stop.

The book is packed with action, and with sub-story lines which indicate Katherine Arden’s plans for a sequel. Written in a lyrical format, The Bear and the Nightingale is evocative, vivid and rich in beautiful descriptions and imagery. It is a page-turner, with beautifully written scenes waiting at each corner. The introduction of so many characters never feels confusing or overwhelming; instead, each character builds the story and invites us to follow them in their journeys. Besides offering us a new re-tale of classic Russian fairy tales, Katherine Arden also takes inspiration in the transitional period of Medieval Rus’. She explores the slowly rising influence of Christianity on pagan societies, and its clash with the old Rus’ – worshipers of old gods and the traditions that embrace it. Throughout the novel we thus note the clash between old traditions and new ones, acts of bravery and fear, and of course good and evil. Overall, it is a tale beautifully told, and I cannot wait to read the sequel of The Bear and the Nightingale.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group – Ballatine and Del Rey for an ARC of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, in exchange for an honest review.

Young Vasilisa lives at the edge of the Russian wilderness where winter lasts most of the year with her father and siblings. It is here that Vasilisa's gathers the children around the fire at night and tells them the tale of Frost, a much feared blue eyed winter demon that will claim wary souls. The nurse tells the children that as much as Frost is feared they must honor the spirits that protect their homes from evil.

Vasilisa is different from other children, she's able to see the spirits that surround the land around the family. A bit of a wild side Vasilisa spends her time roaming the forrest and interacting with the spirits. After Vasilisa's mother passed away her father traveled to Moscow to find a new wife. The new stepmother shares Vasilisa's vision and forbids the interaction with what she thinks are demons in her new home.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a historical fantasy read that is heavily influenced by Russian folklore and fairy tales. The author did a wonderful job in my opinion with the world building and characters in this story to make a reader feel like it was medieval Russia in the bitter cold as the story develops.

My one drawback with this read leading me to only rate this one 3.5 stars was the pacing of the book. I'm not a huge fan of a slower pace read most of the time and this one did take a very slow route following Vasilisa throughout her life as the story builds from her childhood into adulthood. This is simply personal preference and not by any means a slight on the wonderful story created within this book. I did enjoy the story overall when finished but would simply prefer a faster pace when reading.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

The Bear and the Nightingale has been calling my name for so long now! I was so excited to pick this up and I'm so glad I did!

The Bear and the Nightingale weaves Russian fairy tales together (with some creative license) to tell a story about a wild and brave young girl who can see and talk to spirits. Vasya grows up in a time when women were either wives and mothers or nuns; she doesn't want to be either as she would rather spend her time roaming the forests or riding her horse. But her stepmother and the village priest have other ideas for Vasya, calling her a witch and trying (in vain) to make her change her ways. In fact, the priest instills fear into the heart of the other villagers so that they stop giving to their household spirits that have protected them for so long. Vasya knows that this can bring nothing good as the spirits come to her offering up warnings of the Bear.

What did I love about The Bear and the Nightingale?
1. Vasya as the FMC. She will not be constrained by societal rules and stand by while harm comes to her family or to the villagers. She is so brave!
2. The fairy tale portion. It was fascinating to learn more about these household and forest spirits that the villagers relied on for so long. I loved that bit of culture.
3. The pacing. It takes time to build but not a bad way. This is a slow burn novel that that hints at the trouble to come and I adored it.
4. The Winter King. He was fascinating! And I hope he makes an appearance in future novels.
5. The commentary on societal roles and religion. Katherine Arden deftly weaves in this commentary and provides for food for thought. Such a lasting impression!

The Bear and the Nightingale is the first novel in The Winternight Trilogy, and this was one of the five book series I wanted to read this year. I will admit that I was extremely skeptical about The Bear and the Nightingale. I’m not a fan of Young Adult novels, so I wasn’t sure if I would like this one, either. But I decided to take a chance on it only because it is steeped in Russian folklore and fairy tales. I love everything about Russian history, and the fact that it’s full of Russian fairy tales and folk stories passed down by generations was very enticing. Well, I'm glad I took the chance!

The Bear and the Nightingale reads almost like an actual fairy tale, which was a bit weird getting into. But the characters were so full of charm that I found it really easy getting sucked in. Vasilisa, obviously one of my favorite characters, is full of life and energy and does what she wants no matter the consequences. It’s always characters like these in historical fiction novels that really get my attention.

Katherine Arden has seriously done her research. I’m not saying I’m a forerunner on Russian history and folklore. Far from it, actually. But I made sure to look up the names of the creatures in the story I wasn’t familiar with. Many of them came back in my Google searches as very accurate to the descriptions of Arden, and I love when writers stick as close to the original truth as possible.The story was brilliant, and Arden not only got the facts close to home, but she was able to weave in so much magic and folklore. The story was brilliant, and Arden not only got the facts close to home, but she was able to weave in so much magic and folklore.

I had a great time reading The Bear and the Nightingale. I loved being fully immersed into the cold, snowy northern country of Russia, and Arden gave me such stunning visuals to imagine that I really didn’t want to leave. Luckily, there are two more installments of this series after The Bear and the Nightingale, and I will be making it a priority to read them as well!

Katherine Arden captivates with her storytelling in her debut fantasy The Bear and the Nightingale. Vasya grows up in a family that belongs to two worlds. In a time where devotion to the old gods is dying, Vasya must hide her ability to see the old ones, but her gift may be what saves her as a darkness slowly descends upon the land. Her new stepmother and a recently arrived priest believe these creatures to be demons and are determined to rid the people of their devotion to said gods, but in so doing, they will put everyone in danger. As Vasya grows older, it becomes clear that her journey will bring her closer to Morozko, a demon of winter, but whether he offers help or death is uncertain.

Arden’s novel may be slow-paced for some, but for those who enjoy the journey of a tale and love an intricately woven story, The Bear and the Nighingale unfolds delicately and rewardingly. The novels opens before Vasya is even born where characters like her mother, whom she never gets to know, remain important players in a larger story. With eloquent descriptions that bring the bitter cold of Vasya’s world to life, allow the magic of old to seep through its pages, and takes the reader on an epic journey, Arden’s writing is an utter delight.

I loved how we as readers get to see Vasya grow up. As the world around her is concerned with more dire matters, Vasya grows up wanting to be a part of her older siblings’ lives but is always being told she is too young. Even as a child, she is willful and astute, her eagerness and unabashed openness is sometimes regarded with offense. Her stepmother regards her with barely contained scorn. Her potential beaus are shaken by her audacity and strength. The pious priest Konstantin, takes every opportunity to remind Vasya that she must turn to God and forsake old beliefs. Vasya, despite the disapproval of those around her, remains a strong and able heroine. Brave and selfless, Vasya is a character who is hard to forget and one worthy of admiration.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a wondrous tale of one girl’s strength in the midst of a cruel world and the power of sacrifice. Vasya is a protagonist who is easy to love and with every step she takes, you as a reader feel like you are taking it with her. Characters like the enigmatic Morozko are both dangerous and magnetic, making you want more. With this debut, Arden has secured herself as an author to pay attention to.

Vasya is the youngest daughter of Pyotr Vladimirovich. With her mother passing away when the little girl was born, and older brothers roaming around the house, she grew up wilder and less predictable than her oldest sister Olga. Vasya loves exploring the woods and is more interested in talking to and riding the horses, than doing typical girl things. Her free-spirited nature is frowned upon, but Vasya's father is very forgiving of her youngest daughter. Until, finally, he realises that she needs a mother figure in her life and the old nurse, Dunya, will no longer be sufficient.

Vasya and her stepmother don't get on well, however, and the girl retreats even more into herself, her only friends being creatures than no-one else can see. At first she doesn't realise this is out of the ordinary and she doesn't see any harm in it. But when fear starts descending upon her family and the village, Vasya comes to realise that darker forces are at work, and the fairy tales that Dunya has been telling her all her life, might be more truthful than she ever imagined.

I am not very familiar with Russia and its history and so reading about its culture and customs, albeit fictionalised, within this book is incredibly fascinating. The role of women in their society and the way marriages are arranged are painfully outdated, and incredibly frustrating to read about trough 21st century western eyes, and yet within the context of the story it makes complete sense.

It's what elevates Vasya to such an inspirational and strong character towards the end – as it emphasises that despite the common perception of those around her, girls can be the heroes of the story. And what a hero Vasya is; clever, resourceful and kind, even though she is often not granted the same courtesy.

It isn't just the perception of women that was different to what I know; the role of religion and even what counts as a monarchy within this book feels though slightly familiar, just a tad more otherworldly. It has the same medieval feeling as so many European fairy tales have, but with an incredible detail that makes even the most outrageous political movements more believable. This is a book that is really remarkable in its depth, clearly extremely well-researched and it all fits together perfectly.

And while the story is imaginative and exciting, what stayed with me the most after finishing this book was the beautiful writing throughout. Katherine Arden truly captures the magic of a fantastical tale, lacing the pages not only with adventure but also with melodic words. The rhythmical quality of her writing adds an ethereal atmosphere to what is already a wondrous journey.

Magical and lyrical, The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautiful introduction to Russian fairy tales and after reading this gorgeous novel I'm excited to explore more folklore from this region.

I can’t tell you exactly how many people have recommended Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale to me, but it’s a lot. Having purchased the Kindle edition when it was on sale recently, I decided to finally give it a go. I finished it in less than twenty-four hours, and I found myself wondering WHY DIDN’T I READ THIS SOONER?! I knew I had to finish it quickly, because it was all I could think about. I was going to say that you should read this book if you like fairy tales, but really, you should read this book no matter what, because it’s amazing. I finally understand the hype, and I am HERE FOR IT.

I was hooked from the first page. Arden’s writing is lush and lyrical, and the story is captivating and — of course — magical. I didn’t want to put this book down, and whenever I did, all I could think about was when I would be able to pick it up again. Vasya is a strong, compelling character who refuses to settle for a life she can’t choose for herself. She makes her own choices, accepts the consequences, and above all, makes it clear that no man will bend or break her. Arden does an incredible job of setting each scene, whether it takes place in the village of Lesnaya Zemlya, or Moscow, or Morozko’s fir-grove. The small details make everything more vivid, and the wintry atmosphere lends itself to the folklore feel of this book. There wasn’t anything I disliked. This book was delightful and intoxicating and surprising, and there was never a moment where I felt lost or removed from the story.

I can’t recommend this book enough. I want to buy a copy for everyone I know. It’s a perfect read for any time of the year, but before winter’s totally over, do yourself a favor and read this book. Make yourself a cup of tea, curl up under a blanket, and enjoy!

The more I think about this book, the more I want to go back and read it again. Katherine Arden managed to marry Russian Folklore beautifully to an original tale of her own making.

The story takes place long ago in Northern Rus' where the winters are cold enough to freeze someone in their bed. The protagonist, Vasya, is a young, wild girl, far too wild for what her time period allows. Her grandmother was said to be a witch, her mother died birthing her, and her siblings regularly step in and out of her life. Besides her unruliness, Vasya is set apart because she can see and speak to the house and forest spirits. She never hid that she could see the spirits because her people still honored them, even though they couldn't see them. However, when Vasya's father, Pyotr, remarries an extremely devout woman who can also see the spirits, Vasya's storybook life in her small village in the snow-laden forest is set on its ear. Vasya's stepmother believes the spirits are demons and with the help of a priest, Konstatin, the ban all methods of honoring the spirits, leading to some pretty dire consequences.

There is a strange dynamic between Vasya and Konstatin, he appears bewitched by her and it unsettles him. The conflict between Vasya, Konstatin, and her stepmother ultimately leads Vasya to meeting the more important characters like Solovey, the trusty steed, and Morozko. Morozko is a frost demon, a Winter King from Russian legend. He isn't always kind, but he's dark and mysterious and I really adore him.

I honestly can't tell if there is meant to be romance between Vasya and Morozko, it's almost subtextual. Honestly, I don't think I want Vasya and Morozko to become an item, and since this story doesn't feel completely YA, it's still possible that they won't become a thing. However, there's no way to know until the next books, and it's good that their will be more books because the story does feel somewhat unfinished, like the introduction of a much larger story.

I read this book while on a small jet air ambulance transporting my husband from one hospital to another. It was cold and loud, but The Bear and the Nightingale held me captive for the entire 6 hour flight. I felt the chill of the the Rus' winter, the frosty sting of The Bear's breath, and heard the whispers of the house spirits. Katherine Arden did a wonderful job inserting pieces of old folklore to her intricately woven story.

TL;DR A lovely story set in Russia during medieval times about an unruly girl, her trusty steed, and a frost demon trying to save their little world with a blend of myth and magic. I cannot wait for the next book in the trilogy.

Sometimes I could just kick myself for how long it takes me to start a series that everyone has been talking about. Sum it up to being stubborn or not wanting to be let down by hype reads but whatever have you, I tend to wait most of the time for books that get a lot of rave reviews in the beginning, unless I get an ARC or course.

With The Bear and The Nightingale, I knew I wanted to read it, I really did. I mean, who can resist a Russian setting with a ton of fairy tales and folklore? But I was hesitant. I didn't want to be let down or sucked in only to be disappointed. I do wish I would have started it earlier because it really was fantastic and worth all the praise it has received.

I enjoyed every single page of it and was fascinated by the myths and legends and lore behind the story as well as the mystical creatures and characters. It truly sucked me in and left me wanting more. Thankfully, I already had book two waiting for me on my kindle so I could jump right back into the world that Arden created.

If you want something different and mystical with a wonderfully delightful and cold setting, filled with magic and curses and that old time almost historic feeling, you really need to pick this up.

Atmospheric, compelling, dramatic, charming, and creative... these are only five of the dozens of adjectives I could use to describe this story.

The Bear and the Nightingale takes inspiration from Slavic folklore and the mystic culture of the Russian countryside. The story follows young Vasilisa who grows up among the peculiar spirits and sprites of the forest and hearth who lurk within the magical forests that surround her childhood home and protect the Russian people from a mysterious darkness that lurks beyond

The first line of this story, "It was late winter in northers Rus', the air sullen with wet that was neither rain nor snow" captures the book's atmosphere completely; described with a haunting and lyrical style that mirrors the folklore from which this story draws inspiration. Each member of Vasilisa's family feels drawn from a well of fairy tale characters, each with their own individual charm.

As someone who loves Russian history and enjoys many a Russian folktale myself, this synopsis of this story immediately drew my attention. The author's fascination with and knowledge of the history and folklore of Russia was clear and the entire cast of magical creatures was full of texture and charm.

A key part of the novel is the villagers and their struggle between the superstition of their tradition and the increasingly intrusive Christian influence brought about by Father Konstantin, a priest who is sent to Vasilisa's town when his popularity and political influence in Moscow threatens the young prince's reign. This storyline plays such an important role in the plot of the novel and is handled wonderfully. Every character's insights are revealed through the an all-inclusive narrative style that presents every character's opinions to the reader. Though I don't typically enjoy religious plots in books, this was such a vital thread in the story that I found myself so interested in the topic that I did further research on the topic.

Overall, The Bear and the Nightingale was a wonderful and enchanting story well worth the read. Anyone interested in folktales, Russian history, or just in the mood for a well written and riveting fantasy should definitely pick up this book.

Note: Best read curled in Wintertime curled up by the fire with a cup of tea.
(4.5/5 stars)

This book was so magical and amazing.  Everyone has been recommending this book to me and now I see why. It was so beautifully written, It is a great winter read. This book was feminist and you get to watch the main character grow up, which is something you do not get to do often in Ya. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this Russia fairytale feminist kickass book.

Your MC Vasilisa grows up in a small village on the outside of Moscow. Vasilisa spends her child and teen years exploring and running wild through the forest of her father’s land, like her mother and she does it to also escape from her stepmother. Nature is kept in balance and Vasya enjoys talking with various guardians/demons until one day the beast comes to town and ends up threating her brother and making her father promise to give Vasilia a necklace and the changes this puts in place begin to tip the order of things.

A beast, known as the bringer of storms, has woken and, with the help of this stranger, has gotten out of the control that Morozko, Lord of Winter has over him. Soon a battle will take place between the two brothers and Vasya is the key to help bring some form of peace back into the village.

One aspect I loved about this book was how to author dealt with Christianity. In this book, you have a priest who is basically broken and doesn't honor others beliefs, so when he comes in he makes others forget how to be respectful and still honor others beliefs and rituals, it essentially is what stirs up all the trouble with the old spirits. As Church of Christ, I don't think the author was criticizing the faith at all. I personally loved this aspect of the book the most overall.

Overall this book was fantastic. The climax came a bit early in the book for me and I caught myself re-reading paragraphs to understand some of what happened, but I enjoyed it.

In the depths of rural Russia, winter comes early and stays late. Vasilisa is the daughter of the local landowner and her mother is royalty. She dies in childbirth having Vasilisa so she is raised by the nurse/housekeeper. From her, she learns all the old tales of folklore and about all the benevolent creatures that guard those who feed and accommodate them.

Vasilisa's father goes to the capital to find another wife. On his journey home, he encounters a man who saves him from danger and gives him a necklace for his beautiful daughter. The father is unsure if this is something he wants to do but feels trapped. On his return with his new wife, life becomes different and unhappy for Vasilisa. Her new stepmother is very religious and brings in a stern priest who declares that everyone is doomed unless they give up their old superstitions. She also tries to tame Vasilisa who is a tomboy, roaming the forests and riding horses like a man.

The priest is determined to break Vasilisa as she is the source of strength for those who oppose him. Much of his determination is his intense attraction to her, which he turns into a belief that she has trapped him with magic. He declares her evil but when the evil figures of the past come to take the entire village, only Visilisa may have the strength and knowledge to save her family and friends.

This is a debut novel that introduces a stunning new talent. Arden's book weaves an enchanting tale full of Russian folklore, good and evil, lust and love. The villains are bloodcurdling and life is hard. Visilisa is a strong woman who refuses to be tamed but who is willing to do anything for the family she loves. This book is recommended for fantasy and literary fiction readers.

I'm at a loss for how good this book is. The Bear and The Nightingale is a stunning tale of family, loss, religion, and medieval prejudices. The book has an adult's tone to it and is woven with a dark atmosphere. There are moment of whimsical but even so, The Bear and The Nightingale is so heavy with emotions it could break the sky.

Vasya is one the most amazing and lifelike characters I've ever read. Her spirit and wildish nature, her soft heart and sharp mind, her quick feet and deep beliefs, strung me into her story like a fish on a hook. In those days a woman's existence was limited - a seen but should not be heard scenario. Vasya deliberately defies all these expectations inciting a lot of rumours of her "devilish nature". She experience cruel mockery and discrimination even from the people who love her. In this way, I somehow could relate to Vasya..? Growing up in a society where people are narrow minded I always stuck out for being the wild ragdoll. While reading Vasya's story, it strengthened me to know of the undying belief she had in herself - the way she held herself even when shamed and how she would constantly persevere no matter the danger.

Vasya accepted her strangeness and loved it, but the same could not be said for her stepmother who saw it only as a curse. This, in turn, twisted her into a paranoid and cruel woman. There were moments in the book where the author could draw out my pity for Anna and just as quickly dissolve.

Father Konstantin is a priest in Vasilisa's village who threatens the people with hellfire if they would continue their "pagan ways." Fear is instilled in the people making them blindly devoted to a god they know nothing of. The clash between religions gave the mythical a darker touch, strengthening the terror in the people. Konstantin's character was fascinating; I can only liken him to the Pharisees we read of in the Bible.

Katherine Arden's writing is captivating. I loved how easily she eased us into the story. Arden writes in a way that leaves interpretation for the reader. In a sense that she doesn't go heavy in explanations of why Konstantin is the way he is or why Pyotr could allow Anna to torment Vasya. Each character were portrayed in a bad light as well as a good light. They're complex enough to love and yet remain ambigious. The winter premise of medieval Rus' burns deep into my mind; she created a setting of horror and richness. The slow development of the plot worked best to chill us with the village's superstitions and Vasya's encounters.

I don't think I'll ever get over this book. A new favourite author has been added to my list :)

Set in medieval Russia, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE follows Vasalisa (Vasya) Petrovna, the young daughter of a country noble. Vasya was born with a destiny; her mother sacrificed her own life so that she could inherit her family’s magical heritage. She can see and communicate with the household and woodland spirits around her. However, when her father marries a new devoutly Christian woman, her arrival puts an end to the traditional offerings to the spirits and their protection weakens just as an ancient evil is breaking free of his bonds.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE is quiet and slow, focusing on Vasya’s domestic life for the first two-thirds, but it’s never boring. It completely immerses you the atmosphere of the place and time that it’s set in in a way that few other books do. There’s the obvious comparison to HILD by Nicola Griffth, another story that takes real-life historical figures who are dealing with the advent of Christianity pushing out indigenous religious beliefs and tells their story with an incredible amount of detail about their day-to-day life. But the book reminded me most of the movie Whale Rider in tone, the protagonists of both are young women who know who they are and the world around them must eventually give up trying to contain them and instead bow to their convictions. Vasya is a remarkable protagonist, she acts and thinks like a woman of her time but she’s still almost a force of nature.

The other characters in the book are just as rich as Vasya, even the antagonists. You can’t bring yourself to despise Vasya’s hysterical stepmother Anna or the overzealous village priest Father Konstantin despite the awful things they do because their actions are so obviously motivated by their fear and unhappiness with parts of their life that they could not control. Vasya’s family loves her, but they are people of their time and their adherence to tradition stifles Vasya just as effectively as the more antagonistic characters. But they are still characters you grow to love.

I’ve always been captivated by Russian folklore with its guardian spirits that are an inseparable part of daily life. This book perfectly captures the feeling of living in a such a world and it’s hard to tell where the real world begins and what’s magical because it’s all reality to Vasya. It mixes medieval slice-of-life with fairy tale conventions effortlessly. Morozko the winter-king says to Vasya at some point that magic is just choosing to believe that the world is the way you want it to be and I think that conveys the tone of this book rather well. The worldbuilding is only enhanced by the author’s beautiful prose that conjures up vivid imagery from very few words.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE was one of my favorite books of the year. I particularly appreciated that this book tells a satisfying story by itself. If I didn’t already know there was a sequel, I would have assumed it was a standalone. But I’m so glad that there is a sequel and I have an early copy of it because I can’t wait to spend more time in this world.

I’ll be the first to admit that I know diddly-squat about Russian folklore. So for me, Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale was a great opportunity for me to learn something new while reading an intriguing story. I was a little worried when I started out the book. While it wasn’t boring, the story took its time to develop and I was left wondering at what point does the plot start moving forward. But if you have patience enough, Arden’s book delivers and makes you not regret that you stuck out the slow beginning.

While the book is based on various Russian folklore, there are many elements and ideas that are familiar, making for a read that is a great combination of the new and old. Folklore abound this story may be, as a whole, it had a very familiar fairy tale feel to it. From the magic, to the strong-willed heroine (Vasiliya) and her enigmatic counterpart of a semi-prince (which thankfully has more of an intriguing presence than your Disney princes), to the big baddie and even right down to the evil (?) stepmother, it’s hard to argue against this being a fairy tale. Even if the start of the tale was a little slow for me, I won’t hesitate to say that it managed to create an otherworldly feel, slowly building up the tension where you felt that something was brewing, an unknown that was both a little unnerving and exciting. And I think this was why the beginning didn’t put me off from continuing. Because Arden did good job of building the tension and dropping little hints as to what may be coming that you couldn’t help but want to continue to find out what’s going to happen.

But I’m essentially nitpicking when I mention the beginning because overall the book was a joy to read. Arden brilliantly managed both the historical, human and magical elements. As much I enjoyed reading about all the different guardian spirits of Russian folklore and of the Frost King and his brother, I equally enjoyed the human drama unfolding alongside it. Through the magic and folklore/fairy tale aspects of the story, there’s the underlying conflict between the old pagan ways and the newer Christian religion spreading to go along with Vasilisa struggle to embrace her unique abilities and independent spirit which obviously goes against the grain of the times, especially being a female and which eventually marks her as an outcast and labeled a witch. It doubled the tension and gave this urgent tone to Vasilisa and her village’s plight that carries on through the rest of the book, pulling you into the various conflicts and keeping you engrossed til the end.

I can’t do a review without mentioning Vasilisa. She is really the heart of the story, the emotional core. Without a heroine as compelling, brave, vulnerable and strong-willed as her, this story wouldn’t have the same weight. When we speak of fairy tales with strong heroines that we can point out to little girls, Vasilisa should be included into the mix. And while she goes up against the magical and supernatural, she also had to deal with the constraints and ideas that is applied to her gender. Time and again, I found myself sympathizing and empathizing with her when she is told stay within her place and is expected to follow the norm simply because she’s a girl. While she is strong to go up against the evil facing her and her family, her true strength lies in fighting through the traditional role of women and being who she is in spite of the whispers and criticisms.

I was probably nitpicking the book when I mention the slow start. But the rest of the book made my patience worth it. I loved the overall fairy tale quality of the story with that tinge of darkness. The great blend of history and magic and human drama made it an engaging and engrossing story that was hard to put down. This was a wonderful debut for Arden and it’s made me want to read the other books in The Winternight Trilogy.

The Bear and the Nightingale is the kind of book that caught me right from the start, and where I kept reading and hoping that it was not going to disappoint in the end. It did not. I don't know much about Russian folklore, so I can't speak to the authenticity of that aspect of the book, but for me it was an extremely atmospheric book. I felt drawn into a new world, one that felt both grounded in reality yet had the escapist appeal of a fairy tale. Some spoilers to follow.

This book covers a great deal of time. It opens before Vasilisa's birth and stretches the length of her childhood and adolescence. That it does this without being a 500-page doorstopper is remarkable. There's nothing wrong with lengthy books if they're done well and not chock full of filler, but I admired the economy of this book. It paints a vivid picture of its setting without needing to go into length explanations, and despite my unfamiliarity with Russian folklore, I didn't have trouble following the story or understanding the characters and creatures that populated it.

However, I think the downside to this is that the book sometimes feels rather episodic. We'll get a brief scene (a few pages), and then the book moves on. I think this aspect may turn off some readers, and though I didn't hate it, it did temper the book for me just a bit. There were times when certain plot points didn't feel as fully-fleshed as I would have liked. And though this book is mainly about Vasilisa, there are times when it follows other characters, and I sometimes would have rather had more about Vasilisa and the main plot than, say, what felt like, to me, diversions into Sasha's character that ultimately led nowhere. I felt like his story was building up somewhere, since he's more present than Olga, who is obviously meant to be a background character, but other than a mention of him near the end of the book, nothing happened with him. I didn't dislike his story, but I thought too much of some of the middle sections of the book were occupied with him when I would have preferred more of Vasilisa.

Like good fairy tales, this one has a touch of the grim about it. I often feel like using the words "fairy tale" to describe a book can have the wrong connotation. We're not talking singing princesses larking around the forest with cute animals, here. This book is more in the tradition of Grimms' tales. At no point did I feel that the book was unnecessarily graphic, but some pretty macabre stuff happens in it, and that contributed a great deal to the book's general atmosphere of dread. However, it wasn't all gloom and doom. There are moments of great beauty, and I admired the balance the book struck.

Vasilisa is an outstanding character, and Arden is very clear about how her female heroine butts painfully against the confines of her world. The book has some feminist strains flowing through it, in that Vasilisa is frustrated by how restrictive her society is, and I don't think you can read this book without empathizing with her plight. She has two choices: get married and disappear into her role as wife and mother, or join a convent and disappear into her role as a nun. Neither appeals to her, for plenty of obvious reasons, and throughout the book I cheered her on, hoping she could find a way to forge her own path.

Never once perfect, Vasilisa makes plenty of mistakes and does stupid and dangerous things, but she is a girl and then a woman who is true to her own heart. She doesn't run about her village, sword blazing, challenging everyone with her defiance, but nor does she allow the opinions of others sway her behavior. She's clever, figuring out how to work within her system, and she works hard to protect people who'd sooner spit in her face than try to understand her. She's bitter about this sometimes, as anyone would be, and yet she continues to do what she knows needs to be done. I admired this about her. She's precisely the kind of complicated female character I wanted to see, and I liked that her strength came from a different source than her being a warrior woman. I'm not opposed to those characters either, but I think that what the conversation of the "strong female character" often misses is that strength comes in many forms. Vasilisa can't do what she needs to do on her own, but she learns how to play her part and how to ask others for help when she needs it.

One of my other favorite things about the book is the relationship between Vasilisa and Alyosha, her brother. Though Alyosha buys in to the mores of the day as far as a woman's place in society goes, he is sympathetic to his sister and supportive of her. They don't see eye-to-eye, but he's there for her when she really needs him. I had a strong sense of the love and concern they had for one another, and I enjoyed watching their interactions play out on the page.

It would be remiss of me not to say anything about the Bear and Morozko, but I didn't think that much about them, despite that they are central to the story. They're like most god-like beings in that they dip into and out of the narrative whenever it suits their purpose. I liked learning about this aspect of Russian folklore, but had this book been nothing more than an epic battle between the two of them, I doubt I would have enjoyed it much. Instead, the god-like beings are secondary to the humans, who with all their flaws and petty prejudices often show moments of real wisdom. As any good tale of this sort should be, this isn't a story about humans being subject to brutal gods, it's about the ways in which humans are their own worst enemy. The god-like beings may attempt to manipulate them, but they'd never find a foothold were in not for human nature. At heart, this book is an exploration of human nature, both its good and bad sides.

Katherine Arden strikes me as a promising author, and I am definitely eager to read more of her work. She did not, however, convince me that I wanted to live anywhere near where Vasilisa did. Her vivid depictions of the cold and struggle of Vasilisa's people made me glad to be warm and safe in my own home, and that's the best mark of all of the power of a book.

This is a gorgeous book! It's one of those beauties that's best enjoyed quietly by the fire or soaking in the tub, with a candle and a nice cup of tea. It's a nice, slow book to savor.

That said, I did have one issue with the book. The story is a big mix of fairy tale and God. It made me uncomfortable, personally, and I wish that it had been done in a better way. Most of the characters are very religious(though *not* in a way I agree with). God is portrayed as weak and beneath the "magic" of the fairy tale creatures, at least with my interpretation. He's described as cold and distant by the main character. (Of course, if God was portrayed to me in the same way He is to her, I can't say my opinion would be any different.) I absolutely love fairy tales, but there's such a shaky line created when God is mixed in with the story, and it rarely leaves me satisfied. That part of the story left me unsatisfied in this one, too.

If you don't think that part will bother you, I found the story otherwise very well written and I loved it. The Russian names were a bit hard to connect with, and there were so many of them mentioned, along with various forms of each name used, that I had a hard time keeping them correct in my mind, at least at first. After reading the author's note, I learned that she tried to go easy on us with the names. It would have been even harder to keep track of had she not. Even with the difficulty of the names, the story is still well worth the time and effort.

There's a glossary at the back of the book, and that will help a great deal with some of the words. Many of the words used were completely unfamiliar to me, but once I glanced through the glossary after finishing the book, many things fell into place. (For example, I didn't realize that upyr was just another word for vampire.)

Aside from my dissatisfaction with the way God was portrayed, I really loved this book. I enjoyed reading about the many fairy tale creatures, mixed in with Russian life from long ago. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Content:

Clean!

Depending on how you view the use of the word, there's possibly one very mild use of profanity. This is a very dark fairy tale, and there is violence, but it was never overly gruesome(at least to me, and I'm pretty much a wimp when it comes to that kind of thing). That said, there were some "thrashings"(beating/whipping), and that was disturbing for me. This is considered an adult book, but I'd say it's perfectly fine to hand over to the average young adult reader.

I'll admit I was bogged down with the number of characters and the Russian names and at one point thought about aborting this read... but by the end of part one I was hooked! Sometimes it is worth effort to read on and let your imagination get into it. And, at the end of the book it helps the reader to know that this book is part of a trilogy. Ergo, the loose ends should be likened to a cliff hanger, not bad writing.
The book is Fantasy set in early Russia and features Russian myths and life in a forested setting. I enjoyed the different view on fantasy/mythology the author wove into her tale. I look forward to the next two books in the trilogy.

NOTE: I read all my books in Kindle format and having the ability to highlight a word and get an accurate definition helped me on more than one occasion. Translation from Russian to English brought into play some archaic words that might be lost to the reader if not for the onboard dictionary. The archaic words helped to enrich the tale and I love to learn new vocabulary. It keeps life interesting.

I ordered this for my wife, who really enjoyed this novel; I'll be reading it soon as well based on her thoughts. See more below:

Fairy tales are ALIVE in this darkly beautiful, wintry Russian folk tale.

Aesthetically, fans of the Starks of Winterfell in Game of Thrones will enjoy a similar "lord of the wild north woods" setting in The Bear and The Nightingale. There are swords and sorcery (of a sort). There is also a strong familial element; the heroine's family is integral to the story and their active presence makes the story more complex and interesting. This novel also features a fascinating tension between old and new faiths, and their respective gods.

That's where the similarities to George R.R. Martin's famous fantasy series ends. Anyone who enjoys fairy tale redux will enjoy this tale. The main female protagonist is a young woman of action whose raw tenacity and courage is just sheer joy to behold. The tale itself begins quietly and predictably, with familiar scenes and events, almost like you've read this fairy tale before. Not a lot of subtlety in this meta fairy tale. Anyway, the plot starts at a plodding pace, but gradually builds in layers upon layers of lovely details, and before you know it, you find yourself looking out the window simply enjoying the beauty of the ride.

There is a plot, and it builds nicely, and resolves adequately. But that's not where the book shines. The author creates beautiful, sympathetic and believable characters in this historical fantasy setting that somehow feel real and like something out of a fairy tale at the same time. The tension between girl vs. self, girl vs. nature, and girl vs. everyone else is the tale that is gorgeously, enthrallingly rendered.

Reason for star deduction: There were a few parts where I felt the author hinted at further development for one or two characters, or hinted at unveiling more of a crucial backstory, but I was disappointed to find these elements left unfinished by the novel's end. The denouement also felt slightly rushed, which is too bad since the novel built up so beautifully through the climax.

This is the first book in the Winternight trilogy. The second book in the series is already released and is titled “The Girl in the Tower”. This was a well done novel. I struggled a bit at the beginning but as the story went on I started to really enjoy the book.

I liked the winter Russian setting and the fairy tale feel to the novel. I struggled a bit with the book early on because of all of the Russian names and politics that are thrown at the reader. However, as the book continued this decreased and we got to spend more time with our main characters in a rural forest setting, which was much more engaging and magical to me.

The story has a very traditional sort of fairy tale feel to it. This would be a great “winter” book to read because of the winter setting. The writing style is beautiful and the book ties up at a good spot.

Overall I ended up enjoying this book and plan on continuing with the series. I would recommend to those who enjoy magical fairy tale or folklore types of stories

“All my life,” she said, “I have been told ‘go’ and ‘come.’ I am told how I will live, and I am told how I must die. I must be a man’s servant and a mare for his pleasure, or I must hide myself behind walls and surrender my flesh to a cold, silent god. I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me.”

I LOVED THIS. The message, the atmosphere, the characters....everything. I have never read much Russian mythology, but colored me intrigued....I am all for it now.

This entire book is a retelling of a Russian folklore (to my knowledge, anyway). Vasya, our MC, is a unique child. Her personality and zest for life is so refreshing. I loved her oddities and the strange things she would say to her family. The book starts out with her birth, and follows her into her early teens.

The atmosphere...I couldn't get enough of it. I actually felt like I was in medieval Russia. The descriptions of the world were fantastic, but not overdone. I didn't feel like I was being hit over the head with ridiculous descriptions, yet I felt like I had a good sense of what was going on and where it was taking place. I told my buddy readers that I felt like it would be the perfect book to read while there was a blizzard outside and I had a huge cup of hot chocolate in my hand. It made me think of a cozy winter day and the magic that is a gentle snowfall and a cheerful fireplace.

I don't want to say too much of the plot, because I went into it blind and I felt like it was the best way to experience it. The blurb gives a bit of the plot away, but really doesn't tell you anything, honestly. I would recommend reading a physical copy of this, as there are a lot of similar names that are hard to keep track of with the audiobook. Overall, this has been one of my favorite reads of the year. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!

This is not the genre I normally read, but after reading a review on a blog I follow I picked it up. It is a fantasy/fairytale/historical story all rolled together. Medieval Russia, Rus, in the fourteenth century is the setting. The people living in the villages are Christian with a healthy belief in protective spirits or demons. There is also a belief in some of the more powerful spirits like Morozko, the Russian Jack Frost, a winter demon who can be kind or cruel, and his brother, the Bear, who feeds on fear to become more powerful.

Vasilisa, (Vasya) is the fifth and last child of Pyotr Petrovich, a wealthy landowner, and his wife, Marina, She dies in childbirth, but not until she gets a promise from her husband to take care of her daughter who is her likeness and has her skills. From the beginning the girl is different, running wild and free, to the frustration of her nursemaid and surrogate mother, Dunya. Pyotr eventually remarries Anna, the daughter of a Rus prince. She sends a message to Moscow that they need a priest as the old one had died. When a priest Konstantine, comes unwillingly to the village, he decides the people and their old ways and beliefs are an affront to God. He makes them stop leaving food for the spirits and he stirs up things that should have been left alone. She is a young woman who can see what most cannot and who can speak to those most do not. When she begins to ride the wildest horses and seems to see demons and spirits, she is thought a witch by the villagers. Her father believes that she needs to marry or go to a convent to protect her. Vasya will eventually have to save her village and put her own life in danger.

This was a story that was so beautifully written. The imagery and descriptions of the characters allowed you to see the places and the creatures. The Russian folklore and mythology was easy to understand even if not exact. I loved watching the interactions of Vasya and her siblings as well as her father. The priest was easy to hate and it was hard to see why Vasya kept saving him. I could feel the cold, the misery and the confusion of the villagers and family as the story progressed. The description of the home where Vasya and her family lived with the stove they slept on and the chapel they could sneak in and out of made me feel like I was there. The author never loses sight of the main narrative despite all the strange happenings and I found that amazing. The creatures and characters just added to the story. I recommend this story to anyone as it was not something I would have picked up and as I said earlier, I really enjoyed it.

This book has intrigued me for quite some time. I’ve heard some good things about it and was excited to finally add it to my list.

Katherine Arden’s The Bear and the Nightingale is the first book in the Winternight Trilogy. The Bear and The Nightingale is set in Russia, where winters are hard and household demons run rampant. Vasilisa is the last born of her mother, and just like her mother she carries magic in her blood. She can see and speak with the wood spirits, the river goddess and even the vazila in the horsestables. But her stepmother is a Christian woman who fears the old gods and tries to bring her husband’s lands under a Christian rule. But in doing so, she puts everyone in danger. It’s up to Vasya to save her people and discover who she really is with the help of an unlikely alliance.

Arden weaves a tale of literary beauty and fantasy. While each character has about four different names, which can make it a bit difficult to keep track of them all, the story itself is beautifully written. Perfect for a winter read. I easily fell in love with the characters and the flow of the story had me staying up way past bedtime in order to finish another chapter. I highly recommend picking up The Bear and The Nightingale and I’m excited to read the second installment of the Winternight Trilogy.

In my mind, I am lumping this book together with Naomi Novik's Uprooted, both because it is a fairy tale retelling, and also because of the slavic background.

This is Russia-- and old Russia oweing allegiance to the Khan and populated by vodianoy and domovoi and the Winter-King. It is cold-- and the warmest place is on top of a giant clay oven.

Into this Northern cold, a daughter is born, Vasilisa Petrovna, and she is slightly wild and learns to talk to horses. And no matter that her father loves her and tries to marry her off, she is not meant to be a wife. For the Bear, and his brother, the Winter-King Morozko also want her for their own purposes. When the dead walk, and snowdrops blossom in the snow, Vasilisa may be her people's only hope against fear, famine, and the walking dead.

This novel, set in the cold Russia of days of yore, nevertheless is a slow burn. We meet Vasilisa as a baby and follow her upbringing, experiencing the day-to-day life of farmers and the narrow cage of what roles women are allowed. But it is beautiful in a pitiless way, and Vasilisa and Morozko are fascinating.

I love that Vasilisa is helped by Morozko, but is her own strength. As she tells her brother:

"But I will have my own freedom, Alyosha. Do you doubt me? I brought snowdrops to my stepmother when I ought to have died in the forest. Father is gone; there is no one to hinder. Tell me truly, what is there for me here but walls and cages? I will be free, and I will not count the cost."

This is a lovely, deep-woven tale whose fairy tale beginnings recounted to Vasilisa as a child bear fruit in the end when she must defend her people. I am terribly, terrible glad to see that it is a trilogy, as the only issue I had with Novik's Uprooted is that it ended. Waiting impatiently for the next in the trilogy.

This book took a little longer than I would've liked to get going, in part because it took some time for me to sort out who the characters were, and in part because the narrative begins years before the threat that's described in the flap copy becomes a real issue.

Once I had a firmer grasp on what each of the characters wanted and how they interacted with and related to each other, I found myself swiftly pulled along through the story. Each of the POVs was interesting to me, which is saying a lot, and as much as I loved Vasilisa I never begrudged the others their time on the page. The description was lush and vivid without being long-winded, which I really appreciated, and the tales of fairies and monsters and the magic and mayhem they bring made sense to me throughout. And although I would've loved to have seen the rest of the story unfold as swiftly as the last seventy-five pages did, the slower pace didn't interfere with my enjoyment, and the final confrontation still made me squeal and gasp and tear up.

If you're looking for a slower-paced historical fantasy novel to curl up with on a cold, wintery night, you should definitely give THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE a chance.

Reading this was highly disappointing to me after this book had been hyped so much. Lyrically and from a literary standpoint, it's well written. But I just didn't feel a connection to the story or the main character.

So much of the first half of the book is spent in other characters' perspectives, I never really developed any feelings one way or another toward Vasya. I wasn't annoyed by her, but I wasn't cheering for her either. I felt mostly indifferent toward her. Listing her qualities, she ought to be the type of character I like. But we spent so little time directly with her, I found myself sympathizing more with her 'evil' stepmother and the misguided monk. She gets more focus in the second half of the book, but by that time I'd gotten impatient and bored and was just skimming. The plot itself was fairly predictable, no real shocks or surprises.

Such a shame because I really wanted to love this book. I've been longing for a winter-focused fantasy and this sounded so perfect, I was sure this was it. But I could barely manage to make myself finish it and won't be picking up the next one.

A great story based on duty by a daughter, sacrifice by nurses and parents for those they love most.
I was provided this book from Net Galley for an honest review and I can honestly say this is a wonderful dark read.
This is a tale of old, people struggling to survive and relying on their house spirits to help them with their daily tasks.
2 children move on from the household and the eldest builds a hold of his own but Vasya and Alioya are left with a stepmother who does not care for them and like the youngest child she has gifts that she can see spirits only she believes them demons!
A new priest is sent once theirs dies and he is young, handsome and enigmatic in drawing faith and fear from the village people and taking away the trust on their house spirits.
Vasya is tasked with caring for her people even though they call her witch.
The winter king has noticed the power in Vasya and gives her a talisman but her father and nurse in fear for her keep it from her till it is almost too late.
I won't say much more but its an enchanting read and very blunt much like the Russian people would've been.

Rated 3.5 of 5

I don't normally talk about a cover, but let's face it ... this cover art is beautiful. What it suggests is a lyrical fairy tale, and that's precisely what we get with the story inside.

Author Katherine Arden (whose very name conjures up fairy tale princesses) has written a Russian fairy tale, drawing on her own interest and education in Russian literature and language. But the story doesn't require the reader to know Russian or even the history of Russian literature. The story requires only that you be willing to sit back and be willing to be mesmerized by the poetry of the writing and the descriptions of the countryside.

Vasilisa lives in the Russian countryside. It's a harsh living, where it is winter most of the year, but Vasilisa is accustomed to the life and very satisfied. When her mother dies, her father travels to Moscow and brings back a new wife. This step-mother is a religious women and she forbids the family to worship in their pagan ways. But the way of life in the Russian wilderness is uniquely tied to the land and spirits who inhabit the land and those spirits won't be dismissed without a fight. Vasilisa, who has the unique ability to peer into the spirit world is caught in the crossroads between the old, familiar way of life and the new regime.

Arden gives the reader an allegorical tale of the conflict of Christianity and paganism wrapped in a veil of fairy tale. it is an entrancing tale, but I will admit that I wanted the story to develop a bit faster than it did. The action of the tale really doesn't start until two-thirds of the way into the book. It is all set-up before that, and then the action begins quite suddenly and a little more blending of the two would have made for a smoother story.

I enjoyed my reading of this book and if I were to have a copy of the next book in the (planned) trilogy I would read it as well. But ... at the same time, I'm not in a rush to get the next book. I am not so totally enthralled that I can't wait and if I don't read the next installment, I likely won't miss it.

Looking for a good book? The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a lyrical fairy tale set in the romantic past in the Russian countryside and is engrossing in the language but not quite as much so in the story itself. It is recommended.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Russian weather and medieval culture is interwoven with the story and enhances it. (I wouldn't want to read this on a cold winter's night without a warm stove nearby.) Vasilisa and her family become familiar, though you'll have to remember all the diminutives. Theirs is a happy family with a strong and caring father, Pyotr, and a loving mother, Marina. But then Marina dies, and later Pyotr goes--with two of his sons--to the court at Moscow, where he finds a wife, who is actually forced on him; his daughter Olga is given a husband by the prince's decree also.

Life is not so happy back at home. Pyotr's wife was unwilling and is unhappy. The spirits of hearth, stable, and woods are soon unhappy too as the villagers turn away from the old beliefs, and the new priest from Moscow sets out to herd his new flock in the way he believes is right. Life is complicated, and Vasilisa, almost a feral child and with gifts not understood by those around or herself, survives and learns despite the meanness and whippings of her unhappy stepmother. As the protections of the spirits wither away as they do, life becomes harsher and colder, Crops fail and death stalks the people and animals. Can Vasilisa save her people? Well, she'll certainly try, despite her enemies...

Note; There's a Russian glossary in the back of the book which is interesting and helpful although I think most readers will often get the meaning from the context. The author's note is also interesting re: the background and translations.

Well, this was darker than I expected! Which always means extra points with me.

The Bear and The Nightingale follows Vasilisa, a young girl with the gift to see creatures no one else sees, as her father decides to re-marry. The new wife is a devout catholic young woman who fiercely demands that the old rituals be ceased, so that this Russian village in the middle of the wilderness can finally see the light of the Catholic God. But as misfortune increases, Vasilisa tries to maintain the old costumes alive to save her village from an old, dangerous creature from the creepiest fairy tales she heard…

This book is hardly a story – it’s an experience. The darkness and magic throughout it is so wonderfully interwoven within the world, I could almost feel the chill deep in my bones, the fear and ignorance of people, the danger creeping from between what is being said. I loved reading about this retelling of Russian fairy tales and the uniqueness of the main character, Vasilisa. Each of the creatures presented was fascinating and fit perfectly in the story.

I read it as a Halloween read, but I think as a winter read it would have been even more perfect! It’s not a long book, a bit above 300 pages, so it’s quite perfect for an afternoon of coziness and watching the cold wind howling. I need to re-read this, I think it’s the kind of book that I will like even more upon re-reading.

Trigger Warnings: goriness, religious intolerance, sexism.

This book had some red flags for me. First, it starts out with some folklore. I really just have no patience for folklore. My eyes glaze over and I start skimming. But I hung in and kept going!

Second, the genre lies somewhere between fantasy and historical fiction and magical realism, and magical realism and I have never gotten along well.

Nonetheless, I stuck with the story and really enjoyed it in the end. First, the setting was intriguing to me. It is set in what is basically Russia in the 13oos, at a time when tensions with the Mongols were high. Winter and the wilderness are serious business.

This is essentially the story of Vasya, whose mother dies after her birth and who can see all of the creatures (spirits? gremlins?) that help them throughout the house and the village. When Vasya is still a young child, her father goes to the city and returns with a young bride and a priest, both deeply religious and determined to disabuse Vasya of the notion that she can see these spirits. In the meantime, the village is dying, and Vasya may be the only one who can save them, with the help of a mysterious icy man.

There are a lot of themes to unpack here. The roles of women in society and in the home. The responsibilities that fall upon the eldest sons. And most of all, Christianity versus more pagan beliefs. Overall, religion is the bad guy here.

Though I enjoyed it, there were definitely some flaws. The pacing in the story is off. It really take forever to get to the meat of the story, and then the last act feels rushed. I wish we had spent more time with Vasya as a teen and less time with her as a small child. Also, the treatment of Anna, Vasya’s stepmother, was terrible. She is beat up not only by the story but by the author. I think she was needlessly turned into a villain, when really she was the biggest victim in the story.

This is meant to be the first in a trilogy. I may pick up the others, I haven’t decided yet.

Shauna the book store babe is absolutely right: this book would be great for fans of Uprooted by Naomi Novik.

It's a laboriously slow fantasy. If you're not interested in the family or the tales being slowly weaved around them, it'll feel as unending as the Russian winter.

Age Gap Romance: It's not the extreme hate to love as Uprooted, but it's an older non-mortal guy who doesn't start out as a romance interest at all. He starts off as creepy as The Dragon, but more mysterious than malevolent.

It's core is about a young witch, born unto the old ways and follows her gut/heart on getting shit done and how to do them. She wants to fight and climb and explore but is held back by sexism and this new religion.

She reminds me a bit of Tiffany Aching by Terry Pratchett, but Pratchett is in his own realm, with far more biting humor and a completely different tone.

But it’s a good time for young witches. See also: The Bone Witch and The Labyrinth Lost.

Sadly, I’d recommend all the books mentioned more than Bear & Nightingale. I didn’t realize it was a series until I saw the promos for the next book on Bookish First. I wasn’t excited or really cared, until I read the preview. Now, I’m curious. Now I’d like to read the next one. It’s not the highest priority, but it’s on there.

Not amazing, but not bad.

After hearing this book described as "a dark fairytale for adults," I knew I had to read it. I picked up a copy in the middle of the winter and I must say it was the perfect setting for reading this story.

Ms. Arden weaves the simple yet spectacular tale of Vasya, a girl in rural medieval Russia who possesses magical abilities and can commune with the spirits that inhabit various parts of the environment. When her father remarries, her new stepmother is a devout woman who brings a Christian priest to the village in hopes of saving the souls of its residents. As the priest’s efforts push the spirits out of the village, the citizens are left vulnerable to the growing darkness in the forest. Vasya must work alongside the spirits and Morozko, the ancient and immortal Frost Demon, to save them all.

I would never, ever have guessed this was a debut novel. The rich prose reads like that of an author with decades of experience. This quickly became one of my favorite fantasy novels, along with its sequel The Girl in The Tower. I cannot wait for the third book later in 2018.

This debut novel takes the reader back to the northern reaches of medieval Russia, deep into the wild forests populated with spirits that require tribute from the humans who struggle to survive in the harsh land. As the novel begins Marina, the beloved wife of the local lord returns to the warm hearth where her children are waiting. Later that night she told her husband that would be yet another child at that hearth in a few months time but she did not tell him what that child's arrival would cost or why she was so necessary to the family's survival.

The daughter, Vasalisa, grows to be a wild child rather than an obedient daughter, an unnatural girl who preferred roaming through the woods to sitting by the hearth and who had inherited her mother's gifts to see the wild spirits that others could not. As Vasalisa grew her gifts brought her in increasing conflict with those around her particularly after the arrival of an over pious stepmother and her priest. As those around her began to turn against the old ways Vasalisa alone struggled to appease the benevolent spirits that had protected the family for generations by holding back the evil that also lived in the wilds. Would Vasalisa be able to protect those she loved? and at what cost?

The author has managed to create a world that even though it is totally alien to most readers still draws the reader in to embrace the stories as the characters come to life. Before long the reader is feeling the claustrophobic life as winter imprisons the characters for month after month in the far north. We understand Vasalisa's desperation to escape to the serenity of the stable and the wild freedom of the woods.

The fantasy elements of the story are skillfully balanced against the very real human motivations to create a truly enchanting story.

This book is magical. Fall into the lands of Russ and experience the stories told between its inhabitants. The Bear and the Nightingale is a Russian folklore re-telling, but to me is was just a whole new adventure I never thought I would embark on.

In this story we follow the story of Vasya, a spirited young girl who lives in a village where they honor the spirits with offerings for protections. Vasya is special because she can see and speak to these spirits. Unfortunately, these spirits begin to suffer along with the villagers when a priests comes to spread the new religion of the new God. A new evil is rising, ready to consume everything in its path…and only Vasya can save them all..

I personally don’t know a single russian folklore, so this retelling filled me with curiosity and want for more. Especially with Katherine Arden’s story telling style. She doesn’t just tell you a story but she poetically paints you a picture.

If that isn’t beautiful then I don’t know what is. Her gorgeous writing weaves the plot and the world building together so flawlessly that you do not realize the difference between plot and world building. The subtleness Arden creates in her writing is award worthy. Although there are moments that it feels like the story is dragging on because it may be confused with her world building.

“In the space between one breath and the next, the wind told him a tale: of life and death together, of a child born with the failing year. After and fainter, like an echo, the stranger heard a roar and crash, as of wave on rock. For the barest instant in the reeking hall, he smelled sun and salt and wet stone.”

I want to gush about all the amazing parts of this book, but I do not want to spoil the experience of reading this book…to anyone.

It is fresh. It is new. It is magical.

4.5/5 Stars

Deep in the northern woods, Vasilisa and her family have a life filled with hard work and warmth despite the chilly weather, but all that changes when her father takes a new wife. With an affinity for books inspired by Russian folklore and history, I knew The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden would definitely make it onto my TBR. This was the perfect wintry read to curl up with as snowflakes overtake the grass and I felt just like Vasilisa and her siblings as the story unfolded.

Vasilisa is a strong willed force to be reckoned with both in the wilderness and at home by the hearth. Despite her fierceness, Vasya has moments of tenderness and her devotion to her family was so endearing. She definitely carries the story all by herself but the rest of the cast fit well in their roles. I'm particularly fond of her brothers Sasha and Alyoshka. Plus the priest Konstantin provided a multifaceted arc.

Honestly winter settings usually aren't my favorite but the lush detail Arden provides pulled me deep into the fold. Each scene and character was fully fleshed out and could jump off the page. That goes for her use of history and fairytales as well, especially in regards to the rise of Christianity in Russia. After reading I actually had to look up Arden's background and knowing she spent two years in Russian definitely explains the intense research.

Overall I really adored Vasilisa's journey in The Bear and the Nightingale. It starts off slow but the story and characters are built up piece by piece. Arden captures Russian history and folklore in such a beautiful way and I couldn't help but fall in love with every moment of this tale. I'd highly recommend this title especially to those with a love of fantasy and history. I'm so excited to see what comes next!

Originally posted on Hopeful Reads

This book is one of those lovely fantasy meets history meets magic type of novels. It puts me in mind of Juliet Marillier stories- sweeping, with a courageous and compassionate heroine, complicated mythical beings, and families that have...er..some issues.

The setting is definitely Russia (north of Moscow), roughly 14th century. It's a retelling of Vasilisa the Beautiful, although with less Baba Yaga and spirits of hearth and wood instead of a creepy wooden doll. Arden has done an admirable job of taking a bizarre fairytale and turning it into something lyrical and lovely. Vasya's strength lies in her self-assuredness, her wildness (her belief in the natural world and its magic), and her loyalty. She performs heroic deeds and perseveres in the face of adversity- but all of that is communicated as if the story were being told over a fire by a master storyteller.

From the first page, this novel drew me in and enchanted me. And can we talk about the velvety cover for a moment? Lovely.

I want to see more or Morozka (of course- I need some god/mortal romance, apparently), and more of what Vasya will do next. I fully intend to continue the series, once book 2 is published. The title is a bit awkward, given it touches on the primary antagonist and a side character that is introduce in the final handful of chapters- unless it's an allusion to something that I'm not understanding? Anyway, other titles that would've worked: "Vasilisa Smashes the 14th Century Patriarchy", "You Say Witch, I Say Savior", "Vasilisa and the Hot Winter God", etc.

I recommend this for fans of good fairytale retellings, lyrical (but not florid) prose, historic fantasy, and Russian folklore.

You know the books that suck you in...and you are sneaking in a few pages here and there at work or while you cook, and are devouring huge gulps of it whenever you get more than a few moments? When the book is constantly at the back of your mind and colors your entire world for a few days?

Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale was that book for me. I haven't read such a good book in the longest time, and Arden's lush prose and compelling characters completely consumed me. I felt the bitter Russian winter on my cheeks and the warmth of the fire on my back as I absorbed Vasya's tale. I cannot honestly recommend this book more.

A dark and heavy Russian fairy tale that embodies the best and most imaginative of the genre. The wild savage bravery of the young protagonist and her utter disregard for the "lot of women" are enchanting and remind me so much of myself at her age. Vasya has wisdom and insight beyond her years and loves her family more than life itself. Although her father is a powerful boyar, he can't fully protect her from the stares and talk of the other villagers, the ones that name her witch and talk about her strange eyes, especially when an especially lustful and devout Father comes to the town thanks to the political machinations from Moscow. He latches on to our young protagonist's step mother from the start, and her talk of seeing "demons", the very old gods that Vasya has been trying to protect, whom in turn protect her village. Between the step mother and the prideful vain father, they strike fear in the villagers and make the old gods weaker and weaker until the two most powerful forces in the forest begin to use Vasya toward their own ends to either save man or end him. She's a wonderfully alive and likeable character, a mystery. The story illustrates just how dangerous unchecked religiosity can be when used to inspire fear and make people that are different "other". It's a fantastic story of love and family ties with just enough fey and fairy tale to add an other worldly charm to the story. Great read.

Originally found on bookwormsnook.wordpress.com

Hey, book dragons! So the first book I read in the year of 2018 is the most lovely story of that The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Now this book is defiantly a winter read. So I am so glad that I waited till now to start it.

Now this story was so well written that I just can’t really put into words my love for it. But I shall try. The Bear and The Nightingale was such an atmospheric story that really took you to the world it was creating. Vasya was such a wild character to read form. We really got to know her, as in the story we see her as a little girl till she is all grown up as a young maiden. From the start, she always had one foot, in reality, and one set in the world of legends if you will. And in growing up she kept that, she never changes but came into herself. She is always going to be the wild maiden who can ride like no other.

AM I excited for the second book? Yes, I am, it is because of the second book that I first found out about this book. I am sad that I was not able to get my hands on a signed copy of this book. But here is hoping that maybe someday I can get them signed.

So till the next book, I’ll see you later in the nook!

E.

This is a whimsical story incorporating Russian folklore. Vasilisa is a girl who does not want to be told what to do and has a special gift to see the demons others do now. There are several different types of demons, who live in the forest, in the river and some in households. Vasilisa lives in the wilderness with her father, stepmother, brother and half-sister after her mother died and her older sister and brother married. When Father Konstantine arrives, he scares people with his preaching except for Vasilisa. Will she be able to keep her family safe?

This book has a lot of Russian names that were confusing to me at the beginning, but that petered out as the book progressed. The plot in this story is like a fairy tale so doesn’t make much sense; however, there were parts I liked very much. I liked the house demon, the stable demon, the horses talking to Vasilisa, and the time at the invisible cabin with Morozko. The demon creatures in this book are not all evil and the house demon reminded me a bit of Dobby, the house elf in the Harry Potter series. This is an entertaining read.

This story starts off a bit on the slow side and that slowness almost made me not finish the book. A lot of extraneous story ( for instance there is a a bit of time spent on the brother, Sasha, who wants to be a priest that ends up going nowhere) happens before the author settles into the main story of Vasya. Once the author settles into this story, the book becomes an exciting, and even a bit creepy, read. What this book needed was a good editor to chop out most of the beginning and then this would have been a very good novel. I recommend it cautiously. Understand that it gets stronger about halfway through.

Now—here is a fairytale. A perfect circle. Complete with its own mist and mood. Arden strikes just the perfect tone in rendering her novel with the same notes that a fairytale should have. Fairytales have larger than life characters, good and bad, but mostly they have a fully-fleshed out atmosphere, heady and strong. This story requires a hot cup of tea or steaming coffee, a blanket, and possibly a fire, because winter is here in these pages.

A fresh twist on a classic tale of magic, Vasya, our main character is so full of newness and life. Her utter wildness, her unabashed independence, and her strength of character are enchanting to see develop. She has a wonderful story-arc and at all points she remained true to her character, growing in ways that maintained the story's organic rhythms. I love the easy nature she manages to have intertwined along with her immense fortitude. Somehow it is easy to remember her age; oftentimes I find that characters who are written with a depth greater than their years can hit a false note in some respects, and go beyond it being marvelous, to simply being wholly unbelievable. But here, Arden has found just the right balance; she seems both young and ageless.

The magical element to this story—the old magic of folklore, wives' tales, and bedtime stories—is just as balanced and beautiful as the rest of the story. It whispers and shouts right alongside life, so natural and primary to its world.

Medieval Russia comes alive here, both real and myth, and I look forward to the sequel, The Girl in the Tower.

I loved this book, it was unlike anything I have ever read and I was never bored and learned so much about this folklore. The story starts off with a fairy tale that the nurse tells the children, and then the story in a way follows that fairy tale in the end. It is such an entrancing book. The characters have very strong characteristics. Both Vasya and Anna can see the creatures of fairy tales but have different attitude towards it. Vasya appreciates them and learns from them and grows from them and Anna calls them demons and screeches at the sight of them. You start to have different perceptive of them, to enjoy reading about Vasya and to start to hate Anna.

I want to know more about the fairy tales, I felt like I didn't get enough of the Domovoi, Vazila, and the Rusalka. Those creatures brought so much to the story and just made it even more enjoyable to read.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next. This one didn't end in a cliff hanger but I want to know more about the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and to Random House UK/Ebury Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of this book that I voluntarily choose to review.
I’m a big fan of fairy tales and I’m always happy to discover new tales and stories that fit in that category, or that retell some old classics. And I love the stories based on old folktales that capture the beauty of old language, customs and the historical times and places long gone. The Bear and the Nightingale reminded me how much I like these stories and how the best of them are irresistible, at least for me.
Set in Russia (before it was Russia, as the author explains in her notes), the novel creates a great cast of characters, those “real” (princes and princesses, labourers, farmers, villagers, a landed family with food connections), others with a touch of the paranormal, like the protective spirits (of the house, the door, the stables, the forest, the lakes) that might turn nasty if not fed or treated kindly by human beings, the horrific ones (Death, The Bear, vampires), and animals, like the magical nightingale/horse of the title.
The character at the centre of the story, Vasilisa (Vasya), is the youngest child of her mother, Marina, who wanted to have a girl who would be like her. Marina had the ability to see things others couldn’t (the spirits of the forest, of the house, and she could also talk to animals) and she wants to pass her ability on. She dies when her daughter is born, and young Vasya grows among a family who loves her but doesn’t fully understand her. She can talk to horses, they teach her how to ride, and she can talk to the spirits others believe in but can’t see. She loves the old fairy tales and later realises they’re not only fantasy and old-wives tales. As is still the case, people fear what they can’t understand, and a newcomer, a priest, tries to change things by getting rid of old beliefs and putting the fear of God into people’s hearts. This can only lead to disaster.
The descriptions of the landscapes, the houses, the creatures, the atmosphere and the weather are beautifully achieved, in a style reminiscent of classical fairy-tales. The characters are also fascinating and we get a good understanding of their psychological make-up and of what moves them. Particularly interesting are the priest and Vasya’s stepmother, who try as they might, can’t reconcile their wishes with what is expected of them, but Dunya, the housemaid and ersatz mother to Vasya is a touching character, the family relations are heart-warming and even the animals have their own personalities. The author explains that she has tried to adapt the Russian names to make them easier for English-speaking audiences, and in my opinions she succeeds in both, maintaining the particular characteristics of Russian names, whilst not making it confusing or disorienting. The poetry of the language is another great success and I found the book impossible to put down.
There are many moments of sadness, scary moments, and also moments of the story that will make us think (Vasya is different and misunderstood, accused of being a witch despite her efforts to save her village and her people, the weight of custom and the role of men and women in traditional societies are also subject to discussion, family ties and religious thoughts…), but it is a magical story that will make us remember the child we once were. A word of warning, this is not a story for young children, and although some of the imagery is familiar as is the case with many of the classics, there are cruel and terrifying moments as well.
As an example of the writing, I wanted to share some of the passages I highlighted:
At last, they saw the city itself (Moscow), lusty and squalid, like a fair woman with feet caked in filth.
“In Moscow, priests are in love with their standing and think overmuch of the gold in their churches. They eat fat meat and preach poverty to the miserable.” (This is Sasha, one of Vasya’s brothers, who later becomes a monk).
Here, Vasya complaining of her lot in life:
“I am foolish. I was born for a cage, after all: convent of house, what else is there?”
“All of my life,” she said, “I have been told ‘go’ and ‘come’. I am told how I will live, and I am told how I must die. I must be a man’s servant and a mare for his pleasure, or I must hide myself behind walls and surrender my flesh to a cold, silent god. I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me….”
Just in case I didn’t make myself clear, I love this book, and although I know it’s not the type of book that everybody will like, I’d recommend that you check a sample or the read inside feature and see what you think. You might be rewarded with a magical reading.

I went into this novel knowing that it was a fairy tale retelling, but what I got was an incredible dark pastoral fantasy woven together with dozens of Russian myths. The Bear and the Nightingale was a pleasant surprise and a pleasure to read. The world building in this book is absolutely phenomenal.

The setting is historic Russia bursting at the seams with supernatural elements. The world is full of demons and other spirits, each with their own beliefs and ways of life. I liked that even though many of the spirits were kindly to Vasya, they all weren’t necessarily good in the way you would expect. Some were even a little bit frightening and not all that friendly toward humans. It truly felt like the world had a certain order that was much bigger and centuries older than humanity. The atmosphere was fantastic and I got a real sense of the unknown while reading.

Vasya, eventually dubbed the Wild Maiden, really was spirited and free and I loved her character. The characters in this book are extremely complicated and well developed. I got a real sense of family reading about the Petrovna children. The priest Konstantin was also a fascinating character, he becomes Vasya’s foil and he gave me some serious Claude Frollo vibes. Even though he was frustrating and obviously a negative force for Vasya, I almost liked his character in a way and wanted him to be corrupted, which was what made the book and its characters so brilliant. The two represented the central conflict of the story: religion. The gradual shift from the mythical Slavic tradition of old to the new religion blazing a trail across Eurasia: Christianity. The clash between religions was the driving force of the story and it was phenomenal from start to finish.

I know that it’s still early to call it, but this might just end up being one of my favorite books of the year. I was shocked to find while writing this that The Bear and the Nightingale is the first in a planned trilogy. I’m not entirely sure where the story can go from here, but I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on the series in the future.

This is a beautifully written story based in the pre-tsar period (approx 14th century) of the land known as Rus' (area now known as the Ukraine, Belarus and Western Russia). The story incorporates Rus' fairytales into the world. We follow the life of a family, who have two members who can see "demons", as the orthodox church calls them. These demons are more so protectors and far from hurtful. Leave them tributes and they will watch over your hearth, mend your sowing and mind your horses.

This story also allows brief glimpses into the conflict of the government in early Rus' and also sheds a smidgen of light on the impact of the church's spread across Euroasia. Reading as someone who is uneducated in Russian history, I found the story easy to follow, facinating, captivating and seemingly well researched. Although pagan religion isn't mentioned in the story, I felt that the story showed a transition of society from Pagen to Catholism, adding in the element of fairy tale.

When I picked up this novel I was unaware that this was Katherine's first novel and I commend her this beautiful piece of work. She has done so well.

This had a real classic fantasy feel to it—a bit old-school in the writing style that made me hesitate toward the beginning. And it hoped characters and timelines so quickly that it was hard to know exactly what the focus of the story would be, but I loved the Russian world-building from the start. Many of the characters were interesting and complex. They fit with the historic setting, but still were very sympathetic. And I loved all the different fantasy creatures that were included.
All the fairytale troops were present, but richly developed. It made things a bit slower paced, but it was worth the extra effort. There were so many fun details that just made the setting come alive. :)
Two slight things that bugged me were the feminist and anti-Christian undertones. It was very subtle, but I just got tired of hearing how poor Vasya had no choice but to marry or go to the convent and how “repressive” it was to have things expected of her based on her gender. I get that it was a harder time for women, but it was a harder time for everyone. Boys also had hard things expected of them based on their gender. They also were expected to marry or could be sent to become a priest. And since most other cultural aspects seemed so in line with the time-period, this just stuck out to me as “off,” as being a more modern ideal. It probably was a necessary part of the character conflict though. I probably just need to get over it. :P
Also, I have no problem with a corrupt priest being shown as a villain in favor of the wild druid magic. Priests can certainly be corrupt, and I love wild druid magic in fantasy. But I guess I just wished there was something to balance it out. Something to say that not all Christians are repressive in their views or to show some of the good things that came from their country’s conversation to Christianity. It just seemed really one-sided by the end.
Minor complaints though. It didn’t ruin the book for me. I’d like to read the other books in the series at some point. :)

Review first posted at Girl Who Reads. A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Vasilisa is the odd girl within her family, the one that listens too closely to her nursemaid's stories and believing in the household spirits even after her devout stepmother arrives and forbids her family from performing their usual rituals. She knows that they are just as important as the politics in Moscow, or keeping the people of her father's land safe. The priest from Moscow turns the people away from the old ways, but this actually endangers them all, and Vasilisa must fight with the country spirits to keep the people and land safe.

Set in pre-Christian Russia, the history of the time period is woven into the story as seamlessly as the magic and folklore. Relationships are explained in a very fluid way, and we get a chance to see some of the political machinations that lead to Anna and then Konstantin arriving in Vasilisa's homeland. Arden draws us into the land with very vivid descriptions that show us the love that Vasilisa has for it, even as the villagers call her a witch because of her ability to see spirits. These same spirits are given as much importance as the human characters, even if we don't always learn their histories. Even the antagonists are given the same thorough treatment; each one is the hero of their own story, after all, no matter how misguided, and they all have their place in the fairy tale. Vasilisa is headstrong and willing to do whatever it takes to save the ones she loves, even if it isn't asked for, and is unable to forget the "real world" as she gets more entangled in that of the spirits at the end of the book.

Very engaging read and well done, it's hard to believe that this is Arden's first novel.

I can't believe this excellent story is a debut novel.

Old Nurse tells the children a story of The Wicked Stepmom [tm] who sends her beautiful step daughter to marry Lord Frost. Stepdaughter comes home with a chest of gold. Stepmom sends daughter. Daughter comes home frozen to death.

Then the children's mom dies after birthing a daughter, Vasilia. A fairy daughter.

Ooh, can you spell foreshadowing?

The plot could have gone straight down the expected path, but instead there are many plot twists where a standard trope is turned sideways, and the unexpected pops up. Just for starters, Vasilia is not magically beautiful. Her siblings call her frog-face. And they still love her: one does not have to be beautiful to be beloved.

When Daddy Pyotr goes to the Tsar's city to find a wife for himself and a husband for his eldest daughter, he finds both... um. Well, that was unexpected. Pyotr also meets the bad guy? maybe? or is that the ambiguous could-be-good, could-be-bad, lets-see-how-he-likes-you.

The new wife is supposed to tame fairy-daughter Vasilia, but she has her own problems. Meanwhile, in Moscow, the Tsar has a problem too - will no one rid him of this troublesome priest? Exile to Pyotr's forest solves the royal problem, and seems to solve New Mama's problem too - but the fairy daughter is not such a good daughter of the Church. Here's a conflict that was not foreshadowed in the old nurse's story...

Magic amulets, spirits of the hearth & stable, spirit of the stream, and of course Lord Frost make this a magical story. The Russian naming and nick-naming system is very grounding, for a magical story. Finding out who are the Bear and the Nightingale - amazing. Watching

Vasya lives in a village at the edge of a woods with her family in northern Russia. Having been raised on magical fairy tales and mystical fables that her nanny told her after the death of her mother, Vasya believes in the magic and magical creatures around her. She is also aware of the evil forces around her. So, when frightening spirits endanger her family and her town, brave Vasya knows what to do to protect them.

This is a fairy tale coming to life. The characters are very real and it is easy to feel sympathy and compassion for them. The long Russian winters are so convincing, it would be best to have a quilt and a cup of something hot nearby. The story is so well-written, its lyrical phrases read like poetry. This is a well-crafted story. Sadly, I didn’t care for it. It is not the genre I prefer. Fairy tale lovers will enjoy it.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This has become one of my favorite novels of the year. It's not a fast paced action novel and, while normally during the winter I'd want to read something that takes place somewhere significantly warmer, this book takes place in Russia, a frozen place filled with stories of monsters, witches, and a host of other supernatural folk.

I found that the story was very easy to sink into. It doesn't start out with the main character, Vasilisa, but rather her family and grows from there. We learn intricacies of her family, little facts that unfold as Vasilisa is born to a mother that wanted her more than anything and whose sacrifice has unforeseen consequences. From birth to adolescence to teenage youth there are not only the growing pains that Vasilisa faces, but the ripples in the pond that her family members make, such as her father's second marriage and her brother Sasha's aspirations to monk-hood.

In regards to the writing style, I found it reminiscent of classic Russian novels in the naming conventions, such as female and male differences, plus the slight changes made depending upon the familial relationship to the person in question. It was a bit of a challenge at first because I am not used to reading in that style, but after a couple of chapters I found that it wasn't a bother at all and actually added to my experience in the Russian landscape. It might help if the reader's read manga in the past, actually, because honorifics are used there as well, often with similar nuances depending upon the person you're talking to.

A sweeping fantasy, I think the series has potential to be quite the epic one and I look forward to reading more from the author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The magic is so wonderfully mysterious in this book. The author doesn't try to explain it too much. It's always described how someone would perceive it instead of what it is literally doing. I love it! It feels like nature! It feels real and cold! And scary! And amazing!

The book didn't immediately follow the main character Vasya. It's like reading Cinderella starting with the parent's story, following the father find a new wife, following the supporting characters, following her step mom, following her brothers... It was chapter 7 and I was still waiting for something to happen that was promised. It did start to offer some magic and mystery at that point and then I started to become more hooked. By the end it fulfills all that was promised and more! It takes a while to get there and I wish that part of the book was double the length, hell even like five times the length it's so wonderful!

A favorite part of the book for me happens when one of the characters describes what she is seeing as evil, terrible, and unusual, then the next chapter another character is talking about the same thing as if it is perfectly normal and comfortable. It's wonderful writing to change your state of mind that quickly from a different point of view. Her writing is also lovely when it comes to character's insights. Every once in awhile I would stop and realize that what that character was thinking or feeling was really deep. It wasn't just "He was ready to go home" it would be "He knew a sudden longing for quiet and for plain food", and I would realize that I have felt that way many times after being in a large city or visiting relatives for too long, but that thought was something the author would have to really put her self in that situation to get that feeling. That is just one example but the story is full of wonderful deeper character insights than other books I have read.

Small thing, and it might just be me, but the Russian names mixed with pet names mixed with titles mixed with affectionate names were really hard to follow. After awhile I was able to keep everyone straight but I felt like in the beginning I was going to have to make a cheat sheet to keep everyone straight, and every time I would take a break and come back to reading I would feel like I forgot who was who again. But that's just a little thing in a very complex book.

In the end : I love the scenery, the magic, the cold, the characters, the writing. It wasn't the pace I was expecting but in the end it was definitely a wonderful story!

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden; (4 1/2*)

The Bear and the Nightingale is a wonderfully crafted story that crosses genres and will appeal to large audiences both outside and within the fantasy world of reading. It is so beautifully written and possesses a fairy tale / other worldly quality about it. I think this book will be very well received. The writing is gorgeous and I fell completely in love with the story and its characters.
The story takes place in the wintery medieval Russian wilderness where magic and folklore are a regular part of the life of the Russian peoples, where history and myth coexist.
Vasya never knew her mother as she died shortly after giving birth to the child. She did, however, inherit her mother’s gift of the seeing, or second sight as some call it. Being able to see and commune with the guardians of the houses and the forests, Vasya spends her child and teen years exploring and running wild through the forests of her father’s land. Nature is kept in balance and Vasya enjoys the company of the various guardians.
Then one day a stranger comes to the village and the changes he sets in place begin to tip the order of things. A beast known as the bringer of storms has awoken and with the unintentional help of this stranger has begun to slip the control which his brother, Morozko, Lord of Winter has over him. Soon a battle will take place between the two brothers and Vasya will be the key.
She finds herself at odds with her stepmother and with an ambitious priest who seek to rid the village of demons, just as Vasya tries to keep the old magical protections in place.
This debut novel has the heart of a beautiful fairy tale but it is darker and more lyrical. It is a simple tale but its characters and plot bring along a complexity which makes for a great read. The author explores what happens when fear and ignorance whip people into a frenzy and how society can be persuaded to act against its own best interests. I found this rather creepy in light of what is going on in America today but I loved this novel.

Is it really still February? Because I may have already found a contender for Favorite New Book of 2017.

I'm not kidding. THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE is as beautiful as the reviews have made it sound. It's a story about fairy tales, tradition, and the supernatural, where the line between reality and fantasy blurs and the people of a northern Russia village must decide between the old beliefs that have protected them for so long and a religion that could change everything. It's the story about winter, its beauty, and its dangers. Most importantly, it's about a girl named Vasilisa, who loves a good story, holds her family dear, and is gifted with the sight and ability to communicate with household and nature spirits. And when her stepmother and the village's new priest forbid the family's (and the village's) long-held beliefs, Vasya realizes it might be up to her to confront an awakening evil and save the ones she loves.

Everything about this story took my breath away. The rustic Russian setting, the emphasis on folklore for fantasy elements, wonderful characters (especially Vasya, who's determined to remain true to herself), and Arden's elegant, lyrical prose... It all enchanting me from the beginning, and captivated me until the end. It's dark and frightening at times, yet it never loses its heart or charm. Nor does it sacrifice details of everyday rural life for fantasy's sake. Some people have mentioned that the pacing requires some patience, but to me it was smooth and steady, with rumbles of impending danger in every chapter that slowly build to an exhilarating climax.

I can't find anything critical to say about THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE. It's haunting, whimsical, alluring, and well grounded despite its fantastical elements. You'll pick up this book and lose track of all time as you read, only because you won't want to leave its world until the final page. That's what happened to me.

Bear and the Nightingale: A Novel, Katherine Arden, author; Kathleen Gati, narrator
On a cold winter night, in a house in a remote place in Russia, the children’s nurse, Dunya, was asked by their mother, Marina Ivanova, wife of Pyotr Vladimirovich, to tell the fable about Frost, a creature of many names; Frost or Morozko, was the demon of winter. He was known also as Karachun, the Death God. He had a demon brother, the bringer of storms, Medved, the Bear. They did not get along. The Bear’s evil brings the fire. The frost king brings the cold and ice.
Marina is unique in a special way since she has the ability to see demons as her mother did, but her mother’s gifts were greater. Her mother was referred to as the swan-maiden. In her village, offerings were made to them and they all lived in happy and mostly peaceful harmony.
The fable told to the children is about Boris Borisovich and his daughter named Marfa. His wife, her step mother, was greedy and resented her. She wanted her to be wed to the creature of many names, the winter demon, in order to get rid of her permanently. Darya Nikolaevna convinced Boris to take her into the woods and to leave her beside a particular tree. She wished her to become the bride of the frost king. She did not expect her to return. It was a cold night, and although she grew colder and colder, when she met the demon, she showed no fear. She was gentle, resilient and respectful, and he was impressed with her courage. Although he kept taunting her, basically by asking her if she was warm enough, she always told him that she was quite warm enough. He kept making it colder and colder. She persisted in telling him she was warm enough. Moved by her lack of resistance and quiet acquiescence, he decided to set her free, and he returned her to her home with gifts and jewels. Her step-mother grew even angrier. She wanted her own daughter to be rewarded, convinced that her rewards would be even greater. She convinced Boris to take Lisa to the tree also. Lisa was not gentle or kind, she was rude and defiant. When Boris went looking for her because she did not return on her own, he found the child frozen. Her death led to another’s. Lisa was not rewarded as her mother had expected, and her mother was broken.
When the story continued and the Dunya had finished telling the tale, the reader learned that although Marina was very fragile, very thin and weary looking, she was happily pregnant, and she wanted to have another child, a child “like her mother was”. With the birth of that child, named Vasilisa, Marina’s life came to an end, and life in the village began to change. Vasilisa was a free spirit. She loved the winter and the trees, the river and the creatures that were living in the house and in the forest. The tongues began to wag. They believed she was a witch. She was fearless, a natural tomboy.
Dunya was now Vasilisa’s nurse too, but she had really taken the place of her mother in all ways. Marina’s gifts were passed onto Vasilisa, and she also had the ability to see visions, to see and speak to the spirits. Her gifts were even greater than her mother’s. She was unafraid, actually engaged and befriended the demons. She talked to rusalka, the water spirit who taught her to swim, to vazila, the spirit of horses, who taught her how to talk to the horses, to the horses who taught her how to ride, to the domovoi who lived in the oven and did chores around the house, to the twig-man who lived in the trees, to the vodianoy in the river. She was kind to them and they were equally kind to her.
After several years alone, when Vasilisa was about 7 years old, Pyotr decided to take another wife, to arrange for the marriage of Olga, his oldest daughter, and to introduce his sons, Kolya and Sasha, at court. Marina’s brother was the Grand Prince in Moscow. He wanted to protect his control over the kingdom and he agreed to the marriage of Olga to Vladimir, a grandson of the Grand Prince, Ivan Kalita. By marrying him to someone who was not of royal birth, he would cease to compete to rules the kingdom. Marina’s brother wanted the kingdom to be delivered to his son Dimitri.
When Pyotr was at the court, there was a strange man there as well. His son Kolya antagonized him and to save his son from the man’s revenge, Pyotr made a bargain with him. Unknown to Pyotr, the man had been seeking to find Vasilisa because of her special gifts. He gave him a necklace, a blue stone on a chain, which was an Amulet and admonished him to give it to his last daughter and to instruct her to keep it with her always. Otherwise, he would return and take the life of Kolya.
The Grand Prince agreed to betroth his sister Anna Ivanova to Pyotr. She also saw demons and had been driven to the brink of madness, weeping often. He wanted her to be gone so her reputation would not taint his. Pyotr returned home to introduce her to his other children. When she realized that Vasilisa saw the demons also, she took an immediate dislike to her and blamed her for bringing them there. She believed Vasilisa was a witch. Pyotr gave the blue stone on the chain to Dunya and instructed her to give it to Vasilisa, but she did not. She kept it until she was old enough to understand what it was.
Soon a priest arrived on Pyotr’s land. He changed the character of the village. He appeared pious; he painted icons; he preached against paganism. Yet he was not pure. The priest taught them to fear G-d, to fear the fire. They needed to fear G-d to be saved. He was the messenger of G-d. The fear bred distrust and suspicion. The demons were starving because there were no offerings. The crops began to fail, the weather became brutal. The people grew unhappy, and soon they were afraid. Fear was dangerous. It strengthened the bear. The winters grew colder, the crops failed, the people were hungry, angry and afraid.
Their accumulated fear aroused the demons. They were no longer docile. Animals died violently and children were discovered dead in the snow. Vasilisa was warned by the demons that after fear came fire and then came famine. They told her that Father Konstantine would bring about the end. He preached the fear of G-d. The bear was awakening. As Vasilisa was told that she should “beware the dead, it will be a hard winter, you must not leave the forest” the evil winter king was working his spells over Father Konstantine. The winter king wanted a witch to torment. That demon thrived on fear.
The world of the spirits was clashing with the world of G-d. There was a clash between paganism and religion, between believers and non believers. What was good and what was evil? Were the devil and G-d, the powerful and the powerless, the superstitious and the realists competing for power? Vasilisa tried to save her family and those citizens protected by her father on his lands, but they did not appreciate her efforts. They called her a witch. Their growing fear brought with it great danger. The people had been content and happy until the priest arrived. Now the demons were starving and fighting back. The dangerous bear was, indeed, awakening. Konstantine insisted that if they didn’t fear G-d, the fire would come. They were afraid of the fire, but the fire would actually come because of the fear he was causing. They began to blame Vasilisa for the things that were going wrong.
What did the bay stallion represent? Who was the nightingale? Who or What was the bear? What was the meaning of the bird pendant that Aloysha’s pendant gave to Vasilisa? Why did the demons listen to Vasilisa? Why did Anna believe the visions were in her mind, that she was mad, but that Vasilisa, without fear, believed they were real and was unashamed? What similarities were there between the life of Vasilisa and the life of Marfa, between Vasilisa’s step mother and Marfa’s, between Marfa’s fate and Vasilisa’s?
This novel was read authentically, without undue emotion, and with just the proper tone and stress to keep the reader engaged and guessing. The retelling of the Russian fable was very engaging.

The Bear and the Nightingale was the perfect book to read on a day where I could see snow falling through the window. Arden's writing is lush and beautiful. I adored the fairy-tale feeling of this story. Everything was vivid from the characters to the Russian setting. I was completely immersed.

The book started off a bit slow for me. The writing was exceptionally gorgeous from the beginning, but I had to get used to a slower pace and lots of characters. Once, I was a few chapters in though, I was in for the long haul. I loved Arden's eye for details and I could tell she was passionate about creating a world that seemed real. The Russian setting was exquisite. Also you learned a lot of character's backstories.

Our whole cast of characters was intriguing. Vasya, her father, step-mother, brothers, sisters, nurse, Konstantin, Frost, and many more characters play a part. Vasya is wild, independent, and strange. She's victim to being a woman in medieval Russia so she's treated like property a lot, although she rarely lets others control her. She can ride a horse as good as a man. And she rebels against marriage and the church. She's the underdog you have to root for. There's not a major romance plot line for Vasya here, but I sense one in later books.

One of our main conflicts is the church vs common local beliefs in spirits and fairytales. When a renown priest comes and strikes fear of God into the hearts of the townspeople, the spirits grow hungry and restless as they are ignored and forgotten. Vasya knows this isn't good. And she can see these spirits, and she is also the target of a great evil. The ending of the novel is climatic, powerful, and left me breathless.

Overall, I cannot recommend The Bear and the Nightingale enough. If it starts off feeling slow to you, persevere! I was so glad I did. This is a magical, well-researched, intriguing read. If you love medieval Russia, fairy tales, religion and myths, and atmosphere, pick this book up! I cannot wait to see what Arden does in the sequels. I want to see more of the brother, Sasha, and Morov, The Frost Demon, in book two.

*Received for free from LibraryThing Early Reviewers*

4.5/5 Stars

<i>I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey publishing, and Katherine Arden.</i>

This book was a bit of a personal challenge. It took me over a month to read it and frankly, if I hadn't received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for the review, I probably would've added it to my DNF pile.

The good: the descriptions in this novel are <i>fantastic</i>. I was really able to see Rus' as it was meant to be seen. Vasya's village sprang to life in my head, as did all of the characters and creatures. It is apparent that Arden did a <i>ton</i> of research to get every detail just right. Her love for this novel, its settings, and its characters really shows.

Vasya is a wonderful character. She is not a Mary-Sue by any means, which I appreciate in a character. She is flawed, but strong. She cares deeply about her family, her faith, and her home. She sacrifices everything for all of those things and it is clear that her struggle was worth it in the end.

The bad: This book is slooooooow. I could't stand to read more than 30 minutes at a time until I hit about the 35% mark because nothing seemed like it was happening. I understand the need for all of the exposition now that I have finished the book, but at the time, I had a lot of thoughts along the lines of. <i>"Why is this person important? Why are they going there and spending so much time on this one setting? What will this mean down the line? Does this really need to happen?"</i>. That said, the story is very reminiscent of a folktale being told around the fire over the course of several nights--which is exactly what one would do during the long winters in northern Russia, so while it wasn't my favorite style and pace, I understand what it was such.

Another issue I have with the novel is that all of the characters have, like, 3 names. There's their full name, their nickname, and then there are diminutive forms of those names or other nicknames. I understand that this is very typical of the Russian language (and really, any language), but it did lend some confusion to an already complex story. I appreciate the author's attempts to really bring us into the setting, but it was a little detrimental to the reading experience because I had to take some extra time to sort out all the names.

Altogether not a bad read and once the story picked up. I enjoyed this one, but I don't think I'd go back and read it again simply because of the pacing.

The Bear and the Nightingale begins with a fairy tale, told on a cold Russian night around the warmth of an oven's fire, to a little girl named Vasilisa and her brothers.

Some fairy tales can become reality.

Born in the heart of winter, from the day Vasilisa Petrovna, or Vasya, is born, her family knows she's different, though they still love her with a fierce devotion. Vasya's mother Marina dies during childbirth, bequeathing Vasya her mystical powers. Wanting a mother for his children, Vasya's father travels to Moscow where he finds a new wife, Anna, a relative of Marina's. Anna, like Vasya and Marina, has the sight. They can see the chyerti and domovoi -- guardian spirits and creatures from Russian folklore -- that grace the Russian landscape, though when Anna sees them she believes them to be demons, while Vasya sees them for what they truly are.

When Father Konstantin becomes their village priest, Anna confesses to him that she sees demons everywhere, and the Father knows what he's meant to do in this backward village -- abolish the demons and bring the people back to God. The best way to do this, he believes, is through fear. Threatening God's wrath, he convinces the villagers to stop leaving food out for the domovoi. However, instead of saving the village, he gives power to the evil bear god. Only the god Winter and Vasya can save the village.

The Bear and the Nightingale blends a variety of Russian folklore with history from the Middle Ages. While I'm no expert at Russian folklore, I did pick up on a few fairytale references, like the fairy tales "Vasilisa the Beautiful" and "The Death of Koschei the Deathless". In an interview, Arden also mentions the firebird, "The Twelve Months," and "Morozko."

Vasya is a fun perspective to read from. She's impulsive and independent, and her interactions with the chyerti and domovoi are the most engaging aspects of the novel. Many reviewers have issues with the portrayal of the Christian priest as a villain. I didn't necessarily have issues with that aspect, though all the characters would've benefited from a bit more nuance. While I like and dislike the characters I'm supposed to, a part of me feels like no one is all villain or all hero. However, that's a legitimate way to tell stories, and keeps with the fairytale tradition.

Another minor quibble, I wouldn't want to count the number of times Vasya is compared to a horse (this is especially annoying when her father does it. I understand it when she's being objectified, but he's supposed to be different, more of an ideal father).

However, overall The Bear and the Nightingale is a magical and fun read. If you enjoyed Uprooted by Naomi Novik or Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente (both Eastern European, historical fairytale novels), or The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, you're likely to enjoy this as well. It lacks the darkness of Valente and the romance of Novik and is faster paced than The Golem and the Jinni, but it's along the same lines.

I wonder if this is going to be a series? I would definitely be willing to pick up where we left off with Vasya. She's got to have some more adventures, and I want to read about them.

Rating: 4/5

The Bear and the Nightingale is a love letter to old Rus’.

The other day I found myself missing the Motherland. Once you’ve been to Russia, the spirit of the country latches on to you and you’ll never be able to forget it, even if it forgets you. The Bear and the Nightingale was the perfect answer to my melancholic nostalgia. That being said, rating this book was tricky for me because I love Russian culture so much, so deeply, that it hypnotized and transported me back to those dark and beautiful nights in Moscow and Suzdal and Vladimir and Tolstoy’s estate. I digress, but the point is if you have even the tiniest interest in Russian folklore, the old culture, and adore fairy tales, you’ll be swept up into this rustic and romantic tale of a girl kissed by magic and determined to save her people.

Side note: Throughout the story I yelled at the book in Russian. Like full on what is this??? yelling. The transliteration irked me to no end and then I got to the end of the book and I laughed so hard. That author’s note made my day. She explained her choices and described how she though Russian speakers/students would react to the transliteration-with disdain and hands pretty much clenched in fists. Somehow, the fact that she knew it made it okay.

The Bear and the Nightingale is whimsical, haunting, and twisted like any good fairytale. A blend of many stories known, loved, and feared in Russia still today, The Bear and the Nightingale is one epic journey that spans years. From the house-spirits, to the gods of the elements, to the celebrated figures of Baba Yaga and the Firebird, everything that is inherently Russian is present and accounted for. I loved that the focus was not on these known figures, but on the everyday ones that live in the household and receive offerings, that protect the hearth and livelihood of the family.

This is a love story. Not in the traditional sense, but one of love for the land, for heritage, for culture, and in beings that others believe are myth. There’s not romance in the usual fashion, but there is a hint.

The atmosphere and world building is strong. You’ll become fully immersed in the countryside, the power of the forest and all the magical beings that inhabit it.

I loved Vasya. She’s known for being unattractive, frog-like, and weird, but her spirit makes her beautiful. She’s fierce, determined, sure of herself. She believes when others are filled with doubts. She throws herself into danger, she risks her life, she loves hard and barters for her people. She’s small, but she’s crafty and wild and bold. She does what everyone else in the story wouldn’t dare and that’s what makes her compelling.

On a more somber note, there is some conversion that goes on in the story. Religious crusade of a sort that makes the reader question what happens when people story believing in their folklore, in their old gods, and all the stories that come with them. There’s something heartbreaking and sobering about this war within the people.

The pacing may be slow for some, but it builds as it goes and Vasya becomes more adventurous.

For fans of Russian folklore and Brothers Grimm fairytales this will be a story to delight the senses! Take a journey to medieval Russia and fall in love with a heroine who throws off the chains that her gender imposes upon her and cuts her own path in a world filled with magic, darkness, and conflicting religious beliefs. This is a magical fairy tale for all ages.

This story starts out with a slower pace but I think that it is essential to develop the backstory necessary to carry the story through to the end. There is no doubt that the Author is an excellent researcher and has given much thought to the translation of the Russian fairy tale of Vasilisa the Beautiful collected by Alexander Afanasyev. This story is not simply a re-telling, the author gives the tale immense depth, heart, and passion which then creates a story with a life of its own.

This story is rich in comprehensive descriptions and explanations written in such a way that it would remind you of a tale being told by a fireside on a cold wintery night. It starts with a very detailed telling of the Russian family that Vasilisa is a part of, nursemaid included, with an emphasis on the life of Vasilisa and the history on her mother’s side. It is through that lineage that she has a type of magical ability that allows her to interact with what others cannot see, hear or feel. Such as spirits, demons and other beings.

As she grows she learns that although she needs to conceal her talents, she does not need to ignore them. She develops relationships with the spirits that protect her home as well as in nature which leads to some dire consequences once her new stepmother and a crazy priest come on the scene. There is time of persecution and prejudice for Vasilisa but she must do what she can to save her family, village and the world.

What some readers may find troublesome are that there are multiple perspectives presented. Practically every character gets a voice in this tale and it can get a bit confusing to keep track of everyone’s perspective. There are also multiple names for characters, you will need to play attention in order to keep the varied names assigned to the correct character. I would not be discouraged to give this novel a read though, it is just not a book you can expect to rush.

Bottom line, this is an amazing tale rich in Russian folklore and is best read when you have time to fully digest the details. No worries if you are not versed in Russian folklore though, the Author provides a glossary in the end of the book that covers most of the terms that could cause confusion or where you would need a reference.

This review is based on an ARC I received from LibraryThing and Random House. It is an honest and voluntary review. The advanced receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.

I enjoyed this fairy tale of a story. I did have a difficult time really getting into the story and I am not entirely sure why. Once I became hooked on the story, I couldn't find out what would happen next fast enough. It was at times a slow moving story even though things always seemed to be happening. The descriptions in the story were incredibly vivid. This was the kind of story that will stay with me for some time.

I have seen some descriptions of this story that indicate that this is a re-telling of an old story. I am honestly not well versed in Russian folklore so this story is completely new to me but the underlying fairy tale feel was present throughout the novel. This was a story filled with magic, bravery, and things unexpected. I didn't even have a guess regarding what would eventually happen in this story and it was exciting to watch things unfold.

The story focuses on Vasilisa, or Vasya. Vasya's mother died shortly after her birth so she spends the early years of her life being raised by her father and her nurse along with her sister and three brothers. Vasya is a bit of a wild child spending most of her time in the woods and speaking with the local spirits. Eventually, her father does decide to marry again and comes back from Moscow with a new wife. Vasya's new step-mother is also able to see the local spirits but instead of embracing this skill she fears it and wants the spirits to leave.

I liked Vasya a lot. She was brave throughout the story even when it caused things to be difficult in her life. She always seemed to think about the welfare of others. She trys to honor her families wishes even when she knows that it will cause her tolose the ability to do the things that bring her joy. I really enjoyed all of the characters in this story. Vasya's father tried hard to make the best decisions for her and he did care deeply for her. Her brothers were all very different but they all cared for and supported Vasya in their own way. Her step-mother and the priest were not nearly as likeable but they did add a new element to the story.

I would recommend this book to others. It is such a captivating story told in a wonderful manner. The story is highly imaginative and filled with details that bring it to life. I believe that this is the first book of a planned trilogy and I can't wait to read more of this incredible tale.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Del Ray via NetGalley.

“Blood is one thing. The sight is another. But courage—that is rarest of all, Vasilisa Petrovna.”

The Bear and the Nightingale is the most brilliant fantasy novel I’ve seen since Tolkien wrote, and I want you to understand how different, how special it is. I received my copy free in exchange for an honest review—and those of you that read my last two reviews know that this privilege has never made me obsequious. Thank you Net Galley and Random House Ballantine for the advance copy. It’s worth its weight in spun golden magic, and it will be available to the public this Tuesday, January 10, 2017.

“The brave live…The cowards die in the snow.”

Our protagonist is Vasilisa, affectionately known as Vasya; she’s an adolescent with many talents, some of which are supernatural. She generally keeps these abilities to herself, lest she be called a witch. Her father, Pyotr, is a minor prince in the frozen Northern hinterlands of Russia during the 14th century. The setting here is mesmerizing, and from the first page I understood that this particular story is one I would save for late nights when my family is asleep. Let my other reading be interrupted by the minutiae of running a household, but not this one. This is a juicy tale, perfect for a cold winter night burrowed beneath the quilts. I open this magical tale and am lost inside it.

Our setting is ancient Northern Russia, then known as ‘Rus’, since no central government had formed yet. This is a time when women carry about as much social worth as a poker chip or livestock, and yet as the story progresses, I realize that this is a stand-up-tall feminist folk tale of the highest order; in fact, it’s a lot of things. This is the sort of debut that most likely causes writers like Harper Lee to go back in the house and never publish anything else, lest the second novel be considered a let-down after the first. I hope, however, that we’ll see a lot more of Arden.

Our story commences in the house of Pyotr, a minor prince whose wife has died in childbirth. He loved Marina dearly, but as his daughters grow closer to marriageable age, he knows he must go to Moscow to seek a new bride to run his home, and marry his elder daughter Olga to a man of wealth and power. And though Olga’s match is a good one, it’s in Pyotr’s remarriage that things go badly wrong.

A brief note about the setting and other details involved with time and place. First know that this story does require a relatively high literacy level; for those that struggle with a high vocabulary level, it may prove to be more work than fun. However—for those reading digitally especially—please note that there’s a glossary at the back of the book. And those that are able to read this digitally on a device with a touch screen will be happiest of all, because it’s so easy to touch a word and get a definition immediately. I also ran a few searches due to curiosity, since I was not at all eager for this book to end. I took my time with it, and while I was buried in this magical world, I was nevertheless learning details of history and geography that I hadn’t known before.

Because I taught teenagers how to write for a number of years, it’s my natural inclination, even in an absorbing story such as Arden’s, to go back and look again to see what specifically produced this alchemy. Undoubtedly, the development of multiple characters in a deft, expert manner is essential. There’s not one character in this story that I don’t believe. Every last one of them is real to me, a feat in and of itself when writing fantasy. It takes confidence and authority to tell the reader that although the story contains all manner of supernatural elements, it’s all true, and so are its characters.

But also, there are real life details true to the time and place that Arden weaves in seamlessly. As I reread some key passages, I note that when the men come indoors from the snowy woods, they aren’t merely cold, dirty and tired; they’re covered in scratches, they’re voracious, and their boots steam and stink up the room once they remove them. In another scene, when Pyotr travels far from home, he can afford fine guest lodging, but although he gets a big, soft, fluffy bed, he also has to put up with vermin, because they were a part of everyone’s life. Such details contribute to the immediacy of the story.

It’s Arden’s outstanding word smithery that makes this story a standout. When Arden writes, the mists clear and we are transported, quivering in the snowy forest of the 14th century Russia, tearing pell mell across frozen ground on the back of a noble stallion, facing down death as demons scream and shadows dance.

I won’t spoil any of the subsequent plot points for you, but please know that this is a multifaceted story with a lot of secondary threads that contribute to the main story rather than distracting us from it. To do so in a debut novel is stunning. A particularly interesting side character is Dunya, the nurse that has raised Vasya and has held onto a talisman intended for Vasya at great personal cost.

Messages and possible themes come out of the woodwork once one looks for them. A story such as this one, in which Vasya defends the old pagan deities against the religion of Kostantin, would once upon a time have caused conservative Christian parents to come screaming to the school with their lawyers on their cell phones in one hand and a flaming torch in the other. It could happen still, but what greater honor could Arden ask than to find her way into the ten most frequently banned books?

Meanwhile, in this trying time for independent women, we need strong female characters like Vasya and Dunya to remind girls and women that we are powerful, and that together, we can conquer those that would strip us of our autonomy and march us barefoot back to our kitchens. I have no idea whether any such direct political purpose is intended by Arden, but it certainly serves as a potent message: we will be oppressed only if we let that happen. Those that have even a fraction of Vasya’s independence, confidence and courage can not only prevent the door opportunity from slamming shut; we can knock that door off its hinges, for ourselves, our daughters, and theirs as well.

“’All my life,’ she said, ‘ I have been told ‘go’ and ‘come.’ I am told how I will live, and how I must die. I must be a man’s servant and a mare for his pleasure, or I must hide myself behind walls and surrender my flesh to a cold, silent god. I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of the life appointed me.’”

Those looking for themes here have a banquet of opportunities. Though I would say the story is one of solidarity among women, or of woman’s independence, there are so many other possibilities. One could make a case that this story is about loyalty; one could claim it’s about family. One could say it’s about the victory of the collective good over the pride, greed, and ambition of the individual.

One thing I can say for certain is that The Bear and the Nightingale is impressive any way you approach it. It holds the potential to become a favorite of the genre, handed down lovingly from one generation to the next. Buy it for yourself, for your daughter, your mother, or for any woman that you love, or that loves women and good fiction. A book like this doesn’t come along every day.

Don’t even think of missing this book. You can get it Tuesday, or better still, you can preorder it now.
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Title: The Bear and the Nightingale 
Author: Katherine Arden
Publisher: Del Rey (Random House), 2017 (Jan 10)
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction

**I received a copy of this book free from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

This review can be found on my blog at TeacherofYA dot Wordpress dot com

My Review:

I was trying to find a bigger cover image, because I absolutely love this cover! But this is the biggest I could find. Sigh...it's so pretty and mysterious. And it comes out TODAY!

I don't know if I've read a book I've liked this much in awhile. This story was amazing and beautiful and it kept my attention the entire time.

But let's get on with the plot...and I probably won't do it justice because a LOT happens in this story. 

Pyotr Vladimirovich and his wife, Marina, love each other very much. They live in the woods, away from the large Metropolitan area of Moscow, and they have several children. They are extremely happy. When Marina tells Pyotr that she is pregnant, he worries for his small, frail wife: the winters are harsh in Rus' and she is older than most of child-bearing age. But Marina insists that this child is important. As Marina insists, "I want a child like my mother."

Marina's mother had gifts that her other children do not have. Marina knows her child will have them. And she sacrifices her life for little Vasilisa's, aka Vasya's life. As she grows, she becomes wild and runs around the forest. Eventually, Pyotr realizes that he must wed again, though he still misses and loves his departed wife. He marries Anna, daughter of a powerful man, in exchange for marrying his oldest daughter to his son. But Anna sees demons and isn't really mother material.

As Vasya grows, she grows wild and striking, but not beautiful. She communes with the spirits of the forest and the home, and gives them food and spirits. But soon, a priest comes to Vasya's home: a priest who sees the young and wild Vasya and wants to tame her. He instills fear into the townspeople and they stop giving sacrifices to the sprites in the home. This sets off a chain of events that involves the Winter-king Morozko, and it awakens the Bear, the embodiment of fear and death.

Can a young spirited girl save the spirits and keep the old ways alive? Or will the priest frighten the people so much that doom will fall on the village, the people, and Vasya's family?

In a story rich with folklore and magic, Arden weaves an original narrative that reads like a fairy tale. Beautiful and mystical, Vasya is a wilderness princess that I rooted for until the end. 

Is It Classroom-Appropriate?

Yes yes yes! I plan to get a physical copy of this book however I can. This book would be great for the classroom. Though not technically "historical fiction" according to some, I feel the Russian references and folklore would be great to use in the classroom, and the narrative itself is strong and would bring up great discussions. It would be interesting to talk about the differences in the culture and the time period, along with the ideas of beauty and wealth.

I can already picture lesson plans in my head! I love all the material that can be used in this book!

Age Range:

Honestly, I know this isn't a YA book, but I can see readers of all ages enjoy this. It's not a hard read...however, it is long. It is textually rich and filled with plot. I would say the minimum age for the best comprehension would be 12 and up, and that's also if the 12 year old is an advanced reader. If not, then at least 14 so the reader can follow all the developments as the story spans years and every bit is important to the story. Fortunately, there's nothing at ALL inappropriate so for this book, age is less important than reading level.

I'm actually not surprised that some classify this book as YA. When I go into reading an adult book, I ready myself for a different kind of "tone" to the book. This book did not have that tone. I can't describe it. I'm just in love with this story!

End Result:

If you haven't guessed yet, I'm a big fan of The Bear and the Nightingale. I added it to my favorited shelf. I even began to tear up at a certain part...which I won't go into because it would be a major spoiler. I loved the whole book and never got bored, therefore I give this book ★★★★★!

Happy Reading, y'all! Better check this one out if you haven't yet: I recommend to EVERYONE!

The book starts off on a late winter night in northern Rus’ (Russia) in Pytor Vladimirovich’s house. Dunya and the children (Kolya, Sascha, Olya and Akyosha) were gathered around the oven and Dunya was about to tell the children a folktale about the frost-demon, the winter-king Karachun when their mother, Marina, came in from outside and joined in listening to the tale. Pytor was outside, assisting an ewe give birth to a lamb. When he finally came in, Marina told him her news. She was expecting another child and this child was to be like her mother….who was known as a witch-woman and had mysterious powers. She could tame animals, dream the future and summon rain. Pytor was understandably a little worried about the news. Marina wasn’t a young woman and he was afraid that she wouldn’t be strong enough for the birth.

He was right. Marina died shortly after giving birth to Vasilisa (Vasya) and what she predicted came true. Vasya was a headstrong, willful and almost feral. She wasn’t an attractive girl. Her eyes and mouth were too big, skinny with long fingers and huge feet. Her eyes were amazing

But the child’s eyes were the color of the forest during a summer thunderstorm, and her wide mouth was sweet

So a promise of future beauty.

It was when she was this age that she got lost in the forest outside her house and came upon an old man sleeping in the roots of a tree. Thinking, as any 6-year-old would, that she could wake him up and he would know the way to her father’s house, she shook him. Only to find out that he is a hideously disfigured man. One eye was missing, with the socket sewn shut and with hideous scars on that side of her face. Still, she invites him back to her house….if he can take her home. Then a truly supernatural thing happens, as she goes to take this stranger’s hand, a man on a white horse comes thundering to where they were, makes the old man go back to sleep and frightens Vasya…who ends up being found by Sascha, her beloved older brother.

It was after that escapade that Pytor decides to head to Moscow and get a wife for himself. He takes Sasha and Kolya with him. It was while he was there that he meets a mysterious stranger who gives him a beautiful jewel and tells him to hold on to it until Vasya gets older. If he doesn’t, this mysterious man will come after and kill Kolya.

Pytor does find a wife while in Moscow. His late wife’s half brother’s daughter…..who sees demons and is classified as mad by her father, stepmother and servants. Anna is her name and she quickly becomes my least favorite person in the book. After discovering that Vasya can talk to the household spirits (the domovois’ that took care of the hearth and helped with household chores, the vazila who helped with the stables and taking care of the horses) and with non household spirits, such as a rusalka (similar to a water nymph but with a taste for human blood), Anna would beat her to get her repent. Not that it did any good. Vasya only became more feral, more headstrong.

When Vasya turns fourteen, a new priest is sent to her village since the old one has died. Anna begs the Metropolitan to send a new one and they did. A young priest named Konstantin Nikonovich who is considered somewhat of an upstart and is sent there to straighten him out. Anna is thrilled because he is driving out the demons (aka the household spirits) that she seems. Vasya, not so much, and she resorts to leaving offerings for them where her stepmother can’t see them or in rooms where she doesn’t go.

It is also during that time that the mysterious man makes an appearance in Dunya’s dream and he demands that she give Vasya the necklace. Dunya makes a bargain with him to wait another year to give it to her. In that year, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong.

If you want to find out what happened in that year and the spectacular ending, read the book!!

I loved Vasya. She was a spunky girl who called it like it was and wasn’t afraid to stand up to anyone or anything. I did think, at one point, that her spunkiness was going to get her killed but it didn’t.

The end of the book is definitely a must read. It was fantastic and definitely a battle between good and evil. The very end of the book , though, is what got me and it made me smile.

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Katherine Arden’s first book should grip anyone with a love for old folk/faerie tales, especially those who prefer their those tales to have more than a whiff of the darkly sinister about them – less Perrault, more Grimm, and. perhaps heavy with Pagan roots.

Arden, in transpires, is a Russophile, and spent some time in Russia as a student, steeping herself in its Medieval past. The Bear and The Nightingale is, by all accounts, the first volume of a trilogy. I’m glad I didn’t know that when I requested it from NetGallley, as I’m not wildly enamoured of the fantasy/fantasy YA genre, particularly where sequels are concerned, as my prejudices tell me this may all be too marketing driven and not enough driven by creative integrity.

However….prejudice is so often there to be exposed and exploded, and, after a slow start, Arden hooked me up and tied me tight into her wonderful tale of a family, minor relatives by marriage of the tsar of the time, living far away from Moscow. The central character is a wild, witchen child – or, at least one who sees more than others, and is aware of the myriad domestic and nature deities which are well established in the pantheon of pre-Christian (and even post-Christian) myths and legends from classical times. And Slavic folk lore has many of these.

Vasya’s mother Marina, who died giving birth to her, (they always seem to) had a kind of second sight, and could see those nature and hearth deities. She is happily and passionately married to Pyotr, a heroic, but ordinarily mortal man. Most of her children are four square without other powers, but Vasya and her older brother Sasha ‘see beyond’

The old religion and a mystical Christianity have to sit side by side with each other, sometimes easily, and sometimes….not. Some of those with additional powers, like Marina, and like Vasya, juggle a more universal sense of holy and sacred better than others.

When a highly devout and charismatic priest with dreams of leadership and glory is banished from Moscow to Pyotr’s domaine, a deadly clash between faiths and practices is set in place. And compounded by the fact that Pyotr has had a new wife foisted on him, by the Tsar – for political reasons. The new wife, Vasya’s stepmother, is not much older than Vasya, who is standing on the edge of moving from girl to woman. There are the usual folk tale tropes of wicked – or at least, spiteful, stepmother and far nobler, braver stepdaughter, but there are also darker forces around, as stepmother Anna, who also has powers to see the native deities of the house, the woods and the forests, fears and hates them as demons. She wishes not to be a wife, not to be a mother, and longs to be a Christian nun. Vasya, the most wonderfully spirited, passionate child and woman wishes to be curtailed by wifedom, motherhood nor a Bride of Christ. She is akin to elementals and wishes for a life of adventure, which her sex denies her

There are wonderfully dark forces abroad in this, satisfyingly archetypal battles between Good and Evil – except, which is which, is not always so simplistically obvious. The dark Marozko, Frost King, demon of winter is simultaneously a less malevolent figure, Jack Frost.

And saint-like beautiful priest Konstantin, who paints fabulous icons, and seeks to lead the people away from worshipping older gods, is desperate to hear the voice of God

Suffice it to say, the story started a little slowly, but I kept reading with some interest until the hooks took hold, as Vasya became old enough to show her heroic qualities

The marketing of the book is falling between several stools – because the writing itself is quite complex, it has an adult, fantasy marketing but the age of the central character mark it as Young Adult. I requested it from NetGalley on its General Fiction (ie NOT YA) marketing, and only as I neared the end wondered whether it would ALSO appeal to that market.

Definitely a read for short days and long midwinter nights though………..

And, yes, I WILL be looking out for the sequel………..

4 ½ stars, rounded up

Every so often a book comes along that is so good it just blows your mind. In 2014 it was Red Rising, 2015 was Uprooted, in 2016 it was Nevernight and I know it's early to say this but for 2017 it's The Bear and the Nightingale. These are the kinds of books that I actually get anxious about writing reviews for because I know I'll never be able to do them justice. They're the books that I end up buying multiple copies of, books that I walk around bookshops surreptitiously moving them into more prominent places on the shelves and books I start physically handing to random strangers. Basically if you're going to buy one book a year based on my recommendations these are the ones I would push at you.

This is the story of Vasya, the youngest daughter of Pyotr and Marina Vladimirovich. Her mother died just after giving birth to her but Vasya is doted on by her older brothers and sister and she has a wild streak a mile wide. Vasya is a quite a tomboy who would rather spend her time running in the forest or in the stable looking after the horses than indoors learning to cook and sew, she also inherited her mother's second sight and spends her time communicating with the guardians and spirits who look after the land. She isn't afraid of the strange creatures she finds, in fact she befriends most of them and does her best to help them stay alive when the rest of her village start to turn away from them. As Vasya gets older her father begins to worry that she'll never find a husband if she doesn't start to act like a proper young lady so he remarries hoping his new wife will be a good influence. Unfortunately things don't quite work out as planned and when another new arrival appears in the village things just go from bad to worse.

The Bear and the Nightingale is part historical fiction, part fantasy and all magical fairytale. It's beautifully written and highly atmospheric, the perfect book to read on a cold winter's night when you're wrapped up snuggly by an open fire and sipping from a mug of hot chocolate. Katherine Arden weaves a tale so evocative that you'll feel like the world around you is blanketed in snow and you'll be half tempted to leave out an offering of bread and honey for the hearth-spirits in your kitchen. There are so many things I want to say about this book but I find myself lost for words, it really is just the kind of lush story that you have to read for yourself to fully appreciate. I was utterly obsessed when I was reading this, I didn't want to put it down for a minute and I'm already anticipating a reread before the sequel comes out. It's hard to believe that this is actually a debut novel but Katherine Arden has earned a spot on my auto-buy list and I can't wait to see where she takes Vasya's story next.

Source: Received from Del Rey in exchange for an honest review

This novel is a real gem. While many books have been published that build on traditional fairy tales and folklore, it’s rare for them to be as successful as this one is in recreating the feel of those stories, particularly the darkness that many of them have at their core. It’s also rare for authors to step outside the Western European tales to take on the folk traditions in other parts of the world—in this case, Russia.

Set in the countryside north of Moscow in the thirteenth century, the novel opens with a nursemaid telling her charges a story featuring an innocent maiden, a wicked stepmother, and Lord Frost, the demon lord of winter (and, in an earlier incarnation, death). This tale is a foreshadowing of things to come for the heroine of the novel, Vasilisa.

The daughter of the local lord, Vasya grows up happily playing among spirits of the forest and hearth, creatures no one else can see. When her father remarries, her stepmother forbids their household from providing offerings to the domestic spirits, which she believes are demons. She is supported by the new village priest, an outsider who speaks out against the old beliefs that predate the worship of Christ. Under their influence, the village turns away from honoring the spirits and begins to lose the protections that these creatures provide against more malevolent forces, like Medved, a one-eyed bear demon who feeds on fear and despair. Only Vasya and her few allies—including Medved’s brother, Lord Frost—can stand against him when he wakes in the deadly winter season.

This novel is a perfect wintertime read. Arden does an excellent job in evoking the cold, darkness, and privation of the Russian winter and the suffering of the people trying to survive it. Even though Vasya’s family is part of the aristocracy, they too face the dangers posed by wolves and other predators, starvation, and freezing to death. It’s easy to understand why the deadly spirits that they most fear are tied to that season.

While the world building and folklore elements were handled beautifully, I also appreciated Arden’s care in creating well-rounded human characters to inhabit her story, particularly her effort to give some complexity to the human antagonists that endanger Vasya’s village. The evil stepmother, Anna, is jealous, petty, and cruel in her treatment of Vasya. At the same time, she is pitiable, because her deeds are in part provoked by her extreme fear of the strange creatures that she, like Vasya, is able to see. The priest Konstantin is motivated by a genuine faith, but he is also driven by lust and vanity. He’s not completely evil, but his combination of blind faith in God and in himself makes him an easy target for temptation.

The only thing that bothered me a bit about the book was that the ending seemed a little abrupt. After a lot of buildup, evil was vanquished rather quickly, although not without significant sacrifice. That’s a relatively minor quibble when weighed against all the good things about this novel, though.

I’d highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy folkloric fantasy. Arden is apparently writing two more books set in this world; the next will feature Vasya, her warrior-monk brother Sasha, and her sister Princess Olga. I’m looking forward to finding out what further adventures Vasya and her family will face in future volumes!

An ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not even sure where to start. This is a wild and starkly beautiful book. The author took great care to research and base her stories on old Russian folktales and as a result this book is full of magic and peril. The atmosphere and locations are bleak and icy cold. You feel as though this story can easily spin out of control and that the safety and future happiness of your favorite characters is by no means guaranteed. I love books like that.

That sense of danger makes it a compelling read, which is then amplified by the sense of culture and history you get when reading. I had a great time looking up the demons of Russian folktales that exist in the book. For example, the Domovoi, little household spirits who protect the people who feed them and Morozco, a kind of ice god who can freeze the life out of you. There were many other interesting creatures and I really wish I were more familiar with Russian fairy tales, I feel like it would have added to my enjoyment. Ultimately, at the crux of the story is the fading belief in the Old Gods with the advent of Christianity. This affects the lives of the villagers in ways they could not anticipate, putting them at the mercy of creatures who only want to destroy them.

The characterizations in the book were really wonderful. Each person had complex motivations and interactions with one another. Where they stood with regards to the change in faith was extremely complicated. At the forefront is Vasya, a young woman tied to the Old Gods, and as a result finds herself at odds with an increasingly suspicious village. Vasya is a real gem of a character. She is bold, impulsive, courageous, impatient and loving. She is motivated by her love of her family and her fierce independence.

Vasya did not see. She let the necklace go. She leaned forward. “All my life,” she said, “I have been told ‘go’ and ‘come’. I am told how I will live, and I am told how I must die. I mut be a man’s servant and a mare for his pleasure, or I must hide myself behind walls and surrender my flesh to a cold, silent god. I would walk into the jaws of hell itself, if it were a path of my own choosing. I would rather die tomorrow in the forest than live a hundred years of this life appointed me. Please. Please, let me help you.

How can you help but love her when you hear her talk like that! It’s all about freedom. The freedom to make her own choices in life, or even the freedom to lay down that life if need be. Freedom is what we see in the old magic, which you can use only if you allow things be as they are and not force them to be how you want them to be. Even if doing so is a little dangerous. The old magic has a freedom that is in opposition to the new religion of the land which is focused on controlling the people and hammering the world into it’s image. This is a remarkable book. At once a really good, somewhat scary folktale and an intriguing look at the world. I loved it. I fully recommend it.

Song for this book: I had a hard time with this one. I picked a Russian songs early on in my reading, but found I needed something with a certain wild, rustic feel. So I went with Jig of Life, an Irish song by Kate Bush. It matches best in emotional content but not in location. “Well, ain’t that a geographical oddity!”

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley.

Received from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was inspired by Russian Fairy Tales.

Vasya grows up wild after her Mother dies in childbirth. Her Mother had become skinny and weak prior to her birth but wanted a child " a daughter" like her grandmother. A child with "gifts". Unfortunately her Mother does not survive her birth and Vasya grows up believing she killed her Mother and that she is not attractive or beguiling as her sister. She also sees "creatures" that no one else can see and she has a connection to the horses in the stables. Her father and older siblings can't seem to tame her. It is suggested that her father take a second wife in hopes that a "new" mother will help tame this wild nature loving child. Her step Mother is not an evil stepmother but a young woman herself who never wanted to marry. She had hoped to spend her life in a covenant. She feared the "house-spirits" that she saw and hoped to stop her step daughter from seeing them.

This is the ultimate fail as her father's second wife seems to see the same "demons" that Vasya does. To make things more interesting, her father is approached by a stranger in the forest with piercing eyes who has an amulet for the young girl. Her father is instructed to give the necklace to his daughter and that she must always have it on her. Vasya's nurse maid ultimately keeps the amulet and only gives it to Vasya when she feels she is ready to take possession of it. Meanwhile a force, a bear, if you will, has awoken in the forest and is threatening to destroy them all.

At first I was not sure how I felt about this book. I kept starting it and then putting it down and opting to read other books. Then finally I thought "this is enough already." This book has been compared to Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I really enjoyed that book and decided to give this book the old college try.

Why was it so hard to get into? Initially because I needed to get used to a book with so many unusual names. This may sound trite but it is true. Also, I have been reading a lot of mysteries lately and was in the groove of reading them. But when I sat down and gave this book the old college try, I found that it slowly creeps up on you much like the "spirits" and "demons" of this book. This fairy tale about/within a fairy tale set in a far away Russian kingdom slowly came to life and slowly sucked me in. I don't even know how I would categorize this book. What I will say is that my description does not do it justice. This book had a lot of atmosphere and one could feel the cold and mounting dread as the bear awakens. The imagery is amazing and I could literally "see" this book unfolding before me. There is not a HUGE amount of action in this book. It really does build, giving the reader the "chills" as the suspense builds to the books finale. What seemed like a hard book to get into turned into a hard book to put down.

An interesting book for lovers of fairy tales, folklore, or fantasy-type books.

In her debut novel, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE, Katherine Arden vaults herself into the historical fantasy stratosphere. She’s the new, glittering star amidst longtime luminaries like Naomi Novik and Joanne Harris. Arden paints a stark, yet enchanting, portrait of a medieval Russian landscape and the battle between ancient ghosts that refuse to be laid to rest and the hard, glittering new allure of Christianity and its adherents.

Meet Vasilisa (Vasya) Petrovna, the unruly, spirited daughter of a Russian noble. Her mother died at Vasya’s birth; as the youngest of a large family, the young girl is allowed to run wild in the northern forests. A haze of magic hangs over the woods and the Petrovich estate, where the age-old spirits of Russia past linger, on the verge of fading into mere fairy tales, but visible to a select few --- including Vasya.

Content to remain amongst her siblings, Vasya’s world is turned upside down when her father heads to Moscow, meets a mysterious stranger who gives him a jewel for Vasya, and returns with a husband for her sister and a new bride for himself. Her new stepmother, Anna Ivanovna, is reputedly mad, but it turns out that she simply sees the same otherworldly beings as Vasya. Tormented by what she thinks are demons, Anna lashes out at her rebellious stepdaughter and attaches herself to the village’s new priest.

But amidst trouble at home, Vasya is haunted by specters, vampires and zombies that encroach on her home. The spirit world is dying, and it’s up to this witchy young woman to save it, all while dodging her vengeful stepmother, her disapproving father, and the two creatures battling for her very soul: a grasping frost creature and the Lord of Death himself.

Arden makes northern Russia a lush, evocative background for a young girl’s journey to womanhood and self-actualization. Vasya is an appealing heroine, one whose determination to save the old ways and whose clear-eyed perspective are the magical world’s northern star. The author does wait quite a long time to actually bring Vasya fully into the Otherworld, and her compelling scenes in that realm are far too short. But the magic is otherwise alive and well throughout THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE.

Reviewed by Carly Silver

Book: The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank Del Rey, the publisher, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ads for this book have been filling up my Goodreads page and inbox, so I decided to check this one out. I was very surprised to see that it was on Netgalley and even more surprised whenever I got approved for an ARC. I had high expectations for this one. So many people have compared it to Uprooted by Naomi Novik. I have heard about Uprooted and how many people love it, but have never read it.

Every once in awhile, you come across a gem by a debut author....A gem that is sure to take the reading world on a journey like no other....Well, I am proud to present that gem to you....

The Bear and the Nightingale is one of those books that pulls you in right away. The writing is stunning and the world building is super. It kind of reminded me a lot of the feeling that I got from the Six of Crows books. Add in Russian fairy tales and you know that this is going to be a great read. Like probably many others, I really don't know that much about Russian fairy tales, but I really did not feel lost. Katherine adds just enough details to fill in the holes.

Our story takes place in a Russian, wilderness village, where everything about the way of life is rather harsh. Don't let the setting get you down. The characters are well done and come right off the page. There is such a huge cast of them and they are all done to a level that just bypasses so many others. Vasya is probably my favourite. She is a bit of free spirit and does not let anyone get in her way. Some people would call her a bit of a brat, but I really didn't see it. I just think she is a girl who knows what she wants and how to get it.

I am not sure what Russian fairytale this is based on. I have a hunch that it is based on Jack Frost. I know a bunch of people are not fans of retellings, but give this one a chance. It does not read like a retelling. Katherine adds so many wonderful details and her writing is just simply beautiful. It reads like an original story set in historical Russia. Think of it as being just another fantasy book that you know you are going to fall in love with.

The Bear and the Nightingale is set to come out in January 2017. I really do feel bad for the people who are going to have to wait so long to read this excellent book. I will not be surprised if this book is at the top of the bestseller lists and becomes one of the most talked about books of 2017. It sure deserves to become all of that and more...Plus, I think it would make a great movie....hint...hint...

This is a story about family, love, friendship and choice. It was a story full of fantasy, mystery, heartbreak but also hope, forgiveness and faith.

The Bear and The Nightingale was an entertaining read and came with plenty of twists and turns. Vasya was a likable heroine, she was brave and she proved her worth against all odds. She won me over with her acceptance and her willingness to stand up for what she believed in. The supporting characters really bring this story to life. I was entranced by mysterious Morozko, charmed by the brave Solovey, and intrigued by the domovoi. Special mention to Aloysha, wish there had been more of him, especially since a lot of page time is used for both Sasha and Olga, only to have them fade slowly out of the picture. Even the villain is left at a loose end, what ever happened to Konstantin?

The story takes place in the wilds of Russia, and I loved the scenery and imagery that the author gives us. The time, the place and people were detailed just enough to paint a vivid picture but not so detailed that the story got lost under unnecessary detail. I admit the beginning of the story did leave me feeling overwhelmed with all the names and faces but eventually the characters started to distinguish themselves and the story fell into a smoother pattern.

For the most part I loved this story (and I absolutely loved this cover! So pretty). It was intense with it's old world feel and fantastical hidden meanings. But there were also things I didn't really like. Of course the evil stepmother thing drove me up the wall. It was a bit cliche, Pytrov's claim of loving Marina felt weak when he so easily is manipulated by his new young wife. The family dynamic changed and I hated that he was so easily absolved of his past mistakes like that. Vasya's relationship with Dunya, her nanny, and Aloysha, her brother, made up for it but still not enough to completely change my original opinion of Pytrov. I mentioned already the fact that we are basically left hanging when it comes to Olga and Sasha, Vasya's other sister and brother. It felt like they would reappear or play a bigger role in the grand scheme of things and then poof, they went away and their story arch was never explored further.

And then there is the ending, normally I like a solid end the story with concrete ideas of what happens to the characters. The Bear and The Nightingale surprised me with it's ending. Even more because I was okay with the chance to self interpret Vasya's fate. It allowed me to imagine my own version of events and that's a first for me. Definitely give credit where its due here, the author proved her skills at story telling and I'll be keeping my eye out for more of this author.

Favorite Line:
"Blood is one thing. The sight is another. But courage - that is rarest of all."

*** ARC provided for an honest review ***

   First and foremost, a big thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me access to an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I am grateful as always!
                A young woman’s village is threatened by forces both real and fantastic in Arden’s debut novel.    Vasalisa grew up hearing Russian fairy tales from her nurse to while away the long winters.  Only she knows them for what they are, though.  She, like her grandmother, can see the spirits of the household and surrounding areas that help them.  When a new priest comes to town, he scares the villagers into giving up the old ways- the spirits are no longer getting the little offerings that sustained them.  Some are weakening, some are angry, and they aren’t the worst that’s out there.  There’s something stronger, older, out in the woods. 
                Vasalisa and her village become pawns in an old battle.  She must take up against a demon to protect what she loves, even if they will not love her back.  Called a witch and worse, Vasalisa must jump into a fairytale-like scenario to protect her family that can’t understand her, and the village that won’t accept her.  When all is settled, though, will she finally find her place in the world?
                  I loved this book!  The premise was interesting enough for me to become enthralled with the idea before page one.  The execution was fantastic.  This cold, magical world came into sharp focus through Arden’s fantastical prose.  Love them or hate them (and there were some I truly hated) the characters were well developed and intriguing.  Vasalisa, the wild girl that worried her family, sparked from the page with her warmth and generosity of spirit, her bravery, and her foolhardiness.   I loved her as the heroine of the piece.  I especially loved the semi-opened ending (no spoilers!), even though that usually drives me nuts.
                I have to admit, I did not like the priest.  His character was lacking, and he was a very hard sell for me.  I wanted to feel bad for him through the book, or to see redeeming qualities in him, but I couldn’t.  He was a weak, often cruel, man that used scare tactics to control a village.  Even more than the “real” villain of this piece, I could not like him, or the way they wrapped up his part in the book.  That said, this is still a definite five star book with an extra star for creativity.
                As far as the adult content goes, there’s some violence.  It is, at most, a two.  I would have absolutely no issue giving this book to a young teen.

Do you know that fuzzy feeling when you find a book with a world so immersive that you don't want it to ever end? This was a book like that for me. I absolutely adored it - and I am not quite sure if this review will at all be coherent, but I'll try my best.

This was a book that I was super super excited to get to read early. I love books set in Russia, especially the North of Russia; I love Fairy Tales; I love the books the blurb compared it to. I only wanted to read the first chapter because I have loads of unfinished books already but I was immediately drawn in and did not feel like reading anything else. I absolutely devoured it and when I came up again I was a bit sad that the book wasn't longer (especially because the last 3% were the glossary so the book ended a good 15 pages before I thought it would!). That so rarely happens with me!

The book tells the story of Vasya, a child whose mother was a bit other-worldly and who died giving birth to her. Vasya is different herself, being able to converse with household-spirits that nobody else can see. In true fairy tale fashion, her father remarries and the stepmother is, well not exactly evil, but one of the main antagonistic forces of this story. In a world where the new Christian beliefs are at odds with the older, heathen beliefs, this conflict comes to a head when a new priest is appointed to their little village and sets into motion a series of events that will have the heroine come face to face with arcane powers.

Set in the North of Russia with its seemingly ever-lasting winter, the author creates an atmosphere so believable, and enchanting, and surreal, and creepy, and beautiful, I could picture it every step of the way. Her characters are equally believable and even though they all fit the tropes of the genre, Katherine Arden adds little twists that make this story incredibly original and readable. One of my favourite of her decisions was the complete lack of romantic interest the heroine shows. She just wants to decide her life for herself; a difficult thing to do in a time when the two options open for her are a) marriage or b) joining a convent.

Overall, in case anyone missed it, I absolutely adored this book and its main character. I love the little nods to fairy tales I grew up with and I love the focus on making your own choices rather than just doing what is expected and/ or easy. The only slight negative I can find is that I found the ending to be rushed; but then again I just didn't want the book to end, ever.

___
I received this book curtesy of NetGalley and Random House, Ebury Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for that! (less)

So many fantasy books these days follow the same formulaic themes, plot, and character tropes that it is easy to get cynical when a new book comes along claiming to be something totally different and fresh. I simply cannot count the number of times I have cracked open a book advertised as “not your typical fantasy” and then after 100 pages been disappointed yet again because typical is exactly what it was. So it was with more than a little dose of skepticism that I picked up an ARC of Katherine Arden’s debut novel The Bear and the Nightingale. I will say that I was encouraged to see that both Terry Brooks and Naomi Novik gave the book glowing praise, so with that in my back pocket, I dove into the story.
The Bear and the Nightingale is a fairy tale, which in and of itself is somewhat rare in a genre lately dominated by epic high fantasy, military fantasy, and gritty grimdark. The story takes place in a medieval Russian village at the edge of a cold, snowy, and unforgiving wilderness. Pyotr Vladimirovich lives in this isolated village with his five children. His last-born daughter Vasya; however, is very different from her other siblings. Even before her birth, Pyotr’s first wife Marina knew that there was a specific role destined for Vasya and that even though it might end with her own death, she must go through with the pregnancy to bring her baby into the world. Marina does in fact pass away not too long after delivering Vasya but before dying, she forces her husband to promise that he will always look after precious Vasya and keep her safe. There is definitely a sense during this conversation that Marina is certain that Vasya will be special and needed for some unknown reason. Some months after his wife’s death, Pyotr travels on a long journey to Moscow with the goal of finding a new wife to help him raise his children. While there, a mysterious blue-eyed stranger approaches and hands him a necklace with a beautiful gem and implores him to give the priceless jewel to his newborn daughter as a gift. The stranger also insists that Pyotr make a promise to him that Vasya will keep it with her at all times and never part with it for any reason. Pyotr, not wishing to offend the man, accepts the gift and presents it to his daughter when he returns home some months later. He also returns with a new wife who sees demons everywhere she looks. Are they real or are they the delusions of a woman with mental illness? Even more peculiar is that ever since Vasya received the strange necklace, she has begun seeing mythical creatures of her own and can also speak with them. First there’s the gnome-like creature living in her father’s horse stables, then there’s the frog-like fairy creature who makes its home at the bottom of the bog not too far from their cabin. As Vasya becomes more adept at conversing with these mythical creatures, we begin to wonder for what purpose is this happening? Is there an evil lurking inside the wooded village that must be fought at all costs? Are the demons that her new stepmother is seeing in every corner of their cabin truly demons? And what part does Vasya and her new mythical friends have to play in keeping the evil contained and potentially vanquishing it altogether?
When I finished the last page of The Bear and the Nightingale, I was exhausted. Not in a bad way, but it really is an emotionally draining novel. So much of the story is very personal and Ms. Arden does an excellent job of making you emotionally invested in the characters. I really genuinely liked Vasya and I routed for her throughout the story. I felt sad for Pyotr and wanted to see him conquer the sadness of losing his wife and become the father he wished to be for his children. I felt angry when Pyotr’s new wife fell completely under the spell of the overly-devout priest who came to stay with their family. All of these emotions were elicited because a talented author brought them out of me. If I didn’t care about any of the characters, none of it would have mattered. But it did! Therein lies the brilliance of this novel, because yes, it is a fairy tale and a great story. But what makes it even better is the way the characters become attached to you and you can’t shake them. You think about them on your drive to work. You agonize over their plight while lying in bed before you fall asleep. It is truly a testament to Ms. Arden’s skill in her craft that she can create such a wonderful reading experience. In the end, I have to say that The Bear and the Nightingale deserves all of the praise it has gotten up to this point. If you are looking for a phenomenal fairy tale fantasy read, you can’t go wrong with this book. The history and mythology that is also intermingled into the story gives it an added dimension that will please readers who enjoy those elements in their stories. Highly recommended.

The Bear and the Nightingale
By Katherine Arden

Rating: 5

Honestly, it was the cover that first attracted me to this book and then I read the inside jacket…a retelling of a Russian fairytale. That was all it took and I was breathlessly captivated. I love fairy tales and retellings of all kinds; but this one steps out from all of the rest I have read probably because of my own unfamiliarity of Russian folklore. The story takes place during the early 14th century somewhere in northern Rus’ where the winters are long, bitter and brutal. It is also a time of many changes socially, politically and within the religious realm which do become epic in the course of this tale.

The story begins with the children sitting around the massive hearth for warmth as Dunya, the nurse maid begins the tale of the frost demon, the winter king, for he was abroad that night and was angry at the beginnings of thaw. This little bedtime story ends and the story of The Bear and the Nightingale begins, Vasilisa’s story. This is a fairytale within a fairytale! I’m captivated now. There is no closing the book as I’m being carried away to the cold far reaches of Rus’…

The characters are many as Vasilisa has a large family and everyone has nicknames and names of endearment. All of the characters develop slowly, especially Vasya, her older brothers and her sister, becoming more layered as the tale unfolds and the times and circumstance change. It spans from before Vasya was born until she is a teenager. Vasya is the youngest and she grows up wild and free, roaming the woods and countryside doing pretty much as she wants. She has become independent, fiery, determined and a caring person who will do anything to protect her family, home and village. Soon she will be put to that very test. There is a strong and close relationship between all of the family members and this, too, will be tested. Yes, there is a stepmother. There always has to be an evil stepmother…

The telling of this tale is what makes this book sooo special. You are brought into the story…I felt the cold winters, the bitter and biting wind. I saw the piles and drifts of snow and felt the endless winters. I did get myself a blanket and poured a small glass of whiskey because I was cold. I was in the story. I could see what Vasya could see…the domovoi, the magical household creatures,and the dvorovoi, the magical yard and woodland creatures. I was able to see her world through her eyes. I was able to see and feel the effects of conflict between the old pagan religion and the new Christianity. A people trying to hang on to what they have always known and lived to embrace something strange and cold. I felt the constraints that women had endured during this time…the need to do what was expected for the family and not what you may have wanted for yourself. When an author can take you inside the story and keep you there till you turn the last page, read the last sentence over and over before finally closing the book…it is indeed, magical! One more thought. It is obvious who the Bear is; but what of the Nightingale? I guess, we will have to wait and see.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a rich fantasy tale set in medieval Russia, written in a beautiful style and sparkling with Slavic mythology.

The story is set around Vasilisa Petrovna and her family. Living in north Rus' isn't easy, as winters last most of the year and summers are schorching hot. But people of Lesnaya Zemlya get by attending the church but also remembering the old ways, told in the stories by the fireplace. Until Vasya's father decides to find a new wife and the village gets a new priest, determined to stop the villagers from honouring the spirits.

One of the biggest strenghts of this novel is the atmospheric, beautifully lyrical writing. The wonderful imagery transports you to the woods of northern Rus' and the busy streets of Moscow, and is full of magic and enchanting Russian folklore. The chapters form a bigger story, but at times each of them read almost like a separate fairytale, which is brought out even more by the chapter titles.

The mood of the story is magical but can also get dark and almost unsettling. The superstitions, the transition from old religion to modern one, the big fight between primeval magical forces, it all sets an enchanting atmosphere that draws you in and makes it hard to put the book down. Furthermore, even though the book is seen as fantasy, I feel like at the same time it's also grounded in reality. The descriptions of the setting and every day life feel very realistic, and living in the Slavic country myself, I could find a lot of familiar details that made my reading even more enjoyable.

Throughout the book, we witness Vasya's story, from her birth up until she's all grown up and she was a brilliant main character. Strong and fierce, determined to make her own decisions and live freely, even if she would have to go against the society's standards. I also thought that all of the characters present in the story, whether for the whole length or just a few chapters, were very well written and added something to the story to make it complete. Vasya's whole family, Dunya, father Konstantine, all the magical creatures, they made the story rich and interesting.

To sum up, The Bear and the Nightingale is a fantastic debut that I will thoroughly recommend! It has all the qualities of an amazing book: intriguing plot, interesting characters, beautiful writing. Top that with a huge dose of magical Slavic folklore and you'll get a novel that you wouldn't want to miss!

Marvelous! Rare is the novel that hooks me from page one and keeps me turning pages, in the wee hours of the night, in stolen moments, paining me when I must set it aside to buy groceries and feed people and toss frisbees to the pesky dog. This Russian fairy tale, retold by a living author, is so engaging, so enjoyable, I had no desire to leave its pages and return to my daily chores.

The publication date is a long way off, and I have a gazillion other book reviews to write, so I'll keep this quick for now and come back later. My Kindle is packed full of highlights and insights that beg to be shared.

This story is suitable for a college classroom, with its finely wrought prose, insights into women's issues, archetypes, and classic coming-of-age themes.

Time and again, the classic work of Clarissa Pinkola Estés came to mind as I read this story. "If you have yet to be called an incorrigable, defiant woman, don't worry, there is still time," Estés has said (the quote is at goodreads). "A healthy woman is much like a wolf: robust, chock-full, strong life force, life-giving, territorially aware, inventive, loyal, roving." There's more, lots more, but this review is about a debut novel by a very promising young author, whose studies abroad (including in Russia!) have paid off. Estés is a Jungian psychoanalyst, post-trauma recovery specialist, author, and "cantadora" (keeper of the old stories)--so if she hasn't read this one, she ought to, ASAP. I've read only Estés book (Women Who Run with the Wolves: Contacting the Power of the Wild Woman), and I shake my head at one-star bandits who trash her other books as irreverent and disrespectful of the Catholic Church. This novel, too - "The Wolf and the Nightingale" - shows us the some of the worst sides of Catholicism and priests who'd stamp out "pagan" ways and "superstitions."

Would this novel be better if it just left out the Catholic elements? It's impossible to consider - the monastery, the convent, the priesthood, all are a part of Russian history, along with the rich lore of fairy tales told by the same human beings who lived under the auspices of The Church. It's an odd mix, to be sure, but historically, the apostle Paul wrote epistle after epistle exhorting his converts to give up their pagan ways and adopt Christian ideals. Ultimately, Paul made concessions. Among them, Christmas and Easter, and other festive traditions that had to be incorporated into Christianity or the converts might drift away.

I'd love to delve into the specifics of this story, but again, I'm overdue on other book reviews (even Perihelion Science Fiction, normally my #1 priority).

Bravo, Katherine Arden, on a wonderful tale that kept me spellbound, and THANK YOU for the ending! -- a welcome twist on the old, old tale. After too much dystopian science fiction in the past few years, this story is a spoonful of sugar AND the medicine I needed. Thank you. Write more. Please. This is so much richer and more rewarding than the best-selling YA paranormal/romance series I've read. Fans of Margaret Atwood are more likely to gravitate to "The Bear and the Nightingale" than are fans of sparkling vampires and other dangerous creatures, but I'd love to see that change.

Countless books claiming to retell old fairy tales are being published these days (Meg Cabot is one of many who used the Persephone Myth in her YA series), and "Death" is an oddly popular, hot, sexy character in too many YA novels--and I am almost *never* impressed with modern retellings of old, classic, beloved fairy tales--but this one (yes, it seems a bit long, but I didn't mind) stands out from the rest.

Vasiliya's father slaps her around. He slaps his wife around. Corporal punishment is an accepted part of the culture. Modern readers wince and cringe at this, of course. The heroine is unfailingly polite and respectful to her elders, never snarky or impertinent. Will modern teens identify with that, or dismiss it as a trait best discarded with the old tradition of spanking disobedient children?

I'm afraid all the things that make it stand out from other YA "retellings" is going to keep YA readers from falling for this story. I'd love to be proven wrong.

**Thank you to Random House for providing me a digital ARC of this novel via Netgalley for the purpose of review**

The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautiful coming-of-age story. Set in Rus', the story concerns a girl named Vasya. Like her deceased mother, Vasya has the Second Sight. She sees the guardian spirits that keep home, hearth and the surrounding woods safe. Vasya befriends these creatures, and in return, they teach her the ways of the world. But Vasya's father's remarriage and the arrival of a well-intentioned but misguided priest will result in the awakening of insidious and malevolent forces. Now Vasya must unlock hidden powers in order to save her village from destruction. The Bear is on the prowl, and he will devour all who oppose him.

Ms. Arden's story is spell-binding. I was enthralled by the sensory tale and drawn into this unforgettable world. Vasya is an endearing character; so determined yet also vulnerable. The other characters are equally vivid and real. Even the characters who make evil choices are given plausible reasons for doing so. Father Konstantin and Vasya's stepmother are particularly dynamic and conflicted. My favorite characters, besides Vasya were Dunya, (Vasya's nurse), and Irina, Vasya's stepsister. Her quiet heroism contrasts beautifully with Vasya's more boisterous wildness.

The Bear and the Nightingale is an enthralling interweaving of history and fairy tale. The strands combine to make a beautiful tapestry. I was a bit frustrated that Christianity was portrayed as the force that awakens evil. Upon reflection, however, I think the author does an excellent job of illustrating how religion in the wrong hands can cause problems.

Please give this riveting fairy tale with a strong heroine a chance. One of the best fantasies I have read in some time. God bless you all.

Disclaimer: I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher for review.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a lovely winter's tale of magic and madness.

Vasya is known as the strange girl in her village. She spends hours in the woods and talks to household spirits. She climbs trees, stays out until dark and is generally a little mischievous imp from childhood through her young adult years. Needless to say, this causes conflict with her family, her village and the new village priest. But her eccentricities could be the only thing that saves them.

The characters and story reminded me of Robin McKinley's work, in particular The Hero and the Crown. There's a good mix of family relationships (both good and bad) and customs that felt period-accurate. The story structure reminded me a lot of McKinley's Spindle's End. It starts focusing on one set of people, then grows with the main protagonist, Vasya, as she slowly takes over the story. Some readers may find the beginning a little slow. The author spends a lot of time building up the world, the characters and their relationships. The main "baddie" doesn't play a large role until later in the book. I enjoyed it though. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions and all the little (and big) conflicts along the way.

I also thought it was really interesting how the author tied in the religious elements of the area/era. I'm glad she didn't take the easy route of totally tossing the church/God under the bus and made it pretty clear the problem here was a man out for power and himself. The resulting complexities added to the story.

Unfortunately, I found the ending a little anticlimactic. It builds and builds and then...it's over. I guess I was a little blindsided by the solution and it had a slight tinge of deus ex machina. It wasn't too easy, exactly, but it was easier than I expected and kind of appeared out of nowhere.

On the whole, I enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale. I liked Vasya and her family and the way the author weaved in belief and magic and Russia. I highly recommend this for fans of Naomi Novik's Uprooted looking for their next fairy tale fix.

The Brothers Grimm appropriated many of their classic fairytales from tales handed down all over the world. Stories told to entertain, scare children into good behavior, and make us believe in magic. Just maybe, with a little help from our fairy godmother, things might turn out alright.

My favorite Russian fairytale growing up was the Twelve Dancing Princesses. (It’s deceptive and a little morbid in retrospect, but there’s no accounting for logic or taste in a seven year old who wanted to stay up all night and dance.) Maybe it was the extremely long and extremely harsh winters, but Russian fairytales are made up of extremes in color, fantasy, violence, and a pantheon of characters which have so much personality, in and of themselves, that they seem to wander in and out of each other’s stories. The Bear and The Nightingale is an amalgamation of multiple tales and characters into one, cohesive story. Author Katherine Arden has clearly done a great deal of research to craft an original story which stays true to the Russian roots of each character.

I read The Bear and The Nightingale next to the fire over a couple of cold, snowy days. Even if I had read it in the heat of August, I still would have felt the bitter winds and deep snow drifts that fueled the story’s action and motivated its characters. Arden’s writing is expressive and languid. That slow pace and focus on multiple characters at once will not appeal to every reader. My largest criticism was the seemingly random use of multiple Russian words, including nicknaming and renaming of core characters. There is a glossary in the back, but if you stop and flip back and forth to look words up, it breaks the flow of the story. Most of the time I just took them contextually.

You can’t have winter without Jack Frost and he is right at that beginning of the book as part of a story within a story. The Russian version of Jack Frost “Morozko” is sadly no boyish, Chris Pine from Rise of the Guardians, but not as old as Robert Pine either—more like Michael Shanks. (Sorry, I’ve been binge watching Saving Hope.) He’s written here as a mature character, but appealing. We get the sense that because he’s timeless, he could appear as any age. Even though we don’t see him again until near the end, his presence is felt all the way through.

Vasilisa, our heroine, is a wonderfully unpretentious character. She’s just not ruffled by anything, however odd it may be. Talking to house spirits and horses is as natural to her as talking to her family members. She pushes back against limits, but in her heart always wants to do the right thing. Truly, she is her mother’s daughter and at home in her wild surroundings of northern Russia.

The Bear and the Nightingale is not a romance. Marriage is largely a pragmatic thing in this harsh world, consolidating power and keeping secrets. The difference between lust and love is contrasted through the lives of this ensemble of characters and manifest in many ways. The symbolism was beautifully done and not pushed in the reader’s face, letting them take what they will from the consequences of each character’s choices.

There’s a rumor floating around that this will be the first in a trilogy. While the story does have a solid conclusion, there are many unanswered questions that I look forward to seeing Arden address. While we’re waiting, there is a prologue on Arden’s website that you shouldn’t read until after you’ve read the book.

My Rating: A, Loved It

**Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy**

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE is nearly everything I wished it would be. After hearing comparisons to UPROOTED, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE had a lot to live up to, UPROOTED being one of my recent favorite fantasy books. Luckily, it was a delightful read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE has a quality that I've recognized before, frequently in Robin McKinley's books - the ability to make the mundane lovely. For the majority of the book, honestly, not much happens. But in the descriptions of the everyday tasks and actions, the characters get a chance to grow and needle their way into the reader's heart. I loved Vasilisa, I loved her father and her brothers and sisters. And the characters I didn't love, I still felt a sympathy for - they weren't straight-out villains by any means (that was left to the Bear of the title) but they were complex and interesting to read about. (Though being a step-mother myself I tend to dislike the trope of the evil step-mother, and THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE was no exception to that.)

When the action did come, I was ready for it, having prepared for the entire book, basically all of Vasilisa's life. The reader watches as she learns to befriend the spirits all around her, as she learns to commune with the horses, and as she grows stronger with every day. She is a wonderful heroine in an interesting setting, where the world building was done so well you barely notice it spinning around you until you're firmly situated in the world of the book.

Taking a page from Russian history and folklore and spinning it into something more, with beautiful writing and spectacular characters, Arden's debut is quite a wonderful read. I can't wait to see what she has in store next.

The story takes us to Northern Rus’. Where winter is about 8 months long and not everyone survives. At a time when old gods mixed with the new. A tale of bitter, cold winters, long nights huddled by the fire listening to old fairy tales. Tales of Frost, the winter demon. The king of winter who came in the cold, dark night to take the naughty children away.

Marina, wife to Pyotr and mother of his children, wants another child. A daughter, like Marina’s mother. A powerful woman that few really knew but many spoke of. Marina also has some power, but not like her mother and she will have her powerful daughter, even if it means she loses her life.

Vasilisa, a motherless child, is different from her brothers and sister. She sees things. She talks to the small gods of the house, the forest and the lake. She is not afraid of the cold, or the thick forests that surround her home.

When her father takes another wife, one who also has the power of sight, and then a priest of the new gods arrives in the village, Vasilisa’s life and the lives of the entire village will change. As the new gods try to push out the old, something cold and cruel is waiting. Something that needs the powers that Vasilisa has to break free from his prison. Something that needs for the people to forget the old gods.

Will she choose the right path for her? Will she be able to convince her people of what she sees?

This story, based on fairy tales was one of the best things I have read in a long time. For a debut novel, it is an extraordinary. The writing was superb. The descriptions and the characters were all spot on. I’ve already read it twice. Ms. Arden definitely knows how to tell a story and I for one am hoping there are more to come!

When I first saw this book in the Penguin Random House sneak peek at books coming out in 2017, I wanted it. From the cover to the description, I knew I wanted this book so thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers.

The Low Down:
In the Russian Wilderness, where the winters are long and dangerous and where snowstorms eat houses, lives Vasilisa with her family. She was always a little odd, talking to the spirits that lived all around her, protecting and watching over her, her family and the village and woods where she lives. One day, her father comes back from Moscow with a new wife, fiercely devout and also harbouring the sight.
Except she doesn’t see the spirits as helpers or protectors, she sees them as devils. With the help of a Priest, she starts to drive the spirits away, and when the spirits leave, the whole village is thrown into a dangerous world that shows how true folk tales are. It is up to Vasilisa, with Morozko the Frost King, to protect the village and set things back to normal.

My thoughts:
After a series of books that were just okay for me, this book was just what I needed. You all know how I love Russia. I love the culture, history, and especially the folk tales. So this book was right up my alley. I found the story not only beautifully and lyrically written, but I found this story impeccably researched and thought out. The Bear and the Nightingale drew me into its world right from the beginning. I felt I was sitting by the fire, or galloping on the horses, or wondering through the bitter Russian Wilderness, with Morozko dancing around me, stirring up the chilling wind. Each of the characters had their own personality and story, and each has their motivations and fears for the actions they take. This book wasn’t a quick read, but a slow burn that drew you in and kept you. This was also a CRUEL book. It explores a lot of what happens when fear and ignorance sink into people’s bones and what they do.

I don’t really want to say any more about this story. I want you to explore it for yourselves and I want you to let it draw you in and sink into your soul.

I saw that this book was compared to Night Circus, Uprooted, and The Golem and the Jinn, all of which I loved, so I just had to read it. I agree that it's somewhat reminiscent of The Golem and the Jinn, in the style and feel of the writing, but has real magick, as in Uprooted. The only similarity to Night Circus is that the author pulls off something very rare: she makes even the lesser characters come alive with a minimum of involvement in the story, and that the entire story has an enchanted feel to it.

I actually believe that those beings are real, and once inhabited the Earth, so this wasn't just a fairy tale to me. It was well-written and rich in insights into the realm of Nature spirits. It also showed the stark contrast between religiosity and living in harmony with the Earth. And, without even saying so, it defined the difference between benign Nature spirits and true 'demons' which can be identified by their...DIET! (Read the book to find out what they feed on! It's true!)

Beautiful, lyrical writing. I usually read for about an hour every evening before bed, but I dropped everything on a Sunday to finish it. Yes, as one reviewer said, there were a few loose ends, but all the more reason to write a sequel! LOVED it!

Set in an imaginative version of medieval Russia, this story, loosely based on Russian folk tales, follows Vasilisa, a young woman with "the sight", as she navigates the world of the supernatural in order to save her village from destruction.

The author successfully transports the reader into a magical realm where supernatural beings vie for power over humans.
Her world building is exceptional. Her descriptions of the bitter cold of northern Russia in winter are very realistic, as are her descriptions of medieval villlage life. The characters are intriguing and multifaceted, convincing even while interacting in strange ways with the world of magical beings.

These supernatural beings are both helpful and harmful to the villagers. Every household has numerous demons who protect and care for various parts of the home and farm. But there are also powerful and often malevolent demons associated with nature and seasons. Vasilisa is born with the ability to see and communicate with these invisible beings. She understands that world, sees the true causes for the deterioration of village life, and fights to bring safety and prosperity back to the villagers.

Vasilisa's village in the past has honored the old ways, while also embracing Christianity. A new priest has come who wants to end what he condemns as demonic beliefs and rites. This stirs up trouble as the villagers eventually discover that the old spirits don't like being neglected.
This is an unusual book, both charming and occasionally horrifying. It's like stepping into a folk tale and spending some time there experiencing remarkable things. I found reading it to be very enjoyable and engrossing. Highly recommended.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel was quite an adventure! Based on a Russian fairy tale, I loved the journey that the author took me on, for each turn of the page, I knew that the house of Pyotr and its community was not just a typical village but one that had a dark past.

The story begins with the death of Pyotr’s wife. Making his way to Moscow with his two sons, he hopes to secure himself a new wife. His first wife had come from a line of royalty which Pyotr takes advantage of while in Moscow and I would be lying if I said, all that they did in Moscow was find a new wife for Pyotr. This story now becomes intertwined with other stories which I found enjoyable, stories that were rich and full of culture. These stories added significant individuals and their accounts intensified the storyline. Returning home, Pyotr has more issues and complications that he has to attend to, these matters are never easy as it seems that many people have different opinions on the subject matter.

His youngest daughter was Vasya and I enjoyed her character the most. Her strong spirit and ambition made her who she was, she stood out, when others were trying to tame her. I enjoyed this novel more than I thought I would. The cover and the fact that it was a fairy tale is what originally attracted me to this novel. I was distracted though while reading this novel by all the different names that were used in it. These names are the first names of the individuals in the novel, names that were far from typical and I found hard to pronounce. I also found it confusing when individuals switched from using their first full name to using their first name in a shorten version, that took a bit to figure out. I can’t wait to read the second novel in this sequel.

In a small Russian village, the figures of fairy tales play a much more prominent role in life than many would expect. The actions one young girl takes dictates how the rest of her village fares in The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden.

A young, willful girl, Vasya is the strange one in her family who prefers to explore the woods and sees the household creatures, chyeri, that help them, yet her mother died so she could be born and grow to have abilities like her grandmother. Once Vasya’s father Pyotr needs more help in raising his children, but particularly his youngest daughter Vasya, he leaves for Moscow to find a new wife and begin arranging for his eldest daughter’s marriage. While in Moscow, a striking stranger gives a delicate and beautiful necklace to Pytor for his youngest daughter. Newly married and back with his family, Pytor doesn’t give the oddly gifted necklace to Vasya until the village struggles to survive a harsh winter. Armed with the necklace and her ability to see creatures others cannot, and are starting to not believe in due to the introduction to God, Vasya fights to save her village.

The novel is well-written and incorporates quite a bit of both the real, with various societal changes taking place in Russia, and the fantastic, with the numerous chyeri rooted in tradition, that shape the lives of those in this small Russian village, making for a captivating and quick read. The characters and creatures were well-developed as they compose the majority of the narrative versus plot, making it easy to become invested in their lives and root for their survival against the dark forces acting against them; however, I did think that Vasya was often described as more of a tool or a thing rather than a person, which was frustrating, but I concede that it was speaking to how the rest of the village, particularly men, viewed her.

I would like to thank Random House UK, Ebury Publishing for providing me with an advanced reading copy of The Bear and the Nightingale.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a bit of a mixed bag. There were parts of this book that I loved and there were parts that I found unnecessary or a bit of a slog to get through.

Near the beginning of the book when Vasya's father and brothers travel to Moscow I found that it slowed right down and I began to become a little bored. There were so many new names and characters there that it started to feel like I was losing track of them all, and because I didn't know if the characters were going to feature as a constant in the story I felt the need to try and commit them to memory. I soon discovered that after slogging through this section and trying to keep everyone right in my mind, that it was a waste of time because the majority of them are not a part of the rest of the story. Almost the whole section could have been removed from the book without it having any negative effect on the story.

Once I got past the section mentioned above I really started to enjoy the book a lot more. The descriptions of the surroundings and atmosphere were done very well. So well that I could almost feel the intense cold creeping over me as I read. I kept expecting to see snow outside my window when I looked up from the book.

I particularly enjoyed the Russian folklore and fairytales that run throughout the story. The author paints a vivid world full of magic, danger, and imagination, and the writing style was a pleasure to read. The creatures and characters really came alive and I found myself completely wrapped up in their lives and their story.

Highly recommended. I would love to see this book made into a movie.

Set in northern Rus’ during medieval times, The Bear and the Nightingale is the beautifully told story of Vasilisa Petrovna. Marina, Vasya’s mother knew that the child’s birth would mean her own death but she wanted her desparately. Her own mother had had special gifts and powers and she knew Vasya would inherit them.

When Vasya is a young girl, she is primarily raised by Dunya, the loving old nurse who’d been with the family for years. She and Dunya take care of the little domovoi who protects the house, giving him gifts of food and drink. As Vasya continues to grow, she develops relationships with the other cheryti around the home, in the barns, and in the waters and forests of her father’s land. (The cheryti are sprite-like creatures with various personalities and duties.) Though the winters are hard, her father, Pyotr Vladimirovich, is able to provide for his family and the village he is responsible for.

Before long, though, Pyotr decides that the time has come for him to take a new wife to care for his children and home. He travels to Moscow to meet with the Grand Prince, who happens to be his late wife’s brother. In a deal with the Ivan the Fair, he is given Ivan’s own daughter, Anna, to wed. He is most grateful as this union seems to be one above his own standing and to a wife who will be pious and compliant. What Pyotr doesn’t know is that Anna is considered mad by those who know her. She claims to see demons. She spends her time hiding in the church as she claims it’s the only place she can escape them. Nevertheless, they are wed and she comes to live with Pyotr and his family.

A subsequent series of events in Moscow bring Konstantin, a priest, to live in the village. He is a fire and brimstone preacher who uses religion to intimidate and shame his parishioners. He condemns the traditions and old ways of the villagers. They cease taking care of the cheryti and abandon their traditions out of fear. Soon enough, crops begin to fail, the winter months don’t end, and the very existence of the villagers is threatened.

Konstantin and Anna align forces to have Vasya married off or sent to a convent. He is threatened by her very presence as she, of course, defies the church. She understands the cause of their problems. And she will do everything in her power to restore harmony. Even if that means setting out on her own to deal with the powerful forces responsible.

I don’t want to reveal too many of the actual details of Vasya’s story and adventures but I will say that I loved every moment of it. Katherine Arden has done a magnificent job in giving us a magical story with relevant and relatable themes throughout. If you stripped away all of the “magical” elements (though you’d never want to, trust me) you’d have a story that illuminates the ways in which our perceptions may differ depending on whether we come from a place of love or fear. You’d have a story that shows the ways in which religion is sometimes used for personal gain, to shame others for one’s own shortcomings, or as justification for judging others. You’d have a story about the difficulties brave, strong, noncompliant, and misunderstood women have faced throughout history. And good vs. evil. There’s that, of course.

I would love to see this book made into movie. The descriptions of the characters and the landscape were so incredibly beautiful in words that I can only imagine how lovely they’d be on the big screen. I know, I know, the movie is never quite as good but if were even half as good, it would be great.

To state the obvious, this book is a brilliant debut. I would highly recommend it even if magical realism is not your usual genre. (It’s not mine either.) This book is perfect for fans of literary and historical fiction with an open mind. I’m already looking forward to Katherine Arden’s next book.

4.5 stars

Many thanks to Del Rey for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d find in the pages of this book, but I am so very glad that I went on and explored. The exhaustive research into folk and faerie tales from the Slavic world is impressive, and resonates on each page. This book is not a rush to the finish story, but often hesitates and stalls, allowing the descriptions their time to shine, and imbuing readers with that sense of being there, enmeshed in the cold, as the pages turn.

A mix of historic fiction and faerie tale, Arden spends much of the book in explanation and family history for Vasilia, the heroine, and much of the information serves to highlight the source of her unusual powers and the conflicts that will come to be hers as benevolent and not so forces combine to test, task and strengthen her.

Told in multiple perspectives, some working better than others, the head jumping does take effort for the reader, but as the story is moving slowly, these moments often serve to flush out a visualization and allow the moments to grow exponentially, fixing the images in mind and place. Like all faerie tales, there are decidedly good and bad characters, and Arden has managed to place shades of grey in there, allowing choice and intention determine the outcomes. Wholly engaging and immersive, you expect to look out the window and see nothing but snow and trees as far as the eye can see.

The first of three planned novels that combine Slavic folk and faerie tales with fiction and a perspective that is wholly her own, Arden is an author to watch for those readers who enjoy a slower-paced story that arrives with a solid feel of new and different.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey.

This galley has been on my Kindle for quite some time and I was patiently waiting until I could spend some time enjoying it. And that is exactly what I did - I enjoyed this incredible debut novel from Katherine Arden. With this as a first example of her talents it would seem the sky is the limit for this very talented author. The language is so beautiful and descriptive of this cold, cold Russian world that it would prove a wonderful antidote for someone suffering through a heat wave in the middle of Summer. Told in the fashion of a fairy tale coming to life there are collisions between the old ways and beliefs of the simple Russian people and the new ways being taught by a charismatic Priest who wants them to abandon their ideas of relying on the old ways and convert to the new. In the process the small tributes and gifts offered in the past to the creatures who helped control what went on in the houses and the fields and the dark woods faded away, but so did the good harvests, the care of the farm animals, and the helpfulness with daily chores. People weren't happy any longer and the winters just kept getting more and more cold.

My reason for electing to rate the book with four stars instead of five is because I found myself too often wondering exactly where the story was going and how long it would take to reach the point where I knew where it was headed. The tale unfolds slowly, over a long period, with just the smallest of glimpses of what the crucial factors might turn out to be. It kept me from enjoying the book wholeheartedly, but I can certainly say this is one book which will have readers crying out for a sequel. In all honesty, I don't know if that would be such a good idea.

Legalities first: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I found this book delightful and well written. The fact I knew next to nothing about Russian folk tales did not detract at all from my enjoyment of the story. Arden does a masterful job of telling the readers what they need to know. Thanks to Arden's story, I now know a wee bit about Russian folk tales.

True to fairy tales of which I am familiar, the mother dies shortly after childbirth and tasks her faithful servant to raise her daughter. The husband is morose over his wife's death, and basically allows the faithful servant to raise his beautiful daughter, with the help of his older daughters. Vasya is somewhat spoiled, not to mention a tad feral, but in a good sort of way.

Eventually, Papa goes to Moscow and comes home with a new wife who isn't happy being a wife, and stepmother. She was given to Papa as a wife, instead of being allowed into the convent, as she desired. The old priest died, and the new one is a firebrand, more in love with the idea and power of being a priest than in being helpful.

Subplots abound, and Vasya is to be married, but if she's married, how can she save her family and the people of the village? Evil is afoot, and only Vasya holds the key to locking it up again.

The biggest problem I had with the book were all the names and diminutives; however, it was nothing like trying to read Tolstoy. The few times I did get lost, Arden quickly brought me back to where I needed to be, name wise.

Do I recommend this book? Most assuredly. For anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially fairy tales; for anyone who grew up with Snow White and all her cousins; this is the book for you!

Ahoy there me mateys! So me crew had been adding this novel left and right to their ports for plunder lists . . . know as tbr to ye landlubbers. So I read the blurb. It is a Russian fairy tale retelling set in the middle ages which appealed to me. Plus it had a beautiful cover.

This book was savoury and a delight. I was instantly entranced by the scene of the household of Pyotr Vladimirovich gathered around the hearth listening to a story. This story within a story set up the novel perfectly. It only got better from there.

I fell in love with the main character, Vasya. She is strong, brave, loving, and unique. Her relationships with her family members were absolutely wonderful to read about. I particularly liked her relationship with her brother Alyosha. It felt so refreshing to read about families that cared and loved one another especially when life’s conditions were so very hard.

The juxtaposition of Christianity and pagan beliefs in this book were fascinating. I loved that people could practice both because Christianity was for the afterlife and pagan beliefs were to survive the harsh realities of day-to-day living. The Rus’ vazila and the use of horses in the story especially tickled me fancy.

The author’s writing was rich and beautiful, making me want to delve into and discover the story. I was transported into another space and time where the blending of myth and village life seemed real, possible, and achingly beautiful in its own way.

Words fail me really but get this book!

Side note: This was the author’s debut novel and apparently is the first in a trilogy? It ended as though a standalone so I am interested to see where the next book will go.

This was a charming, engaging story inspired by fairy tales of the Russian wilderness.

Vasya is the daughter of a Russian lord, and the granddaughter of a suspected witch. Growing up in the vast forests in the north, fireside tales of friendly spirits and dangerous imps dominate her childhood. Vasya knows to leave offerings for the guardian spirits of her home and stables, to placate the water demons and to pay obeisance to the guardians of the forest. When her father marries a high born woman from Moscow, the folk traditions of Vasya’s youth are branded as heresy and witchcraft, and the orthodox church forbids any practice of the old ways.

But something evil is stirring in the deep woods, something ancient and hungering. As the strength of the old ways wanes, it seems that Vasya may be the only one who can stop what is coming.

Fairy tale retellings are in vogue nowadays, but it is rare that an author takes the material and makes it their own. The usual fare simply regurgitates the story while incorporating an excess of teen angst. Arden manages to take the tropes of the fairy tale and make them into a story with familiar elements, but which is her own. It reminds me of the Sevenwaters books by Juliet Marillier, a compelling series based on English myth and fairy tale.

I suspect this book may be shelved in the young adult category, but it will appeal to older readers nonetheless. Fans of fantasy and magic will find a lot to like in this story. In all, this is a very strong debut novel and I look forward to Katherine Arden’s future work.

An advance ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars!

WOW! The Bear and the Nightingale is an atmospheric treat.The writing is incredible. It's a slow, rich tale full of myth and religion. I'm generally not a fan of literary fiction, but his one has a historical fantasy element to it that really pulled me in.

This book took a little bit for me to get into it. It is set in historical Russia and many of the words and names are obviously foreign. There is a glossary at the back that I didn't find until I finished the book. It was helpful in that it confirmed what different words meant, but the author used most of the words in such a context that you are able to figure out what they mean without referring to the glossary.

I can't continue without stopping for a minute to comment on the covers. There are 2 covers that I know of, and both are incredible. I want to buy a copy of this book, but can't decide between the American or English version. They are both amazing and completely different. I love the boldness and colors of the English cover, but the American cover perfectly captures the atmosphere. This is the 1st book in a planned trilogy, so I may wait to see the other covers before buying the set... (or both sets if my bookshelf will agree).

I believe this book will find a wide range of fans. In my opinion, it is the perfect mix of literary fiction and fantasy so it will appeal to lovers of both. I loved it as a fan of fantasy, but I will also be recommending it to my sister that is more of a literary fiction type of gal.

I received an advance review copy of this book that I have chosen to review.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a gorgeous fantasy that takes the reader deep into the mythos of old Russia.  It is a tale for anyone who loves fairy tales, for their magic, mystery, beauty and danger.  It is a novel fueled by firelight and dreams, seasoned both by hope and despair.  The Bear and the Nightingale is one of the best fairytale fantasies I have read.  It is a pleasure to experience the Russia of the past through the eyes of Katherine Arden.  

Russia is changing, slowly leaving the old ways and accepting Christianity.  The beings of myth and imagination are growing less powerful and are slowly fading away.  Vasilisa, like her grandmother, is a girl gifted with the ability to See what others do not.  It is with her that hope for the future lies.  The Bear, the god of hunger and destruction is eager to awake, and his brother the Frost Demon is losing the ability to contain him.  When Vasilisa's father remarries to a fervent and devout Christian and a new priest determined to stamp out the old ways comes, the Bear grows in power.  Her father's people suffer.  Ultimately it is Vasilisa and her vision that stands between her people and utter destruction.

The Bear and the Nightingale is beautiful.  It is a powerful tale of magic, vision and developing the strength to do what is right.  I highly recommend The Bear and the Nightingale to those who love fantasy, fairy tales and coming of age novels.

5/5

I received a copy of The Bear and the Nightingale from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

It's been awhile since I totally immersed myself in the fantasy genre but I am so glad I jumped in with this book. This is a debut for this author and it will grab you up with visions of cold snowy nights and fairy tales beside the fire. The book takes place in medieval Rus' and the author has done an excellent job with her world building. The reader quickly becomes submersed in the life and hardships of hardy people living off a cruel land.

This story brings us Vasilisa or Vasya, youngest daughter of a minor land owner. Word of mouth has it that Vasya's grandmother was something a bit "more". It appears as though Vasya may have inherited some of those abilities as well. What follows is not only her life story, but a commentary on what it was like for early Christians. What happens if people abandon the old ways of thinking in favor of this new all encompassing God? Who really has the power still to affect the lives of the common man? Vasilisa is a strong heroine and provides hope when all seems lost.

This is an epic read spanning many years. What the author brings to the table though is so wrapped in Russian history and folklore that the reader can not help but get sucked into the tale. The story is imaginative and creative. I can easily picture an old grandmotherly woman passing on the story of Vasya and the Frost King to the next generation.

Fantastic work by this new author. The story held my interest as well as giving me a learning opportunity.

*Complimentary copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read and review The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Marina dies after giving birth to Vasya, who is supposed to be special and mysterious in the same way Marina's mother was. Years later, when Vasya is a young girl, she wanders into the forest and gets lost. She meets two strangers. The first one is told to sleep by the second man. Vasya bolts and is found by her brother, Sasha. Vasya's father decides to find a new wife so Vasya can have a mother to raise her. Pyotr returns from Moscow with his new wife, Anna. Anna sees strangers just as Vasya does, but she treats Vasya cruelly even though they have this in common. Vasya's nurse, Dunya, loves Vasya unconditionally. When Dunya dies, Vasya asks for the help of her brother Alyosha. Alyosha truly believes Vasya and helps her to rid the village of evil. After Vasya was threatened with being sent to a convent, Anna bargains with her. If Vasya will venture into the frozen woods and gather snowdrop flowers for Anna's daughter, Irina, then Anna will let Vasya stay home. While Vasya is in the woods, she's saved and taken by the stranger, Morozko the Frost Demon, on the white horse. Set in the Russian wilderness and based on Russian history and folklore, this debut novel is beautifully written and imagined. I give it 5 stars because this is the perfect book to read in the middle of a snowy winter.

In northern Rus’ the family of Pyotr Vladimirovich are waiting out the last days and nights of winter, with rapidly dwindling food supplies gathered before the winter snows began. Marina, his wife, tells him that she is with child.

Pyotr is not happy, fearful for her life. She is already physically weak. Marina had wanted another daughter, although they’d already have three sons and a daughter. She’s determined to carry this child to term, sure that this girl child will carry her mother’s gifts of taming animals, seeing the future and harnessing nature’s powers.

This story centers on a young woman named Vasya who takes her first breaths of life even as her mother takes her last.

Vasya was not an easy infant to care for, but Dunya, who was Marina’s nurse as an infant, now raises Vasya through her infancy, childhood. As a young woman, Vasya is free to do what she wishes most of her days. She develops a bond with the horses, speaking to them, whispering sweetness until they trust her enough to come to her willingly. As sweet as Vasya can be, she is a force of nature, filled with determination, strong-willed and independent, while also filled with a strong family bond. She loves her family, and will do what is necessary to protect them.

An enchanting tale set in an extraordinarily lovely, atmospheric setting, a blend of fairy-tale, folklore, myths, and history with a strong young heroine leading the way. What’s not to love?

]Many thanks for the ARC provided by publisher

'The Bear and the Nightingale' is a wonderful book by Katherine Arden. For her first novel Katherine takes us to a village in Northern Russia. To the Lord of this territory, from his first wife is born a daughter. One who turns out to have special abilities like her grandmother. We watch Vasya grow up and not fit in with the rest of the village. She is more at home in the forests that surround the village.

Vasya can see the demons and spirits the inhabit her world. The river spirit, who will claim a victim. Some of these spirits protect the places they reside. As Vasya grows her father remarries and her life becomes difficult. Persecuted by her stepmother, targeted by the priest, but protected by her nurse, Vasya grows older and wiser. Protecting the village that is wary of her.

I really enjoyed the characters that Arden wove. I am not a student of Russian folklore or fables, but found this story fascinating. Sibling demons struggle against each other. Will the evil demon escape and destroy the forest and village? Will the Winter demon maintain control. I highly recommend this book for the fantasy enthusiasts.

Lyrical, Fantastical, and Awe inspiring, The Bear and the Nightingale is up there with Naomi Novik's Uprooted, and has me still thinking about it.
A beautiful historical tale of family, fairytales, and the dangers of mass-hysteria, Katherine Arden has created a story with tones of Joanne Harris' Chocolat and Russian fairytales that have been passed down through generations. We follow Vasya's story, a young girl who grows up without her mother, and is in a world that is hovering between modern religion and practice, and the rituals, beliefs and superstitions of old; Spirits are to be given offerings in exchange for their protection, the signs of nature listened to and heeded, slowly being feared and shunned in favour of a christian way of life.
Vasya has a gift to speak with the spirits and demons that surround her village, but with this gift, as paranoia grows in the village, and her stepmother's hatred for her grows more and more, Vasya is in danger of forces both real and supernatural as she tries to keep those she loves safe.
A magical tale that will take you to the freezing winters of a small Russian village, and will creep into your heart like the tiniest of icicles, making you shudder and gasp as you follow Vasya's fantastical story.

5+ Stars!

*Review copy was kindly provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

In essence this is a folk-tale, a Russian fairytale. It combines the darkness of old tales told in front of fires and the magic of ancient myths. It is a book I would buy to read to a child and also to gift to an older reader.
Vasya was born from and into magic. She is and comes, as her mother and grandmother before her, from a long line of magical beings. At a glance Vasya just seems to be a tomboy with a love of the great outdoors.
At a closer look you find a child with more than just an affinity for nature. She can see the guardians, the demons, the creatures lurking in the shadows, and she can also see the powerful beings who control life or death.
She becomes the object of fascination for two warring brothers, each one of them powerful enough to cause fear, hunger and death in a huge scale. She doesn’t understand that until it is almost too late.
Vasja finds it easier to connect to the invisible beings than the living ones around her. Her talents or gifts make her a target for the fearful accusations of those who do not understand or accept the old ways.
I think readers will find themselves captivated by the feel and voice of this story. The feeling of an old Russian master with the flair of a nouveau writer. I really enjoyed it.
*I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.*

Part fairy tale and part reality, The Bear and the Nightingale is an exceptionally moving story. In feudal Russia, a young girl is born. Her grandmother was reputed to have magical powers, and although her mother didn't have them, the young girl is able to see things other people cannot.

Living in a well-to-do family among a class of illiterate peasants, seeing spirits is a dangerous ability. The church frowns on any manifestation of the pagan beliefs that still occur in the region. The young girl, Vasya, has the ability to see helpful spirits and tries to aid the village through the long cold months of winter, but the priest and the peasants don't trust her and call her a witch.

This is the tale of Vasya's youth. The book is the first in a trilogy, so the next books should show more of her adulthood. The writing is beautiful. The tale takes place in the frozen North of Russia. Snow falls for much of the year covering the plains. The descriptions of the cold and icy whiteness are exceptional. It's worth reading the book for the descriptions.

Vasya is a fierce character. She believes that she must do what's right even if it goes against the church and her stepmother. You can't help but admire her.

Although this book is written in the style of a fairy tale, the background is historically accurate giving a glimpse of old Russia and the life of the minor nobility and peasants. I highly recommend the book.

I received this book from Penguin for this review.

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden is by far the most compelling adult folk lore story I have read. The book is set in the heart of Russia. There I meet one family with interesting secrets...

A mother so frail is set to give birth to a daughter. Her husband fears losing his wife. But his wife is determined to see her daughter born. When the time comes, Vasilisa enters into the world and her mother soon dies. A sadness creeps upon the family home. The new child is unique. The fastest runner, smart, and loves exploring the world. Vasilisa has power. It will be her who protects her family...when danger comes, it will take everything, even a beloved father. A father who sacrificed himself for his daughter. A frost king in the woods is kind to Vasilisa. I enjoyed their connection. The siblings may tease each other but their love for one another is great.The story captured my heart and soul with every page.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a definite must read for all. For its dark enchanting tale will drag readers in deep. Never letting go...

Overall, I found Katherine Arden's writing to be of superb quality. Visually enchanting scenes that contain action, suspense, danger, and sacrifice. The love found within is greater than any I have seen in books. I highly recommend this read to all.

This is fast read, but may be difficult to get drawn into at first, and has an ending which veers off from what most readers would expect. Overall, I think that it's good for a first novel, but probably needed a better editor and an outline. The first few chapter are...awkward. There is a great amount of exposition and character introduction, as one would expect, but it does not flow nicely as in later chapters. Occasionally, characters are introduced in extraordinarily awkward ways - a child asks an adult of another adult's full name - or the viewpoint appears to shift mid-section from one character to another without explanation, leaving the reader to wonder for a moment who this person is - I'm looking at you, Ivan.

As I read this book, I got the impression that the author came up with a really great story deeply seeped in Russian mysticism, but couldn't figure out how to introduce that story. That's why the first few chapters are awkward. Well that and the fact that there, and only there, the author clearly opened a thesaurus to pick some more impressive sounding words, words that don't fit with the rest of her style.

If you stumble through the first few chapters, you'll come across a charming story of a family in rural Russia, with the major focus on one daughter. It's very well done, reads well, and truly engages you. As you read through the story, you learn about the villagers fairy-tales and how real they are along with the coming of a new god (Christianity). Unlike the TV show Vikings, where this clash serves as the basis for a conflict, the author leaves the characters - other than the protagonist-daughter- one-dimensional and underdeveloped and, somewhat abruptly, changes the focus of the narrative to become a supernatural conflict.

This supernatural conflict is what consumes the last third of the book. Frankly, it doesn't really fit with what had been developed in the first two-thirds. I mean, it does...in a way...but it's awkward, and relies greatly on content in the first few, awkward chapters. It makes me wonder whether the author wrote a draft, realized the ending doesn't fit with the rest and added in some forced foreshadowing at the beginning to bring it together and, in the process, made it awkward. Either that, or the author read Dracula, decided she really liked it, and decided to add that into her already formed story.

As a consequence, I can see how this book is getting such mixed reviews. I think most of us readers expected the ultimate conflict to be a parallel to or arising out of the fairy-tale recounted at the beginning, not a wholly separate one.

Overall, I would recommend reading this book, if you like Neil Gaimen-esque stories. I think this author will write some really great mystical fiction in the future, but she's not quite there, yet.

The Bear and the Nightingale brought back memories of childhood and reading Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Set in the Russian wilderness, Katherine Arden weaves her debut novel around old Russian fairy tales about Jack Frost, also know as Morozko or the Demon.

The main character, Vasya, is the youngest child of a family of five children. She is gifted with a special sight that allowed her to see things that other people cannot see--namely demons and wood sprites and other supernatural beings.

Like all great fairy tales, Vasya loses her mother following the birth and her father eventually brings in a new wife. Life goes on fairly well until Vasya becomes of marriageable age and jealousy from the stepmother sets in. That’s when things really start to get exciting and readers begin to see how special Vasya’s gift of sight can be.

Set in medieval Russia (before it was called Russia), readers are treated to wonderful descriptions of the dense forests of the Russian wilderness. The customs and the way of life that was so precarious in those times all come into play as the story unfolds.
My favorite part was Vasya’s relationship with the horses she came into contact with.

This is the first of three novels Arden is writing and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Many thanks to Net-Galley and Random House/Ballantine for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Bear And The Nightingale is a book that is hard to discern what the subject matter might be exactly. The blurb details a young woman' journey, Russian landscape and fairy tales and an encroaching darkness. It's hard to pin it down genre wise as well, is it YA or is it literary fantasy or is it historical magical realism? Maybe it's all of the above and much more. It's a debut novel that manages to say a lot similarly to what Helene Wecker's The Golem And The Jinni accomplished. I suspect in the coming months, it will be compared a lot to that book.

The story begins with Marina Ivanova, who while dying entrusts her child Vasya to the family servant Dunya. As Vasya grows up she learns about her magical heritage and finds that her abilities are atavistic in origin (her mother only had a modicum of power but she is more like her grandmother, a witch of some renown).She finds out what spirits are present throughout the lands and whose designs are harmful or not to mankind. Life for Vasya becomes complicated when her father remarries and her step-mother is scared of her abilities. To complicate matters, there is a priest who seems to be aware of Vasya and does his best to negate her influence within her father's household. Lastly there are also Vasya's siblings who love her for who she is and try their best to help her.

The story is mainly about Vasya and the travails she encounters as she begins her journey into womanhood. The story like The Golem And The Jinni uses 14th century culture and myths (in this case Russian) to give us a concrete story that seems very realistic. Also similar to Helene Wecker's debut, characterization is the biggest highlight of the book, beginning from Vasya going all the way down to the minor characters, everyone of them is three-dimensional and presented brilliantly without seeming to be caricatures. The story is also about a clash of cultures in this case the paganistic, magical lifestyle versus the new, rigid Christianity espoused by some of the characters.

The only flaw of this very good debut is that the pace of the story is a little on the slower side and some chapters take some digressions into different aspects of Russian life and culture and even different characters. This story is a bit of of a tough read but it is immensely rewarding and so for those who love to read something different. Katherine Arden's debut will be the book to satisfy you.

“You are mad, Vasya.”

“Entirely,” she said. “But I will have my freedom”…

The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden – a book review.
I finished this wonderful fairy tale this week, and sat back to think about what I’d just read. On the surface, it was a sweet story about a young girl’s coming of age and coming into who she was. That alone is powerful enough, but the layers that came through are what makes this a must read.
Sure, there were times as I read that other fairy tales came to mind. Naturally, Disney’s Frozen, because of the winter-based theme. Don’t get me wrong. Frozen is a magical work of art. But the fact that I had the passing association caused me a bit of irritation with myself, having fallen into the pop culture prejudice. Winter, in theme, is so powerful. It represents a time before rebirth and renewal. It can be harsh but beautiful. It is something to endure, to survive, to fear, but also something that gives us time as humans to connect and prepare for the coming of the spring. There are so many reasons that Winter features in literature, and it’s unfortunate to me that the tendency is to use Frozen as the immediate measuring stick.
What made me happier with myself was the ability to overcome that predisposition, to look beyond the similarities, and to see the merits this work has on its own. If I had to compare it to one tale, I do not think I could choose. There have the evil (or at least misguided) stepmother. Should we say it resembles Cinderella? There is an element of Vasya needing to find herself. Should we say it resembles Merida in Brave? I think not. It stands on its own. In fact, I’d love to see it brought to the big screen, and to me, a Tim Burton rendition would be my first choice.
Anyway, on to the finer points…
Something so powerful about this novel is the ties between family. This was revealed in Vasya’s mother’s sense of who Vasya would be even before her daughter was born.
“I wanted her.” … “I want her still.”
And the connection between Marina and her own mother:
… “I want a daughter like my mother was.”
Pyotr’s endless patience with his daughter, despite his new wife’s obvious displeasure and insistence that she be sent away. Dunya’s having become family just by how she had cared for them for so long. So many other examples, but it was an apparent and heartwarming theme.
The demons, a world riddled with them… My favorite: the rusalka, and the use of the rusalka’s character to turn up the tension and foreshadow the unfolding of the story.
“You must heed me, Vasya, for I will not come again. Not as myself. He will call me, and I will answer; he will have my allegiance and I will turn against you.”
Morozko – sigh. So much I would say about this character if it would not spoil the read. This line, ripped my heart out:
“I?” said Morozko. “I am only a story, Vasya.”
Characters aside, we also see a comparison, contrast, and straight up collision of the old ways and Christianity. The message that both may coexist is one that carried a wonderful strength for me. In the end, peace and the very safety of the people mean coexistence, harmony, and toleration of things one faces in ignorance.
Well worth the read, Ms. Arden!

A lyrical and magical tale set in the depths of a Russian forest, this is a beautiful book. The fairy tale like story of Vasya and her desperate attempts to save her family and her village from a dark force is so beautifully told that it captivates the reader and holds them effortlessly until the very last page.
The character of Vasya, starts out as a somewhat wild and willful young girl, who struggles with the knowledge that her beloved mother died giving birth to her, but loves the wilderness of the forest surrounding her village, and the mysterious creatures it contains, some of which only she can see. However the forest soon reveals a darker side, and one which will threaten Vasya as she grows up and into her powers.
There is an interesting power struggle between religion, represented by Konstantin, the village priest and traditional superstitions such as leaving out food for the house fairies who help with household work, and as he begins to end these traditions, he sees in Vasya a danger to his reforming ways.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this take on a traditional fairy tale and can recommend it to any fans of the genre, but be warned, prepare to feel the cold and hunger of a Russian winter, such is the descriptive quality of the writing.
This review is of a review copy provided by NetGalley .

The Bear and the Nightingale is an engaging read set in medieval Russia. Katherine Arden's writing reminds me of the old style of writing fairy tales. It is dark and enticing. It has an almost poetic feel to it as the lives of the characters and the coinciding fay creatures are described. I was easily draw into the story.

Vasilisa is a young girl who has the "second sight". She readily accepts both worlds and is a bridge of sorts between the two. She keeps the fay happy and protects her people from some of their dangerous ways. She belongs to both worlds and is happy with her role in both.

Tragedy strikes her people when her father takes a new wife and a new Priest comes to shepherd the flock. Both are devout and have zero tolerance for adherence to the old ways. The fay are diminishing, but they protect the humans from danger from stronger fay. Vasilisa is trying to save her people and keep her fay friends around.

As I stated in the first paragraph, the story is dark. It is a fairy tale, but it may be a little too dark for younger readers. There is a little bit of innuendo, but I found it to be clean. The book does contain violence that is non-graphic. It could be unsettling for younger readers.

I requested a review copy from Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review.

I bought this on a whim and I am certainly glad I did. The writing is excellent and really has the feel of a fairy tale, similar in style to Uprooted by Naomi Novik. It is very much a "slow burn" in terms of pacing and action. It starts off very slow, but it is a "good slow" in that there is not much action but yet it's all very interesting. And despite the lack of action, I found myself so enthralled with the story that I could not put it down, especially come Part 2 of the book. I did notice that there is a sequel to this coming out, however this book is 100% stand-alone in that there is no cliffhanger at the end. To be honest, I would not have known there was going to be a second book had it not popped up on the store for me.

With all that said, I do want to gripe a little about the ending. Without spoiling anything, all I will say is that the end battle was very lacking and felt rather contrived. Despite my overall displeasure with the final confrontation, it was not enough to make me take a star away. The story is very solid and so well written that I just did not want to put it down.

The Bear and the Nightingale:.
Beautifully written story.
It was a little slow getting into this story at first.
One thing to note . This is apparently Russian folklore.
Come to find out this is based on how historic Russian went from Paganism to Christianity
So if you are one who would have issues with that subject might want to stay away from this one.
I have never read anything like this before. I am not at all familiar with any kind of Russian history or folklore.
This is one of those books that at least for me I liked to read it at night in front of the fireplace when the rest of the house was asleep.
There were times at the start though I would have to go back and re-read something because I was not overly familiar with what was being talked about and some of the language was a struggle for me personally.
Once I got beyond the first few chapters though I was getting more into the story and wanting to figure out where things were going and with which characters.
There is so much depth to the story with things going on all around. I like the many layers this story seemed to have going on.
Really did find it quite fascinating. There were times though I felt could have been a bit lighter than is not the style it is meant to be.
Overall a wonderful read for those long dark winter nights.

If you're looking for a story written in classical fairytale style, look no further. More fantasy rather than romance in my opinion, it reminded me a lot of The Hero and the Crown or The Blue Sword, both by Robin McKinley, one of my all-time favorite authors.

Vaysa was a great heroine, strong, intelligent and independent. I loved the mix of the magical with the everyday life of medieval Russia, and I thought the author did a nice job of giving me a feel for not only the culture of the region and period, but what it was like to just survive through the harsh, cold winters.

While I enjoyed the way the author captured the feel of a traditional folktale up to a point, it did make the story drag a bit for me at times, and the ending felt a little abrupt to me (I've heard there may be more books coming). Another sticking point and personal pet peeve were the multiple names/nicknames for the same character. It may have been authentic but as a reader, I would have preferred if the author had chosen one name for reference and reserved all the pet names and nicknames for the dialogue from other characters.

A beautiful debut novel, with richly detailed characters and world building, I'd be interested in more books from this author. 4 stars

B2B Kelly

I should have really liked THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE. Russian-inspired fantasy? Rebellious main character? Old gods? Check, check, and check.

Yet I could barely keep my eyes open while I read. The book plodded along at a glacial pace. The first quarter of the book is scene setting/backstory. There are maybe five sections from Vasya’s POV. Instead nearly everyone gets a chance, from the new stepmother to her brothers and even a monk. I think the author was trying to show the world from all angles, but it fell very flat for me.

I was not enthralled by this book, or even interested. I just wanted something to happen instead of turning page after page and waiting for plot to show up.

After I read this I was very surprised to find out it was author Katherine Arden’s debut novel. The story grabs you from the beginning and does not let go. My Kindle betrayed me and died twice during this story, otherwise I would have been tempted to finish it in one sitting. Beware the spoilers below!
One cold winter night, Marina tells her husband she is with child again. A girl, who will be like Marina’s mother. A daughter she insists that she will live to see born. Marina lives long enough to see her green-eyed girl named Vasilisa draw her first breath, but then Marina draws her last. Leaving her family and her village behind. Vasilisa, or Vasya, grows up roaming the forest and listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. The village keeps to the old ways as Marina did, leaving offerings for house spirits and honoring those who protect their lands from evil. Eventually, Vasya’s father remarries and brings his city-bred bride to his village on the edge of the wilderness. Anna is a devout Christian who abhors the old ways and the spirits they honor. When a new priest arrives in the village, he reinforces Anna’s views and the townspeople turn to him for salvation. He instills fear into everyone, except Vasya. She continues to respect the old ways, alienating her from her own people. She is labeled witch and worse. With the offerings no more, the spirits are weakened and evil comes into the village. Crops fail and death stalks the townspeople. Vasya must rely on gifts she’s held in secret for so long. Her efforts bring her face to face with a blue-eyed winter demon that walked straight out of her nurse’s fairytale and into Vasya’s life. Even with the winter demon’s help, Vasya is not strong enough to stop the encroaching evil.  She defies her family’s wishes and walks into the heart of danger to protect those she loves the most.
The story takes place mostly in the Russian wilderness during winter. While parts do transpire in Moscow and the spring, the harsh winds and chilling frost are characters of their own. Even the large oven that warms the room as Vasya listens to childhood fairy tales has a life of its own. This novel is the perfect read on a cold winter night. The setting has a romance about it that is felt throughout the story.
This novel is a retelling of an old Russian fairy tale. Ms. Arden has a very interesting section at the end explaining why she chose to change some things, in particular spelling, about the story. It was not really something I had ever seen in a book before, but I quite liked it. Also there is a list at the back of Russian terms that can be useful.
IFirst thoughts when finishing the book:
She went where? Of course she did! I would have too. I need more winter demon in my life.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely enjoyed this novel. I know it was a loose retelling of a fairytale and that may not appeal to everyone. But this book is full of charming characters. Most of the characters (including the setting) exhibit a quiet strength that push the novel forward. This book is enchanting.NOTE: I received a free digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It did not influence my review in any way.

This amazing epic seems to summarize the entire scope of Russian folk tales in a deeply textured and finely woven tapestry rich with the scents, tastes and chill of winter. Set in the 14th century in an era when vast areas were still ruled by the Mongols, the story of Vasilisa Petrovna and Morozko, the Frost King, shares with Russian novels a sense of size and breadth to equal the vastness of the plains as well as the welter of nicknames (although carefully kept manageable) for its characters. The larger-than-life tragedies and triumphs are pitted against the details of family life even to carved and scented wooden combs and the careful propitiation of the household gods in casual company with the Byzantine iconography and teachings of Mother Church. It is when the old ways lose favor that things begin to break down.

Okay, before I scare you off with all the scope and grandeur of this story, you are kept in very close touch with small-scale daily activities and not left on your own to figure things out. In fact the author has graciously provided an extensive glossary to help you with the Russian words. I really enjoyed reading this wonderful first novel and thank Netgalley and Random House for giving me the opportunity.

A serene beginning! In THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE by Katherine Arden, we find an old lady sitting on a wooden bench next to a huge oven in the dead of winter telling a story. Suddenly things become deeply involved. Darkness appears with creepy shadows that no one else could see but Vasya. Why? Was it because she had that special gift and had to be the only one seeing the horror in order to help figure out the situation? Why couldn't the priest see what was going on? He heard the voice, but he could not see the shadows creeping upon him.
Then Vasya's wedding day was coming. But, will something or someone interfere with the preparations? It was like reading a Grim fairy tale, but with a slight twist of fate to it. I just kept wondering when the bear and the nightingale were going to appear. Then the plot thickened, and there was that touch of magic in the air that makes a true fantasy. It was a clear, cold Winter day, and all around things were so still you could hear a branch breaking off in the distance. As the snow falls down, the branch, as in slow motion, tumbles to the ground with a soft thud. What was about to transpire next? Will Vasya have her happy ending? Will things get better or worse? Interesting read!

This was nothing like what I expected it to be. My grade 2 teacher always told us to do our best to create something wild, weird and wonderful. Katherine Arden has done a great job of following my teacher's advice. I thought I was delving into another fantasy story. In fact, I was pulled into a very, very dark Russian fairy tale. Something reminiscent of Uprooted, by Naomi Novik, but much darker (I loved that book). Something like what I would expect Grimm's Fairy Tales to be like. It was magical, strange and...confusing. I'm still confused about some of the things that happened, especially at the end, but the simple fact is that I was fascinated throughout the entire story. The image of a huge oven so large that an entire family slept on top of it was so fascinating that I had to look it up. Yes, this was a thing, and the pictures of these monstrosities are absolutely gorgeous!

This story might not be for everyone, but it will be a keeper in my library. It was a perfect book to read while snuggled under the covers on a cold and snowy winter night. In front of a roaring fire would be even better. (Just make sure your doors are locked.)

I fell in love with the cover of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden the minute I saw it. I felt drawn into the beautiful artistry and colors, the homey house lit by firelight and the open door asking me to enter and find out what this magical tale was all about. I became even more intrigued as I read this book's synopsis. I came away eager to explore the pages of this adaptation of a new-to-me Russian fairy tale.

While it started out a bit slow for my taste, I soon found myself lost in the richness of this tale, the gorgeous descriptions and it's engaging characters. As so often with fairy tales, the story's basis is fantasy but within that frame work are deep glimpses of Russian history, human nature, religion and so much more!

The Bear and the Nightingale is truly a beautifully written story and I am in awe that this is Ms. Arden's debut novel. I am very much looking forward to reading more of her work.

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Del Rey Publishing, Ms. Arden and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An ARC of this eBook was provided courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
PG-13 for mention of sexual content. No explicit scenes
Recommended for those who like retellings, especially if you're tired of seeing the same old ones. Also for those who like stories thick with history, mythology, and a strong heroine.

I love the feel of this book. Not only is it beautifully told, but the distinct clash within between folklore and tradition & religion and modernism is a timeless and intriguing struggle I love to explore. This specifically is one of the more fascinating depictions of a very controversial time, between tradition and unforgiving religion. It's of the same stock as Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier, but with it's heavy focus on folklore/tradition in the wake of the Roman Catholic church, The Bear and the Nightingale is almost more realistic. It's more believable, perhaps, with the fading away of ancient gods and spirits, like the domovoi house spirit, as people's interest and offerings wane.

This not-quite-fantasy is something I classify as 'historical fantasy', which is less fantasy than legend. Wildwood Dancing and The Bear and the Nightingale are so far the only books I've read in this niche and they are also two of the greatest books I've read that use magic in a real world, historical context, in such a way that it feels true, like folklore brought to life, but are at the same time quality historical fiction.

This story also looks at both sides of that struggle and I really enjoyed that Arden didn't stoop to a base push of a specific agenda, which is something I seem to encounter a lot with these kinds of books. While it obviously favors one side of the struggle, Arden handles it all very well within the story. Her human antagonists -like her heroes and heroines- are written with interesting depth and believable development, earning in turn my sympathy and revulsion. Father Knostantine both intrigued and disgusted me; one moment, he's genuinely concerned for people and the next he's a total creeper. He waffles back and forth between sympathetic and unlikable. Which was fantastic! He reminded me a lot of Joanne Harris Father Reynaud in Chocolat, but he has -in my opinion- a much better and more satisfying ending.

But it's not just the antagonists who are great characters. Vasya, our heroine, is a little fireball with a golden heart and brazen confidence; Morozko is so cool and I love him even though I know I shouldn't trust him; Vasya's family, too, is full of fantastic characters and they are all well-developed and lovable, even with so many of them in the lineup. Another reason I applaud this great story.

I don't know enough about Russian folklore to know how accurate it's portrayal is, but it feels accurate, alive, and genuine, and that's what's really important. But what I love most about The Bear and the Nightingale is that it IS a fairy tale. Even based on an ancient story, I wouldn't classify this as a retelling or a 'revamping' or something old with a new twist. This is straight up a living, breathing, brand new fairy tale and it is delicious. And, oh, did I savor it. I lived and breathed this book.

Most of all, I loved the finale. It was so fitting and so beautiful.

I admit, some of the subplot endings felt frustratingly ambiguous. I still have so many questions and all I want is to know what happens next! I hope Arden plans, if not a direct sequel, than a companion novel of some kind. Honestly, I'd be surprised if she didn't, simply with the way the story is written. Several characters are introduced in the beginning who, for reasons, disappear from the tale. This did disappoint me, because the most prominent of these characters -our heroine's brother Sasha- was right off the bat a favorite for me. I love how he develops while he's in the tale, and I liked and believed the reasons he didn't remain, but I almost wanted to follow him, instead of the staying where we were. I hope he gets his own novel. I would read that in a heartbeat.
EDIT: The author has confirmed two more books (via Goodreads) and that book 2 will see more of Sasha. (YAY!)

The one thing I didn't like was how many names, proper names, nicknames, and pet names these characters all have. Most characters have three different names by which they are interchangeably referred to and most of them don't share enough commonality to easily group together. This might be historically accurate but it was super confusing.

This is a gorgeous, original, and breathtaking novel and a fantastic debut for Katherine Arden. I'm definitely watching for more books from this author in the future.

I see no point in retelling the story in my review. Many have done that. What I want to do is share how this book affected me. 1. Absoultely loved it. The first half was intriguing. Painted a vivid canvass of the characters, their relationships, the historic period, the environment and conflicts. The second half came alive with full throttled action.
I could not put this book down once I got half way through. 2.This novel instilled a huge personal interest in learning much more about the Rus' people/history. Particulary during the Medieval period. 3. I definitely want to learn more about/ explore Russian folklore. 4. Must read the next book in the trilogy!
If you enjoy fantasy/folklore with historical content you will enjoy this book. Very well written.

A Russian Fairytale fleshed out into a novel. I had heard of this fairytale but didn't know it at all, so I had no idea who was good and who was bad or what was going to happen. I loved the journey to figure it out.
The tone of the whole book was dark but not evil. Being set in the frozen land of Russia, the whole story felt cold. It was the perfect read for a chilly day wrapped in a blanket.
The characters were well drawn and fit into the natural as well as the fantasy world created by the author. The tale was woven in such a way to draw you into the story and feel the hunger, cold and fear that those village people felt as the winter closed them in and as the strange things started to happen. Vasya was such a great character. I kept picturing her a black haired Merida (BRAVE) like girl who was a bit wild and untamed. She had an air of mystery about her from the start and I kept reading to find out what magic she held and what those abilities would help unfold. I loved it and look forward to seeing more in this series. I have heard this will be a trilogy. I will have to brush up on my Russian folklore to truly appreciate the detail that was put into keeping the nuances of the culture this story comes from.

Told through evocatively translucent lyricism The Bear and the Nightingale illustrates the birth, childhood, and adolescence of Russian girl living in medieval times on the outskirts of Moscow, Vasya. She is the girl that everyone in the village finds rough, peculiar and looks at her as though she is a witch. Well, perhaps she is. Her father, Pyotr, is unable to tame or control her, therefore acquiescing to her rowdiness and questionable antics. Vasya grows up without a mother, who died giving birth to her. Dunya, her nurse serves as mother figure to Vasya who, like many of the villagers, loves hearing Dunya’s old Russian fairytales by the fire every night.

Little does Vasya know that she harbors enchanting powers will only become revealed upon her confrontation with fear. She has three brothers and one sister, and Vasya’s birth is the one to set her mother, Mariana’s feeble body into the corpse. However, this is just as Marina had wished, longing for a daughter who would live reflectively of her own mother who was a witch.

Vasya’s first encounter with fear occurs early on when she runs into the forest to eat her stolen honey cake. Quickly lost in the vastness of the deep woods, she comes across a massive oak which she has never once seen before. Lying beneath its branches is a cryptic, skeleton-like one-eyed man with a strangely startling expression. It is cold, beginning to snow, and deadly scary in the woods and all Vasya wants is to go home. However this man attempts to lure her into his shaky arms and would have succeeded if not for a shadowed figure on horseback who quickly and conveniently, rides into the scene – the perfect opportunity for Vasya to free herself of the man’s grasp and flee back home.

Years go by in a monotone-like peace just as long as the house spirits are fed, taken care of and worshiped, just like God. With the arrival of Vasya’s stepmother Anna, and the inscrutable priest Konstantin the life and happiness that Vasya once knew to be hers is called into question and put on the forefront of fatal danger. Anna and Konstantin look down upon Vasya’s rough edges and affinity for the woods, believing that she holds the spirit of a demon and her only hope of salvation lies in taking vows at a convent. The priest quickly turns the village into bitter and fatal fear, exactly what makes for the perfect recipe to disaster. Anna forbids fairytales and the worshipping of the mythical spirits that protect their houses, stables, supplies – their life.

As dark magic begins to sew its’s roots into the very core of the village’s life, Vasya is the only one who can save her people from what they fear most: fear. It is this – fear – that welcomes evilness and opens corpses, bringing the dead back to life. Vasya demonstrates both courage and strength, remaining faithful to what she knows best: fairytales. Her belief and stark hardheadedness is all that can prevent the dark spirits and death from growing stronger and destroying her family entirely.

Reading this book I felt instantly transported into a surreally vivid universe. The deeply moving descriptions had me forgetting for pages at a time that I was, in fact, only reading. That’s how real this book was for me. I entered into medieval Russia during midwinter and felt the bitter cold gnawing at my cheeks. I felt the hunger pains during a season where food becomes scarce. And what’s more, I felt the fear of the villagers as well as the bravery of Vasya as she struggles on her own to protect the lives and land that she knows and loves most.

Brimming with lore and imagination The Bear and the Nightingale exceeded all my expectations and prior definition of what could be thought of as a fairytale. We are not given the typical Disney romance and happily ever after. In this novel people die, are turned against one another, and must suffer prolonged pain for only a temporary promise of bliss. There really is no happy ending her. Everything spirals and gets lost in the woods along with the winter wind. This book shows, even the most romantic of readers that fairytales are not always a happy prance through butter and cream fields; they can be dark, perilous, and altogether rotten. There is no love to bring glory back to the “kingdom.” There is only courage and defiance that can alleviate fear.

I absolutely adored this book beyond my wildest imagination. I found myself lost in a fantasy, but at the same time uniquely reminded of reality and the brutality that hides in the most nuanced of places. Any book that can bring me at the same time closer and further from truth is automatically a masterpiece. Vasya’s character is one that will remain with me. Her heroism and daring spirit wonderfully coalesced with the stubborn haughtiness of her stepmother and the priest who seek to bring religious order and fear into a mythical sort of society where the “old ways” – worshipping of multiple spirits – promises peace and safety.

I can immediately look at this title again one day and see it as a classic and a tale to tell to my own children and grandchildren. Though I was never lucky enough to grow up part of a culture where mythology and old wives tales were part of tradition, I nonetheless immediately felt the certain sense of nostalgia for my childhood, simply reading and truly believing in fantastical worlds and possibilities. The magic and eventful conflicts that Arden weaves into her debut novel is masterful and, in my opinion, belongs on the shelves alongside our most beloved classics of the age.

Rating: 4.5stars
Something you guys don't know about me, is that I always had a massive fixation with Russia. Russian culture, language, history, everything. I don't know why but I always tended to love it. So when I saw this book I just had to get it! And I am freaking happy I did because I absolutely loved it!!!

This book is beautifully written and extremely well researched. The author is not Russian. However, she did live in Moscow and studied there. In her own words:

"I am not Russian, and my family is not Russian. I lived in Moscow and studied Russian between 2006 and 2007 and I was a Russian major at Middlebury college in Vermont. As part of my studies, I returned to Moscow in 2010. Russia has a history and a culture that I love, but not one that I was born to."

This is the first book in a yet unnamed trilogy. The book is about a Russian fairy tale of Morozko, with historical fiction focused on the 14th century (it was considered a hard time for Russia, when it was partially under the rule of the Mongols). It contains politics, religion, family and folklore and those all together made this book unpredictable and unforgettable.

The first part of the book is more soft than the rest of it. After that, it started to get darker and sometimes scary. It was an extremely tense and unpredictable read. I couldn't stop reading it. It was like I truly was in that dark twisted fairy tale. It's not fast paced but it has a lot of things happening that will mesmerize you and make you love this world.

The characters are incredibly amazing and there are a bunch of them. They all somehow have an important role sooner or later. Some you will fall in love with and some you will hate with all your strength. The book is ruthless with actions and words and it makes you feel angry, hopeful, cold and fascinated.

You will love Vasya's boldness and strength and you will love her power, that is both a gift and a curse in this world.

I absolutely loved the plot and just wished to have a bit more of Morozko and Vasya in it. I loved her adventures and her connection with these old gods. And just because everyone was against it, that didn't make her change or hide. She continued to believe, and even people that talked bad to her she tried to help.
After reading this one I definitely need to get a fiscal copy of it and somehow be able to wait for the next two books! And according to the author, Morozko will have an even bigger part in the next books. Hopefully with Vasya by his side!

Also, in the end of the book, there's a glossary (pretty cool right?) that I think, it should be read either before the book or during when you have any questions about the Russian words.

This is a beautiful and magical book that I would HIGHLY recommend to everyone. And especially if you love Russian culture like me.

* Received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you very much! This doesn’t affect the review in any way. My opinions, are as always, my own.*

This book is a fantasy, but even though I don't usually read fantasy books, I wanted to read this one because of the reviews and comments I had read about it. It's lyrical and it's haunting, and it's very well-written. The setting is a very small medieval village in northern Russia. Ms. Arden has lived and studied (for one year) in modern Russia, where she specialized in French and Russian literature. Her knowledge of Russian folklore and history comes across in these pages. This is a book that is meant to be read in winter since Russian winters are depicted so clearly here.. In fact the winter season is connected to most of the folklore and the creatures that we meet in the book. I found the characters believable - even the mythological creatures. Vasilisa is an enchanting young woman who sees and converses with the spiritworld. She is fiery and fey and finds life with her family rather stifling. She is always wandering about exploring the world around their small home. This is a first novel for Katherine Arden, and she is a voice that many will want to hear a lot more from.

I picked up this book at the airport, hoping it will keep my interest on an extra long flight. I didn't get to read it during the flight, but it certainly did keep my interest (and ate into my slumber hours as I refused to put it down) afterwards. Fabulous writing! This fantastic fantasy mixes folklore, magic and history. The characters were complex, just like good ones should be. Very well done! I highly recommend it to readers of fantasy, history, alternative history, drama, literary novels, and so on ... Excellent!

This is a charming, old-fashioned folk tale, and it is almost impossible to believe that it is the author's debut. Granted, I know nothing about Russia, but I felt like I was in the Rus' land, back in the day, surrounded by forests and all the wood creatures. Vasilisa grew up believing in fairy tales and is now living one herself. She sees all the woodland and homestead creatures and she doesn't fear them, but respects and helps them. When times turn dark, she may be their only hope of survival. The writing creates an atmosphere that is mostly magical, you can see everything in your mind. All the characters are fleshed out, even the non-human ones. Some are evil, but most are good and just scared. As an animal lover, I envied Vasilisa her ability to talk to horses, and I loved her relationship with all of them. The battles were suspenseful and the ending was just perfect. This is a great novel for people who wish life was a little more magical.
I chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine!

This is a lovely, well-written fairy tale set in early Russia. The characters are engaging and interesting, and the various plots are intriguing. I loved the setting and the exploration of Russian fairy tales. My only complaints about the book are that the "Nightingale" shows up much too late in the story and has little to do (you'd think with his name in the title, he would have an important part in the tale). Also, there are a few loose ends that bugged me, and the ending felt rushed. Maybe Arden is writing a second book that will explore the relationships among Vasilisa, the Nightingale, and Morozko more fully. Even with these issues, the book was a joy to read.

When folk tales come true, all Hell can break loose. Literally! When Vasilisa is born in an outland Russian village, she does so at the death of her mother. Bestowed with gifts she is unaware are hers, she lives her youth as a defiant tomboy..in an age when women were nothing more that "breeding mares" and expected to be compliant and feminine. This child of nature sees and communicates with the spirits and entities that keep the world in check, as her mother did before her. Enter a new, unwanted stepmother and a new priest and the balance is rapidly set off-kilter. Fear soon plagues the villagers and feeds the evil so long kept at bay. Of course there is a battle, and what a page turner it is. Loved ones die, alliances hold true, and love, as always, prevails.

A well crafted story with strong characters. I wish I knew there was a glossary in the back first, as there are many Russian names/terms I did not know. But you know now, so be sure to reference when you read this. And you should...read this.

Everyone thinks that Vasilisa Petrovna is a strange girl. She always had been. Her mother, Marina knew even before she was born that she would be extraordinary. And when bringing such a life into the world proves too much for her fragile body, her father never truly forgets that it was Vasya that stole his love away.

As Vasya grows, she explores the vast enchanted forest surrounding her father’s house and to her, it’s not so unusual to see what others cannot. But when her new stepmother arrives, she brings along with her condemnation and judgement. Now the only thing that stands between the certain demise of the entire village is Vasya and magic that she alone can comprehend.

The Bear and the Nightingale is a fairy tale in every sense of the word. With her lush descriptions, Katherine Arden creates a uniquely singular heroine that is as quick-witted as she is strong. Vasilisa’s story is one of isolation, wonder and self-discovery and it leaves you with feeling that other worlds are right in front of you – if you would only open up your eyes…

The beautiful cover is what initially drew me to this book - then the wonderful reviews, because it's not something I'd typically pick up. The hint of the supernatural is what clenched it for me.

The lyrical writing and atmospheric setting immediately reached out and lured me into this story and the Russian tales have delicious dark elements to them. Generally, I prefer a more fast-paced plot, but a gradual unfolding seems more appropriate for this type of book. The characters are fully-fleshed, especially the spirited and unconventional Vasya, and the dark forces are chilling - both figuratively and literally, as the characters in this book are freezing a good bit of the time.

Something I struggled with was most of the characters going by a couple of different names and I was confused at times - but that may not be a problem for other readers.

I'd recommend this to fans of fairy tales, folk lore, and Russian history - a bewitching and enchanting read. Thanks to Penguin First To Read for the digital copy for review.

This book has changed how I judge fantasies. This is obviously my first book by Katherine Arden and I am so truly in love with this book. The characters that Katherine Arden wove are beautiful and complex. I spent the entire book in awe of everything that was captured.

The plot was unique and rivaled Juliet Marillier which from me is one of the highest compliments I can give. I loved the folk lore and how intricate the novel was. I spent my days not wanting to finish the audiobook simply because it would be over.

If you're on the fence about reading this book, just do it. I know that I personally avoid anything that is too popular but I am so glad I read this. It is so beautifully written and so well developed. It will be one I have to reread many times.

I received a free electronic copy of this Russian fairytale from Netgalley, Katherine Arden, and Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine Del Ray in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.

This is one of those almost nightmare tales that you fear will go deeper than you can bear but you cannot put down. It is an excellent translation, losing none of the beauty nor the fear of this tale. If you haven't read this fairytale, I recommend reading the afterward of the novel first, explaining how and why certain words were translated as they were - an eye opener. I would give this six stars, if I could.

This is an extraordinary novel, the word pictures a fantasy as this family story unfolds in a slow, inevitable way. This was a book I was not able to put down, and my opinion was reinforced by a second reading over Christmas to take in the nuances. This is a novel I will share with my mother, my children, and an author I will watch for.

I added another new bookshelf to Goodreads: religious nutters

I preface my review with that statement, b/c it's important that you know exactly how off-putting I find anyone who uses religion as a crutch to excuse their abominable behavior.

Agamemnon sacrificing his daughter to ensure favorable winds as he sails to Troy? Kill him on his own alter. Spanish Inquisitioners torturing anyone not Catholic for the glory of God? Burn them at the stake. The KKK claiming that a darker skin tone is the mark of Cain to justify their prejudice and hate? String them up in their own front yard. #noimnotkidding

And I have to tell you, if it wasn't for that insufferable jackass Konstantin and the witch-hunting frenzy he worked his congregation into, THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE would have easily been a 4+ star read.

I loved Vasya and (most of) her family. I was nearly as heartbroken as her father when Sasha left to become a monk. I felt Olga's frustration and amusement at her younger sister who refused to be tamed. And when that creep Karil made eyes at Vasya, I clenched my fists and ground my teeth along with Alyosha.

More than the characters, I loved the folklore. The house spirits, the nature fae, the pagan gods . . . Vasya's world was steeped in fantastical creatures. The vodianoy who stole Kolya's basket of freshly caught fish, the rusalka who agreed to stop drowning men from the village in exchange for friendship and fresh blossoms, and the vazila who taught Vasya to speak to horses are a mere fraction of what Arden's Rus' has to offer.

And if the villains in this tale had been limited to an evil stepmother and a dark god, it would've been my perfect read.

BUT. Religion. Christianity, to be specific, hellbent on choking the life out of everything not equally Christian, and how is this best accomplished? Fear and intimidation, naturally. Also blame. It's important to have an unconventional woman at hand, the better to accuse of witchcraft when the opportunity inevitably presents itself. *flares nostrils*

I'm not trying to discredit this tactic as a viable plot device, I'm just explaining my hatred of it. It's 100% a personal preference, which is why I have zero qualms about recommending THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE to anyone who interested in reading this type of folklore-influenced fantasy. YES, even those rare individuals who hate religious nutters as much as I do--apparently, this is the first book in a trilogy, and as I'm relatively confident that said issue is resolved, which means the next book has even greater potential for awesome.

Looking forward to it.

This book flows really well even with all the different point of views and it just keeps you reading until you look up and realize that the sun has come back up and that the book is, unfortunately, finished.

The Bear and the Nightingale takes place in a fantasy version of historical Russia and tells the story of Vasya and her family. This book reads like a fairy-tale and is absolutely beautifully written. Vasya is a wild child with a touch of magic and a willingness to be brave.

Vasya is a very easy to like character and, is in fact, my favorite character of this story. The different relationships she has with her family are wonderful and feel very real. And her friendships with the spirits are lovingly written.

I do admit that there are a couple of problems within the book. There wasn't a lot that actually happened until the end and the ending felt a bit rushed, but the story was still so amazing and, in the end, I really didn't mind at all.

I enjoyed reading this immensely and can't wait for the next book!

4.5 stars!

am so glad that I received an ARC of this from NetGalley-otherwise I may never have read it. I didn't really expect to like it as much as I did. I hadn't read the hype or knew anything about it at all. But the the minute I began to read it I was in awe. I haven't read such a compelling, well written, beautifully styled writing (I am having a hard time putting to words how much I love her writing), atmospheric book in a long time like this-it reminds me of a wonderful, much loved classic. I won't go into details about the book plot, or etc... I just want to gush about the book as a whole. I cannot wait to read more in this world Katherine Arden has created (there will be more books) and anything else she has written!

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is beautifully written. Her characters are complex and so well developed. She created a world that I wish I could spend time in, without all the cold and snow. Her mix of history and myth was flawless. While I as only vaguely familiar with some of the myths and many of them were completely new to me, Arden brought them to life in such a way it didn't make any difference.

For me, the sign of a well crafted story and characters, is when they evoke strong emotions. When I am mad at one of the characters, or want to warn them of their foolishness, then they are well done. In that moment, I have excepted them as real. Arden's characters did that from beginning to end. There were times I wanted to smack one character or another or beg them to be reasonable.

Arden makes me want to believe in fairy tales again. In the world she created in The Bear and the Nightingale, they are real.

Katherine Arden’s tale of The Bear and the Nightingale (hard from Del Rey) is a tale of the fae set in 14th century Rus, which is still under tartar domination. The Bear is the Frost Demon’s brother, locked up so he can’t destroy the world. Vasilisa can see the household spirits in her world as could her grandmother, the wife of Ivan I of Rus. One of them teaches her to speak to horses and they teach her to ride. Then Ivan II has her father Pyotr marry Anna, one of his daughters who can see spirits and thinks them demons. When the local priest dies, his replacement Konstatin reacts to her fear with sermons that cause the locals to stop feeding the spirits. This opens the way for the bear. In the coldest winter in Rus history. Only Vasilisa with the help of a horse called Nightingale and the help of the Frost Demon can stop him from escaping his chains I suspect this tale will be on award nominations Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press

The Bear and the Nightingale hearkens back to Old Russia, old fairy tales, and has beautiful lyrical writing. There is a lot of moody atmosphere, background, very descriptive and imaginative.

However the pace is slow, leisurely to the point of being overwritten without much happening. The book could have also been shorter and tighter.

The plot is surprisingly topical, the Priest blames Vasya for being a threat to his celibacy instead of taking responsibility for his own attraction, put that with a religious step mother and Vasya's older spirits and beliefs and there is the conflict.

Overall this is a good read but not great, the pacing was very relaxed and the book is long but the plot is fresh.

Old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, nor should you judge it by its title. This one was a pleasant surprise. Set in older times in Russia and filled with the folk lore of the time. The harsh living conditions, arranged marriages, man against nature and all the while these creatures from folk lore much like our Aesop fables creatures, or trolls, or leprechauns. Anyone remember Aesop’s fables with the taking creatures? Does anyone quote them and how about fairy tales, are they told to youngsters these days? This was a good story, if you could let your imagination go with the flow. There are some historical nuggets buried within the tale and the Rus names are like the moguls on a downhill slalom. The author does give her reasoning for some of the name changes and there is a glossary of terms at the end. This was a pleasant escape back to some childhood memories, just a different place and different tales.

The Bear and the Nightingale by debut author, Katherine Arden was exhilarating and magical! For two days, I rushed home from work to gobble this delightful tale up. This was a novel that swept you off your feet with its lush prose and imagery. I felt as though I walked alongside these characters--could feel the cold wind of winter brush against my cheeks and chill me to the bone.

The Bear and the Nightingale boasts an array of characters, each whose story is woven throughout the novel. I loved reading each, but Vasya ... she cast a spell on me too. I absolutely loved the way the author how we perceive good and evil through Vasya's and Anna's eyes, and how it's not so much what happened to them, but how each of their reactions yielded very different consequences.

Overall, The Bear and the Nightingale was a novel that has you under its spell within the first few pages. I loved it completely!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Bear and the Nightingale is the story of a young girl's coming of age story in the northern Russian wilderness where fantasy and reality intermingle. This young girl is unknowingly pulled into a struggle between good and evil mythical beings. For me, the most interesting part of this book was the Slovik mythological components. I really enjoy reading a book where I learn new things about a different part of the world. It did remind me a lot of Uprooted. The pace was a little unsteady for me. There were times when the author would focus on other characters aside from the main one and it would muddle her story for me. Overall, the historical and fantastical aspects of it kept my interest and were a wonderful way to build a truly unique story. This was a good debut for the author.

I started this book off pretty hesitant. Mostly because I'd been told by so many people how great it was, just to turn around and hear from someone that they didn't like it at all. I'm so glad I finally decided to pick it up and give it the chance it deserved.

I don't really do reviews that go into the plot of a book, mostly because by the time I get around to reviewing a book plenty of people have done that already. But honestly, trying to describe the plot of this particular book takes away the magic from a first reading. The Bear and the Nightingale is what one can only describe as sort of an ethereal book. Time passes in the blink of an eye on the page and you feel sort of swept away by it all.

The characters were interesting, but Vasya, or Vailisa, shone brightly among each one. Katherine Arden has a way of writing a specific setting so well that you truly feel like you're there. You can feel the cold and the wet. You can feel the desperation.

I will say the first 25% of the book takes a little while to get through. It isn't that the book is unenjoyable, but you wonder what the plot is and where everything is headed. This book is unlike anything I've really read before, so I have a hard time classifying it or stacking it up against things I've loved in the past. All I can say is that I really adored it, and I'm really excited that I got my hands on an ARC copy of the next book in the series The Girl in the Tower: A Novel.