Katherine Arden

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. “A tale both intimate and epic, featuring a heroine whose harrowing and wondrous journey culminates in an emotionally resonant finale.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) NAMED ONE OF PASTE’S BEST FANTASY BOOKS OF THE DECADE Vasilisa Petrovna is an unforgettable heroine determined to forge her own path. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse. Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all. Praise for The Winter of the Witch “Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy isn’t just good—it’s hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favorites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. The Winter of the Witch plunges us back to fourteenth-century Moscow, where old gods and new vie for the soul of Russia and fate rests on a witch girl’s slender shoulders. Prepare to have your heart ripped out, loaned back to you full of snow and magic, and ripped out some more.”—Laini Taylor “Luxuriously detailed yet briskly suspenseful . . . a striking literary fantasy informed by Arden’s deep knowledge.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A Novel

The Winter of the Witch

A magical and captivating coming of age novel set in medieval Russia - perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. One girl can make a difference... Moscow is in flames, leaving its people searching for answers – and someone to blame. Vasilisa, a girl with extraordinary gifts, must flee for her life, pursued by those who blame their misfortune on her magic. Then a vengeful demon returns, stronger than ever. Determined to engulf the world in chaos, he finds allies among men and spirits. Mankind and magical creatures alike find their fates resting on Vasya's shoulders. But she may not be able to save them all. 'heart-stoppingly good...beautifully written, this adventure shimmers and shines with magic of all kinds. Unmissable.' Sunday Express 'If you're a lover of fairytales you are in for an absolute treat. It's truly magical' The Pool 'Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy isn’t just good—it’s hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favourites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. 'Laini Taylor

Taryn

‘Men make themselves afraid,” the Bear told her, smiling. “Imagining is worse than anything they actually see.’

‘All her life she would mourn something she did not know she’d lost.’ - Vasya

‘If you spend all your days bearing the burden of unforgotten wrongs you will only wound yourself.’ - Morozko 

‘I fear,’ said Sergei, ‘that he does not care in the slightest.’

‘There are things that have no words’ - Vasya 

She felt like a girl hurled unwary into a tale she didn’t understand, with folk all around waiting for her to take up a part she didn’t know. 

‘The more one knows, the sooner one grows old,’ snapped the domovaya. 

She was going to die after all, with only the dust of someone else’s life for company. 

The chapter of gritting teeth and doing everything ‘gingerly’ 

‘There are no monsters in the world, and no saints. Only infinite shades woven into the same tapestry, light and dark. One man’s monster in another man’s beloved. The wise know that.’ ~ Medved/The Bear

-> That’s called sarcasm. How many times can this be repeated??? YES I KNOW, I UNDERSTAND. 

‘She really was ugly. Big eyes, wide mouth, jutting bones. But he could not look away’. 

Lisa van der Heijden 

Linara K.S

it took me wayyyy too long to finish this.
Ngl, I think I had attachment issues.
OVERALL, I loved the trilogy; hope to read more of Katherine Arden and yeah I'm now a big Russian folklore, witch-in-the-winterwoods kinda girl.

Hanna Rybchynska

After reading the last book of this trilogy, I can definitely say: "this is one of my favourite trilogies"! It was really good. I already told you about mythology and how good it was written. Now, I need to add that this book has an incredible fairy-tale atmosphere. It took me 2 books to understand why I was enjoying it so much. Now I know! The descriptions, the action, the politics and most important the characters. It all blent perfectly together, and the masterpiece was created.

kareem choucair 

Mari

Kelsey Munson

While the plot line was sometimes lost on me, the writing in this trilogy is beautiful. There were arcs in this story that almost made it feel like I was reading two separate books instead of a single cohesive one. While I enjoyed what happened in The Winter of the Witch, this was not my favorite in the series. I adored (most of) the characters in The Winternight Trilogy. Vasya is a fantastic protagonist and I was sad to reach the last page of her story.

Denaiir

3.5 stars
I was really happy to follow these characters for one more adventure and liked the relationship that Vasya had with both Morozko and The Bear, with the chyerti and all the supernatural creatures. However, I didn't care that much about the human characters (her family, the warriors) nor the human plots about the Tatars' invasion or politics, betrayals and scheming. 
Overall it was still very original and whimsical, but perhaps a little less charming and captivating. 
(view spoiler)[ I was extremely sad when Solovey died at the beginning of the book, and I always kept hope in my heart that he would be back, so the ending was just perfection for me. (hide spoiler)]
The last thing that I want to mention is that I loved the accent of the narrator (so many audiobooks have narrators who don't know how to pronounce names.... looking at you Beartown and The Gentleman's Guide), however I didn't really like her overall performance, I think I would have preferred the paper version this time.

momo-reads

Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. Reviewers called Katherine Arden's novels The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower "lyrical," "emotionally stirring," and "utterly bewitching." The Winternight Trilogy introduced an unforgettable heroine, Vasilisa Petrovna, a girl determined to forge her own path in a world that would rather lock her away. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse. Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers--and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all. Advance praise for Winter of the Witch "Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy isn't just good--it's hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favorites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. The Winter of the Witch plunges us back to fourteenth-century Moscow, where old gods and new vie for the soul of Russia, and fate rests on a witch girl's slender shoulders. Prepare to have your heart ripped out, loaned back to you full of snow and magic, and ripped out some more."--Laini Taylor

Colleen

5 Stars and all the hearts!

**My #1 best read of 2018**
 
*ARC provided by Random House / Ballantine via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
 

  
 


I was over the moon to get an ARC of The Winter of the Witch. I adored the first two books and was so eager to read the final book of the series. I was a little nervous about whether or not it would live up to my expectations, but The Winter of the Witch was absolutely everything I hoped it would be and more! Actually, this is my top read of 2018!
 
If you haven’t heard of the Winternight trilogy, it is a series set in medieval Russia involving Russian folklore. It is a wonderful, richly told, atmospheric story. Arden expertly weaves historical facts with classic lore and cultural exploration. This series has so many things I love: a powerful yet flawed heroine, adventure, mythology, magic, emotion, and thought-provoking ideas. The writing has just the right balance between action and character development. There are humorous moments and heart-wrenching ones. And through is that undefinable essence of old storytelling like something deep and elemental springing up from a time gone by. It’s so astounding that this was Arden’s debut series! (And I will also add that I greatly appreciate that each book was released in a timely manner!)
 
There are three conflicts entwined within the stories: The political machinations between Rus’ and the Tatars, new religion versus old beliefs and customs, and Vasya’s struggle to find her place between societal expectations and her own desires. This is such a powerful story. It reminded me of why I love to read.
 
I really could go on and on and on about how much I love this book, but I don’t want to give away much more about the story. You can read my reviews on the first two books ( The Bear and the Nightingale  and  The Girl in the Tower ) if you would like more details about the series. But I highly recommend it!
 
I cannot wait to see what Katherine Arden comes out with next!!
 

RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 5 Stars
Writing Style: 5 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 5 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 5 Stars
Level of Captivation: 5 Stars
Originality: 5 Stars

Lauren Nicole

What can I even say about this book? It’s been a long time since I started it and a full year of a reading slump to get to here, but when I say this series is my absolute favourite, I truly mean that despite how long it’s taken me to finish. 

The Winternight trilogy is stunning in so many ways and The Winter of the Witch might have been my favourite of the three. Everything about it absolutely beautiful and Vasya has to be one of, if not my absolute, favourite heroines.

Also that ending, though? My HEART.

Sofia Nunes

“I have plucked snowdrops at Midwinter, died at my own choosing, and wept for a nightingale. Now I am beyond prophecy.”
  
This was a most definitely stunning and fitting ending. I didn't know much of Russian folklore before reading this trilogy, and to have followed Vasya's journey through loss, victory, and sacrifice, I'm happy to have traveled those worlds with her. 

I loved the lands of Midnight most (Deb Grib is the cutest mushroom companion anyone could ask for) and the prose of this book transported me right to winter and battle. To see that the Battle of Kulikovo was featured was a great surprise and it just astonished me how much research and studying must have happened behind the writing. 

This is one of my favorite trilogies for sure, and one to return to every winter. 

Who knew demon-frost kings would be so kind?
  
    “As I could, I loved you.”

Rachel Kanyid

Overall enjoyed this series, but I thought that this last book just did not hold as much charm as the other two books.

(Bre)anne✨

Izza

abi a

Aditi

An astonishingly self assured author. A book worthy of the first two books of the series. I'm so glad I stumbled upon it, and all the three books pulled me into themselves so that I forgot I was not there with the characters. Ms. Arden is a find and a keeper.

Jenna

Still not as good as book 1 for me but still amazing

Sophie L Smith 

This trilogy was been everything I've ever wanted in a book, it has taken to me to another world which I want to get lost in with prose so beautiful I often found myself rereading chapters just to be caught up in this world a little longer, it handles subjects like death and faith with a beautiful perspective that made me cry at times, the tension between characters is tangible and electrifying it brings everything to life. Vasya isn't just some beautiful maiden and that's what I loved the most about this she is frequently referred to as frog mouthed and yet she enchanted so many people and constantly rose to any challenge in her path. Growing up I read fantasy books with boys as the lead and longed for a story to represent a girl as the hero. This series will always be so close to my heart and I will reread it again and again to revisit this world and share in her triumphs and losses.

Cheri McElroy

This was a satisfying conclusion to the Winternight Trilogy. It wasn’t a bed of roses, and the cost of war came at a price. I liked the evolution of Vasya to a strong and smart woman who stood with a foot in two worlds, caring for both. And, be still my heart, Solovey.❤️

Aditi Verma

Shay Henrion

This trilogy just speaks to me on some deep level i can’t identify. I love it so much.

Megan Paterson

Sad to say goodbye but the perfect end to this incredible trilogy.

A magical and captivating coming of age novel set in medieval Russia - perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. One girl can make a difference... Moscow is in flames, leaving its people searching for answers - and someone to blame. Vasilisa, a girl with extraordinary gifts, must flee for her life, pursued by those who blame their misfortune on her magic. Then a vengeful demon returns, stronger than ever. Determined to engulf the world in chaos, he finds allies among men and spirits. Mankind and magical creatures alike find their fates resting on Vasya's shoulders. But she may not be able to save them all. 'heart-stoppingly good...beautifully written, this adventure shimmers and shines with magic of all kinds. Unmissable.' Sunday Express 'If you're a lover of fairytales you are in for an absolute treat. It's truly magical' The Pool 'Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy isn't just good-it's hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favourites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. 'Laini Taylor

Savannah Winchell

😭😭😭👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻😭😭😭

Livia

That was probably one of the most satisfying final book i have read. The characters are all well-rounded and went through great character arcs, the plot is amazing and, at some parts, unexpected, and Vasya as a main character truly is what brings it all together. I love how even though she is still reckless, she became smart and owns up to her mistakes. She's morally gray, because she would do what it takes to achieve something, but even then she has the best intentions at heart. 
I truly hate Konstantin throughout the series, but i just realized how misguided he is. He is a man of faith, and not being sure at what he believed in and being left by the people he thought cared for him leaves a mark, which leads him to graps on anything he could.
Needless to say, I love Sasha. And to me, what happen to him at the end is fitting for this series.

Celeste Richardson

The Winter of the Witch is a stunning conclusion to Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy. While I very much enjoyed the preceding two novels, I didn’t quite love the story for some reason. I really liked it, don’t get me wrong, but there was some sort of disconnect between me and the first two books. That was definitely not the case with The Winter of the Witch. I was so incredibly invested, and was brought to tears multiple times. The whole book was epic from start to finish. The balance of grief and joy was razor sharp. I found the entire story imaginative, unique, and honestly exquisite. This book is the kind of finale that retroactively improves the books that came before it, as you see all the ways those novels paved the way for this one.

Vasya has slowly become one of my favorite fantasy heroines. When I first met her, I was comparing her to the protagonists in Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver, which I had read almost immediately before. Unfortunately, that was to Winternight’s detriment, as I had loved Spinning Silver so much and couldn’t help but compare the two. I felt that Vasya didn’t have quite as much dimension as Novik’s three heroines; she was almost too perfect, without the internal moral struggles that make for a character with the kind of depth that makes them relatable. I instantly liked her, but she felt almost too good to truly invest in even as a child. However, any such qualms I had disappeared completely in this third book. Vasya has been through so much, and that innate, tough goodness at her core is in large part what kept her going. She’s an incredible character, and all of my qualms from earlier in the trilogy fell by the wayside as I watched her conquer impossible odds. The way she found to secure her own agency in a time and place where such was completely unheard of for a woman blew me away.

I was totally unprepared for some of the horrific sacrifices that would be made in this novel. It felt much darker than the two preceding books; so much so in fact that, in the beginning of the novel, I was pretty taken aback and almost offended by how blindsided I felt. But all of these sacrifices had meaning, and power, and a huge role in the story. Nothing was done for shock value, despite how I might have first felt. The stakes were intensely high here, and there can be no great reward without the threat of great loss. Again, the way Arden balanced joy and grief here was incredibly powerful. I was truly impressed.

One of the most captivating elements of this series is the inclusion of, and the importance placed on, Russian folklore. In this final third of the story, the traditional, nearly forgotten magical entities of Russia are at war with the mundane and the holy. Vasya rides that dividing line. Seeing which side she will choose, or whether she will stand in the gap between the two, is where much of the tension lies. Arden’s presentation of the magical here is absolutely superb. The chyerti, the nature and household spirits of pagan Russia, were so varied and fascinating. From Midnight personified, to magical horses, to tiny mushroom spirits, each had their own unique personality. I also loved the interplay between the Christian religion and the remnants of paganism, seeing them war for dominance while wondering if they could find a way to coexist. I highly recommend reading Arden’s Author’s Note at the end of the novel, to see where some of her inspiration came from.

I found The Winter of the Witch truly brilliant, and the Winternight trilogy as a whole a strong one. It might have started off a bit slow for me, but man, did it ever deliver in the end. Vasya will always have a place in my heart, and her story is one that I’m excited to share with others and revisit one day.

The Winter of the Witch A Novel

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