An adventure Vasya started in book 1 continues in The Girl from the Tower. More action, more folklore, more romance, more political intrigues - book two suppresses its predecessor in every aspect or is it?

One of the most amazing things i loved about the bear and the nightingale - its darkness. Without a doubt the book was a visibly darker interpretation of Russian folklore, which made the story alive with images of night creatures crawling in the cold cold northern winter, growing even more colder, if possible, with every nightmare coming alive in the darkness. The other thing that made the first book memorable for me is the cast of characters. None of them were a hero; they had struggles on their paths and it was clear book 2 would continue with the question: what will become of Vasya, Morozko, Konstantin, Sasha and Olga? I was extremely curious about this question as well.

The girl in the tower starts with Vasya on the run from her home where she was considered a witch, thanks to the priest Konstantin's vigilance. She has two choices: either be burnt on pyre as a witch or to be send to live in a convent. Free spirited Vasya, of course. chooses the third option: to run away and ask help from Morozko, the frost demon. But Morozko has his own secrets and Vasya's path will lead her to a different from the initial goal direction.

I was highly excited about Vasya going into Moscow. The capital as beautiful as it is dangerous for someone with Vasya's gifts. Everywhere eyes, everywhere plotting and danger behind corners. Even Vasya's siblings Sasha and Olga are not the same people as they were when they left home. And a new mysterious lord Kasyan Lutovich— who seems to be hiding something very important- adds to the pile of intrigues Vasya encounters in the capital. To say that I am satisfied with the direction the plot took in this book? Yes. But was it what I wanted from this book? Not exactly. Let me explain. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Katherine Arden twisted the plot, but I cannot say it was enough to make me surprised or to call political intrigues in this book actual intrigues. Of course, without a doubt, for Vasya it was a new experience as she started as a naive country girl who wanted to see the world, and it's quite understandable that the level of intrigue suits Vasya's perception of the world at the given moment. Alas for me, spoiled with a more prominent subplots and vicious twists in books I am reading, it was not enough to be fully engaged in the mystery Vasya tried to unravel. I already predicted the outcome and knew beforehand every secret that this or that character hid from Vasya. It didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story or characters, but it made it a little bit paler, not so vibrant as it was with the first book.

But if the plot failed to surprise me, the characters showed a great deal of potential in this book. Especially Morozko. I already said in my review for book 1 that he is the one character I was intrigued by the most. Well, well, finally we have a glimpse of true frost demon in this book and I loved that he is not so pristine clear and goodie-two-shoes as it might've seemed in book 1. I loved every scene he shared with Vasya in this book and I am looking forward to his role in book 3, which I've heard from the author will be a significant one.

As for Vasya herself, I can say the girl is getting older and wiser. In book 1 she was still that naive young child who only was learning her strengths and the world around. In book 2 Vasya shows herself as a very reliable and strong character who learns from her mistakes and opposes those who wish to harm her or people she loves; she turns into a woman: strong and independent *whisper * though I still love that Morozko is always there to save her. Vasya is a female character I can add to my list of favorites. As for the romance, things are getting more clear and steamer, but still I need more development from that side. And judging by the way the book ended, we will have something in book 3 *excited giggle*

I don't want to beat around the bush: The bear and the nightingale is fresh and masterly crafted new series that already has a special place in my heart. I recommend it to everyone who wants something new and something magical with a bit of crisp white snow to clear - metaphorically - their minds from everyday problems.

The Girl in the Tower is the second book of a series by Katherine Arden. I read the first book The Bear and the Nightingale and loved it. This is the story of Vasya a girl who can see the old spirits in Russia. After her father and stepmother are killed Vasya flees from her home and begins to explore the world. She disguises herself as a boy but soon finds herself in situations that could be the end of her life if she is discovered. She soon finds herself in Moscow and friend with the Grand Prince. When Moscow finds itself under siege from outside forces Vasya must use her knowledge of the old world to save herself, her family, and Russia.

This book is a gripping adventure from start to finish. Arden does a fabulous job of weaving together the old and new world in Russia. Her description of the wilderness and Moscow itself helps the reader to visualize the world in which Vasya lives. Vasya's relationship with the Frost King is touching and frightening at the same time. Anyone who loves adventure will surely love this book.

Following on the heels of her captivating first novel, The Bear and the Nightingale, author Katherine Arden has crafted an engaging and addictive story continuing the saga of her main heroine, Vasya. Given Vasya’s gift of seeing the unseen creatures of folktales and her complex relationship with the frost demon Morozko, her attempts to belong anywhere prove futile. When allegations of her being a witch continue to haunt her at home in Lesnaya Zemlya, Vasya sets out to see the world, and her sister Olga, in Moscow. But other forces are at work and Vasya soon finds herself heavily invested in a battle against one known as The Sorcerer, the outcome of which could mean life or death for her and her family. If Vasya is to succeed, she must adapt to the fights of men and grapple with her own choice to eschew the traditional female path.

In The Girl in the Tower, Arden has conjured up an evocative journey of Russia and the historical time period in which it is set, including the Golden Horde’s control over Russia. At the same time, she has kept true to the folklore-based creatures that Vasya communes with, and it is these two worlds colliding that makes for an epic tale of adventure with battles, coups, and plots surging throughout. Arden displays a true gift with words that instantly casts a spell over the reader. Part Russian fairytale, part historical fiction and part adventure tale, The Girl in the Tower, is a winning mix reminiscent of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and yet, uniquely different in its own right. Flawlessly written; spellbinding from the first page.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced ARC of this story.

I have been looking forward to reading this book for months and was very excited to find it as an ARC. The Girl in the Tower is a fantastic sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale. The story has fantastic pacing, action mixed with slower periods of conversation and introspection. Arden is a master at making her characters come to life with different personalities and beliefs, Her prose in describing the cold, unforgiving Russian landscape is wonderful. I can't wait to read the third book in this series.

I enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale very much, but I loved The Girl in the Tower. It was fast paced from the start of the story, and remained that way until the last pages. I understood the setting of medieval Russia, the nicknames, and the magical creatures introduced in the first book, so I found this book easier to read. I cheered for Vasya and Solovey, and couldn't read fast enough when I worried for their safety. Katherine created a world both harsh and beautifully simple at the same time. I can't wait for book three!

What a great book! It works very well as a stand-alone story, while following nicely along the path started by The Bear and the Nightingale. An interesting use of fairy tales to show the horror and joy that was medieval Russia.

I thought I loved the Bear and the Nightingale, but the Girl in the Tower was even better. In this second book in the series, we follow Vasya's journey again as she struggles with the way a woman should act and being the hero when no one else will.

I loved how Vasya didn't wait for someone to act when she knew people were in trouble. Instead, she took matters into her own hands no matter what the consequences were. She is so strong and empowering. The story goes from action to creepy very well and the writing is excellent. I can't wait to pick up the third book.

I don't give out five stars very often, but when I can't put down a book because its that enthralling, it deserves the highest rating.

The second novel in the Winternight Trilogy finds Vasya choosing between marriage or becoming a nun. The Girl in the Tower is an enjoyable sequel, part fairytale part historical fiction. It is filled with action and romance. It is a book to be read again and again. I would recommend to fans of fairytales and folklore.

I was so happy to find out that I could get an advance copy from Netgalley because I loved the first book of this series and this second book was just as good. I love Vasya's character and the fairy tale mixed with realism makes it a fun and good read. I highly recommend this series and this author. I love the way she writes the story and the characters. This is a continuation of the first book following Vasya (also known as Vasalisa) and her family and Morozko the frost demon, the king of Winter. Great story for the second book, easy to read and entertaining. Can't wait to read the third book in the series. I was given an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Book Two in a Trilogy.....
"The Girl in the Tower", is the sequel to "The Bear and the Nightingale".
which is DAZZLING- GLORIOUS - and SENSATIONAL!!!

Once again, author Katherine Arden has done something really extraordinary--
she gives us an historical fiction medieval Russian Fairy Tale.....Incredibly creative and breathtaking.
The history itself is educational and fascinating....also barbarous-and complex. It's dangerous times: villages are burning - and people have been killed.

From start to finish -I was totally melting into this story. Before we enter the wilderness-with Vasilisa Petrovna....( Vasya/Vasilii)....we meet her older sister, Olga Vladimirova -who has two young children and a third one on the way. Olga holds the context of 'the worries' for all her family members -in the way I imagine many first born sisters do.
We also meet brother Aleksandr -Sasha... and The Grand Prince of Moscow - Dmitrii- a Priest from Olga's and Vasys's home town of Lesbaya Zemlya. It's at the beginning when we learn from Sasha about the bandits and how strong and organized they seem to be raiding villages. The Priest brings sad news about their father as well.

Sasha tries to warn his Royal cousin - Dmitrii...that there must not be a war come spring with the Khan's. It's brutal out there. They need more time to gather more men and he wants Dmitrii to go back with him into the woods.

Vasya is already out in those woods - with her Bay Stallion named Solovery. Vasya has a fire for freedom in her belly to explore - to not be confined to marriage or live as a nun in a convent. Taking on the disguise as a boy ( completely sexless)-at times Vasya ---named changed to Vasilii--finds it challenging playing the role of country boy. She knows she shouldn't blush - for example.
Vasya is often intrigued by all the new things she sees ( the city was almost too over-stimulating)--yet she is also frightened as can be at times --and COLD. There were times she was shivering convulsively in the night air - with snow falling thicker than ever.

I don't want to spoil the story itself --but Vasya with her mare - traveling - and putting herself in dangers way - maturing day by day - and all the supporting characters are absolutely dazzling. There is adventure - suspense - tension - warmth - laughter- and love!!! There was one spot - where I laughed and cried at the 'same' time. My emotions exploded for a few minutes.

I'm blessed with the physical books. They are both GORGEOUS!! MANY Thanks to Random House Publishing...... plus, thank you Netgalley!

The last person I must say a HUGE THANK YOU TOO is Katherine Arden!!!!
The lovely prose had me STOP- RE-READ -and......BASK-with PLEASURE!!!
......from tinkling of bells, a line of sleighs, lumpish strangers, bristling beards, mittened hands, honeycakes to soothe an irritable Bay Stallion....etc. etc. etc. I was kept in 'aw'!!

I can't wait for book Three! -- Sons and Daughters will love these books too!!

Katherine Arden still captures the imagination of her readers with her second tale of the Bear and the Nightingale. I liked that she included a note on Russian names and a glossary at the end of her book. It lead to less confusion with the changing names of the characters. Looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy and see how the prophecies of the bannik for Marya and Konstantin will come true. I am also curious to see what the interaction of the Fire bird and the Nightingale will be.

I have never been a fan of Russian folklore, history and mythology but Katherine Arden has made me want more. She has taken a bleak and harsh landscape and imbued it with a richly colored story of love and family. Vasilisa is the flawed human hero that we all need. I can only hope that Arden will give us more of her story.

Bandits are attacking the villages around Moscow and Grand Prince Dmitrii and his loyal friend and cousin the monk, brother Alexander, must ride out to help save their people from the Tatar threat. Sasha is not just Dmitrii's cousin though, he is the brother of Olga and Vasya and Vasilisa Petrovna has a lot more than the human world on her side. Will it be enough to save them all?

Once again, this is a beautifully imagined story interweaving Russian folklore with what is also a very cleverly written modern adaptation, seamlessly continuing Vasya's story whilst transporting it and the Frost Demon, Morozko, away from the countryside and into a fight for Moscow itself.

Vasya continues to be a hauntingly beautiful character whilst this time needing to pretend to be a boy and her adventures with both people and spirits continue to be as mesmerising as ever.

I love these stories by Katherine Arden and I just can't wait for the next one to come along to see what on earth she can think of next! It's a wonderful story, please go away and read it for yourself.

I personally really like this story. For this being the second book in a series, this seemed to be a very complete story. I only had a few issues with this book. One, I would like to see it longer just because I don't find 300 page books long enough to really get into, more like a short story for avid readers. The story could be targeted to younger readers and perhaps benefit from the shorter length there, but I felt it was pretty gory and a little dark to be marketed younger than YA level. I suppose there are kids who would still like it, but just not something I think would be widely approved of by parents. I thought it seemed very well written, the prose and writing style were easy to read and allowed you to stay in the story. I felt Vasya was an interesting character and developed an affinity to her through the story. I did feel the author was sitting with the thesaurus open for a bit, but perhaps that was just because I had looked up several words in a small section of the book. I have a relatively well developed vocabulary, but I like to look up and see if words are being used specifically correct even though I have a vague understanding of the word. I also, wanted to note that the author apparently uses a more Americanized style than I commonly see, because a few times when I thought there was a grammatical error, I found that it was an American usage and what I thought was normal was a global/European style. The climax/ending seemed a little cluttered and I would have like to seen it expanded upon. I think everything in the ending was necessary, so to un-clutter it, I would expand it. Maybe then it wouldn't follow with the folktale, but it seemed like there was a lot going on. With just a little more fluid ending, I would raise my rating a half star at least. The only other thoughts I had on this book were, that the roles were pretty traditional and that it might have sold better 20 plus years ago. Things like arranged marriages still exist in our world, but are a foreign concept to America's younger generations. Some of the story just isn't as relevant as it would have been in the past. Great story overall, I would give it 4 stars.

This book begins where The Bear and the Nightingale leave off. I loved it almost more than the first. Katherine Arden is a wonderful storyteller. Her writing is so mesmerizing, I feel like I am right in the middle of her story. I love the setting of old world Moscow. Vasya is such a strong female character. She is unable to accept the role of docile wife and so takes her life into her own hands. This time, she finds herself rescuing a group of children from the clutches of evil bandits. This action however, catches the eye of the Grand Prince of Moscow. He believes her to be a boy. She is reunited with her brother and sister, who are now a part of the Grand Prince's inner circle. The tension mounts as her siblings try to keep Vasya's true identity hidden. However, trouble begins to stir and Vasya is unable to control the forces of evil that threaten to overtake all of Moscow.
I love these fairytales and I love this author. Highly recommend this book! I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

I loved The Bear and the Nightingale, so I had very high expectations for book two. Rarely do I think the second book is just as good as the first, but Katherine Arden managed to do it. I absolutely loved this book! It's written so beautifully, and I love how Arden manages to bring new life into these old Russian fairy tales. Everything I love about reading is in this book. I can't wait to read book three!!

Thank you so much to the publisher for offering me this book in exchange for an honest review! I was so excited to get this one!

I don't usually enjoy the second or third book in a series as much as I did the first but in this case, it just keeps getting better. Vasya cannot stay in her small village now that her father is dead and the villagers have branded it her fault and her a witch. She refuses to marry or enter the convent which seem to be her only options so she takes to the road along with her stallion after visiting Mr. Cool himself, the Frost King. Along the way Vasya becomes a boy and ends up helping a village that has been raided and their children taken by strange bandits. Her bravery is noted by the prince and she gains notoriety which does not help in keeping her identity a secret. Even her beloved brother and sister cannot keep Vasya down for long as she gets swept up in political intrigue and the inner workings of court. This is the classic battle between good and evil, the gods of old and the Mother Church mixed into a glorious glimpse of the fascinating Russian fairy tales. Part forbidden love story, fairy tale and adventure all in one - I can't wait for book three. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

Given my love for The Bear and the Nightingale, I was terrified that I would be disappointed in this sequel. I am happy to report that although it is different in some ways, I thoroughly enjoyed it and consciously made an effort to read slowly so that the experience would last longer. Katherine Arden is a master at placing the reader in the setting of the book and has developed memorable and thoroughly developed characters. I'm very grateful I got an ARC of this book, but am sad that I now have to wait until book three is available.

This is the sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale which I read and enjoyed very much. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to read the sequel even though I am not much of a reader of series, because the first book was so good. I am pleased to report that this (an advance review copy, note) was very much up to the standard of the first.

In this story, Vasilisa Petrovna decides she wants to travel rather than be confined in one place, especially since it is a place where she is disliked and at risk of being labeled a witch. The frost prince, Morozko, who effectively created her in the earlier novel, building on the young and gifted child that she was at birth, objects strenuously to her plan, but unwilling to bow to anyone, she forges ahead with it anyway.

On her journey, she encounters a village which has been burned by bandits who have abducted several girls, and Vasya decides that she's going to retrieve them. This in turn leads to her joining the prince's party from Moscow, which is hunting these same village-burners, and she becomes a favorite of the prince. The problem is that he thinks she's a young man, not a girl! And that scandalous situation isn't the worst thing which happens to her by far. And no, this novel is not a romance except in the very old fashioned sense of the word, I am thrilled to report!

I have to say this got off to a rather slow start for me. I do not read prologues or introductions or what have you, but the opening chapters felt like one, and I wasn't sure what they contributed to the book, but as soon as we left that part behind and joined Vasilisa as she sets off with her magnificent horse Solovey in the depths of a Russian winter, everything turned around for me, and I was engrossed from that point on. I loved that magical Russian folklore characters pop-up unannounced every now and then, some of them important to the story. They make for a rich and charming read.

Vasya is at her core a particularly strong female character, independent and not tied to any man, nor will she chase any. This feisty independence appeals to someone like me who has read too many trashy YA novels where a woman can't be a woman unless she's validated by a man. There's none of that here: Vasya will not be reigned in by anyone. She's strong, but vulnerable at times. She is almost fearless and she tries to do what she thinks is right, although it is not always the wisest course for her or those around her.

But there is a point where Vasya's gender deception is uncovered. You know it's coming, but even so it's hard to see her fall so fast and so hard, just when her life had been perking up. She's every bit up to the challenge, though she's confronted with some difficult choices and some obnoxious male figures. Despite all this, she remains strong and valiant, and I really loved the way this story went and how she made it through these obstacles without selling out.

This was a gripping and entertaining story about an awesome female character of the kind we see far too few of in novels, so yes despite my aversion to series, I should like to read more of her in the future, but for now this satisfies admirably! It's a worthy read, and I recommend it highly.

This book was even better than the first, which is saying something. Vasya learns what it means to strike out on her own and decide her own identity and fate. Eventually she arrives in Moscow where she is again subject to the pull of family and people trying to decide her path. The descriptions pulled me into this book so that I was fully engaged in this world. I'm holding out hope that the author will write another in this series, because I'd love to read it. It's rare I give a book five stars, but this one definitely earned it.