This is the first review I’ve ever started BEFORE I’ve read the book... but these initial thoughts are important I think. I’m excited. Really excited. I have high expectations here. This is what happened...

Me: I will make a start on reading the 10 books I’ve had next to my bed since my daughter was born 7 months ago. I will not log into NetGalley until they have been read. Need to clear this backlog first and fix my blog so it’s all ready for the next...
Mind (interrupting me): “I wonder what Ebury Publishing / Penguin Random House UK have out at the moment... let’s take a peek. I won’t request anything...”

BAM. Katherine Arden. Vasya. The Girl In The Tower. I saw the picture of the front cover and instantly knew what that was. And I nearly missed it thanks to being up to my neck in nappies! That was close! Up you go Katherine Arden, to the front of my reading queue!

And I also need to take a moment to say: The Bear And The Nightingale is part of a TRILOGY?!? I did not know this or I would have been googling part 2 since the moment I finished the first book! I’m thrilled! I was only thinking about this last week and lamenting over how few authors write fairytales for grownups. The ones that are based on legends and kids stories. Marillier is obviously one and she has been a firm favourite of mine for nearly 20 years. And now Katherine Arden... in one book she managed to climb up and stand next to my favourite author of 20 years and force her to share the “favourite author” title. Because she has “IT”, she writes exactly what I have been looking for, what I crave. And even if there had only ever been one book she would still be top spot in my mind. Not many people can successfully write books like this and Katherine Arden is brilliant at it. And now there is a 2nd book. Which I am just about to start... I’ll check back when I’m on the other side!
***
So, as you can see from the above I had very high expectations for this book. So it would have been very easy to disappoint me. I was NOT disappointed. If anything, The Girl In The Tower was better than The Bear and The Nightingale. And I don’t say that lightly - book 1 was incredible.
This saw the return of many of the much loved characters from the first book, and saw them grow individually, learn tolerance of each other and gave the reader a lot more insight into each person through the depth of character in the book. This will be extremely difficult to write without spoilers of either book (mainly because I want to gush about the events that took place in each) but I will do my best.
The darkness in this book took it up a notch whilst changing the setting to Moscow and so including more of the “real world” history in the story. But through that I gained more of an understanding of the difficulties facing Vasya - and all of the people who held on to the pagan beliefs of the time. Obviously the inclusion of the priest in book 1 went some way into exploring the subject but seeing the city life and the behaviour of the people who dwelled within it, made it clearer that this was a time of changing beliefs. And persecution for those who didn’t.
The sense of danger in this book was incredible - especially at the end! I found I was holding my breath for a lot of it.
And oh, the love story. The beautiful, torturous, impossible, love story. I am rooting for them. I fell in love with them. I fell in love with people I didn’t expect to in this book. That, I suppose, is one of the things that sets this apart from other books. In others you can love the story, you can note that it was tense, or romantic, or scary. But this book made me FEEL. I felt hatred and anger and fear and love just as if I were Vasya.
The moment it finished I said “Nooooo!” aloud. Because I was so sad that there were no more pages. I wanted the book to continue forever if I’m honest. And immediately took to google to find out when I could read book 3. August apparently. Which is sooner than I expected but still feels like a torturously long time. I will be counting the days.
If you’ve been looking for something new to read and obsess over - this is it. Or even if you’re not looking for something new to read, because you have a huge pile of books to read, this is still “it”. You need to know this story. I’ve already sent my sisters to buy copies of both books because I can’t stand not being able to talk about this with someone.

Katherine Arden, you smashed it. I loved it from the first word to the last - and everything in between. I can’t wait until August!

I adore this series. Arden is an incredible writer and possesses the ability to recreate the feeling of an old Russian master with the flair of a nouveau writer.

The author combines the magic and essence of Russian folktales with the creativity of high fantasy, and lets the reader experience the darkness of old tales told in front of fires and the power of ancient myths.

At the end of the first part of the trilogy, The Bear and the Nightingale, we left Vasya grieving for her father and protected by Morozko. In this second part she decides she wants to travel the world, to discover things beyond her village. Thanks to the new local priest everyone thinks she is a witch, which means she is a pariah and in danger.

So begins her venture into a world of rules, fear and cruelty. One Morozko would rather she didn’t experience at all, even if she has been gifted with a magical stallion, who will protect her. He struggles with his emotions towards Vasja and the inevitability of their separation.

In both books the author has made a point of shedding a light on the inequality between men and women, and how it impacts those who are deemed to be less equal than others. Part of Vasja’s drive to be free is connected to the limitations she experiences as a woman. The title is very apt in that sense. There is no freedom, but plenty of restrictions, and any deviation from the rules can ruin a reputation.

Once again Arden balances the mystical with exceptional storytelling and leaves the reader with the feeling of reading a Russian classic. It feels timeless and ancient.

I am really looking forward to The Winter of the Witch, the third part of this trilogy. Katherine Arden has proven herself to be a writer and storyteller of great skill, and I wager a few decades from now her Winternight trilogy will receive the recognition it truly deserves

In the Girl in the Tower, we move to Moscow – not yet the city it is today but still the home of the rulers of Rus’ and also of Vasya’s married sister, Olga. This is a vastly different world – women are confined to their luxurious homes, apart from visits to church, and politics and intrigue are at the front of everyone’s mind. Religion is of great importance – Olga is waiting for the return of her favourite brother, now a sort of warrior priest – and the old ways are nowhere to be seen. Into this world bursts Vasya who has run from her home, dressed as a boy, after tragic events have left her without most of her family and accused of witchcraft. Her actions against a group of bandits who are roaming the countryside, burning villages, stealing young girls and then vanishing, bring her to the attention of Dmitri – the Grand Prince of Moscow and, coincidently, her cousin. He assumes she is a boy, as does everyone else aside from Sasha (the warrior monk brother), and brings her back to Moscow as a reward. Sadly, dark forces once again follow Vasya and worse, she falls foul of Moscow’s strict gender rules when her true identity is discovered.

Unfortunatly, me and this book just did not get on, I started reading and liked it at first, but unfortunatly i got bored with it :(
It just did not have - for me - have that [ull to want to read it.

Another perfect blend of fairytale, Russian historical tidbits and strong characters in Katherine Arden’s second of the Winternight Trilogy.

The Girl in the Tower picks up where book one finished, having been cast out of her village and branded a witch Vasya is fleeing from her home with Solovey, her immortal black stallion and trusted friend. As a young woman few choices are open to her and both end up with her being stuck in a Tower, granted of her own volition, but still, a Tower - convent or marriage, marriage or convent? Vasya chooses neither and opts instead to continue her travels, albeit as a boy. And so the adventure begins.

The second book in a trilogy sometimes suffers from being the ‘glue’ that holds the 1st and 3rd book together, not this one, this one is fast paced, full of the spirits from Russian folklore and a treat to read from start to finish. I am in awe of Katherine Arden, her stories are masterfully crafted, pure indulgence and just splendid.

A heartfelt thank-you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book. This trilogy. I defy anyone not to love this astoundingly rich book with it's beautiful characters, amazing story all steeped in an enchanting history. At its heart this book is a fairytale, but really it's something so much more.

The Girl in the Tower picks up where The Bear and the Nightingale left off, with Vasya determined to carve her way in the world. The wonderful and surprising Morozko features heavily in the book, his character coming more to life with each appearance he made as he attempts to save Vasya from herself. The story is still fill with the wonderful chyerti, described so perfectly that you can envisage them with your mind.

Throughout The Bear and the Nightingale I always was left wanting more of Sasha and Olga, and The Girl in the Tower does not disappoint. Vasya journeys to Moscow and it allows the story to take on a whole other side, moving away from the dazzling winter in the forests to the wonder of a city life.

I would hate to spoil this book for anyone, so I can't talk about all of the amazing things that makes me love it so. I feel like I'll be spending the whole of the next year waiting for the final book to come along, and at the same time, so sad that it will all be over.

I am aware of being in a minority with my opinion and I should have probably seen it coming considering The Bear and the Nightingale didn't do it for me, but the sequel didn't work its magic on me, either.

The Girl in the Tower picks up right where the predecessor left us: when Vasya is facing the choice between living in a convent or in marriage, she decides to disguise as a boy and leave her home in northern Rus' to travel to Moscow, where her sister Olga and brother Sasha live. Surprise, surprise, things don't go as planned and it doesn't take long for Vasya to become part of Moscow's even grander twisted schemes.

Vasya is no longer the child we have met her as, but slowly becoming a woman. While adulthood comes with more knowledge, options and choices to make, to me she remained a stubborn and impulsive character whom it wouldn't hurt to think twice about what she's saying. Yes, she might be headstrong and fierce, but a lot of her willpower came across as that kind of pubertal give me independence, I don't care kind of thinking that's more reckless than brave.

Possibly it was my failure to connect to Vasya as a character that made me struggle to feel anything for this story. Morozko, the Frost Demon, who played an important figure in the first book, was possibly one of the more intriguing characters in this novel. He pops up every now and then to guide and give advice, and it becomes clear that his affection for Vasya is of a deep and conflicted nature - as to love her, he would have to give up immortality, yet the receiver of his love acts snarky and alienating.



On a more positive note, The Girl in the Tower merges fantasy and historical facts together well. The world is cold, frosty and atmospheric and while the writing style itself occasionally annoyed me with it's overbearing use of adverbs, it does paint the picture of a 14th century Moscow that was grim, dangerous and plainly unhygienic.

To sum up, I am certain that people who loved The Bear and the Nightingale will have a lot of fun with this one, too. For I wasn't one of them, The Girl and the Tower wasn't able to change my mind about this series.

The first book in the Winternight series, The Bear and the Nightingale, was one of my favourite books of 2017 so it’s safe to say I had high expectations with book two in the series, The Girl in the Tower. Thankfully it did not disappoint. I raced through it in two days and loved every page. It’s just as dark, atmospheric and full of twisty plot as I wanted. And the descriptions, they are so vivid, you feel like you’re in deepest, darkest, coldest Russia. As for the characters, I adore everything about feisty Vasya and was angry, happy and scared along with her. Finally I love the Russian folklore that’s woven through every chapter. This book is a special historical fiction novel and deserves to be lauded as it has been. Simply put it is so so good.

Overall? This book lives up to my expectations and more. Sure it has some frustrating part, but considered the middle-book syndrome second books usually have in most of trilogies, this is the least severe case I’ve read. It is magical yes, filled with Russian setting and folktales, magic and war, bravery and strong family ties. This is an amazing book and I can’t wait to read the final book!

The first thing to note about The Girl in the Tower is it is the second in series. I was not aware of this fact when I first started to read it. While that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book (I loved it!), it meant I didn’t know the characters back stories and was confused at moments when they clearly reference the first book. Read the first book first!

That, however, was my mistake and thankfully did not detract from my enjoyment of this one.

Vasya has run away from home with her magic-horse who can understand man’s speech. She is determined to see the world, even if the winter-king and frost-demon, Morozko, tries to persuade her otherwise. But danger is strife and Vasya soon enters a world of deception and politics, where being revealed as a girl could cost her not only her life, but her brother’s, Sasha, also.

I loved Vasya as a character: she has depth but isn’t infallible. She has a gift of sorts, but she is a young woman determined not to be caged by either a covent or a husband. She is determined to do what it is right to protect people – first, the missing girls, then her own family – even if it costs her everything.

Sasha, however, claimed the spot in my heart for favourite character. A warrior-monk, he risks everything on a lie to protect his little sister and despite his Godly nature, no bandit is going to escape him. The reader gets to know Sasha first, so I think missing the first book is why I connected initially to his character.

The Girl in the Tower is, mainly, a book about family. Vasya will risk everything to protect her siblings. Sasha lies to protect his sister. And Olga – another sister – forgives and welcomes Vasya into her home despite mistrusting her. The bond between siblings is powerful and is a message that, despite magic and rumours and dangerous priests, nothing is stronger than family.

The pacing is varied throughout. I found the beginning to be relatively slow – there felt like there was a lot of manoeuvring the characters before the main story unfolds. I felt it dragged despite not knowing the characters – I imagine if you had read the first book, this would have been frustrating. The second half, however, is much faster, with the tension mounting and the stakes being raised with every chapter.

I wouldn’t say there was anything that particularly caught me by surprise, but there are a few twists along the way that kept me engaged and interested. The one thing that threw me off slightly, however, was all of the Russian names and nicknames – I couldn’t pronounce some and it made it harder to keep track of people to start with. I found you get used to it as the tension builds, however. At least, you stop noticing!

A thoroughly enjoyable book, full of magic and adventure. I’d recommend it – but read the first one first!

Girl in the Tower was *ENCHANTING*

*Received this book off Netgalley in exchange for an honest review- but the gushing you’re about to see is all me*

And dark, and scary and made me feel all tingly. For anyone that doesn’t remember all the way back to December, I fell absolutely head over heels for Bear and the Nightingale, the first in the Winternight Trilogy. So when I received a last minute ARC for the second one, there was actual screaming, guys. And when I got to the end of this, well, let’s just say this raised my love to practically fever pitch.

Straightaway I was plunged into Arden’s atmospheric world. With stunning visuals, chuckle-worthy dialogue and mysteries building, I found myself sucked straight back in. Most of my notes devolved to just “WOW” and “AMAZING” pretty quickly. Cos let me tell you, everything about Arden’s writing is wonderful. The haunting style made me shivery and weak at the knees.

From the outset, I felt a creeping sense of dread and that didn’t let up until the crazy-dramatic end. You know that cliché “I hadn’t realised I’d been holding my breath”- well I exhaled (loudly) when I got to the end and I hadn’t realised I’d been holding my breath- so there you go, proof it actually happens. I was so absorbed in the good old fashioned storytelling that I didn’t notice. Nor I did I notice the night ticking away until it was Crazy O Clock in the morning and the story was done (whoops).

Timeless and magical, the plot loops round, playing with strands of the story and then joining the threads. When I could finally see the full tapestry, my face cracked into a smile of pure joy– it’s been a while since I’ve seen chronology twisted so successfully. This seemingly slight touch allowed minor characters to step more into the spotlight, which was excellently done. Carefully, characterisation through the eyes of others and through the smallest of gestures, brought the world more vividly to life. Little things, like the humorous horse character, made my toes curl in pleasure.

And speaking of pleasure, the romance in this book melted my heart. There were only hints of romance in the previous book and, even though I discussed it offline, I’d been scared of scaring it away- but man I wanted this. I don’t know where it’s going, since there’s a terrifying combination of miscommunication and magic involved, but I’m loving the slow build so far. Arden sure knows how to take her time.

I also loved the direction Vasya took in this book. She’s certainly grown into an increasingly wonderful heroine. As with the last book, I loved her unconventionality, her cleverness and how unusual she was (including her looks). She’s such a great role model for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider. And what made her even more powerful was the presence of a truly killer villain. He both mirrored her and reflected back her goodness with darkness… and I won’t say any more for fear of spoilers. But he’s a good un (well, technically bad 😉 )

What was incredible was how much more complexity and scope there was to Girl in the Tower. There were multiple layers to the story and I felt like there was so much more under the surface, waiting to be discovered. I honestly don’t feel like one review could do it justice (I can already see that I would benefit from rereading this story). One thing I will say that I enjoyed the most about this book was the elements of appearance vs reality. The hidden world of folklore, tucked out of sight for most people, gave the impression that there was more to this reality than meets the eye. I really appreciated how that theme bled into the narrative, the character’s gestures even and the portrayal of different beliefs. I marvelled how the unseen and the seen blurred together at moments, in a way that screamed UNCANNY and UNSETTLING. I revelled in what could be regarded as a clash of civilisations.

Ultimately, this book took everything about the first book and made it better. No middle book syndrome here- only pure, unadulterated bliss. I’d read a few reviews and thought “pff could it be better?”- the answer is yes, yes it could and it was. And I must say it was perfect with hot chocolate and Bailey’s after an exhausting day 😉

Rating: 5/5 bananas

It's back to the winter wonderland that is medieval Russia in the second instalment of the Winternight trilogy and despite the cold and ice, it is a real pleasure to find myself in the world of magic again. This second novel tells the continuing tale of Vasya, a young girl with the ability to see the Domorovoi (house spirits) and her relationship with Morozko, a frost demon. While I had a few issues with the pacing of the first book, those problems have been rectified here as the plot moves along nicely, giving us the time to digest each new aspect without becoming too bogged down in minutiae. Arden re-creates a visceral world, full of blood and war but always with an exquisite eye for beauty and her descriptions of the landscape are so good - you can feel the cold! Once again, there is a fairy tale quality to the narrative, with murderous villains and heroes, but each character is subtly drawn to ensure nuance, making them far more compelling. Once again, magic permeates the world but there is enough grounding in the muck and bullets of medieval life to satisfy the realist. All in all, this is a great book and I'm looking forward to the conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Verdict: Again, not for me.

After Vasya leaves her village to dispel rumours of her being a witch, she ventures through the woods, facing demons, bandits, and death itself. To survive as a lone traveller, she disguises herself as a man and unintentionally gains the attention of the Grand Prince. She must keep her true gender a secret to protect herself and her family.

I'll be honest with you all: I received this title without knowing it was book two of a series. When I realised, I read book one, my heart sinking with every page. I didn’t like it one bit, and I don’t enjoy writing low reviews either. I would never have requested the book to review if it had been clearly labelled as book two of a trilogy I had not yet started. But I agreed to review it in exchange for a copy, and I am grateful to receive it, so here is my review.

It actually started out a lot better than I expected. The narrative flits between Vasya facing the harsh wilderness, barely surviving, and her brother Sasha, the monk, who rides alongside the Grand Prince as he faces the bandits threatening his villages. The story is spread across the years so it feels like every moment matters, and the overarching plot comes together much clearer. It pulled me into Vasya’s world in a way that book one never could.

I liked how Vasya got to express herself a bit more, venturing through the woods, saving people, challenging badies – yet at the same time, I couldn’t understand why she wasn’t trying to keep a low profile. I suppose if she had played it smart, we wouldn’t have a story, but it certainly had predictable and frustrating qualities to it. I think that’s why towards the middle I felt restless, wanting the story to just get on with it already. I felt like I already knew how it would play out, and there wasn't anything particularity surprising in the end.

At some point, I lost all interest despite feeling the build-up of Vasya’s bold moves and knowing the trouble she was stirring up. The writing style just isn’t my thing, and I can’t force myself to like it, though I’ve tried. To me, the writing felt long-winded in every sense. I felt like the story wasn’t moving along as quickly as my brain was piecing it together to the point that most of the narrative between the dialogue felt useless and I probably could have skipped a couple of chapters and just reading the ending.

I think here is where me and this series part ways.

Source: With thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley.com.

I enjoyed The Bear and the Nightingale however it didn't prepare me for how much I would LOVE The Girl in the Tower. I couldn't put this book down! Considering it was almost a year ago when I read The Bear and the Nightingale it was easy to step back into this mythical and magical world to continue Vasya's story.

I said before that she was a kick ass heroine and my respect for Vasya has deepened. She stands strong for her beliefs throughout this story with plenty of action behind those beliefs ... and despite everything that is thrown at her to make her fail in her quest. She is often her own worst enemy! I knew she would choose independence over protection once she knew but I still felt very sad. I felt like shouting at her not to throw everything away because there was so much worse to come.

I enjoyed spending time in the Moscow court with its intrigue and distrust. Kasyan Lutovitch made me feel uneasy from the beginning and I couldn't work him out. Even now thinking about him gives me goosebumps! Dmitrii Ivanovich is a man of his time but I like to think he felt torn! I couldn't believe who Aleksandr rescued on the road and brought to the Lavra. A pawn to be used ...

It is such a stark landscape which dictates living and community (and compliments the myth/magic). I loved Vasya's ride through the early morning, seeing everything through her eyes.

The Girl in the Tower was such a tense read for me. It breaks rules of both spirit and culture, bringing one into the other. I'm excited for the final story, The Winter of the Witch, publishing later this year. I've no doubt the battles will be just as tense with just as much to lose. I have a suspicion about one of the 'demons' and want to see what the prophecy meant for Marya.

If you enjoy fantasy, myth and the darker fairy tales you must read the Winternight trilogy. It's outstanding.

I received a digital ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

God bless the authors who can write sequels which can be read even without reading the first novel!

“Think of me sometimes," he returned. "When the snowdrops have bloomed and the snow has melted.”

You know that moment when you want some book full of action but with a tiny bit of romance (not too much please, don't want to be submerged by sugar), rich of history but with a hint of magic,, with a sparkle of sarcasm and a couple tears.... I suppose you understood.
Well then, you've just found what your heart truly desires.

It was truly inspiring to witness such a great mixture between history and fantasy, which takes the form of Medieval Russia's folklore. So fascinating that I look forward to getting more information about this historical period end its traditions, it was like plunging in a whole new unknown world! The descriptions might not be excessively wide or precise, but they're effective nonetheless, especially the ones regarding the characters.

“The breath hitched in his throat. His hand caught hers, but he did not untangle her fingers. "Why are you here?" she asked him. For a moment she thought he would not answer, then he said, as though reluctant, "I heard you cry.”

Oh, the characters! Let me tell you this: Morozko is mine. And no, I won't share him with anyone. Is he twisted? Is he unforseenable? Is he untamable? Yes, yes and yes. And maybe a demon? Well, yes. But love is blind, isn't it?
"The girl in the tower" is one of the few books where romance is not the most important element of the plot, but catches the attention of the reader anyway. And the heart. And the mind. I assure you I fangirled pretty hard during some chapters. And not because they were full of sickly sweet scenes (every single time there was someone almost dying lol), but because they were so intense and heart wrenching.
Ups... in all my fangirling I almost forgot about the main character, Vasya!
Well, she's simply amazing.
She's not just the classic female character who wants to behave like a boy and forgets what humanity means. No, her bravery shows even when she breaks out in tears, when she's ready to sacrifice herself for her family when she was unfairly rejected, when she could have just turned her back and fled away.
What distinguishes all the characters is exactly this: their complexity. They've got so many sides to discover, that every time they're mentioned it's a surprise.

This is why the plot itself is so stunning. At the beginning I was a bit puzzled as I was finding it a bit slow, but the rest of the book made me change my mind. Till the very end I held by breath, worried about the destiny of every single character (Morozko) and the future that waited for them (for Morozko). I really can't help but wanting to read the last book to satisfy my curiosity!

It is a year since I read “The Bear and the Nightingale”, and initially, the “Girl in the Tower” passed slowly as I had to bring back to mind the action and characters of the first book. As with many Russian flavoured books, all the characters have several names – and it takes a little time to get used to that again. But once I got things straight in my head, the plot sped apace, as did my reading speed and enjoyment, and I read the second half of the book in a single sitting.
It is still winter, and still very cold. Vasya has escaped from her home, leaving behind her dead, the conflicted priest, Konstantin, and the villagers that he has turned against her by branding Vasya a witch (Witch. … We call such women so, because we have no other name”). She rides the immortal steed, Solovey, and seeks out the Frost King, Morozko. Vasya is not a witch – or at least doesn’t think she is – but she can see the Chyerti spirits, whose existence most others refuse now to acknowledge. But most of all, Vasya is escaping the stultifying future that society has decreed for her – and all other women of this age and country: “A woman married. Or she became a nun. Or she died. That was what being a woman meant”.
To have some semblance of freedom and a life worth living, Vasya takes on a new identity as a young lad, and as such comes to the notice of the Grand Prince of Moscow, Dmitrii Ivanovich. Her brother, Sasha, at the Grand Prince’s side, is forced to go along with her deception against his ‘better’ judgement: “her brother had loved the child Vasilisa. But how can one love a woman who is too much like that child, still brash, still unafraid?” When they all reach Moscow, Vasya’s sister, Olga, is dragged into the conspiracy. Olga has the life that she dreamed of – as a lady of consequence with husband, children, staff and slaves – but also with many constrictions. She can only envisage a similar existence for Vasya, even knowing that her sister is completely unsuited to such a life: “Vasya barely heard. The walls of the chapel were stifling her, as though Olga’s long, airless years had a shape and a flavor that she could breathe … This was the face of her most dreadful dream: herself, imprisoned behind walls until she grew to accept them, her soul withered away”. As a boy, Vasya becomes lauded as a hero, and gains in confidence – but the truth of her identity always threatens to ‘un-man’ her – and to destroy the lives of her siblings and their families.
There are some wonderful characters in this book. Of course, Vasya, whom you immediately take to heart. Solovey is much more than a (immortal) horse. He understands human speech, and is probably Vasya’s best friend, confidant and protector. His mood is communicated through his very mobile ears. Apart from Vasya, his greatest love is food – especially porridge. Morozko, as a portent of death and the Frost King, should invoke fear and dislike – but his care for Vasya humanises him, and he comes across as a very sympathetic, and misunderstood, being. Like all the Chyeyrti, he is doomed to fade with the onslaught of Christianity, but you feel the world will be poorer without him in it.
This is a wonderful sequel, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and fairy-tales. I look forward to part three of this excellent trilogy.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
I received a free ebook copy of this through Netgalley. Thankyou to both the publisher and Netgalley! My review is still completely honest.

So I ended up being a lot more engrossed in this second book than the first! While I'm still giving them both 4 stars overall because they are both of similar quality overall, the pacing was much better in this one and I really got sucked into this. Some great developments.

Thoughts on characters. <spoiler> Vasya grew a lot in this! Her experiences on the road got rid of some of that young naivety she has, and her role as Vasilii
Thoughts on characters: Vasya grew a lot in this! Her experiences on the road got rid of some of that young naivety she has, and her role as Vasilii Petrovich, masquerading as a male, taught her a lot about who she is and what she wants. I thought she was a better character at the end compared to at the beginning, definitely more powerful. We learn more about the frost demon and see more of him in this book, which I loved. Their relationship is sweet and difficult, and I really hope things can work out in book 3. I actually didn't like Vasya's sister. She somewhat redeemed herself right at the end, but she is unfortunate evidence of how women themselves can help to reinforce female oppression. She had such a fixed idea of how Vasya should be, and was gave her own daughter no freedom, which also meant no happiness. Marya herself was lovely, and I could almost see a trilogy related to her after this one! Vasya's brother is pretty cool, even as a monk his medieval ideas about women were a little less strong and he seemed to appreciate Vasya's desire for more. Solovey is still a favourite, he is the much needed comedy in this novel. His loyalty and pride make for a great animal character.

Thoughts on plot. The plot was strong in this one too, the main plot line being the introduction of Kasyan, an immortal sorcerer. One thing which I think could have been foreshadowed better was Kasyan's involvement with Tamara, Vasya's grandmother, as there seemed to be no warning of that at all, and as such it felt a little removed from the rest of the plot. I love all of the magical elements, the firebird was a favourite, the new chyerty introduced, the domovoi.. There were some disturbing scenes in this and the men are brutal. My favourite scene was Vasya taking Marya for a ride through Moscow, and every scene with the frost demon!

I already mentioned in my previous review that the setting is a really strong element of this story, so I will briefly mention-Russia! Russian folklore! It's an excellent, refreshing basis that is done differently to other books with a similar basis

I started my review of The Bear and the Nightingale in all-caps, violently demanding more. I would have done the same for The Girl in the Tower, except that I don't think Caps Lock can actually express my desire accurately. I devoured the first book in the Winternight trilogy in a single night and, unfortunately, did exactly the same for The Girl in the Tower. Then I spent some time just happily staring at it, deeply satisfied. In the paragraphs below I have tried to put my fangirling into words, hopefully they make sense. Thanks to Ebury Publishing, Del Rey and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The second book in a trilogy often has the hardest job of all. On the one hand you need to keep readers entertained and invested, but you can't just do the same thing as you did in the first book. You also need to prepare the board for the epic finale still to come without making your moves too obvious. Not many sequels manage to do all this, but The Girl in the Tower does so beautifully. Arden advances the plot, widens the world within which her characters move and, above all, allows her characters to grow and develop! While The Bear and the Nightingale beautifully showed Vasya growing from child to girl, The Girl in the Tower shows her growing up and becoming a woman. And with that Arden gives stunning commentary on the role of women in society. I hadn't expected the gentle ferocity (this is not a paradox, trust me!) with which Arden articulates the limits upon women and the pain this causes. She doesn't force this realisation upon her readers, doesn't shout it in their faces, but rather shows it throughout the novel, expertly following that maxim 'show, don't tell'.

Vasya was one of my favourite heroines of the last year and this is even more true after reading The Girl in the Tower. Although Arden moves between different narrators into this book, showing us the minds of Vasya, Sasha and even Morzoko at times, Vasya remains the heart of the Winternight Trilogy. As I said above, Arden shows her developing and changing without betraying who she is as a character. She remains spirited and passionate, with a heavy serving of stubborn, but also deeply dedicated to her family. But she also learns and grows. While The Bear and the Nightingale's action was limited largely to Vasya's father's estate, The Girl in the Tower sees her literally riding into the big wide world, dressed as a boy. While she faced dangers back home, greater threats await her and she has to adapt to meet them, which happens naturally. Arden builds up her world believably, introducing, in some cases re-introducing, more and more power players without losing the plot. The stakes increase as well, with more being at risk for both Vasya and those she loves, but Arden keeps it realistic. Once I finished The Girl in the Tower I contemplated for a bit and realised there is literally nothing I could even contemplate complaining about in this book. In a way this makes my job incredibly difficult since there are only so many ways you can express your love for something before you look crazy, but I'd rather have it this way than any other.

Arden continues to bowl me over with her books. Whether she has me gripping my sheets during action sequences or actually giggling like a teenager over certain moments, Arden is continually evoking something in her readers. Her descriptions of Russian nature and Moscow's architecture are stunning and her research into Russian folklore and history really shows itself in how natural the two flow alongside each other. In some ways The Girl in the Tower is the perfect historical fantasy book, grounded enough in fact to allow the fiction to shine. Arden strikes a fine balance between a modern and a mythical tone. Her heroine is an intrinsically modern one, coming up with phrases like the one below:
'Bogatyry ride the world, rescuing maidens. Why not I?'
On the other hand there remains that sense of the old, the ancient and the legendary. Certain descriptions, certain turns of phrases, they create the perfect mood in which magic is not only possible, but natural. In The Girl in the Tower Arden also continues her dance across the fine line that is romance. There are enough hints there to keep everyone content, but Arden never sacrifices her heroine or her plot to the desire for A Grand Romance™.

Actually, I have thought of one criticism: why is it already over? Why couldn't it just go on forever? I need that third book straightaway. Although, maybe take your time with it, Katherine. I don't think I can handle this trilogy's future end quite yet.

I literally couldn't have asked for more from The Girl in the Tower. Everything I wanted to see and things I didn't even know I wanted, Arden delivers in this book. It is a perfect continuation of the Winternight trilogy and has certified her as one of my favourite contemporary writers. Please do yourself a favour and read this book!

This book is the follow up to The Bear and the Nightingale and continues the story of Vasya, a girl who can see the magic in the everyday and has the courage of a lioness. I had the pleasure of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story begins not where you would expect – it begins in the tower of Olga, her sister, and we meet the women who live in the towers of Moscow, visiting each other, going to chapel to pray and rarely seeing the outside world. I kept wondering when Vasya would make her appearance and when she does, the story really begins.

Vasya is an interesting character, she truly drives the narrative on the back of her great stallion Solovey. Her sister wishes for her to be meek, to be pious and to live in the towers of Moscow like herself, but Vasya wants so much more. She wants to see and experience the world, to travel beyond the known and out into the vast unknown.

For why shouldn’t a girl go off on adventures? In these times this was reserved for the men, the fact that she would dare to break the mould has her labelled a ‘witch’ and far worse. It brings up questions about marriage, women’s rights and equality through the eyes of Vasya, who bravely challenges the norm.

However, the author also explores the motivations of the men, not painting them as villains simply for being male, but as well rounded, thoughtful humans. I particularly loved the character of her brother, Sasha who, despite all that Vasya does, still defends and protects her, still acknowledges her depth, her uniqueness and her humanity.

The Girl in the Tower has the allure of magic just beyond your fingertips, set against the stark backdrop of a snow lit Rus’. The author has clearly done her research, weaving in folklore and tales from Medieval Russia, showing us the harsh reality of what it meant to live in these times.

This is the most perfect winter read, you really feel the numbing cold of the forest and the intense cloying heat of the bath house. The everyday touches make this story stand out for me, I love knowing how people lived, not just the Queens and the Kings, but also the poor people and the servants. Arden deftly serves up a feast of details, with a twist of magical realism which is utterly delightful.

https://lynns-books.com/2018/01/25/the-girl-in-the-tower-winternight-trilogy-2-by-katherine-arden/

The Girl in the Tower is the second book in the Winternight series by Katherine Arden. Last year I was spellbound when I saw the cover to the Bear and the Nightingale and read the synopsis. I had to have that book in my life. I don’t know, perhaps I was mesmerised, but after reading it the book proved to be even better than my expectations. I loved The Bear and the Nightingale. Imagine how happy I was when I found out that it was the first in a trilogy. I have since been like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting to read The Girl in the Tower.

Firstly, the cover again held me in it’s thrall, I was trapped in the headlights and unable to move, but I did have a nagging doubt. I loved book one, how could this possibly compete? Fear not, like Vasilisa (Vasya), there is more to Ms Arden than meets the eye. She’s clearly some sort of story sprite, which would explain why she writes of such creatures with deceptively easy charm. She has written a second book that is not only delightfully enchanting, brimming with atmosphere and evocative in it’s descriptions but she has superseded the first book. How is it possible? Well, for my mind this is an author who knows her topic, her knowledge is apparent in her writing but more than that her love for what she writes shines through.

I realise I’m gushing but I literally can’t help it. With this series I have that feeling of coming home. The feeling you get when a book is so good that it talks to you and makes you feel as though the author not only knows you inside and out but has written this book with you in mind. Silly, I know, but there it is. Pick up this series and prepare to fall in love with the characters, the place and the folklore.

The story picks up virtually where book one left off. (Side note – be wary of spoilers in this review if you haven’t yet read the first book – and by the way, if that’s the case – why not? Get thee to a book shop and pick up The Bear and the Nightingale, read it, then come back and talk to me. Please). So, Vasya has ran away from her childhood village, the villagers believe she is a witch and with her father dead she no longer enjoys his protection from their superstitious anger. Retreating to the forest in the bitter cold isn’t the easiest route, neither is deciding to try and see something of the world as a single young female in a time when women’s’ expectations were marry and have a family or go to a convent. Neither of these options appeal, or indeed suit Vasya. It isn’t a judgement call, everyone is different and Vasya wants something more. She’s a woman who was born in the wrong place at the wrong time. She’s a restless spirit and stubborn to boot. So, with safety and anonymity in mind, Vasya dresses as a boy. Now, there’s much more to the story than Vasya surviving in the wild. The bigger story begins with the plundering and destruction of many of the outlying rural villages and the abduction of children. This comes to the attention of the Grand Prince who eventually rides out to try and tackle the bandits head on. Vasya becomes embroiled in this thread which eventually sees her return to Moscow as a hero. She’s still masquerading as a boy – but how long can her luck hold out? She has now gained the attention of more than the Winter King and she walks on a tightrope of deception that threatens daily to give way beneath her.

What I loved about this book. Everything basically. The characters, the sense of anticipation that turns to that terrible choking feeling of dread, the cold of the forest, the whimsy and fairytale aspects, the darkness, the politics of city life and in particular being at the whim of a Grand Prince, the mysterious Frost Demon, the descriptions of the way of life and the Domovoi and Bannik’s that act as guardians of the homes and baths. Just everything.

To the characters. Vasya is an amazing character to read about. She’s stubborn and headstrong. She doesn’t always make the best decisions. She won’t ask for help. But, she’s loving, she loves her family, she’s brave and curious and has a determination streak a mile wide. I loved her story in this book. The dressing as a boy and the sense of freedom she enjoyed. It’s captivating to read about – especially her time in the forest.

Then we have Vasya’s stallion Solovey. I defy you not to love this horse. Just try. Or don’t – because it’s not possible so why waste time and effort.

We have a return to the story of two of Vasya’s siblings – Olga, her sister and now Princess with her own children and Sasha, her doting brother who left to become a monk. Vasya finds that she has a niece who is very similar, not only in temperament but in the way she ‘sees’ spirits and this also plays a role as the story unfolds.

Konstantin also makes a return to the story. He’s still obsessive in terms of both Vasya and his religion and neither help to make him into either a stable or likable character.

And, of course we have Morozko. Still an enigma, although we learn a little more of him in this instalment. Wow, what can I say. I’m a little bit in love which I realise is ridiculous. But I am. Don’t judge me – just read the book and you’ll be a little bit in love too I think. There is an underlying love theme going on here – but it’s very subtle and has the feeling of dabbling with unknown quantities that are dangerous and exciting at the same time.

The pace is much faster in this story than in the first, there’s more action and heart stopping drama, there are ghosts and other entities and this definitely tends towards a slightly darker streak than the first book.

Did I have any criticisms? No. I guess on balance I preferred Vasya’s time in the forest to her time in Moscow but I think that’s simply because even though she was more often than not cold, hungry or even a little scared it had such a feeling of wild abandon. Things might not be going perfectly but they were Vasya’s choices. As soon as she returns to the City you immediately feel the noose begin to tighten around her.

Overall: great characters, plenty of myth and folklore, fantasy and history coming together in perfect harmony, love, betrayal, deception, beautiful writing and a story that will hold you riveted to the page.

What more can I say.

Read it.

I received a copy courtesy of the publisher, through Netgalley, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.