The Winter of the Witch is the absolute perfect ending to this trilogy. It shattered my heart, stitched it back together, then stomped on it. Just in case I had any hope of it ever healing properly.

Full, in depth review will be posted on GoodReads and at the link below on January 9, 2019.

Having read and loved the two previous books in this series, I was thrilled to be approved for this one. It absolutely did not disappoint!
Picking up where the second left off, Vasya continues her quest to save Rus from the Tatars and the magical world from being forgotten, all the while attempting to prevent her family from becoming casualties in the struggle.
The “unseen” world is not the only magic present in this novel - Arden’s writing is beautiful and with the imagery she is able to transport the reader to 14th century Russia. A satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy!

Book hangover commencing in 3 ... 2 ...

My first thought upon finishing this book was, "I need to rank my favorite characters." So that's what we'll start with:

1. Solovey. Easy win. No contest.
2. Morozko, the sexy forbidden frost-demon. Every scene he's in is my favorite scene. Can we have a full novel that's just him whittling birds by a fire?
3. Tie between the evil Konstantin and the new mushroom spirit, Deb Grib. I love to hate a good villain, but also enjoy the plucky fungal sidekick.
4. Vasya. Yes, the protagonist is my fourth favorite. She's too perfect of a third-wave feminist for 14th century Russia.

This book has moments that are perfect, when my emotions overcame me in an instant. Moments when I'm reminded, "This is why I read!!" Arden doesn't pull her punches. Right out of the gate we're reminded that love isn't enough and is easily lost.

"As I could, I loved you."

But then there's the other 60% of this book that can get bogged down and boring. Large sections were a chore to read. But I made it through only because I knew I'd be rewarded with perfect moments of emotional overload.

If you're in a similar book hangover and need more frost-demon romance, I recommend Spinning Silver to get you through the rest of these winter nights.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Story: 5 stars
Character Development: 4 stars
Writing/Prose: 3 stars

This was a terrific conclusion to this trilogy. Another wonderful book full of magic and intrigue. I enjoyed it so throughly

The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden is the third and final book of the Winternight Trilogy. The Winternight Trilogy is a historical fantasy read that is heavily influenced by Russian folklore and fairy tales. Each book of the series picks up where the previous had left off so this is one that definitely needs to be read from the beginning in order to fully understand the world and it’s characters.

In the first book of the series, The Bear and the Nightingale the story introduced readers to young Vasilisa who lived at the edge of the Russian wilderness where winter lasted most of the year with her father and siblings. It was there that Vasilisa and the children gathered around the fire at night and listened to the tale of Frost, a much feared blue eyed winter demon that will claim wary souls. The children learned that as much as Frost is feared they must honor the spirits that protect their homes from evil.

Vasilisa was different from other children, she was able to see the spirits that surround the land around the family. With a bit of a wild side Vasilisa spent her time roaming the forest and interacting with the spirits. After Vasilisa’s mother passed away her father traveled to Moscow to find a new wife. The new stepmother shared Vasilisa’s vision and forbid the interaction with what she thought were demons in her new home and with promise of either being married off or sent to a convent Vasilisa ran off to encounter Frost where the adventure began that has continued throughout the series.

The Winternight Trilogy has been a rather up and down experience for me as a reader from the beginning. I absolutely love the way the author painted the scene of medieval Russia in the bitter cold and her use of folklore into the story setting up this fantasy trilogy. But, for me the story is one that is rather slow going throughout and would test my patience getting through the books. The second of the series was my favorite as it did seem to pick up a bit from the pace of the first but now with this last I felt that it was back to really dragging through a lot of areas of the story. Many readers though absolutely love this trilogy and I, myself, would still recommend giving it a chance even if it was a bit slow for my overall taste leaving me to rate this last installment at 3.5 stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Despite a slow start, the final volume of Arden's trilogy more than delivers. I couldn't put it down, and I was totally engrossed by how Arden brought disparate characters together. Vasya is a fascinating character, and I loved how cleverly Arden wove in Russian history and Russian folklore. Excellent for fans of Naomi Novik and Robin McKinley, or for fans of Neil Gaiman and Edith Pattou.

<i>Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.</i>

Like its predecessor, "The Winter of the Witch" begins right after the events of the previous book and through Arden't atmospheric storytelling, leads to the most satisfying conclusion.

Undoubtedly, the author should be commended for taking a largely unfamiliar to American readers mythology making it come alive in a vibrant and unforgettable way. But Arden't greatest achievement in this trilogy is its spell-bounding language. The reason readers connect with the alien cultural and historical backdrop is the lyrical voice, of a quality so hypnotic and evocative that we are transported, nay - enchanted - into Vasya's world.

This evocative fairy tale for grown ups is filled with story turns and revelations that I would challenge anyone to foresee. Rather than frustrate or confuse the reader, they only enrich the story, adding emotion and mystique. A whole slew of characters emerges as new favorites - some of them not new at all, and yet shockingly vivid and captivating.

While the trilogy is marketed as "concluded," I cannot help but wonder about a certain mention of a certain ancestor towards the end of the book. It's a tantalizing detail, that receives no further attention. Perhaps we are in for a treat after all. If not, I will be picking up anything Arden publishes in the future. I'm simply enchanted.

I could not finish this book because of some spoilery things that broke my heart. I will not be posting an official review online.

What a series! I loved the first two books so much, I was fully prepared to throw a major tantrum if I didn’t get the ARC for this third volume. Well not really a tantrum, but I would have been very upset in my feels. Thankfully, the book gods at Del Rey publishing smiled down upon me and gifted me with Winter of the Witch.

Please note: This is not a series that I would recommend you just jump into on book three. You definitely need to read the first to books before you begin this one.

It’s also impossible to write a synopsis without inadvertently spoiling something so I will only speak in generalities about the tone/theme of the book and about the characters themselves.

The book opens with heartbreak, with the first death coming hard and fast. I was stunned because this character’s demise was completely unexpected and absolutely devastating. This was harder to take because the plot structure and writing has been splendid throughout the series. The characters are nuanced and have great depth.

It’s a fairy tale type setting, but these are the old russian fairytales. Full of night demons, chyerta, and wonderful little domovoi, or house spirits. Previous books have focused on the rising tide of Christianity and how it is forcing the native magical folk creatures to diminish. Enter Vasya. She has an affinity for communicating with these creatures and is herself full of spirit and bravery.

In this book, Vasya takes the fairy tale setting and proceeds to upend it entirely. She is revealed to be the powerful young woman that we’ve been been getting hints of throughout the first two books. She was never the damsel in distress or the maiden in the tower. She is a source of strength and a unifying force. She is as always a joy to read.

I’m only sorry that the series had to end, but not sorry in the least for how it did. There are no completely bad or good characters. There are only individuals. Each with their own motivations, having good qualities and bad liberally mixed together. As Morozko says, “The wicked still mourn, Vasya.” In understanding that truth, she learns to see that all of these creatures, human and chyerti, for good and evil, have a place in the world .

Song for this book: Steady by The Staves

Arden does not disappoint in this final book of her Winternight trilogy. If you like folklore and historical fiction, this book (and series) is definitely recommended! Vaysa is one of my favorite characters I have ever read about. Arden is a gifted storyteller, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. If somehow you have not started this series yet, do so now in time for The Winter Witch release in Jan!

<b> “Men will suck all the wildness out of the world, until there is no place for a witch-girl to hide. They will burn you and all your kind.”

It was her deepest and most wretched fear. </b>


The end of the Bear and the Nightingale series - and what an ending it was!

I loved every minute of this series. The infusion of magic with history, the meandering pace throughout pre-Tsar Russia, and the exploration of men and women’s roles in a historical context.

Vasya is a great character. She’s strong, and she’s grown a lot since her introduction in the Bear and the Nightingale. And I never thought I would say this, but I loved the Bear in this one.

Stakes are raised, sacrifices are made, and it all leads to a satisfying conclusion. I’m sad to see this series end, but I can’t wait to see what Katherine Arden has planned next.

Highly recommend this series, especially for fans of Uprooted or Spinning Silver.

<i>I received this ARC for an honest review. The quote comes from an e-galley and may change before publication. </i>

I have so many thoughts about this book and the trilogy in general that I don't even know where to begin. To begin with, before I even got approved to read this book I had been intrigued to read the first two books in the trilogy. When I got the notification that I got approved I started on The Bear and the Nightingale and I loved it. Then I read The Girl in the Tower and I loved it more than the first book. But then I started reading this one and the one thing I've been waiting for in the first two books finally happened and my heart squealed in joy. I have been shipping Morozko and Vasya together since The Bear and the Nightingale and while I'm extremely happy they ended up together it took too long for it to happen.

The Girl in the Tower was my favorite book in the trilogy before I read this one. I loved how everything tied together and came to a satisfying conclusion. The decision to bring back the Bear from the first book as a villain/ally in this book was brilliant. The idea just worked so well and while I still hate Medved he is a necessary evil and I can tolerate him now. I hated that Solovey was killed but it's alright as his death was made right at the end. I loved this book so much and I loved the trilogy as a whole. It's now my favorite book series, even more so than the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

The Winter of the Witch was enchanting. Sure there were some scenes that were particularly brutal, but it had the same glittering snow covered landscape (even if the actual book takes place in Summer), wondrous magic, and Vasya's endearing family. It is a book about family, sacrifice, and politics. While there's whispers of magic, flaming horses, and mushroom spirits, Arden's book ends with a real battle. The Winter of the Witch is a stunning conclusion to a fabulous series that emphasizes one girl's sacrifices, desires, and actions to save the people, and country, she loves.
Vasya & Family

There are just so many things I love about the Winternight trilogy. Above all has to be Vasya and her indomitable spirit. I feel like every book she's tested even more, strung even further, and challenged. And Arden doens't disappoint. In this book, Vasya is broken down more than before, with death around her, and danger. I actually cried so many times in this book. Because this is really when Vasya has to build herself back up, to test her limits, and ask herself what she will do for her family, for Russia.

Even better than the previous two! This book starts right where The Girl in the Tower leaves off, so if you don't remember the details of that book, I suggest you catch up on its main points first.

This final piece of the trilogy is a whirlwind of action with a satisfying conclusion. Although there was one part very soon in the book where in was thinking KATHERINE ARDEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!? You'll know it when you read it.

Demons, witches, fairy-tale creatures, and magic, all wrapped up with as much action and emotion as you could want. You must read this book!

There is a lot of power in the final book of the Winternight Trilogy. This book starts off where <i>The Girl in the Tower</i> ends. If you have not read the first two books in the series, it is imperative that you read them first otherwise you will not know what is going on in this book.

I am not even going to attempt to give a synopsis of the book. There is just so much going on, but I will say that I appreciate how Arden has one book flow into the next. I also love that these books are based on Russian fairy-tales/folklore and history. I am not a big fan of fantasy, but this series worked for me. Although, <i>The Bear and the Nightingale</i> was my favorite, this one served as a very nice conclusion. It is darker, there is more danger, lives are lost (some are just gut wrenching), battles are fought and won, there is romance (finally!), and Vasya really comes into her own (and her power). Plus, we get re-acquainted with favorite characters from the series (Solovey and Morozko for me), plus there are villains. I will admit, even though he is a villain, I couldn't help but like and snicker at the Bear a.k.a Medved. Then there are the new characters and realms/worlds, such as Midnight, which was a nice addition to the story and serves to give Vasya more knowledge about her family.

"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 is another man's beloved. The wise know that."

There is a lot going on in this book and at times, the action felt drawn out. At times, I wanted it to move a little faster. A plus, in this book, is the vivid descriptions. We are dealing with a real place (Russia) but also with another world, magic, magical creatures, etc. so it helped tremendously that Arden gave the reader detailed descriptions. I found it was easy to visualize the book as I read.

I believe most fans of this series will like how the trilogy ends. I like that Vasya made her own decisions and stood by them. She remained a strong female character throughout the series and ended strong.

3.5 stars rounded up

Thank you to Random House Publishing - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Wow wow wow. What a stunning conclusion to this series. I have been patiently awaiting this 3rd novel and Katherine Arden does not disappoint.
We follow vasilisa through her journey with the winter king. There are some unexpected twists and it all came together so well. I loved it and highly recommend this series!

“And yet, I will think of the future to remind me that the present is not forever. What is the present without the future?”

I was drawn to The Bear and the Nightingale by the beautiful cover and it turned out to be one of those rare books that proves “never judge a book by its cover” is not always accurate. I immediately fell in love with the characters and writing style. I had a bit of a fangirl moment when I met Katherine Arden at NYCC in October and told her how much I loved her writing and that I was anxiously awaiting for the final book in the trilogy. So, I cannot even describe how excited I was when my request for this ARC was granted!

Me while reading this book: “Just one more chapter…” at the end of every chapter and then realizing that an hour or more had passed without me realizing. As with the other two books in the series, it was nearly impossible for me to put this book down in order to eat, sleep, or engage with the world.

Katherine Arden’s writing is so beautiful and makes you believe that you are in this world she has created. This could easily have been one of the old Russian fairytales which inspired it. She doesn’t waste any words, and so the story flows effortlessly. Never once while reading this book did I wish she would get things moving or get to the point. I also appreciate that Ms. Arden does not waste any pages explaining events from previous books, she expects that you have read them and remember what happened.

Vasya is an amazing character – she is flawed and shows weaknesses, but never backs down from a fight, especially when protecting her family. You understand her exhaustion throughout the book, every time she does something to save others she is somehow punished (usually in a violent way). I felt her losses greatly and one in particular brought me to tears when it occurred. Some of my favorite character moments from her were when she was having to tell the men in her life that she would be making her own decisions and was not beholden to any of them.

Ded Grib adds much needed levity at just the right moments of the story, but he’s much more than comic relief. He shows Vasya that there are those who will help her and be proud to do so. The character of Father Konstantin is one you might feel bad for had he not been hellbent on destroying Vasya. There is a quote about how man does not choose evil because it is evil, he mistakes it for happiness which I believe pretty much sums up Konstantin. Morozko and Medved serve as two sides of the same coin and add important moments that come to define who Vasya is by the end of the novel.

I have been so excited for this book because I had to know how it all ended, but now that I am here, I wish it would never end. I find myself wanting to know more about Marya, Vasya’s younger siblings, and her time at the lake. Should Katherine Arden ever decide to continue with short stories from this world I would be the first in line to buy the collection.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I discovered The Bear and the Nightingale earlier this year and quickly became obsessed with this series. I found the first two books in the the series to be outstanding and some of the best novels I read in 2018 and The Winter of the Witch is no exception.

What makes these books so good? So many things.

Lets talk about plot. I loved every moment of this book. I went in thinking...How in the world is she going to wrap this up? What is going to happen after that giant event at the end of book two? And the novel went in a completely different direction than I expected and in a good way. First it broke my heart and like Vasya I spent the first half of this book in a fog of sadness. Then so many cool things happened, worlds, people, animals and events. I was never bored.

Setting. I love this medieval Russian setting. Arden is so atmospheric in the way she describes everything that you think with these characters. The mythology and creatures that she talks about. All the illusions to Russian folklore and fairy tales. I'm obsessed with and want to read more about.

Characters. The great thing about this series is that there aren't characters you're lukewarm about. You LOVE them or you HATE them. For me I loved Morozko, Vasya, Solovey, especially. They have consistently been my favorite characters throughout the series. My new favorite character was Ded Grib, I loved his sass and insistence that he was so loyal to Vasya. Also I've been waiting for Baba Yaga to show up since book one. How she connected with Vasya and her family was so cool and exciting. But what was surprising was the Bear. Who would have thought that this seemingly evil character could turn out to kinda be a grey character. No me.

So in conclusion, this book was outstanding. 5 big stars. My only criticism is that I'm sad that this series is over and I won't get more stories with some of my favorite fictional characters ever. It has actually created a love of Russian myth and folklore for me after reading it, so I just have to thank the author for that because the topic is wonderful.

Book: The Winter of the Witch
Author: Katherine Arden
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with this ARC and for the ARCs that I have received for the entire series. I really have enjoyed reading these books.

I have been reading this series since it first came out and I have really enjoyed going to the new levels of the world. I am in love the use of Russian fairy tales and real Russian historical events that have been cleverly weaved into this series. I do like fantasy books that take both elements of the now and of the supernatural and mash them together. It makes for such an amazing world.

Like with the other books, this one picks right off where the previous book left off. So, no, you cannot read this one without having read the other two books. The writing puts you right into the harsh Russian environment without you even realizing the pull it has on you until you come up for air. Since this is the final book, we have a lot of build up to the final battle. I will admit that the build up was rather slow for me and there were actually a few boring parts, but I did find the wait worth it. The final battles in fantasy books are truly what makes a series and this was no different.

One thing that I really have like throughout this series was the character development. The characters have grown up and spread their wings. Katherine has a very nice gift with making her characters change, but still letting them hold onto their personality. Whenever this series started out, a lot of the characters were still children. Now in this final book, they are grown up. Yes, they are still flawed, but they are even more complex than they were in the first book. As we see with character development, we begin to feel more for the characters and find ourselves cheering them on and our hearts breaking whenever things don’t go according to plan. That is one thing that I have really liked throughout this series was the character development.

The writing is beautiful. Everything flows so well. It is so simple, but yet, complex. Katherine has a gift of making her words fit and come together in all of the right places. She also has the gift of playing with your senses and making you actually become part of the book. I just love the way the writing made me feel and how well it set the mood.

So, this book comes out on January 9, 2019, so it’s really not that far away. If you are like me, you will most certainly enjoy this epic conclusion.

This picks up the same night The Girl in the Tower ended so we're immediately thrown into the action. Vasya is still trying to figure out how the mystical part of Russia works while trying not to get killed because all the humans seem to want her dead. It doesn't help that she can do magic and see creatures that no one else can see.

She really comes into her own in this book. She figures out how to save her people while figuring out the fae rules. This ending was so wonderful I wanted to reread the entire series again to watch her evolution.