I received this book through Netgalley.

The previous two books in the Winternight Trilogy are among my favorites in recent years. Therefore, my expectations were quite high. <i>Winter of the Witch</i> lived up to my hopes, and made me fight tears a few times along the way.

This is a series set in medieval Russia where folktale creatures exist, but are dying as people turn more to the church than to them. Vasya straddles both worlds, and fits in neither--and to complicate things more, she's a woman (a noblewoman at that). Arden's prose is gorgeous, and she writes Vasya as a strong, smart heroine who makes mistakes, learns from them, and does not give up. A romantic element is gentle and complicated all at once, and deftly handled.

There is a major heartbreaking incident that happens early on in the book. It's so devastating, it might make some readers stop. DON'T. Really. Dry your eyes and keep reading. This book is by no means a perky, happily-ever-after sort, but neither is it a grimdark bloodbath. Instead, it continues the vibe of the previous two books and manages to be fresh and vibrant and nostalgic all at once.

I loved this book! The full review will be posted soon at kaitgoodwin.com/books! Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity to connect books to their readers!

An amazing ending to an even more amazing trilogy! Each book is more beautifully written than the last.

Do-do-do-do-do ... so I fought back and forth with this book the whole read. I was bored a lot during the first 40%, then things got interesting, then I got bored again, then things were magnanimous. But, Frost Demon, you make every scene you are in worth reading. I seriously think I would have enjoyed it more if he had his own POV. Like we get POVs from a lot of others, but never my boy! Whyyyyyyyy nottttttttt??????????

At times my issues came with Vasya. I felt sometimes she needed more emotions? I guess? Sometimes, or a lot of the time, I can be a robotic person so I do get that. Also, when it came to Morozko, I would have preferred more of a team effort when it came to certain things. A lot of the time these days, as I've said before, authors are making the girls so bad ass and then the guy seems like a pathetic weakling. I want a team effort—equality—not the guy saying, "let's go hide in a corner," and then the girl is all like, "I'm going to go win this war!" I don't get it... Yet there were some perfect scenes between Vasya and Morozko that were so good and swoooooooon!

When it came to the Winter of the Witch, not sure if the right word is political or if the book felt like it had more of an agenda, but when it came to that stuff, I was just like come on already! I want more of the magical feel I first felt! But don't worry, there are some gorgeous scenes, too.

Anyway, the book was beautifully written. I just miss the whimsical/fairy tale feel of the first book and the intriguing feeling I had while reading the second book. Also Konstantin, the creep, is still crazy! His character is so interesting at times, but I also want to smack him for his insane thoughts. I will say that the Bear is probably one of my new favorite characters—ever. And Sasha I still love more than anything. Overall I did like the way it came to an end, but can a certain character get their own book now???

The Winter of the Witch was full of the characters that a fantasy reader would like in his novels: spirits, demons, earth and sea monsters, the undead, wondrous horses, and death. The heroine, Vasilisa Petrovna, was a warrior from early childhood. Her newly discovered magical skills caused her family to want to ostracize her from the world for her own safety. Headstrong, she went into the world disguised as a boy to face rage, terror, and grief in her battle to conquer the great and terrible spirits who were harming Russia.

Readers will find this book to be an amazing ending to its’ series for despite all Vasya’s hardships of loss and injuries, she found romance and contentment in her life.

My review was based an ARC that was provided by the publisher Ballantine Books via Netgalley.

An excellent ending to this trilogy! Arden picks the story back up without too much backstory, so I don't recommend this as a stand alone novel. But, for those who enjoyed the mix of fantasy and Russian history, this is a wonderful conclusion to Vasilisa's story. It's a rich story full of magic, heartache, and alliances that kept me on the edge of my seat reading. And although I loved this trilogy, its ended was satisfying and I didn't feel like I needed more from it.

I read this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank so much for the opportunity to read The Winter of the Witch ahead of publication. The Bear and the Nightingale is one of my all time favorite books and I was so excited to read this final installment in the Winternight Trilogy. Vasya is my favorite female character and her character development continues to be one of the best for a female character I've ever read. This book invoked emotions in me that not many books have done before. I cried, I laughed, I was anxious and I was happy. This was a fantastic ending to my favorite book series. A full review will be posted on my blog on December 23,2018 for my birthday!

WHAT! This book was an epic journey into the realm of magic and midnight, a fantastic twist to what we already love. Our favorite heroin Vasya is on the run as a supposed witch, after she saved the people of Russia. She knows that the battle isn't over though, and must find a way to return to her brother's side to save the ones she loves.

I really enjoyed this third book in the series. In true Katherine Arden fashion, we get a nice mix of Russian history and fantasy. We cry and rejoice as we follow Vasya through her trials and as she struggles to o what is right, even though it could cost her everything.

The only thing I didn't like was the slow nature of the middle of the book when Vasya was in the midnight realm. It was still interesting though, and kept me involved in the story. I gave this book a solid four out of five stars.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

My review will be posted on my blog, Confessions of an ExBallerina on November 28th, 2018 Exballerina.com

You'll LOVE it if...you want a satisfying conclusion to the Winternight trilogy.

There are so many plots and sub-plots at work in this series, it almost seems impossible to neatly tie all of them off (but Arden does anyway because, of course). The most important—to me and, I suspect, many others as well—remains that of Vasya's fundamental conflict with herself. For two novels we have watched her grapple with the love she bears her family, the reverence she carries for the domovoi and other magical creatures, the expectations medieval Russia places on a young woman of her age and station, and the question we all ask ourselves as we approach adulthood: who am I? How marvelous it is, then, for fans to watch Vasya grow into who she was meant to be from the opening pages of The Bear and the Nightingale.

Although this series has never been specifically marketed as YA, Vasya is a character I think all teenage girls should meet. Through her readers can see the turmoil and indecision that precede acts of rebellion, as well as how a rejection of your family's preconceived notions does not always mean a rejection of your family themselves. Beneath the snowy wonder of medieval Russia and its legends, the Winternight trilogy is an exploration and celebration of one girl's journey into womanhood. In The Winter of the Witch, Vasya is all grown up and a marvel to behold.

You'll WEEP if...you ship Vasya and Morozko.

No spoilers, I promise! All I mean to say is that their relationship continues to develop in breathtaking, heart-wrenching fashion. What I adore most about this relationship is everything how a mortal girl and immortal creature can challenge and influence one another without changing the other's fundamental character. Too often this kind of romance in literature reinforces the steep power dynamics at play. Arden subverts that template at every opportunity, bringing Vasya and Morozko closer to an understanding; this journey does not pass without sacrifice, but it is the small concessions, rather than the grand gestures, that speak the loudest.

You'll FREAKING ADORE it if...you just read it, okay?

Can you tell yet that I'm obsessed with this series and this absolutely flawless finish? If you've read the first two Winternight novels I sincerely cannot find any detail that will disappoint you in the final book. If you haven't read the first two Winternight novels: step away from the screen, beeline to your local bookseller or library, and change that pronto! Then re-read that second sentence again. The Winter of the Witch marries the wintry magical realism of The Bear and the Nightingale with the increased political intrigue of The Girl in the Tower, their inevitable clash bringing equal parts panache and poignancy. By story's end you will be sad to bid farewell to your favorite characters, but content with how you've left them. And there's no more beautiful way to end a tale than that.

At times magical, brutal, whimsical and poignant, this book is reminiscent of The Last Unicorn.
It is a truly epic finale to an amazing trilogy. I am so happy to have discovered Katherine Arden so early in her writing career and cannot wait to see what she writes next.
I cried several times throughout this book in both happiness and sorrow.
I am amazed that all 3 books in this serious are equally wonderful, which is a mark of true talent.
(Truly I sound like a buzzy cliche, but it is all true.)

Vasya Petrovna has just saved Moscow from a crazed sorcerer and a devastating fire. But the hysteria of the girl swells quickly. Once again accused of being a witch, she flees with the help of unlikely and dangerous allies. Learning to understand her newfound power, Vasya must fight to keep the two worlds she loves dearly from tearing each other apart.

I am sooo glad I had this at the ready for when I finished the Girl in the Tower. It is be far one of the best series I have picked up recently. I am happy to say that in the Winter of the Witch Arden was able to throw in some twists that I didn't see coming. Vasya has noticeably grown into her role as a true hero of Russia. A very satisfying ending for the trilogy. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

This book was received as an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

While reading this book I could not help but think modern day Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Chronicles of Narnia. With that series being one of my favorites of all time, I was really anticipating reading this book. Readers in our library have read The Bear and the Nightingale and really enjoyed it because the book reminded them of Narnia but they said this one was more modern and more sophisticated therefore this book was better. I have to say.....they were right. Every single chapter there was a new surprise twist, things happened unexpectedly and it's one of those books that you will not want to stop reading to find out what will happen to Vasya and will she discover who she is in time to save the kingdom. Very magically enticing.

This will definitely find a home in our Sci-Fi Fantasy collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

I adore this series! This one felt like it took me a while to read but it was so worth it. I loved the dynamic between Vasya and the Winter King. Vasya is so passionate about her family and risks her life so many times to save them. She has such an amazing spirit and I was glad to see so much more of her powers throughout this book. I would have loved an epilogue at the end though where they are at the house by the lake with her niece and family and being able to be who she truly is. Otherwise this was a great ending to this series. I wasn't ready to let them go yet and will have to reread them all soon.

I received an early copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. To be honest, I will buy the paper copy so I can re-read it in my preferred format because this series is SO GOOD.

The third book in the trilogy picks up almost immediately after the end of the last book and the story moves very quickly into some pretty intense moments with the people of Moscow still reeling from the events in Girl in the Tower. The stakes are high as the people of 'Rus have to face the coming invasion of the Tatars. Vasya has a huge task ahead: to help save her people and the spirit world from threats both outside and within.

It has been very enjoyable to watch Vasya grow from a naive tomboy to a strong and confident woman. In this book, she travels to new places, meets magical beings and struggles with knowing if she is doing the right thing. The description of the landscape, people and magical spirits are some of my favorite parts of Katherine Arden's writing. This book is full of great characters, some new and many familiar faces, fast moving plot that you don't want to set down with some very touching scenes, big build-up and a fantastic conclusion. It is rare to get three great books in a trilogy but the Winternight Trilogy hits the mark.

I’d hoped to spend the weekend reading this end to the gorgeous Winternight Trilogy. Alas, that didn’t happen....because I finished it in a day.

I’ve written before that Arden’s writing is lyrical, lush, and full of magic and mystery; it will keep you reading well into the night. Truthfully, I haven’t loved a series as much since I first read Harry Potter.

I will honestly say that the Harry Potter series, which I have adored for more than 20 years, has been replaced by Arden’s Winternight Trilogy. The story takes the fairy tales of my childhood and makes them flesh in a way that left me breathless. Arden has brought the tales begun in The bear and the Nightingale full circle and created a tale for the ages.

I don’t buy a lot of print books these days, but I have purchased a set of these books and will keep and re-read them for years to come.

Someone please make this a Netflix series!

The conclusion of the Winternight Trilogy is satisfying if somewhat drug out for my tastes. I found the first two volumes more compelling, but much of what made those two works sparkle appears in the third volume as well. Based on her first three novels, Arden is absolutely an author to watch. I think readers can reliably expect many good things from her for years to come.

I have loved this series from the moment I picked up the first book and the final installment did not dissapoint. I loved the mix of magic and mundane that Winter of the Witch offered as I think it really solidified who Vasya was growing into. I would have liked to know more about what happened after everything ended but overall I think this was a stellar end to the series.

Vasya, a witch with ties to royal family of Moscow, is burned at the stake. But she escapes and sets out on an impossible mission. Book goes through her trials and tribulations.

We were warned since Bear that we would weep for a nightingale...

This conclusion is the most magical of the trilogy, and fittingly so as Vasya has come into herself and is beginning to truly understand who she is and the path she wants and needs to walk. I could not put it down - every question presented since the start of the tale had its answer and I was pleased with them all. I cried a few times, the hardest at the end with its bittersweet blend.

I can't think of a more perfect way for this trilogy to have come to a close. I am amazed at the wondrous story Arden has woven. I love Midnight's reality-twisting existence, the answers found by the lake, the balance found in madness and magic and forgetting, and the bridge between old magic and new faith. I love the magic of the woods and the winter king's touch, Vasya's vulnerability and her strength, and the glance beyond the line of good and evil to find that even monsters can mourn.

And also, Ded Grib.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Del Rey for supplying this ARC. I'll still be buying the final edition upon publication - this trilogy has easily become one of my lifetime favorites.

I have loved every book in this trilogy, and this one didn't disappoint. The characters, the story, and the atmosphere/setting are all brilliantly portrayed, pulling me in to this amazing world. I just love the feelings these books stir inside me.