I have no words at where to even begin explaining how profoundly dark and heartbreaking this was to read.
This is a book that delves into the depths of human suffering and resilience, leaving me emotionally shaken and deeply moved.

The story revolves around two siblings, Laura and Freddie, who are tragically torn apart by the ravages of war. The narrative that alternates between the perspectives of these two siblings, spanning a year of their tumultuous lives. The events that unfold are nothing short of heart-wrenching, pulling at the emotions with every page turned.
Laura and Freddie's journeys take center stage, and their growth throughout the story is nothing short of remarkable. These characters may be fictional, but their struggles resonate with the harsh realities of war, highlighting the devastating consequences it inflicts on both individuals and families.

Laura's development, in particular, is a highlight of the book. We witness her coming to terms with the loss of her parents and clinging to the hope that her brother is still alive, it's impossible not to feel a deep sense of empathy and heartbreak for her. I particularly enjoyed reading Laura's unwavering determination and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Freddie, on the other hand, emerges as a character whom I will wholeheartedly root for. His internal struggle to pursue his passion for art amidst the chaos of a war-torn country adds layers of complexity to his character. As a young man thrust into the horrors of war, he grapples with the blurred lines between friend and foe, making his journey a poignant exploration of the human spirit's enduring capacity for hope and creativity.

This is an undeniably dark and grim tale, but it is also a fantastic read. It doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities and consequences of war, making it a hauntingly authentic experience. The novel serves as a stark reminder of the individuals left behind to pick up the pieces when the world crumbles around them.
It offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the impact of war on ordinary lives and the indomitable human spirit's ability to endure.

Thank you, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Just wow. I remember reading The Bear and the Nightingale and thinking this writer has opened up parts of my mind and soul and it was based on a fairytale and folklore. This book is based on a nightmare and reality. In it however is still the folklore of war, mixed with the trench warfare, the 'iron rain' m, a will to live, the confusion of how a government makes enemies out of its citizens and the horrors that still echo. This book is beautifully written, spares no one, and a tragic love story to give sepia tones to the blood drenched grounds. Arden weaves a vivid tale, with remarkable characters, the bonds of siblings, the strength of love, the cost of war as well as those who profit under the guise of leadership. Arden is a gifted writer taking on a difficult subject and creating an engaging story that will stay with you long after the last page. Recommended.
.

I really liked the setting of TWHG; I've read plenty of WW2 based fiction, but WW1 seems to be a less popular time period. I never really considered the ramifications of it being the first large-scale war involving superpower nations, or the social shift people must have experienced during that time. That was a fascinating aspect of this story. Unfortunately, for me, it moved a bit slowly and I felt that the way that the characters were written made me less compelled by them (not to say that they are not compelling characters, especially Faland), but I think I had this issue with Ms. Arden's previously-written series, the Winternight Trilogy. I think that if you're already a fan, you'll love this story as well.

First of all I’d like to say a big thank you to Random House Publishing Group for granting my wish on Netgalley. As someone who has read all of Katherine Arden’s previously published works and loved them, I was anticipating The Warm Hands of Ghosts above any other 2024 title.

Katherine Arden said in her Acknowledgements as well as in various social media postings that there were times she wanted to give up writing this story. Writing the book, getting the story to work, was a battle. Thankfully, she did not give up, and because she persevered we lucky readers have a beautiful, heartfelt story about how love for each other helps us pull through war and the guilt that always follows. Katherine took a grand idea that could have had many threads and moving parts and streamlined it into a tale that basically boils down to a sister not giving up on her brother.

There are two POV characters. Laura, a nurse during WWI, is a realist. She, despite having an injury that got her sent back home to Halifax, returns to the war zone so she could search for her younger brother, Freddie, a soldier who is presumed missing, though she has doubts and questions about his fate due to a package she was sent of his belongings. I enjoyed both Laura and Freddie’s POV, mostly because of the friendships they forge along the way. Laura becomes friends with Penelope “Pim,” a mother who is dealing with her own grief because she lost her son in the war. Freddie becomes friends with the German soldier, Hans Winter, and they form an unbreakable bond while trying with all of their remaining strength to get out of No Man’s Land. I cared about these characters, these friendships, I was concerned for them, and I read each page of this booking hoping they’d all come out all right in the end.

Another reason I enjoyed Freddie’s chapters was because of Faland, the mysterious “man” who knows all the right words to say and ways to tempt every person he meets. I could read a whole book on Faland and his actions throughout the centuries. Katherine gives us little tastes of his history, making him fascinating, but she also keeps just enough of his history unspoken, causing us to want to know more about his dealings, want to know more of what’s going on in his head.

Katherine is always very good at giving us fantasy elements while having her stories rooted in a real world setting. The Warm Hands of Ghosts is a war novel. WWI is a setting that needs more stories told about it, and Ghosts shows us how grim, hopeless, and needless WWI was. Who thought trench warfare was a good idea? It shows us how people, even people who weren’t on the frontlines themselves, experience trauma. They want to forget, but forgetting is not the best idea. It shows us the consequences of war, and how the person you were before the battles started will not be the person you are once it’s all over.

I think anyone who has read Katherine’s previous books will like The Warm Hands of Ghosts. Her signature fantasy elements are included. But I also think this could be your very first Katherine Arden book and you’ll still like it. Anyone who likes historical fiction with traces of fantasy can read The Warm Hands of Ghost. Plus, even if you’re someone who doesn't like fantasy, the magical situations/locations/solutions and what they provide the characters can be viewed as metaphor for the oblivion a real life solider seeks when the traumas of war follow them.

This book was simply amazing! It was emotional, dark and so well written I could not put it down. It illuminates the horrors of World War I and is heartbreaking. I am very grateful for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which will be available Feb 13,2024!

Ms Arden sticks to what she knows and it is again a Russian story but set in 1918 during the First World War. It is at times lyrical prose, haunting facts and speculative twists during a very dark time in history.

I thoroughly enjoyed it even if I struggled at some parts but that is no fault of the author but of thinking of my Great Granddad who fought as a 16 yr old in WW1

Dark and haunting yet filled with an undertone of hope and life. "The Warm Hands of Ghosts," is unlike any historical fiction novel I have read before. The novel is set during WWI and the story alternates between Laura, a nurse, who is living in Canada, and her brother, Freddie, who is a soldier in Belgium. Laura has recently lost her mom and when she receives news that her brother is missing and presumed dead she feels that she has to do something. She has so many questions about what has happened to him. An opportunity presents itself to travel to Belgium to work at a hospital and she thinks she may be able to find answers about her brother. Freddie is trapped in the ground but he is not dead yet and he also isn't alone. His struggle is to stay alive yet even if he gets out what can possibly do after being left for dead with his enemy. His story is one that will pull at your heart strings.

What makes this novel unique is the element of fantasy that is woven into the very real aspects of World War I. The writing is superb and I felt myself transported back to 1917. I desperately wanted to know what was going to happen to Freddie in the pillbox. I wondered whether Laura would ever find her brother or what she would do. As the war rages on and life seems unbearably hard, these two characters have to find a way to survive. Ultimately they have an enemy to defeat and it is not the Germans. A beautifully written story that will make you so thankful that we are not living during a world war right now but also will keep you enthralled.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

What a gripping read. It really envelopes your entire being and sucks you into this historical, haunting story. Reading about the devastating results of war and the characters dealing with it was heart-breaking. Definitely a top read of the year for me!

The Great War is eclipsed by WWII in the American psyche. The author of The Warm Hands of Ghosts has specifically focused in the Great War even with this in mind. WWII historical fiction, horror, fantasy, and romance are written in abundance in the popular literature of our society. Arden takes the road less traveled in this novel but one that is no less important. As a teenager, I was obsessed with WWII so I took a modern European history course so that I could learn more. However, in that class, what truly shocked me was the lack of clear, moral motivations for the start of WWI in comparison to WWII. The Great War really was the result of nascent nationalism and saber rattling. No generation in European history was more disillusioned by the end of a war as the one that went into WWI. Arden captures this sentiment and global transition well. This was the most pointless war, and it was one of the deadliest and dirtiest. Arden uses character development and foils to tell this story of the dawn of the European modern warfare era with tones of magical realism that you rarely see when touching on European historical fiction. She blends these genres together to give the reader a gothic and eerie read that doesn't glorify this war and what happened to this generation. I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical fiction, steampunk, and magical realism.

A haunting, magical realism book set in World War 1. Freddie is fighting in the war while his sister Laura works as a nurse. When the brother goes missing Laura starts searching for him and discovers a sinister force at work apart from the war. I found the war scenes horrifying; it really shows the evil of war and how people get got up in systems. Laura is an amazing character and I really admired and enjoyed her story. Great fall read.

An absolutely incredible book. I’m telling everyone about it. I’m shouting it from the rooftops. A blend of historical and speculative fiction that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

*Received an eArc from netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!

I read The Winternight trilogy earlier this year and I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to read The Warm Hands of Ghosts. I have to thank the author for piquing my interest in Historical fiction/fantasy.

Katherine Arden has become one of my favorite authors and this book is a testament to how beautifully she can conjure up everlasting tales with just words. Every time I read her work, I feel myself whisked away to this magical, atmospheric world that satisfies my need for escapism. And yet, her books always instill notable messages about the human experience that hits so deeply and reminds you of the harrowing reality others have lived through.

This book carefully delves into the haunting encounter with war and the merciless, deathless grip it has on those who live through it. The main characters fight through a multitude of obstacles, elude death multiple times, sacrifice parts of themselves in the hopes of reuniting with each other. The limits of their love for one another proved time and time again to be boundless. But it is also this limitless reservoir of love that makes some of these characters vulnerable to their demons and allows it to consume them. This tug of war with our emotions/desires and survival instincts is what made this book feel so humanly relatable.

I especially love how the war and its vices are personified as a tangible character who seduces its victim into making depraved choices. I admittedly was starting to have a crush on him just through the author's bewitching description of him.

On a small note, the start of the book was a bit slow and I was hoping to feel more personable connections to the women in this book. I believe Laura's timeline is meant to be at the forefront of this story, but I actually preferred reading Freddie's timeline because of his encounter with the paranormal and his fight to remember the people he loves. Laura was a truly strong character and I certainly admired her determination, but I think I didn't sympathize for her as much as I should have.

I still thoroughly enjoyed this book, which is proven by the fact that I read this in about a day. Katherine Arden's writing style alone is enough for me to continue picking up her books and I highly recommend this book. If you're looking for that feeling of being spirited away to another world, her work will satisfy that desire greatly.

Wow. This was a stunning read. A look at the horrors of WWI and the changing world of the early 20th century with a speculative fiction twist. Reminiscent of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, but with greater emotional stakes and historical accuracy. I would have given this 5 stars but the beginning was a bit slower and some of the secondary relationships and characters did not pop - but otherwise, absolutely stunning and a must read for any fans of historical fiction/fantasy.

This was amazing!!!! The Warm Hands of Ghosts is beautifully written—heartbreaking and haunting yet quietly hopeful all the way through. Katherine Arden has a gift for writing characters that you'll connect deeply with and desperately want healing for. I definitely almost cried a few times, yet there were also moments (sometime within the same chapter) where I was giggling and cheering.

I am absolutely looking forward to getting a physical copy of this once it's published!

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a chance at reading this book. As someone who devoured the trilogy she had written prior for adult audiences, I like her writing. I really do, and I find that she is one of the best fantasy writers we have currently.

So Warm Hands of Ghosts.

I'm going to tell you, that if you're looking for something with a lot of character development or depth, you're not going to really find it in this book. It's a stand alone. A depressing one, too at that.

Reading this one while easy felt like a chore at times. You have two narratives - Laura and her brother, who may or may not be dead. Laura is a nurse, who was working on the front lines but was discharged when she was injured. You can tell she is struggling and wants to do more but at the same time she is set on trying to find her brother since the effects she got don't make sense.

Her brother, meanwhile, has found himself injured and stranded in No Man's Land with a German. They must trudge across the land, looking for help, each committing to one another to be their company's prisoner depending on who finds them. Who does find them is a mysterious fiddler with a house / inn that appears when you're not looking for it, tempting you of things you want. And, in exchange for a story, you forget yourself...

I guess I expected more. I felt like a window or a wall at times was being put up between me and the characters and moments when the characters passed by this window so to speak (mainly the interactions with the fiddler) did I feel the plot was moving somewhere. I didn't really care about the other characters - there was this girl who was constantly crying about her lost son, and this doctor that apparently starts having feelings for Laura. I was more interested in the fiddler who seemed much more interesting than any one.

Another thing I was saddened by is that the focus was on Laura, but she wasn't written to be that compelling of a protagonist to follow. I would have preferred the focus on the brother, since his chapters - because they dealt with the fiddler - were much more interesting.

At times it made me think of Labyrinth, the fiddler the mastermind, keeping Laura's brother in his world of turmoil and Laura must go rescue him. But, in terms of Labyrinth and Sarah growing up / changing / being a better person. Laura doesn't do much of anything of interest.

SO, overall. It's a great book, and some might rate it higher, but if I had to compare this book to the trilogy? I prefer the trilogy. This will be for people who aren't looking for character, they're looking for a feeling.

4.5 stars,

Utterly stunning and haunting. Longer review to come in a few days once I've sufficiently gathered my thoughts.

I WILL BE SENDING KATHERINE ARDEN THE BILL FOR MY NEXT THERAPY SESSION BECAUSE THIS BOOK HAS BROKEN ME. 5/5 stars. Just incredible. However, a warning that this book is a vast departure from her Winternight trilogy.

I am absolutely over the moon after receiving an advanced copy of this book! As a devoted fan of "The Bear and the Nightingale" trilogy, my excitement knows no bounds. I celebrated by dancing on the rooftops and proclaiming my love for this series to anyone who would listen.

My expectations for this book were astronomical, and rightfully so. Having been completely captivated by the author's previous works, I knew that she had the power to craft mind-blowing worlds and take readers on unforgettable journeys. Her ability to immerse readers in intricately detailed and breathtaking settings has always left me in awe.

This book, however, took my breath away in a different way. It is a shocking, dark, and profoundly heartbreaking tale. It is a tragic yet painfully realistic symphony that explores the devastating consequences of war, dragging people into a bleak world that lies somewhere between the realm of the living and the world of ghosts. As you read, you can almost feel the cold shiver of the lingering ghosts, their ethereal presence haunting your every step. You touch their spectral hands and are reminded that they are long gone, leaving nothing but echoes in their wake.

Katherine Arden masterfully transports us to the darkest and most harrowing corners of the battlefield. We find ourselves alongside soldiers trapped in cramped spaces, struggling to breathe as they are surrounded by the lifeless bodies of their comrades. Through her vivid prose, we navigate the darkness with them, making our way to the makeshift sanatoriums where wounded soldiers, plagued by gangrenous limbs and excruciating pain, cling to their last moments of life. The nurses who tend to them offer comfort and solace, writing heartfelt letters to their families in the midst of the chaos.

The narrative kicks off in January 1918, introducing us to Laura Iven, a former field nurse who returns home to Canada, to the city of Halifax, during the tumultuous times of the war. She witnesses the brutal death of her mother and loses her father in a devastating explosion. Laura finds herself seeking refuge in an eccentric household inhabited by three sisters who claim to communicate with spirits through seances. They make a living by taking money from gullible individuals seeking solace. Laura reluctantly participates in their seances, all while harboring doubts about the authenticity of their spiritual connections. During one of these seances, she receives a startling message from the spirits: her brother Freddie, presumed dead in the war, is alive. Alongside this mysterious revelation, she receives an enigmatic note promising to reunite her with her brother, but the message becomes indecipherable toward the end.

Determined to uncover the truth, Laura decides to enlist the help of Mary Burton, a close friend of Ms. Shaw, who can facilitate Laura's employment in a Belgian nursery. This job opportunity may lead her to the Forbidden Zone, where she hopes to investigate her brother's disappearance. Pim Shaw, another grieving mother haunted by the loss of her son, agrees to accompany Laura on this journey to find closure.

Their arduous journey introduces them to a peculiar hotel where they encounter a mysterious violinist who shares his wine and a magical mirror capable of revealing one's deepest desires. The question arises: could this enigmatic figure be the fiddler, the elusive and sinister character mentioned in the stories of soldiers who claim to have encountered him just before descending into madness?

The narrative also takes us back in time to November 1917, following Freddie Iven, Laura's brother, who finds himself trapped in an overturned pillbox with a German soldier named Hans Winter. As they struggle for survival in the pitch-black darkness, they manage to find a way out. Freddie chooses to take Winter as his prisoner but makes a solemn promise to protect him. Their bond deepens in the face of impending doom, transcending the boundaries of war.

As the story unfolds, the world around the siblings deteriorates into apocalyptic chaos. Desperation, starvation, violence, and deprivation become the grim reality. The characters face the looming threat of losing all hope, their memories slipping away as they become mere husks of their former selves, consumed by rage and madness.

This book is a masterpiece that not only blew my mind but also shattered my heart and shook me to my core. It stands as one of the most powerful, poignant, and achingly real war stories I have ever had the privilege of reading. The author's portrayal of individuals fighting for survival while losing pieces of their hope and sanity is hauntingly authentic.

In conclusion, this book not only met my already high expectations but exceeded them in every way. I proudly and wholeheartedly award it a blazing five stars, and without a doubt, I declare this reading experience as one of the absolute best books of 2024!

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Del Rey for generously providing me with a digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. This literary journey will forever hold a special place in my heart.

4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
When the world is ending, and everything they thought they knew was gone, what remains?
Katherine Arden is a master of timing. She intricately weaves the story through the characters and the setting of war. The puzzle she’s creating is intricate, with pieces placed so artfully that it feels as though the reader is living and breathing alongside the characters.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts tells the stories of Laura Iven and Freddy Iven, siblings separated by war and its consequences. We alternate between their points of view throughout the book, getting to know them each, along with the people surrounding them.
It’s impossible to put this book down. Arden clearly cares so deeply about the history, and her characters feel as though they could walk off the page. Every story beat is simultaneously a surprise, and it had me smacking myself in the head wondering how I didn’t realize it sooner. I couldn’t get enough.

Oh boy! Where to begin.
First, thanks you netgalley for providing me with an early ecopy of this book, I am so happy. This was my most anticipated book of 2024.
Did I binge this in a day? Well, yes, of course I did.

So, I love Katherine Arden, and I went pretty blind on this one, I knew she was writing it, and I just knew I had to read it. The only information I had was World War I and historical fiction, which in honesty are not my usual genres.

But as I received this arc, I went right in.
And was not disappointed. This book was absolutely fantastic.
Katherine Arden keeps her beautiful writing style while changing the fantasy worlds to a more realistic storyline with a dash of magic here and then.
I could not put this book down.
Again, it was beautifully written and heartbreaking. This was a book I never thought I wanted or needed.

We follow Laura Iven a nurse who is told her brother is dead but something seems off and so, Laura goes back to find out what happened to her brother and we follow hers and his point of view in the story. The family love the mystery, the magic, the reality of a war, and how it affected our world. It's the realism and the fantasy that makes you want to know what is going on. What's going to happen next?.
That's all I want to give away. There's no reason to spoil but to enjoy it.

Five stars, and I highly recommend. Please read this. You will not be disappointed.