Vasya's adventure continues in this compelling second novel from Katherine Arden. Vasya, who is struggling to find a place for herself in a world that seems to have no place for her, stumbles onto a plot to overthrow Moscow. Will the Grand Prince listen to her in time?

I am loving everything about this series: Arden's writing is lush and descriptive; Vasya is a complex, intriguing character; and while the fairy tale themes may make the story feel familiar, it's anything but predictable. This is fantasy for lovers of historical and literary fiction. I highly recommend this series!

"Do you think that anyone, in all this world of yours, cares what you want? Even princes don't have what they want and neither do maidens."

Where do I even begin with this book? I spent last night clinging to the last pages because I didn't want it to end and when I did I had a real ache - a severe book hangover. That is what I love about Katherine Arden, not only did she deliver a grand debut novel, but this sequel was just as good if not better than her debut.

I finished this book with my heart in my hand and a wonderful ache for more of this world.

In this installment Vasya is on a mission to explore the world, she doesn't want to be bound simply because she is a female in these harsh times so she sets out dressed as a boy in fine clothing and along the way, trouble finds her - as it always does. Soon, she is tasked with the mission to save the Grand Prince and those dear to the family, but can she keep her identity as a girl a secret? Or will it tumble out and endanger those she loves?

Honestly, there was not a bad line in the book. I marked so many passages down because I couldn't decide which to choose.

"I carve things of wood because things made by effort are more real than things made by wishing."

Morozko, the frost demon, and Winter-King is back, his presence is stronger in the book, his story more extensive but still enough to keep a reader wanting more. I fell in love with him in the prior book and for those who are wondering -- if you loved him then you will love him more now. He is such a strong character but has vulnerabilities even as an immortal.

Vasya has grown by leaps and bounds and she even continues to do so, sometimes her headstrong behavior can come across as irritating because she wants to do it all and prove herself - which allows her character to develop and grow so it adds real depth to her.

It shows how strong womankind was in these times, silenced they might have been and tossed aside to be shoved in towers or rooms, they were still strong individuals.

"Only boys and fools think men are first in courage. We do not bear children."

Let's not forget beyond character growth and development, Arden created this world that as a reader, I could nearly taste the air and feel the elements as I was plunged into the world. Vivid and riveting, I was captivated by the first page. It is something Brian Froud & Jim Henson would have had a field day with. The eeriness, the dark fantasy that is presented in stunning prose. I absolutely cherish Arden's storytelling capabilities.

I highly recommend this. Indulge in beautiful storytelling. I sincerely wish I could give more than 5 stars.

The Bear and the Nightingale was one of my favorite books from the beginning of this year and I was a little afraid that the sequel wouldn't live up to wonder and magic of the first, but it does. Instead of the deep backwoods village of the first, we spend most of this book in Moscow and we get more of Vasya's siblings, especially in Part One. I spent a lot of the book wanting to shake some sense into Vasya, but it was always because I loved the book and the character, not because I was angry about it. I cannot recommend this trilogy enough.

I really enjoyed this story set in Russia and dealing with Winter and finding one's place in life. Great story. I really enjoyed seeing Winter thawing because he was in love with her.

4 ½ stars

The first book was a dark fantasy that felt very much like a re-imagining of a fairy tale. This book however felt like an adventure story, still full of magic and mystery and Russian folklore but a lot more fast paced than the first book.

The beautiful writing was just as strong and Vasya has become more than just a girl that stands up against society’s expectations of a woman, she is busy finding herself and succeeding.
But deception, even with the best of intentions is still deception. There are hard lessons along the way and she faces them mostly alone.
I liked that the story also showed the bigger picture of medieval Muscovy, showing the political landscape as well as elaborating on Vasya’s older siblings, Olga and Sasha.

A sequel sometimes takes a bit of time to find its own rhythm, not entirely keeping up with the momentum created in the first book but this one does not suffer this fate at all!

I think anyone who loved The Bear and The Nightingale will not be disappointed with this one and I can’t wait for the next book in this amazing series.

Both luminous and gritty, this sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale follows Vasilia as she takes the lessons she learned in her home village to Moscow. The Middle Ages were as liminal there, as everywhere. The old gods were being displaced by Christianity, which had succumbed to politics, and its constant companion, greed, but they still could protect - or harm - if properly approached with respect, small gifts, and kindness. Disguised as a boy, Vasya battles mysterious forces and earthly corruption that would destroy the city and consign her to a convent or forced marriage.

The reader should read The Bear and the Nightingale first, to acquaint herself with the culture of this series. She won't be disappointed.

It occurs to me that this book also belongs in the company of Neil Gaiman's American Gods, since the theme of old v. new gods is similar, although played out differently.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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