I went into this novel knowing that it was a fairy tale retelling, but what I got was an incredible dark pastoral fantasy woven together with dozens of Russian myths. The Bear and the Nightingale was a pleasant surprise and a pleasure to read. The world building in this book is absolutely phenomenal.

The setting is historic Russia bursting at the seams with supernatural elements. The world is full of demons and other spirits, each with their own beliefs and ways of life. I liked that even though many of the spirits were kindly to Vasya, they all weren’t necessarily good in the way you would expect. Some were even a little bit frightening and not all that friendly toward humans. It truly felt like the world had a certain order that was much bigger and centuries older than humanity. The atmosphere was fantastic and I got a real sense of the unknown while reading.

Vasya, eventually dubbed the Wild Maiden, really was spirited and free and I loved her character. The characters in this book are extremely complicated and well developed. I got a real sense of family reading about the Petrovna children. The priest Konstantin was also an interesting character and becomes Vasya’s foil and gave me some serious Claude Frollo vibes. Even though he was frustrating and obviously a negative forcec for Vasya, I almost liked his character in a way and wanted him to be corrupted, which was what made the books and its character so brilliant. The two represented the central conflict of the story: religion. The gradual shift from the mythical Slavic tradition of old to the new religion blazing a trail across Eurasia: Christianity. The clash between religions was the driving force of the story and it was phenomenal from start to finish.

Yet another book where the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It is just beautiful. I could probably stare at it all day long.

This novel is a wonderful Russian folktale/fairy tale retelling. Russia + folklore + fairy tale = awesome.

Vasilisa (Vasya) is far from a normal girl. We can tell that from her birth. She is destined for something special and doesn’t quite fit the image of a medieval Russia lady. She is strong and unwilling to do what she is told just because she is told to. She is a free spirit in many ways and yet also tied down in others.

The household spirits are so interesting. When they get neglected, Vasya must do her best to keep them alive. For if they die or leave this house… well, maybe the worst will happen. I really love them and their role in the story is rather nice.

I also loved seeing the way Vasya’s father interacted with his children. He can be a bit awkward at times and doesn’t really know how to interact with his children, especially Vasya. Yet, at the same time, it is clear that he really loves his children very much.

This story is rich with details and wonderful settings. Whether you want to nor not, you get pulled into this story. It is brilliant and I cannot wait for the sequel.

Let me get this out of the way: GO READ THIS BOOK. Seriously. This book is set in a medieval northern Russia where winter lasts for half the year and snow goes up to the eves of the houses. We follow a family with a father that is lord of the area with ties to the Grand Prince in Moscow. He is held in high regard there but his house seems to be the dumping ground of the unwanted in Moscow. Like the daughter of a peasant that charmed her way to be the wife of a Grand Prince. Or the seemingly mad daughter of a Grand Prince. And a eager priest that is a rising star but could cause problems in the succession. All of these people effect the area. This book reads almost like a real-life fairy tale. While we often think of fairy tales as fantasy, what if there is a kernel of truth to all of it? This book is the struggle between the old vs new. It is the transition between the old religion and Christianity. But the main character is what really carries the story. Vasya is the true tie to the old ways but she also wants to fit into her family. But she can’t just sit by as her family is in danger. To what lengths will she go to save them? Her strength and growth were amazing. Plus there are magic horses. How can a story go wrong with that?!

Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale is a superbly magical fairy tale inspired by Russian folklore. The story is lyrical and engaging, and even though I'm not a reader who is familiar with Russian fairy tales and folklore, so much of it seems both familiar and strange that I felt like this story has both been part of that fairy tale lexicon of sorts and wholly new all at the same time. I love it when a writer weaves together the old and the new to make a new effortless-feeling tale that lingers in the mind long after the book ends.

Vasya, the main character, is lively and complicated, as fairy tale heroines often tend to be. Arden's villains are nuanced and complex, making you think that perhaps villainy is only a construct of our perspectives rather than a factual thing. The atmosphere feels like a chilly Russian wilderness, and its distant enough in time and distance to be all the more enchanting.

And, like many traditional, "original," fairy tales, The Bear and the Nightingale is beautiful and terrifying in a very Neil Gaiman-esque sort of way, and I love the sort of terror that sneaks up on you and faces you full-on, making you come to terms with the terror of your own reality in contrast to this fairy tale one.

If you are a fan of Erin Morgenstern and Neil Gaiman and enjoy reading terrifically beautiful fairy tales, this is one you need to add to your TBRs immediately!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for a review copy!

What drew me to Katherine Arden’s debut novel, The Bear and the Nightingale was the reference to Russian Tales, which animated my childhood. I was excited to see how she would use them to tell a new tale. And I am so happy I got to read this book, which plunged me right as I had hoped, into my childhood and the magic world of Ded-Moroz (the Slavic equivalent of Santa Claus, call him Father Winter), Baba-Yaga (a witch who looks like a grandma), Russalka (a mermaid with magic powers) and so on. Words cannot describe how much pleasure I had reading this “new tale”.

The Bear and the Nightingale, a classic fairytale told in a new light, tells the story of Vasilisa (Vasya) Petrovna, youngest daughter of the grand lord of Lesnyaya Zemlia, Pyotr Vladimirovich, who is also brother-in-law to the grand Prince of Moscow, and of her family. Pyotr Vladimirovich was happily married with four children, Kolya, Olya, Sasha and Lyoshka when his wife Marina died in childbirth, bringing to this world his last born – Vasya. Vasya, her mother told Pyotr, would be like her mother was – gifted with the magical blood of her bloodline. As she dies, she begs her husband to take great care of her daughter. Vasya grows curious of mind and of a wandering nature. She strives to be like her brothers, especially Sasha whom is her favorite; she takes upon herself to dress like a boy, and go onto exploring the surrounding forest. She also befriends the house spirits the villagers all leave ritual offerings for, but which only she is able to see. Seven years after Marina’s death, Pyotr decides to take a second wife. He goes to Moscow, to introduce his sons, Kolya and Sasha to their uncle and Prince of Moscow. The Prince himself has a daughter, Anna Dmitrievna, who is said to be crazy, as she sees demons everywhere. To kill two birds with one stone, and ensure his son’s successful succession to the throne, the Prince of Moscow strikes a deal with Pyotr: he will take his daughter as his second wife, and in return, Pyotr’s daughter Olya will get to wed a Prince herself. Sasha decides to join a monastery and serve God, meanwhile Kolya insults a man who turns out to be Morozko, the winter-king. Again, Pyotr finds himself striking a deal in Moscow: he promises to give a gift Morozco has intended for his youngest daughter, Vasya in return for the life of Kolya. As Pyotr returns to Lesnyaya Zemlya, he brings back with him a wind of change. A reluctant bride who will prohibit the villagers to continue to give offerings to the household spirits, through the influence of a new priest, Konstantin Nikonovich. With his arrival, and the promotion of Christianity, horrible things will start to happens, of which only Vasya will have the power to stop.

The book is packed with action, and with sub-story lines which indicate Katherine Arden’s plans for a sequel. Written in a lyrical format, The Bear and the Nightingale is evocative, vivid and rich in beautiful descriptions and imagery. It is a page-turner, with beautifully written scenes waiting at each corner. The introduction of so many characters never feels confusing or overwhelming; instead, each character builds the story and invites us to follow them in their journeys. Besides offering us a new re-tale of classic Russian fairy tales, Katherine Arden also takes inspiration in the transitional period of Medieval Rus’. She explores the slowly rising influence of Christianity on pagan societies, and its clash with the old Rus’ – worshipers of old gods and the traditions that embrace it. Throughout the novel we thus note the clash between old traditions and new ones, acts of bravery and fear, and of course good and evil. Overall, it is a tale beautifully told, and I cannot wait to read the sequel of The Bear and the Nightingale.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group – Ballatine and Del Rey for an ARC of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden, in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I just could not get into this book. I love the cover art but the names were difficult and the story didn't pull me in.

The Bear and the Nightingale (Hardcover)
by Katherine Arden

Looking into fairy tales and discussing their elements and merits with second graders changing your focus when reading this Russian tale. I like that she chose specific translations of the Russian names not only because of their beauty but because of the exotic image they give the text. Looking at the characters and their names is only the beginning of the story. I love the cultural elements within the story, the ideas of death, winter, and symbols like the bear and the nightingale. This book is a great introduction to Russian fairy tales, and is a great Young Adult intro into adult fairy tales and would compliment many series of Fairy Tale stories, like those written by Robin McKinley.

One of the best books of the decade! Katherine Arden's take on a little-known Russian fairy tale is fresh and exciting. Fantastic characterization in a world that is fully realized. I couldn't stop reading it and was genuinely sad when it was over!

I was super excited to read this book. Arden draws on Russian fairy tales and history to tell this enchanting tale. The story will keep readers guess/entertained. I would recommend it to friends and library patrons.

I was enthralled. The author draws you in with the fairy tales and beautiful descriptions of Rus through the different seasons. As the story progresses, you learn more about the main characters; their thoughts, beliefs, and motives. I will be interested in what the author creates next.

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I am giving this 3.5 stars despite the fact that the descriptions were magical and the heroine is one of my favorite heroines in a while.

This is a vivid and imaginative rendering of multiple Russian folklores and fairytales. Katherine Arden obviously spent a considerate amount of time researching and studying Russian tales, Russian classic literature, and other Slavic cultures. This story centers around bravery, mystical creatures, family love, and daily hardship. The book starts out with a family sitting around the kitchen stove in the deepest winter and an old maid spins stories filled with old tales and pagan beliefs drawing the reader into a magical world of wood creatures, water trolls, and evil spirits. The reader gets to know each family member. their quirks, their beliefs, and their love for each other. The main characters are interesting and relatable. The heroine, Vasya, is powerful, independent to the point of stubborn, unconventional, and warm. She grows into a warrior and really made the book feel hopeful.

A big problem, in my opinion, is that Arden didn't stop with the stories of the main figures. She describes various other characters cascading into a slew of subplots and side stories, just as we remember from classic authors like Dostoyevsky or Tolstoy. But herein lies the main problem. The many characters and their stories were not really necessary for the main plot to be understandable and sensical. In fact, I wager to say the plot would've stood out more hadn't there been so many side stories. And while I understand that this is just the first book in a series, it did make it difficult for me to get into the book, and thus could prevent me from wanting to read the series. I feel that if these characters will become more important later in the story, their stories could've been introduced later as well. It just seems like the author was trying too hard taking away from the actual beauty this novel could've been.

Nevertheless, I see great potential in this series and will read book 2 in hopes to see more of the beloved heroine and less of random side characters.

The beautiful cover of this book is what originally attracted me to it. Another reason for wanting to read the book was that I loved fairy tales and folklore as a child.

The Bear and the Nightingale is set in medieval Russia. It is based on Russian fairy tales and folk lore, all are rather dark. However, it's a beautifully written book. The descriptive words and writing from the author bring winter in Russia to life! I could feel the dark snowy days.

There were a few times that I felt like I couldn't get into the story. Then something would grab me right back into the tale. Maybe I've outgrown my fairy tale years but it was an enjoyable story.

* I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. I voluntarily reviewed this book.

The Bear and the Nightingale was really good. Several of my staff have read it and enjoyed it.

Vasilisa, the youngest of 5 siblings, grows up in the Russian hinterlands with a special connection to the wild. She loves her nurse's stories of the different spirits of house and forest, but most of all she loves tales of Morozko, the fearful king of winter. When her father remarries to a devout citywoman, who comes with a new priest, it triggers a change in Vasilisa's comfortable existence. And, as she soon comes to realize, a change in the natural balance. As the new priest's influence grows, the local spirits and land weaken. As scary as tales of Morozko are, they are nothing compared to the thing he guards against. Threatened with marriage or a convent by her stepmother, Vasilisa must find a way to keep her land and people safe before time runs out.

One of my favorite books growing up was a book of Russian fairytales. In many ways, The Bear and the Nightingale was like revisiting my childhood. Except the fairytale grew up with me and got equivalently darker as a result. I'm not mad about it. This was an engrossing, atmospheric read. From the domestic spirits to the encroachment of Christianity to the mythos surrounding Morozko, this fictional slice of old Russia felt rich and authentic. It is not a Disney-fied fairytale. There is blood and death and violence, and a monster or five. It does nicely capture that feeling familiar from folk tales, where reality slips sideways just a bit and suddenly things like magic just are.

Vasilisa as the main character is both traditional and not. Traditional because that's a recurring name/character from Russian folklore, but not because generally it's Vasilisa the Beautiful where she is a fair maiden. This story's Vasilisa is not ugly, but not beautiful either. Rather, she is smart, and brave, and compelling. I like this modern twist on a heroine. The supporting characters were mostly well-done and sympathetic- even the traditionally vile stepmother. The author did well to add nuance to the normal archetypes.

I would've liked a little more backstory on Vasilisa's mother and the magic of her line (where it came from, what exactly that meant). And some parts of the story moved a little slowly for me. But overall, I still really enjoyed this book.

If you like new twists on old stories, or have a penchant for Russian folklore, give this a try.

This review originally appeared on Brightly:
Some authors create a world so vivid, so immersive, so unlike your own that you can’t help but remain there long after you finish reading. Katherine Arden has created such a world in her debut novel, The Bear and the Nightingale. Set in the far north of Rus’ (what would later become Russia) during the 14th century, the small village where Vasya Petronova lives spends most of its year in winter. The village honors the sprites and fears the demons that live all around them. Vasya has a special ability to see the sprites and demons, and her life becomes more exciting as she communicates with them and learns from them.

Vasya is a bit of a wild child, especially compared to the norms of the time. While her father, a minor nobleman and widower, seems to enjoy his daughter’s spirit, he’s unsure how to tame her as she ages. When he marries Anna, a young woman who grew up in the city of Moscow and is very devout to the new Christian religion, Vasya’s freedom is challenged. Then, when a priest settles in the village, Vasya finds herself not only fighting for her own freedom, but for the village’s ancient beliefs, which are starting to give way to the priest’s beliefs.

Arden’s book brilliantly melds fantasy, history, magic, religion, politics, and folklore into an enchanting tale. I was completely captured by the story, so vividly imagined and yet so firmly rooted in reality. It went beyond simply imagining the book; it was almost a sensory experience — the chill of the air, the smell of the food cooking in the hearth, the richness of the sights, the fears and triumphs.

A quick word on the reading: If you are unfamiliar with reading books rooted in Russia, it can take a bit of time and effort to familiarize yourself with the characters, as each typically has multiple names and nicknames. Arden does also use some Russian vocabulary and naming conventions. Luckily, there’s a glossary in the back that serves as a great resource as you start the novel.

The Bear in the Nightingale is the first book in a planned trilogy. While this installment has a satisfying conclusion, I’m very excited to read more of Vasya’s story. And, even more so, I look forward to reading more of Arden’s amazing writing.

Couldn't get into it. Not into reworked fairy tales, sorry.

While I can appreciate the whimsical storytelling of this story, this was not for me. I was way too wordy and just not my type of story. Like I said though I can appreciate the beautiful writing and imagery this author put forth which is why I gave it a two-star rating and not a one.

There aren't words to describe my love for this bokk

Great for anyone who enjoyed Uprooted by Naomi Novik.

This was an original and enchanting tale that takes place long ago and is based on old Russian fairytales. I feel in love with the story soon after I started. The main focus of the story is the young Vasya who has a touch of magic in her. She can see demons and house-hold spirits. When her village and home is threatened, Vasya discovers that she may be the only one with the power to stop the evil. I enjoyed reading every part of this story. It was a fantastic tale of mystery, magic and it the writing was gorgeous. I can't wait to read the next book.
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for a review.