Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the third book in the Winternight Trilogy, The Winter of the Witch, available on January 8, 2019!
My Thoughts:
Wow, this book. If you are a fan of this series, it’s one you just have to jump into; don’t read reviews. Experience every word. Every mesmerizing thought of this masterful author. I’m going to keep my review brief to protect all the fun. In fact, I think this is truly a mini review.
Moscow is in ruins, and Vasya is blamed for everything by the people around her. They believe her gifts have caused all that has gone wrong. Vasya learns more about who she is and what she can do as she explores her special powers.
Medieval Russia in this fantastical world continues to be depicted with its bitter cold. Winter of the Witch is a bold fairytale, and it is lush to the senses. This book has more of a warring focus, and my interest lagged a little during those bits, but the expected magical creatures are present to carry to the fulfilling ending for this amazing trilogy.
Kudos to the author for a job exceptionally well-done, and I cannot wait to see what else Katherine Arden has in store for us. Total book love.
Thanks to the publishers for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the bestselling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen.
“A tale both intimate and epic, featuring a heroine whose harrowing and wondrous journey culminates in an emotionally resonant finale.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Reviewers called Katherine Arden’s novels The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower “lyrical,” “emotionally stirring,” and “utterly bewitching.” The Winternight Trilogy introduced an unforgettable heroine, Vasilisa Petrovna, a girl determined to forge her own path in a world that would rather lock her away. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse.
Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.
Have you read Winter of the Witch, or is it on your TBR? Are you a fan of this trilogy? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I’m hopeful for this third and final installment after the second book wasn’t a favorite like the first. Loved your review, Jen! Glad you enjoyed it! ♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, favorite M! You will write a much better review than mine. I was really at a loss. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and more than the second one. ♥️
LikeLike
So so jealous you had a complimentary copy! Glad you enjoyed it, its a release I’m really excited for. 🥰
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read it soon and that you love it just as much! I will be watching for your thoughts! ♥️
LikeLike
Planning to buy all 3 when this book releases.. Great review. So glad you enjoyed
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Shalini! You won’t regret it. I bought the first two, and I plan to buy this one to have around for re-reads. It’s top notch, and I hope you love them! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review, Jennifer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Marialyce!
LikeLike
Sorry, Jennifer, but I just lightly skimmed your review as I’ve collected the first two books in the series (on audio) and want to stay in the dark. I did get that you were highly pleased so I’m excited about starting this trilogy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s ok, Jonetta! I hardly said anything in this review. 😂 I was so determined not to put any spoilers that I didn’t have much to say except that I loved it…over and over again. I am so excited for you and can’t wait for your thoughts! Especially on the audio! So fun!
LikeLike
I’m afraid I’m the last person to start this series! I’m not sure why, I adore the author, if you ever get a chance to hear her speak in person you’ll know what I mean. So glad the series wrapped up well😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tammy! I was pretty late to the game, too. I only recently gobbled them all up. Hearing her speak sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing that with me.
LikeLike
Great mini review, Jennifer. I have not begun this trilogy. Happy Reading and I love the picture. 💐💗📚
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Virginia! I appreciate it. Happy reading to you too! ♥️ xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds so good!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Heather! It really is a wonderful series! ♥️
LikeLike
I avoided requesting this ARC (so hard!!) since I own the first two in hardback and wanted to buy this one in hardback too…one and two were on my favorite books of 2018, so you can imagine how excited I am to read this one!! I’m so glad you loved it and am avoiding reviews as you said, so thanks for not giving anything away! I’ve got it pre-ordered and can’t wait until it arrives next week! xoxo ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are in for such a treat, and your review will be amazing. I just couldn’t give a word away. I own the other two in hardback, too, so I’ll buy this one to match and for re-reads someday. It’s such a special series, I have to own it. Can’t wait for you to get your copy! ♥️ xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to just be getting back to you! Hubby’s dad flew out from San Diego after the New Year for a week. We haven’t seen him since 2014, so we had a lot of catching up to do! Things are hopefully getting back to normal this week with everyone headed back to school. I can’t wait for Tues and this book! I hope I get a chance to dive in to it. I don’t know if I’ll review it or not; I didn’t review the first two, so we’ll see! I don’t review every book I read anymore and I plan to do even less reviewing this year because I just felt so overwhelmed with reviews there for a while that it was stressful. I love my blog but I want 2019 to be simpler more relaxed year, especially after 2018. Anyway, I can’t wait to get my copy either! I’ll be so excited! ♥ xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally get it! I’ve stopped reviewing all the books I read, too, and once I get through the mess I made of Feb and March, I plan to slow down for 2019, too. 🤞 I hope you had a nice visit with your FIL! Happy week ahead and enjoy your special read! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s to getting through Feb and March! One of my goals this year is to DNF, which was a goal last year too but I only did it 2 or 3x, lol, I’m definitely doing it this year though, which should help with the review books although it’s rare to get one that I really don’t like although I just read 2 that disappointed me tremendously since they were 2 of my most anticipated winter reads…when I finally write a review, those will be my next reviews, LOL. I’ve decided 2019 will be the year of pleasure and stress-free reading! We did have a great visit with him…it was a bit complicated at times since he and hubby have been at odds for years (long story, but my family is dysfunctional lol). The kids and I enjoyed him tremendously though! You too and thanks! It just arrived in the mail!! ❤ xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really need to get back on board with this series! Thanks for the review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lisa! I hope you enjoy this one when you get to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the sound of the medieval Russia setting and the wintriness! Sounds really atmospheric. I’ve seen several other enthusiastic reviews as well- sounds like a great series!
LikeLike
Thanks, Greg! I think you’d enjoy this series! It’s wonderfully done!
LikeLike
Great review Jen! You have the most awesomest plants my friend!!😀💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sus! I like to keep a little bit of outside inside in the winter to keep things cheery! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t read this series yet, but I’ve heard such wonderful things about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really amazed me, Chrissi. So good!
LikeLike
It’s so pleasing when a trilogy ends on a high! I’ve got all three books to read, and I’m going to make them a priority! Fab review 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Janel! I recently had a marathon reading of them myself. I hope you LOVE them, too, and have a really good feelign about it. Enjoy and I’ll be watching! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay, I’m so glad you loved this one too! I’m sad that the trilogy is over, but wow, what a brilliant series. I loved everything about it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really was something else, Suzanne! I can’t wait to see what Arden gives us next!
LikeLike
Wonderful review! I’ve seen this book everywhere!📚💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Berit! Yes, it’s getting a bunch of love! ♥️
LikeLike
I was planning on reading book 2 this month and maaaybe getting to book 3 and now you’ve made me even more excited for it! And I’m so glad to hear the series ends on a high note. ❤
LikeLike
Thanks, Kathy! I think you are going to love this one, but first I want to hear how you like book 2. ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
t is great to know that the author ended this series well. I always worry when I am enjoying a series or trilogy and the end bombs. I read the first two, but was declined for this one, so…. I guess I need to wait until I can get a copy from the library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Carla. I am sorry about the decline on this one. I hope you can get a copy from the library soon, and I’ll look forward to your thoughts once you are able to read it. I hope it ends on a high note for you, too.
LikeLike
It won’t be until I get home from Florida in March. I have a lot to read so I can wait.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked this!! Sometimes it makes me nervous when it’s a series ending book. I am just starting this series soon and I’m so glad that I can binge it all. I have heard SO many good things!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Leslie! I binge read it and it was perfect that way! I can’t wait to hear what you think! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome!! I can’t wait to start it!! 😁😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m very excited and very anxious for this one but mostly excited! I adored The Bear and the Nightingale and I have The Girl in the Tower but haven’t read it yet as I’m waiting for this to be released before I do! I always end up in a habit of having to wait between books but I avoided that with this one!!
Really glad to hear you enjoyed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gerry! I do the same thing! I waited until I had all three before I read. I am the worst with series and waiting, so it worked out perfectly this way. I hope you love both two and three and am excited to see what you think. I totally understand the anxiety. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the way it comes together! ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! I can’t wait!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Must make time to read the second book in this series Jenni, it’s still sitting on my shelves!! 🙄 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, Beth, don’t feel badly. I just binge read the series, after having the first two sitting here all that time. So many books! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review. I couldn’t read yours until I wrote mine. I listened to the audio and it is magic. Lush is a good word which you used. I loved this series completely. Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Anne! I am definitely going to look into the audio for a re-read (listen) of the series. I’ll check out your review too!
LikeLike
oh I cannot wait to get to this series! I have heard so many wonderful things about it. And its great you loved the third book as much! Your enthusiasm is contagious Jen! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thank you, Daniela! I had so much fun with this series! I am excited for your thoughts!
LikeLike
I keep meaning to try this series. Just have to actually go out and get it! Lok
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, definitely get it! You may be able to get the first or second on Kindle sale right now with the release of the third. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm….. there you go again… making me want to add stuff. Lol. Of course I’m going straight off to Kindle to check the price. 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person