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A review by bookwoods
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
5.0
Third read, 2.2019, 4.5/5
I don't think that a more perfect book to read during a snowstorm exists! Indeed, this series is on its way to becoming one of my favorites. It surely says something that this is the third time I've read The Bear and the Nightingale in less than two years. I was still completely mesmerized by the story while being aware of the couple flaws I've listed below in my last review. I can't wait to continue on by rereading The Girl in the Tower and then, finally, starting The Winter of the Witch - hopefully it will arrive in the post soon!
Second read, 1.2018, 4.5/5
It´s only been half a year from when I first read The Bear and the Nightingale, but I wanted to experience it in an appropriate weather with snow and frost, and to also prepare for The Girl in the Tower. I must admit that some of the magic had disappeared upon a reread. This time I knew what to expect and was able to detect a few weaknesses in the story. The character development is a bit unbelievable, the story incoherent and the fight scene in the end even slightly ridiculous. This is not to say I don´t love The Bear and the Nightingale anymore, because I do, but I now view it more realistically. I have a feeling that The Girl in the Tower might be even better, this is after all Katherine Arden´s debut novel and as such, incredible.
First read 7.2017, 5/5 :
As vain as it sounds I´m really grateful for the cover of The Bear and the Nightingale. Though I had heard some great reviews, the thing that pushed me to spend my money on this book is the way it looks. I honestly couldn´t take my eyes of the cover design when I received it. But thankfully the inside matches the outside in how much I love them. The story takes inspiration from Russian folk- and fairy tales, which I want to learn more about. Tales are fascinating like is Russia - especially as Finns and Russians share such a long history I feel like their old believes are linked to ours. The Bear and the Nightingale is set in a fictional middle ages and I felt transported to the cold and ascetic winters, to the middle of a blazing conflict between the old myths and the new believes. It all felt magical and captivating, the main character is head strong and awesome in general, the ending empowering and the plot filled with just the right amount of action. Though the next time I read this I want it to be during the winter´s frost instead of the summer´s heat.
I don't think that a more perfect book to read during a snowstorm exists! Indeed, this series is on its way to becoming one of my favorites. It surely says something that this is the third time I've read The Bear and the Nightingale in less than two years. I was still completely mesmerized by the story while being aware of the couple flaws I've listed below in my last review. I can't wait to continue on by rereading The Girl in the Tower and then, finally, starting The Winter of the Witch - hopefully it will arrive in the post soon!
Second read, 1.2018, 4.5/5
It´s only been half a year from when I first read The Bear and the Nightingale, but I wanted to experience it in an appropriate weather with snow and frost, and to also prepare for The Girl in the Tower. I must admit that some of the magic had disappeared upon a reread. This time I knew what to expect and was able to detect a few weaknesses in the story. The character development is a bit unbelievable, the story incoherent and the fight scene in the end even slightly ridiculous. This is not to say I don´t love The Bear and the Nightingale anymore, because I do, but I now view it more realistically. I have a feeling that The Girl in the Tower might be even better, this is after all Katherine Arden´s debut novel and as such, incredible.
First read 7.2017, 5/5 :
As vain as it sounds I´m really grateful for the cover of The Bear and the Nightingale. Though I had heard some great reviews, the thing that pushed me to spend my money on this book is the way it looks. I honestly couldn´t take my eyes of the cover design when I received it. But thankfully the inside matches the outside in how much I love them. The story takes inspiration from Russian folk- and fairy tales, which I want to learn more about. Tales are fascinating like is Russia - especially as Finns and Russians share such a long history I feel like their old believes are linked to ours. The Bear and the Nightingale is set in a fictional middle ages and I felt transported to the cold and ascetic winters, to the middle of a blazing conflict between the old myths and the new believes. It all felt magical and captivating, the main character is head strong and awesome in general, the ending empowering and the plot filled with just the right amount of action. Though the next time I read this I want it to be during the winter´s frost instead of the summer´s heat.