The Winter of the Witch
In Katherine Arden’s final book of her Winternight trilogy, Moscow has been struck by disaster and 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.
The first fifty or so pages of The Winter of the Witch were incredibly hard for me to read. Vasya experiences so many traumas in such a short amount of time. My heart broke when her horse was killed. I could smell the flames and feel the punches and kicks as she was beaten and almost burned alive. I know these things needed to happen for her to fulfill her destiny of bridging the gap between modern Russia and the old ways, but it was still terrifying to read what she went through.
Vasya’s decision to bind the Bear to her, instead of keeping him imprisoned, was a wise choice. It wasn’t up to Vasya to decide if the Bear was “good enough” in order to wander the world. He had a place in Russia just as much as any of the other creatures, even if he tended to bring chaos and fear with him. He also reflected the part of Vasya that enjoyed making others feel as afraid as they had made her. They were more alike than she initially thought.
Arden did a wonderful job writing Vasya and Morozko’s relationship throughout the series, but I really like what she did with them in this book. We’re able to see the culmination of two books’ worth of longing and desire come together. Their relationship is complex and a bit messy; there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’m especially pleased that they didn’t get married and that Vasya wasn’t tying herself to his kingdom. She could go live in her great-grandmother’s realm, or create her own place between the two, a place where her family would be safe; especially her gifted niece.
This was an amazing trilogy and Arden ended it perfectly. I’m so glad I finally decided to read it.
The Winter of the Witch Rating: ★★★★★
The first fifty or so pages of The Winter of the Witch were incredibly hard for me to read. Vasya experiences so many traumas in such a short amount of time. My heart broke when her horse was killed. I could smell the flames and feel the punches and kicks as she was beaten and almost burned alive. I know these things needed to happen for her to fulfill her destiny of bridging the gap between modern Russia and the old ways, but it was still terrifying to read what she went through.
Vasya’s decision to bind the Bear to her, instead of keeping him imprisoned, was a wise choice. It wasn’t up to Vasya to decide if the Bear was “good enough” in order to wander the world. He had a place in Russia just as much as any of the other creatures, even if he tended to bring chaos and fear with him. He also reflected the part of Vasya that enjoyed making others feel as afraid as they had made her. They were more alike than she initially thought.
Arden did a wonderful job writing Vasya and Morozko’s relationship throughout the series, but I really like what she did with them in this book. We’re able to see the culmination of two books’ worth of longing and desire come together. Their relationship is complex and a bit messy; there’s nothing wrong with that.
I’m especially pleased that they didn’t get married and that Vasya wasn’t tying herself to his kingdom. She could go live in her great-grandmother’s realm, or create her own place between the two, a place where her family would be safe; especially her gifted niece.
This was an amazing trilogy and Arden ended it perfectly. I’m so glad I finally decided to read it.
The Winter of the Witch Rating: ★★★★★