The Bear and the Nightingale

by Katherine Arden
The Bear and the Nightingale cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 1317
  • Added: 2025-10-04
  • Updated: 2025-10-04
  • ISBN: 9781785031045
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2017-01-12
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

In the frost-kissed wilderness of northern Russia, where the winds howl and the snow blankets the land for many months, an elderly servant weaves tales of sorcery and the Winter King for the children of a noble family. Among them, the wild and spirited Vasya is captivated, for she alone can see the house spirits that guard her home and sense the growing darkness in the woods. As the boundary between the magical and the mortal world blurs, Vasya must navigate the dangers of old magic and the disapproval of the church, uncovering secrets that could change her fate and the fate of her village forever. Atmospheric and enchanting, The Bear and the Nightingale is a richly imagined adventure that blends folklore and fantasy, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik's Uprooted and Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus. With its lush prose and compelling characters, this novel invites readers into a world where the old ways clash with the new, and the line between myth and reality is thin.

Reviews
Nicholas Kotar's Blog · 2018-05-02
recommended 3.50

The book is recommended for fans of historical fantasy and unique fairy tale retellings, though it has some flaws. The reviewer enjoys the unique take on traditional stories.

This reviewer recommends the book to those who enjoy historical fantasy and unique interpretations of traditional fairy tales. They appreciate the fresh perspective and the way the author brings new life to old stories. However, they also note that the book has some negative aspects that prevent it from being perfect. The reviewer finds the historical setting and the blending of folklore to be particularly strong points, but acknowledges that there are areas where the story could have been improved. Overall, they feel the book is a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    I recommend it to anyone who likes historical fantasy or unique takes on traditional fairy tales.

    There were some negatives, as well.

    The historical setting and the blending of folklore are particularly strong points.

NPR · 2017-01-22
beautiful 4.50

The book beautifully blends folklore and historical setting, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The reviewer finds the evocation of feudal Russia particularly impressive.

This review emphasizes the skillful weaving of folklore and historical elements, creating a vivid and immersive world. The reviewer is particularly impressed by the author's ability to bring feudal Russia to life, making the setting as compelling as the characters. They appreciate the unique take on traditional fairy tales and the way the story feels both timeless and grounded in a specific historical context. The reviewer also notes that the book's atmospheric quality makes it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Arden's weaving of folklore and fairy tale with a very solid evocation of feudal Russia is beautiful and deft.

    As Nicola Griffith does in Hild, Arden creates a world that feels both familiar and fresh.

    The book's atmospheric quality makes it a standout in the genre.

Fantasy Book Review · 2017-01-10
emotional 4.70

The novel is emotionally draining but beautifully personal, with a strong emotional impact. The author excels at drawing readers into the story's depth.

This review highlights how emotionally intense the novel is, noting that it's not a light read but rather a deeply personal and immersive experience. The reviewer praises the author's ability to create a rich, atmospheric world and characters that resonate deeply. They appreciate the emotional weight and the way the story makes you feel connected to the characters and their struggles. However, they also note that the emotional depth can be draining, making it a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

Quick quotes

    Not in a bad way, but it really is an emotionally draining novel.

    So much of the story is very personal and Ms. Arden does an excellent job of making you care.

    The author excels at drawing readers into the story's depth.

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