Review "With its beautiful storytelling and fiercely independent heroine fighting to be in charge of her own story, Katherine Arden's series finally fills a gap long left empty by Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. Full of snowy Russian legends come to life, the lights and political intrigue of medieval Moscow, beautiful princes and monks with swords, Arden's writing is striking in its loveliness and impressive in its storytelling instincts." (ANNA JAMES)"A captivating folktale-inspired adventure laden in mystery, magic and myth, it's the story of Vasya, one of the punchiest heroines I've encountered this year" (THE POOL)"This is a sumptuous and beautiful literary fairytale taking inspiration from Russian myths and fairytales, about a woman challenging expected gender norms in her world." (Stylist)"A stunning sequel to the darkly magical The Bear and the Nightingale. The fierce, free-spirited heroine of this fabulous fable, Vasya, rejects the usual choices of marriage or the convent and, following accusations of witchcraft, flees her small village of Lesnaya Zemlya in northernmost Russia with the intention of seeing the world. Entirely enthralling" (5 stars S Magazine)"An enthralling sequel...this twist on a classic fairytale overflows with rich language. The perfect wintry read. 5 Stars" (THE SUN) From the Inside Flap The incredible adventure begun in The Bear and the Nightingale continues as brave Vasya, now a young woman, is forced to choose between marriage or life in a convent and instead flees her home - but soon finds herself called upon to help defend the city of Moscow when it comes under siege.Reports have reached the Grand Prince of Moscow that his countryside is plagued by bandits who appear out of nowhere to burn the villages and kidnap its daughters. Determined to catch the men no one has been able to track, he sets out with his trusted friend, Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training. The party travels for many days but is unable to find a trace of the raiders, until they come across a young boy riding alone on a magnificent horse who claims he has seen them and can find the trail. Sasha is shocked to recognise the boy as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village and riding in disguise. But when Vasya proves herself in battle, riding with remarkable skill and inexplicable power, Sasha realises he must keep her secret as she may be the only way to save the city from threats both human and fantastical. See all Product description
Trustpilot
1 week ago
2 weeks ago
