The Girl in The Tower by Katherine Arden

The Girl in The Tower (Winternight Trilogy, #2)

by Katherine Arden

For a young woman in medieval Russia, the choices are stark: marriage or life in a convent. Vasya will choose a third way: magic. . .

The court of the Grand Prince of Moscow is plagued by power struggles and rumours of unrest. Meanwhile bandits roam the countryside, burning the villages and kidnapping its daughters. Setting out to defeat the raiders, the Prince and his trusted companion come across a young man riding a magnificent horse.

Only Sasha, a priest with a warrior's training, recognises this 'boy' as his younger sister, thought to be dead or a witch by her village. 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. . .

A spellbinding fairytale full of magic and wonder, perfect for fans of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials.

*Make sure you've read all the books in the Winternight Trilogy*

1. The Bear and the Nightingale
2. The Girl in the Tower
3. The Winter of the Witch

Reviewed by Beth C. on

5 of 5 stars

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Seriously, people. Writing doesn't get much more beautiful than this. Starting off pretty much right after book one ended, it brings in a little bit more of Vasya's brother and sister. With each book, there is a fairytale touchstone, and they way they are woven into the stories are simply wonderful. The first book has been a Powell's Staff Pick, and I can guarantee the second book will be as well.

As this is a sequel, it would be helpful to read the first book in the series before reading this one. Much of the character development - particularly for Vasya - happens in that book. However, it is not absolutely necessary. Both books are beautiful in their own right, and well worth reading.

I think this book will end up being a Top 5 for the year for me. It's just that good.

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  • Started reading
  • 7 October, 2017: Finished reading
  • 7 October, 2017: Reviewed