Book Review – The Winter of the Witch by Katherine Arden

One girl can make a difference…

Moscow has burned nearly to the ground, leaving its people searching for answers – and someone to hold accountable. Vasya finds herself on her own, amid a rabid mob that calls for her death, blaming her witchery for their misfortune.

Then a vengeful demon returns, renewed and stronger than ever, determined to spread chaos in his wake and never be chained again. Enlisting the hateful priest Konstantin as his servant, turmoil plagues the Muscovites and the magical creatures alike, and all find their fates resting on the shoulders of Vasya.

With an uncertain destiny ahead of her, Vasya learns surprising truths of her past as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all…

My rating:

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I dare anyone who reads this not to give it five stars, honestly. It is so stunning and beautiful and evocative. This series is genuinely the best. It’s so atmospheric and well written.

I love everything about how these books played out. Vasya is so brave and headstrong and determined – I do not envy Morozko or Medved!! 😂 she is a force to be recognised – as we see on her first journey into Midnight. This book really does feel like a fitting end to the trilogy and ties up things from the first book I didn’t even realise I wanted to be sorted.

I love how it ends with hope and so much promise for what’s ahead – the characters have their whole lives ahead of them, and adventure and fun, and that really comes through. But at the same time you also get a sense of real closure and finish. This is the end of the saga, but it doesn’t make it seem like they have nothing else to do, it leaves you wanting more while realising that this is the perfect way to end it.

Bits of the book did have me in epic sobbing fits – both happy and sad. I will never get over the first one! And even with that Arden plays it with balance and keeps the book moving. Grief or happiness take place while other things happen, as that’s how life happens. I loved that.

We finally get some of the scenes I was craving too – but mostly it’s about Vasya being the most badass girl in the world and bringing both men and demons to their knees in her wake. Long may she reign. 💙💙💙

Buy the Winter of the Witch from Amazon UK (affiliate link)