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The Winter of the Witch

Written by: Katherine Arden
Narrated by: Kathleen Gati
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Publisher's Summary

New York Times Best Seller

Following their adventures in The Bear and the Nightingale and The Girl in the Tower, Vasya and Morozko return in this stunning conclusion to the best-selling Winternight Trilogy, battling enemies mortal and magical to save both Russias, the seen and the unseen. "A tale both intimate and epic, featuring a heroine whose harrowing and wondrous journey culminates in an emotionally resonant finale." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Named one of Paste’s Best Fantasy Books of the Decade

Vasilisa Petrovna is an unforgettable heroine determined to forge her own path. Her gifts and her courage have drawn the attention of Morozko, the winter-king, but it is too soon to know if this connection will prove a blessing or a curse.

Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its 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, 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 as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.

Praise for The Winter of the Witch: “Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy isn’t just good - it’s hug-to-your-chest, straight-to-the-favorites-shelf, reread-immediately good, and each book just gets better. The Winter of the Witch plunges us back to fourteenth-century Moscow, where old gods and new vie for the soul of Russia and fate rests on a witch girl’s slender shoulders. Prepare to have your heart ripped out, loaned back to you full of snow and magic, and ripped out some more.” (Laini Taylor)

“Luxuriously detailed yet briskly suspenseful.... a striking literary fantasy informed by Arden’s deep knowledge.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

©2018 Katherine Arden (P)2018 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“[Katherine] Arden’s gorgeous prose entwines political intrigue and feminist themes with magic and folklore to tell a tale both intimate and epic, featuring a heroine whose harrowing and wondrous journey culminates in an emotionally resonant finale.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Visceral descriptions of battle, an atmospheric sense of place, and some truly heartbreaking moments of loss make this a gut-wrenching read, but there’s ample hope and satisfaction to be found as Vasya chooses her own unique path to triumph.” (Booklist)

“Exciting, moving, and beautifully written, this is a story readers will savor.” (Library Reads)

What listeners say about The Winter of the Witch

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Magical and Moving

It’s difficult to believe Katherine Arden penned the Winter gibt trilogy in her 20s. That’s certainly part of the incredible majesty of each of the three books in the series. It’s also surprising that she wasn’t raised in Russia. In medieval Russia. How else could she know these truths? That men and magic could live together?

Each of the books in the series is as good as it’s predecessor, and The Bear and the Nightingale is an absolute dream. For lovers of medieval fantasy, historical fiction, Russian mythology, equestrian interests, mystery, action and adventure, romance, and folklore, you’ll find it here.

Follow Vasya Petrovna as she learns the ways of the world through the eyes not only of her family and the Church, but also of the Cherti, the unseen folk. This series is a story about family, blood family and chosen family. It is a story about hardship and triumph, about loss and about renewal. But mostly, Arden’s books are stories about deep and soul-rending love, passion, and devotion.

A magnificent series whose artistry shines through Kathleen Gati’s masterful narration. These books will be read over and over and over. And you’ll only cry just a little.

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Beautiful Ending

A beautiful, heartbreaking story about honor, sacrifice, forgiveness, and finding oneself, this finale is all that I hoped it would be. It's imaginative, exciting, filled with emotion, and rewarding in the end.

This book does not shy away from heartache and pain for our beloved Vasya. She goes through so much in the first few chapters that my heart broke to experience it. As she continued to travel through worlds both magical and real to save her people and her family, I was reminded again about just how strong this character is. She is a hero and inspiration, fearless and a warrior in every true sense of the word. I'm going to miss her, but she's had a truly amazing journey.

The book was full of great twists and powerful moments. I found every moment compelling and exciting as old enemies and new allies resurfaced. The action may not have been as intense as other fantasy books, but that didn't take away from the tension and the stakes. Seeing Vasya interact with her family and a familiar priest were among my favorite moments.

This is a beautifully written and rich world packed with folklore and historical references. It's one of those books that I know I'll be thinking of long after I finish it. Definitely recommended for lovers of fantasy, folklore, and fierce women.

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captivating

I have listened to this book twice now, I am completely captivated by the main characters and Katherine Arden has done an amazing job creating this trilogy of books. It awoke a love of Slavic Folklore I didn't know I would have ever enjoyed. It is well written and was very well performed. I couldn't stop listening. It was such a great story.

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2.8 books in and sudden, disappointing end

Disappointing and disjointed ending to a tale that could've been magnificent. The story and writing really dropped off suddenly and abruptly.

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