The Girl in the Tower

A Novel

By: Katherine Arden

Narrated by: Kathleen Gati

In the sequel to the nationally bestselling The Bear and the Nightingale, a gifted young woman with ties to the old magic of her homeland blazes a trail out of the frozen wilderness and into the court intrigues of Moscow.

“A masterfully told story of folklore, history, and magic with a spellbinding heroine at the heart of it all.”—Booklist (starred review)

Vasilisa’s gift for seeing what others do not won her the attention, even affection, of Morozko—the winter demon from her nurse’s stories. But his aid comes at a cost.

Orphaned, named a witch, and cast out by her village, Vasya’s options are few: resign herself to life in a convent or marriage to a stranger. Both doom her to life in a tower, cut off from the wide world she longs to explore. So instead she chooses adventure, disguising herself as a young man and riding her trusted stallion, Solovey, into the wilderness.

But Vasya’s exploits soon reunite her with her long-estranged siblings and earn her the admiration of the Grand Prince of Moscow. Disguised as a boy, she must walk a delicate line, safeguarding her family, concealing her identity and navigating her increasingly fraught relationship with Morozko—even as she realizes the realm is under threat from mysterious forces only she will be able to stop.

“A compelling, fast-moving story that grounds fantasy elements in a fascinating period of Russian history.”—Kirkus Reviews

Don’t miss any of the bestselling Winternight Trilogy:
THE BEAR AND THE NIGHTINGALE • THE GIRL IN THE TOWER • THE WINTER OF THE WITCH

Critic reviews

“Arden’s lush, lyrical writing cultivates an intoxicating, visceral atmosphere, and her marvelous sense of pacing carries the novel along at a propulsive clip. A masterfully told story of folklore, history, and magic with a spellbinding heroine at the heart of it all.”—Booklist (starred review)

“[A] sensual, beautifully written, and emotionally stirring fantasy . . . Fairy tales don’t get better than this.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“[Katherine] Arden once again delivers an engaging fantasy that mixes Russian folklore and history with delightful worldbuilding and lively characters.”—Library Journal

“A compelling, fast-moving story that grounds fantasy elements in a fascinating period of Russian history.”—Kirkus Reviews

“[A] magical story set in an alluring Russia.”—Paste

LOOOOVED THIS!

This was a great addition the the series and I can't wait for the next one!

Beautiful book

Usually the second book isn't as good as the first, but that isn't true for this story. Vassia finds herself and grows as a person. We get to know her other siblings and how Vassia can make an impact in the world.

I loved every minute of it.

An unexpected new favorite series!

I work at a library and came across the first book, The Bear and the Nightingale, while shelving returns. I was intrigued and was looking for a new fantasy story. That first book was enthralling and this book, the 2nd, captivated me. It took me to a place I wasn't familiar with, left me cold, trembling, and ignited a fire within me heart. I felt what Vasya felt and saw what she saw. The description is impecable and the the story is a fairytale like no other. I will be buying a hardcopy of both books and look forward to reading the next!

Loved it!

If you like history but also a fairytales you’ll love this. Russian stories of both types are not mainstream so I was very drawn in. Also gave a real perspective on how women were kept down in all classes, but how one at least defied those rules.... but not without cost. I can’t wait for the third book!

Wonderful fairytale

This is well written fun adventure filled tale. The characters are relatable and intriguing enough you want to see what happens next