The Winter of the Witch

A Novel

By: Katherine Arden

Narrated by: Kathleen Gati

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The fate of two worlds rests on the shoulders of Vasilisa Petrovna as she contends with forces both mortal and magical in the stirring conclusion to the story that began with The Bear and the Nightingale.

“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 bound her fate to 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. And a wicked demon returns, determined to spread chaos.

Caught at the center of the conflict, her destiny uncertain, knowing that her choices will determine the fate of two worlds, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself as she desperately tries to protect her family, her country, and the magical world she loves. But she may not be able to save them all.

“Luminous from page one . . . Featuring Rus nobles, witches, frost gods and a magical horse-with-the-soul-of-a-bird, The Winter of the Witch finds Arden at her best.” —Paste

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

“[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)

“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)

“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

Amazing conclusion!

Though not my usual fare, this trilogy captured my imagination and held me in its thrall. What a wild, wonderful, mystical adventure. Vasya is everything I have ever wanted in a heroine, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to take this journey with her.

Amazing original fantasy!

I loved this beautifully written series. By the end of the last book, I almost felt I could understand Russian and was fascinated by the colorful fairy tales and variety of creatures involved in their reality. Thank you, Katherine for these brilliant books.

excellent ending!

Thus was a fascinating look into Russian history through their fairy tales. Kathleen Gati is a superb narrator. I'm sorry it's over.

Russian history as well as the mythology

I’m so sorry that this trilogy is over! This was one of the best series I’ve read. Typically the first book in a series is the best and those that follow each grow weaker. Not the case with this trilogy. Each book picked up momentum until the final book hurtled toward the somewhat inevitable but still unexpected conclusion. I was completely unfamiliar with Russian folklore/mythology before reading these books but thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this time in history as well as the mythology that arose among the people of the time. Very highly recommend!

Excellent!

Excellent book, excellent trilogy! Loved it so so much. It will always be special to me.

Amazing!

Loved this trilogy! It brings you into the world and keeps you there! Didn’t want it to end!

just a great story

the story was fantastic and the narrator did an awesome job. first experience with any kind of Russian lore

Fantastic series

I have loved all 3 books. A beautifully written story and a wonderful narration makes for a fabulous experience!

Fitting Conclusion

The protagonist finally started to use her power in this book. The character building finally stopped and there was a lot more action. Overall this was a great trilogy with some education about the historical Era. Narrator did a great job.

Part 3 of the Winter Night Trilogy Does Not Disappoint...

The first 2 installments are a bit slow moving at times, especially at the start of each story. This edition is also slow to start, but picks up speed much quicker. When you get to the Chapter called “Memory”, the story really takes off, and all the plot and character building from the first 2 books, and the first parts of this book, really do meld together in a satisfying way.
The author’s end note about historical context makes the story more real as well.
I am not used to Russian style fairytales, so this trilogy was a bit difficult to follow at times, but I am glad that I did! It’s definitely worth the listen... and I love magic when it’s used for good purposes.