Title: The Girl in the Tower

Series: Winternight #2

Author: Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale, Katherine Arden’s enchanting first novel, introduced readers to an irresistible heroine. Vasilisa has grown up at the edge of a Russian wilderness, where snowdrifts reach the eaves of her family’s wooden house and there is truth in the fairy tales told around the fire. Vasilisa’s gift for seeing what others do not won her the attention of Morozko—Frost, the winter demon from the stories—and together they saved her people from destruction. But Frost’s aid comes at a cost, and her people have condemned her as a witch.

In The Girl in the Tower, Vasilisa faces an impossible choice. Driven from her home by frightened villagers, she has only two options left: marriage or the convent. She cannot bring herself to accept either fate and instead chooses adventure, dressing herself as a boy and setting off astride her magnificent stallion Solovey.

But after she prevails in a skirmish with bandits, everything changes. The Grand Prince of Moscow anoints her a hero for her exploits, and she is reunited with her beloved sister and brother, who are now part of the Grand Prince’s inner circle. She dares not reveal to the court that she is a girl, for if her deception were discovered it would have terrible consequences for herself and her family. Before she can untangle herself from Moscow’s intrigues—and as Frost provides counsel that may or may not be trustworthy—she will also confront an even graver threat lying in wait for all of Moscow itself.

Back in the world of Vasilisa and Morozko….and I couldn’t be happier!

This book was so magical, it captured my heart, it was everything! I loved everything!

So we know Vasilisa leaves her village with Solovey and wants to be free, she doesn’t want marriage or a convent, the only options available for a maiden in those times. So what’s a girl to do?! Well become a boy and cause chaos!!!!!

Vasilsa is such a strong character (even though she annoyed me turning down Morozko’s proposal!) Plus in this book we get more of Vasilisa’s siblings, Sasha and Olga. I love their family dynamic!

I read this book with my heart in my throat, there was so much action and adventure but it was Solovey that captured my heart the most! I love him!

Roll on book 3!!! But I don’t want this to end!