The Bear and the Nightingale

Set aside some time to be swept up in this historical fantasy that features Russian folklore.

Debut author Katherine Arden rightly received praise and awards for The Bear and the Nightingale, a historical fantasy steeped in Russian folklore.  The richly detailed setting of northern Russia in the 14th century features as a character in this coming of age story of girl with supernatural ability.  Vasya Petrovna is born into a rural nobleman's family at a time when the rise of Christianity is turning people away from pagan traditions.  Vasya, who can see and communicate with spirits, faces threat and tragedy when a charismatic priest arrives in the rural village intent on driving out the ancient ways.  This title is first in a trilogy that follows with The Girl in the Tower and The Winter of the Witch.