Cover of The Bear and the Nightingale
Cover of The Girl in the Tower
Cover of The Winter of the Witch
Series

Winternight Trilogy

3 books

The Winternight Trilogy series by Katherine Arden has 3 books. Start with The Bear and the Nightingale (2017), then read the rest in the order below.

Winternight Trilogy reading order

1
Cover of The Bear and the Nightingale

The Bear and the Nightingale

Katherine Arden

In a remote Russian village where winter reigns supreme, a young girl named Vasya grows up wild and untamed, often at odds with her family's expectations. When ancient, malevolent forces begin to stir, threatening her home and loved ones, Vasya finds herself uniquely positioned to confront the encroaching darkness. Drawing on forgotten folklore and her own innate courage, she must embrace the magic that lies dormant within her to protect her village from a chilling fate. This enchanting tale weaves together the rich tapestry of Russian mythology with a compelling coming-of-age story, exploring themes of courage, tradition, and the power of the unseen.

FantasyHistorical FictionFolklore
2
Cover of The Girl in the Tower

The Girl in the Tower

Katherine Arden

The captivating journey of Vasya, a young woman with the rare gift of seeing the unseen, continues in this thrilling installment. Forced to flee her village and the restrictive choices laid before her, Vasya disguises herself as a boy and seeks a life of adventure. Her path soon leads her to Moscow, where she finds herself unexpectedly embroiled in the defense of the city against a formidable siege. Arden masterfully blends historical detail with Slavic folklore, creating a world that is both magical and deeply resonant.

FantasyHistorical FictionAdventure Fiction
3
Cover of The Winter of the Witch

The Winter of the Witch

Katherine Arden

In the thrilling conclusion to the Winternight Trilogy, Vasilisa Petrovna finds herself at a crossroads, her destiny intertwined with the fate of Russia and the magical world she cherishes. Haunted by the destruction she inadvertently caused, Vasya must confront her own burgeoning power and the forces that seek to control her. As ancient evils stir and the lines between myth and reality blur, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover hidden truths about her lineage and protect all that she holds dear. Katherine Arden's signature lyrical prose brings this epic tale of courage, sacrifice, and self-discovery to a breathtaking close.

FantasyHistorical FictionMagical Realism