It's hard for me to believe that The Bear and the Nightingale, and The Girl in the Tower, are Katherine Arden's first books! She writes like a pro! Beautiful imagery, not too descriptive, fleshed out characters, who even though they have super long names and multiple nicknames I did not have trouble keeping them straight. Her books make me want to read more about Russia and their fairytales. I loved Vasilisa, she was very relatable and I'd really like to be friends with her! I found myself holding my breath reading her story, wishing I could talk to her, warn her, comfort her. However she has such a strong character that she probably wouldn't have needed my help! ;) I highly recommend both of these books!