I was drawn to the first novel, The Bear and the Nightingale, because of my love for folklore and fairy tale retellings. I saved The Girl in the Tower for this year's Christmas week because it's the perfect winter read. Arden delivered again on folklore, superstitions, the bleak cold of the Russian winter, and the heart of a woman who doesn't fit the prescribed mold.
I did not enjoy this one as well as Bear and Nightingale. It was a bit predictable and slow. However, as mentioned, I loved the depiction of Russia in the middle ages. It was spot on and the glossary in the back was very helpful. My favorite passages were those with Vasya and the winter king, Morozko. Her relationship with the horse, Solovey, was also magical.
All in all, I recommend this book. Though it may not be labeled as such, I feel it would appeal most to YA readers.
I did not enjoy this one as well as Bear and Nightingale. It was a bit predictable and slow. However, as mentioned, I loved the depiction of Russia in the middle ages. It was spot on and the glossary in the back was very helpful. My favorite passages were those with Vasya and the winter king, Morozko. Her relationship with the horse, Solovey, was also magical.
All in all, I recommend this book. Though it may not be labeled as such, I feel it would appeal most to YA readers.