The Winter of the Witch - Katherine Arden
"I am allowed to want things, winter-king."


It was a lovely end to this series, one that I tried to delay with all my might until it was nearly time to return the book to the library. My heart is caught somewhere between grief and joy. I love Arden's writing: her prose, her twists, and turns, her ability to make sure we end up loving every character with the violent fervor. 

So much happened in this book that I almost felt guilty for taking a breather when Vasya could not. 

When Solovey died I was distraught and every time he was mentioned I cried anew. I'm glad that he was brought back in the end, even if I am a firm believer of "if you died you cannot be revived because that cheapens things and HELLO! the dead do not come back in reality," because Solovey was a magical creature from the start I was fine with it. Plus, Vasya lost so much.

(show spoiler)


I was a bit surprised when I thought we had reached the end of the book to realize that I was only 63% in. I couldn't imagine how else this book could grind my heart into hamburger meat. But then my heart was sort of whole again.

Now I need this entire series in hardcover ASAP.