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Cover of The Bear and the Nightingale

Fantasy · Historical

The Bear and the Nightingale

by Katherine Arden

4.0 out of 5, from 637 ratings from Hardcover readers

In a snowbound village in medieval Russia, a wild, headstrong girl can see the household spirits that her community leaves offerings for. When a zealous priest arrives and the old customs fade, something dark begins to wake in the forest.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2017
Pace
Slow
Length
Medium
Pages
322
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Winternight Trilogy
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Read this if you like cold, atmospheric fantasy rooted in folklore and a heroine who refuses to be tamed.

Skip this if you want a fast-paced read, as the opening chapters are slow and quietly told.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Religious extremism
  • Death
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Sexual assault
  • Misogyny
  • Religious Bigotry
  • Animal death
  • Child abuse
  • Sexism
  • Death of parent
  • Sexual harassment
  • Grief

Quick answers about The Bear and the Nightingale

What is The Bear and the Nightingale about?
In a snowbound village in medieval Russia, a wild, headstrong girl can see the household spirits that her community leaves offerings for. When a zealous priest arrives and the old customs fade, something dark begins to wake in the forest.
Who should read The Bear and the Nightingale?
Read it if you like cold, atmospheric fantasy rooted in folklore and a heroine who refuses to be tamed. Skip it if you want a fast-paced read, as the opening chapters are slow and quietly told.
How long and how fast is The Bear and the Nightingale?
It is a slow-paced, medium read of about 322 pages, first published in 2017.
Does The Bear and the Nightingale have content warnings?
Content we flag: Religious extremism, Death, Violence.
Can I borrow The Bear and the Nightingale for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Bear and the Nightingale; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Bear and the Nightingale?
Readers who liked it often move on to Uprooted, Spinning Silver, Mexican Gothic.

Where to get it

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