The Girl in the Tower
The Girl in the Tower
Book Brief
Beta360
Novel • Fiction
Medieval Russia
2017
YA
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden follows the journey of a young woman named Vasya in medieval Russia, who defies societal norms and battles supernatural forces to protect her family and village. It is the second book in the Winternight Trilogy, blending elements of Russian folklore and mythology.
Reviews & Readership
115,747 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden is praised for its captivating storytelling and richly detailed world-building, continuing the enchantment of its predecessor. Critics highlight its strong, well-developed characters and the seamless blend of historical fiction with folklore. However, some note that the plot pacing can be uneven. Overall, it's a magical and immersive read.
Who Should Read The Girl in the Tower?
Fans of richly-woven, fairytale-infused historical fiction will be captivated by The Girl in the Tower by Katherine Arden. Readers who enjoy the atmospheric settings and magic of Naomi Novik's Uprooted or the enchanting mythological elements in Neil Gaiman's Stardust will find this novel equally enthralling.
115,747 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Girl in the Tower is part of Katherine Arden's Winternight Trilogy, which blends Russian folklore and history, creating a rich atmospheric setting that has been praised for its vibrant and immersive storytelling.
Katherine Arden spent a year in Moscow, where she studied Russian literature and lived for a time, helping to inspire and authentically depict the Russian setting and folklore within the book.
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The Girl in the Tower continues to explore the themes of gender roles and identity, as the protagonist navigates societal expectations and her desires, providing a nuanced look at medieval Russian culture.
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360
Novel • Fiction
Medieval Russia
2017
YA
15-18 years
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