I have just finished "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden - Wow!!
As per my review on Goodreads:
It is very rare for me that when I get close to the end of a book that I start finding other things to do rather than actually finish the book as I am enjoying it so much! And, for the first time in a long while, this is what I found myself doing as I got close to finishing "The Bear and the Nightingale".
The story, set in the 14th century in Northern Russia, is about the impact of the spread of Christianity on the old beliefs and old spirits and gods. The main character, a teenage girl, can see and interact with the old spirits, to the fear and distress of many people. As the story progresses, the powers and roles of the old spirits become both clearer and also more threatening. To say much more would spoil the story!
The novel is just beautifully written. Seemingly effortless, lyrical prose and believable characters that are both finely drawn as required and just described in broad terms when that is appropriate. The environment is a key character, and I shiver as I think about the Russian winter and the lot of most people during that time, all brought to life by the author. The story is well paced, and the conclusion is both satisfying and leaves room for further novels in the milieu.
I, for one, am very much looking forward to further works by the author and I am so pleased that I have read the book.