The Winter of the Witch: A Novel

Having read and reviewed the first two book of this trilogy, I was well-primed to enjoy the events unfolding in this story set deep in the myths of Russia. It was a time where old beliefs fade from people’s minds while new ones are taking root. Vasya Petrona is caught between the two beliefs. She has special powers of perception; able to see and hear the demons who guard each dwelling, protect the ovens of their homes, dwell in the forest, the waterways, and even demons who take the dead. This world is in an uproar. The smaller demons are becoming weaker, also losing their powers. They want to fight back. People have turned their backs on them. They were the ones to protect homes and dwellings. While they were believed in, people were able to see them and provided for them as well. They grew strong. But no more. The Winter King, the demon of death, has grown an attachment to Vasya. He protects her when those would call her witch. His twin, the Bear, works against him, using hate and lust of a ‘man of God’ to destroy Vasya. The Bear wants to destroy Morozko and take over the world. He insights hatred and war among men, gaining more power as he does. Vasya is in the middle of this battle. Will she be overtaken by Morozko or the Bear? Is she clever enough and powerful enough to stop the down-spiraling demise of the mythical world? She knows that to have Russia a country of peace the worlds must work together. The dialog among the demons and Vasya is very well done. It shows clearly the stress of the events and the power behind each demon. It sets the tone of the story, along with author Arden’s description of the setting. I find myself in Russia, in the Midnight Forest where there is never day. All the events create a perfect fantasy of battles, evil, and love – the kind that endures. You will be surprised by the events and completely happy with the ending. This tale is memorable. Uniquely written with a style suited to the time, author Arden shows us the underbelly of the demon. I took away a theme, intentioned or not. In every good person, there is evil, and in every bad person, there is good. I recommend this series to dreamers of the unknown.