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The Winter of the Witch (The Winternight Trilogy, #3) cover
Young Adults · Ages 15+

The Winter of the Witch (The Winternight Trilogy, #3)

by Katherine Arden

Age rating: Ages 15+ · Young Adults

Age rating and Christian content guidance for parents.

First published 2019

Vasilisa Petrovna must navigate a burning Moscow and the realm of spirits to save Russia from a demonic threat and religious conflict.

Concern Level

81/ 100

Extreme

Virtue Level

45/ 100

Rich

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Things to consider

Sexual Content35

Vasya and Morozko share several intense, sensual scenes and a brief, non-explicit sexual encounter.

Violence / Gore65

The story features brutal battles, a character being burned alive, and graphic descriptions of war.

Profanity / Language20

Occasional mild swearing and coarse language are used by soldiers and spirits.

Blasphemy40

Characters occasionally misuse God's name, and religious icons are treated with varying levels of respect.

Substance Use30

Characters consume mead, wine, and vodka, sometimes to the point of intoxication.

Suicide & Self-Harm10

Characters experience deep grief and despair, but there is no specific self-harm or suicide.

Scary / Disturbing60

Dark spirits, nightmarish creatures, and the threat of being burned at the stake create tension.

Occult & Witchcraft85

The plot centers on Slavic paganism, interacting with spirits, and Vasya's use of inherited magic.

Sexuality & Gender Themes10

The book focuses on heterosexual relationships; LGBTQ+ themes are not a primary focus.

Worldview & Spirituality75

The narrative prioritizes ancient pagan spirits over organized Christianity, which is often framed as restrictive.

Anti-God or Christian Portrayal70

The primary human antagonist is a devout but fanatical priest who incites violence against 'witches'.

Virtues to celebrate

Courage & Sacrifice80

Vasya shows immense bravery by sacrificing her safety and reputation to protect her people.

Faith & Hope15

While Orthodox Christianity is a major setting element, true biblical faith is rarely portrayed positively.

Love & Friendship70

Strong themes of familial loyalty and a complex, self-sacrificial bond between Vasya and Morozko.

Forgiveness & Redemption50

Vasya struggles with and eventually finds a path toward reconciling with those who wronged her.

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