The Bear and the Nightingale

I was unfortunately a little disappointed with this novel. I don't usually read much high fantasy or magical realism and I tried to read this as it is highly regarded and full of magical realism. I found the world building pretty strong and it made me want to try more magical realism in the future. However this story I felt became really dragged out. I didn't connect with many of the characters and I know that in terms of fantasy, world building takes precedent over character development but I didn't end up connecting with the main character and so the magical elements fell flat and I didn't feel the impending danger as emotionally as I should have done. Also I felt that there were too many magical things just thrown into the mix to move the plot forward like the walking dead, water sprites, a bear demon and a wind figure that is death and the terrible battle at the end just left me feeling meh instead of heartbroken as I was meant to feel. So overall a great idea and a good writer but a middle of the road reading experience for me.