East: A Romantic YA Fantasy About a White Bear and a Dangerous Quest to Save Her Heart

This book hasn't been on my TBR for long. But my curiosity won out, when no other book would do and I couldn't be happier!This book is amazing! It's fantasy + fairy-tale + Norse folktales & mythology. The writing pulls you straight in and has you turning the pages.The story of Rose and White Bear is told from multiple POVs, 1st person narrative. I haven't read many books written in this style but I liked it. We don't just know of the main characters' thoughts, but also the side characters', as well. This somehow enriches the story, the plot.The plot follows the life of Rose and her family. She has seven siblings, a former map-maker father and a very superstitious mother. Her mother is constantly trying to change her wayward ways but Rose dances to the beat of her own drum and I loved that!The thing with fairy-tales is that, no matter the people that wrote it down, they can be similar to one another. So one could say this resembles Beauty and the Beast, but it's actually inspired by Norse folk tales of a girl riding on the back of a white bear. Note to self: read more Norse folktales.If you know of either the Norse folktale or Beauty and the Beast, you can kind of guess what happens in the story. Thing is, it takes a major turn and so begins Rose's true adventure of righting a wrong she's done.Let me tell you, the feels are strong with this one. My heart ached for the white bear, but also Rose. I can't tell you how much I admire this character! There are all kinds of creatures featured in the story, not necessarily how we've known them to be, and that's another thing I loved.I honestly don't know how to write this review, I feel I'm not making much sense but I really don't want to give anything away, to spoil it because this is the type of book that needs to be experienced by everyone. It's beyond amazing - I know, I already said this but it is - and I'm so excited to start book two!Do yourself a major favor and read this one. 5+++ stars.

The book's physical quality is excellent. Did not come dinged nor did it come with any rips or bends to the paper/cover despite being paperback! Cover art is gorgeous.The story itself is good. I got this for my mother because it has been her favorite book for years. Was an excellent gift due to its condition and content!

WHAT I LIKED🧭Retelling of a Nordic fairytale🧭Family dynamics🧭Multi pov🧭Multi cast narrated audiobook🧭Journey TropeWHAT I DISLIKED🧭No strong connection to any characters🧭No chemistry between main characters to make ending believable--4⭐️, 0🌶, 0🧪Rating, Smut, Chemistry

I've had and given this book away a couple times, so I'm just ordering another copy. One of my faves!

Her mother was facing north when Rose was born…which means that that the girl will be a traveler, a wanderer. Add to that the prophecy that this Norwegian north child will perish in an avalanche of ice and snow, and you can see why Rose’s mother wants her to never go out of doors. But superstitions can not always be heeded when reality is bleak. As the family farm fails and starvation looms on the horizon, a white bear appears, asking for Rose be given to him in return for a change in fortune.As her parents disagree over what to do, Rose agrees to the white bear’s request and finds herself riding on his back to a magical castle carved within a mountain. As the mystery of her new surroundings deepens, Rose develops a companionship with the lonely bear, and eventually discovers, through her own folly, just how strong is the enchantment which binds him as he is whisked away from her side. What follows is an epic journey that takes Rose from the forests of France to the fjords of Greenland, as she discovers how warm a fire love can kindle in the coldest reaches of the world.I have always adored the fairy tale “East of the Sun and West of the Moon.” In this novel, the tale is placed in a meticulously crafted sixteenth century world and told with prose as crisp and clear as the Arctic air. Some of the magical and mythological elements of the original are removed, but the central enchantment surrounding the polar bear remains unchanged. The author uses five narrators to make the story come alive, a brave and successful stylistic choice that added to the glory of the story. I particularly enjoyed having the Troll Queen and Rose’s brother Neddy’s perspectives on the unfolding of events. Although this book is touted as a middle grade novel (no doubt due to the absence of offensive material in it), I highly recommend it for all interested in fairy tales and fantasy.

“That’s the trouble with loving a wild thing: You’re always left watching the door.But you also get kind of used to it.”East by Edith Pattou is a retelling of fairytale East of the Sun and West of the Moon. East of the Sun and West of the Moon was one of my very very favorite fairytales when I was a young girl, and truthfully I felt like I might be alone in that. It doesn’t get talked about much. But It was a story in my very favorite storybook and I just adored it. This retelling was AMAZING. It was told from multiple perspectives and I was completely enthralled the entire time. I couldn’t be happier with how the story was told. This was a definite 5 star read for me.

"That’s the trouble with loving a wild thing: You’re always left watching the door."Typically I prefer fantasy that ranges from gritty to grimdark, but sometimes you just want a charming, fairy tale-esque story. East is a great option for that.I wasn't overly engaged with the story or characters, but I enjoyed the world and the unique take on a classic piece of folklore. I will be continuing on to the next book, which is about the best thing you can say for a series' first entry.

Fast paced, very fast paced, this is basically a classic by now. I think the second half could have been it's own book, but it wasn't horribly over rushed.

My daughter was very excited to receive this book and the other book, "West" for Christmas.

By far one of my favourite books. Definitely a must read!

it is great.

Perfect quality

If you've already read North Child, then don't buy this book. It's the same story, different title, different cover. A disappointing birthday present.