Anya and the Nightingale

Anya #2

by Sofiya Pasternack

The adventure continues in this exciting sequel to Anya and the Dragon in which a dangerous monster lurks beneath the city and only Anya can keep him from taking her friends’ magic—and their lives. Perfect for fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Dragons, Adventure, Jewish, Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

First published November 10, 2020

About the author

Sofiya Pasternack is a mental health professional, the highly-distractible author of Jewish MG and YA fantasy, and prone to oversharing gross medical stories. She enjoys speaking to crowds about writing and mental health. She does not enjoy running but she does it anyway. She is actually a gremlin in a bad wig.

Her upcoming middle grade fantasy, BLACK BIRD, BLUE ROAD, is all about death, demons, and dessert. It will be available 9/20/22!

Sofiya does stuff all over the internet!
Twitter: @sofipasternack
Insta: @sofipasternack
YouTube: youtube.com/c/sofiyapasternack

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Jewish Fantasy Middle Grade book, and this is the second book in the Anya series. I have to say it took me a little bit to get into this book, but I feel enjoyed the ending. The characters where colorful and very developed. I really loved being in this world with these characters. I started out reading the kindle edition of this book then I switch to listening to the audiobook. I have to say the audiobook really made this story come to life. I really think if you read this book you should check out the audiobook as well. The narrator of this audiobook did so good with this story. I can see this book becoming a movie. I cannot say how much I enjoyed this book. I think this middle book is great for 4ht grade and higher and adults will enjoyed this book as well. I was kindly provided an e-copy and e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Versify and RB Media) or author (Sofiya Pasternack) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Sofiya Pasternack]

1/25/21
ANYA AND THE NIGHTINGALE is a Sydney Taylor Book Honor for Middle Grade!!! The ALA Youth Media Awards were this morning, and I got to line up with so many amazing authors and books to be recognized. I don't think any author writes a book FOR an award, but it sure feels warm and bright to get one. Thank you, thank you, to everyone who read my book, from my heart to yours!

12/4/20
I just got the news this morning that Anya and the Nightingale made the BookRiot Best Children's Books of 2020 list! That is so amazing!! It's been so amazing to read reviews from people who really connect to this story and these characters. ❤️❤️ Honestly, the BEST feeling in the whole world!

11/10/20
OH MY GOSH okay this book is OUT TODAY! Isn't it still April? Where did the time go?

I'm so proud of this little book and so excited for people to read it! Anya uses what she learned from befriending Håkon to decide what to do about the objectively more dangerous and aggressive Nightingale. Ivan is free to follow his heart - both professionally and romantically - directly into the best danger ever! And Håkon's transformation and unique challenges feel somewhat topical: in a world where being yourself is dangerous, what's the cost of hiding?

I am sorry, though, that there are significantly fewer goats in this book. There are more sukkot, though. 👍🏻

I hope you love my trio of good-hearted messes as much as I do! ❤️

[Jennifer Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in a delightful middle-grade fantasy series that features mystical creatures from Jewish mythology. The first book, Anya and the Dragon, was a 2020 Sydney Taylor Award honoree. Set in tenth century Eastern Europe (I am not sure if the countries and regions mentioned are historical fact or fiction), this mostly light-hearted adventure series takes on some serious topics, such as anti-Semitism, persecution, discrimination, and extinction. In the first book, Anya and her friend Ivan meet and befriend what may be the last living dragon, and save him from a hunter and the tzar. In the second book, the dragon joins Anya and Ivan on another adventure, and an LGTBQ+ theme is subtly introduced as it is implied that Ivan is bisexual.

As is often the case with series, I didn't find the second book *quite* as good as the first, but still very enjoyable, and would highly recommend this series for middle-grade fans of fantasy, particularly those seeking dragon stories, and it would be a great for a fun vacation read.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group - Versify in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Since we last saw Anya she just got done saving a friendly dragon, now a greater threat lurks through Zmeyreka and everyone is so oblivious to it all and think that it is someone else but it ends up being something greater than they thought putting everyone at danger. Anya and Ivan become unlikely friends with Kievan and discover that Anya's family and the kingdom on Zmeyreka are in grave danger but Anya to the rescue and she will stop at nothing until everyone is safe and all of the questions have been answered. I was just transported and taken away to Zmeyreka along for the ride with Anya and I know our young readers will experience that too. This will circulate very well in our JFiction collection.

We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a good, if not better than the first book! I am obsessed with both. This had a whole new adventure, location, mystery, & magical being we had to help among other things. There were twists to this one I also loved. I still also love how much the Jewish faith/culture is woven into this magical story. I also LOVE Anya’s grandmothers saying: “Pray with your feet.” It explains: “Ask God for help while she took action to solve her own problems.” Some people expect if you pray you should automatically get what you pray for, or all you have to do is pray for something & that’s it. And when things don’t automatically happen that you pray for, some people stop believing or won’t believe because it doesn’t work that way. Jesus isn’t a Genie granting wishes. That’s what some make it seem like it should be. If every prayer was answered..that would be mayhem. There’s also a reason for everything, even if we don’t know the reason. But while you are doing the right thing praying, YOU have to do your part as well-which is why I loved the saying in here.(I’m only talking about people who believe in God/Jesus, not saying everyone believes/should do this/does do it). The characters are even more amazing in this. There’s already that connection & love for them, & it just grows stronger in this book. Anya, Ivan, & Håkon still all have my heart. The best friendship dynamic. I’m also obsessed with Lena, her hut, her backstory, & just everything about her & her part in the story. We also meet some new characters in here that quickly became favorites for me as well. These are full of magic, danger, suspense, friendship, family, adventure, atmosphere, & faith. Amazing writing that sucks you in & hooks you. I flew through this one as well. I really want more, but I don’t know if there will be more. But I highly recommend these. Another BEAUTIFUL cover by Jeff Langevin too!💜

[Grace W · Rating 5 out of 5]

(c/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) Oh yeah I'm INVESTED now! I cannot wait to read book three. This book blends history and fantasy seamlessly, weaving a story that is so close to real. I think it's a truly fantastic book that really challenges the genre of middle grade. I'm SO HECKING jazzed that this book exists because I would have been overjoyed to read this as a young person.

TW for this book include: antisemitism, sexism, animal cruelty, torture

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book about Anya, Ivan and their dragon friend Håkon— and I might love this sequel even more.

The characters are wonderful and endearing, and on top of that there is a male bisexual character who actually gets to have a male love interest (which I found so moving that it might have maybesorta made me tear up). The adventure itself is engaging and described perfectly: vivid, imaginative, and almost cinematic. Plus the book deftly balances screwball humor with darker moments. I'd highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a really well-written middle grade adventure novel.

Thank you so much to Raincoast for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Books That Burn · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Anya and the Nightingale is a moving and exciting fantasy which feels adventurous and often fun while also dealing with death and loss. A sequel even better than the original, don't miss it.

I loved this story, I actually like it more than the first one. It feels like it's settled into the feel of the series, it's more comfortable with the world. The ending make me laugh so much, it was just this perfect moment which was a great emotional resolution for the characters. The characters, old and new, work so well in this story. I appreciate the way it balances having a light and adventurous tone while still dealing with serious issues like death and loss. The MC deals with what looks like PTSD (including flashbacks) from trauma in the first book. It's handled pretty gently for the reader, making the MC's distress clear without dwelling in ideation which could be triggering. I liked how it's showing her trying to process what happened, it gives the previous book a gravitas that shows how she was affected without stopping this new adventure from happening. One of the secondary characters deals with dysmorphia from having his body transfigured, and his reaction to that was handled very well. The book spends an appropriately long time dealing with it, but balances it so it doesn't halt the main story.

This is a fantastic sequel which addresses the issue I had with the first book (unchallenged queerphobia) in a beautiful way, I'm very happy with it. As for the book itself, I'll run through my normal book two check. It makes progress on several major things left hanging from the first book. I wouldn't quite say it wraps them up, but I'm very satisfied with the developments in ongoing events, especially when it's very clear that there will be another book. The titular storyline in this book wasn't present in the first one (and I love it, it's so good!), and as part of that there are several major things which are introduced and resolved within this book which weren't part of the first one, even if some bits of the groundwork were set up earlier. I'm also pleased to report that there is at least one major thing for the next book to address, so I'm eagerly awaiting the next entry in the series. I think this book could make sense if you picked it up without reading book one... but this is book two so you should probably go read book one and then come back for this one, it'll make more sense.

Overall this is a great adventure in a well-developed setting and I'm excited to read more.

CW for antisemitism, ptsd/flashbacks, dysmorphia (transfiguration), death.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a wonderful sequel that I enjoyed just as much as the first one. The first one was about the mysterious dragon and the second one is about the mysterious nightingale.
Although the book started off a little slow, I loved how the unresolved problem of Anya's dad gone in the war in the first book was the main problem in this book. We find out that Anya's dad really shouldn't have gone and Anya wants to find him and bring him home. Ivan and the dragon (whose name I will not butcher...) in human form travel with Anya to Kiev to find her father. This book was about another one of the rare magical creatures, the nightingale (who turns out to be an elf) and how the princess will send Anya's dad back home if she brings her the nightingale.
I loved the friendship between Anya, Ivan and Hokun (?) aka the dragon. They are the cutest little friend group. Ivan also has the best family where everyone is named Ivan so they call them by numbers. The new characters we got introduced to (I don't want to say too much because of spoilers) were wonderful and interesting and the new monster was so scary!
This book brought in more intense themes like PTSD (Anya keeps having flashbacks from something that happened in the first book) and LGBTQ+ characters which I thought were very well done.
A very solid sequel to a really fun, adventurous middle grade series!

[Evelien · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of this book.*

I requested this as my first audiobook on Netgalley, not knowing this was part of a series. I think the author managed to sum up the first book well enough to be able to follow this story, and though it did take me a little bit to get into this book I ended up really enjoying it.
Set in Kievan Rus, Anya and her friends, the fool Ivan and the dragon Håkon, embark on a quest to find Anya’s father. Instead, they end up in Kiev, where the Tsarina’s daughter swears she will reunite Anya with her father, but only if they manage to capture the Nightingale.

This was my first time listening to an audiobook, and I really thought the narrator managed to make this story come alive.
I think the characters were my favourite aspect. They were delightful and had surprising depths., and I really loved following Anya and her friends on their adventure. The story also handles some more serious topics, like PTSD, anti-Semitism (the main character is Jewish), discrimination and subtle LGBTQ+ themes.
I would really recommend this for young readers who love fantasy, or readers looking for Jewish representation.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was little, the only books I could find that featured Jewish kids like me were Holocaust stories. Those are undeniably important, but for a child who was already one of three Jewish kids in town (the other two being her sisters), all those books did was make me feel sad and scared - the Holocaust was already all too real based on my grandparents' stories.

All of this is to say that Sofiya Pasternack's Anya books are the novels I needed back then - and to be honest, still now. Steeped in the cultures of Judaism and Russia/Belarus/Ukraine (Kievan Rus), there's so much that's familiar in Anya's world while still being fantastical. Anya's cultural identity is simply a part of her, of how she defines herself, without being a Talking Point or a Very Important Lesson, as cultural differences often are in children's fiction. Add in elves, a dragon, an ibbur, and a Tsar who if he isn't already evil is definitely well on his way, and this is an engaging read and a good book and a future Chanuka gift for my niece and nephew.


Representation note: apart from multiple religions and cultures being present, we also have a gay character, a bisexual character, and a Deaf character, none of whom feel gimmicky.

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anya is back and as adventurous as ever. When her father fails to return home from war, she decides to go and fetch him. Her two besties, Ivan and Hakon (dragon), insist on coming too. They receive help and are magically transported near Kiev and a forbidden road, guarded by a being called a Nightingale. The Vasilia (princess) will recall Anya’s father from the war, if they capture the Nightingale alive for the Tsar.

Like in the first book, Anya looks beyond the rumors and prejudice to discover the truth about the Nightingale. Ivan falls in love frequently with both boys and girls; in a sweet, awkward, age-appropriate way. Hakon is transformed into a human and has to learn how to behave as one. Anya meets other Jewish people and experiences dinner with them.

Anya and her friends are a delightful bunch that anyone would love to go on an adventure with. Judaism and Russian folklore are beautifully combined to create unforgettable world-building.

[Boundlessly Bookish || Narcassia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and RB Media for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was so excited to received an audiobook version of Anya and the Nightingale! My daughter and I just loved the first book in this series.

Sofia Pasternack created a very well developed and exciting Jewish fantasy. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and the storyline flowed with ease.

I can’t wait for Anya’s next adventure.

[Brandy Painter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of these books, the world, and the family element. I really really want them to be favorites, yet with this one I found my mind wandering a lot. I was able to put it down and walk away for long periods of time rather than being engrossed. That's not a flaw necessarily-more of a mismatch of book and reader.

[Sara Codair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect escape this afternoon! I was happy to be on another adventure with Anya and her friends. They all started out on a mission to save Anya's father and ended up meeting new friends along the way and find their plans changing soon after.

While this story came to an end, there were hints at a sequel. I'm really hoping there is another book because I love there characters.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love these stories.

[Matal “The Mischling Princess” Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pasternack’s second book, ANYA AND THE NIGHTINGALE, is even better than the first. Whereas Anya stayed primarily in the area surrounding her village in the first novel, she travels all the way to Kiev in the second book.

This second novel had several great additions. First, it includes a map. I really liked the addition of the map, but wished that it had been more detailed. For example, the general area was shown, but I wished that the illustrator had included many small footprints or a line demarcating the path that the characters travelled. And when reading the story, I would have loved to see a map of Kiev itself, including the surrounding area. Second, the author included a wonderful glossary that included pronunciations. This was really helpful.

What I really love about Pasternack’s novels is that Anya is constantly confronted with doing the right thing; she never strays from her grandmother’s wisdom. In the first novel, Anya has to determine the value of life. In this second novel, even though she sets out to get her father back, she doesn’t turn her back on other people in need. And, even more important, Anya treats everyone with dignity and respect.

I highly recommended this book for middle grade children. I believe both of these novels will help parents and teachers to teach kids (and adults!) how people from various backgrounds should be treated: with dignity, respect, and compassion. Anya never left anyone behind. Ever. Neither should we.

[Mora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fun! It's historical fantasy set a in a time period I have never otherwise read with history and folklore I am unfamiliar with which makes it more interesting for sure. I love the friendship between Anya, Ivan, and Håkon, as well as Anya's personality and characterization - the friendship is very soft and Anya is very distinct. The beginning of this one seemed messy but I think it redeemed itself by the end. I sincerely hope there will be a next book because while it wraps up, overarching threads are left too open for there to not be another book.

The audiobook was also a delight.

[Yapha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series so much!! Anya is such a great hero, and Ivan and Hakon are her perfect sidekicks. She is smart and brave and willing to risk everything for her friends. The combination of Russian Jews and magic brings me such joy. I needed this book as a kid. I'm glad it exists now. Highly recommended to grades 4 & up. Please read the series in order.

ARC provided by publisher

[Christine Norvell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first quarter of this middle grade historical fantasy story encompasses so many plot points and names from the first novel that it takes determination to get to the new story of Book 2. Nevertheless, Pasternack intricately rolls Jewish and Russian history, religion, folklore, mysticism, and a unique magical system into a singular setting with countless adventures. Things may begin in Kievan Rus, but Anya, the fool Ivan, and the dragon Håkon, soon embark on a quest to find Anya’s father. They are magically transported to Kiev where the Tsar’s daughter promises to reunite Anya with her father, but only if they capture the Nightingale, a wood elf harassing those traveling into the city.

Anya’s determination to uncover truth and to help others along the way is a central motivation to the story. Her friend Ivan is her devout defender in times of danger. At the same time, he is learning about who he is too, realizing that he is attracted to other boys. Her friend Håkon, a dragon in book one, not only must learn how to live as a human in disguise but must also realize the limits of his magic. By the end of the story, this uncommon group of friends triumphs in unexpected ways.


I received a free review copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review of this book.

[Libriamo3116 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HMH Books for Young Readers for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

After the events of Anya and the Dragon, Anya sets out to bring her father home, but she and her companions Ivan and Hakon are sent to Kiev instead by Lena, and Hakon is turned into a human! The Tsar in Kiev asks them for a favor. If Anya brings him the Nightingale, he will help Anya find her father. The request seems straightforward at first, but upon finding the Nightingale, the Tsar's request doesn't seem so simple anymore. Now Anya and her companions must uncover the real evil besetting Kiev's people, or they'll never find Anya's father, and won't get out with their lives.

The Anya series is so interesting, with Anya's strong Jewish heritage, the setting in Eastern Europe, and it's set in the tenth century! Many young reader books are more contemporary, or have more "usual" settings, so this change of pace for a book intended for young readers was nice to experience. Anya's a strong thirteen year old girl, and her companions are fun and somewhat unconventional. After all, one of them is a mythical creature-turned-human! The twist about who the Nightingale actually was, and the depth that character brought to the story, was a very nice touch. There are some common tropes, but they are used sensibly, and the uncommon characters bolster the proceedings as the companions venture deeper into Kiev's secrets. The ending is solid, though it does leave a thread open for a possible sequel. I recommend Anya's adventures for young readers, enjoyers of historical fiction, or anyone looking for a different fantasy setting. Anya's adventure with the Nightingale is even better than her previous adventure with the Dragon, and you'd be remiss to miss this one.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anya's adventures with Ivan and Hakon continue. Anya misses her father so much that she is determined to find him and fetch him home, despite being very far away in a war zone. Her friends travel with her, but they are rerouted by Lena, a spirit readers met in the first book. Instead, Anya and company end up in Kiev, facing the Tsar himself and some unexpected challenges. The fictionalized tsarist Russia is an interesting setting for a children's book and Anya's Jewish heritage is a prominent part of her character. Give this to readers who like magical adventures with a twist. Review from e-galley.

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley.co.uk for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

This was an interesting audiobook, I thought the narrator did a good job in portraying a teenage girl. I did request it, not realising it was the second book in a series however once I got into the book, I felt I knew exactly what was going on and that I knew the characters already.
I thought the characters really drove the story, they were well written and handled serious topics like anti-semitism; this is something I don't see in literature.

[Chrisanne]

Didn't finish.


The first book had a rich setting and some fun characters that masked a lot of frequently used plot points. It's really hard to come up with new ones--- I'm a firm believer in Campbell--- so that's not really a fault on its own, in my view.

Here, the characters seemed to have changed, and a lot of the missing content is the stuff that drew me in to the first one. Some of it seems to be purposefully, some may not be. Hakon, as a human, was uninteresting to me. Also, rumors are that it's slightly cliffhanger ending.

In any case, my plate is too full so I'm calling it.

[Aimee Lucido · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! I love Anya finding her magic, I love Hakon finding his family, I love Ivan finding his beaux. I just love it so much! It's so fun and adventurous but also heartfelt and sweet, and I *love* all the little bits of Judaism (especially the one at the end, but I won't spoil!!!)

I just, love love love it. Great job!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever seen such marked improvement from the first book in a series to the next. I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It was clever and funny and beautifully emotional. I struggled to put it down and it was all I thought about when I wasn't reading. I love learning about different cultures' folklore and fairy tales and this was such a fun way to learn about it. I really hope Anya and her friends have more adventures in the future!!

[Shoshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the audiobook narrated by Laura Knight Keating. Mostly pretty fun though pacing (esp audio narration) slooowwer than desired. Idk how the paper/digital version wrote out the prayers spoken and the Hebrew but several times Ms Knight Keating really botched the pronounciation.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to the audio-edition, beautifully read.
You have to read the first to enjoy this excellent second installment.
Pasternack's characters, and the inclusion of Jewish observances, are again--gorgeous.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

enchanting and engrossing. As well as being a good story, it's a story about being Jewish in a fantasy version of Russia where that can mean persecution, which is something rather rare in mg fantasy.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are so many great things about this book, but we had to take a star off (really a 1/2 star if goodreads allowed that) for a few things. The love interest stuff seemed unnecessary and didn't add to the plot. Also the bickering between the characters seemed out of place.