Scan barcode
izzys_internet_bookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
This book seemed very interesting to me when I first saw it at Barnes and Noble. I was lucky enough to get a copy of it from my library. I enjoyed the magic system in this book but I didn't exactly understand it. I also did not understand Winter. I knew she( Or they, I have no idea ) was in control of this island and apparently the main character was very important to Winter ( Won't say how because I am trying to keep it spoiler free ). The action in this book also got me thinking, who was attacking? The Shiv? with rocks and arrows? It was all a mess for me, which is disappointing because I really wanted to enjoy this book. The good thing is that I did enjoy the end of the book.
3/5
Alright so I reread this book because the sequel came out and I needed a refresher. The book definitely had action but at some parts I would say the characters got lost in the plot. Everyones motives got scrambled to me because of the ever present obstacles they had to face. But like the first time I read the book I liked where the ending was heading and now I can finally read the sequel.
This book seemed very interesting to me when I first saw it at Barnes and Noble. I was lucky enough to get a copy of it from my library. I enjoyed the magic system in this book but I didn't exactly understand it. I also did not understand Winter. I knew she( Or they, I have no idea ) was in control of this island and apparently the main character was very important to Winter ( Won't say how because I am trying to keep it spoiler free ). The action in this book also got me thinking, who was attacking? The Shiv? with rocks and arrows? It was all a mess for me, which is disappointing because I really wanted to enjoy this book. The good thing is that I did enjoy the end of the book.
3/5
Alright so I reread this book because the sequel came out and I needed a refresher. The book definitely had action but at some parts I would say the characters got lost in the plot. Everyones motives got scrambled to me because of the ever present obstacles they had to face. But like the first time I read the book I liked where the ending was heading and now I can finally read the sequel.
amy_stoffels18's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A totally unique combination of snow trucking and magic where Winter is a powerful spirit dominating a frozen land. I was impressed by how invested I became in this, but the setting - being snow, snow and more snow - got a little boring for me.
amybraunauthor's review against another edition
4.0
A fresh new story with a unique setting, combining mechanics and magic, packed full of adventure and melodrama, I wasn’t prepared for what I was diving into. But I did find it interesting.
The plot is billed as MAD MAX: FURY ROAD meets FROZEN and I can definitely see where the inspiration came from. A high concept blend of multiple fantasy elements, the story is about the characters as they drive o their destination.
Sylvi, the main character, is very intense. She has a major attitude and makes no compromises unless she is forced to. She is no nonsense and stubborn about doing things her way. While I appreciated her intensity, I did find it overwhelming at times, and found her to be a bit contradictory.
Mars and Kyn are interesting, with one constantly challenging Sylvi to push for his goals, and the other simply trying to see both sides while falling for his driver. Every relationship in this book is complicated, which keeps with the drama.
That was kind of where the book slipped for me. The prose is lovely and has no wasted words, but I scarcely remember a single joke or light-hearted moment. Though that does fit with the atmosphere and mood, it did put a damper on my emotions as I read it.
I did find the action and world to be creative, which fit well with the FURY ROAD vibe I was hoping for. There were monsters, magic, god-like entities, all kinds of creative elements that make this a one-of-a-kind book.
While I don’t quite think the main character and melodrama for me, I do recommend this book for readers who want something, fresh, intense, and inventive.
The plot is billed as MAD MAX: FURY ROAD meets FROZEN and I can definitely see where the inspiration came from. A high concept blend of multiple fantasy elements, the story is about the characters as they drive o their destination.
Sylvi, the main character, is very intense. She has a major attitude and makes no compromises unless she is forced to. She is no nonsense and stubborn about doing things her way. While I appreciated her intensity, I did find it overwhelming at times, and found her to be a bit contradictory.
Mars and Kyn are interesting, with one constantly challenging Sylvi to push for his goals, and the other simply trying to see both sides while falling for his driver. Every relationship in this book is complicated, which keeps with the drama.
That was kind of where the book slipped for me. The prose is lovely and has no wasted words, but I scarcely remember a single joke or light-hearted moment. Though that does fit with the atmosphere and mood, it did put a damper on my emotions as I read it.
I did find the action and world to be creative, which fit well with the FURY ROAD vibe I was hoping for. There were monsters, magic, god-like entities, all kinds of creative elements that make this a one-of-a-kind book.
While I don’t quite think the main character and melodrama for me, I do recommend this book for readers who want something, fresh, intense, and inventive.
minxxey's review against another edition
Not terrible but nothing good.
Didn't finish because it was so goddamn slow.
Didn't finish because it was so goddamn slow.
ngreader's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up to 4
Oh, "clean" books.
I grabbed this book off of a list of YA Fantasy by Christian authors because I'm trying to find some fiction that fits the desires for Christian families and readers (one of which is me! Hi!). I have a lot of families who want light romance (i.e. no kissing or sex) and no violence and no magic and no language. This hits only one goal and even that lightly.
Teen fiction is always going to have mature themes and while this book as no kissing and sex, it has violence and a lot of it. There are monsters who literally make themselves out of body parts of drowned victims. There is attempted sexual assault of a child (the protagonist at age 5). There is in-universe cursing, even though it's no words that I would consider cursing (words that my teenagers in the library would get in trouble for saying).
ABOUT THE ACTUAL BOOK: It's my favorite kind of fantasy. We get dropped into a world and we never stop going. The protag (Sylvi) is amazing and believable and flawed and I love her. I understand her and she is developed so well. However, her motivations aren't the most understandable (hence 3.5 instead of 4) and her romance with Kyn isn't the best developed. Since it's only the beginnings of their relationship, I'm hoping it will be better developed in the next book.
Overall, this book is okay. It's not the best book I've read, but it has an interesting premise and I'm enjoying the story and have already checked out the next book.
Oh, "clean" books.
I grabbed this book off of a list of YA Fantasy by Christian authors because I'm trying to find some fiction that fits the desires for Christian families and readers (one of which is me! Hi!). I have a lot of families who want light romance (i.e. no kissing or sex) and no violence and no magic and no language. This hits only one goal and even that lightly.
Teen fiction is always going to have mature themes and while this book as no kissing and sex, it has violence and a lot of it. There are monsters who literally make themselves out of body parts of drowned victims. There is attempted sexual assault of a child (the protagonist at age 5). There is in-universe cursing, even though it's no words that I would consider cursing (words that my teenagers in the library would get in trouble for saying).
ABOUT THE ACTUAL BOOK: It's my favorite kind of fantasy. We get dropped into a world and we never stop going. The protag (Sylvi) is amazing and believable and flawed and I love her. I understand her and she is developed so well. However, her motivations aren't the most understandable (hence 3.5 instead of 4) and her romance with Kyn isn't the best developed. Since it's only the beginnings of their relationship, I'm hoping it will be better developed in the next book.
Overall, this book is okay. It's not the best book I've read, but it has an interesting premise and I'm enjoying the story and have already checked out the next book.
simplykatherina's review against another edition
5.0
This is a magical journey that'll have you holding on for dear life. I've been a huge fan of Shannon Dittemore for years, and this book truly delivered!
I live in a country that is winter for half the year so reading a story that is set in a perpetual winter felt oddly realistic to me. I never knew which characters I could actually trust until the end, and I ended up loving the whole crew.
Full of beautiful world building, spell binding characters, and enchanting lore and magic systems; this book is a must read for fans of fantasy and ice road truckers!
I live in a country that is winter for half the year so reading a story that is set in a perpetual winter felt oddly realistic to me. I never knew which characters I could actually trust until the end, and I ended up loving the whole crew.
Full of beautiful world building, spell binding characters, and enchanting lore and magic systems; this book is a must read for fans of fantasy and ice road truckers!
introverteddragonscribbles's review against another edition
5.0
Goodness! Winter, White and Wicked is nothing like anything I’ve read before! It almost doesn’t feel like fantasy, with the rigs and the guns and the modern technology stuff. It kinda feels like…well, like a movie.
Sylver Quine is a quiet girl with a special bond that links her to Winter, a spirit that controls all of Layce Island. She spends most of her time on the open road, hauling loads in her rig, the Sylver Dragon, where she feels the most free. Everything changes when her best friend, Lenore, goes missing.
I liked Sylvi right from the start. To me, she came off as introverted and a little grumpy but still lovable. If I may use the comparison, kind of like a cantankerous old man stuck in a seventeen-year-old girl’s body. That’s just the vibe I got from her. Kyn’s pretty nice, and Hyla is amazing. Mars Dresdon however…I pretty much hated him throughout most of the book. He hated Winter and I liked Winter and he did a lot of things that made Sylvi mad, so…. Yeah. I hated Mars.
The twist at the end involving Mars, however, I did NOT see coming. Which I appreciate, because I can usually see plot twists. I totally saw the one about Sylvi coming a mile off, but I digress. Everything about the plot and setting were unique enough to keep me guessing, and I really enjoyed it all. Although, the whole romance between Kyn and Sylvi (not sure if that’s a spoiler?) I saw coming right when Kyn showed up. I mean, Sylvi hates Mars so obviously it’s not going to be him, and Hyla’s married so…Kyn. I think it would have been more interesting for there to just be platonic relationships all around but again, I digress.
Winter, White and Wicked is a fun and fast read, and perfect for chilly weather! I really enjoyed it and am wondering just what Sylvi will get thrown into next!
Thank you, Goodreads, for choosing me to win a free ARC of this book.
Sylver Quine is a quiet girl with a special bond that links her to Winter, a spirit that controls all of Layce Island. She spends most of her time on the open road, hauling loads in her rig, the Sylver Dragon, where she feels the most free. Everything changes when her best friend, Lenore, goes missing.
I liked Sylvi right from the start. To me, she came off as introverted and a little grumpy but still lovable. If I may use the comparison, kind of like a cantankerous old man stuck in a seventeen-year-old girl’s body. That’s just the vibe I got from her. Kyn’s pretty nice, and Hyla is amazing. Mars Dresdon however…I pretty much hated him throughout most of the book. He hated Winter and I liked Winter and he did a lot of things that made Sylvi mad, so…. Yeah. I hated Mars.
The twist at the end involving Mars, however, I did NOT see coming. Which I appreciate, because I can usually see plot twists. I totally saw the one about Sylvi coming a mile off, but I digress. Everything about the plot and setting were unique enough to keep me guessing, and I really enjoyed it all. Although, the whole romance between Kyn and Sylvi (not sure if that’s a spoiler?) I saw coming right when Kyn showed up. I mean, Sylvi hates Mars so obviously it’s not going to be him, and Hyla’s married so…Kyn. I think it would have been more interesting for there to just be platonic relationships all around but again, I digress.
Winter, White and Wicked is a fun and fast read, and perfect for chilly weather! I really enjoyed it and am wondering just what Sylvi will get thrown into next!
Thank you, Goodreads, for choosing me to win a free ARC of this book.
kaatiba's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it, and yet I found myself MASSIVELY frustrated. I get that denial and guilt and fear are huge themes throughout, AND YET. Fairly early on it was so aggravating to know and accept more than the POV character did or would, and many of the critical mysteries were clear long before they were revealed.
I thought this was a standalone, but the ending was so open as to leave this both extremely unfulfilling or unnecessarily long. I enjoyed the world building and the characters (despite their hardheadedness) and the relationships, the lore and the magic, but...if this IS a standalone and MEANT to be open-ended, it dragged on for far too long and needed to be more satisfying, even if this story really is just about Sylvi coming into her own.
If this is the beginning of a series....it's still too long and aggravatingly so? I don't know. It's weird, I enjoyed it, I don't know how it could have been cut down to be more streamlined without losing the necessary development...but maybe that's the problem. There wasn't enough plot, because the ending is what it is. I kept wanting them to hurry and get to where they were going so the story could *start* only to realize this WAS the story. So I feel cheated?
If it is a series, than I'm very sick of first books being entirely about setting up what feels like the 'real' plot. This sounds like such a negative review despite the fact that I liked it? Ugh. I don't know. I'm annoyed.
Recommended for fans of Mad Max: Fury Road (if it took place in a winter landscape).
I thought this was a standalone, but the ending was so open as to leave this both extremely unfulfilling or unnecessarily long. I enjoyed the world building and the characters (despite their hardheadedness) and the relationships, the lore and the magic, but...if this IS a standalone and MEANT to be open-ended, it dragged on for far too long and needed to be more satisfying, even if this story really is just about Sylvi coming into her own.
If this is the beginning of a series....it's still too long and aggravatingly so? I don't know. It's weird, I enjoyed it, I don't know how it could have been cut down to be more streamlined without losing the necessary development...but maybe that's the problem. There wasn't enough plot, because the ending is what it is. I kept wanting them to hurry and get to where they were going so the story could *start* only to realize this WAS the story. So I feel cheated?
If it is a series, than I'm very sick of first books being entirely about setting up what feels like the 'real' plot. This sounds like such a negative review despite the fact that I liked it? Ugh. I don't know. I'm annoyed.
Recommended for fans of Mad Max: Fury Road (if it took place in a winter landscape).
unchainedreader's review against another edition
3.0
Our protagonist is a teenage girl who has a deep personal relationship with Winter and she's basically trained to be on Ice Road Truckers. What's not to love? Slyvie is on a mission to rescue her best friend, but that means she's going to have the let three people she really doesn't like ride in her rig with her. Along the way, Sylvie learns that the world may not be the place that she thinks it is.
I want to tell you that I loved this book with all of my heart, but there were some slow parts. I did love the premise and the world created. I also thought that Sylvie was an absolute savage.
I want to tell you that I loved this book with all of my heart, but there were some slow parts. I did love the premise and the world created. I also thought that Sylvie was an absolute savage.
mybooksandkidsbooks's review against another edition
Winter White and Wicked by Shannon Dittemore
I’m not exactly sure what I just read, but I am sure I loved it! This book is pure fantasy. Following Sylvi, as she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime to find her sister, we are thrown into a world of myths, queens and Winter. Sylvi is a powerful teenager who listens to Winter like a friend. Alongside 3 almost strangers, Sylvi braves the weather, monsters, and so many other unknown dangers. I loved the characters and the never ending adventure.
I have to say I was slightly confused throughout the book, similar to how I never quite understood all the elements to Game of Thrones. However, I was still entertained and I would love to read more about this world! Sylvi is an amazing heroine and I can’t wait to find out what happens to her next.
This would make a great Christmas gift for a hard to buy for teenager or anyone who loves fantasy!
Thank you to @mandagroup and @abramskids for my gifted advanced copy. This was published in October so you can go get it now!
#gifted #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #loveofreading #booknerd #bookstagram #yafantasy #books #reading #canadianbookstagram #winterwhiteandwicked #yanovels #yyc
I’m not exactly sure what I just read, but I am sure I loved it! This book is pure fantasy. Following Sylvi, as she embarks on an adventure of a lifetime to find her sister, we are thrown into a world of myths, queens and Winter. Sylvi is a powerful teenager who listens to Winter like a friend. Alongside 3 almost strangers, Sylvi braves the weather, monsters, and so many other unknown dangers. I loved the characters and the never ending adventure.
I have to say I was slightly confused throughout the book, similar to how I never quite understood all the elements to Game of Thrones. However, I was still entertained and I would love to read more about this world! Sylvi is an amazing heroine and I can’t wait to find out what happens to her next.
This would make a great Christmas gift for a hard to buy for teenager or anyone who loves fantasy!
Thank you to @mandagroup and @abramskids for my gifted advanced copy. This was published in October so you can go get it now!
#gifted #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #loveofreading #booknerd #bookstagram #yafantasy #books #reading #canadianbookstagram #winterwhiteandwicked #yanovels #yyc