Scan barcode
wouterk's review against another edition
5.0
I have had so much fun reading it. Of course it does not challenge the 5-star novels or series that get hundreds of pages prep, but as story collections go this is definitely a 5-star read. My deepest respect for all these long form authors who manage to make such concise and engaging short stories. If you do not have it and get the chance to get this book or you have not read it yet, please do!
The Advent of Winter is a wonderful collection of stories that has kept me warm and excited throughout December. Thanks to Dom and all the authors for creating this fun gift to count down towards the holidays. I originally had a rating for each story, but I see no added value to sharing them.
That being said, I loved almost all of them. And a bunch of the authors are now part of my TBR. Disclaimer: The length of the mini review says nothing about how much I liked it. I just vary a lot in elaborateness. Also, it is really first thoughts. One time I'm all about evoked emotions, other times it is about the writing technique or about the story itself.
The Patchskin Woman by Cal Black:
A great fairytale-style story with magical animals and the queen of winter. A true cozy winter tale which also explores the relationship between humans and nature.
Rite of the Tundra by Jim Wilbourne:
This story evoked a lot of emotion as I caught myself at being unreasonable intolerant towards the incompetence of youth. A beautiful coming-of-age story for so few pages.
Innocence Lost by H.C. Newell:
A riveting emotional story about dark and the heroic things we do, to protect the most important things in life. Great use of current and past perspectives of the same event, to create emotional connection and suprises. Evocative prose. I am not a visual reader but I got visuals.
Frosted Embers by L.L. Mcrae:
An action-packed heroic adventure. I'm unsure what I can say without people feeling I’m spoiling it. I loved the cool dragon-fire based magic system and the dark threat to the city the story takes place in. Also, the conflicting emotions that must be going through the main characters head. It somehow reminded me both of story beats from Full Metal Alchemist and Attack on Titan. It also evoked an association with our own reality, where we try to keep afloat an ever-consuming society in a world with limited resources. So all in all, it packed quite a punch for such a short story.
Soulshard by Thiago Abdalla:
A great and tense story in a fascinating world with demon hunters. Stakes are high. I cannot say more for spoilers sake, but the plot is very engaging. Great magic system. Would love to dwell more in this world (as a reader...definitely as a reader).
Blood fire by Palmer Pickering:
The first story I had some trouble to connect with. A story worthwhile though about a mother in a dire situation to protect herself and her children. I think, for me, the urgency and story beats were just a bit to short to really impact me. Very awesome magic. And it did make me think about our willingness to do awful things to protect ourselves.
Cold Silver for Souls by Tori Tecken:
The first story in first-person perspective, which gives this story an awesome hard-boiled feeling. Because I watch Tori’s Youtube videos I kind of imagined her being the main character somehow. A very imaginative world with a very interesting revelation at the end.
Border Crossing by A.R. Witham:
A chilling story of dysfunctional family in a scary world. What I loved was that the author describes a world with an icy cold place and a warm summery place across the border and that the latter is the dangerous one. In this story cold is both the safe place and maybe also a bit scary…
A cold broad river by Tim Hardie:
A tale that is reminiscent of the man with the shovel or the woman with the pigeons in Home Alone but with elements of ‘It’. Great tension and mystery in this one. I was very engrossed in this tale.
The Chrysmaws Case by Christer Lende:
A catchy mystery for two beast hunters. Has both a gothic vibe as well as a detective vibe. The author knows how to raise questions that the reader wants an answer to. So as I write this mini review I’m looking into the series…well done
The Advent of Winter is a wonderful collection of stories that has kept me warm and excited throughout December. Thanks to Dom and all the authors for creating this fun gift to count down towards the holidays. I originally had a rating for each story, but I see no added value to sharing them.
That being said, I loved almost all of them. And a bunch of the authors are now part of my TBR. Disclaimer: The length of the mini review says nothing about how much I liked it. I just vary a lot in elaborateness. Also, it is really first thoughts. One time I'm all about evoked emotions, other times it is about the writing technique or about the story itself.
The Patchskin Woman by Cal Black:
A great fairytale-style story with magical animals and the queen of winter. A true cozy winter tale which also explores the relationship between humans and nature.
Rite of the Tundra by Jim Wilbourne:
This story evoked a lot of emotion as I caught myself at being unreasonable intolerant towards the incompetence of youth. A beautiful coming-of-age story for so few pages.
Innocence Lost by H.C. Newell:
A riveting emotional story about dark and the heroic things we do, to protect the most important things in life. Great use of current and past perspectives of the same event, to create emotional connection and suprises. Evocative prose. I am not a visual reader but I got visuals.
Frosted Embers by L.L. Mcrae:
An action-packed heroic adventure. I'm unsure what I can say without people feeling I’m spoiling it. I loved the cool dragon-fire based magic system and the dark threat to the city the story takes place in. Also, the conflicting emotions that must be going through the main characters head. It somehow reminded me both of story beats from Full Metal Alchemist and Attack on Titan. It also evoked an association with our own reality, where we try to keep afloat an ever-consuming society in a world with limited resources. So all in all, it packed quite a punch for such a short story.
Soulshard by Thiago Abdalla:
A great and tense story in a fascinating world with demon hunters. Stakes are high. I cannot say more for spoilers sake, but the plot is very engaging. Great magic system. Would love to dwell more in this world (as a reader...definitely as a reader).
Blood fire by Palmer Pickering:
The first story I had some trouble to connect with. A story worthwhile though about a mother in a dire situation to protect herself and her children. I think, for me, the urgency and story beats were just a bit to short to really impact me. Very awesome magic. And it did make me think about our willingness to do awful things to protect ourselves.
Cold Silver for Souls by Tori Tecken:
The first story in first-person perspective, which gives this story an awesome hard-boiled feeling. Because I watch Tori’s Youtube videos I kind of imagined her being the main character somehow. A very imaginative world with a very interesting revelation at the end.
Border Crossing by A.R. Witham:
A chilling story of dysfunctional family in a scary world. What I loved was that the author describes a world with an icy cold place and a warm summery place across the border and that the latter is the dangerous one. In this story cold is both the safe place and maybe also a bit scary…
A cold broad river by Tim Hardie:
A tale that is reminiscent of the man with the shovel or the woman with the pigeons in Home Alone but with elements of ‘It’. Great tension and mystery in this one. I was very engrossed in this tale.
The Chrysmaws Case by Christer Lende:
A catchy mystery for two beast hunters. Has both a gothic vibe as well as a detective vibe. The author knows how to raise questions that the reader wants an answer to. So as I write this mini review I’m looking into the series…well done
adamborst's review
Through 4 stories, in each of these stories, A) I'm left wanting to know more about the world, lore, and characters which I intend to be a massive compliment to all these authors, and B) all the endings land well. I know page/word count limits what can be done, but I've been brought into the story every time so far.
** Update: 4 more stories down (8 total) now and I am still shocked at the quality of what I'm reading. Thorough enjoyment continues! **
The Patchskin Woman (1) ([a:Cal Black|1078317|Cal Black|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) - 4 stars; I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is a great book to start an advent calendar of short stories. I felt like we were heading toward deep darkness but it ended in a way that I appreciated.
Rite of the Tundra (2) ([a:Jim Wilbourne|21779177|Jim Wilbourne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1631962425p2/21779177.jpg]) - 3 stars; I'm not sure if it fills into the broader series or shares characters, but this was solid. A rapid coming of age for the main character that I could feel the struggle.
Innocence Lost (3) ([a:H.C. Newell|21446801|H.C. Newell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1645752726p2/21446801.jpg]) - 5 stars; The writing is superb, makes me want to jump into her other books right now. As a father, this lost child plot was very understandable. Fantastic entry into this collection.
Frosted Embers (4) ([a:L.L. MacRae|20896392|L.L. MacRae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1619515053p2/20896392.jpg]) - 5 stars; I can't put my finger on it, but this was definitively the most fun story of the first 4 for me. Loved it. A heist plot with a fair bit of action and main character with reason behind the heist and some tragedy. I would read this full novel or series if it existed.
Frozen Hell (5) ([a:Karim Soliman|15055762|Karim Soliman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1637904741p2/15055762.jpg]) - 4 stars; A mythology, Egyptian, that I'm unfamiliar with, but I really loved the familial interaction here as well as the interactions with non-family characters. I would have liked a little more explanation of the world, but in such a short format, it's going to be hard to cram in all that detail.
Soulshard (6) ([a:Thiago Abdalla|22128022|Thiago Abdalla|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1654700074p2/22128022.jpg]) - 5 stars; Oh man, this felt like a full story in all aspects. I felt fully enveloped in this world and clearly understood a few character's points of view and motivations. The school-esque group in the background, the practical magic / skill development that is alluded to. The ending, right in the feels. I've already got kindle versions of Abdalla's main novels, but will 100% be getting the physical copies now.
Blood Fire (7) ([a:Palmer Pickering|18948616|Palmer Pickering|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1553836054p2/18948616.jpg]) - 5 stars; Very cool magic in this book and coupled with an inquisition-style scenario. We should all understand what I believe is a major theme here: you do not mess with a Mom with kids. Just...don't...do...it. I hope Pickering comes back to this world at some point in her career, I'm here for it.
Cold River for Souls (8) ([a:Tori Tecken|20841576|Tori Tecken|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661991106p2/20841576.jpg]) - 5 stars; A bit different tone from the prior stories where our main character seems a little uncertain/hesitant/timid about their place in the world. That aspect coupled with the practicality of the magic usage instead of flash/bang wizardry makes this feel down-to-earth. The ending moved this from around 3.5 stars to 5 stars because it was unexpected and, for me, could be a massive springboard for a full novel or series. I've already got or ordered Tecken's other books, so I know I'm in good hands.
** Update: 4 more stories down (8 total) now and I am still shocked at the quality of what I'm reading. Thorough enjoyment continues! **
The Patchskin Woman (1) ([a:Cal Black|1078317|Cal Black|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]) - 4 stars; I wasn't sure what to expect, but this is a great book to start an advent calendar of short stories. I felt like we were heading toward deep darkness but it ended in a way that I appreciated.
Rite of the Tundra (2) ([a:Jim Wilbourne|21779177|Jim Wilbourne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1631962425p2/21779177.jpg]) - 3 stars; I'm not sure if it fills into the broader series or shares characters, but this was solid. A rapid coming of age for the main character that I could feel the struggle.
Innocence Lost (3) ([a:H.C. Newell|21446801|H.C. Newell|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1645752726p2/21446801.jpg]) - 5 stars; The writing is superb, makes me want to jump into her other books right now. As a father, this lost child plot was very understandable. Fantastic entry into this collection.
Frosted Embers (4) ([a:L.L. MacRae|20896392|L.L. MacRae|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1619515053p2/20896392.jpg]) - 5 stars; I can't put my finger on it, but this was definitively the most fun story of the first 4 for me. Loved it. A heist plot with a fair bit of action and main character with reason behind the heist and some tragedy. I would read this full novel or series if it existed.
Frozen Hell (5) ([a:Karim Soliman|15055762|Karim Soliman|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1637904741p2/15055762.jpg]) - 4 stars; A mythology, Egyptian, that I'm unfamiliar with, but I really loved the familial interaction here as well as the interactions with non-family characters. I would have liked a little more explanation of the world, but in such a short format, it's going to be hard to cram in all that detail.
Soulshard (6) ([a:Thiago Abdalla|22128022|Thiago Abdalla|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1654700074p2/22128022.jpg]) - 5 stars; Oh man, this felt like a full story in all aspects. I felt fully enveloped in this world and clearly understood a few character's points of view and motivations. The school-esque group in the background, the practical magic / skill development that is alluded to. The ending, right in the feels. I've already got kindle versions of Abdalla's main novels, but will 100% be getting the physical copies now.
Blood Fire (7) ([a:Palmer Pickering|18948616|Palmer Pickering|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1553836054p2/18948616.jpg]) - 5 stars; Very cool magic in this book and coupled with an inquisition-style scenario. We should all understand what I believe is a major theme here: you do not mess with a Mom with kids. Just...don't...do...it. I hope Pickering comes back to this world at some point in her career, I'm here for it.
Cold River for Souls (8) ([a:Tori Tecken|20841576|Tori Tecken|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1661991106p2/20841576.jpg]) - 5 stars; A bit different tone from the prior stories where our main character seems a little uncertain/hesitant/timid about their place in the world. That aspect coupled with the practicality of the magic usage instead of flash/bang wizardry makes this feel down-to-earth. The ending moved this from around 3.5 stars to 5 stars because it was unexpected and, for me, could be a massive springboard for a full novel or series. I've already got or ordered Tecken's other books, so I know I'm in good hands.
joelteon's review
5.0
It's impossible to review each and every story in this incredible winter themed anthology which contains works by some of my favourite indie authors. Instead I will talk about the anthology as a whole and the incredible success of this collection of works collated by Dom McDermott.
Created as a storybook advent calendar delivered to our inboxes every day of December for the twenty four days leading up to Christmas Day, this was a Kickstarter that to my mind was a resounding success. I hope that this is only the beginning and that every year we can buy in to this delightful treat.
The synopsis puts it best and I'll leave it to that to tell you exactly what you're in for: Step into the magical realms of "The Advent of Winter," where twenty-four self-published authors craft enchanting tales that will transport you to a realm of frost-kissed wonders. This winter-themed fantasy anthology invites you to journey through December, one captivating story at a time.
I expected fun, family and chilly vibes. What I got as well as those things was honour, survival and a whole lot of action. I must admit that I wasn't prepared for the depth and breadth of these stories. I don't know how many of the 24 authors have delved into short story writing, but each and every one of them succeeded in their own ways. I was captivated every morning as I was brought into their worlds, both new and as part of their existing series. I discovered some authors I had never heard of and added their books to my TBR pile. I was reinvigorated by my favourites and advanced the books of authors I had wanted to read but haven't found the time for.
It's very hard to pick a favourite and I feel bad doing so because every story grabbed me and was a resounding success. However, it can be no surprise that my favourite indie authors wrote the tales that had the biggest impact on me. JDL Rosell, Ryan Cahill, Zack Argyle and Quenby Olson solidifed themselves as top tier. I will read anything they write whether it be short or incredibly long.
I feel so happy to be given the chance to experience the brilliance of this anthology in the long days of summer here in the southern hemisphere. To be transported into a chrismassy winter wonderland as the hot days took over was an utter delight. I'm amazed by the quality of every story in The Advent of Winter and how well Dom succeeded at staying on schedule in this busiest time of year. Well done to everyone involved. I can't wait to see what comes next. For now I eagerly look forwards to getting the collated ebook and rereading each and every tale of wintery goodness.
Created as a storybook advent calendar delivered to our inboxes every day of December for the twenty four days leading up to Christmas Day, this was a Kickstarter that to my mind was a resounding success. I hope that this is only the beginning and that every year we can buy in to this delightful treat.
The synopsis puts it best and I'll leave it to that to tell you exactly what you're in for: Step into the magical realms of "The Advent of Winter," where twenty-four self-published authors craft enchanting tales that will transport you to a realm of frost-kissed wonders. This winter-themed fantasy anthology invites you to journey through December, one captivating story at a time.
I expected fun, family and chilly vibes. What I got as well as those things was honour, survival and a whole lot of action. I must admit that I wasn't prepared for the depth and breadth of these stories. I don't know how many of the 24 authors have delved into short story writing, but each and every one of them succeeded in their own ways. I was captivated every morning as I was brought into their worlds, both new and as part of their existing series. I discovered some authors I had never heard of and added their books to my TBR pile. I was reinvigorated by my favourites and advanced the books of authors I had wanted to read but haven't found the time for.
It's very hard to pick a favourite and I feel bad doing so because every story grabbed me and was a resounding success. However, it can be no surprise that my favourite indie authors wrote the tales that had the biggest impact on me. JDL Rosell, Ryan Cahill, Zack Argyle and Quenby Olson solidifed themselves as top tier. I will read anything they write whether it be short or incredibly long.
I feel so happy to be given the chance to experience the brilliance of this anthology in the long days of summer here in the southern hemisphere. To be transported into a chrismassy winter wonderland as the hot days took over was an utter delight. I'm amazed by the quality of every story in The Advent of Winter and how well Dom succeeded at staying on schedule in this busiest time of year. Well done to everyone involved. I can't wait to see what comes next. For now I eagerly look forwards to getting the collated ebook and rereading each and every tale of wintery goodness.
bshgarcia's review
5.0
Five stars for execution, quality, and cohesiveness, and while some of the stories sat closer to a 3 or 4 star for my personal tastes, the ones that resonated with me made the whole anthology worthy of the 5 star rating. This is like the wine flight of indie fantasy, and I'm so here for it. I was able to sample so many authors I've been meaning to read, and now my TBR overfloweth. I have a top five for the stories, but the ranking order keeps changing, so I'll just keep that to myself.
I will be needing another next year, please and thank you.
I will be needing another next year, please and thank you.
spellsandspaceships's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
florianh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
thejulyrosereads's review
I’m going to review these as I go along as otherwise I’ll definitely loose track!
1. The Patchskin Woman - Cal Black
The first short story of The Advent of Winter sees us following a young girl named Lada. Unfortunately for Lada, she is up for sacrifice to the Winter Queen by the people of her village. Harsh right? We see how she manages to avoid this and the trials she has to undertake to do so. I found this quite dark in truth, for a short story I was intrigued and have to say that I did enjoy it, despite one particular scene not being to my liking.
1. The Patchskin Woman - Cal Black
The first short story of The Advent of Winter sees us following a young girl named Lada. Unfortunately for Lada, she is up for sacrifice to the Winter Queen by the people of her village. Harsh right? We see how she manages to avoid this and the trials she has to undertake to do so. I found this quite dark in truth, for a short story I was intrigued and have to say that I did enjoy it, despite one particular scene not being to my liking.
pendragontrash's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
sheepscuit's review
4.0
A unique and enjoyable way to spend advent, with a short winter themed story every day from an independent/self published author.
I found it a great way to explore new authors and expand my ever growing TBR list, as well as enjoy stories from authors I already know and love.
Not every story was my preference, and there were a lot of "lost in the cold, need to survive/save someone" type plots, but there were also many diverse and different takes on the theme as well as a few stories set as a prequel/side story in the author's existing worlds, adding validity and familiarity to these crafted stories.
Overall it was so cosy and lovely to be a part of, and I'm excited to get the physical copy in the spring. I'm sure it'll be a yearly tradition now to read these through December!
I found it a great way to explore new authors and expand my ever growing TBR list, as well as enjoy stories from authors I already know and love.
Not every story was my preference, and there were a lot of "lost in the cold, need to survive/save someone" type plots, but there were also many diverse and different takes on the theme as well as a few stories set as a prequel/side story in the author's existing worlds, adding validity and familiarity to these crafted stories.
Overall it was so cosy and lovely to be a part of, and I'm excited to get the physical copy in the spring. I'm sure it'll be a yearly tradition now to read these through December!