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trueperception's review
4.0
A fun read, and one of the better anthologies I've read as far as how many good stories were in there. Usually about half of any given anthology isn't very good. Even the stories I didn't like as much were fairly well written. I also added a few new authors to my TBR (and bumped up existing entries). Definitely a nice way to spend the lead up to the holiday. I look forward to receiving the physical addition.
fantasyaddict's review against another edition
Collection of short stories. Read many of them, but not all.
lezlie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
I backed this anthology on Kickstarter and it turned out to be the best gift of the 2023 holiday season!
When I saw the Kickstarter campaign announcement, I knew that this would be an amazing experience. A true bookish advent as backers were emailed a new Winter-themed fantasy story each day, beginning December 1st, ending on December 24th. For those of you who missed out, the good news is there will be a physical edition published that you can purchase for next year! (Actually, don't even wait for next Winter)
THE ADVENT OF WINTER is edited by Dom McDermott and contains stories from some of the biggest names of the self published fantasy world. Most of the authors I have read previously, most of the others I have heard many wonderful things about from other readers and reviewers and a couple were brand-spanking-new to me. Almost every author that I had not read previously, I ended up purchasing multiple books by after reading their contribution to this anthology. I was delighted to discover a few standout favorites were prequel stories for new series!!
This anthology is a perfect example of why I never talk about yearly favorites until at least January of the new year, because THE ADVENT OF WINTER swooped in and took the #1 Favorite Anthology of the Year for me. It just made my December memorable and had me excited to get up every morning to see what story awaited in my inbox.
Out of 24 stories, I'd said I had 22 favorites and a couple I could live without. I think I ended up purchasing around 18 books as a result - all 18 were from the authors I had not read before. Other than cautioning you to wait and read when your wallet is fat, I do want to let you know that these stories mostly lean toward the darker side of fantasy, which is my favorite subgenre preference. It seems fitting, as winter is usually cold and harsh. That's not to say there weren't sweet and endearing moments here and there along with a dash of hope.
This anthology is perfect for grimdark and dark fantasy lovers. If you've never tried the self publishing world, editor Dom McDermott has collected an arsenal of some of the absolute best in the business right now.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
When I saw the Kickstarter campaign announcement, I knew that this would be an amazing experience. A true bookish advent as backers were emailed a new Winter-themed fantasy story each day, beginning December 1st, ending on December 24th. For those of you who missed out, the good news is there will be a physical edition published that you can purchase for next year! (Actually, don't even wait for next Winter)
THE ADVENT OF WINTER is edited by Dom McDermott and contains stories from some of the biggest names of the self published fantasy world. Most of the authors I have read previously, most of the others I have heard many wonderful things about from other readers and reviewers and a couple were brand-spanking-new to me. Almost every author that I had not read previously, I ended up purchasing multiple books by after reading their contribution to this anthology. I was delighted to discover a few standout favorites were prequel stories for new series!!
This anthology is a perfect example of why I never talk about yearly favorites until at least January of the new year, because THE ADVENT OF WINTER swooped in and took the #1 Favorite Anthology of the Year for me. It just made my December memorable and had me excited to get up every morning to see what story awaited in my inbox.
Out of 24 stories, I'd said I had 22 favorites and a couple I could live without. I think I ended up purchasing around 18 books as a result - all 18 were from the authors I had not read before. Other than cautioning you to wait and read when your wallet is fat, I do want to let you know that these stories mostly lean toward the darker side of fantasy, which is my favorite subgenre preference. It seems fitting, as winter is usually cold and harsh. That's not to say there weren't sweet and endearing moments here and there along with a dash of hope.
This anthology is perfect for grimdark and dark fantasy lovers. If you've never tried the self publishing world, editor Dom McDermott has collected an arsenal of some of the absolute best in the business right now.
You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel
A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!
Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Sharon, Andrew, Star, Amanda L., Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.
raenyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This is really an amazing project. Not all the stories were 5 stars for me but many of them were! I thoroughly enjoyed reading one of these every day and may repeat them next year!
rubywhatashmoo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.5
lacewing's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
dani_reis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
The Advent short story idea was one of my favorite experiences. I really hope someone is willing to continue this. I met so many authors this month!
Day 1: The Patchskin Woman by Cal Black
23 Pages
• Synopsis: Old Slavik folklore based story where a young girl is sacrificed by her village to appease the Winter Queen for a mild winter.
• Rating: 4/5
Could easily see rating going up on rereads.
• Author familiarity: None, but willing to dig out more!
• TW: animal death
Day 2: Rite of the Tundra by Jim Wilbourne
15 Pages
• Synopsis: A Continua Chronicles Short Story. In the frigid heart of The Frozen Waste, young Remi embarks on a sacred rite of passage to prove his manhood. Guided by Lucien, a seasoned hunter, he must navigate the treacherous wilderness, conduct a sacred burial, and outwit elusive prey in a ritual hunt that tests his courage, determination, and wisdom.
• Rating: 3.5/5
I didn't feel connection to the story because I felt like all the writings in the catacombs should be characters I felt something for, and I know nothing of them. Even the two main characters, I wasn't really sure how they came together. I am intrigued enough to put the beginning of the series on my TBR list and reread this short story to see how my view on this changes.
• Author familiarity: None, a short story for The Continua Chronicles
•TW: death, minor grief
Day 3: Innocence Lost by H.C. Newell
17 Pages
• Synopsis: A dark fantasy story from the author of the Fallen Light series. Softly we pray deep in the night, when a touch of frost has snuffed out the light. Beware of the cursed, broken and torn, for they'll lead you asunder, into Hel reborn..
• Rating: 5/5
• Author familiarity: none. I plan to dig out as much as I can of her books.
• TW: Death, lost child, blood, grief
Day 4: Frosted Embers by L.L. MacRae
23 Pages
• Synopsis: For weeks he'd been freezing his arse off. Now, when it came to it, there was a good chance he'd burn alive. Heists are usually breaking in, but Tesaro needs to break something out. Unfortunately, the dragon he's freeing isn't all-powerful, alchemical golems patrol the city, and he himself has been exiled. And that's saying nothing of the freezing, colourless blight outside the dragon-powered city...
• Rating: 5/5
To be transparent, dragons are my weakness. There were dragons.
• Author familiarity: familiar, but I haven't had a chance to read her work yet. Glad to be getting a jump start with this anthology!!
• TW: grief
Day 5: Frozen Hell by Karim Soliman
26 Pages
• Synopsis: A family that defeats titans together, sticks fogether. Loosely inspired by Egyptian mythology crossed with a Norse setting, Frozen Hell follows a family in their fight to survive a vengeful titan.
• Rating: 5/5
This was an easy, enjoyable read. So far one of the favorites. As I'm unfamiliar with other stories, this feels like it's leading to something new? If it is, I'm in. If it's already out there, point me in the right direction. If nothing more comes out with this, I'll just pout in my corner--that's fine, I guess.
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW: death
Day 6: Soulshard by Thiago Abdalla
29 Pages
• Synopsis: Master. Apprentice. Outcasts. Saviors. A Diablo-inspired story focused on a demon hunter master and apprentice as they try to protect their order from corruption while dealing with their own personal posses.
• Rating: 4.5/5
That 0.5 taken off it feels undeserving. It's more like being too harsh, and I'm aware. This one was very well done, but there was just something unrecognizable that I felt was missing. For a short shory, it really should be 5/5, I think I just wanted more, not really a bad thing. Can't fault it for being short on a short story.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: blood, grief, death
Day 7: Blood Fire by Palmer Pickering
12 Pages
• Synopsis: A high-fantasy story featuring elementals, plant wisdom, and an oppressive religious order. The land and it's creatures want to be free and flourish. Those who seek to dominate and destroy the natural order risk the wrath of the elements and those who can wield them.
• Rating: 3/5
I honestly can't pick out any particular reason this is lower. It was enjoyable, I read it twice to be sure it wasn't me since I wasn't at my best the first time. I'll be very interested to read reviews from others on this one. Maybe it just went over my head. I hope others enjoyed it more and can help me see it in a better perspective!
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW:
Day 8: Cold Silver For Souls by Tori Tecken
21 Pages
• Synopsis: Whether I bring my mark back whole or in multiple pieces is up to him. Personally, I prefer to bring them back whole. A necromancer bounty hunter story set in a fantasy world inspired by the Yukon Gold Rush.
• Rating: 3.5/5
I think I'd enjoy this a lot more in the fall. 🍁 🍂 Marking with color emojis so I can find it faster for rereads!
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW:
Day 9: Border Crossing by A.R. Witham
19 Pages
• Synopsis: Muriel laughed, hard and sharp as the snow fell all around her. It's snowing. Underground. Muriel lives on the border of winter and summer, forced to live a harsh existence on the fringes of civilization where magic is still untamed. In this cruel place, surrounded by shadows that snatch children in the night, Muriel must protect her only daughter at all costs.
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW: death, domestic abuse, alcohol use
Day 10: A Cold Broad River by Tim Hardie
23 Pages
• Synopsis: "Let's just go to the Old Man's cabin, mark our names and we'll be back home before anyone knows we've been gone..." A Cold Broad River is the tale of four children carrying out a midwinter prank who get out of their depth. Set in the same world as Tim's Viking-inspired The Brotherhood of the Eagle series, this tale takes place in a different region, featuring a mysterious new enemy.
• Rating: 5/5
This was an easy, quick read. Entertaining, and bringing some light on the series. I'll be adding more of his books to my TBR
• Author familiarity: none. Though the series name sounds familiar.
• TW: missing child
Day 11: The Chrysmaws Case by Christer Lende
24 Pages
• Synopsis: The beast hunters face a race against the clock if they want to save their friend. When their companion vanished in the night, leaving behind a mysterious invitation to a gala, beast hunters Khendric and Topper ride hard to the ceremony to find her. They know they've stepped into a trap when they are the only ones who cannot leave the manor, and they must figure out who and what the culprit is before it's too late. Deals will be struck, words will be bent, riddles must be solved, and time will be altered--all in a race to outsmart the creature gunning for their heads... or their hearts.
• Rating: 4.5/5
Originally I had this as 2.5/5 -- I was in the wrong mood and so confused. I closed out a couple open books and reread this. It's lighter than the previous stories, so I read it in too serious of a tone and being confused just made me frustrated. This was a pleasant read once I got my own shit together. Sorry for the premature rating you didn't deserve.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: fire
Day 12: The Crypt of Ice by D.W. Ross
25 Pages
• Synopsis: Three men. One big payoff. Other treasure hunters have avoided this castle just because it looks empty. Right? "The Crypt of Ice" is a standalone short featuring three new characters set against a backdrop of a new world following on from the end of the Onyx ornament Chronicles. There might be some more from this whacky trio in the future ..
• Rating: 4.5/5
Lighter read with some humor.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 13: The Winter's Dance by Natalie Kelda
21 Pages
• Synopsis: Two women undertake a dangerous journey through a blizzard to prevent an eternal night. Tilia and her mother embark on a dangerous journey to the city of Glacierhús. They have to make it to the Spiregate Light Grove to help dance back the light but Tilia struggles with pneumonia while wild beasts and a snowstorm threaten to kill them before they get there...
Author's note: Low fantasy, shamanistic fantasy, Scandinavian-inspired setting and conlang, longest night of the year (called Polar night in our world when night lasts more than 24 hours).
• Rating: 4/5
This may go up on a reread. I am so tired and there's a good chance I should have waited to read this a day late.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: minor mention of animal death
Day 14: The Snowmaker's Child by Zack Argyle
8 Pages
• Synopsis: There is a tradition in Elmbeii on the eve of the first snowfall to place a pair of boots on the porch for the Snowmaker's Child. The Snowmaker's Child is a dark fairytale that follows a young girl left alone in a cabin while her father and brother are out hunting. She learns that some children's stories hold a glimmer of truth. At the same time, this is the backstory for a character appearing in the upcoming Symphony in the Skies series.
• Rating: 5/5
Small but mighty. A gripping story, incredibly, in a very short story.
• Author familiarity: familiar, audio and Kindle in my current library. Unread as of Dec 2023. Looking forward to a jumpstart into those books.
• TW: injury
Day 15: An Act of Patience by H.L. Tinsley
25 Pages
• Synopsis: The best time to truly disappear, is after everyone has stopped looking for you ... Pen is quite content to live out the rest of his meager life in prison. Until, that is, the mysterious Lady Grey challenges him to escape. Complete the challenge, and a big bag of coin is his reward--enough coin, perhaps, to save his life...
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: slightly familiar. I have a book on my TBR, still unread.
• TW: bodily fluids
Day 16: A Fighting Chance by Dom McDermott
16 Pages
• Synopsis: For four years the land has been in perpetual winter. Now, they have a chance to turn the tide. A small group of warriors undertake a dangerous mission. If they're successful, they'll give their friends a fighting chance of defeating the Winter King and stopping the forever-winter.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: slightly familiar. I know of Dom from the book community, but I don't follow him. I wasn't aware he had an interest in writing.
• TW:
Day 17: Beauty in the Void by J.D.L. Rosell
24 Pages
• Synopsis: A story set in Aolas, the world of the Legend of Tal series. A haunted bard searches for reconciliation and inspiration in the cold, dark depths of the mountains. But to follow his Muse, he must play--and play well--a dirge of death and blood..
• Rating: 3/5
This one struggled to capture my attention. Since I'm unfamiliar with the Legend of Tal series, I think this will be much better for those who are familiar.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 18: Before the Snow Melts by Andrew D. Meredith
20 Pages
• Synopsis: A Templar Files story in the same world as the Kallattian Saga. When a fresh body shows up in the even fresher snow, rumors of organized crime and the scramble to find shelter in the freak snowfall has Tobani ds er Llushor in for a cold awakening and the rekindling of a childhood friendship she thought she had lost.
• Rating: 4/5
This has so much vocabulary that I'm unfamiliar with where it would have been a possible 5/5 had I really known what was going on. I was able to follow along the best I could to enjoy it.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 19: Flurries with a Chance of Treason by T.L. Greylock
30 Pages
• Synopsis: Winter did not negotiate. Nor could he rip open its belly with its spear. A small band of soldiers undertake a dangerous mission to break the resistance of a besieged city. Meanwhile, a lavish celebration is far from the safe haven it should be. Where one has flurries, the other has a chance of treason.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 20: A Winter Marvel by Tatiana Obey
23 Pages
• Synopsis: In a world where natural resources are stolen for magic, Ackee and her students are preparing for the annual winter recital. This year might be the deadliest winter recital yet. The statue was built to commemorate the Franish when they had slaughtered our warriors, murdered our monarchy, and forced the survivors to sign a treat that shackled the entire island and generations thereafter to indentured servitude. It was crazy how accustomed you got to walking past it--how time turned tombstones into landmarks...
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: injury, missing people, death
Day 21: Three Bells to Midnight by Kerstin Espinosa Rosero
23 Pages
• Synopsis: An epic fantasy tale in the gaslamp setting of Revmark. Driving a chariot is a glum affair, especially on Winter's Crest, but Henri needs the money. After meeting an unexpected passenger, she and her co-charioteer find themselves in a race against time to stop a shadow and save the children of Revmark. But they only have three bells to midnight..
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: death, fire injury, child abduction
Day 22: The Blood That Burns the Winter Snow by Ryan Cahill
18 Pages
• Synopsis: A tale from the world of The Bound and the Broken. Vars Bryer is a man of The Glade. He loves his wife, feels at peace in his home, and would give the air in his lungs to keep his children safe. But the past has finally found him, and it cares little for the wants and desires of men.
• Rating: 5/5
This would be a great introduction to the series. As an addition to the series, it's fantastic. I would love more of Vars and Freis in the future as main characters 🥰
• Author familiarity: familiar. Favorite author. Could happily reread this series on repeat.
• TW: death, injury
Day 23: Spirit of WhiteNight by Kian N. Ardalan
13 Pages
• Synopsis: Gale had promised he'd return by WhiteNight. Now, when a voice on the wind calls to Korean, who else could it be? Before an audience of fir trees brushed with snow, Gale promised to return before the next WhiteNight. Korean believed her son would come back to her. Even as she stared out of her window until the last day of sunlight faded behind the mountain, she believed. Until a voice slipped into her thoughts, unannounced. Her son called for her.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 24: The Last Page by Quenby Olson
14 Pages
• Synopsis: A magical historical fantasy set in Wales. In this 'Miss Percy's prequel, a certain Welsh witch must discover the confidence to save a life.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 1: The Patchskin Woman by Cal Black
23 Pages
• Synopsis: Old Slavik folklore based story where a young girl is sacrificed by her village to appease the Winter Queen for a mild winter.
• Rating: 4/5
Could easily see rating going up on rereads.
• Author familiarity: None, but willing to dig out more!
• TW: animal death
Day 2: Rite of the Tundra by Jim Wilbourne
15 Pages
• Synopsis: A Continua Chronicles Short Story. In the frigid heart of The Frozen Waste, young Remi embarks on a sacred rite of passage to prove his manhood. Guided by Lucien, a seasoned hunter, he must navigate the treacherous wilderness, conduct a sacred burial, and outwit elusive prey in a ritual hunt that tests his courage, determination, and wisdom.
• Rating: 3.5/5
I didn't feel connection to the story because I felt like all the writings in the catacombs should be characters I felt something for, and I know nothing of them. Even the two main characters, I wasn't really sure how they came together. I am intrigued enough to put the beginning of the series on my TBR list and reread this short story to see how my view on this changes.
• Author familiarity: None, a short story for The Continua Chronicles
•TW: death, minor grief
Day 3: Innocence Lost by H.C. Newell
17 Pages
• Synopsis: A dark fantasy story from the author of the Fallen Light series. Softly we pray deep in the night, when a touch of frost has snuffed out the light. Beware of the cursed, broken and torn, for they'll lead you asunder, into Hel reborn..
• Rating: 5/5
• Author familiarity: none. I plan to dig out as much as I can of her books.
• TW: Death, lost child, blood, grief
Day 4: Frosted Embers by L.L. MacRae
23 Pages
• Synopsis: For weeks he'd been freezing his arse off. Now, when it came to it, there was a good chance he'd burn alive. Heists are usually breaking in, but Tesaro needs to break something out. Unfortunately, the dragon he's freeing isn't all-powerful, alchemical golems patrol the city, and he himself has been exiled. And that's saying nothing of the freezing, colourless blight outside the dragon-powered city...
• Rating: 5/5
To be transparent, dragons are my weakness. There were dragons.
• Author familiarity: familiar, but I haven't had a chance to read her work yet. Glad to be getting a jump start with this anthology!!
• TW: grief
Day 5: Frozen Hell by Karim Soliman
26 Pages
• Synopsis: A family that defeats titans together, sticks fogether. Loosely inspired by Egyptian mythology crossed with a Norse setting, Frozen Hell follows a family in their fight to survive a vengeful titan.
• Rating: 5/5
This was an easy, enjoyable read. So far one of the favorites. As I'm unfamiliar with other stories, this feels like it's leading to something new? If it is, I'm in. If it's already out there, point me in the right direction. If nothing more comes out with this, I'll just pout in my corner--that's fine, I guess.
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW: death
Day 6: Soulshard by Thiago Abdalla
29 Pages
• Synopsis: Master. Apprentice. Outcasts. Saviors. A Diablo-inspired story focused on a demon hunter master and apprentice as they try to protect their order from corruption while dealing with their own personal posses.
• Rating: 4.5/5
That 0.5 taken off it feels undeserving. It's more like being too harsh, and I'm aware. This one was very well done, but there was just something unrecognizable that I felt was missing. For a short shory, it really should be 5/5, I think I just wanted more, not really a bad thing. Can't fault it for being short on a short story.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: blood, grief, death
Day 7: Blood Fire by Palmer Pickering
12 Pages
• Synopsis: A high-fantasy story featuring elementals, plant wisdom, and an oppressive religious order. The land and it's creatures want to be free and flourish. Those who seek to dominate and destroy the natural order risk the wrath of the elements and those who can wield them.
• Rating: 3/5
I honestly can't pick out any particular reason this is lower. It was enjoyable, I read it twice to be sure it wasn't me since I wasn't at my best the first time. I'll be very interested to read reviews from others on this one. Maybe it just went over my head. I hope others enjoyed it more and can help me see it in a better perspective!
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW:
Day 8: Cold Silver For Souls by Tori Tecken
21 Pages
• Synopsis: Whether I bring my mark back whole or in multiple pieces is up to him. Personally, I prefer to bring them back whole. A necromancer bounty hunter story set in a fantasy world inspired by the Yukon Gold Rush.
• Rating: 3.5/5
I think I'd enjoy this a lot more in the fall. 🍁 🍂 Marking with color emojis so I can find it faster for rereads!
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW:
Day 9: Border Crossing by A.R. Witham
19 Pages
• Synopsis: Muriel laughed, hard and sharp as the snow fell all around her. It's snowing. Underground. Muriel lives on the border of winter and summer, forced to live a harsh existence on the fringes of civilization where magic is still untamed. In this cruel place, surrounded by shadows that snatch children in the night, Muriel must protect her only daughter at all costs.
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Author familiarity: none.
• TW: death, domestic abuse, alcohol use
Day 10: A Cold Broad River by Tim Hardie
23 Pages
• Synopsis: "Let's just go to the Old Man's cabin, mark our names and we'll be back home before anyone knows we've been gone..." A Cold Broad River is the tale of four children carrying out a midwinter prank who get out of their depth. Set in the same world as Tim's Viking-inspired The Brotherhood of the Eagle series, this tale takes place in a different region, featuring a mysterious new enemy.
• Rating: 5/5
This was an easy, quick read. Entertaining, and bringing some light on the series. I'll be adding more of his books to my TBR
• Author familiarity: none. Though the series name sounds familiar.
• TW: missing child
Day 11: The Chrysmaws Case by Christer Lende
24 Pages
• Synopsis: The beast hunters face a race against the clock if they want to save their friend. When their companion vanished in the night, leaving behind a mysterious invitation to a gala, beast hunters Khendric and Topper ride hard to the ceremony to find her. They know they've stepped into a trap when they are the only ones who cannot leave the manor, and they must figure out who and what the culprit is before it's too late. Deals will be struck, words will be bent, riddles must be solved, and time will be altered--all in a race to outsmart the creature gunning for their heads... or their hearts.
• Rating: 4.5/5
Originally I had this as 2.5/5 -- I was in the wrong mood and so confused. I closed out a couple open books and reread this. It's lighter than the previous stories, so I read it in too serious of a tone and being confused just made me frustrated. This was a pleasant read once I got my own shit together. Sorry for the premature rating you didn't deserve.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: fire
Day 12: The Crypt of Ice by D.W. Ross
25 Pages
• Synopsis: Three men. One big payoff. Other treasure hunters have avoided this castle just because it looks empty. Right? "The Crypt of Ice" is a standalone short featuring three new characters set against a backdrop of a new world following on from the end of the Onyx ornament Chronicles. There might be some more from this whacky trio in the future ..
• Rating: 4.5/5
Lighter read with some humor.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 13: The Winter's Dance by Natalie Kelda
21 Pages
• Synopsis: Two women undertake a dangerous journey through a blizzard to prevent an eternal night. Tilia and her mother embark on a dangerous journey to the city of Glacierhús. They have to make it to the Spiregate Light Grove to help dance back the light but Tilia struggles with pneumonia while wild beasts and a snowstorm threaten to kill them before they get there...
Author's note: Low fantasy, shamanistic fantasy, Scandinavian-inspired setting and conlang, longest night of the year (called Polar night in our world when night lasts more than 24 hours).
• Rating: 4/5
This may go up on a reread. I am so tired and there's a good chance I should have waited to read this a day late.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: minor mention of animal death
Day 14: The Snowmaker's Child by Zack Argyle
8 Pages
• Synopsis: There is a tradition in Elmbeii on the eve of the first snowfall to place a pair of boots on the porch for the Snowmaker's Child. The Snowmaker's Child is a dark fairytale that follows a young girl left alone in a cabin while her father and brother are out hunting. She learns that some children's stories hold a glimmer of truth. At the same time, this is the backstory for a character appearing in the upcoming Symphony in the Skies series.
• Rating: 5/5
Small but mighty. A gripping story, incredibly, in a very short story.
• Author familiarity: familiar, audio and Kindle in my current library. Unread as of Dec 2023. Looking forward to a jumpstart into those books.
• TW: injury
Day 15: An Act of Patience by H.L. Tinsley
25 Pages
• Synopsis: The best time to truly disappear, is after everyone has stopped looking for you ... Pen is quite content to live out the rest of his meager life in prison. Until, that is, the mysterious Lady Grey challenges him to escape. Complete the challenge, and a big bag of coin is his reward--enough coin, perhaps, to save his life...
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: slightly familiar. I have a book on my TBR, still unread.
• TW: bodily fluids
Day 16: A Fighting Chance by Dom McDermott
16 Pages
• Synopsis: For four years the land has been in perpetual winter. Now, they have a chance to turn the tide. A small group of warriors undertake a dangerous mission. If they're successful, they'll give their friends a fighting chance of defeating the Winter King and stopping the forever-winter.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: slightly familiar. I know of Dom from the book community, but I don't follow him. I wasn't aware he had an interest in writing.
• TW:
Day 17: Beauty in the Void by J.D.L. Rosell
24 Pages
• Synopsis: A story set in Aolas, the world of the Legend of Tal series. A haunted bard searches for reconciliation and inspiration in the cold, dark depths of the mountains. But to follow his Muse, he must play--and play well--a dirge of death and blood..
• Rating: 3/5
This one struggled to capture my attention. Since I'm unfamiliar with the Legend of Tal series, I think this will be much better for those who are familiar.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 18: Before the Snow Melts by Andrew D. Meredith
20 Pages
• Synopsis: A Templar Files story in the same world as the Kallattian Saga. When a fresh body shows up in the even fresher snow, rumors of organized crime and the scramble to find shelter in the freak snowfall has Tobani ds er Llushor in for a cold awakening and the rekindling of a childhood friendship she thought she had lost.
• Rating: 4/5
This has so much vocabulary that I'm unfamiliar with where it would have been a possible 5/5 had I really known what was going on. I was able to follow along the best I could to enjoy it.
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 19: Flurries with a Chance of Treason by T.L. Greylock
30 Pages
• Synopsis: Winter did not negotiate. Nor could he rip open its belly with its spear. A small band of soldiers undertake a dangerous mission to break the resistance of a besieged city. Meanwhile, a lavish celebration is far from the safe haven it should be. Where one has flurries, the other has a chance of treason.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 20: A Winter Marvel by Tatiana Obey
23 Pages
• Synopsis: In a world where natural resources are stolen for magic, Ackee and her students are preparing for the annual winter recital. This year might be the deadliest winter recital yet. The statue was built to commemorate the Franish when they had slaughtered our warriors, murdered our monarchy, and forced the survivors to sign a treat that shackled the entire island and generations thereafter to indentured servitude. It was crazy how accustomed you got to walking past it--how time turned tombstones into landmarks...
• Rating: 4.5/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: injury, missing people, death
Day 21: Three Bells to Midnight by Kerstin Espinosa Rosero
23 Pages
• Synopsis: An epic fantasy tale in the gaslamp setting of Revmark. Driving a chariot is a glum affair, especially on Winter's Crest, but Henri needs the money. After meeting an unexpected passenger, she and her co-charioteer find themselves in a race against time to stop a shadow and save the children of Revmark. But they only have three bells to midnight..
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW: death, fire injury, child abduction
Day 22: The Blood That Burns the Winter Snow by Ryan Cahill
18 Pages
• Synopsis: A tale from the world of The Bound and the Broken. Vars Bryer is a man of The Glade. He loves his wife, feels at peace in his home, and would give the air in his lungs to keep his children safe. But the past has finally found him, and it cares little for the wants and desires of men.
• Rating: 5/5
This would be a great introduction to the series. As an addition to the series, it's fantastic. I would love more of Vars and Freis in the future as main characters 🥰
• Author familiarity: familiar. Favorite author. Could happily reread this series on repeat.
• TW: death, injury
Day 23: Spirit of WhiteNight by Kian N. Ardalan
13 Pages
• Synopsis: Gale had promised he'd return by WhiteNight. Now, when a voice on the wind calls to Korean, who else could it be? Before an audience of fir trees brushed with snow, Gale promised to return before the next WhiteNight. Korean believed her son would come back to her. Even as she stared out of her window until the last day of sunlight faded behind the mountain, she believed. Until a voice slipped into her thoughts, unannounced. Her son called for her.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
Day 24: The Last Page by Quenby Olson
14 Pages
• Synopsis: A magical historical fantasy set in Wales. In this 'Miss Percy's prequel, a certain Welsh witch must discover the confidence to save a life.
• Rating: 4/5
• Author familiarity: none
• TW:
nsheehan1228's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0