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ltyl's review
4.0
Minor grammatical errors aside, this was a good read. Be warned, this book is quite dark. Also, Teyr is a badass. Love her!
truestorydesu's review
2.0
That took way too damn long to read. Full review t/k, but...I mean, I fell asleep reading this five times. Five. That does not bode well.
cheyannelepka's review
5.0
*** Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for providing me with a free eARC of this book ***
The first thing I have to say about this book is that it is brutal. And I loved every minute of it. Selby has created a completely brutal world, thrown in a badass female ex-soldier, - a war crow - and mixed it all up with a fantastic dose of magic. The world is completely immersive, and at no point does he hold the reader’s hand, rather the reader is dropped in an expected to follow along - my favourite way to experience a book. Even better is how the information about the brews in this book is revealed. I call it magic, but really, what they do is use the plants found in the natural world to create elixirs that affect the drinker’s attributes. So there are brews for strength, for enhanced sight, the list goes on and on. But none of this is really spelled out, rather the reader gets to experience it, and even more it’s made clear the stakes behind using the brews - it’s hard on the body and if made improperly can be deadly.
Teyr’s voice was incredible, and it was almost as if I could hear her talking to me from the page. The way she regarded the world, her hopes and fears, were so clear through the writing - which was gorgeous - and yet it was never monologuey or anything like that. And it is rare to find a female character like Teyr - a completely badass veteran - and the most important part of the book is that she’s just allowed to exist like that. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the other characters in the book are just as well-formed, and I got so attached to all of them.
What I loved most about this book, is how it completely shattered my heart. Though it was a little slow to get into, I was somehow hooked and completely invested without even realizing it. It’s been a long time since I just sat there and cried after finishing a book, and this one did it for me. All I could think was that this is how fantasy ought to be written. I wasn’t sold on the format at first - switching back and forth between past and present tense first person got a little confusing, but once I was used to it, I completely understood why, and then when I got to the last part of the book, that’s when my heart really took a beating.
So, in terms of recommending this book - it’s not for everyone. It’s violent, gritty and dark, and the reader is thrown in with little explanation. So, for readers who tend towards grim-dark and gritty military fantasy, definitely give this one a go.
The first thing I have to say about this book is that it is brutal. And I loved every minute of it. Selby has created a completely brutal world, thrown in a badass female ex-soldier, - a war crow - and mixed it all up with a fantastic dose of magic. The world is completely immersive, and at no point does he hold the reader’s hand, rather the reader is dropped in an expected to follow along - my favourite way to experience a book. Even better is how the information about the brews in this book is revealed. I call it magic, but really, what they do is use the plants found in the natural world to create elixirs that affect the drinker’s attributes. So there are brews for strength, for enhanced sight, the list goes on and on. But none of this is really spelled out, rather the reader gets to experience it, and even more it’s made clear the stakes behind using the brews - it’s hard on the body and if made improperly can be deadly.
Teyr’s voice was incredible, and it was almost as if I could hear her talking to me from the page. The way she regarded the world, her hopes and fears, were so clear through the writing - which was gorgeous - and yet it was never monologuey or anything like that. And it is rare to find a female character like Teyr - a completely badass veteran - and the most important part of the book is that she’s just allowed to exist like that. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the other characters in the book are just as well-formed, and I got so attached to all of them.
What I loved most about this book, is how it completely shattered my heart. Though it was a little slow to get into, I was somehow hooked and completely invested without even realizing it. It’s been a long time since I just sat there and cried after finishing a book, and this one did it for me. All I could think was that this is how fantasy ought to be written. I wasn’t sold on the format at first - switching back and forth between past and present tense first person got a little confusing, but once I was used to it, I completely understood why, and then when I got to the last part of the book, that’s when my heart really took a beating.
So, in terms of recommending this book - it’s not for everyone. It’s violent, gritty and dark, and the reader is thrown in with little explanation. So, for readers who tend towards grim-dark and gritty military fantasy, definitely give this one a go.
alwroteabook's review
5.0
Review here - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2018/11/15/review-the-winter-road-by-adrian-selby/
its_justine's review
5.0
But there’s a knot, must be in all of us, mustn’t it, a protectiveness when we think of the fields, faces and songs that rise in our memories on our thinking of home.
There’s a steep price to pay, both in coin and blood, in making sure the paths that lead home are safe for those seeking their bloodlands. For the Circle is vast and rife with a wildness and dangers and mysteries that none until now have attempted to tame. Teyr Amondsen, ex-soldier of renown, hopes to use the wealth she has gained over the years of countless battles to build a road that will unite the fractured clans and bring secure and fair trade to all. Shortly after embarking on her perilous mission, she bears witness to the ruthless acts of a merciless warlord who intends to unify the Circle through fear, forcing her to change tactics, only to be met with crushing loss. Regardless of the trials she faces, Teyr’s fortitude will see her through the cold, dark winter, and she means to see her dreams come to fruition, no matter the cost.
The Winter Road is a brutally and beautifully intense, emotional tale of perseverance, of revenge, and of love and loyalty. While I anticipated the pages to be oozing with action and soaked in blood, I don’t think I was truly prepared for the level of sentimentality that formed the backbone of this stunning book. It was traumatic and harrowing, but you never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, even when it appears all hope is lost. It begins with chapters alternating between the past and the present, smartly and comfortably submerging the reader into a world with an already-developed history, then blooms into an epic journey peppered with battles, deceit, and aid in unexpected places.
Selby’s characterization is absolutely incredible - he has created some of the most in-depth and three-dimensional characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of being introduced to. With a relatively large cast and quite a few names to remember, I cannot think of even one that felt shallow in the slightest. Teyr is, by far, my favorite female lead that has ever graced the pages of any fantasy story I’ve read over the years. She’s strong, honest, with a drive that surely causes envy amongst her peers, however, she has weaknesses that are so often overlooked when creating a genuinely badass warrior, making her feel completely human and, in turn, fragile. Khiese’s development is also brilliant. He is everything opposite expected of a warlord - small and slight, but with a sharp mind and as much tenacity as our leading lady. They are each a formidable enemy to the other, making the conflict authentic and engaging. Each of Selby’s supporting characters, no matter how inconsequential they may seem, play a huge role in fleshing out and advancing this story, often adding another note of emotional turmoil that draws you in deeper.
Observing the world through the eyes of Teyr Amondon, we’re fully immersed in a turbulent and treacherous setting, where only the strong survive, and oftentimes those meet resistance, as well. Throughout you’ll find gems that vividly depict the harshness of the land and the misfortunes the characters meet.
The furs have been made to fit me, for winter comes to the Circle and it rouses the ghosts of these lands, howling over the rocks, clawing like a bear.
We suffer the freeze. We rejoice in the thaw. We cross the Circle and feel the mud underneath our fingernails and smell the sharp aroma of plant needed for brews. It is a world so gorgeously painted and memorable, and one that definitely envelopes readers with its vastness.
The Winter Road was one of my most anticipated books of 2018 and the only disappointment was in myself for waiting so long to finally get to it - we’ll just have to label it one of my favorite reads of 2019. I’m excited to see if the author returns us to this world in the future, because there are plenty of rich aspects and interesting people I would definitely love to learn more about. If you’re on the hunt for something dark with a lot of heart, seek no further, this is the one you’re looking for. I highly recommend.
There’s a steep price to pay, both in coin and blood, in making sure the paths that lead home are safe for those seeking their bloodlands. For the Circle is vast and rife with a wildness and dangers and mysteries that none until now have attempted to tame. Teyr Amondsen, ex-soldier of renown, hopes to use the wealth she has gained over the years of countless battles to build a road that will unite the fractured clans and bring secure and fair trade to all. Shortly after embarking on her perilous mission, she bears witness to the ruthless acts of a merciless warlord who intends to unify the Circle through fear, forcing her to change tactics, only to be met with crushing loss. Regardless of the trials she faces, Teyr’s fortitude will see her through the cold, dark winter, and she means to see her dreams come to fruition, no matter the cost.
The Winter Road is a brutally and beautifully intense, emotional tale of perseverance, of revenge, and of love and loyalty. While I anticipated the pages to be oozing with action and soaked in blood, I don’t think I was truly prepared for the level of sentimentality that formed the backbone of this stunning book. It was traumatic and harrowing, but you never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel, even when it appears all hope is lost. It begins with chapters alternating between the past and the present, smartly and comfortably submerging the reader into a world with an already-developed history, then blooms into an epic journey peppered with battles, deceit, and aid in unexpected places.
Selby’s characterization is absolutely incredible - he has created some of the most in-depth and three-dimensional characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of being introduced to. With a relatively large cast and quite a few names to remember, I cannot think of even one that felt shallow in the slightest. Teyr is, by far, my favorite female lead that has ever graced the pages of any fantasy story I’ve read over the years. She’s strong, honest, with a drive that surely causes envy amongst her peers, however, she has weaknesses that are so often overlooked when creating a genuinely badass warrior, making her feel completely human and, in turn, fragile. Khiese’s development is also brilliant. He is everything opposite expected of a warlord - small and slight, but with a sharp mind and as much tenacity as our leading lady. They are each a formidable enemy to the other, making the conflict authentic and engaging. Each of Selby’s supporting characters, no matter how inconsequential they may seem, play a huge role in fleshing out and advancing this story, often adding another note of emotional turmoil that draws you in deeper.
Observing the world through the eyes of Teyr Amondon, we’re fully immersed in a turbulent and treacherous setting, where only the strong survive, and oftentimes those meet resistance, as well. Throughout you’ll find gems that vividly depict the harshness of the land and the misfortunes the characters meet.
The furs have been made to fit me, for winter comes to the Circle and it rouses the ghosts of these lands, howling over the rocks, clawing like a bear.
We suffer the freeze. We rejoice in the thaw. We cross the Circle and feel the mud underneath our fingernails and smell the sharp aroma of plant needed for brews. It is a world so gorgeously painted and memorable, and one that definitely envelopes readers with its vastness.
The Winter Road was one of my most anticipated books of 2018 and the only disappointment was in myself for waiting so long to finally get to it - we’ll just have to label it one of my favorite reads of 2019. I’m excited to see if the author returns us to this world in the future, because there are plenty of rich aspects and interesting people I would definitely love to learn more about. If you’re on the hunt for something dark with a lot of heart, seek no further, this is the one you’re looking for. I highly recommend.
nick_borrelli's review
5.0
4 1/2 stars
Adrian Selby's name has been on the tongues of many readers lately and it's mostly glowing in nature. THE WINTER ROAD is the Welsh author's second full-length novel (the first being Snakewood, set in the same world as this one). It was with a great deal of excitement that I was able to procure an advance copy of his latest novel just as the aforementioned buzz was reaching its pinnacle. The story of THE WINTER ROAD takes place in an area of land known as "The Circle". The Circle is structured just as it sounds, with various clan territories laid out in a circular arrangement on the map surrounding a dense forest patch in the middle called The Almet. The story is told in the form of a dual timeline of then and now, which lends a nice flow to the narrative in that we get to see how things progressed to their current situation through alternating chapters. I enjoy reading books that use this technique a lot so I was encouraged right from the start that I would probably be sucked into this story. Main character Teyr Amondsen was once a mercenary but is now a merchant trying to build a life for herself with her husband and young son. She also has another important desire though, and that is to unite the fractured clans of The Circle by building a trade road that cuts straight through from one end to the other. Teyr believes by constructing this road that it will not only open up trade among the clans, but also open communication that will be vital to bringing peace to the land once and for all. The problem is that the road will have to cut through the volatile area of The Almet where a ruthless warlord named Khiese has staked his claim. Khiese and his warrior Whiteboys (named for the white chalk that they use to paint their face and bodies) have been extending their attacks beyond the central Almet to the outer clan villages, which proves more than problematic for Teyr's plans. Khiese's goal is to bring everyone under his heel and for the clans to swear fealty to him as the supreme leader of the region.
So it is against this tumultuous background that Teyr and her caravan must set out to begin making plans for the road. It doesn't take long however for Teyr and her cohorts to stumble upon the first ravaged clan settlement, and it becomes quickly evident that she must deal with the immediate threat posed by the barbarous Khiese before any hope of uniting the clans in peace can take place. What follows are some incredibly intense battles, both physical and emotional, which test Teyr's will to its absolute fullest. Teyr is put through the ringer and tested mightily as she struggles with her desire to fulfill her dream plus keep her family together, against merely surviving the relentless and brutal attacks of the Whiteboys. As she travels from clan settlement to clan settlement she comes across a mostly beaten populace, many of whom have been forced to follow Khiese and his twisted campaign of annihilation. There is hope though as Teyr is armed with both the knowledge and instincts that she acquired in her past life as a mercenary and also the medicinal/magical properties of special plants which can be brewed to bestow certain strengths and attributes. Will that be enough to repel the growing menace of Khiese and the Whiteboys, or will Teyr, her family, and her people also eventually bow to the oppressive tyranny that is taking hold across The Circle? One thing is certain: it won't be easy, not by a long shot.
THE WINTER ROAD had me hooked from the very first pages. My initial impression was that this was going to be an incredibly violent and brutal book. Oh and that it is! In fact there are sections that are extremely difficult to get through because of the savage violence. Having said that, it never made me want to stop reading because the violence is a product of the setting and the characters. The Circle ain't a very nice place and these characters have been hardened by it to the point where the only way to survive in this harshest of environments is to kill first and ask questions later. The weak do not survive very long in The Circle to be sure. I was also quite fascinated and connected to the main character Teyr in a way that I haven't been to any character in some of my recent reads. Teyr is one of the strongest female characters you will ever come across and this was incredibly refreshing and a joy to experience. There's no Mary Sue in Teyr Amondsen, that's for darn sure. Strong female characters should be celebrated and Selby has given us one here in Teyr. Read this book if only for that reason, but luckily for us there are many more reasons than that. The dual timeline storyline worked amazingly well for me as I had a feeling that it would. Selby makes effective use of this technique and throughout the book as we go back in time, we get snippets and hints of the eventual conflict to come which is handled beautifully. Then there's the world-building which I thought was some of the best I've ever encountered. The Circle is a complex and mysterious place and the central forest holds even further mysteries, which really gives the story a sense of foreboding and suspense that just raises it far above your ordinary fantasy book. I thoroughly enjoyed THE WINTER ROAD by Adrian Selby and recommend it to anyone who loves their fantasy with a lot of Grimdark but also with a lot of emotion. I heard someone else describe this book as "Grimdark with heart" and I think that is a very accurate description in many ways. My advice is to try not to be put off by the violence in the beginning of the book because if you stick with it, you will be so richly rewarded with a tremendous story that checks off all the required boxes. Pick it up and read it soon, you won't regret it.
Adrian Selby's name has been on the tongues of many readers lately and it's mostly glowing in nature. THE WINTER ROAD is the Welsh author's second full-length novel (the first being Snakewood, set in the same world as this one). It was with a great deal of excitement that I was able to procure an advance copy of his latest novel just as the aforementioned buzz was reaching its pinnacle. The story of THE WINTER ROAD takes place in an area of land known as "The Circle". The Circle is structured just as it sounds, with various clan territories laid out in a circular arrangement on the map surrounding a dense forest patch in the middle called The Almet. The story is told in the form of a dual timeline of then and now, which lends a nice flow to the narrative in that we get to see how things progressed to their current situation through alternating chapters. I enjoy reading books that use this technique a lot so I was encouraged right from the start that I would probably be sucked into this story. Main character Teyr Amondsen was once a mercenary but is now a merchant trying to build a life for herself with her husband and young son. She also has another important desire though, and that is to unite the fractured clans of The Circle by building a trade road that cuts straight through from one end to the other. Teyr believes by constructing this road that it will not only open up trade among the clans, but also open communication that will be vital to bringing peace to the land once and for all. The problem is that the road will have to cut through the volatile area of The Almet where a ruthless warlord named Khiese has staked his claim. Khiese and his warrior Whiteboys (named for the white chalk that they use to paint their face and bodies) have been extending their attacks beyond the central Almet to the outer clan villages, which proves more than problematic for Teyr's plans. Khiese's goal is to bring everyone under his heel and for the clans to swear fealty to him as the supreme leader of the region.
So it is against this tumultuous background that Teyr and her caravan must set out to begin making plans for the road. It doesn't take long however for Teyr and her cohorts to stumble upon the first ravaged clan settlement, and it becomes quickly evident that she must deal with the immediate threat posed by the barbarous Khiese before any hope of uniting the clans in peace can take place. What follows are some incredibly intense battles, both physical and emotional, which test Teyr's will to its absolute fullest. Teyr is put through the ringer and tested mightily as she struggles with her desire to fulfill her dream plus keep her family together, against merely surviving the relentless and brutal attacks of the Whiteboys. As she travels from clan settlement to clan settlement she comes across a mostly beaten populace, many of whom have been forced to follow Khiese and his twisted campaign of annihilation. There is hope though as Teyr is armed with both the knowledge and instincts that she acquired in her past life as a mercenary and also the medicinal/magical properties of special plants which can be brewed to bestow certain strengths and attributes. Will that be enough to repel the growing menace of Khiese and the Whiteboys, or will Teyr, her family, and her people also eventually bow to the oppressive tyranny that is taking hold across The Circle? One thing is certain: it won't be easy, not by a long shot.
THE WINTER ROAD had me hooked from the very first pages. My initial impression was that this was going to be an incredibly violent and brutal book. Oh and that it is! In fact there are sections that are extremely difficult to get through because of the savage violence. Having said that, it never made me want to stop reading because the violence is a product of the setting and the characters. The Circle ain't a very nice place and these characters have been hardened by it to the point where the only way to survive in this harshest of environments is to kill first and ask questions later. The weak do not survive very long in The Circle to be sure. I was also quite fascinated and connected to the main character Teyr in a way that I haven't been to any character in some of my recent reads. Teyr is one of the strongest female characters you will ever come across and this was incredibly refreshing and a joy to experience. There's no Mary Sue in Teyr Amondsen, that's for darn sure. Strong female characters should be celebrated and Selby has given us one here in Teyr. Read this book if only for that reason, but luckily for us there are many more reasons than that. The dual timeline storyline worked amazingly well for me as I had a feeling that it would. Selby makes effective use of this technique and throughout the book as we go back in time, we get snippets and hints of the eventual conflict to come which is handled beautifully. Then there's the world-building which I thought was some of the best I've ever encountered. The Circle is a complex and mysterious place and the central forest holds even further mysteries, which really gives the story a sense of foreboding and suspense that just raises it far above your ordinary fantasy book. I thoroughly enjoyed THE WINTER ROAD by Adrian Selby and recommend it to anyone who loves their fantasy with a lot of Grimdark but also with a lot of emotion. I heard someone else describe this book as "Grimdark with heart" and I think that is a very accurate description in many ways. My advice is to try not to be put off by the violence in the beginning of the book because if you stick with it, you will be so richly rewarded with a tremendous story that checks off all the required boxes. Pick it up and read it soon, you won't regret it.
annarella's review
5.0
How come I never heard about this author before ? I was wondering while I was reading this book and being enthralled by what I was reading.
It's amazing, powerful, full of emotions and a lot of fun to read.
I loved it and I couldn't put it down. It was a great discovery and a joy to read.
I don't know if I'm able to express all the pleasure I had in reading and how I found this book amazing.
I can only write that I was left craving for more.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for this ARC
It's amazing, powerful, full of emotions and a lot of fun to read.
I loved it and I couldn't put it down. It was a great discovery and a joy to read.
I don't know if I'm able to express all the pleasure I had in reading and how I found this book amazing.
I can only write that I was left craving for more.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and Netgalley for this ARC