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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
Please excuse me while I go sob and anxiously await book 3’s arrival
I knew this book would wreck me. I'll be back with more words when I stop sobbing.
_____________
Full review:
"A damsel with her own dagger is worth far more than a white knight."
Have you ever read a book that you just don't want to end? Winter of the Wicked is that book for me. JL Vampa's writing is like coming home, after a very long and anxiety-ridden separation.
I didn't re-read Autumn of the Grimoire - I didn't need to. The story of The Sisters Solstice lived on in my head for months. I don't know how to review this book in my usual fashion, my heart is left raw and open after this novel. With swollen eyes from tears cried, let's try anyways.
“For the love of the goddess,” she snapped. “Cease your squabbling, you whores!"
I had a few food laughs. I smiled. I giggled. I got angry. I delayed my reading because I couldn't imagine departing from these characters and their stories, so I drew it out as long as I could. I cried. I recovered. I sobbed. My chest heaved inwards and collapsed under the weight on Winnie's shoulders.
This book broke through part of my traumas, it wedged through the lip under the door in which I shut firmly. There are words to sum up such immense talent, but I am left reeling, in search of them.
"Let down your battlements, Winnie. The limitations you have are placed there by you and you alone. The walls around you are not real. Let them down. Knock them down. Never shrink, dove. You are wild. Free. There is no cage unless you lock yourself in.”
The premise of this book continues to follow Grimm and Agatha, though with added focus on Sister Winter, Winnie. JL Vampa uses multiple POVs to deliver the story while building the plot. As the characters have been separated to achieve separate goals that will contribute to the overall "mission", the reader begins to understand the dynamic between the Sisters Solstice more so than in Autumn of the Grimoire.
In true Vampa fashion, the historical fiction packed within these 450 pages only serves to build the plot and advance the story - every element has most assuredly been thought out and paced in the most elegant manner. JL Vampa's writing is enchantingly detailed, devastatingly poetic, and gracefully atmospheric.
"She should’ve taken a stand all those years ago when she’d had the chance. Alas, she had not. And therefore resigned herself to a life of dancing with her ghosts."
I adored the addition of memories within the chapters as it lends a helping hand to understand the responsibility and burdens that Winnie as the eldest Sister bear,and how that has contributed to her character.
I can't say much more about the plot, because I will rabbit on about it.
"To breathe is to live. To bleed is to feel. And she is nothing. A ghoul in the shadow of a willow weeping. Pillaging the wreckage, sifting for her soul."
The life lessons in this book, the family, the trials and tribulations, the sorrow, grief, immeasurable burdens, and love is written with the utmost consideration to the reality of life, such beauty, honesty and grace. The women of this series are, without a doubt, some of the strongest and progressive female characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The men are also something of their own league, with love gracing the deepest and darkest hollows of their souls - offering their support to only strengthen the women they love - never to hinder.
I cannot praise JL Vampa enough, nor her work with this series and especially Winter of the Wicked. My whole heart is here, in this book. My hat's off to you, @jlvampa. This story has bewitched me.
"Awaken, he sang. Rise, wild one."
_____________
Full review:
"A damsel with her own dagger is worth far more than a white knight."
Have you ever read a book that you just don't want to end? Winter of the Wicked is that book for me. JL Vampa's writing is like coming home, after a very long and anxiety-ridden separation.
I didn't re-read Autumn of the Grimoire - I didn't need to. The story of The Sisters Solstice lived on in my head for months. I don't know how to review this book in my usual fashion, my heart is left raw and open after this novel. With swollen eyes from tears cried, let's try anyways.
“For the love of the goddess,” she snapped. “Cease your squabbling, you whores!"
I had a few food laughs. I smiled. I giggled. I got angry. I delayed my reading because I couldn't imagine departing from these characters and their stories, so I drew it out as long as I could. I cried. I recovered. I sobbed. My chest heaved inwards and collapsed under the weight on Winnie's shoulders.
This book broke through part of my traumas, it wedged through the lip under the door in which I shut firmly. There are words to sum up such immense talent, but I am left reeling, in search of them.
"Let down your battlements, Winnie. The limitations you have are placed there by you and you alone. The walls around you are not real. Let them down. Knock them down. Never shrink, dove. You are wild. Free. There is no cage unless you lock yourself in.”
The premise of this book continues to follow Grimm and Agatha, though with added focus on Sister Winter, Winnie. JL Vampa uses multiple POVs to deliver the story while building the plot. As the characters have been separated to achieve separate goals that will contribute to the overall "mission", the reader begins to understand the dynamic between the Sisters Solstice more so than in Autumn of the Grimoire.
In true Vampa fashion, the historical fiction packed within these 450 pages only serves to build the plot and advance the story - every element has most assuredly been thought out and paced in the most elegant manner. JL Vampa's writing is enchantingly detailed, devastatingly poetic, and gracefully atmospheric.
"She should’ve taken a stand all those years ago when she’d had the chance. Alas, she had not. And therefore resigned herself to a life of dancing with her ghosts."
I adored the addition of memories within the chapters as it lends a helping hand to understand the responsibility and burdens that Winnie as the eldest Sister bear,and how that has contributed to her character.
I can't say much more about the plot, because I will rabbit on about it.
"To breathe is to live. To bleed is to feel. And she is nothing. A ghoul in the shadow of a willow weeping. Pillaging the wreckage, sifting for her soul."
The life lessons in this book, the family, the trials and tribulations, the sorrow, grief, immeasurable burdens, and love is written with the utmost consideration to the reality of life, such beauty, honesty and grace. The women of this series are, without a doubt, some of the strongest and progressive female characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The men are also something of their own league, with love gracing the deepest and darkest hollows of their souls - offering their support to only strengthen the women they love - never to hinder.
I cannot praise JL Vampa enough, nor her work with this series and especially Winter of the Wicked. My whole heart is here, in this book. My hat's off to you, @jlvampa. This story has bewitched me.
"Awaken, he sang. Rise, wild one."
As someone who spends 90% of her life living in winter (yay buffalo -.-), the vibe of this book perfectly encapsulates that feeling of being stuck inside on a cold winter day, the world blizzarding around you, and your toes always freezing no matter how close they get to the fireplace. Of course, this has nothing to do with the plotline of the book, but it gives off the same vibe nonetheless.
**SPOILER FOR FIRST BOOK IN SERIES**
This book follows the Winter sister and her adventures after Autumn destroys the Grimoire and how they all pick up the pieces afterward. I loved this series (so far) and I love how it follows a different sister each season. You really get to know each sister through her book and I'm so excited to hear what's in store for Spring and Summer!
*I was given these books as an advanced reader by bookinfluencers.com in exchange for my honest review*
**SPOILER FOR FIRST BOOK IN SERIES**
This book follows the Winter sister and her adventures after Autumn destroys the Grimoire and how they all pick up the pieces afterward. I loved this series (so far) and I love how it follows a different sister each season. You really get to know each sister through her book and I'm so excited to hear what's in store for Spring and Summer!
*I was given these books as an advanced reader by bookinfluencers.com in exchange for my honest review*
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Man, this is a cliffhanger book. A stunning follow up to Autumn of The Grimoire, and youngest sister of the solstice Agatha, we now get to hear from eldest, Wendolyn. We have all the old gang still around, trying to solve the mysteries, and a new crop of characters to fall for. I love reading the different perspectives of family members, so this was right in my wheelhouse. Winnie's magic differs enough from Aggie's to give a better glimpse of how magic works in this world. I love the ongoing relationship building, both platonic and romantic. The deeper look into the pantheon the work with, and the history of their world. I did not like some of the scenes of the Magus's nefarious actions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Medical content, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I find these characters so comforting. I like reading about them. And the world building and whatnot.
I also enjoy J. L. Vampa’s writing style and her comedy. I’m looking forward to what huge cliff-hanger she’ll end the next book on.
I also enjoy J. L. Vampa’s writing style and her comedy. I’m looking forward to what huge cliff-hanger she’ll end the next book on.
adventurous
dark
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated