A review by jupiter_01
Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I found this novel really inspiring for my own writing. Adored the atmosphere, the premise, and the world building! Absolutely loved the idea of the woods being alive and a little evil. Hope the author delves more into it at some point!

I don't think it was as insta-lovey as other reviewers have noted. To me, it seemed more like Nora was off-kilter because of her conflicted feelings about being lonely and the fact that her powers had begun to manifest. I also didn't mind the repetition.

Learning about the elder witches was a very cool edition and just like the woods, I wish we knew more!

Some of my favourite descriptions:
  • "They have limbs that sway ... instead of moan and crack; they aren't old enough to hold grudges ... not like ... the Wicker Woods."
  • "I feel like I'll never be warm again. Like I can feel tree roots growing ... inside my bones, and soon they'll ... tear through my skin and push thorns from my eyes."
  • "Better to not remember the woods. Or how dark the dark can be."
  • "By morning, Oliver will be gone. Melted into the floor like a boy made of snow. A trick of the woods."
  • "We see heartache coming from a mile away ... but we don't know how to step out of the way."
  • "My heart cracked so deeply it split open and my shadow side spilled out like black mud."
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