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A review by leannarapier
The Winter King by Christine Cohen
5.0
I really enjoyed this story. It’s something I would have fallen in love with at 13, but was still a superb story to read as an adult. There’s perhaps a little bit of a Narnia vibe to it. Though the protagonists is a girl, it’s not a girly story. Not because Cora isn’t feminine, but because she faces trials that anyone can empathize with. I think my son would enjoy this fantasy too, and I’m going to recommend it to him.
Even though the entirety of the story takes place almost solely within the limits of a remote town, you get the impression that it’s part of a much larger world. The town lives in fear of their Winter King and Cora is determined to confront him and uncover the truth. I appreciate how Cora grows to realize that sometimes doing the right thing, but in the wrong way, hurts those she wants to help.
I also really like the two male characters Peder and Marten. The romantic elements are mild and don’t drown the story. They are really more about friendship than romance. Both boys show kindness to Cora, but there is a clear distinction between the respectfulness of Peder and the arrogance of Marten. Peder is the sort of boy I’d like my son to be like, while Marten is the sort I’d want my daughter to steer clear of. However, despite the underlying cruel nature of Marten, I don’t think he’s completely irredeemable. He is sadly a product of his cruel father. I would love to see a future story with his POV where he comes to see the error of his ways. Also, hopefully a glimpse of the southern lands.
Even though the entirety of the story takes place almost solely within the limits of a remote town, you get the impression that it’s part of a much larger world. The town lives in fear of their Winter King and Cora is determined to confront him and uncover the truth. I appreciate how Cora grows to realize that sometimes doing the right thing, but in the wrong way, hurts those she wants to help.
I also really like the two male characters Peder and Marten. The romantic elements are mild and don’t drown the story. They are really more about friendship than romance. Both boys show kindness to Cora, but there is a clear distinction between the respectfulness of Peder and the arrogance of Marten. Peder is the sort of boy I’d like my son to be like, while Marten is the sort I’d want my daughter to steer clear of. However, despite the underlying cruel nature of Marten, I don’t think he’s completely irredeemable. He is sadly a product of his cruel father. I would love to see a future story with his POV where he comes to see the error of his ways. Also, hopefully a glimpse of the southern lands.