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Winter: A Tale of Cursed & Stolen Things
"Your greatest flaw is that you don't even know who you are."
Intelligent but wistful farmer, Marvin Whitaker, has been farming rutabagas and parsnips since before he could eat them, and he has the brawn to prove it. Marvin has big dreams for himself as a historian and scholar, but there is one thing holding him back from earning the respect of his esteemed his unwavering belief in a fantastical fairytale from his childhood. With the help and encouragement of his beloved mentor, Doctor Bartholomew Kane, Marvin’s success seems inevitable.
Just as his desire for academic acclaim threatens his commitment to the magical story, he discovers new evidence that propels him into a destiny greater than he ever dreamed possible. Along the way, Marvin befriends a self-loathing winter spirit, and a bitter, cave-dwelling hermit with a mysterious past. The band of misfits find their fates intertwined across centuries as they face off against the most insidious evil to ever threaten their The Thief. Thrust into a story greater than his own, Marvin must face the truth about his identity as he learns that sometimes big dreams are still too small, and that the truth is always worth fighting for.
Intelligent but wistful farmer, Marvin Whitaker, has been farming rutabagas and parsnips since before he could eat them, and he has the brawn to prove it. Marvin has big dreams for himself as a historian and scholar, but there is one thing holding him back from earning the respect of his esteemed his unwavering belief in a fantastical fairytale from his childhood. With the help and encouragement of his beloved mentor, Doctor Bartholomew Kane, Marvin’s success seems inevitable.
Just as his desire for academic acclaim threatens his commitment to the magical story, he discovers new evidence that propels him into a destiny greater than he ever dreamed possible. Along the way, Marvin befriends a self-loathing winter spirit, and a bitter, cave-dwelling hermit with a mysterious past. The band of misfits find their fates intertwined across centuries as they face off against the most insidious evil to ever threaten their The Thief. Thrust into a story greater than his own, Marvin must face the truth about his identity as he learns that sometimes big dreams are still too small, and that the truth is always worth fighting for.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2023
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 10, 2024
Marvin Whitaker, a farmer with big dreams of becoming a historian, finds himself torn between his academic aspirations and his unwavering belief in a fantastical fairytale from his childhood. With the guidance of his mentor, Doctor Bartholomew Kane, Marvin's journey takes a remarkable turn when he discovers new evidence that propels him into a destiny beyond his wildest imagination.
Joined by a cast of intriguing characters, including a self-loathing winter spirit and a mysterious hermit, Marvin embarks on an epic quest to confront the most insidious evil threatening their realms: The Thief. As the story unfolds, Marvin learns the true meaning of identity, courage, and the power of belief.
The author skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. With its rich storytelling and compelling characters, "Winter" evokes the spirit of classic tales like Disney's "Atlantis," where the protagonist's unwavering belief in a fantastical story leads to extraordinary discoveries.
"Winter" is a mesmerizing read that will leave readers enchanted and longing for more. Perfect for fans of fantasy and adventure, this book is a captivating journey into the realms of imagination and possibility.
Joined by a cast of intriguing characters, including a self-loathing winter spirit and a mysterious hermit, Marvin embarks on an epic quest to confront the most insidious evil threatening their realms: The Thief. As the story unfolds, Marvin learns the true meaning of identity, courage, and the power of belief.
The author skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. With its rich storytelling and compelling characters, "Winter" evokes the spirit of classic tales like Disney's "Atlantis," where the protagonist's unwavering belief in a fantastical story leads to extraordinary discoveries.
"Winter" is a mesmerizing read that will leave readers enchanted and longing for more. Perfect for fans of fantasy and adventure, this book is a captivating journey into the realms of imagination and possibility.
July 31, 2023
Have you ever believed in something so deeply that you are willing to risk everything to prove to others it exists? Marvin Whitaker did. He was so positive that the story of Tuuli, the princess who cursed her land with the harshest winter, was not folklore that he took off in search of proof. His journey was full of life-threatening challenges, not only for himself but the people he encountered along the way. And the end will only leave you wanting more.
I thoroughly enjoyed following the story of Marvin and his search for proof. The book bounces back and forth between different times and different perspectives. Once you get into the book, it isn’t too difficult to follow who is talking and when it is happening. The adventure kept me, as a reader, hoping for the proof that Marvin was seeking and kept me reading. There were a few places where I would get confused between two characters because their names are very similar and not typical names heard, and that, combined with the point of view changes led to some confusion for me. However, there was nothing a little rereading didn’t fix. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to YA and adult fantasy readers.
I thoroughly enjoyed following the story of Marvin and his search for proof. The book bounces back and forth between different times and different perspectives. Once you get into the book, it isn’t too difficult to follow who is talking and when it is happening. The adventure kept me, as a reader, hoping for the proof that Marvin was seeking and kept me reading. There were a few places where I would get confused between two characters because their names are very similar and not typical names heard, and that, combined with the point of view changes led to some confusion for me. However, there was nothing a little rereading didn’t fix. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and would recommend it to YA and adult fantasy readers.
February 6, 2024
Who doesn't love a story that allows you to grow with the characters? I personally love a story that pulls me in and makes me feel like a part of the adventure. Alysson has done just this with Winter.
When an ordinary person takes to an extraordinary adventure, it gives you hope that our own lives can be turned into an adventure worthy of writing down. From the moment of meeting Marvin, I fell in love with his personality. The band of friends that he gathers as his adventure continues are full of vibrant life and make the story enchanted.
The writing was easy to follow and a perfect fantasy story for young adults. There are no worries about obscene gestures or situations that would not be appropriate for the whole family.
I shared this reading with my 12 year old daughter, and we both enjoyed the book and the bonding experience of conversations about the story. I highly recommend this book.
When an ordinary person takes to an extraordinary adventure, it gives you hope that our own lives can be turned into an adventure worthy of writing down. From the moment of meeting Marvin, I fell in love with his personality. The band of friends that he gathers as his adventure continues are full of vibrant life and make the story enchanted.
The writing was easy to follow and a perfect fantasy story for young adults. There are no worries about obscene gestures or situations that would not be appropriate for the whole family.
I shared this reading with my 12 year old daughter, and we both enjoyed the book and the bonding experience of conversations about the story. I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2023
According to the Acknowledgments section of her book, Alysson Dotson had the idea for Winter: A Tale of Cursed and Stolen Things for a long time. (I also know this because Alysson and I were part of an Author's Signing event, linked to an Open House at the Metropolis (IL.) Public Library. She was enthusiastic in explaining how the story idea came to be, and her joy in writing it was more than enough motivation to start reading her book soon after we met.)
Winter involves an old-fashioned tale of a hero/farmer/professor who longs to prove the truth of a myth about a faraway land. The story includes a princess, a faithful dog, and an evil person bent on destroying any sort of goodness he comes across.
What's impressive about Dotson's book is that this is her first novel.
It is a well-written, engaging, and satisfying read!
Winter involves an old-fashioned tale of a hero/farmer/professor who longs to prove the truth of a myth about a faraway land. The story includes a princess, a faithful dog, and an evil person bent on destroying any sort of goodness he comes across.
What's impressive about Dotson's book is that this is her first novel.
It is a well-written, engaging, and satisfying read!
December 5, 2023
If you’re looking for another traditional, standard, basic fantasy novel, look elsewhere. This is anything but. It’s fantasy, yes, but there are no sweaty dragon riders or lusty vampires, and the only spice is in the cooking. There are swordfights, but no knights in shining armor. Your hero here is actually a history teacher named Marvin, but he’s one of the most interesting characters I’ve seen in some time.
Yes, seriously.
The pacing is slower, but never plodding. It’s thoughtful. It’s patient. The writing itself is lovely. The characters and the plot help create what reads to me like a modern day fairy tale in all the best ways. It’s earnest, it’s honest. It’s heartfelt and often bittersweet.
It was, honestly, different than I expected, and wonderfully so.
If you’re looking for a sweet, fun, lovely change of pace, this is the book for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
Yes, seriously.
The pacing is slower, but never plodding. It’s thoughtful. It’s patient. The writing itself is lovely. The characters and the plot help create what reads to me like a modern day fairy tale in all the best ways. It’s earnest, it’s honest. It’s heartfelt and often bittersweet.
It was, honestly, different than I expected, and wonderfully so.
If you’re looking for a sweet, fun, lovely change of pace, this is the book for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
March 9, 2023
I loved this book! It pulled me into this snowy, magical land right along with the characters! It is definitely a page turner! I highly recommend this book! Amazing work for a first time published author. I can hardly wait to see what else she will have in store!
March 25, 2024
Very enjoyable first outing for the author. I hope she writes more. Clean, adventure.
June 10, 2024
A gripping and whimsical tale!
August 6, 2023
"Life itself is the most wonderful fairytale" - Hand Christian Anderson
This was such a wonderfully and hilarious fairytale filled with a ragtag group of heros all full of sass. There were twists throughout the book I wasn't expecting and a story of love and heartbreak that was as refreshing as ....Winter 🤔😋. A villain as ancient as The Nothing from The Neverending Story as well! I loved the heros canine companion! Worth every star and quite a journey you take reading it.
This was such a wonderfully and hilarious fairytale filled with a ragtag group of heros all full of sass. There were twists throughout the book I wasn't expecting and a story of love and heartbreak that was as refreshing as ....Winter 🤔😋. A villain as ancient as The Nothing from The Neverending Story as well! I loved the heros canine companion! Worth every star and quite a journey you take reading it.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews