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7 Folds of Winter
Overview:
The world of Strathos is in dire peril. The Winter God has gone mad, dragging the world into an eternal blizzard. Can a band of strangers fulfill a broken prophecy or will the prophecy break them and all they hold dear?
The world of Strathos is in dire peril. The Winter God has gone mad, dragging the world into an eternal blizzard. Can a band of strangers fulfill a broken prophecy or will the prophecy break them and all they hold dear?
519 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2011
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538 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn McCray
136 books336 followersThis is a pen name of Goodreads author Cristyn West.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 20, 2011
7 Folds of Winter is a Young Adult Fantasy Fiction Novel and if you are looking for fantasy and an out of this world story to read, this is it.
The author, Carolyn McCray, puts a spin on creativity that knows no bounds. From the inventive names of the characters down to the imaginative plot, Ms. McCray’s creativity goes above and beyond the normal for a young adult fantasy.
It took me a few chapters to start to get the feel of the storyline, but once the characters all started coming into play, and the hero’s and villains became obvious the storyline took off running. I found myself very intently reading so as not to miss anything, and found the twists and turns attractive and exciting.
This is a great story that will pull you in and twirl you through a history unlike any other. It brings about prophecies that could only exist in the fictional world along with many creatures that are so in-depth and full of life.
As the story progresses, and the action gets more intense, I found myself pulled deeper into the story and wondering what would happen as the characters all came together. I found the way the characters and plot line intertwined to be rich and exciting and very imaginative.
The end of the book gives the opinion that this story will carry on into another book, and I looked forward to reading it when it does.
It is very obvious that Ms. McCray put a lot of thought into this book and her writing shows this very nicely. This was the first time I had read a book by Ms. McCray, and I look forward to reading others she has written.
The author, Carolyn McCray, puts a spin on creativity that knows no bounds. From the inventive names of the characters down to the imaginative plot, Ms. McCray’s creativity goes above and beyond the normal for a young adult fantasy.
It took me a few chapters to start to get the feel of the storyline, but once the characters all started coming into play, and the hero’s and villains became obvious the storyline took off running. I found myself very intently reading so as not to miss anything, and found the twists and turns attractive and exciting.
This is a great story that will pull you in and twirl you through a history unlike any other. It brings about prophecies that could only exist in the fictional world along with many creatures that are so in-depth and full of life.
As the story progresses, and the action gets more intense, I found myself pulled deeper into the story and wondering what would happen as the characters all came together. I found the way the characters and plot line intertwined to be rich and exciting and very imaginative.
The end of the book gives the opinion that this story will carry on into another book, and I looked forward to reading it when it does.
It is very obvious that Ms. McCray put a lot of thought into this book and her writing shows this very nicely. This was the first time I had read a book by Ms. McCray, and I look forward to reading others she has written.
February 22, 2013
This young adult fantasy is a fabulous, epic read. I thoroughly enjoyed the mythos of the world. The way the "legends" were told to the main characters, especially to The Man Who Did Not Know (how awesome is that for a hero name?) by his granny as stories told all throughout his childhood is simply fantastic. An oh so interesting way of presenting legend as also foretold and glimpses into the future.
I will certainly be looking for the next one, as I so much want to know more about The Hanged Man and oh so want to see The Way come into his own. It was very easy to fall in love with the characters in this book and want to help them, hold them and cheer for them. One of the best young adult fantasies I have read in a very long time.
Four out of five for Carolyn McCray.
I will certainly be looking for the next one, as I so much want to know more about The Hanged Man and oh so want to see The Way come into his own. It was very easy to fall in love with the characters in this book and want to help them, hold them and cheer for them. One of the best young adult fantasies I have read in a very long time.
Four out of five for Carolyn McCray.
November 30, 2018
Described as a sprawling YA fantasy epic, this sounded kinda promising, but I just couldn't get into it. There's simply too much going on. The whole thing is a chaotic, disjointed mess. None of the many story threads or characters managed to capture my attention, and at some point I just stopped caring entirely about what was going on.
May 24, 2013
Ah, reading this book was like visiting an old friend. Though I may wander into other genres, my heart will forever belong to epic fantasy! This book had all the things that make fantasy stories wonderful—romance, tragedy, danger, unrequited love, monsters, sorcery, magic…I could go on, but you get the gist.
The plot:
In this story, we follow 7+ points of view through the book’s 519 pages, discovering different details from different perspectives. I was glued to my iPhone screen and for quite some time had that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with the assurance of having a fun book to read when you finish your work.
The characters:
There is Trevan (The Man Who Did Not Know), who is probably the most prominent perspective. I liked him in spite of his arrogance and self-assurance which for me are real turn-off points for a character to have. Nonetheless, he does grow up and that was perhaps one of the best parts to watch.
There is Glacial (The Ice Princess) who is something of a pampered she-dog in the beginning, but shows her insecure, childlike side later. The Snowy Maiden (whose original name seems to have escaped me) was tied with Trevan for the title of “my favorite character.” The Snowy Maiden is a bit naïve and silly in the beginning, but I adored her and really felt for her when she falls in love with Trevan, yet is in love alone. (I wanted to clobber Trevan for being a womanizing cur sometimes. But he gets over it, so I guess that’s all that counts.)
The Corpse is exactly as you imagine—a walking dead man, literally. He was kind of funny because of his brutal honesty and shameless behavior. Though the idea of being around a frozen zombie was kind of creepy, his humorous influences made up for it.
Ornery, or The Way, is a half-centaur hybrid struggling with adolescence and identity issues. I felt sorry for him and really liked him even if I got frustrated with him plenty of times.
Holt and Ekoli were the vampyr and the fallen goddess who fall into a tragic romance that was sweet nonetheless. I’m really, really hoping for that blasted HEA in the next book because I get really, really mad when we don’t get one.
One thing that did bug me to no end were several passages where the male characters—namely Trevan, Holt, and Ornery—seem equate their flourishing love life or the lack thereof as a measure of their personal worth. Guys, take a hint from James Bond. He has all the gorgeous and glamorous gals, but at the end of the day, there isn’t really anybody who’d wait around for him or bring flowers to his grave once he keels over. In fact, odds are that most the people would come to his funeral just to make sure he’s dead.
By that same token, I really appreciated Ornery’s father, the centaur Dimitri, who has remained faithful to one mate his whole life (which is portrayed as extremely rare for a centaur here), even though they would sometimes be apart for years at a time. I like to see stories like that and it was one of the highlights in this book.
This book leaves an opening for another book and I very much hope the author continues to write this series because I think it was an excellent piece. I recommend it to fans of epic fantasy and probably some YA fantasy fans, even though I don’t think it falls within the lines of Young Adult.
The plot:
In this story, we follow 7+ points of view through the book’s 519 pages, discovering different details from different perspectives. I was glued to my iPhone screen and for quite some time had that warm fuzzy feeling that comes with the assurance of having a fun book to read when you finish your work.
The characters:
There is Trevan (The Man Who Did Not Know), who is probably the most prominent perspective. I liked him in spite of his arrogance and self-assurance which for me are real turn-off points for a character to have. Nonetheless, he does grow up and that was perhaps one of the best parts to watch.
There is Glacial (The Ice Princess) who is something of a pampered she-dog in the beginning, but shows her insecure, childlike side later. The Snowy Maiden (whose original name seems to have escaped me) was tied with Trevan for the title of “my favorite character.” The Snowy Maiden is a bit naïve and silly in the beginning, but I adored her and really felt for her when she falls in love with Trevan, yet is in love alone. (I wanted to clobber Trevan for being a womanizing cur sometimes. But he gets over it, so I guess that’s all that counts.)
The Corpse is exactly as you imagine—a walking dead man, literally. He was kind of funny because of his brutal honesty and shameless behavior. Though the idea of being around a frozen zombie was kind of creepy, his humorous influences made up for it.
Ornery, or The Way, is a half-centaur hybrid struggling with adolescence and identity issues. I felt sorry for him and really liked him even if I got frustrated with him plenty of times.
Holt and Ekoli were the vampyr and the fallen goddess who fall into a tragic romance that was sweet nonetheless. I’m really, really hoping for that blasted HEA in the next book because I get really, really mad when we don’t get one.
One thing that did bug me to no end were several passages where the male characters—namely Trevan, Holt, and Ornery—seem equate their flourishing love life or the lack thereof as a measure of their personal worth. Guys, take a hint from James Bond. He has all the gorgeous and glamorous gals, but at the end of the day, there isn’t really anybody who’d wait around for him or bring flowers to his grave once he keels over. In fact, odds are that most the people would come to his funeral just to make sure he’s dead.
By that same token, I really appreciated Ornery’s father, the centaur Dimitri, who has remained faithful to one mate his whole life (which is portrayed as extremely rare for a centaur here), even though they would sometimes be apart for years at a time. I like to see stories like that and it was one of the highlights in this book.
This book leaves an opening for another book and I very much hope the author continues to write this series because I think it was an excellent piece. I recommend it to fans of epic fantasy and probably some YA fantasy fans, even though I don’t think it falls within the lines of Young Adult.
June 25, 2017
ETA 2017-06-25: Welp. This book is no longer on Amazon, and not listed on her website, so I'm guessing we're not getting a sequel. That's a shame. :\
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ETA 2014-09-13: There will be a "rest of the series," hurray! According to the author (on Amazon), the rest of the "Mad God" series will be:
5 Pools of Spring
3 Keeps of Summer
The Well of Fall
And "7 Folds of Winter" is available as part of a collection of books:
Reader's Feast: Something for Everyone (A McCray Collection)
I'm quite pleased to have found that.
-----
ETA 2014-01-26: I periodically check for a sequel because I really enjoyed this book, and I've found that "7 Folds of Winter" is no longer available on Amazon. Does anyone have any idea why? Or if there will actually be a second book?
-----
2012-11-07: In my annoyance, I really want to take off a star (or three!!!) for there not being a second book in the series (I frantically searched when the first book abruptly ended, but found no mention on Goodreads, Amazon, or Google!), but that wouldn't be fair, or accurate, since I feel it really was worth all five stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was long, much longer than most e-books I've read, which I liked - gives you longer to get to know the characters. The way the story was told, the characters unfolded, the plot formed, it was something I haven't come across in a long time (I'm using this as a blanket statement, but it felt fresh enough that I'm not sure I've ever read a story told exactly this way before). It was rated as Young Adult+, and I think my 11 year old would also enjoy the story... Except that it stopped midway through the story! Talk about a cliffhanger!
-----
ETA 2014-09-13: There will be a "rest of the series," hurray! According to the author (on Amazon), the rest of the "Mad God" series will be:
5 Pools of Spring
3 Keeps of Summer
The Well of Fall
And "7 Folds of Winter" is available as part of a collection of books:
Reader's Feast: Something for Everyone (A McCray Collection)
I'm quite pleased to have found that.
-----
ETA 2014-01-26: I periodically check for a sequel because I really enjoyed this book, and I've found that "7 Folds of Winter" is no longer available on Amazon. Does anyone have any idea why? Or if there will actually be a second book?
-----
2012-11-07: In my annoyance, I really want to take off a star (or three!!!) for there not being a second book in the series (I frantically searched when the first book abruptly ended, but found no mention on Goodreads, Amazon, or Google!), but that wouldn't be fair, or accurate, since I feel it really was worth all five stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was long, much longer than most e-books I've read, which I liked - gives you longer to get to know the characters. The way the story was told, the characters unfolded, the plot formed, it was something I haven't come across in a long time (I'm using this as a blanket statement, but it felt fresh enough that I'm not sure I've ever read a story told exactly this way before). It was rated as Young Adult+, and I think my 11 year old would also enjoy the story... Except that it stopped midway through the story! Talk about a cliffhanger!
October 30, 2011
Following in the footsteps of great fantasy, sci-fi writers such as Mercedes Lackey and Anne McCaffrey, McCray does it again with her newest YA Fantasy “7 Folds of Winter.” Lucky for us this is first in a series because this is a great book. Immediately you are drawn into this story to the point where you don’t dare put it down because you just know when you do the hero is going to be sacrificed. It’s written in a way to suck you into the drama and into the world the author is creating.
McCray has a way of bringing you into the story without the long, drawn out scene descriptions that other authors use. She’s all about action. She winds the scene around the hero and his compatriots without you being aware she’s done it. This, to me, brings me into the story allowing me to see through the characters eyes, which also means that when I leave the story, I’m afraid it’s going to change because I’m not there moving them forward or protecting the hero from harm.
I have read several of Carolyn McCray’s books and every one is a page turner and this is certainly no exception. I’m proud to call Carolyn a friend and know that someday I’m going to be able to look back and say “I knew her when” because she, and her works of art, are going to be famous. This is a definite 5 star, must read book.
McCray has a way of bringing you into the story without the long, drawn out scene descriptions that other authors use. She’s all about action. She winds the scene around the hero and his compatriots without you being aware she’s done it. This, to me, brings me into the story allowing me to see through the characters eyes, which also means that when I leave the story, I’m afraid it’s going to change because I’m not there moving them forward or protecting the hero from harm.
I have read several of Carolyn McCray’s books and every one is a page turner and this is certainly no exception. I’m proud to call Carolyn a friend and know that someday I’m going to be able to look back and say “I knew her when” because she, and her works of art, are going to be famous. This is a definite 5 star, must read book.
December 28, 2011
This book could have been improved by a good editor. There were so many grammatical and spelling errors it got to be annoying to read. The story itself is good, but could have used some tightening up. I would have been disappointed to have spent more than ninety nine cents on it, but for the price, it is a good book.
January 2, 2013
LOVE IT!
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Finished last night and felt so lost. I missed the characters so.. So many threads yet not one conflict of fact! Well done! Can not wait to see the sequel!
I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Finished last night and felt so lost. I missed the characters so.. So many threads yet not one conflict of fact! Well done! Can not wait to see the sequel!
November 26, 2012
this book has everything
December 29, 2012
Good read. Keeps you turning the pages.
March 23, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! :)
June 20, 2017
Beautiful story
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the elements of a great story and will suit anyone's taste in reading
I really enjoyed this book. It has all the elements of a great story and will suit anyone's taste in reading
September 3, 2017
The story is great but now I need another book to continue the story. Sigh.
January 1, 2018
Wonderful Read
I couldn't put it down! I look forward to the next book in this series! Hopefully this author writes many more!
I couldn't put it down! I look forward to the next book in this series! Hopefully this author writes many more!
April 9, 2014
**According to the author the series will continue however not until possibly 2015--she is rather busy putting out the mysteries/police books--so...I guess I'll be waiting anxiously...**
This was surprisingly enthralling. I got it as part of a promotion the Indie Book Collective was running and thought it sounded pretty awesome. And truthfully this is exactly the kind of adventure/fantasy/romance I would have gobbled up and devoted entire days to rhapsodizing about. Would have re-read it twice before moving on to a new book. Yes, 15 year old Lexie would have been very happy.
27 year old Lexie however got a little irritated by the somewhat jumbled pacing of the book. The beginning follows three story lines principally--the Hero's (Traven), the Snowy Maiden's (Crystalia) and the Way's (Ornery). Traven and Crystalia cross paths fairly quickly, but just as quickly they diverge (her town is ten shades of crazy) and thus things get even more complicated as we follow Crystalia, Traven, Ornery, Madame Hesper, the Garrison Commander (of Crystalia's hometown), a couple of demons and random characters who are important to the story at various points.
Its not that I'm adverse to such tactics--you can't be if you read epic fantasy, its a prerequisite almost to use multiple POV's--but I was starting to lose the plot at times. Especially when Traven would fall into a memory about his Granny's stories and the author would use a kind of first person outside third person perspective wherein Traven would kind of acknowledge things from a first person experience while using third person pronouns. If that makes sense.
Once you understand how things are moving, and get used to the notion that once you begin to really like a plotline it'll get torn away for a new one that you may equally want to know more about, the story is very engaging. A mad God, a world on the brink, peoples and races aplenty struggling to survive and a whole slew of prophecies suddenly converging to make a bunch of people's lives chaotic. What's not to enjoy?
Character motivations are made pretty clear throughout the story, with some being shadowy and given a good examination later on (the exception being whoever is the one pulling the strings), but character relationships suffer at times. Crystalia begins the story as a restless, but mostly level-headed girl who knows her life is rather dull and not for her. When Traven arrives, and pays her a bit of attention, well it makes sense that she'd lose her head. What makes less sense is when they meet up again later on and she's all but had them married with a brood of children and home. McCray does acknowledge the delusional nature of Crystalia's understanding of the situation (and the fact her lovesick ways are used as ways to manipulate her by both good and evil).
What becomes abundantly clear however is that once the group has met McCray has issues with making them relatable to each other. Some of this is explained away by the fact they are all part of different prophecies and were meant to exist at different times, not all at once like they are, but it makes for a lot of awkward moments and strained realism that these people would ever want to be anywhere near each other for any reason.
As I said earlier this definitely would have appealed to me as a teenager. McCray combines romance, fantasy, mystery and darkness to make for an engaging read that surprised me at times. The inconsistencies and character relationship flaws will likely be smoothed over in the next book, which I can't wait to find out more about.
This was surprisingly enthralling. I got it as part of a promotion the Indie Book Collective was running and thought it sounded pretty awesome. And truthfully this is exactly the kind of adventure/fantasy/romance I would have gobbled up and devoted entire days to rhapsodizing about. Would have re-read it twice before moving on to a new book. Yes, 15 year old Lexie would have been very happy.
27 year old Lexie however got a little irritated by the somewhat jumbled pacing of the book. The beginning follows three story lines principally--the Hero's (Traven), the Snowy Maiden's (Crystalia) and the Way's (Ornery). Traven and Crystalia cross paths fairly quickly, but just as quickly they diverge (her town is ten shades of crazy) and thus things get even more complicated as we follow Crystalia, Traven, Ornery, Madame Hesper, the Garrison Commander (of Crystalia's hometown), a couple of demons and random characters who are important to the story at various points.
Its not that I'm adverse to such tactics--you can't be if you read epic fantasy, its a prerequisite almost to use multiple POV's--but I was starting to lose the plot at times. Especially when Traven would fall into a memory about his Granny's stories and the author would use a kind of first person outside third person perspective wherein Traven would kind of acknowledge things from a first person experience while using third person pronouns. If that makes sense.
Once you understand how things are moving, and get used to the notion that once you begin to really like a plotline it'll get torn away for a new one that you may equally want to know more about, the story is very engaging. A mad God, a world on the brink, peoples and races aplenty struggling to survive and a whole slew of prophecies suddenly converging to make a bunch of people's lives chaotic. What's not to enjoy?
Character motivations are made pretty clear throughout the story, with some being shadowy and given a good examination later on (the exception being whoever is the one pulling the strings), but character relationships suffer at times. Crystalia begins the story as a restless, but mostly level-headed girl who knows her life is rather dull and not for her. When Traven arrives, and pays her a bit of attention, well it makes sense that she'd lose her head. What makes less sense is when they meet up again later on and she's all but had them married with a brood of children and home. McCray does acknowledge the delusional nature of Crystalia's understanding of the situation (and the fact her lovesick ways are used as ways to manipulate her by both good and evil).
What becomes abundantly clear however is that once the group has met McCray has issues with making them relatable to each other. Some of this is explained away by the fact they are all part of different prophecies and were meant to exist at different times, not all at once like they are, but it makes for a lot of awkward moments and strained realism that these people would ever want to be anywhere near each other for any reason.
As I said earlier this definitely would have appealed to me as a teenager. McCray combines romance, fantasy, mystery and darkness to make for an engaging read that surprised me at times. The inconsistencies and character relationship flaws will likely be smoothed over in the next book, which I can't wait to find out more about.
July 13, 2012
This is a hard book to review because I haven’t read the first book but it has all the hallmarks of an epic series. The mad winter king has decided, as gods do, to destroy the world, more or less and our heroes and heroines are pitted against the blisteringly cold weather, suspicious townsfolk who get their kicks out of burning witches. There are plenty of strong female and male characters here who start out weak and are forced to confront their own fears and failings. There are very familiar mythological references here, birth, death and rebirth. The analogy of the dying goddess is one that springs to mind.
I found Travern and Chrystalia to be engaging characters who go through real changes on their journey to battle the winter king. There is magic, witchcraft and plenty of cold steel along with the usual slicing and dicing to keep most people entertained. The only criticism I’ve got is that you need to read the first book before starting this one, something I didn’t do. A fantasy book should stand on its own with only minimal references to earlier books. Perhaps a brief prologue or summing up might have lifted it.
But it has real potential to be a hit and it’s not strictly speaking a Young Adults novel, I suspect that’s the in thing these days to grab a slice of the market but it has appeal for big kids too, like me so don’t let the Young Adult title put you off.
A good read and now that I’ve read this one I do have to go back and read the first book to put myself fully into the picture.
I found Travern and Chrystalia to be engaging characters who go through real changes on their journey to battle the winter king. There is magic, witchcraft and plenty of cold steel along with the usual slicing and dicing to keep most people entertained. The only criticism I’ve got is that you need to read the first book before starting this one, something I didn’t do. A fantasy book should stand on its own with only minimal references to earlier books. Perhaps a brief prologue or summing up might have lifted it.
But it has real potential to be a hit and it’s not strictly speaking a Young Adults novel, I suspect that’s the in thing these days to grab a slice of the market but it has appeal for big kids too, like me so don’t let the Young Adult title put you off.
A good read and now that I’ve read this one I do have to go back and read the first book to put myself fully into the picture.
March 28, 2013
I didn't expect this...seriously I didn't. It was listed as YA and I was afraid it would all be based on silly teenagers love and infatuations. It wasn't so. There is a romantic triangle or to be more precise it is a square...but it didn't feel forced or silly or immature and it wasn't the focus of the story; the protagonists didn't make their decisions only according to their selfish feelings and that felt different and good.
All in all the story is an epic fantasy kind of story...long and both complex and easy at certain points. I loved how the old stories and legends were linked to prophecies and the destiny of the characters and I love how magic (or should I say magick) was rappresented in the book. The Man Who Did Not Know, The Way, The Ice Princess and the Snowy Maiden (who are two and the same), The Hanged Man, The Beauty, The Vampyr, The Fallen Goddess and Madame Hesper all seem to me, now that I finished the book, both real and mythological characters and that's something that I don't think it's easy to accomplish.
The only thing this book may have need of is a good editor, indeed, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the story all the same and I really hope there will be a sequel, since (while there's a sort of ending and the cliffhanger didn't leave me too much irritated which is something that usually happens in these situations) the adventure is far from concluded and I'm anxious to know more about this awesome fantasy world.
All in all the story is an epic fantasy kind of story...long and both complex and easy at certain points. I loved how the old stories and legends were linked to prophecies and the destiny of the characters and I love how magic (or should I say magick) was rappresented in the book. The Man Who Did Not Know, The Way, The Ice Princess and the Snowy Maiden (who are two and the same), The Hanged Man, The Beauty, The Vampyr, The Fallen Goddess and Madame Hesper all seem to me, now that I finished the book, both real and mythological characters and that's something that I don't think it's easy to accomplish.
The only thing this book may have need of is a good editor, indeed, but that didn't prevent me from enjoying the story all the same and I really hope there will be a sequel, since (while there's a sort of ending and the cliffhanger didn't leave me too much irritated which is something that usually happens in these situations) the adventure is far from concluded and I'm anxious to know more about this awesome fantasy world.
August 1, 2012
Long story, and very well worth it! I didn't realize how long the book is, but it moves along very quickly. There are more than a few errors (mostly typos) throughout the book which can be distracting. Luckily you can still understand what's going on.
The characters are interesting, and you get to read from the perspective of many of the characters: Traven, Crystalia, Holt, etc. The author has really created an entire world, complete with myths, history, gods, and everything else. I've read two of her other books, one of which I liked and the other which I could barely force myself force myself to finish. This book is WAY better than either of those - even the book I liked!
It sounds as though there could be sequels to this book, but I can't find any word about it...the ending of the book leads you to believe there is much more to come. It also leaves you hopeful for the characters; especially romance-wise!
I suppose my biggest hesitations about this book (besides the errors) is how easily each of the players gives in to their new found, super important role. Though I suppose this could be explained away in that they have grown up believing in the legends and gods...so basically not that big of a deal!
Definitely recommend :).
The characters are interesting, and you get to read from the perspective of many of the characters: Traven, Crystalia, Holt, etc. The author has really created an entire world, complete with myths, history, gods, and everything else. I've read two of her other books, one of which I liked and the other which I could barely force myself force myself to finish. This book is WAY better than either of those - even the book I liked!
It sounds as though there could be sequels to this book, but I can't find any word about it...the ending of the book leads you to believe there is much more to come. It also leaves you hopeful for the characters; especially romance-wise!
I suppose my biggest hesitations about this book (besides the errors) is how easily each of the players gives in to their new found, super important role. Though I suppose this could be explained away in that they have grown up believing in the legends and gods...so basically not that big of a deal!
Definitely recommend :).
May 31, 2013
I am by no means a Young Adult, however, I truly enjoyed The Seven Folds of Winter. I was able to get a free Kindle copy, and finished the read quickly. (The book is now in a bundle with 7 other books for $0.99! - Readers Feast: Something For Everyone) The book is well written, not plagued with quite as many of the editing errors that are rife among the free Kindle books. I wasn't confused by plot and subplot, and only laughed aloud when the book MEANT to be funny.
This story has the makings of quite an epic, with many threads and characters being drawn together, but the story has not ended! Not your typical fairy tale, with the young girl who decides to rescue herself, a hidden prince whose body is changing into a creature of myth - but different! An ice princess raised to do her duty - which now cannot be done. Fairies with attitude who protect the Folds, which are safe havens for those who are fighting the encroachment of never ending winter. And just who is on the side of good? Just what IS "good", anyway?
I look forward to more in this saga, hopefully the prodigious Ms. McCray's Muse has not deserted her on this tale!
This story has the makings of quite an epic, with many threads and characters being drawn together, but the story has not ended! Not your typical fairy tale, with the young girl who decides to rescue herself, a hidden prince whose body is changing into a creature of myth - but different! An ice princess raised to do her duty - which now cannot be done. Fairies with attitude who protect the Folds, which are safe havens for those who are fighting the encroachment of never ending winter. And just who is on the side of good? Just what IS "good", anyway?
I look forward to more in this saga, hopefully the prodigious Ms. McCray's Muse has not deserted her on this tale!
February 25, 2013
Chaotic and Difficult to Follow
Like the author, I love fantasy. And like the author I especially love Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. But there the similarity between Tolkien and this author ends.
While all Tolkien’s works have substance seasoned with bits of wisdom, strong characterization, and a moral message, 7 Folds of Winter has none of that. She introduces one mythological character after another without any purpose that I could find.
The internal conflicts her characters experience do more to muddle the story than to enhance it. Somewhere she did not understand that ALL parts of the book are to move the plot forward. They do not.
It was a difficult read. I would not recommend it to any age group.
Yet I still gave it two stars. It was not a complete wash. The author has potential. As of yet, however, she is not writing up to her potential.
Like the author, I love fantasy. And like the author I especially love Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. But there the similarity between Tolkien and this author ends.
While all Tolkien’s works have substance seasoned with bits of wisdom, strong characterization, and a moral message, 7 Folds of Winter has none of that. She introduces one mythological character after another without any purpose that I could find.
The internal conflicts her characters experience do more to muddle the story than to enhance it. Somewhere she did not understand that ALL parts of the book are to move the plot forward. They do not.
It was a difficult read. I would not recommend it to any age group.
Yet I still gave it two stars. It was not a complete wash. The author has potential. As of yet, however, she is not writing up to her potential.
June 9, 2013
Some books take a little bit to get "warmed" up. With this book, that was the case. At first, I didn't know if I was even going to really be able to finish it. I'm not really into this much fantasy. I was not disappointed by sticking it out and finishing the book. This book puts you into a world of magic, mystical creatures, Snow Maidens, Fairies and other beings.
This was written mainly for younger audiences. Normally, Ms. Mcray pens a book that is full of blood, guts, crime and horror. This was more easy going. (That is what it was, it was not a kick in the face as Plain Jane or her other books!) I would typically stear away from this genre of books...but I have been drawn into this new kind of book. I really do think I need to read more of these to see if it's something I'm going to like. In all it was a great story.
This was written mainly for younger audiences. Normally, Ms. Mcray pens a book that is full of blood, guts, crime and horror. This was more easy going. (That is what it was, it was not a kick in the face as Plain Jane or her other books!) I would typically stear away from this genre of books...but I have been drawn into this new kind of book. I really do think I need to read more of these to see if it's something I'm going to like. In all it was a great story.
July 22, 2013
I was initially drawn to this book by both the title and the cover art. Often, one or the other disappoints but certainly not in this case. Both represent this book perfectly, and on the cover you will recognize characters from the book. Carolyn McCray creates an engaging cast of extraordinary characters and an enchanting world of mythical beasts. The reader is drawn into a fantasy world of magical and icy landscapes and chandeliers made of ice, riveting battles, unlikely love connections, and sometimes overwhelming sadness for those characters lost in battle. This is a sizable book, but it reads easily in short sections that move back and forth between the main characters and their journeys. The characters are introduced slowly enough, and are so aptly named, that I never felt confused. I absolutely loved this book!
January 30, 2013
Except for one issue, I enjoyed this book. It seems a bit long to be advertised as YA, but it has been a long time since I was young. The YA label might discourage some adults which, would be a shame because it's a good fantasy for adults. I like long complex stories with many characters told from multiple points of view. This book fits my tastes exactly.
The one negative issue is the quantity of annoying typos. Most occurred in the second half and included even inconsistent spelling of characters' names.
I give this book 4 stars for the content but seriously considered downgrading that to 3 due to the poor proofreading. I decided that the story itself is more important than the typing and left the rating at 4 stars, but the author really needs to clean up the typos.
The one negative issue is the quantity of annoying typos. Most occurred in the second half and included even inconsistent spelling of characters' names.
I give this book 4 stars for the content but seriously considered downgrading that to 3 due to the poor proofreading. I decided that the story itself is more important than the typing and left the rating at 4 stars, but the author really needs to clean up the typos.
April 24, 2014
I read it. Took me quite some time though! I think that's because I didn't really connect with any of the characters besides Ornery. Even his character's voice became irritating at times! The passages would confusedly jump from character to character in high climax scenes. Then the character was "sure" of something and the way it needed to happen just as another character was highlighted and thinking the same way about themselves! Also, the descriptions for the fantastical places, people, and objects were vague and seemed to be hastily pieced together. Let's put it this way, it's categorized as YA for a reason.
June 30, 2012
Great Fantasy Novel! Loved the characters and the plot. Needs a good edit. Even though it was a longish book, there weren't any dragging places. Tons of action. Very imaginative world.
And also wanted to comment that people who bemoan 'Love at first sight' stories, have obviously never experienced it for themselves. It's rare and precious. There wouldn't be a cliché about it if it did not exist. So, please stop berating writers who have experienced it, and let us share that feeling with the less fortunate.
And also wanted to comment that people who bemoan 'Love at first sight' stories, have obviously never experienced it for themselves. It's rare and precious. There wouldn't be a cliché about it if it did not exist. So, please stop berating writers who have experienced it, and let us share that feeling with the less fortunate.
August 22, 2011
I loved this novel! I wasn't too sure about reading and reviewing it as I'm not really interested in YA but I'm glad I picked it up.
The charismatic characters, the intricate world created, each season being a God ... it was all wonderful! It's full of a great range of creatures and characters. All are great in and of themselves but together they make a fantastic team.
This novel makes me want to chew on a twig so maybe my true love with come calling too!
The charismatic characters, the intricate world created, each season being a God ... it was all wonderful! It's full of a great range of creatures and characters. All are great in and of themselves but together they make a fantastic team.
This novel makes me want to chew on a twig so maybe my true love with come calling too!
January 4, 2012
The characters were a wonderful splash of everything. The wolf was my favorite, he reminded me of my husband who is also overly excited for the next meal. The animated corpse was also a lot of fun, I liked his attitude, while everyone else was worried about the world and their futures the corpse seemed like he was just along for the ride.
June 20, 2013
I am only half way through this novel and I am finding this to be one of best I've read of this genre. The characters are heartfelt and engaging, its hard not to feel for them in the situations they face; both good and bad.
I am constantly impressed with Carolyn McCray's novels and this is turning out to be one of my favourites.
I am constantly impressed with Carolyn McCray's novels and this is turning out to be one of my favourites.
May 3, 2013
Fantastic story from the beginning until the end. The 7 Folds of Winter was one of the best fantasy adventure books I have ever read and I am an avid reader. I felt is was better than The Lord of the Rings Trilogy because the action was non-stop with many different twists. I can't wait to read the next story in this series.
May 23, 2013
I haven't read a fantasy book in a long time so it took a minite to get into it. It was very interesting. I bought it in a reader's feast (a compilation of the authors writings)so I'm not sure if I got the whole book. It seemed like it ended all of a sudden. Maybe there is a series. I'll have to look into it. Good book. Entertaining. Good versus evil like all fantasy books.
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