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Daughter of Winter #5
Winter's Vengeance
Uncertain allies, faltering battle plans, and a shocking future. The legacy is no longer what it seemed.
Broken by the horrors she experienced at the hand of their Druidic leader, Brydie and those she loves escape to Faerie. There, shattered by grief and with her spirit fractured, she must begin the road to healing while still forging the path that fate demands of her.
The shadow of war is a burgeoning storm cloud on the horizon, and the need to secure allies is more pressing than ever. Brydie must navigate her way through tenuous relationships to reawaken long-dead alliances with Fae, dwarves, and selkies—even as the weight of a terrible secret threatens to shatter all hope for her future.
Destiny awaits, and so does her final altercation with the Dark One, but first, vengeance must be wrought.
Winter’s Vengeance is the fifth book in a gripping fantasy series based on the legends behind the winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. The series draws you into a world of Celtic mythology, powerful Druids, dark magic, and fated mates.
Reader Discretion: Please be advised that this book contains violence, rape, and sexual content and is strictly for adult audiences only.
Broken by the horrors she experienced at the hand of their Druidic leader, Brydie and those she loves escape to Faerie. There, shattered by grief and with her spirit fractured, she must begin the road to healing while still forging the path that fate demands of her.
The shadow of war is a burgeoning storm cloud on the horizon, and the need to secure allies is more pressing than ever. Brydie must navigate her way through tenuous relationships to reawaken long-dead alliances with Fae, dwarves, and selkies—even as the weight of a terrible secret threatens to shatter all hope for her future.
Destiny awaits, and so does her final altercation with the Dark One, but first, vengeance must be wrought.
Winter’s Vengeance is the fifth book in a gripping fantasy series based on the legends behind the winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. The series draws you into a world of Celtic mythology, powerful Druids, dark magic, and fated mates.
Reader Discretion: Please be advised that this book contains violence, rape, and sexual content and is strictly for adult audiences only.
439 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
246 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
Corina Douglas
21 books797 followersCorina Douglas lives in New Zealand with her husband and four kids. If she's not running her indie editing business, Burning Legacies Publishing, she can be found exploring the forest, doing that stretchy yoga thing, or with her nose in a good book.
She writes dark fantasy romance stories based on Celtic mythology, with a special focus on Scottish, Irish, and Welsh folklore. Her stories are full of emotional punch, fast-paced action, and morally grey heroes.
You can find her at all the usual places below:
Website: www.corinadouglas.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corina.dougla...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/CDouglas_author
Facebook: https://facebook.com/corina.douglas.a...
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/CDouglas_author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
She writes dark fantasy romance stories based on Celtic mythology, with a special focus on Scottish, Irish, and Welsh folklore. Her stories are full of emotional punch, fast-paced action, and morally grey heroes.
You can find her at all the usual places below:
Website: www.corinadouglas.com
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corina.dougla...
Instagram: https://instagram.com/CDouglas_author
Facebook: https://facebook.com/corina.douglas.a...
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/CDouglas_author
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 10, 2021
This latest book in the author's Celtic fantasy series takes the confrontation between good and evil to a whole new level of intensity.
The plot moves the reader toward a tumultuous battle in the ancient past, and pits the main character Brydie and her allies against a key enemy in the present.
The parallelism between climactic events long ago and present day makes for a very exciting storyline that kept me engaged throughout. The emotion almost seemed a bit too raw at times, but ultimately I thought it brought new insight to what drove the main characters and really brought them to life.
The plot moves the reader toward a tumultuous battle in the ancient past, and pits the main character Brydie and her allies against a key enemy in the present.
The parallelism between climactic events long ago and present day makes for a very exciting storyline that kept me engaged throughout. The emotion almost seemed a bit too raw at times, but ultimately I thought it brought new insight to what drove the main characters and really brought them to life.
June 7, 2021
Oh it gets darker ... and lighter. But not only that: The extremes get their own details taking the reader on a journey to the depths of emotions and relationships. All that is between siblings, enemies, oppressors and their victims and the bittersweetness of romantic love. Definitely a novel for a mature audience but captivating, inspiring and addictive all at the same times. By now a huge fan waiting for the last installment of the Daughter of Winter Series by Corina Douglas. Well done - again!
May 30, 2021
Douglas does it again! As she expands her story, the reader is carried into a myriad of worlds, legends and myths. Her characters are defined not only by their ancestry and abilities, but also their struggles to remain true to themselves and the epic battle of good versus evil. Will love really conquer all?
January 29, 2022
entangling
This book is entangling in the fact that it draws the reader in many different ways. I recommend it to all adults.
This book is entangling in the fact that it draws the reader in many different ways. I recommend it to all adults.
August 9, 2022
What an ending!
The cliffhanger is killing me but this was my favorite book of the series! I can’t wait for the last book!
The cliffhanger is killing me but this was my favorite book of the series! I can’t wait for the last book!
July 19, 2024
Justice
July 9, 2021
Wow Just Wow
I really don't know how to put into words how this book left me feeling, so many twists and turns and things you just really don't see coming. Brydie's Evolution through these books has been excellently written, how she has come into her power and the cross overs between her and Cailleach has been so beautifully done. All of Corina's characters have organically developed some in ways you wouldn't expect and I think this is why I love reading her books so much. I will be so sad to see this series end with the next book, I can't wait to read it though. After the end of the Daughter of Winter series I will look forward to The Morrigan and all that come after. Thanks again Corina for sharing your amazing stories with us
I really don't know how to put into words how this book left me feeling, so many twists and turns and things you just really don't see coming. Brydie's Evolution through these books has been excellently written, how she has come into her power and the cross overs between her and Cailleach has been so beautifully done. All of Corina's characters have organically developed some in ways you wouldn't expect and I think this is why I love reading her books so much. I will be so sad to see this series end with the next book, I can't wait to read it though. After the end of the Daughter of Winter series I will look forward to The Morrigan and all that come after. Thanks again Corina for sharing your amazing stories with us
August 4, 2021
Somehow Corina exceeds your expectations AGAIN! Winter's Vengeance is skillfully written to allow you to escape your world and transport you to the world of magic, hope, desperation, betrayal, fear, intricate relationships, cliff hangers and everything in between. It is truly a page turners, and if you do manage to put it down, it definitely continues to play in your mind until you get to pick it back up again!
October 29, 2021
WOW, I cannot wait for the next installment, this was quite intense in all that has happened so far. I'm not sure my heart can't take it. Totally in love with the characters, you need to give this series a go, you won't be disappointed
June 19, 2021
Oh Snap! I didn’t see that coming...
As fabulous as the previous books but leaving me craving more. So much has happened and many things answered with more building up to what I hope to be a riveting finale in book 6. A fine tale indeed.
As fabulous as the previous books but leaving me craving more. So much has happened and many things answered with more building up to what I hope to be a riveting finale in book 6. A fine tale indeed.
May 31, 2021
Yowzah! So Intense! The page-turning intensity of this story was crazy! Loved it! Ms. Douglas has outdone herself. A quote from the story I am contemplating: "Because she'd experienced a love that had not only crippled her but a love that had transcended all of time, and for that reason, she'd experienced LIFE." Cailleach
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
July 3, 2021
Great story
Love the depth of character given to each character. The storyline is compelling. The pace of the story is just right' keeping the interest level high. Wonderful story.
Love the depth of character given to each character. The storyline is compelling. The pace of the story is just right' keeping the interest level high. Wonderful story.
June 8, 2021
Once again Ms. Douglas has produced a book I had trouble putting down. Each time I come to the end of the chapter, she was forcing me to read on, and on, and on. She does an excellent job of putting in her stories just enough intense action in her fight scenes that pulls me inside the action. I can’t think of a better way to spend my free time than curling up with some of her books. However, I must say that at times I am looking over my shoulder hoping the bad guys aren’t lurking behind my couch; she pulls me into her stories that much. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting an emotional rush.
March 26, 2023
Based on Girom's participation in protecting Gra, I'm pretty sure Chloe is meant to be their healer.
Gage, represents Drust, the guardian/warrior.
Mackenzie, represents Drust's sister, a powerful dream walker.
Ian, represents half of Girom, as he is a Lore Keeper and Girom is one of the wise ones.
Chloe, represents half of Girom as well, as she is a descendant of a druid, it can be assumed that she's a healer.
I know it doesn't make sense, even I can say that it doesn't make sense when I put everything.
I have a feeling that the tithe that the phoenix would want in return of saving Chloe is the pendant in her neck that was in her family for centuries. If ever they defeated Talorgan and vanquish Arawn then there won't ever be a need for the pendant, because there's no more danger.
Brighid is freaking selfish.
Is she pregnant or is it normal that she's carrying his scent with her?
So you mean to tell me that after everything that they went through, they still won't end up together forever. I mean, they won't have their own happy ever after. That's absurd.
Haven't they noticed that something is amiss with Logan?
I'm currently stressed by the twists and turns in this book. Which only means that it is written well and the author really did put their soul into this book. But I'm still frustrated with everything that is happening.
I knew it. I've been saying this ever since the book where their relationship became rocky. I already suspected that Ian is the traitor and my suspicion was verified when Brydie saw that his mark was fading.
I'm almost in the end. Can't wait for the twist with Logan.
Gage, represents Drust, the guardian/warrior.
Mackenzie, represents Drust's sister, a powerful dream walker.
Ian, represents half of Girom, as he is a Lore Keeper and Girom is one of the wise ones.
Chloe, represents half of Girom as well, as she is a descendant of a druid, it can be assumed that she's a healer.
I know it doesn't make sense, even I can say that it doesn't make sense when I put everything.
I have a feeling that the tithe that the phoenix would want in return of saving Chloe is the pendant in her neck that was in her family for centuries. If ever they defeated Talorgan and vanquish Arawn then there won't ever be a need for the pendant, because there's no more danger.
Brighid is freaking selfish.
Is she pregnant or is it normal that she's carrying his scent with her?
So you mean to tell me that after everything that they went through, they still won't end up together forever. I mean, they won't have their own happy ever after. That's absurd.
Haven't they noticed that something is amiss with Logan?
I'm currently stressed by the twists and turns in this book. Which only means that it is written well and the author really did put their soul into this book. But I'm still frustrated with everything that is happening.
I knew it. I've been saying this ever since the book where their relationship became rocky. I already suspected that Ian is the traitor and my suspicion was verified when Brydie saw that his mark was fading.
I'm almost in the end. Can't wait for the twist with Logan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2024
This book did not do the series any favors. I really struggled with finishing it and question whether to finish the series.
1. All of sudden Talorgan has a conscious??? I did not buy into it AT ALL. He was absolutely horrid the first 4 novels and all of sudden he’s second guessing his deal with the devil. No thank you.
2. The whole basis of the decedents. As their name eludes to- i figured the dependents would have had familial ties to the group designated to keep Gra safe. But we learn that Ike is a decedent of Girom?? Whats the point of calling them decedents if they’re not? We also were told in book 1 that none of the decedents could hurt Brydie. But then Ian decides to betray the team?! Doesn’t fall in line with them being tied to the prophesy.
3. Too many side conflicts arose this book. Having Logan fall under Talorgans spell is just unnecessary? The crew is already dealing with the escape from the institute, Chloe’s blindness, Callum’s threat, binding together the fae, dwarves and selkies, Gage building a relationship with his son. Not to mention the side quest of fixing the fae curse. It was just completely unnecessary for Logan to roped into the fray like this when we had SO MUCH to dive into. We already know he probably played a bigger role in the series given we’ve had multiple people discuss the fact he’s not a magical dud.
Overall, very sad to see such a promising series fall apart this book. I FLEW through books 1-3. Book 4 was significantly slower but not terrible. I will likely still read books 6, but i am desperately hoping for a redemption arc.
1. All of sudden Talorgan has a conscious??? I did not buy into it AT ALL. He was absolutely horrid the first 4 novels and all of sudden he’s second guessing his deal with the devil. No thank you.
2. The whole basis of the decedents. As their name eludes to- i figured the dependents would have had familial ties to the group designated to keep Gra safe. But we learn that Ike is a decedent of Girom?? Whats the point of calling them decedents if they’re not? We also were told in book 1 that none of the decedents could hurt Brydie. But then Ian decides to betray the team?! Doesn’t fall in line with them being tied to the prophesy.
3. Too many side conflicts arose this book. Having Logan fall under Talorgans spell is just unnecessary? The crew is already dealing with the escape from the institute, Chloe’s blindness, Callum’s threat, binding together the fae, dwarves and selkies, Gage building a relationship with his son. Not to mention the side quest of fixing the fae curse. It was just completely unnecessary for Logan to roped into the fray like this when we had SO MUCH to dive into. We already know he probably played a bigger role in the series given we’ve had multiple people discuss the fact he’s not a magical dud.
Overall, very sad to see such a promising series fall apart this book. I FLEW through books 1-3. Book 4 was significantly slower but not terrible. I will likely still read books 6, but i am desperately hoping for a redemption arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2021
Wowzers
One of my favorite authors does it again. Intense and high stakes. Kept me turning the page and excited to get back to it once the kiddos were in bed. Also there are some nuggets in there like this one: "there were no easy paths in life, only choice. And from those choices, life was lived—embraced." Can't wait for the finale!!
For those who like content disclaimers: NSLV
One of my favorite authors does it again. Intense and high stakes. Kept me turning the page and excited to get back to it once the kiddos were in bed. Also there are some nuggets in there like this one: "there were no easy paths in life, only choice. And from those choices, life was lived—embraced." Can't wait for the finale!!
For those who like content disclaimers: NSLV
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed the fifth instalment in the Daughter of Winter series. Brydie is growing into her powers and her relationship with Gage is hotting up. However there is plenty of action and angst as they gather their allies to launch an attack on Callum and his cronies. Will they succeed? And what will it take to rescue the world from an evil so great I doubt even the talented team will defeat it. Stay tuned for the finale!
October 1, 2023
Another fantastic addition to the Daughter of Winter series.
These are by far my favourite fantasy books.
I loved that this story focused more on the Celtic Gods and the build up to both wars, past and future.
I also loved the addition of the Fae to the series.
Corina has an addictive flair in her writing, her style similar to Karen Marie Moning and Sarah J Maas.
I can't wait to read the conclusion to the series. I'll have it on pre-order as soon as it's available.
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
These are by far my favourite fantasy books.
I loved that this story focused more on the Celtic Gods and the build up to both wars, past and future.
I also loved the addition of the Fae to the series.
Corina has an addictive flair in her writing, her style similar to Karen Marie Moning and Sarah J Maas.
I can't wait to read the conclusion to the series. I'll have it on pre-order as soon as it's available.
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 8, 2024
The writing has only gotten worse, and the absence of a decent editor and/or proofreader more obvious. It reads like a first draft. An entire section was duplicated early on. Typos and formatting errors throughout. I finally started taking notes as though I were editing it with a red pen, and that’s the only way I made it to the end. The story deserves so much better than this; there’s real potential here, but this is very disappointing.
June 5, 2025
Im glad everyone is back safe- but im terrified Logan is going to die in the next book, I feel like hes been touched too many times.
And Im really excited Chloe might actually get her sight back now that we know the fae magic will work on her
I wish Brydie would tell Gage what she knows, but then he would just try to stop her self sacrifice that will be what kills Talogren.
And Im really excited Chloe might actually get her sight back now that we know the fae magic will work on her
I wish Brydie would tell Gage what she knows, but then he would just try to stop her self sacrifice that will be what kills Talogren.
August 4, 2024
Brilliant!
This series just keeps delivering. So many twist that I’m excited to find out how it will end. Do yourself a favour and read the whole series.
This series just keeps delivering. So many twist that I’m excited to find out how it will end. Do yourself a favour and read the whole series.
October 28, 2024
I am absolutely loving this series and it's getting so good. I don't want to stop reading it. Love love love this series.
April 29, 2025
keeps you on the edge of your seat. absolutely stunning piece of writing I couldn't get enough.
August 8, 2023
After a jarring cliffhanger at the end of book 4, I was honestly shocked that it didn't come into play during book 5. That whole plotline fell flat. Maybe she addresses it in book 6? This is the first I've ever come across a series that just picks back up as if nothing terrible happened at all. I have so many questions, but mainly- what did the other pilot do? Why didn't Saul say anything about the gruesome thing he witnessed? Surely police would've been involved? Even if Logan was "compromised" he wasn't like that 100% of the time. He'd come-to and freak the f*** out.
The author jumps through time regularly in this series- going back and forth between ancient Scotland and present day, but the present day storyline felt hard to follow. I kept flipping back to re-read and make sure I didn't miss anything because things felt out of order. The author also seems to mix up her timeline assuming Samhain in her story is also Oct 31st. Brydie makes a comment to the Druids (in February per the authors own words) that she's been training for the past 7 months. Well, some quick math makes our story start in July, when it was really early November seeing as how Nora dies on Samhain. Gage finds Brydie and their journey begins mere days after that event. They only have 1 year to prepare for the next Samhain and the ultimate battle with Talorgan. I want back to book 1 just to make sure I understood that correctly.
The battle between Brydie and Callum was flat. He was built up to be this serious villain and they were truly stumped on how to stop him... It felt a little like plot convenience.
Lastly we still have over used phrases and words- I never want to hear the word "poleaxed" again, as well as "modicum", and "acrid."
The author jumps through time regularly in this series- going back and forth between ancient Scotland and present day, but the present day storyline felt hard to follow. I kept flipping back to re-read and make sure I didn't miss anything because things felt out of order. The author also seems to mix up her timeline assuming Samhain in her story is also Oct 31st. Brydie makes a comment to the Druids (in February per the authors own words) that she's been training for the past 7 months. Well, some quick math makes our story start in July, when it was really early November seeing as how Nora dies on Samhain. Gage finds Brydie and their journey begins mere days after that event. They only have 1 year to prepare for the next Samhain and the ultimate battle with Talorgan. I want back to book 1 just to make sure I understood that correctly.
The battle between Brydie and Callum was flat. He was built up to be this serious villain and they were truly stumped on how to stop him... It felt a little like plot convenience.
Lastly we still have over used phrases and words- I never want to hear the word "poleaxed" again, as well as "modicum", and "acrid."
May 25, 2023
I'll definitely continue reading the series once all the books are out. I saw in the CW section for Book 6 that it ended on a cliffhanger and I was like absolutely not. CW for this book definitely includes on page rape from the POV of the rapist (Callum) so if you want to skip I would suggest going into his chapters with some hesitation and be ready to skip along. Moral of the story - he wants an heir, he's locked some poor woman down in a dungeon to secure said heir, he then kills unborn heir in a bid for power. SO if that's not for you then please stay safe.
I'm enjoying the series as a whole, however this instalment was harder for me to enjoy. There seemed to be a *lot* of internal monologuing from everyone but especially Brydie. Some of the chapters felt unnecessary (ancient Scotland timeline preparing for the war felt dragged out, Cailleach being devastated every 3 sentences was also :/).
And while I completely understand that Brydie, Gage, and Chloe all have trauma from the Institute, but their healing journey seemed like it could've been approached better, or just ignored in general. I understood completely with Chloe and needing to adjust to losing her eyesight after being tortured - her journey made a LOT of sense. But Brydie's been all over the place since book 1 so I guess I can't fault her for also being ridiculous here as well. We got less of the descendants together and like I said we mainly focused on Brydie's inner monologue. I did really enjoy getting to see more of the pantheon and the all father though, and that the Fae, Dwarves, and Druids are ready to rock and roll.
I'm actually pissed that *redacted* did that... all for naught too
I'm enjoying the series as a whole, however this instalment was harder for me to enjoy. There seemed to be a *lot* of internal monologuing from everyone but especially Brydie. Some of the chapters felt unnecessary (ancient Scotland timeline preparing for the war felt dragged out, Cailleach being devastated every 3 sentences was also :/).
And while I completely understand that Brydie, Gage, and Chloe all have trauma from the Institute, but their healing journey seemed like it could've been approached better, or just ignored in general. I understood completely with Chloe and needing to adjust to losing her eyesight after being tortured - her journey made a LOT of sense. But Brydie's been all over the place since book 1 so I guess I can't fault her for also being ridiculous here as well. We got less of the descendants together and like I said we mainly focused on Brydie's inner monologue. I did really enjoy getting to see more of the pantheon and the all father though, and that the Fae, Dwarves, and Druids are ready to rock and roll.
I'm actually pissed that *redacted* did that... all for naught too
December 26, 2024
I skipped over SO much of this book. I really only read the dialogue for a significant portion of it because the books meat is so full of absolute shiting on that I could not bring myself to bother with it.
SO FUCKING LITTLE happened in this book.
I genuinely think Corina loses the run if her threads and forgets about the storyline because yer man Saul wasn’t mentioned for AGES before he suddenly got another mention. And surely Gage would want to have spent a bit more time with the child than he did once he got hold of him again?!
The DIALOGUE in the fight scenes is painful! KILL THE FUCKERS ALREADY!
Have you ever seen a more ill equipped bunch of dolts?
Gage lecturing Brydie on how shite she was at being a warrior is hilarious cos the man is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
They’re FOREVER being bested in battles!
Pure shite!
I’m actually punishing myself reading this shit at this point.
But I’ll see it out to give Corina all the one star reviews she deserves. What a pile of dung.
SO FUCKING LITTLE happened in this book.
I genuinely think Corina loses the run if her threads and forgets about the storyline because yer man Saul wasn’t mentioned for AGES before he suddenly got another mention. And surely Gage would want to have spent a bit more time with the child than he did once he got hold of him again?!
The DIALOGUE in the fight scenes is painful! KILL THE FUCKERS ALREADY!
Have you ever seen a more ill equipped bunch of dolts?
Gage lecturing Brydie on how shite she was at being a warrior is hilarious cos the man is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
They’re FOREVER being bested in battles!
Pure shite!
I’m actually punishing myself reading this shit at this point.
But I’ll see it out to give Corina all the one star reviews she deserves. What a pile of dung.
April 7, 2023
The battle continues to rage, both in the past and in the present. The dual timelines bring the reader closer to two different climaxes that are bound to converge in the final book. Betrayal and questionable alliances are heavy in this leg of the journey.
Brydie has to learn to embrace both the light and the dark to win the first battle. She’s holding several secrets close to the heart, while trying to protect everyone who matters to her.
Brydie has to learn to embrace both the light and the dark to win the first battle. She’s holding several secrets close to the heart, while trying to protect everyone who matters to her.
January 22, 2024
So it took me a month to get through this one and I read probably 10 books while reading just this one. I just couldn't get into the group being around the Fae and all of the mini adventures they were doing. There were some good moments in there, but as someone who is used to a lot of shit all the time, I struggled.
I plan to see this series to its conclusion and hope to finish the last book this week so I can fully move on.
I plan to see this series to its conclusion and hope to finish the last book this week so I can fully move on.
January 18, 2025
Ok this may be be petty of me but i find it so annoying that they’re in the UK and driving manual cars and the descriptions of gages driving is “he threw it into park” “put it in drive” GIRLY we don’t have those gears on manual cars PLS 😭😭 sorry petty ik. This was for sure the best one so far, I feel like this series got better with time and so glad I stuck with it despite finding the first two books kinda annoying
June 15, 2025
I'm enjoying this series so much! There are a few things that throw me off, such as the change in how Brydie speaks (she's a 21 year old from the 21st century, it feels out of character for her to not be using contractions any more or to say thinks "something is afoot" instead of "something is going on") or her knowing what salute to do right before a battle. Jumping right into the last one eagerly though! I'm lovig the threading with mythology
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews