Winter Rayne: A Praestes Novel

by J.M. Zuniga

What happens when unveiled secrets turn life into something unimaginable? Winter Rayne thought she lived a somewhat normal teenage life, with the exception of her father's crazy outbursts of rage. Then, one day, she discovers her entire life has been a sham and she's not sure who she can trust. To make matters worse, she finds out the truth of her origins and is tossed into a world where she must fight for her very existence. Join the world of the Praestes and the Malfaisants and discover an entire world you may never have known existed. It will make you question if there is really a life beyond the one you already know.

305 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2013

About the author

Author of books from several genres, but mostly YA.

I love to read, write, watch movies, but most of all, I l-o-v-e ice cream.

Proud nerd. I began reading from a young age and by the 2nd grade I was reading at an 11th grade level. I began writing poetry at age 14. I began writing stories in 2009. I have a few degrees and certificates.

Other places I can be found:
http://jmzuniga.com
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https://twitter.com/JMZunigaAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/authorjmzun...
http://authorjmzuniga.blogspot.com
http://pinterest.com/authorjmzuniga
http://www.youtube.com/user/JMZunigaA...

Reviews

[Jocelyn Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it! This book had a concept that I have never come across in a book and I find the topic very interesting and unique (I won't tell you what it is, because of spoilers, but know the idea is brilliant!) Add a great topic, with a amazing storyline and characters, and you got this brilliant book!

Rayne was my favorite character! She was relatable and had a kind heart. She was just like any normal girl which made me love her character more. Her life was falling to chaos, yet she managed to deal with it with grace and bravery. She inspired me, made me want to strive to be all I can be and to give everything my all. She was a great main character and I can't wait to see what happens in her life next!

Derek *Swoon* I love Derek! I need a best friend like him. I was jealous at times at Rayne's relationship with Derek. His character was so warm and sweet. Readers will fall in love with his character and the way he cares deeply for Rayne. A friendship like that will last forever! Derek was smart, kind, and brave. He treated Rayne like an equal. He was always there for her, would drop everything he was doing for her. *sigh* I adore his character.

I love, love, love this book! I hate how sometimes in books the plot doesn't have any plot development, or the actions of the characters are not believable, but this book was perfect. I believed everything that was going on. I was never bored and loved reading everything. Sometimes when I read books I skim the paragraph's that over explain, but I didn't have that problem with this book. I read everything, and before I knew it, hours had past and I was finished with the book. I need the next book! I need to know what happens next! Ugh! Such a good book!

I recommend this book to everyone! One of the best books I've read so far this year. One of my favorites! I wish I could rate this book higher than a 5 because if I could, I totally would!

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author J. M. Zuniga has done it again. I Can't believe I finished reading Winter Rayne so quickly! I am devastated by the fact that I am ready for book two but now I must wait patiently. I laughed, I cried, I was hurt (emotionally- although if you walk around and read you could get hurt). There are twists and turns so hold on tight to your seat! I love the characters so much!!! Travis and Derek hold my heart especially Derek. Author J. M. Zuniga I have a plead for you. Please hurry I can't wait to find out what's to come! 

[Sara Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different from what I usually read!! It was fun reading about the Praestes! I have always wondered about OBE's (out of body experience's) so it was a nice difference from my normal vampire, and romance I'm so used to. I felt a little bad a first for Rayne, but as I kept reading more....I kinda started to think she was selfish. I love Raynes character any ways!!! I am a little sad that she might lose Derek, as friends and more. I had bad feelings about Travis...There is just something up there. I can't wait to find out what!! LOL My vote is till for Derek...TEAM DEREK!!! This whole story grabbed me from the first page!! A must read!!!

[Laura Miller]

Really liked this book can't wait for book 2 in the series :)

[Ginnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was asked to give this book an honest review.
(3.5 Stars)

I got to 76% of this book and had to stop. And it wasn't because I thought this was a bad book or that the writing was terrible. I honestly just couldn't get into it. I tried, I really really did. But there was just something missing, something about it just didn't grab me. But let me review what I did read .

So on with the characters. Rayne is a young girl who is just trying to to make it through the last day of school with her best friends Cyn, Derek and Kay. In school she is labeled a freak because of her dad and his crazy outburst. At least I think that was really the only reasons but with her best friends she makes it. But littl does she know, that as the day goes on everything will slowly start to change. Sooooo as these changes go, Rayne learns her somewhat normal life is not as normal as she believed. Secrets and lies will be revealed. People who she thought she knew totally surprise her and some not in a good way. But along the way she does meet some people who completely change her life. Sorry that may be all a little confusing lol. But from what I read, she kind of gets thrown into a type of paranormal world and into a fight for her life. Friends and lives are lost, new ones are made but in the end was it all enough to save the world?

Ok, from what I did read this was a neat story. It introduced me to a new topic that I haven't read about yet. There was a lot of action and a lot of stuff constantly going on. I really did like all the characters and I just wanted to hug Derek and maybe shake Rayne a couple of times. I really wish I could of finished this book because I am curious and I want to know how this all plays out. One day soon I can see myself picking this back up and finishing it. But as of right now it just didn't catch me.

My song for this book: Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Rayne was this weeks Book of the Week; by one of my fave indie authors J.M. Zuniga, in a book club/ group I am in. This is not the first book that I have read by her and it definitely won't be the last. I loved the OBE's (out if body experiences) as the focal point for the storyline. I found it extremely original I have never read another book about them. I liked how the story dealt with both real and paranormal situations. I do wish we had learned more about the Praestes and Malficants. Also there were some Spanish words and phases that I had no idea what they said so I wish a glossary had been included.
I enjoyed Winter Rayne's character and I like how the author was able to make me connect with her and feel sorry for her at the same time. I feel like her upbringing was very rough, mostly due to her asshat father. Plus her mom made me mad because she let him treat her daughter like that. I found there to be a kind of love triangle happening and Rayne finally made a decision but I feel like it was the wrong one lol. Travis is a strange character for me because I kept getting this weird vibe from him and I'm not sure why. I am really hoping that in the next book we will get to meet Rayne's father, he plays such a huge role.
Winter Rayne is another amazing book that J.M. Zuniga has put out there and I'm really excited for the next instalment. Also I would love a book of the letters that Rayne's father sent her, I'm nosy and I want to know what they say. I would recommend this story and also J.M. Zuniga's other series to those looking for original reads.

[Shih-tzus Happens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me to read for my honest review.
I truly enjoyed this book and read it non-stop. Jenny goes into great detail and takes you on a journey you are sure not to ever forget. Jenny is new to the world of publishing her work and in my opinion shall go far.
I felt in this book I was holding hands with Winter Rayne, going through her bad,sad and good times. I cried with her and felt her sorrow. I felt her confusion and curiosity. I also felt her attraction to Travis the sexy young rich man that moved in across the street. Yes the young man with the hot abbs and beaming with sweat. Has the most beautiful eyes and lashes to boot and a million dollar smile You know that first boyfriend and all the butterflies and happiness that brings.
When she went on her trips and her battles I swear I was standing there too.
This is not only a YA book anyone can enjoy it I read her first 3 books I have listed below and Jenny sold me on my first read. I highly suggest you read them as well Thank you Jenny for inviting me to your world. May you make millions....... Rebecca Mills
Contains all 3 TDMS books. Under Ground, The Core, and Ransom. Follow Diamond and Obsidian on their journey of survival. Under Ground-Left alone in a secret room after their parents were kidnapped, Diamond and Obsidian must take care of their younger siblings. But how? They are facing both the threat of intruders and the threat of starvation. Will they survive or will their fate fall into the hands ....

[Donna Bossert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this and gave it a 3 1/2 star rating because,this could have been so much better.. The author just added so much un-nessary information, I know she wanted to give us a complete view of all that was going on but sometimes it just made the story drag on. I found myself Skimming thru half the book till there was actually something happening.. I really thought the Author made up a new language till I realized it was Spanish lol.. I did Like Derek very much he was what every friend should be, Rayne was very likeable and handled everything that was thrown at her in a very mature way. The whole premise of the story was very interesting but I had to re read the explanation of what everyone was a few times before I understood it and that was a little annoying, it took away from the flow of the story for me. Over all I would suggest this book to friends.

[Kimberly Schaaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended by a friend of mine. I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the characters. Winter Rayne was a good balance of a girl that just found out an amazing thing about herself and your typical high school teenager. Dealing with the drama of friends, boys, and growing up. Add into the mix that she's now a part of a whole hidden world and well...you can see how complicated it can make her life and her feelings.
I thought that the author did a great job of mixing in some things that you would expect to happen. But, man oh man, the ending!!! WOW....just wasn't expecting the twist in the story. It was one of those, "Are you freakin' kidding me?" moments. Very well done.

I'm anxiously awaiting more books in this series...hoping that they come soon!!

[Allison Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me with a very interesting story line. There were some twists and turns that you won’t see coming; and I mean jaw dropping moments that will make your head spin. I feel like this book could be cut a little bit shorter due to it dragging along a bit. But, other than that I really did enjoy Winter Rayne: A Praestes Novel By: J.M. Zuniga. I have to say that this author does have a talent with her character development. She gets you to feel attached to her story through the characters, which is something I really enjoyed. I would recommend this book to those looking for something new and out of the normal to read.

[Christine Stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first of Ms. Zuniga's works but it certainly won't be my last! While I do agree with the author's statement at the head of her Table of Contents that "All the glory goes to God", I still applaud her excellent use of her God given talents! The story drew me quickly in and kept my interest via her revelations in the plot as well as the unfolding of her characterizations. I believe that these factors, and others that would be "spoilers", will make this a satisfying read for those fond of a variety of gendres!

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My actually rating is a 3.5 for this book. I really struggled to get through it. The biggest issue was I really couldn't connect with the main character. There was nothing endearing about her. It made it difficult to really enjoy the story.

I found the idea of OBE's interesting and liked the Praestes and Malficants. I wish more had been spent on building that part of the story. There was a lot of book to build a little background. I am curious to learn more about it though.

[Rabsaris Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story and the interesting characters that the story offer. I love that no matter what rayne come across Derek is always there for her. This book is easy to read. I really enjoyed the paranormal story and can't wait two read the second one. I'm sorry for not talking about the book but I don't like to spoil the story so if you like supernatural story you want to give this a try.
Happy reading.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Author J. M. Zuniga has you believing in the characters – Rayne with her everyday turmoil - Derek always there to help her with anything – then there’s Travis. I won’t give any spoilers. There are many twists and turns in the storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Barbara Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It was different than anything I've read before. The timeline was a bit wacky and I didn't think the chemistry between the main character and her "boyfriend" was very... ignitable. But the interaction among the other characters and the way some of them redeemed themselves was heartwarming. I'll definitely be reading Book 2!

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Liked this book. I felt bad for her stepdad and the pain that he went through. I felt bad for Derek as well. I really hope that there is another book. I really liked the story and Rayne I even felt bad for her when she found out who the tormentor was. I was also surprised about the developments with Cyndi. I did not see that one coming.

[Argie · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was not what I was expecting. I had my doubts when I heard it was about obe but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the fact that she took her time and added details, some might think it was to much but imho it just added to the book. will be looking for part 2!!

[Tara Greseth]

This was a new experience for me. I have read a lot of books but have never read one on this subject. It was an amazing read. Plot twists and great characters. I can't wait to read more and I will most def be adding J.M to my author list. Thanks and keep writing

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my book club. I enjoyed the supernatural element. I liked how detailed it was. I really enjoyed Rayne and loved how Derek was always there for her. this is a very enjoyable book. and I'll be getting the next one.

[Jey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really stilted writing style stopped the story from flowing. I found it hard to engage with.
Unfortunately not for me although I was intrigued with the premise.