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The Winter
Beltran had humble ambitions—to farm his land and live fruitfully with his wife, Amaranta. The winter of 1553 had different plans. After a crippling famine, wretched weather, and a devastating plague known as the Delirium, the winter had taken everything dear to him.
Then through the backhanded kindness of a mysterious traveler and her time-obliterating potion, he got everything back.
His salvation is the beginning of his problems, as he discovers just how stubborn history can be. Greater forces are at work. The more Beltran learns about the circumstances, the less he understands— especially when it comes to the traveler and her inept husband, Isaac. In their quest to stop the Delirium, she and Isaac won’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way of their senseless plans.
Beltran fights for his simple life, his love, and his future... again, and again, and again, even when he finds nobody on his side, not even his dear Amaranta.
Then through the backhanded kindness of a mysterious traveler and her time-obliterating potion, he got everything back.
His salvation is the beginning of his problems, as he discovers just how stubborn history can be. Greater forces are at work. The more Beltran learns about the circumstances, the less he understands— especially when it comes to the traveler and her inept husband, Isaac. In their quest to stop the Delirium, she and Isaac won’t let anything, or anyone, get in the way of their senseless plans.
Beltran fights for his simple life, his love, and his future... again, and again, and again, even when he finds nobody on his side, not even his dear Amaranta.
- GenresFantasy
172 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2013
581 people want to read
About the author
Aubry Kae Andersen
21 books7 followersAubry Kae Andersen (AKA "A. Ka") is a great many things... an artist, an illustrator, a writer, a trivia buff, a lover of MST3K and sleeping till noon. It’s a shame that those things don’t pay very well, but she also designs websites to make ends meet. As a Seattleite, she can be found in various coffee shops, brooding over a laptop and consulting with other artsy types about the viability of her fantasies.
"Isaac the Fortunate" is her first novel, the first book in her "Paradox" series. It's big enough that she’s kindly split it into six parts, starting with "The Winter."
She has a particular obsession with historical settings, philosophical plots, dark humor, and dimensional characters. The complexity of her multilayered plots aren't for the faint of heart, yet the simplicity of her characters and their all-too-human motives still makes her work approachable to readers looking for the shear entertainment of a good story. She goes bold, she goes deep, and often she goes crazy.
"Isaac the Fortunate" is her first novel, the first book in her "Paradox" series. It's big enough that she’s kindly split it into six parts, starting with "The Winter."
She has a particular obsession with historical settings, philosophical plots, dark humor, and dimensional characters. The complexity of her multilayered plots aren't for the faint of heart, yet the simplicity of her characters and their all-too-human motives still makes her work approachable to readers looking for the shear entertainment of a good story. She goes bold, she goes deep, and often she goes crazy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 27, 2014
Wow, excellent read! I would never have guessed this was a first novel (or, first part/novella of a first novel), or an indies title--the writing is so polished, the historical details and attitudes of the characters/setting so smoothly integrated and believable, and the competency of the pacing/plotting, dialogue, etc, very polished. Plus the story is just so gripping and original--totally unlike anything I've read recently but so solidly conceived!
The story, which has some elements of mystery to it, starts off with an old man named Isaac reflecting on death (the recent death of his beloved wife and his own imminent one) in a sunny cottage somewhere in medieval Spain. We soon infer that he and his (surprisingly cool, gutsy) wife have had a very eventful life, one which somehow involves a period of time travel/time looping and a monumental endeavor to stop a plague brought on by some kind of semi-supernatural being (a mysterious and charismatic Moor, though perhaps one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse). This endeavor begins with their meddling in the life of a simple farmer grieving for his recently deceased wife. When they dangle the power to undo the events leading to his wife's death, he of course gives it a try. Watching his progression of understanding of what it means to meddle with time is just fascinating, and his story (which comprises this first novella, and the "winter" of Isaac and his wife's great endeavor) is instantly sympathetic and engrossing.
However, beneath the paranormal adventure story is the even more extraordinary thing--a very richly woven and moving story of human connections/relationships, especially between lovers, but also arch-enemies, greedy interlopers, shaky allies, the Church and government and politics and people. It's really hard to describe this story as it feels so unlike your typical scifi/fantasy novel despite presenting such interesting speculative fiction and striking, interesting characters.
But despite how different/unusual The Winter is, it's so utterly easy to slip into this fascinating story with its extremely strong storytelling. The characters are fascinating, relatable, mysterious, and funny all at once. The writing and sensibility sometimes feel like literary fiction, but the novel is driven by such a strong, intriguing plot and populated by such likable characters, that you feel like you got your money's worth intellectually while still just utterly enjoying/relishing the read like you would with commercial fiction. I just can't recommend this novella enough and am DYING for the next part!
The story, which has some elements of mystery to it, starts off with an old man named Isaac reflecting on death (the recent death of his beloved wife and his own imminent one) in a sunny cottage somewhere in medieval Spain. We soon infer that he and his (surprisingly cool, gutsy) wife have had a very eventful life, one which somehow involves a period of time travel/time looping and a monumental endeavor to stop a plague brought on by some kind of semi-supernatural being (a mysterious and charismatic Moor, though perhaps one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse). This endeavor begins with their meddling in the life of a simple farmer grieving for his recently deceased wife. When they dangle the power to undo the events leading to his wife's death, he of course gives it a try. Watching his progression of understanding of what it means to meddle with time is just fascinating, and his story (which comprises this first novella, and the "winter" of Isaac and his wife's great endeavor) is instantly sympathetic and engrossing.
However, beneath the paranormal adventure story is the even more extraordinary thing--a very richly woven and moving story of human connections/relationships, especially between lovers, but also arch-enemies, greedy interlopers, shaky allies, the Church and government and politics and people. It's really hard to describe this story as it feels so unlike your typical scifi/fantasy novel despite presenting such interesting speculative fiction and striking, interesting characters.
But despite how different/unusual The Winter is, it's so utterly easy to slip into this fascinating story with its extremely strong storytelling. The characters are fascinating, relatable, mysterious, and funny all at once. The writing and sensibility sometimes feel like literary fiction, but the novel is driven by such a strong, intriguing plot and populated by such likable characters, that you feel like you got your money's worth intellectually while still just utterly enjoying/relishing the read like you would with commercial fiction. I just can't recommend this novella enough and am DYING for the next part!
January 10, 2014
A. Ka makes 16th century people more human. How? By making them think and talk and act in a direct, “modern” way. I’m not talking anachronisms like Alex Cox’s movie “Walker.” There are no soda bottles or helicopters. I looked up eyeglasses, muskets and the word “weird” in Wikipedia, to whom(?) the story is dedicated and they all existed in the 16th century. What I’m talking about is a modern no-nonsense, agnostic directness like a person stepping on cracks without concern for their mother’s back. What I’m talking about is a narrative with exquisitely simple black-and-white illustrations instead of gold-leaf illuminations; mental processing of challenges without cowering, religious machinations; conversations without endless preambles, prefaces and class-conscious genuflections. Winter’s characters “get to the point” as if heeding the great 19th century misanthrope, Ebeneezer Scrooge, when he beseeched his long-dead partner Jacob Marley, “Don’t be flowery, Jacob! Pray!” The colorful characters in Isaac The Fortunate are endearing and engaging without being flowery. They also have swagger. Swagger that a 21st century reader can appreciate. Swagger and smirks and squints and gawking and beautiful dangerous women tilting their heads just so. Frankly, that is enough for me but there is far, far more. Let’s be direct: Isaac the Fortunate (Part I) – Winter is mandatory reading. And this is just the beginning.
February 15, 2014
I found this book a little difficult to "get into", probably because I'm not a great fan of historical, sci-fi or fantasy novels. It was well-written (although I thought it a little simplistic in its descriptions), but my sister absolutely loved it. She can't wait for the other parts of "Isaac the Fortunate" to be released. She loved the humour in the book, and said the language was easy to follow, and the illustrations added to the appeal of the book. We both agreed that the book seemed more aimed at a younger reader than either of us (we're both on the wrong side of 50). Certainly for a first novel, it shows talent and promise of great things to come from the author.
March 5, 2015
I was recommended this book based on the fact that I also enjoyed Yoyage: Embarkation by Zachary Bonelli. It's an intriguing little novella, one that has full page illustrations from the author inside. From what I've read, this novella is also the first in a six-part series, which promises to expand the Spanish world it wonderfully creates. It's also a book that touches on so many different genres, it could also be classed as multi-genre, which can appeal to almost any type of reader.
For the most part, The Winter follows the story of Beltran, a farmer who wants very little from life, but to farm his land and look after his beloved wife, Amaranta. But as Isaac tells in his narration of Beltran's story, the winter is a harsh one. Famine, locusts, storms, but more importantly, for the story anyway, a devilish plague of mysterious origins is spreadng across the land, taking many a victim and wiping out entire villages. Beltran doesn't know what hits him when the Delirium comes and takes away all he knows dear. His fortune is turned around however, when on the first day of spring, a traveler turns up on his farm and offers him a way back in time, to a time before the Delirium hits and he can save the ones he loves. Although, Beltran soon realises there's a price to pay and the more he tries to stop the impending doom, the more bad things start to happen and loses control.
First of all, one of the striking things about A. Ka's work is the brilliant atmosphere she creates. You really do believe you are in the Spanish rural countryside, in 1553, on Beltran's farm where the locals all depend on the harvest and stores they work so hard on, day after day. The Winter is extremely well imagined and built upon. I just didn't read there was a storm; I felt there was a storm. It's a way of life incomprehensible to most of us today, but A. Ka does the perfect job of recreating the world as it was for Beltran.
And when this realistic atmosphere is combined with the beautiful characters, then you really know you are on to a winner. For Beltran is one of the most tragic and most heroic characters I've read in a long time. He's a humble farmer, he doesn't want much. A life with his wife; he's never even left his village before. He can't read, he can't write, but he has life experience. He can farm, along with his friend, Pedro, he built the little cottage in which he lives with Amaranta. It is for these reasons that you feel for Beltran as he tries so desperately so save his wife from the death he knows is coming. His raw emotion is chillingly infectious, but most of all, natural. If a story can draw sympathy so strongly, then it most certainly deserves to be read.
The story plays out very much like Groundhog Day; repeating the same winter over and over again as he tries to save people from the Delirium. When all goes wrong, he waits until Annunciation Day once more, for the mysterious traveler to turn up, so he can once again drink the potion and return to the day of the great storm. But what is the traveler's true intentions? Each time he 'goes back', he learns something new. And why is he tasked with curing the Delirium infected people with the elixir the traveler informs him about. He's just a humble farmer! Yet, although the demands increase, it is his love of his beloved wife that still comes to the forefront of everything he does.
Yet, despite the historical setting, there are elements of fantasy that come through. Obviously the going back in time covers that, the fantasy is dark and surreal at times. The people who are inflicted with the plague sprout gibberish. Amaranta speaks of someone stealing her name. There is certainly something more evil going on than Beltran first realises.
And this is where the story becomes a little confused. It isn't a light story, it's one that demands your undivided attention, yet you do start to wonder where the story is actually going. The mention of different colour riders, and indeed their inclusion late in the story, can confuse you. I had to reread parts as to understand which one was which. And who is Isaac? I got the impression that although more is yet to come in the series, undoubtedly explaining some of the mysteries within this instalment, too many questions were left unanswered. I wanted to know more. Yet, at least this is a good thing. If I didn't care to find out more, then ultimately the book would have failed. Luckily for me, the next instalment, The Spring, is due out very soon.
Overall, A. Ka is wonderful storyteller, combining a historical setting with an almost surreal fantastical storyline. I longed for the story to continue, to answer my many questions, but despite all of that, my respect and attachment to Beltran's tragic story was undeniably strong - a sure sign of the author's ingenious craftsmanship. If you want to come out of your comfort zone and try something a little different this year, then make it this novella. With handfuls of atmosphere and captivating characters that stay with you after you've closed the book, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Even now, I can't help but wonder what is next for Beltran; the farmer who desperately wanted to save his wife, because he couldn't imagine life without her.
For the most part, The Winter follows the story of Beltran, a farmer who wants very little from life, but to farm his land and look after his beloved wife, Amaranta. But as Isaac tells in his narration of Beltran's story, the winter is a harsh one. Famine, locusts, storms, but more importantly, for the story anyway, a devilish plague of mysterious origins is spreadng across the land, taking many a victim and wiping out entire villages. Beltran doesn't know what hits him when the Delirium comes and takes away all he knows dear. His fortune is turned around however, when on the first day of spring, a traveler turns up on his farm and offers him a way back in time, to a time before the Delirium hits and he can save the ones he loves. Although, Beltran soon realises there's a price to pay and the more he tries to stop the impending doom, the more bad things start to happen and loses control.
First of all, one of the striking things about A. Ka's work is the brilliant atmosphere she creates. You really do believe you are in the Spanish rural countryside, in 1553, on Beltran's farm where the locals all depend on the harvest and stores they work so hard on, day after day. The Winter is extremely well imagined and built upon. I just didn't read there was a storm; I felt there was a storm. It's a way of life incomprehensible to most of us today, but A. Ka does the perfect job of recreating the world as it was for Beltran.
And when this realistic atmosphere is combined with the beautiful characters, then you really know you are on to a winner. For Beltran is one of the most tragic and most heroic characters I've read in a long time. He's a humble farmer, he doesn't want much. A life with his wife; he's never even left his village before. He can't read, he can't write, but he has life experience. He can farm, along with his friend, Pedro, he built the little cottage in which he lives with Amaranta. It is for these reasons that you feel for Beltran as he tries so desperately so save his wife from the death he knows is coming. His raw emotion is chillingly infectious, but most of all, natural. If a story can draw sympathy so strongly, then it most certainly deserves to be read.
The story plays out very much like Groundhog Day; repeating the same winter over and over again as he tries to save people from the Delirium. When all goes wrong, he waits until Annunciation Day once more, for the mysterious traveler to turn up, so he can once again drink the potion and return to the day of the great storm. But what is the traveler's true intentions? Each time he 'goes back', he learns something new. And why is he tasked with curing the Delirium infected people with the elixir the traveler informs him about. He's just a humble farmer! Yet, although the demands increase, it is his love of his beloved wife that still comes to the forefront of everything he does.
Yet, despite the historical setting, there are elements of fantasy that come through. Obviously the going back in time covers that, the fantasy is dark and surreal at times. The people who are inflicted with the plague sprout gibberish. Amaranta speaks of someone stealing her name. There is certainly something more evil going on than Beltran first realises.
And this is where the story becomes a little confused. It isn't a light story, it's one that demands your undivided attention, yet you do start to wonder where the story is actually going. The mention of different colour riders, and indeed their inclusion late in the story, can confuse you. I had to reread parts as to understand which one was which. And who is Isaac? I got the impression that although more is yet to come in the series, undoubtedly explaining some of the mysteries within this instalment, too many questions were left unanswered. I wanted to know more. Yet, at least this is a good thing. If I didn't care to find out more, then ultimately the book would have failed. Luckily for me, the next instalment, The Spring, is due out very soon.
Overall, A. Ka is wonderful storyteller, combining a historical setting with an almost surreal fantastical storyline. I longed for the story to continue, to answer my many questions, but despite all of that, my respect and attachment to Beltran's tragic story was undeniably strong - a sure sign of the author's ingenious craftsmanship. If you want to come out of your comfort zone and try something a little different this year, then make it this novella. With handfuls of atmosphere and captivating characters that stay with you after you've closed the book, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Even now, I can't help but wonder what is next for Beltran; the farmer who desperately wanted to save his wife, because he couldn't imagine life without her.
September 4, 2014
We open with Isaac as he's drowning his sorrows over the loss of his beloved wife. When his daughter, the area midwife, prepares to head off to bring yet another life into the world, Isaac reminds her of the story behind her nickname - Chamesh, which means "fifth" in Hebrew and is a testament to the five times in which she was conceived. Thus begins Isaac's reminiscence of how they saved humanity from complete and utter annihilation.
And all with a price too high for the farmer to pay.
Beltran is a simple farmer of Aragon, drowning his sorrow and pain by drinking every bottle of wine in the village. He's not stealing. No one else will drink it because everyone in his village is dead - including his young bride, Amaranta, dead from hunger and exposure before the plague arrived to take the rest. In the midst of his alcoholic ministrations, a strange woman rides up and pours them both a drink from the Golden Bridle. Before she has a chance to explain, Beltran drinks the bitter liquid and watches in fascination and horror as the world melts away as if erased from existence. When he awakes, he is once again on the cusp of winter and races home to find his wife alive - as well as the entire village.
Time is changed as Beltran avoids doing that which brought about Amaranta's original death - but death will not be stopped and the Delirium creeps up and claims her this time. Beltran awaits the coming Annunciation Day when the strange woman said she'd return. With a drink of the Golden Bridle - and a little more information this time - Beltran returns to the winter to once again save his wife from death's shadow.
I actually found myself enjoying the story. Each time Beltran returns to the edge of the past he learns and discovers more as he seeks to save humanity from oblivion and the strange riders that periodically show up in his varying realities. But the one he seeks most desperately to save is his beloved Amaranta, who is taken in new and horrifying ways each and every time. The question remains - will he be able to save both humanity AND his wife from the pain of death?
I was afraid the continual travels back would become tiresome and rote, but each time something new and unexpected occurred to keep things interesting. The ending was a bit disappointing but offered enough closure to this end of the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of Isaac's time-traveling adventures.
Editing was nice and clean. Good showing instead of telling and point-of-view throughout most of the story was in Beltran's. Pronoun usage was a bit heavy, but as I got into the story this became more of a minor annoyance.
Considering I'm not well-versed in the time-traveling genre, I was surprised to find myself engaged in the story and rooting for Beltran and Amaranta's survival. Now I'm curious as to where the story will turn in the next offering. I give The Winter a solid five stars.
I was provided with a free copy in exchange for a review and was not financially compensated for my opinion
And all with a price too high for the farmer to pay.
Beltran is a simple farmer of Aragon, drowning his sorrow and pain by drinking every bottle of wine in the village. He's not stealing. No one else will drink it because everyone in his village is dead - including his young bride, Amaranta, dead from hunger and exposure before the plague arrived to take the rest. In the midst of his alcoholic ministrations, a strange woman rides up and pours them both a drink from the Golden Bridle. Before she has a chance to explain, Beltran drinks the bitter liquid and watches in fascination and horror as the world melts away as if erased from existence. When he awakes, he is once again on the cusp of winter and races home to find his wife alive - as well as the entire village.
Time is changed as Beltran avoids doing that which brought about Amaranta's original death - but death will not be stopped and the Delirium creeps up and claims her this time. Beltran awaits the coming Annunciation Day when the strange woman said she'd return. With a drink of the Golden Bridle - and a little more information this time - Beltran returns to the winter to once again save his wife from death's shadow.
I actually found myself enjoying the story. Each time Beltran returns to the edge of the past he learns and discovers more as he seeks to save humanity from oblivion and the strange riders that periodically show up in his varying realities. But the one he seeks most desperately to save is his beloved Amaranta, who is taken in new and horrifying ways each and every time. The question remains - will he be able to save both humanity AND his wife from the pain of death?
I was afraid the continual travels back would become tiresome and rote, but each time something new and unexpected occurred to keep things interesting. The ending was a bit disappointing but offered enough closure to this end of the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment of Isaac's time-traveling adventures.
Editing was nice and clean. Good showing instead of telling and point-of-view throughout most of the story was in Beltran's. Pronoun usage was a bit heavy, but as I got into the story this became more of a minor annoyance.
Considering I'm not well-versed in the time-traveling genre, I was surprised to find myself engaged in the story and rooting for Beltran and Amaranta's survival. Now I'm curious as to where the story will turn in the next offering. I give The Winter a solid five stars.
I was provided with a free copy in exchange for a review and was not financially compensated for my opinion
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December 20, 2019Review forthcoming on http://a-reader-lives-a-thousand-live...
I received a copy of The Winter, part one of Issac the Fortunate from +Zachary Bonelli on behalf of Fuzzy Hedgehog.
Beltran is left alone in his village in Aragon when he is come upon by two travelers. He is left devastated by the death of his wife, and when he is given the opportunity to do something about it, he jumps at it. He is sent back in time to the day she died and is told that in order to save Ama he must save everyone from the disease known as the Delirium. The first time he drinks the potion too soon, the second he only saves his village and not Spain as a whole...can he do it better the third time, to save his wife, his village and his country?
Link to Goodreads
Link to amazon
I would like to first point out that I have an advanced copy of The Winter, and therefore have not seen any of the artwork that will be included in the final version. In fact the copy I have has a different cover to the one shown above! I'll add a photo of it here. However, I have previously seen examples of the author's artwork, most notably in the +Voyage: Embarkation serial by Zachary Bonelli, and so I feel that I can safely say that the artwork will be amazing!
The story itself was particularly engaging, and though it may seem a bit heartless to say this, I don't think that Beltran's wife, Ama, deserved him! She didn't show him the support that she should have done, and her whole character just made me dislike her a bit, though I am not too sure that I can actually explain that one! Beltran, though his reasons were slightly selfish, did genuinely seem to want to help the people, and that made his character endearing.
I was slightly surprised at how small a part Issac actually played, especially considering that the series title is Issac the Fortunate, and even when he was about it was his wife, whose name I'm not too sure is known yet, who took centre stage. However I think that this may have some meaning related to the series as a whole, so rather than confusing me it has actually intrigued me!
I really enjoyed The Winter, and am looking forward to the next installment, though that means having to wait until Spring! Oh and did I mention that The Winter was only released 2 days ago!
I received a copy of The Winter, part one of Issac the Fortunate from +Zachary Bonelli on behalf of Fuzzy Hedgehog.
Beltran is left alone in his village in Aragon when he is come upon by two travelers. He is left devastated by the death of his wife, and when he is given the opportunity to do something about it, he jumps at it. He is sent back in time to the day she died and is told that in order to save Ama he must save everyone from the disease known as the Delirium. The first time he drinks the potion too soon, the second he only saves his village and not Spain as a whole...can he do it better the third time, to save his wife, his village and his country?
Link to Goodreads
Link to amazon
I would like to first point out that I have an advanced copy of The Winter, and therefore have not seen any of the artwork that will be included in the final version. In fact the copy I have has a different cover to the one shown above! I'll add a photo of it here. However, I have previously seen examples of the author's artwork, most notably in the +Voyage: Embarkation serial by Zachary Bonelli, and so I feel that I can safely say that the artwork will be amazing!
The story itself was particularly engaging, and though it may seem a bit heartless to say this, I don't think that Beltran's wife, Ama, deserved him! She didn't show him the support that she should have done, and her whole character just made me dislike her a bit, though I am not too sure that I can actually explain that one! Beltran, though his reasons were slightly selfish, did genuinely seem to want to help the people, and that made his character endearing.
I was slightly surprised at how small a part Issac actually played, especially considering that the series title is Issac the Fortunate, and even when he was about it was his wife, whose name I'm not too sure is known yet, who took centre stage. However I think that this may have some meaning related to the series as a whole, so rather than confusing me it has actually intrigued me!
I really enjoyed The Winter, and am looking forward to the next installment, though that means having to wait until Spring! Oh and did I mention that The Winter was only released 2 days ago!
March 3, 2014
Beltran the farmer, the only one left breathing in a town, a country, a world ravaged by the Delirium plague. Winter waxes, and he awaits the end with an empty bottle and a hangman's noose.
Some hero. He cares not even for himself; what chance has he to save an entire peoples?
Count not the odds. The Chaste One will prevail.
Save the world. Save your friends. Save your wife.
The Traveller and her Golden Bridle, a means to correct the past, to rescue himself and millions more. But how much control does he really have? Can he truly bring back his wife? And what stake do The Horsemen have in all this? Only one way to find out.
Drink up.
Framed as a tale in the larger narrative of Isaac the Fortunate, The Winter is the first entry in a six-part fantasy series that sprinkles just the right amount of mysticism over a world of wintry hardship, where the people live for every day, and death is but the shadow lurking at the edge of vision. The characters here know pain, know suffering, and the bleak atmosphere A. Ka has conjured bleeds like black tar from the pages.
Beltran begins his journey as a fairly unlikeable character: a selfish and hasty fool who seemingly brings further distress upon himself. But disaster drives change, and his character arc is endearing once he employs his mind before his hands.
One aspect of The Winter which must be recognised is the seemingly trivial details that occasionally crop up. At first, I questioned the relevance of some of these peculiar sequences and motifs, but at the halfway point of the story, the loose threads start to come full circle, and the wonderful 'Aha!' moments follow.
As the opening chapter to a larger world, The Winter begets mystery while delivering an immensely satisfying tale of love, loss, and the ineluctable thorns of the rose we call life.
The Winter has come.
Some hero. He cares not even for himself; what chance has he to save an entire peoples?
Count not the odds. The Chaste One will prevail.
Save the world. Save your friends. Save your wife.
The Traveller and her Golden Bridle, a means to correct the past, to rescue himself and millions more. But how much control does he really have? Can he truly bring back his wife? And what stake do The Horsemen have in all this? Only one way to find out.
Drink up.
Framed as a tale in the larger narrative of Isaac the Fortunate, The Winter is the first entry in a six-part fantasy series that sprinkles just the right amount of mysticism over a world of wintry hardship, where the people live for every day, and death is but the shadow lurking at the edge of vision. The characters here know pain, know suffering, and the bleak atmosphere A. Ka has conjured bleeds like black tar from the pages.
Beltran begins his journey as a fairly unlikeable character: a selfish and hasty fool who seemingly brings further distress upon himself. But disaster drives change, and his character arc is endearing once he employs his mind before his hands.
One aspect of The Winter which must be recognised is the seemingly trivial details that occasionally crop up. At first, I questioned the relevance of some of these peculiar sequences and motifs, but at the halfway point of the story, the loose threads start to come full circle, and the wonderful 'Aha!' moments follow.
As the opening chapter to a larger world, The Winter begets mystery while delivering an immensely satisfying tale of love, loss, and the ineluctable thorns of the rose we call life.
The Winter has come.
June 17, 2014
Beltran the farmer wants nothing more than to farm and raise a family with his lovely wife, Amaranta. However, as we learn when the story opens, she died earlier that winter, frozen in the snow, right before a plague wiped out his entire village. Now he only mopes around, slowly drinking himself to death. When a mysterious traveler shows up with a strange liqueur, asking him if he regrets the past, Beltran doesn’t hesitate to drink.
He finds himself in the past, on the very day that Amaranta froze to death. Beltran works to make things right, but history seems to have a way of repeating itself. With some guidance from the traveler and her husband, Isaac, each spring before he goes back in time, Beltran slowly discovers things about himself and his dear wife.
I really enjoyed this novel. The writing is crisp and clean, and the plot is richly woven throughout. Since this is part 1 of 6, there are a lot of things merely hinted on that will be expanded on in the next books. After finishing the entire series, I went back and re-read this one to write this review, and found so many little nuggets that I missed the first time around.
In addition to the great writing, the author illustrated the novel with beautiful scenes reminiscent of woodcuts. The art is gorgeous, and really adds to the story.
Beltran is a very sympathetic character, and I found myself empathizing with his frustrations. Every character in this book oozes with personality, even the ones that play very minor roles, like the merchants wife.
Each of the books in this series focus on one of the major characters, going into detail about what they were doing during the winter of 1553 when their paths cross with Beltran’s.
He finds himself in the past, on the very day that Amaranta froze to death. Beltran works to make things right, but history seems to have a way of repeating itself. With some guidance from the traveler and her husband, Isaac, each spring before he goes back in time, Beltran slowly discovers things about himself and his dear wife.
I really enjoyed this novel. The writing is crisp and clean, and the plot is richly woven throughout. Since this is part 1 of 6, there are a lot of things merely hinted on that will be expanded on in the next books. After finishing the entire series, I went back and re-read this one to write this review, and found so many little nuggets that I missed the first time around.
In addition to the great writing, the author illustrated the novel with beautiful scenes reminiscent of woodcuts. The art is gorgeous, and really adds to the story.
Beltran is a very sympathetic character, and I found myself empathizing with his frustrations. Every character in this book oozes with personality, even the ones that play very minor roles, like the merchants wife.
Each of the books in this series focus on one of the major characters, going into detail about what they were doing during the winter of 1553 when their paths cross with Beltran’s.
June 2, 2015
I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway for an honest review; so here is my opinion on The Winter by Aubrey Andersen. This was an interesting book and not really what I was expecting. The story is well written and the characters were definitely unique. I was not expecting it to be like time travel, which in some ways it was. Beltran, who loses everything he loves to a run of terrible misfortune, finds himself continually repeating the last several months of his life over and over when he is given a potion by a person known as the traveler. He repeats this process over and over trying to save the people he loves, each time learning to rectify a new problem. There are some very strange characters that he comes into contact with each time he gets closer to making everything work out who try to stop him. The first time he travels back to the past he is taken aback but as he returns again and again he knows what is coming in the future and so tries desperately to get ahead of the situation. If you want to find out if he succeeds you will have to read the book. It is a small book and a quick read, less than a day, so you don't have to worry about dedicating a large block of time to reading the book. It really wasn't one I would have picked up on my own, but I don't feel that I wasted my time by reading it either. I think this book will appeal to only a certain group of people. If you are not into Sci-Fi or fantasy books I wouldn't recommend reading it. For all others, read it, even if you don't particularly like the book you will expand your mind into a different realm!
February 4, 2015
I read this book in 3 hours it was that good (and short but that's beside the point). I had to finish it before I went to bed. Unfortunately, its a 6 book series and I only have the first one! Reviews for the other 5 to follow when I finally get them.
This particular book in the series opens with Issac of the title. We get a little background on him and then he moves into his story which is actually the story of Beltran, at least in The Winter (Book 1). Beltran has lost everyone (literally) to either the harsh winter and famine or the Delirium, a plague quickly spreading through Spain, when he meets a mysterious traveler with a time-traveling potion. Here's where it gets really interesting for those of you who like Groundhog's Day scenarios. Beltran is given a monumental task (more than once) of curing the Delirium which ultimately ties into the Issac's story. But that will be left for the next book.
This book is an interesting mix of historical fiction, fantasy and mythology. Its set in the 16th century, involves time travel to a degree and even the four horsemen make an appearance in a very unique way. I can't wait to read the rest of the series to see where the story as a whole is going.
This particular book in the series opens with Issac of the title. We get a little background on him and then he moves into his story which is actually the story of Beltran, at least in The Winter (Book 1). Beltran has lost everyone (literally) to either the harsh winter and famine or the Delirium, a plague quickly spreading through Spain, when he meets a mysterious traveler with a time-traveling potion. Here's where it gets really interesting for those of you who like Groundhog's Day scenarios. Beltran is given a monumental task (more than once) of curing the Delirium which ultimately ties into the Issac's story. But that will be left for the next book.
This book is an interesting mix of historical fiction, fantasy and mythology. Its set in the 16th century, involves time travel to a degree and even the four horsemen make an appearance in a very unique way. I can't wait to read the rest of the series to see where the story as a whole is going.
December 12, 2014
Disclaimer: I received this book during a Goodreads giveaway.
Okay, I think I'll start from the beginning. From the start, I read the synopsis and it intrigued me. So I signed up for the giveaway, not expecting I'll win, but I did. After I received, the book I was hesitant on reading the book or not, because it was a completely new genre. When I started, it reminded me a bit like those literature books, but it was more simple and short.
Now this was a very short book, but truthfully, I only read it because I was bored. However, I hope it doesn't discourage you from doing the same. Although, it seemed it bore me in the beginning, but it's like a refreshing genre. The characters grows on you as you read, and it's different from other young novel books out there. Although the audience is more towards young adults, at the same time, some people may be pulled away from the genre. The author, A.Ka, made it simple and easy to follow up with the story, but it just depends if they're willing to try this new cup of tea.
Depending on your taste, it may seem bland. The book grew on me as it went, and I enjoyed it. I loved the art and story, and I hope you will too!
Okay, I think I'll start from the beginning. From the start, I read the synopsis and it intrigued me. So I signed up for the giveaway, not expecting I'll win, but I did. After I received, the book I was hesitant on reading the book or not, because it was a completely new genre. When I started, it reminded me a bit like those literature books, but it was more simple and short.
Now this was a very short book, but truthfully, I only read it because I was bored. However, I hope it doesn't discourage you from doing the same. Although, it seemed it bore me in the beginning, but it's like a refreshing genre. The characters grows on you as you read, and it's different from other young novel books out there. Although the audience is more towards young adults, at the same time, some people may be pulled away from the genre. The author, A.Ka, made it simple and easy to follow up with the story, but it just depends if they're willing to try this new cup of tea.
Depending on your taste, it may seem bland. The book grew on me as it went, and I enjoyed it. I loved the art and story, and I hope you will too!
December 11, 2013
I loved this book.
A.Ka’s prose is spectacular. She creates a setting in medieval Spain is rich and full of life and death. Both the idea and the created reality (in the book) of the plague known as the Delirium is truly terrifying.
The characters are deep and well written. Isaac who is the narrator and Beltran the protagonist are sympathetic in different ways, but I don’t want to give away too much.
The time-travel is treated with intelligence and the novel hints about what is coming further in the series. As this is the first book in a six-part series, there are plenty of mysteries to unfold as of yet. I can’t wait for the rest.
PS A.Ka also did the cover and illustrations and they are absolutely gorgeous.
A.Ka’s prose is spectacular. She creates a setting in medieval Spain is rich and full of life and death. Both the idea and the created reality (in the book) of the plague known as the Delirium is truly terrifying.
The characters are deep and well written. Isaac who is the narrator and Beltran the protagonist are sympathetic in different ways, but I don’t want to give away too much.
The time-travel is treated with intelligence and the novel hints about what is coming further in the series. As this is the first book in a six-part series, there are plenty of mysteries to unfold as of yet. I can’t wait for the rest.
PS A.Ka also did the cover and illustrations and they are absolutely gorgeous.
February 1, 2014
This book was a First Reads win for an honest opinion. It was a good read about a loving man, Beltran, and his wife. Beltran goes on a journey to help his wife & other people. The author writes beautifully & her illustrations are wonderful. This book is the first in a series and I would like to know the complete story. However, I must say that I prefer happier endings.
March 20, 2015
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. WOW!!!! This is a fantastic book, I absolutely love it, could not put it down. Needless to say I finished this book in one day and will be buying the others tonight. The art work is lovely and I greatly appreciate the book marks! Keep up the good work, you are a amazing author!
December 30, 2014
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program in exchange for my review.
This was a well written and intriguing book. I really enjoyed it. The only thing I wish is that the author had not split the book up into multiple books. I wanted the story to continue and now I have to wait until I get the next book. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
This was a well written and intriguing book. I really enjoyed it. The only thing I wish is that the author had not split the book up into multiple books. I wanted the story to continue and now I have to wait until I get the next book. I can't wait to see where the story goes.
December 16, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thanks, A Ka.
I enjoyed this "literature" so much I shared it with an old professor from college.
I enjoyed this "literature" so much I shared it with an old professor from college.
May 18, 2014
Can't wait to read the rest!
January 22, 2023
It's such a short book, with so much in it but almost nothing going on.
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