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Hyddenworld #4
Winter
ONLY COURAGE CAN SAVE THEIR LANDS Winter has been unleashed upon the Hyddenworld by an angry Earth. And Judith, now the Earth’s unwilling ally and shield maiden, is powerless to intervene. Then while both human and Hydden lands wither, humans find their way into this secret realm – to destroy all that winter’s storms haven’t undone. The Hydden city of Brum now faces its darkest days; joining its greatest enemy to combat invaders. But ultimately, survival depends on its champions – Jack, Katherine and scrivener Bedwyn Stort. If they can locate a last gem, burning with fire and magic, devastation may be averted. But if the jewel fails to reach Juliet before winter’s end, human and Hyddenkind will pay the price. Yet his quest will cost Stort dearly. It requires him to finally let Juliet go; the epic love that’s sustained him. There is a solution, but is this buried too deep, lost beneath ice and snow?
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
William Horwood
43 books252 followersWilliam Horwood is an English novelist. His first novel, Duncton Wood, an allegorical tale about a community of moles, was published in 1980. It was followed by two sequels, forming The Duncton Chronicles, and also a second trilogy, The Book of Silence. William Horwood has also written two stand-alone novels intertwining the lives of humans and of eagles,
The Stonor Eagles and Callanish
, and The Wolves of Time duology. Skallagrigg, his 1987 novel about disability, love, and trust, was made into a BBC film in 1994. In addition, he has written a number of sequels to
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 11, 2019
I finished reading the last part of the Hyddenworld-quadrilogy of William Horwood, Winter, earlier today, and had to take a long walk with my hounds Merlin and Merida to do some pondering on this book and the series in general.
I fear that in this short review I will not be able to capture the profound and deep experience I had while reading this book. It is not just the many and complex storylines that run through these four books, or the ingenious way they intertwine and connect. It is mainly the surrealistic character of certain elements and of the finale of this book, that I’m sure cannot be retold properly in a short text such as this. So I will give no synopsis of the plot. I will say that in places this transported me back to moments when reading the Duncton books, where certain pages made me weep.
The series (as were the Duncton books for me) a monumental read and beautiful series. Some themes and similar (much loved) characters from previous books play out in these – and I for one loved that as they resonated so deeply for me. Some mole character could almost be the Hydden and human characters of this series, not least my favourite Mayweed transferring into Mister Barklice.
This book (series) is too beautiful and too special to be summarized. Read the series and be amazed by the tenderness and honesty of the main characters, by the wisdom of the author and by the beauty of his language and his love for this land....but also take on the messages that we humans need to change our ways and thinking towards each other, our lands, and our planet.
I fear that in this short review I will not be able to capture the profound and deep experience I had while reading this book. It is not just the many and complex storylines that run through these four books, or the ingenious way they intertwine and connect. It is mainly the surrealistic character of certain elements and of the finale of this book, that I’m sure cannot be retold properly in a short text such as this. So I will give no synopsis of the plot. I will say that in places this transported me back to moments when reading the Duncton books, where certain pages made me weep.
The series (as were the Duncton books for me) a monumental read and beautiful series. Some themes and similar (much loved) characters from previous books play out in these – and I for one loved that as they resonated so deeply for me. Some mole character could almost be the Hydden and human characters of this series, not least my favourite Mayweed transferring into Mister Barklice.
This book (series) is too beautiful and too special to be summarized. Read the series and be amazed by the tenderness and honesty of the main characters, by the wisdom of the author and by the beauty of his language and his love for this land....but also take on the messages that we humans need to change our ways and thinking towards each other, our lands, and our planet.
February 19, 2014
This is the final book in the Hyddenworld series, and Stort has to locate the final gem and return it to the Shield Maiden.
England is experiencing the prophesied End of Days, and both human and Hydden are surfing from the environmental and geological disasters that are taking place. The barriers between the human world and that of the Hydden are more blurred, with human activity starting to happen in their domain now. And in the midst of all this Katherine, Jack, Stort and the others are desperate to find this last gem. At the search become more desperate, event start to catch up with them, and they start to fight for their very lives.
I really enjoyed all the others in the series, and it is nice to not have a trilogy, as you so often find. I didn't think that the plot was quite as strong in this book as the previous ones. There were a couple of chapters that I could not work out why they were included, and i really didn't get the Mister Boots part. IT is a pointer to the human waste and destruction of the world, and the underlying point is that we should respect the planet as we do not have a complete idea of the damage we are doing.
That said, it is a great urban fantasy world that he has created. I hope that he writes some more on stories set in this world.
England is experiencing the prophesied End of Days, and both human and Hydden are surfing from the environmental and geological disasters that are taking place. The barriers between the human world and that of the Hydden are more blurred, with human activity starting to happen in their domain now. And in the midst of all this Katherine, Jack, Stort and the others are desperate to find this last gem. At the search become more desperate, event start to catch up with them, and they start to fight for their very lives.
I really enjoyed all the others in the series, and it is nice to not have a trilogy, as you so often find. I didn't think that the plot was quite as strong in this book as the previous ones. There were a couple of chapters that I could not work out why they were included, and i really didn't get the Mister Boots part. IT is a pointer to the human waste and destruction of the world, and the underlying point is that we should respect the planet as we do not have a complete idea of the damage we are doing.
That said, it is a great urban fantasy world that he has created. I hope that he writes some more on stories set in this world.
August 8, 2017
Well... I hate time traveling! It doesn't make sense and especially not if they are not gonna explain it, because "there's no time for it right now". So yeah, you could say I definitely didn't like the ending, it was confusing and it was never explained how the stone got in the eye of the horse (which I guessed that one of the stones would be there) and why the heck they couldn't find it before traveling through time. And then Judith aka Modor and Stort just became young again after everything is restored? Like I know you saved the world (by saving Kennedy?) but really? You get eternal life for that? Over all the ending just sucked.
I did enjoy the book more than the previous ones though, because it didn't feel quite as slow. I liked how they took the car and drove a whole lot of the way, since one, it was funny and second it was sooo much faster than eleven chapters of how they're walking there. But yes, not my favorite series. I didn't even really like it, it was just okay.
I did enjoy the book more than the previous ones though, because it didn't feel quite as slow. I liked how they took the car and drove a whole lot of the way, since one, it was funny and second it was sooo much faster than eleven chapters of how they're walking there. But yes, not my favorite series. I didn't even really like it, it was just okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2018
The final instalment in this epic fantasy masterpiece is a real gem, as something to treasure and re-read time and time again. Jack, Katherine, Judith, Bedwyn Stort, and their close friends Barklice, Bratfire, But etc. are all on their final journey to discover and retrieve the gem of winter and put an end to the ‘end of days’. In this final epic quest we loose some characters, go to a wedding, venture across continents and come under siege and attack. Full of dramatic action, dialogue and fast-paced this page-turning read is one that will have you on the edge of your seat throughout. Having loved books one to three in this series, I was naturally thrilled to read book four Hyddenworld: Winter, which was truly spectacular.
January 24, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and now finishing this tetralogy. The are quite fantastic in the proper use of that word and so much more than an adventure between parallel worlds. This last book was pockmarked with some very dark episodes but never fell into total despair, though it was so close on so many occassions. My only regret is that the ending was exceedingly flat. I am okay with loose ends or things not being rounded off but, and without spoiling it for you, the ending here was so unsatisfactory.
I've loved William Horwoods work ever since I read Callanish. This set has been a brilliant outing. Thank you.
I've loved William Horwoods work ever since I read Callanish. This set has been a brilliant outing. Thank you.
October 18, 2019
I have seldom read anything as brilliant, charming, gripping, enthralling and entertaining as this series. If by some chance it was made into a movie, I would love to watch it. Absolutely fabulous. I have had the pleasure of reading the Duncton series and the Wolves of Time series, this is my favourite. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
Because the whole series is excellent. It is everything and more. I cannot extol it's excellence more. I recommend this series to any reader of truly great storytelling.
Because the whole series is excellent. It is everything and more. I cannot extol it's excellence more. I recommend this series to any reader of truly great storytelling.
September 30, 2020
The ending is somewhat satisfying. It would be impossible to please everyone after setting up such a huge world, and a story with so many loops and whorls.
*spoilers*
But JFK? REALLY?
I dont know if its because I'm Australian, but I have no idea how stopping a US assassination is supposed to be the turning point for any of this, and the book certainly did not explain it.
I loved the time travel, I loved poor Stort getting old, knows only as Boots. I enjoyed how our familiar characters were drawn back together.
But wtf.
*spoilers*
But JFK? REALLY?
I dont know if its because I'm Australian, but I have no idea how stopping a US assassination is supposed to be the turning point for any of this, and the book certainly did not explain it.
I loved the time travel, I loved poor Stort getting old, knows only as Boots. I enjoyed how our familiar characters were drawn back together.
But wtf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2018
Complicated sentence structure throughout made it difficult to follow
December 25, 2018
The threads of the story tied together nicely at the end, well written. I’ve read the series one after another, so the recapping was a little annoying. Other than that-I enjoyed it!
November 16, 2020
Really good read, the book feels a very apt read for these times in particular, as you can most definitely relate it to the current climate crisis and political intrigue! Definitely recommend it.
January 1, 2024
I found this one a struggle if I’m honest, however the ending was great.
April 1, 2025
Loved this whole series but have to admit being a tad confused by the ending. I know I'm not very bright, so maybe that's why?
September 8, 2014
William Horwood returns after a decade break from original fantasy, and Winter is the culmination of his four seasonally-associated Hyddenworld books. It was his earlier writings in his Duncton Wood universe that meant these books went to the top of my reading list. I have reviewed the others in the series on my personal blog.
The Hyddenworld is a world of the little people, the Hydden, who live alongside the human world, their ways having parted from humans centuries ago. But the world is in grave danger, facing down universal calamity and the end of days. The earth is rebelling against a human society that has too long abused her, and the Hydden are left to fix it.
For the first time in centuries, the humans can see the Hydden and intrude upon their world with all the violence of humans who fear their own end. Their presence in the ancient Hydden city of Brum, threatens the spirit and existence of the cosmopolitan city.
As the world spirals towards destruction, time disappearing, the earth fracturing, and societal structures coming undone, Hydden academic and journeyman Bedwyn Stort is running out of time to find the fourth and final seasons gem for his love, the Shield Maiden, tool of fate and the broken world.
Winter takes the reader on desperate journeys between Birmingham, Uffington and Stonehenge. He has beautifully interwoven real world locations into his own Hyddenworld and given them a mythos and importance. There’s a nice parallel between the journey of life and the seasons. The Hydden lore strongly relies on the idea of fate, or ‘wyrd’ as they call it, harkening back to earlier eras in history.
In the later books of the series, there’s a strong moral theme deploring how humanity treats their home, the earth, and others with contempt, to only be used for their own gain. Horwood has hit on some of the major problems of humanity’s disconnect from others and from the environment which sustains them.
There’s some violence and a few gory descriptions, which harken back to what was one of the strengths in the political and religious storylines of Horwood’s Duncton Wood days, which fans of his earlier work will connect with.
Read the rest at: http://sqmag.com/2014/08/31/edition-1...
The Hyddenworld is a world of the little people, the Hydden, who live alongside the human world, their ways having parted from humans centuries ago. But the world is in grave danger, facing down universal calamity and the end of days. The earth is rebelling against a human society that has too long abused her, and the Hydden are left to fix it.
For the first time in centuries, the humans can see the Hydden and intrude upon their world with all the violence of humans who fear their own end. Their presence in the ancient Hydden city of Brum, threatens the spirit and existence of the cosmopolitan city.
As the world spirals towards destruction, time disappearing, the earth fracturing, and societal structures coming undone, Hydden academic and journeyman Bedwyn Stort is running out of time to find the fourth and final seasons gem for his love, the Shield Maiden, tool of fate and the broken world.
Winter takes the reader on desperate journeys between Birmingham, Uffington and Stonehenge. He has beautifully interwoven real world locations into his own Hyddenworld and given them a mythos and importance. There’s a nice parallel between the journey of life and the seasons. The Hydden lore strongly relies on the idea of fate, or ‘wyrd’ as they call it, harkening back to earlier eras in history.
In the later books of the series, there’s a strong moral theme deploring how humanity treats their home, the earth, and others with contempt, to only be used for their own gain. Horwood has hit on some of the major problems of humanity’s disconnect from others and from the environment which sustains them.
There’s some violence and a few gory descriptions, which harken back to what was one of the strengths in the political and religious storylines of Horwood’s Duncton Wood days, which fans of his earlier work will connect with.
Read the rest at: http://sqmag.com/2014/08/31/edition-1...
September 7, 2015
Der Kreis
Nur schwer hat Bedwyn Stort es überwunden, den Stein des Herbstes an die Schildmaid abgeben zu müssen. Und immer noch fehlt ein Stein. Der des Winters muss gefunden werden, sonst könnte die Welt wie sie bekannt ist untergehen. Gemeinsam mit seinen Freunden beschreitet Stort seinen schweren Weg. Auch wenn sie dabei manchmal auf unterschiedlichen Pfaden wandeln, so treffen sie sich doch wieder, um ihre Aufgabe zu vollenden. Prüfungen kommen auf sie zu, traurige Ereignisse ebenso wie fröhliche.
Mit Wehmut gilt es Abschied zu nehmen von Bedwyn Stort, von Jack und Katherine, von Mr. Barklice, von Bratfire. Sie auf ihrem letzten Abenteuer zu begleiten, bringt Freude und Hoffnung auf ein gutes Ende, aber auch Trauer über den Verlust so mancher lieb gewonnener Gefährten. Doch so ist der Lauf der Dinge, ein ewiges Werden und Vergehen, Finden und Verlieren. Mit der Suche nach dem Stein des Winters schließt sich der Kreis um die vier Jahreszeiten, die in der Welt der Hydden erfahren werden konnten. Mit einem Ziehen im Herzen bleibt man als Leser zurück. William Horwood ist es wirklich gelungen, ein packendes und berührendes Finale für seine herausragende Phantasie-Geschichte zu schaffen. Humor gepaart mit Ernsthaftigkeit und eine stimmige Storyline machen das Werk zu einem wunderbaren Beispiel für abwechslungsreiche und lesenswerte High-Fanstasy. In die Geschichte abgetaucht, ist man am Ende überrascht, dass es schon vorbei ist und man wünschte, es könnte noch ein wenig weitergehen. Beinahe möchte man wie Jack und Katherine auf dem wunderschön gestalteten Cover voller Hoffnung und frohen Mutes ins Licht wandern.
4,5
Nur schwer hat Bedwyn Stort es überwunden, den Stein des Herbstes an die Schildmaid abgeben zu müssen. Und immer noch fehlt ein Stein. Der des Winters muss gefunden werden, sonst könnte die Welt wie sie bekannt ist untergehen. Gemeinsam mit seinen Freunden beschreitet Stort seinen schweren Weg. Auch wenn sie dabei manchmal auf unterschiedlichen Pfaden wandeln, so treffen sie sich doch wieder, um ihre Aufgabe zu vollenden. Prüfungen kommen auf sie zu, traurige Ereignisse ebenso wie fröhliche.
Mit Wehmut gilt es Abschied zu nehmen von Bedwyn Stort, von Jack und Katherine, von Mr. Barklice, von Bratfire. Sie auf ihrem letzten Abenteuer zu begleiten, bringt Freude und Hoffnung auf ein gutes Ende, aber auch Trauer über den Verlust so mancher lieb gewonnener Gefährten. Doch so ist der Lauf der Dinge, ein ewiges Werden und Vergehen, Finden und Verlieren. Mit der Suche nach dem Stein des Winters schließt sich der Kreis um die vier Jahreszeiten, die in der Welt der Hydden erfahren werden konnten. Mit einem Ziehen im Herzen bleibt man als Leser zurück. William Horwood ist es wirklich gelungen, ein packendes und berührendes Finale für seine herausragende Phantasie-Geschichte zu schaffen. Humor gepaart mit Ernsthaftigkeit und eine stimmige Storyline machen das Werk zu einem wunderbaren Beispiel für abwechslungsreiche und lesenswerte High-Fanstasy. In die Geschichte abgetaucht, ist man am Ende überrascht, dass es schon vorbei ist und man wünschte, es könnte noch ein wenig weitergehen. Beinahe möchte man wie Jack und Katherine auf dem wunderschön gestalteten Cover voller Hoffnung und frohen Mutes ins Licht wandern.
4,5
December 3, 2015
I've really enjoyed this quartet of books so was keen to finish the story and overall I was not disappointed. In many ways this story is what you expect and has several surprises you don't see coming. It concludes the story very nicely and I thought that the author did a really good job of telling this story and concluding it in an unexpected way.
The only slight issue I had with it was the surprise twist in time to the Kennedy assignation but that did make me chuckle and I liked the way it played out.
If you've read the first 3 I assume you are picking this one up its definitely worth it, if you haven't read the first 3 pick up the set and read them back to back its a cracking story.
The only slight issue I had with it was the surprise twist in time to the Kennedy assignation but that did make me chuckle and I liked the way it played out.
If you've read the first 3 I assume you are picking this one up its definitely worth it, if you haven't read the first 3 pick up the set and read them back to back its a cracking story.
July 6, 2021
It might be something about my slightly obsessive approach to fiction that I'll sometimes struggle through books by an author because I loved earlier books by the same author.
Sort of the same deal here. I was a fan of Horwood's Duncton series when I was younger and had some high hopes when he started a new series with Hyddenworld. But book after (lengthy) book has done nothing to make this less than a slightly messy ramble with some occasional moments of cleverness.
Winter was frustrating for most of its length, made a bit more interesting by a left-field plot twist in the last few chapters. But even that didn't really save the work from being highly forgettable. Sorry William!
Sort of the same deal here. I was a fan of Horwood's Duncton series when I was younger and had some high hopes when he started a new series with Hyddenworld. But book after (lengthy) book has done nothing to make this less than a slightly messy ramble with some occasional moments of cleverness.
Winter was frustrating for most of its length, made a bit more interesting by a left-field plot twist in the last few chapters. But even that didn't really save the work from being highly forgettable. Sorry William!
January 4, 2014
Most of this book I really liked and thought fit well with the rest of the series, and I especially enjoyed reading more of Bedwyn Stort's latest escapades.
However, the last part of the book just didn't seem to fit at all. It was still well written, but it got very confusing as to who was who, and also how anyone knew anything. It seemed a bit of a green-nirvana deus ex machina.
However, the last part of the book just didn't seem to fit at all. It was still well written, but it got very confusing as to who was who, and also how anyone knew anything. It seemed a bit of a green-nirvana deus ex machina.
June 5, 2016
This is a well written story, I just had trouble getting into it. It may be because I haven't read his other books in the series. The theme is interesting and at times it engaged me but not enough to say that I loved it.
March 20, 2014
A poor ending to a good series. If this was the first book I wouldn't have continued. But I fought my way to the end so I could see it through. On this book I wouldn't recommend the series
September 20, 2015
I struggled to finish this and really didn't feel the ending.
July 19, 2014
I like these and love the end
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews