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A Winter for Doves Part 1: Book I of Project Suncloud
Everything is Connected.
In the year 2057, the world's population has been reduced to a single Salutem. For over a decade, the city–nation has known nothing but peace, or so the populace has been led to believe. Unbeknownst to the general public, for the last seven years the Saint Organization has been humanity's only line of defense against the Devil's Deviants, mutated terrorists with inhuman supernatural abilities, and an extreme prejudice against humankind.After their trusted leader is slain and mutilated, however, the Saints find themselves in disarray. An uneasy alliance between them and Salutem’s government, the United World Federation, grows ever more hostile, and the Devil’s Deviants are preparing for something big—something that could finish off the Saints and possibly all of Salutem for good.
As winter begins to fall, a train accident thrusts college student Aylen Monro into the ranks of the Saints and into the life of Jared Griffin, an ex-DD with a tragic and terrifying past of his own. She is looking for revenge against the ones that wronged her and he is making amends for his past sins. Little do they know, however, that they both have a larger role to play in what is coming. But as the Devil's Deviants gain momentum, the question becomes Will the Saints survive the winter and the oncoming bloodshed?
More importantly, will they survive themselves?
In the year 2057, the world's population has been reduced to a single Salutem. For over a decade, the city–nation has known nothing but peace, or so the populace has been led to believe. Unbeknownst to the general public, for the last seven years the Saint Organization has been humanity's only line of defense against the Devil's Deviants, mutated terrorists with inhuman supernatural abilities, and an extreme prejudice against humankind.After their trusted leader is slain and mutilated, however, the Saints find themselves in disarray. An uneasy alliance between them and Salutem’s government, the United World Federation, grows ever more hostile, and the Devil’s Deviants are preparing for something big—something that could finish off the Saints and possibly all of Salutem for good.
As winter begins to fall, a train accident thrusts college student Aylen Monro into the ranks of the Saints and into the life of Jared Griffin, an ex-DD with a tragic and terrifying past of his own. She is looking for revenge against the ones that wronged her and he is making amends for his past sins. Little do they know, however, that they both have a larger role to play in what is coming. But as the Devil's Deviants gain momentum, the question becomes Will the Saints survive the winter and the oncoming bloodshed?
More importantly, will they survive themselves?
Paperback
Published December 14, 2023
13 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas J Ripley
4 books10 followersNicholas J Ripley is the frontman of the punk rock band Futilitarian Librarians as well as the author and primary visual artist of everything related to Project Suncloud. Born in Las Vegas to a pair of dancers, "Uncle Nick" has been professionally involved in the arts since the young age of nine years old, when he got his first professional acting and modeling gig. Besides playing with his band and working on Project Suncloud, Nick also writes as a film critic for FilmSnob Reviews. When he is not doing anything artistic, he enjoys watching horror movies, playing old video games, and spending time with his cat/co-author Arya Stark.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 29, 2025
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the not too distant future the world and population has changed dramatically. For the past ten years the city’s population has known peace, unaware about what is lurking around the unseen corners. Secrets can only last so long.
This book was a great adventure with lots of gore, violence and heart. I loved the atmosphere of this world, the world felt real and gave the sense that the community was always up to something, whether or not it was related to the plot. This gave a much richer experience when the main cast spoke or was involved with other characters.
Jared and Aylen were easily my two favorite characters to follow. They were the most in depth characters.
There are several action packed scenes of people fighting for their lives. These exciting chapters are well balanced with more character driven scenes where you get the full experience of the characters of this world.
There was a lot going on in this big world and story. I really enjoyed getting to read this, and I’m very excited to start book 2!
In the not too distant future the world and population has changed dramatically. For the past ten years the city’s population has known peace, unaware about what is lurking around the unseen corners. Secrets can only last so long.
This book was a great adventure with lots of gore, violence and heart. I loved the atmosphere of this world, the world felt real and gave the sense that the community was always up to something, whether or not it was related to the plot. This gave a much richer experience when the main cast spoke or was involved with other characters.
Jared and Aylen were easily my two favorite characters to follow. They were the most in depth characters.
There are several action packed scenes of people fighting for their lives. These exciting chapters are well balanced with more character driven scenes where you get the full experience of the characters of this world.
There was a lot going on in this big world and story. I really enjoyed getting to read this, and I’m very excited to start book 2!
December 25, 2024
Rating: 4.5
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of the book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Uhm...wow. Can that be the end of my review? No? Okay, I'll elaborate, if I can find the right words to do so. This was one epic grimdark rollercoaster that I don't want to end - thankfully I have book 2 to keep reading, because that ending... I--yep. Can't say more than that, you'll just have to read it to know.
This gives me 'urban fantasy' vibes but make it futuristic and scifi. It's a post-apocalyptic world set in 2057 where what remains of the world's population is all roped into one city-nation called Salutem under one government called United World Federation. The overall populace blindly think the world is at peace after everything leading up to this, but there's things going on in the background citizens are unaware about. From shady politics, underground organizations, bio warfare, and mutants. We get to see all the nitty gritty bits beneath this city-nation in this book.
Please be aware, this book is DARK and also very adult. Explicit scenes of gore, body horror, and sex are mentioned. There's also an uncomfy SA scene, bigotry, among other things that's wrong with this world. You follow multiple characters, so you get to see even the morally gray and evil character's point of view. Trust me, I growled at quite a few of these characters. They're definitely written to be hated. Hell, every one of these characters are dynamic and flawed in one way or another.
I will say, since it bounces from one PoV to the next, it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. Too many characters to keep up with. BUT, these characters all have an important role to the story as the story has A LOT of moving pieces. Trust me, it's worth it in the end. Jared was my favorite - 'goth' guy with tattoos and piercings who wields a double ended scythe? C'mon!
Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of the book. This review is my own honest opinion.
Uhm...wow. Can that be the end of my review? No? Okay, I'll elaborate, if I can find the right words to do so. This was one epic grimdark rollercoaster that I don't want to end - thankfully I have book 2 to keep reading, because that ending... I--yep. Can't say more than that, you'll just have to read it to know.
This gives me 'urban fantasy' vibes but make it futuristic and scifi. It's a post-apocalyptic world set in 2057 where what remains of the world's population is all roped into one city-nation called Salutem under one government called United World Federation. The overall populace blindly think the world is at peace after everything leading up to this, but there's things going on in the background citizens are unaware about. From shady politics, underground organizations, bio warfare, and mutants. We get to see all the nitty gritty bits beneath this city-nation in this book.
Please be aware, this book is DARK and also very adult. Explicit scenes of gore, body horror, and sex are mentioned. There's also an uncomfy SA scene, bigotry, among other things that's wrong with this world. You follow multiple characters, so you get to see even the morally gray and evil character's point of view. Trust me, I growled at quite a few of these characters. They're definitely written to be hated. Hell, every one of these characters are dynamic and flawed in one way or another.
I will say, since it bounces from one PoV to the next, it can get overwhelming and confusing at times. Too many characters to keep up with. BUT, these characters all have an important role to the story as the story has A LOT of moving pieces. Trust me, it's worth it in the end. Jared was my favorite - 'goth' guy with tattoos and piercings who wields a double ended scythe? C'mon!
August 17, 2025
This book is grim, grim, and grim (well... it’s grimdark).
Set in 2057, Salutem is the last city standing, and while the public clings to the illusion of peace, shadow wars between the Saints and the Devil’s Deviants rage in secret. Into that chaos, Aylen and Jared come into the picture.
The worldbuilding is top-tier. The action is bloody and desperate, the politics are excellent, and the characters are sharp and raw, layered, grey, and messy; no one is completely good or evil.
Set in 2057, Salutem is the last city standing, and while the public clings to the illusion of peace, shadow wars between the Saints and the Devil’s Deviants rage in secret. Into that chaos, Aylen and Jared come into the picture.
The worldbuilding is top-tier. The action is bloody and desperate, the politics are excellent, and the characters are sharp and raw, layered, grey, and messy; no one is completely good or evil.
May 13, 2024
The world building in this story was solid and there’s a diverse group of characters.
I will say this is another book with maybe a few too many POVs. But it worked well with this storyline for the most part so I’m not mad about it.
There’s plenty of gore to go around so buckle up because this isn’t one for the faint of heart!
I can’t wait to read part 2!
I will say this is another book with maybe a few too many POVs. But it worked well with this storyline for the most part so I’m not mad about it.
There’s plenty of gore to go around so buckle up because this isn’t one for the faint of heart!
I can’t wait to read part 2!
January 5, 2024
What. A. Rollercoaster!
This book has some light moments, but Ripley promised grimdark, horror, and sci-fi and he DELIVERS. A Winter For Doves (Part 1) is a wild ride full of gore, suspense, and intrigue - one that you don’t want to get off once you’re in.
Ripley showcases a diverse cast of different genders, sexualities, and races, all of whom are very well-written and also very morally grey. As he has said in promoting the books, neither the Saints or the Devil’s Deviants are unjustified in their actions - Ripley beautifully blurs the line between good and evil, and you’re not even sure who to root for in all of this.
For people who love the darkness of Berserk and Attack on Titan, this will be a HIT!
(Disclaimer: This book contains pervasive gore, pervasive strong language, disturbing imagery, and sexual content of varying descriptions. This book also makes mentions of rape, which may be triggering to readers who have experienced such. Per the author’s own admission, there are also other various darker themes explored in this book. Reader discretion is advised.)
This book has some light moments, but Ripley promised grimdark, horror, and sci-fi and he DELIVERS. A Winter For Doves (Part 1) is a wild ride full of gore, suspense, and intrigue - one that you don’t want to get off once you’re in.
Ripley showcases a diverse cast of different genders, sexualities, and races, all of whom are very well-written and also very morally grey. As he has said in promoting the books, neither the Saints or the Devil’s Deviants are unjustified in their actions - Ripley beautifully blurs the line between good and evil, and you’re not even sure who to root for in all of this.
For people who love the darkness of Berserk and Attack on Titan, this will be a HIT!
(Disclaimer: This book contains pervasive gore, pervasive strong language, disturbing imagery, and sexual content of varying descriptions. This book also makes mentions of rape, which may be triggering to readers who have experienced such. Per the author’s own admission, there are also other various darker themes explored in this book. Reader discretion is advised.)
January 14, 2024
This review is for both Part 1 and Part 2.
Please check the Trigger Warnings before reading as it’s a tad gory and dark.
Wow! What a journey these books are. I was truly hocked. The cliffhangers that keep you gripped to the story and the characters.
I truly felt like I was in the story, one minute I’m running for my life from the brainless, then I’m fighting organisations and gangs, then I’m training to be a protector, taking on an a-hole instructor and take revenge after losing my best friend.
Thank you Nicholas for creating this world in my head and heart.
I’m so excited to see more from you.
Please check the Trigger Warnings before reading as it’s a tad gory and dark.
Wow! What a journey these books are. I was truly hocked. The cliffhangers that keep you gripped to the story and the characters.
I truly felt like I was in the story, one minute I’m running for my life from the brainless, then I’m fighting organisations and gangs, then I’m training to be a protector, taking on an a-hole instructor and take revenge after losing my best friend.
Thank you Nicholas for creating this world in my head and heart.
I’m so excited to see more from you.
February 29, 2024
I thought there were too many POVs in the book but my faves have to be Jared and Aylen.
I loved the gore! It was written so well that I could easily envision it.
The characters felt real to me
Jared was reminding me of Dean! 😍 his personality was similar to him. I was also reminded of a Men In Black moment lol
I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to read Part 2!
This book includes a lot topics so please check out the TW if it applies to you.
Thank you to the author for my review copy.
I loved the gore! It was written so well that I could easily envision it.
The characters felt real to me
Jared was reminding me of Dean! 😍 his personality was similar to him. I was also reminded of a Men In Black moment lol
I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to read Part 2!
This book includes a lot topics so please check out the TW if it applies to you.
Thank you to the author for my review copy.
August 9, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. A WINTER FOR DOVES 🔥
🥊 The Book: The Saint Organization has been waging a secret war for years against the Devil’s Deviants—mutated terrorists with supernatural powers and a grudge against humankind. A deadly train accident throws college student Aylen Monro into the middle of the conflict, alongside Jared Griffin, an ex-Deviant with a dark past. She’s chasing revenge. He’s searching for redemption. Neither realizes how much the war depends on them.
💪 The Bro: This one is grim. We’re talking bone-crunching violence, twisted powers, and pitch-black themes. Definitely not a book for the faint of heart—or for anyone looking for a cozy sci-fi stroll.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Opens with high-stakes worldbuilding—this is a realistic, battle-scarred setting.
• The character work here is impressive. They pop off the page and you get the sense no one’s purely good or evil.
• Sets a clear “this ain’t a YA dystopia” tone from the jump—this is adult, brutal, and bloody.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Action scenes are pulse-pounders—fights feel desperate and dangerous. The mix of supernatural powers and gritty, grounded stakes keeps the battles unpredictable.
• Multiple POVs keep the story feeling huge and cinematic, though it can be a lot to juggle. There are A LOT of characters.
• Dialogue crackles. Banter, tension, and emotional gut punches all land.
• Strong balance between carnage and character—quiet moments hit as hard as the fights.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: The Home Stretch
• A few pacing dips thanks to the POV juggling, but overall tighter than most big-cast sci-fi.
• By the end, you’ve got a layered view of Salutem, the Saints, the Deviants, and the politics in between.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Unanimous Decision – A dark, unflinching ride through a violent future, mixing sci-fi, horror, and grimdark fantasy into something tense and memorable. The fights cut deep and the world’s big enough to swallow you whole—this is a double-sided scythe, and you won’t leave without scars.
🥊 The Book: The Saint Organization has been waging a secret war for years against the Devil’s Deviants—mutated terrorists with supernatural powers and a grudge against humankind. A deadly train accident throws college student Aylen Monro into the middle of the conflict, alongside Jared Griffin, an ex-Deviant with a dark past. She’s chasing revenge. He’s searching for redemption. Neither realizes how much the war depends on them.
💪 The Bro: This one is grim. We’re talking bone-crunching violence, twisted powers, and pitch-black themes. Definitely not a book for the faint of heart—or for anyone looking for a cozy sci-fi stroll.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Opens with high-stakes worldbuilding—this is a realistic, battle-scarred setting.
• The character work here is impressive. They pop off the page and you get the sense no one’s purely good or evil.
• Sets a clear “this ain’t a YA dystopia” tone from the jump—this is adult, brutal, and bloody.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Action scenes are pulse-pounders—fights feel desperate and dangerous. The mix of supernatural powers and gritty, grounded stakes keeps the battles unpredictable.
• Multiple POVs keep the story feeling huge and cinematic, though it can be a lot to juggle. There are A LOT of characters.
• Dialogue crackles. Banter, tension, and emotional gut punches all land.
• Strong balance between carnage and character—quiet moments hit as hard as the fights.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: The Home Stretch
• A few pacing dips thanks to the POV juggling, but overall tighter than most big-cast sci-fi.
• By the end, you’ve got a layered view of Salutem, the Saints, the Deviants, and the politics in between.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Unanimous Decision – A dark, unflinching ride through a violent future, mixing sci-fi, horror, and grimdark fantasy into something tense and memorable. The fights cut deep and the world’s big enough to swallow you whole—this is a double-sided scythe, and you won’t leave without scars.
February 14, 2024
‘A Winter for Doves’ by Nicholas Ripley is an intriguing mix of grimdark horror and soft sci-fi with undercurrents of a potential fated-mates romance meets the chosen-one trope. Per the author’s own disclaimer, this book is not for the faint of heart. There is strong … well, everything. Chances are if something offends or is triggering for you, it’s in this book.
While the disclaimer provided is a paragraph long, the items listed are used purposefully. The light and dark of humanity is explored, every single one of the large cast of characters revealing themselves to be flawed to varying degrees. Just as one group or person appears to be the so-called hero or villain, the script is flipped, and the reader is left with even more questions to the puzzle of the truth.
Book one begins unravelling the mysterious past of Salutem, and its inhabitants, largely through the eyes of innocent Aylen Monro. Thanks to troubled, sarcastic (often hilariously so) Jared Griffin, a young man with supernatural speed and an affinity for playing with fire, she’s pulled deeper into the folds of a secret war. Their friendship and budding romance are a beautiful reprieve on what turns into a gory, suspenseful ride that is sure to leave readers as shocked as our female protagonist by the final turn events in this first installment.
Anyone who enjoys grimdark reads is sure to devour this one and jump straight into book 2. I know I did.
While the disclaimer provided is a paragraph long, the items listed are used purposefully. The light and dark of humanity is explored, every single one of the large cast of characters revealing themselves to be flawed to varying degrees. Just as one group or person appears to be the so-called hero or villain, the script is flipped, and the reader is left with even more questions to the puzzle of the truth.
Book one begins unravelling the mysterious past of Salutem, and its inhabitants, largely through the eyes of innocent Aylen Monro. Thanks to troubled, sarcastic (often hilariously so) Jared Griffin, a young man with supernatural speed and an affinity for playing with fire, she’s pulled deeper into the folds of a secret war. Their friendship and budding romance are a beautiful reprieve on what turns into a gory, suspenseful ride that is sure to leave readers as shocked as our female protagonist by the final turn events in this first installment.
Anyone who enjoys grimdark reads is sure to devour this one and jump straight into book 2. I know I did.
May 13, 2024
A Winter for Doves is a gory, dystopian horror with a splash of romance. Aylen just wants to lead a normal college life, hang with her best friend/roomie, crush on the hot boy in her class, play video games. Like most people in Salutem, she’s oblivious to the fact that there are Brainless (mutated/disfigured monsters who were once human) roaming around causing havoc and eating people – until one day she’s attacked by a Brainless and rescued by the mysterious boy in black, Jared. She’s introduced to a whole new world of monsters, war, secrets, and terrorists with inhuman supernatural abilities.
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥.”
There are many characters in this book and we get to read the POV of almost all of them. It’s done in a way that’s not overwhelming or confusing. Each POV has a direct purpose and adds to the depth of the storyline and characters. The dialogue was some of the most realistic I’ve read and brought the characters and their personality to life. I’m so excited to continue this story and see what awaits the goth and the nerd in Part 2. This would make a wicked TV series!
“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥.”
There are many characters in this book and we get to read the POV of almost all of them. It’s done in a way that’s not overwhelming or confusing. Each POV has a direct purpose and adds to the depth of the storyline and characters. The dialogue was some of the most realistic I’ve read and brought the characters and their personality to life. I’m so excited to continue this story and see what awaits the goth and the nerd in Part 2. This would make a wicked TV series!
May 4, 2024
Thank you soo much Nicholas J Ripley for this copy ❤️
This was my first dystopian horror, and I was not disappointed!
Please read all the triggers before diving into this book!!
This book takes you on a wild adventure in a future world filled with secrets and danger. It's got everything: gore, violence, and plenty of heart.
The atmosphere is spot on, making the world feel real and alive. You get the sense that there's always something brewing in the community, adding layers to the story whenever the main characters interact with others.
One thing I could've done without was the frequent POV switches. I would've preferred less of that and more focus on fewer characters, but it was still overall a great read!
But speaking of characters, Jared and Aylen stole the show for me. They're so deep and interesting, you can't help but root for them.
The action scenes are intense, balanced perfectly with quieter, character-driven moments that give you a real feel for this world.
This was my first dystopian horror, and I was not disappointed!
Please read all the triggers before diving into this book!!
This book takes you on a wild adventure in a future world filled with secrets and danger. It's got everything: gore, violence, and plenty of heart.
The atmosphere is spot on, making the world feel real and alive. You get the sense that there's always something brewing in the community, adding layers to the story whenever the main characters interact with others.
One thing I could've done without was the frequent POV switches. I would've preferred less of that and more focus on fewer characters, but it was still overall a great read!
But speaking of characters, Jared and Aylen stole the show for me. They're so deep and interesting, you can't help but root for them.
The action scenes are intense, balanced perfectly with quieter, character-driven moments that give you a real feel for this world.
December 31, 2025
DNF at 78% so I’m allowed to rate and count it towards my total😂
I could not get into this story at all, which was unfortunate.
I think the story had potential, but the sheer number of POVs made it hard to follow. There were a lot of them, and it pulled me out of the narrative. The dialogue between characters also did not stand out, and I found myself skipping through sections because I was already checked out.
The conflict between the fighting groups and the government was definitely intriguing, but it was not enough to keep me invested.
I could not get into this story at all, which was unfortunate.
I think the story had potential, but the sheer number of POVs made it hard to follow. There were a lot of them, and it pulled me out of the narrative. The dialogue between characters also did not stand out, and I found myself skipping through sections because I was already checked out.
The conflict between the fighting groups and the government was definitely intriguing, but it was not enough to keep me invested.
April 30, 2024
🔥⚔️⛓️Review🩸⛓️💥🪓
Author: Nicholas J. Ripley
Title: A Winter For Doves:
Part One
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thoughts: Okay so this one I wasn't sure which way I'd fall on it at first. But I'm content with how much I enjoyed it. I'm finding I love horror sci-fi's and I'd even add that it one had a fantasy element to it. I'm also impressed with the inclusiveness of the characters which I wasn't expecting.
There's lots of blood shed and a good bit of world building that engulfs you. A good mix of genres melding together to deliver an expressive and action packed story.
On to part two 😎✨.
Be mindful of triggers, this a very dark read with trauma.
Author: Nicholas J. Ripley
Title: A Winter For Doves:
Part One
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thoughts: Okay so this one I wasn't sure which way I'd fall on it at first. But I'm content with how much I enjoyed it. I'm finding I love horror sci-fi's and I'd even add that it one had a fantasy element to it. I'm also impressed with the inclusiveness of the characters which I wasn't expecting.
There's lots of blood shed and a good bit of world building that engulfs you. A good mix of genres melding together to deliver an expressive and action packed story.
On to part two 😎✨.
Be mindful of triggers, this a very dark read with trauma.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews