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Curse of the Winter Lord

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A dark and dangerous adventure where a witch’s curse makes the rules.
Athena Landley is a simple girl from a simple town in the north. Stelhaven is the perfect place, until winter comes and never leaves. Trapped under a blanket of never-ending snow, Athena and the townsfolk blame the eerie, magical wood nearby. When a dangerous stranger arrives, and children start to go missing, Athena has no choice but to venture into the wood to save the town’s soul.
And her own.
Deep in the wood lives the very handsome Lord Winter, an overly confident season Lord who wants nothing to do with Athena. But he’s desperate to save his realm and maybe Athena is the answer he is looking for.
Together they confront the dark magic that binds him, the pain that has destroyed her, and grapple for the second chance they both desperately need. Fighting personal demons, spells, and their growing attraction, Lord Winter and Athena get more than they bargain for, as the curse of winter tightens its icy grip.

428 pages, Paperback

Published January 23, 2024

2 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Susan Shepard

3 books28 followers

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5 stars
29 (74%)
4 stars
9 (23%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Katelyn.
169 reviews
January 21, 2024
What an exciting and heart wrenching adventure! I loved every minute of this Beauty and the Beast mixed with Little Red Riding Hood retelling. I was emotionally invested in each of the characters, especially Athena and Lord Winter. This novel has it all—adventure, a beautiful love story, strong friendships, a curse that needs breaking and an evil villain that needs defeating. Mix in all of the magical imagery of the Winter Realm and an amazing message of forgiving not only others, but yourself and this book is a must read for all lovers of fantasy and retold fairytales.
Profile Image for Carolyn H.
32 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2024
Susan Shepard is an auto buy author for me, I really enjoyed her Gardiens Series so I was looking forward to reading something a little different from her. Suffice it to say that this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more. I was immediately drawn into this wintery world where hidden magic abounds. Susan's writing is so descriptive and lyrical, I could almost feel the snow flakes falling around me.

This book addresses some difficult questions around guilt and forgiveness, and the message is really profound. It is a story of unlikely allies (a young village girl and powerful Winter Lord) who band together to try to break the Winter Lord's curse, and they have to face a formidable foe together. There were many surprises in the book that I was definitely not expecting, and it kept me guessing the whole time. Susan does a great job of writing strong, selfless female characters and it is wonderful to watch Athena's journey as she learns and grows as a person.

All I can say is that I really hope there will be a book 2 because there is so much more I want to know about Athena's story! I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a clean Fantasy Romance with Beauty and the Beast vibes but is a tale that stands out all on its own.
Profile Image for Alex ✨.
243 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2024
The curses, the magic, the battles. This book was magical in every way and I loved every moment. It was a fantastic tale and I enjoyed the characters. Athena is a strong female character that is not afraid to do what she thinks it right and doesn't question any sacrifice she has to make. Edur is a powerful Winter Lord that is trying to save his world and keep the stubborn Athena out of the way. Both were more powerful together and it was special watching them work together to save for her town and his world.
Profile Image for J.K..
Author 4 books76 followers
May 28, 2024
Such a delicious story. I finished it on one sitting during a flight. Brave and fair maiden, handsome cursed prince, amazing storytelling. If you love fairytale retelling, this is the book for you. I loved following the MPOV, especially Athena and Edur. I enjoyed the theme of forgiveness as well. Very well written and engaging story
Profile Image for bexbooklover.
894 reviews10 followers
January 24, 2024
This book is definitely a mix of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast. And it's done so well!!

A small village that is plagued by a supernatural wolf. And the village descends into absolute chaos and despair at losing more and more of their children. Athena makes the decision that she will follow the wolf and find the children.

There is a great romance. That's balanced well with fully fleshed out magic. The world is fully developed without being too over informative. There are also some truly dark scenes in this book.

All that being said, I do highly recommend picking up this book if you are at all a fan of fantasy or romance. And especially if you like them combined.
Profile Image for Beth Faz .
50 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2024
This book was so beautifully written. It’s similar to the Cruel Prince in writing style but *only* in the sense that she writes so well that you can really *feel* the fmc struggles, pain, anxiety. You can feel her anger and determination. This is a clean romance / fantasy that I would recommend to anyone. A truly beautiful story that I would read again.
Profile Image for Kyra.
81 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2024
Thank you @verseventurestours and @susanshepardbooks for a ARC copy of this book!! I loved this epic fantasy adventure! I loved the character building and the world that Shepard created with Athena and Edur. This is a great read for someone looking for fantasy but not looking for a whole series. You get the whole story in this one book and it’s great!!
5 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2024
"Curse of the Winter Lord" takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world trapped in an eternal winter, blending elements of dark magic, danger, and a blossoming romance. In this enchanting tale, Athena Landley, a simple girl from the northern town of Stelhaven, finds her life disrupted by a mysterious curse that plunges her community into a relentless winter.

The story unfolds as Athena, along with the townsfolk, attributes the unending snowfall to the eerie, magical wood nearby. However, when a perilous stranger arrives, and children begin to disappear, Athena is compelled to venture into the heart of the enchanted forest to rescue her town and, ultimately, herself.

At the core of the narrative is the charismatic Lord Winter, a handsome and overly confident seasonal ruler residing deep within the magical wood. Despite his initial reluctance, Lord Winter and Athena find themselves reluctantly bound together in a quest to unravel the dark magic that entwines him and the pain that haunts her. As they confront personal demons, powerful spells, and a burgeoning attraction, they soon discover that their fates are intertwined in ways they could never have imagined.

The author skillfully weaves a tapestry of suspense and mystique, creating a world where the curse of winter tightens its icy grip, making every step into the enchanted wood a perilous endeavor. The dynamics between Athena and Lord Winter add layers of complexity to the narrative, as they navigate a realm filled with danger and forbidden allure.

"Curse of the Winter Lord" is a compelling blend of dark fantasy and romantic tension, offering readers a spellbinding adventure that keeps them on the edge of their seats. The author's vivid descriptions and well-developed characters contribute to the immersive experience, making this novel a must-read for those who crave a captivating journey through a world where magic and danger collide.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,212 reviews74 followers
January 25, 2024
4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a great stand-alone dark fantasy involving a witch, a courageous girl, a cursed lord, and a dangerous adventure. Althena lives in a small, idyllic town until winter comes and never leaves. The town blames the nearby magical woods, especially when a stranger arrives and children start to go missing. Blaming herself, Althena enters the woods to rescue the children and save the town. Lord Winter lives in the wood and has been cursed to turn into a wolf every full moon. Believing he can break the curse by capturing 12 innocents and performing a ritual, he didn’t count on Althena.

This book started off slowly, but I’m glad I stuck with it because once the action picked up, I really enjoyed it. Threaded throughout the story are messages of guilt, shame, and believing oneself worthy of forgiveness and a second chance. Althena is a total badass, with a strong moral compass and a willingness to sacrifice herself for the benefit of others.

Lord Winter shares these qualities. While he personally benefits if the curse is broken, more importantly, he will be able to protect his people. I really liked Althena’s relationship with Lord Winter’s sister. It gave a glimpse of the young, carefree girl she should have been, had she not been burdened with these responsibilities. The attraction between Althena and Lord Winter was subtle, but slowly grew throughout the story. Overall, this was a fun, satisfying read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Verse Ventures Tours and the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ragne Tropelibrarian.
36 reviews2 followers
February 9, 2024
A book filled with hopes and dreams of a young girl who has to go through many anguishing events, find, lose and then find love again in an unexpected place. There is a certain S.J.Maas quality to the plot while having its very distinct plot lines and fantasy with very real emotions shining through!

Read if you like:
❄️ Enemies to lovers
❄️ Morally gray
❄️ Betreyal
❄️ Slow burn
❄️ Who did this to you
❄️ Swordfight training and tension
❄️ Magic and powers and telepathy
❄️ Jelousy
❄️ Redemption
❄️ Small village
❄️ Curses

I loved this book! It took some time to get going and the plot is very thick but the slow burn amongs the winter chill is superb! So much angst in various forms, so many hopeless moments and so much lovely tension and finding redemption for others and for oneself. It is almost like 3 books in one.

I couldn't put it down and had to read through the night. 🥰😍

So much has happened in a village where a terrifying wolf demands sacrifice and she had to become the harbinger while delivering kids to their doom. Athena is forced to do many dark deeds to protect herself and her former life seems so far in the past. Her only way out is now helping a grumpy winter lord in his quest to break a deadly curse that brings on the neverending winter. There are things she doesn't know as they go on their perilous journey and she has to go through many unimaginable things to finally find love, forgiveness and acceptance.

Quotes and nuggets:

“You need to forgive yourself. Stop waiting for others to confirm you’re worthy of it.”

“I would rather spend my last moments in your arms than live a thousand years never knowing you. ”

"Love could be as blinding and unpredictable as getting lost in a beautiful, pure white snowstorm."

Warmth brushed the tips of her bare, snow-laden branches of loneliness with beautiful flames of acceptance.

I leave this review voluntarily after reading the ARC from the author and Verse Ventures book tour.
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 2 books2 followers
January 27, 2024
"Every part of her wanted to freeze under his scrutiny. Only one man here could be that kingly, that lordly. That intimidating. This had to be Edur Northcote, the Winter Lord." - Curse of the Winter Lord, Susan Shepard

This is a dark and dangerous fantasy adventure story of magic, heartbreak, romance, and second chances. This book is Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood with dystopia vibes. The story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me guessing. The moral dilemma faced by the townsfolk is thought-provoking. An entertaining escape to another world!

𝙵𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜...
🧚🏼‍♀️ Fairytale retelling
💞 Enemies-to-lovers
❄ Magical realms
💔 Story of redemption
🌬 Curses and Witches

ʜᴇʀᴇ's ᴡʜᴀᴛ ɪᴛ ɪs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ...
Athena and the townsfolk of Stelhaven are trapped in a never-ending winter and blame the eerie, magical wood nearby. When a dangerous stranger arrives, and children start to go missing, Athena has no choice but to venture into the wood to save the town’s soul.
And her own.
Deep in the wood lives Lord Winter, desperate to save his realm, maybe Athena is the answer he is looking for.
Together they must confront dark magic and personal demons to thaw their hearts before the curse of winter tightens its icy grip.

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ
No language
Just kissing
Violence/death
Profile Image for Sudeshna Banerjee.
1,327 reviews39 followers
February 2, 2024
The cover photo of the book is stunning and it was love at first sight for me. The blurb also looked interesting so I knew that I had to read this book.

This book is a thrilling and moving journey that blends Beauty and the Beast with Little Red Riding Hood. I was captivated by the characters, especially Athena and Lord Winter, and their struggles and growth. This novel has everything you could want—action, romance, friendship, magic, and redemption. The Winter Realm is a stunning setting that adds to the enchantment of the story. This book is a gem for anyone who enjoys fantasy and fairytales.

The writing skills of the author are flawless and through her Captivating writing style I could visualise the whole world building in front of me. I was engaged throughout the book and didn't get bored at all.

I will highly recommend this book to all the fantasy and fairytale retelling lovers. Grab your copy today and you will definitely enjoy reading it.
Profile Image for Darla.
193 reviews8 followers
February 2, 2024
✨Book Review✨

Curse of the Winter Lord
Susan Shepard

First of all how BEAUTIFUL is this cover! If a cover is done well it’ll make me stop and want to read more of what the books about. This one did just that! I hope it does for you too!

This book is full of magical elements that kept me so interested in the story. Fantasy can confuse me at times but the world building unfolded seamlessly and I loved this world!

Athena was my favorite character. I loved seeing her growth throughout the story. The lengths she was willing to go for those around her was admirable.

Susan does such a great job at hooking the reader just by the first chapter. I was so very invested in this story, I read it in a little over a day! The ending was perfect but oh my gosh the sadness I felt after reading chapter fifty-five!! 🥺 As you can tell all my emotions were wrapped up in this one!

Thank you @ve and @ for the opportunity to read this beautiful story!
Profile Image for Kylynn Prendergast.
9 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2024
You definitely must give a chance to this book. What a great fairytale retelling. I loved it.

Curse of the Winter lord truly carries that fairytale essence we miss from our childhood. With rich, yet not saturated descriptions it does not make you a reader but a character from the novel who experiences part of Athena and Lord Winter's life. The slow burn was well payed at the end of the story... 💜 I really love the internal conflicts of both characters and the way everything ended up. The author is extremely good at describing the characters' reactions which made it feel very realistic. Bonus points! ✨

The book is divided into 3 parts (3rd person narrator) where the focus of Athena and Lord Winter changes depending on the chapter. And even if the pace for the first part was a bit slow for my taste, it definitely pays back with the following parts.

If you're searching for a cool winter book with some ACOTAR vibes, this is your book! 🥰
Profile Image for Emily.
229 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2024
"Curse Of The Winter Lord," by @susanshepardbooks

This book was so ethereal, and it had me absolutely captivated. Athena and Edur felt familiar and completely new all at the same time. The world building was stunning and intricate. The plot was action packed from the beginning and I refused to put this down as soon as I started. The slow burn, enemies to lovers was so worth the wait and I wish I had picked this up sooner. Susan’s writing is clear, focused and so riveting I am so excited to read more of her work. This story was beautiful and even the villains were alluringly agitating but that just means she wrote them well and her premise of a dark gripping adventure was delivered.

Star Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞
🌟Fairytale Retelling
🌟Witches
🌟Curses + Magic
🌟Enemies to Lovers
🌟Second Chances
🌟Happily Ever After
🌟Good vs. Evil
5 reviews
Read
February 7, 2024
I’ve seen some fellow tour hosts compare this to a Beauty and the Beast meets Red Riding Hood read and I agree! The world building Susan Shepard has created was the perfect pace that wasn’t overwhelming and gave great detailings throughout.

Our main characters were so much fun and really dove into the “willing to sacrifice everything” trope for their missions. The chemistry and connections felt natural and easy going. This read like going on an adventure with friends.

Thank you @verseventurestours and @susanshepardbooks for having me on tour and my gifted copy.
Profile Image for Vixen Avery.
29 reviews6 followers
January 23, 2024
I loved this book. There’s hints of action almost immediately and it only picks up from there. Athena is stubborn and brave—much to the dismay of her family and friends—and tries her hardest to solve the problem plaguing her village.

When she goes after the action on her own you want to root for her and scold her simultaneously--much like Lord Winter himself....

As she struggles with mistakes she’s made in the past and tries to right her wrongs, you can’t help but feel for her. Absolutely would recommend this book to anyone who wants to venture into fantasy books.
Profile Image for JoAnna McSpadden.
Author 4 books27 followers
January 23, 2024
If you love fairytale retellings with a dark twist you will love this one! This is a Beauty and the Beast meets Little Red Riding Hood, but it’s no fluffy story. The important message of forgiveness is intertwined with beautiful imagery, strong friendships, intriguing mysteries, magic spells, deep love, and truly terrifying danger. This story truly has everything. Every chapter will leave you wanting to read more and rooting for the characters you so quickly fall in love with!
Profile Image for Dorianne McAllister.
6 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2024
A great read! I loved the strong female character, Athena. She is courageous and feisty. Edur is the fearless leader of the Winter realm who also happens to be cursed. But Edur can’t seem to break the curse alone. He needs help from Athena! This story has action, adventure, fantasy and romance. I like reading from both Athena and Edur’s perspectives. This book would make a great movie!
2 reviews
January 18, 2024
@susanshepardbooks Susan Shepard has done it again! She whisked me away to a frosty kingdom and taught me a few life lessons along the way. With lines like, "loneliness was an awful cage" and "Blame was a lonely house to inhabit," you are sure to enjoy reading the saga of Athena and the Winter Lord! Part mystery, part adventure, you will love the romantic undertones in this book! READ IT! BUY IT!
5 reviews
January 18, 2024
Loved this book! My 16 year old wants to read it next, this book was so fun to read, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!
1 review
February 7, 2024
Incredible read

Loved this book so much from beginning to end. The story line is amazing. Wanting more books like this one!
Profile Image for Kara.
8 reviews3 followers
January 16, 2024
What a wonderful adventure! I loved the beautifully well written imagery of all the foreign lands. The message behind the book was very poignant and just what I needed to read. I simply did not want this book to end!!
1 review1 follower
December 28, 2024
This was such a fun fresh take on a classic tale. The author’s ability to transport to the world they created was magical. I have my tween and teen daughters next in line to read it and I’m sure they’ll love it too.
5 reviews
January 25, 2024
This book is so amazing!!! I ate it up so fast. This is a beautiful winter read. It has royalty/lords, fairytale vibes, riddles and so much more!
15 reviews1 follower
January 9, 2024
A lot of my favorites all in one place: clean romance, adventure, and fantasy! It is very well written and the characters were easy to fall in love with. I really cared what happened to them. Lots of surprises! I loved the setting of the main character's village! I was definitely transported to another world.❤️
Profile Image for Ravyn Buck.
1 review
December 30, 2023
The curse of the winter lord pulled at my heart strings. It was easy to fall in love with the main character Athena. She went into every adventure with an open mind and wasn’t afraid of the challenges. She and lord winter taught some very valuable lessons. I very much like how she is so understanding of others while also protecting her own heart. The details were so beautiful and while imagining how everything looked the thrills kept me reading. This book is going to be one I will reread just to dive back into the beautiful world of the winter wood.
Profile Image for Sara Archambault.
13 reviews
January 2, 2024
Well written, every time I thought I knew what would happen next I was wrong, and I love that! This is a book I’m excited to read again and again! The story line is full and complex but easy to follow along.
Profile Image for Maddie.
488 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2024
Athena Landley is a simple girl from a simple town in the north. Stelhaven is the perfect place, until winter comes and never leaves. Trapped under a blanket of never-ending snow, Athena and the townsfolk blame the eerie, magical wood nearby. When a dangerous stranger arrives, and children start to go missing, Athena has no choice but to venture into the wood to save the town’s soul. Deep in the wood lives the very handsome Lord Winter, an overly confident season Lord who wants nothing to do with Athena. But he’s desperate to save his realm and maybe Athena is the answer he is looking for.
This is a fantasy fairytale retelling that is a mix of Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast. The main characters have a great romance that adds to the story. There really isn’t any spice in this romance so this book would be more suited to fans of clean romance stories. The book is told from multiple points of view. This book was wrapped up perfectly in just one book so this makes for a great standalone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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