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Winter's Chosen
If you were chosen to save the world, would you do anything it takes?
Ifry is the long suffering clerk to the wealthy and demanding Thomas Townsend. When the latter takes Ifry to the mountains to build a ski resort, they have their work cut out for them. The mountain town is overrun with carnivorous monsters and Ifry is woefully unprepared, but he finds help in Jos Nothernine, the reserved but charming local hunter.
Yet the town is plagued by more than just it is home to Solyon, the god of summer himself. Each year, Solyon chooses a townsperson to defeat a sacrifice chosen by Lady Winter. If the chosen fails, winter will continue endlessly, meaning disaster for the world at large.
A sacrifice must be made, and this year Jos has been chosen to kill someone, lest summer never return.
Ifry is the long suffering clerk to the wealthy and demanding Thomas Townsend. When the latter takes Ifry to the mountains to build a ski resort, they have their work cut out for them. The mountain town is overrun with carnivorous monsters and Ifry is woefully unprepared, but he finds help in Jos Nothernine, the reserved but charming local hunter.
Yet the town is plagued by more than just it is home to Solyon, the god of summer himself. Each year, Solyon chooses a townsperson to defeat a sacrifice chosen by Lady Winter. If the chosen fails, winter will continue endlessly, meaning disaster for the world at large.
A sacrifice must be made, and this year Jos has been chosen to kill someone, lest summer never return.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2024
1 person is currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 7, 2024
A slower paced, Queer fantasy story about a group of city folk who travel to a small town to pursuade the locals to let them set up a hotel there, only to find more than they bargained for when they encounter strange creatures and the even stranger customs of the locals.
The characters really drove this story for me, I found them all so memorable and I was quickly interested in their lives and the relationships they would form. Ifry and Jos were such a great match, but I was also invested in Oriana and Eldersie, who had a perfect grumpy / sunshine dynamic.
The ending chapters were harrowing, and really upped the stakes. I think the choices of the final pages let this story down a little for me, as I wanted a better resolution and the audience to be given a stronger answer as to what happened to the characters I grew so invested in.
The characters really drove this story for me, I found them all so memorable and I was quickly interested in their lives and the relationships they would form. Ifry and Jos were such a great match, but I was also invested in Oriana and Eldersie, who had a perfect grumpy / sunshine dynamic.
The ending chapters were harrowing, and really upped the stakes. I think the choices of the final pages let this story down a little for me, as I wanted a better resolution and the audience to be given a stronger answer as to what happened to the characters I grew so invested in.
September 22, 2024
I am super grateful to Ash Parker for reaching out and offering me a copy of his book. The package that arrived was awesome, and the tea smells divine. [ yet to try it, though ]
Onto the book, I read this over 2 days, and honestly, if real life didn't get in the way, I'd have probably finished it in just the one.
It was average paced, not too slow but not too fast, which meant I could absorb more of the details [ bonus ]
The book was queer fantasy.. did I know that before I went in.. Nope, did I love it.. damn right I did. The characters were awesome. I especially loved Jos and gosh what he was up against. Well, that was next level.. but he fell in love, and I adored reading about him and Ifry. I absolutely rooted for them from the get-go, and although my heart wished for a different ending, I could totally appreciate the one before us. Also, what a change in character for Eldersie - i had an inkling where this was going, and I definitely think they had the whole grumpy/sunshine thing going on.
Gahh, the monsters / creatures.. like my brain conjured up some pretty wild looking beasts through the descriptions, and that was terrifying.
The author did a fantastic job at really setting the scene in every single chapter.
This is definitely one for the re - read pile as I just know there will be so much more the 2nd time around. I highly recommend you add this one to your tbr!
Onto the book, I read this over 2 days, and honestly, if real life didn't get in the way, I'd have probably finished it in just the one.
It was average paced, not too slow but not too fast, which meant I could absorb more of the details [ bonus ]
The book was queer fantasy.. did I know that before I went in.. Nope, did I love it.. damn right I did. The characters were awesome. I especially loved Jos and gosh what he was up against. Well, that was next level.. but he fell in love, and I adored reading about him and Ifry. I absolutely rooted for them from the get-go, and although my heart wished for a different ending, I could totally appreciate the one before us. Also, what a change in character for Eldersie - i had an inkling where this was going, and I definitely think they had the whole grumpy/sunshine thing going on.
Gahh, the monsters / creatures.. like my brain conjured up some pretty wild looking beasts through the descriptions, and that was terrifying.
The author did a fantastic job at really setting the scene in every single chapter.
This is definitely one for the re - read pile as I just know there will be so much more the 2nd time around. I highly recommend you add this one to your tbr!
August 29, 2024
A sacrifice must be made, and this year Jos has been chosen to kill someone, lest summer never return.
What a fun little standalone fantasy! Ash was super kind in gifting me an arc ebook for an honest review.
I was so excited to recieve my copy of this and went straight into it as soon as I finished my current book. With eldritch creatures, M/M and F/F romance and the chosen one trope, and a cosy winter mountain town setting, this story has a variety of things to appeal to different readers.
I struggled to get into this at first and I didn't really connect to the characters until about 1/3 of the way through, but then the story started ramping up and I was super invested, reading the last 1/4 in one sitting. I was rooting so hard for Jos and Ifry and I'm still a bit undecided on how I feel about the ending to be honest, but it was really refreshing for the author to make that decision to be a standalone when every book at the moment seems to be part of a series.
The creatures were great as a fan of Lovecraft and Eldritch beings, and for new readers, you should absolutely look at the bestiary posts the author has posted on her Instagram when you encounter these creatures as they added a lot to the experience for me. https://www.instagram.com/ashthehermi...
Overall this was a super cosy read and in a world of 10 book series, it's so nice to settle into a book knowing the whole story will be wrapped up by the end. I was connected to each and every character by the end and rooting for happy endings for all of them. As we're coming into the colder part of the year this is the perfect little book to read snuggled up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket.
Super grateful to Ash for the opportunity to review your arc and I look forward to future books.
What a fun little standalone fantasy! Ash was super kind in gifting me an arc ebook for an honest review.
I was so excited to recieve my copy of this and went straight into it as soon as I finished my current book. With eldritch creatures, M/M and F/F romance and the chosen one trope, and a cosy winter mountain town setting, this story has a variety of things to appeal to different readers.
I struggled to get into this at first and I didn't really connect to the characters until about 1/3 of the way through, but then the story started ramping up and I was super invested, reading the last 1/4 in one sitting. I was rooting so hard for Jos and Ifry and I'm still a bit undecided on how I feel about the ending to be honest, but it was really refreshing for the author to make that decision to be a standalone when every book at the moment seems to be part of a series.
The creatures were great as a fan of Lovecraft and Eldritch beings, and for new readers, you should absolutely look at the bestiary posts the author has posted on her Instagram when you encounter these creatures as they added a lot to the experience for me. https://www.instagram.com/ashthehermi...
Overall this was a super cosy read and in a world of 10 book series, it's so nice to settle into a book knowing the whole story will be wrapped up by the end. I was connected to each and every character by the end and rooting for happy endings for all of them. As we're coming into the colder part of the year this is the perfect little book to read snuggled up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket.
Super grateful to Ash for the opportunity to review your arc and I look forward to future books.
September 2, 2024
A quite intriguing and engaging read, that gave you something to look to even until the very end when things were all said and done.
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to have received a ARC for this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review! We were so excited to start and we have to say, it was quite the read and entirely worth it.
You do have to give it a little time at the beginning - nothing that one cannot get through, we promise - but once you get into it, oh does this book not disappoint. The Creatures are wonderful, the Characters take you along easily enough after a bit, and the Setting is something of a dream, for us at least. Gods, to be within this World; it was so fascinating and a wonder.
We cannot wait to give it a reread - and yes, this one does deserve another one - and we cannot wait see what else is in store for the author!
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful to have received a ARC for this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review! We were so excited to start and we have to say, it was quite the read and entirely worth it.
You do have to give it a little time at the beginning - nothing that one cannot get through, we promise - but once you get into it, oh does this book not disappoint. The Creatures are wonderful, the Characters take you along easily enough after a bit, and the Setting is something of a dream, for us at least. Gods, to be within this World; it was so fascinating and a wonder.
We cannot wait to give it a reread - and yes, this one does deserve another one - and we cannot wait see what else is in store for the author!
December 4, 2024
Such a fantastic read for the winter months! The setting of the story drew me in from the start. The industrialised world of the city encroaching on the more magical fantasy world of the rural village really challenged me to think about the effects of gentrification and industrialisation in our on world.
I especially loved how the setting of the story shaped the motivations of the characters and the dynamics between them. Because each chapter is told from different character's point of view, you really get a good look into what drives the characters and why they end up making the decisions they do. I personally was a big fan of the dynamic between Oriana and Eldersie, and it was so exciting to find out how their story played out.
I also enjoyed how the story starts on a slightly slower pace where you get to become more familiar with the world building and the characters, but then the pacing and plot reveals really pick up around the midway point. And then the ending! It really struck that perfect bittersweet balance for me; I'll be thinking about it for a while!
I especially loved how the setting of the story shaped the motivations of the characters and the dynamics between them. Because each chapter is told from different character's point of view, you really get a good look into what drives the characters and why they end up making the decisions they do. I personally was a big fan of the dynamic between Oriana and Eldersie, and it was so exciting to find out how their story played out.
I also enjoyed how the story starts on a slightly slower pace where you get to become more familiar with the world building and the characters, but then the pacing and plot reveals really pick up around the midway point. And then the ending! It really struck that perfect bittersweet balance for me; I'll be thinking about it for a while!
August 29, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ - This book was such a fun journey into a new and interesting world full of creative monsters, meddling gods, and fascinating characters. The world was captivating, combining more modern conveniences like trains and autos with a provincial winter wonderland. One could easily picture the 1930s esque ski resort chic aesthetic combining and entertainingly conflicting with the rugged and austere small town life. I also really loved that this was a multiple POV book, where you could really get into the mindsets and see the events unfolding from different personas and interpretations. This is a fantastic debut and I cannot wait to read more of the authors stories.
Highlights:
✨MM and FF Romances
✨Eldritch monsters
✨Meddling Gods
✨Multiple POV
✨Forced Proximity
Favorite Quote: "When I lose my mind in this places, I’ll have you personally take me to the asylum.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
Highlights:
✨MM and FF Romances
✨Eldritch monsters
✨Meddling Gods
✨Multiple POV
✨Forced Proximity
Favorite Quote: "When I lose my mind in this places, I’ll have you personally take me to the asylum.”
Thank you to the author for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.
September 4, 2024
I knew I wanted to review this book as soon as I read the synopsis, and wow did it deliver! I'm still a bit in awe of how much the story accomplishes; there are not one but two romances (m/m and w/w), the tone shifts smoothly from reflective to action-packed and back again, and there are intense social questions of community, modernity, religion, and morality running underneath the story from start to finish. There's even a real element of mystery and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat in the second half - it's a book that makes you think and feel a lot of things! All these themes are woven brilliantly by Parker to tell a story of lovable characters caught by a world much larger than them, making the best choices they can in the face of past cruelty. Whether you read for fantastical settings, though-provoking stories, or romance, you'll be glad you picked this one up.
- Garrett
- Garrett
August 29, 2024
Adventure, risk, romance, the dangerous dance of the seasons -- there's a lot to enjoy in Winter's Chosen!
I was hooked from the first chapter of this fun yet thrilling world. The cast of characters is amazingly unique, with each one having their own complex personality, goals, and drive. Ifry and Jos both had my heart and I found myself truly rooting for them as the dark mysteries of the village were revealed and sacrifices were demanded. They were by far my favorite couple in the story and, to my surprise, I ended up liking their relationship even more than the sapphic side pairing (despite my sapphic bias).
I was very lucky to receive an early ARC, but these thoughts are shared voluntarily. If you enjoy fantasy thrillers with a dark but hopeful edge, Winter's Chosen is worth a look -- this might be your cup of tea!
I was hooked from the first chapter of this fun yet thrilling world. The cast of characters is amazingly unique, with each one having their own complex personality, goals, and drive. Ifry and Jos both had my heart and I found myself truly rooting for them as the dark mysteries of the village were revealed and sacrifices were demanded. They were by far my favorite couple in the story and, to my surprise, I ended up liking their relationship even more than the sapphic side pairing (despite my sapphic bias).
I was very lucky to receive an early ARC, but these thoughts are shared voluntarily. If you enjoy fantasy thrillers with a dark but hopeful edge, Winter's Chosen is worth a look -- this might be your cup of tea!
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August 30, 2024Many thanks to Ash Parker for an eARC of this book!
Vague spoilers ahead!
This book had some interesting things going for it, such as the concept of the gods and the presence of eldritch monsters; however, I struggled to really get into it. My main issue was that I found many of the characters just unlikeable. Some of the characters I did like did not meet a resolution I thought was fair. However, I was prepared for this as I was warned beforehand there would be some tragedy and angst. I also wanted to see Oriana question the status quo more, as her character had initially been the one to do so, but that did not happen.
The writing style made for a smooth reading experience and I found the premise and world to be fascinating. I wish I could give this 5 stars, but unfortunately it just didn’t gel with me. With that said, I do look forward to seeing more of Ash Parker’s work.
Vague spoilers ahead!
This book had some interesting things going for it, such as the concept of the gods and the presence of eldritch monsters; however, I struggled to really get into it. My main issue was that I found many of the characters just unlikeable. Some of the characters I did like did not meet a resolution I thought was fair. However, I was prepared for this as I was warned beforehand there would be some tragedy and angst. I also wanted to see Oriana question the status quo more, as her character had initially been the one to do so, but that did not happen.
The writing style made for a smooth reading experience and I found the premise and world to be fascinating. I wish I could give this 5 stars, but unfortunately it just didn’t gel with me. With that said, I do look forward to seeing more of Ash Parker’s work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
When I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book, I was excited. I started reading the book as soon as I received the link. To be honest, I could not connect with the characters at first, I feel like I needed more time. But the more I read, the more interesting it got. The Chosen one trope, the romances, and the vibe of the book were amazing. It was very well-written, and I would definitely recommend this for any person who loves fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews