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Winter of the Wolf
Eastern France. Winter. 1572.
When Sidonie’s guardian dies, she flees Paris rather than submit to a forced marriage, seeking sanctuary in the home of her estranged aunt in Dole.
A town consumed by fear and superstition.
Apolline left behind a violent and troubled past, hoping for a new life with her husband, where she can sell her herbs and assist women from the privacy of her forest home. But it is dangerous to be different, and as Sidonie and Apolline’s lives become intertwined, they are soon both being hunted.
The hunt for a werewolf.
Aspiring witch hunter Pierre is drawn to Dole amid rumours of a werewolf hunting children. Desperate for respect and power, he allies himself with a priest who is fanning the flames of fear and hatred.
Set in a time when women’s lives were not their own, and to be different was to be suspect, Winter of the Wolf is a sweeping tale of family secrets, betrayal and the abuse of power, the redeeming power of friendship, and finding your true home.
When Sidonie’s guardian dies, she flees Paris rather than submit to a forced marriage, seeking sanctuary in the home of her estranged aunt in Dole.
A town consumed by fear and superstition.
Apolline left behind a violent and troubled past, hoping for a new life with her husband, where she can sell her herbs and assist women from the privacy of her forest home. But it is dangerous to be different, and as Sidonie and Apolline’s lives become intertwined, they are soon both being hunted.
The hunt for a werewolf.
Aspiring witch hunter Pierre is drawn to Dole amid rumours of a werewolf hunting children. Desperate for respect and power, he allies himself with a priest who is fanning the flames of fear and hatred.
Set in a time when women’s lives were not their own, and to be different was to be suspect, Winter of the Wolf is a sweeping tale of family secrets, betrayal and the abuse of power, the redeeming power of friendship, and finding your true home.
Audiobook
First published August 13, 2024
9 people are currently reading
345 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Willimott
1 book17 followersAmanda Willimott writes historical fiction centring the experiences of women.
She has always been captivated by history and folklore, which led to her pursuing a degree in history and anthropology, where she wrote her thesis on witchcraft.
In her spare time, she enjoys singing popular show tunes, adding to her to-read pile of books, and trying to find gluten-free bread that tastes like real bread.
Amanda lives in Melbourne, Australia with a large, co-dependent rescue tabby named Titus. Winter of the Wolf is her first novel.
She has always been captivated by history and folklore, which led to her pursuing a degree in history and anthropology, where she wrote her thesis on witchcraft.
In her spare time, she enjoys singing popular show tunes, adding to her to-read pile of books, and trying to find gluten-free bread that tastes like real bread.
Amanda lives in Melbourne, Australia with a large, co-dependent rescue tabby named Titus. Winter of the Wolf is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 14, 2024
Received an ARC of this title - Release scheduled for 13/08/2024
Thank you so much to Penguin Books for an ARC of this title!
I devoured this book! The characters, the setting and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Winter of the Wolf is an enchanting story that I will be thinking about for a long time!
- FULL REVIEW TO COME AFTER RELEASE -
Thank you so much to Penguin Books for an ARC of this title!
I devoured this book! The characters, the setting and the story kept me on the edge of my seat. Winter of the Wolf is an enchanting story that I will be thinking about for a long time!
- FULL REVIEW TO COME AFTER RELEASE -
October 14, 2024
I read this wonderful gothic, historical fiction this week. Very reminiscent of Elizabeth Macneal.
Three characters find themselves inexplicably drawn to a town plagued with werewolfs, or so rumors would have them believe.
Sidonie is fleeing a forced marriage.
Apolline wants a quiet place she can sell her herbs and help women.
Pierre is desperate to make a name for himself as a witch hunter.
The three characters become linked in a sweeping story that combines the power of female friendship and spirit with the inexplicable abuses of power.
I highly recommend!
I also almost forgot to mention this is a local to me author- love finding amazing local writers!
Thank you @penguinbooksaus for sending me this review copy.
Three characters find themselves inexplicably drawn to a town plagued with werewolfs, or so rumors would have them believe.
Sidonie is fleeing a forced marriage.
Apolline wants a quiet place she can sell her herbs and help women.
Pierre is desperate to make a name for himself as a witch hunter.
The three characters become linked in a sweeping story that combines the power of female friendship and spirit with the inexplicable abuses of power.
I highly recommend!
I also almost forgot to mention this is a local to me author- love finding amazing local writers!
Thank you @penguinbooksaus for sending me this review copy.
September 27, 2024
I really struggled to get interested in this story unfortunately.
I found the language simple in sections, parts of the storyline jumped about too quickly and I really disliked the narrators (strong Aussie accents for a piece set in 1500's France was not doing it for me. Also, the male voice was so much louder than the female voices which meant I had to turn volume up and down). This for me is a huge thing that determines whether I like or dislike a book I'm listening too. The voices have to be compatible with the story/characters.
Overall people will like this story. I felt it was a little YA in sections, but then random descriptions of male private parts with harsher language than some of the other narration used was quite jarring.
Not for me.
I found the language simple in sections, parts of the storyline jumped about too quickly and I really disliked the narrators (strong Aussie accents for a piece set in 1500's France was not doing it for me. Also, the male voice was so much louder than the female voices which meant I had to turn volume up and down). This for me is a huge thing that determines whether I like or dislike a book I'm listening too. The voices have to be compatible with the story/characters.
Overall people will like this story. I felt it was a little YA in sections, but then random descriptions of male private parts with harsher language than some of the other narration used was quite jarring.
Not for me.
September 8, 2024
3.5 stars
Real interesting story - I love reading about this period of history and the mix of superstition, religious fanaticism and misogyny. This was evidently written by an author who knew her subject material very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, kept me on the edge of my seat, although I think there was a certain depth to the characters that was missing. I liked them but many remained indistinct. Nevertheless, the book made me feel a lot!! Just less so on a personal scale and more on a historical and socio-politiclal scale. A book you read for the story and the history more than for the characters (although they are perfectly likeable - excluding the male narrator, he can die in a hole).
Real interesting story - I love reading about this period of history and the mix of superstition, religious fanaticism and misogyny. This was evidently written by an author who knew her subject material very well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, kept me on the edge of my seat, although I think there was a certain depth to the characters that was missing. I liked them but many remained indistinct. Nevertheless, the book made me feel a lot!! Just less so on a personal scale and more on a historical and socio-politiclal scale. A book you read for the story and the history more than for the characters (although they are perfectly likeable - excluding the male narrator, he can die in a hole).
August 20, 2024
It’s 1 am and I just needed to know how this book ended!
An extremely well crafted historical fantasy, Winter of the Wolf is a story of beasts and men where not everything is as it seems. Set in the era of superstition, the cries of werewolf and witch haunt the pages, never knowing who will be accused next. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this novel and easily recommend it for lovers of historical fiction or fantasy.
An extremely well crafted historical fantasy, Winter of the Wolf is a story of beasts and men where not everything is as it seems. Set in the era of superstition, the cries of werewolf and witch haunt the pages, never knowing who will be accused next. I really enjoyed the twists and turns of this novel and easily recommend it for lovers of historical fiction or fantasy.
September 7, 2024
Loved everything about this book. I haven't read anything set in 1500s France that talks of werewolves and burning men at the stake, so I found this entirely intriguing. The twists were fairly obvious, but the delight was in how it all was revealed and the story that got us there. Fantastic imagery throughout and I felt like every chapter built to something, no unnecessary padding or over the top descriptions that plague so many books nowadays. I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 10, 2024
Meh - plot idea was good but writing and narrative were weak
June 18, 2025
Winter of the Wolf 🐺 by Amanda Willimott will have you hiding under the covers!
It was so scary!
Witches 🧙♀️, Werewolves, Priests.
Set in Eastern France. Winter ❄️ 1572.
It was so scary!
Witches 🧙♀️, Werewolves, Priests.
Set in Eastern France. Winter ❄️ 1572.
February 10, 2025
I was loaned this first novel by @amandawillimott, #WinterOfTheWolf.
It’s set in the months surrounding the #SaintBartholomewMassacre in #Paris in October 1572.
I enjoyed the story despite the fact the character who I wanted to really cop it in the end, didn’t cop it in the end. However, things ended in such a way that I have hope of a second book in which the horrible little turd will get his just desserts!
I loved the Aunt’s storyline. As a historian of this period, reading all these terrible things that happened to women, children, Protestants, the poor… You always hope there was someone like this woman, unlikely to be a man, unless his name is Nicolas Höuel, subject of my third #AcademicPaper, who provided a chance for someone to get out of their crappy situation, or at least make it a little less crappy.
My research focuses on Paris and at the heart of it is the idea that what happens in Paris is generally only impacting Paris and the surrounding area only; except, of course, when the dreadful Guise family and their #HolyCatholicLeague charge off to places like Vassy, Orléans, etc., to do some massacring of Protestants and plotting against the Valois monarchy to seize power for themselves. You get that sense here. Away from Paris people are going on with their own lives. The machinations of the Parisian nobility and elite have little impact on their daily lives, which continue on as normal with #plague, #famine, #unemployment, want and #poverty the main concerns.
The church outside of Paris still playing on the superstitions and beliefs of the past, #Werewolves and #Witches, scared up as more of a threat against peoples’ morality and faith, than #MartinLuther and all those #Heretics.
AW has a really engaging story that kept me reading and has definitely whet the appetite for, at least, a sequel.
It’s set in the months surrounding the #SaintBartholomewMassacre in #Paris in October 1572.
I enjoyed the story despite the fact the character who I wanted to really cop it in the end, didn’t cop it in the end. However, things ended in such a way that I have hope of a second book in which the horrible little turd will get his just desserts!
I loved the Aunt’s storyline. As a historian of this period, reading all these terrible things that happened to women, children, Protestants, the poor… You always hope there was someone like this woman, unlikely to be a man, unless his name is Nicolas Höuel, subject of my third #AcademicPaper, who provided a chance for someone to get out of their crappy situation, or at least make it a little less crappy.
My research focuses on Paris and at the heart of it is the idea that what happens in Paris is generally only impacting Paris and the surrounding area only; except, of course, when the dreadful Guise family and their #HolyCatholicLeague charge off to places like Vassy, Orléans, etc., to do some massacring of Protestants and plotting against the Valois monarchy to seize power for themselves. You get that sense here. Away from Paris people are going on with their own lives. The machinations of the Parisian nobility and elite have little impact on their daily lives, which continue on as normal with #plague, #famine, #unemployment, want and #poverty the main concerns.
The church outside of Paris still playing on the superstitions and beliefs of the past, #Werewolves and #Witches, scared up as more of a threat against peoples’ morality and faith, than #MartinLuther and all those #Heretics.
AW has a really engaging story that kept me reading and has definitely whet the appetite for, at least, a sequel.
August 30, 2024
What a fascinating story! Winter Of The Wolf, set in France in the sixteenth century plays heavily on rampant suspicion and fear of the occult and werewolves. Central to the story are Sidonie, whose parents were murdered when she was five after her father was accused by the local priest of being a werewolf, and Apolline, who befriended Sidonie as a child and was later reunited with her when they were both adullts. Neither has had an easy life. Sidonie was raised by her paternal uncle and essentially worked as his secretary, house cleaner and cook, while Apolline was a prostitute before learning how to grow, forage and use herbs medicinally. Forced to flee Paris after her uncle’s death, Sidonie travels to Dole, where she meets and moves in with her remarkable aunt,Baroness Eloise De Montargent. It is from this point that the story takes off in a cleverly woven series of twists and red herrings as the search for the alleged werewolf that has been taking and murdering the children of Dole gets under way. The werewolf story line is a central thread, driven by the determination of self-important witch hunter Pierre de Lancre to capture a werewolf, but it is the depth of friendship and love shown by the key characters for each other that endeared this story to me. Balancing this is the level of depravity, perversion and suspicion shown by other characters. le, The result is a page-turning story that I found hard to put down.
October 24, 2024
CW: Torture
This book broke my heart. I still feel it, even now. I cried. I cried more than once. Definitely not an easy feat for a book.
💔
This book hits real hard because it is real. Gilles, Apolline, Sidonie.. they are the fictional representations of real people. Real people who suffered these atrocities of the time in which they lived.
Immersive and transporting. It was so very easy to travel into this world. I had no problems believing I was in the 1500s.
I could also feel the paranoia and the fear. The hatred and disgust. The horrible acts that come from desperate men.
I must say, I appreciated the inclusion of the one man who ran. The one man who refused to partake. The one man who said it was wrong. They, too, had to have existed, even if only few.
It was so refreshing to read a story about platonic relationships. This book is about sisterhood, about friendship. About strong women surviving in a man's world♀️
It was also so refreshing to see a matured woman, who realised she was more than her appearance. That she had worth well beyond her face.
Our scars are not shameful. They are not hideous or ugly. They are the battles we have fought, and won. They are our strength. They are courage. They are us.
This book broke my heart. I still feel it, even now. I cried. I cried more than once. Definitely not an easy feat for a book.
💔
This book hits real hard because it is real. Gilles, Apolline, Sidonie.. they are the fictional representations of real people. Real people who suffered these atrocities of the time in which they lived.
Immersive and transporting. It was so very easy to travel into this world. I had no problems believing I was in the 1500s.
I could also feel the paranoia and the fear. The hatred and disgust. The horrible acts that come from desperate men.
I must say, I appreciated the inclusion of the one man who ran. The one man who refused to partake. The one man who said it was wrong. They, too, had to have existed, even if only few.
It was so refreshing to read a story about platonic relationships. This book is about sisterhood, about friendship. About strong women surviving in a man's world♀️
It was also so refreshing to see a matured woman, who realised she was more than her appearance. That she had worth well beyond her face.
Our scars are not shameful. They are not hideous or ugly. They are the battles we have fought, and won. They are our strength. They are courage. They are us.
April 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
In 1572, Sidonie’s guardian dies and rather than being forced into marriage with someone she despises, Sidonie flees Paris to live with her estranged aunt in Dole. Sidonie arrives in Dole to a town gripped by fears that a werewolf is on the loose and hunting down children.
Apolline is a woman living in the forest with her husband and where she dispenses herbs and assists women. As Sidonie and Apolline cross paths and their lives intertwine, it is a dangerous time to be a woman and they are both soon being hunted by superstitious and vengeful men.
I absolutely love a witch/wise woman story and although this focused more on werewolves, it was one I really quite enjoyed. The characters leapt off the page and were really interesting - particular Sidonie’s Aunt Eloise, who may have been rich and powerful (for a woman!), but had a few secrets of her own.
Great for those who enjoy a gothic style story with a touch of magic and fantasy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you to Penguin Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
In 1572, Sidonie’s guardian dies and rather than being forced into marriage with someone she despises, Sidonie flees Paris to live with her estranged aunt in Dole. Sidonie arrives in Dole to a town gripped by fears that a werewolf is on the loose and hunting down children.
Apolline is a woman living in the forest with her husband and where she dispenses herbs and assists women. As Sidonie and Apolline cross paths and their lives intertwine, it is a dangerous time to be a woman and they are both soon being hunted by superstitious and vengeful men.
I absolutely love a witch/wise woman story and although this focused more on werewolves, it was one I really quite enjoyed. The characters leapt off the page and were really interesting - particular Sidonie’s Aunt Eloise, who may have been rich and powerful (for a woman!), but had a few secrets of her own.
Great for those who enjoy a gothic style story with a touch of magic and fantasy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
August 9, 2024
Huge thank you to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored this book. I was captivated from the start, drawn in by the beautiful prose and the enticing characters and the promise of witch and werewolf trials to come.
Sidonie and Apolline were both such beautiful, fierce, compassionate characters and I loved both of their stories and the ways they converged over time, almost as though they were destined for each other. The love between them was palpable and I longed for their shared moments.
I felt so bad for Gilles, Apolline’s husband. He deserved so much better than the hand he was dealt and his story genuinely broke my heart.
Pierre is the actual worst. Getting the villain’s POV definitely made things interesting in a way I hadn’t been anticipating. I really enjoyed absolutely loathing this character.
The plot was consistently engaging and the threat of attack hung over every page.
If you’re interested in historical fiction with powerful female stories, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
I absolutely adored this book. I was captivated from the start, drawn in by the beautiful prose and the enticing characters and the promise of witch and werewolf trials to come.
Sidonie and Apolline were both such beautiful, fierce, compassionate characters and I loved both of their stories and the ways they converged over time, almost as though they were destined for each other. The love between them was palpable and I longed for their shared moments.
I felt so bad for Gilles, Apolline’s husband. He deserved so much better than the hand he was dealt and his story genuinely broke my heart.
Pierre is the actual worst. Getting the villain’s POV definitely made things interesting in a way I hadn’t been anticipating. I really enjoyed absolutely loathing this character.
The plot was consistently engaging and the threat of attack hung over every page.
If you’re interested in historical fiction with powerful female stories, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
October 12, 2024
Gripping, dark and moody, Winter of the Wolf by Amanda Willimott is set in 16th century France when women had little control over their own lives, superstitions ran rampant, and witch and werewolves were burned at the stake.
Sidonie is orphaned when her parents are given death sentences for being werewolves. As a young woman, she faces further obstacles as she forges her way in the world. She moves to her aunt’s estate on the edge of a town surrounded by forest and makes an unlikely friend in Apolline, a gifted herbalist who lives with her giant of a husband in a small hermitage.
The friendship between Sidonie and Apolline lies at the heart of the story, while the beastly Pierre circles them, determined to make his name by bringing a werewolf to justice.
I wolfed the story down, swept away by the rustles in the forest and dark whispers in the cathedrals. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
Sidonie is orphaned when her parents are given death sentences for being werewolves. As a young woman, she faces further obstacles as she forges her way in the world. She moves to her aunt’s estate on the edge of a town surrounded by forest and makes an unlikely friend in Apolline, a gifted herbalist who lives with her giant of a husband in a small hermitage.
The friendship between Sidonie and Apolline lies at the heart of the story, while the beastly Pierre circles them, determined to make his name by bringing a werewolf to justice.
I wolfed the story down, swept away by the rustles in the forest and dark whispers in the cathedrals. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction.
September 4, 2024
I absolutely adored this novel!
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but the premise of this one had me curious and it did not disappoint!
I love the way the story unfolded and how all the women were connected over time. The author created this magical tapestry that was incredibly heartwarming.
The human condition and the role of women is explored in such a beautiful way. Even the role of the villain is carved out so well in a short manner that it’s incredibly easy to detest them.
I will be thinking about Apolline and Giles for a long time. That was absolutely heartbreaking.
This is such a phenomenal example of women’s literature. I read this so quickly and did not want it to end at all. I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
I don’t read a lot of historical fiction but the premise of this one had me curious and it did not disappoint!
I love the way the story unfolded and how all the women were connected over time. The author created this magical tapestry that was incredibly heartwarming.
The human condition and the role of women is explored in such a beautiful way. Even the role of the villain is carved out so well in a short manner that it’s incredibly easy to detest them.
I will be thinking about Apolline and Giles for a long time. That was absolutely heartbreaking.
This is such a phenomenal example of women’s literature. I read this so quickly and did not want it to end at all. I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 12, 2024
France, 1572. Orphan Sidionie Montot’s guardian dies and she flees Paris for the safety of her aunt’s estate in Dole. Along her journey, she hears rumours of werewolf activity in the region, with children and women going missing or being savagely murdered. She crosses paths with Apolline, a woman who lives in the forest with her husband and provides herbal remedies to women in secret. Werewolf and witch hunter, Pierre, arrives in Dole to make a name for himself and aligns himself with a corrupt priest who is spreading fear amongst the townspeople. Apolline and Sidonie attract the attention of Pierre as their shared history comes to light.
This was a book I would never have picked up if it wasn’t a book club pick. And I absolutely devoured it, I read it in less than 24 hours! This absolutely kept my attention and had many fascinating aspects. The ending of the mystery was satisfying. The main thing that let it down was I wasn’t convinced by the characters and their relationships.
Read this is you like
- Gothic reads with paranormal themes
- Historic settings with queer characters
- Murder mysteries
- Feminist themes
- Found family
This was a book I would never have picked up if it wasn’t a book club pick. And I absolutely devoured it, I read it in less than 24 hours! This absolutely kept my attention and had many fascinating aspects. The ending of the mystery was satisfying. The main thing that let it down was I wasn’t convinced by the characters and their relationships.
Read this is you like
- Gothic reads with paranormal themes
- Historic settings with queer characters
- Murder mysteries
- Feminist themes
- Found family
August 20, 2024
Star Rating: 3
Format: audio
Summary: Werewolves, witches, and a lot of unfortunate circumstances.
Thoughts: This book is perfectly fine, it might even be great, but I'm struggling to enjoy the books I'm picking up lately. I'm DNFing this one. Not because the story isn't good. It is, I might even come back to it later (which is why I'm not giving it my standard DNF rating of one star). Ugh, I need to find something amazing to pull me out of this reading rut.
Recommendations: My reading besties who liked Echo North, For the Wolf, or Bear and the Nightingale, but are looking for a more adult story.
Format: audio
Summary: Werewolves, witches, and a lot of unfortunate circumstances.
Thoughts: This book is perfectly fine, it might even be great, but I'm struggling to enjoy the books I'm picking up lately. I'm DNFing this one. Not because the story isn't good. It is, I might even come back to it later (which is why I'm not giving it my standard DNF rating of one star). Ugh, I need to find something amazing to pull me out of this reading rut.
Recommendations: My reading besties who liked Echo North, For the Wolf, or Bear and the Nightingale, but are looking for a more adult story.
October 16, 2024
It was a great book but I swear I have seen a movie with a lot of this stuff in it????
I was able to imagine it all well, the description of the characters and their progression in the story were well detailed, I loved Gilles but my heart hurt near the end.
He’s a beautiful man and all were from such troublesome pasts I really felt connected to all the characters.
I was annoyed Pierre was given as much reading space, I really did not like him one bit lol.
And the priest hmmmm you will have to read to figure out my frustration with the end.
Enjoy!!
I was able to imagine it all well, the description of the characters and their progression in the story were well detailed, I loved Gilles but my heart hurt near the end.
He’s a beautiful man and all were from such troublesome pasts I really felt connected to all the characters.
I was annoyed Pierre was given as much reading space, I really did not like him one bit lol.
And the priest hmmmm you will have to read to figure out my frustration with the end.
Enjoy!!
July 10, 2025
Eastern France in the Winter of 1572, sees Sidonie leave Paris following the death of her guardian. She is running from a forced marriage hoping to find sanctuary with an aunt she barely knows in the town of Dole. A town gripped by fear and superstition amid rumours of a werewolf hunting and killing children. Apolline is also seeking a new life with her husband, escaping their troubled past. She is hoping to live peacefully in the forest, assisting women through her herbs and healing knowledge. However, this is a time where it is dangerous to be different, especially if you are a woman. As these two women’s lives connect, they are soon both being hunted by an aspiring witch hunter who is desperate for power and escalates the tension and hatred to boiling point.
“It’s men who rule the world.”
Winter of the Wolf was an atmospheric and mysterious historical fiction novel exploring themes of family, betrayal, friendship, abuse of power and finding your true home. It looks at people’s fear of differences and how this can escalate into violence. I loved the two main characters Sidonie and Apolline and seeing their growing friendship. Watching them rebuild their lives and resist being ruled by men was incredibly inspiring and I felt such joy at their empowerment. Unfortunately no battle is won without a cost and there were many who paid dearly throughout the course of this story.
I also loved learning more about the unique history of the werewolf trials, which were something I had never heard of before. Similar to the witch trials, they attracted the same level of fear, distrust and malevolence and saw many innocent people killed.
The mystery of the deaths of these children, rumoured to be killed by a werewolf, was a gripping thread that ran throughout the story and although I had my suspicions, I did not guess the culprit correctly.
The Winter of the Wolf was a captivating and emotional read perfect for lovers of historical fiction and the two lead women will be sure to capture your heart. I cannot wait to read whatever Amanda writes next.
“It’s men who rule the world.”
Winter of the Wolf was an atmospheric and mysterious historical fiction novel exploring themes of family, betrayal, friendship, abuse of power and finding your true home. It looks at people’s fear of differences and how this can escalate into violence. I loved the two main characters Sidonie and Apolline and seeing their growing friendship. Watching them rebuild their lives and resist being ruled by men was incredibly inspiring and I felt such joy at their empowerment. Unfortunately no battle is won without a cost and there were many who paid dearly throughout the course of this story.
I also loved learning more about the unique history of the werewolf trials, which were something I had never heard of before. Similar to the witch trials, they attracted the same level of fear, distrust and malevolence and saw many innocent people killed.
The mystery of the deaths of these children, rumoured to be killed by a werewolf, was a gripping thread that ran throughout the story and although I had my suspicions, I did not guess the culprit correctly.
The Winter of the Wolf was a captivating and emotional read perfect for lovers of historical fiction and the two lead women will be sure to capture your heart. I cannot wait to read whatever Amanda writes next.
September 18, 2024
Great story!
Stories about (alleged) werewolves and witches is not what I usually read, but I’m so glad I read this book. The story drew me in from the very first page and I needed to know what happened. The book is beautifully written and I could clearly see the hermitage and smell the surrounding forest in my mind and I wish I lived there myself. You won’t regret reading this book.
Stories about (alleged) werewolves and witches is not what I usually read, but I’m so glad I read this book. The story drew me in from the very first page and I needed to know what happened. The book is beautifully written and I could clearly see the hermitage and smell the surrounding forest in my mind and I wish I lived there myself. You won’t regret reading this book.
October 9, 2025
This might be one of my favourite books I’ve read this year. The characters were reliable and well written, the story interesting and unique but not difficult to read.
I usually struggle to imagine the characters and scenery of fantasy novels, but found this so easy and quite comforting.
I really loved this book, and I’m so impressed that it’s the authors first book. I look forward to reading more.
I usually struggle to imagine the characters and scenery of fantasy novels, but found this so easy and quite comforting.
I really loved this book, and I’m so impressed that it’s the authors first book. I look forward to reading more.
November 16, 2024
If you love historical folklore with strong female characters this is the book for you . Such beautiful writing I could imagine myself there in the forest and all the characters in my minds eye . Such a great first book from this author I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading her next publication 🙌
December 23, 2024
There are so many amazing books that examine the rich and tragic history of the witch hunts, but this is the first one I've seen focusing on the werewolves of the past.
This book perfectly discusses the complexities of the past, and how being seen as "Other" was just as dangerous- if not more so- than actually committing the crimes behind the 'sorcery'.
This book perfectly discusses the complexities of the past, and how being seen as "Other" was just as dangerous- if not more so- than actually committing the crimes behind the 'sorcery'.
December 26, 2024
This was an easy read and I flew through it. The writing was lovely and overall I enjoyed reading it. However I found the plot very predictable and kept waiting for a twist that didn't materialize. The characters, while likeable, also felt to me like they were recycled from other stories and again I found them predictable.
July 29, 2024
Beautifully written and researched. History, suspense, queer romance- it has it all. I am very picky about my historical novels and even more so about romances, but this is so good! I am already looking forward to a more leisurely second reading!
June 10, 2025
There were a lot of not great things about this book but the worst part by far was the treatment of Gilles as a character. It is 2025, can authors please stop using disabled characters as punching bags to further their plot? thanks.
September 20, 2024
What a beautifully told story. The characters feel like friends. Amanda, you are a true story teller.
October 25, 2024
I went into this thinking it was supernatural. Sadly, the monsters are entirely too human
November 14, 2024
Fascinating period in Frances history and a good follow up to Salem witch trials read. I am not sure if I buy these dialogues as being genuinely reflective of 16th century France..
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