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Ice Women
Within the deep mountains passes, where the wind whispers secrets to itself, the mountains come alive only a few times a year to choose those worthy to join the Valley of Hope.
Minna’s decision is a last resort and an absolute necessity. In a patriarchal society, where women are only valued for what their bodies can produce, she will have to risk everything and make unbelievable sacrifices.
However, she clings to hope. The tale of the Valley of Hope, a legend, passed down from woman to woman in the five clans in a language the men do not realize exists. Every year there are a few brave women who try to find it. No one ever knows if they do.
It is these rumors that drive Minna to take the chance she does in order to save a small section of her family. In a leap of faith, this brave woman will find out if the legends are true and if there is something to the myth of the Yuki Ona.
Live like a woman or die like a man.
When the trial is run on the winter solstice, many of the twelve-year-old boys will be asked this question. It will decide their fate.
Within the Valley of Hope, resides Saga, a woman who has lost many of her young sons to the ideology of the clans. Since she arrived six years ago, she has hoped that one of her remaining sons would join her. Clinging to a few last strands of optimism, she watches to see if the last of her boys will pass Yuki’s trial. Could this year, and her last son, be different?
Minna’s decision is a last resort and an absolute necessity. In a patriarchal society, where women are only valued for what their bodies can produce, she will have to risk everything and make unbelievable sacrifices.
However, she clings to hope. The tale of the Valley of Hope, a legend, passed down from woman to woman in the five clans in a language the men do not realize exists. Every year there are a few brave women who try to find it. No one ever knows if they do.
It is these rumors that drive Minna to take the chance she does in order to save a small section of her family. In a leap of faith, this brave woman will find out if the legends are true and if there is something to the myth of the Yuki Ona.
Live like a woman or die like a man.
When the trial is run on the winter solstice, many of the twelve-year-old boys will be asked this question. It will decide their fate.
Within the Valley of Hope, resides Saga, a woman who has lost many of her young sons to the ideology of the clans. Since she arrived six years ago, she has hoped that one of her remaining sons would join her. Clinging to a few last strands of optimism, she watches to see if the last of her boys will pass Yuki’s trial. Could this year, and her last son, be different?
164 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
R.L. Lubin
5 books16 followersR. L. Lubin lives in New England. She is an Indie author who creates original works. No AI is used to create her stories or book covers.
She is an animal and environmental advocate, and her extended family includes 4 adopted Premarin horses and several former stray cats. She has been married to a POC for 30+ years and has a multiracial daughter.
Her love of the Earth and all the creatures that live on it led to the creation of the first book in her romantasy series, The Zyntarren, Wyndemere's Failed Gambit. The second book in the series, The Sorcerer’s Snake, came out in April 2025.
She has published two shorter works and has a second novella, Ice Women, was released on May 1, 2026. She is also working on books three and four of her series. They will occur on the same timeline in different locations.
You can follow her on her Amazon author page and via followit on her website, www.rllubin.com
She is an animal and environmental advocate, and her extended family includes 4 adopted Premarin horses and several former stray cats. She has been married to a POC for 30+ years and has a multiracial daughter.
Her love of the Earth and all the creatures that live on it led to the creation of the first book in her romantasy series, The Zyntarren, Wyndemere's Failed Gambit. The second book in the series, The Sorcerer’s Snake, came out in April 2025.
She has published two shorter works and has a second novella, Ice Women, was released on May 1, 2026. She is also working on books three and four of her series. They will occur on the same timeline in different locations.
You can follow her on her Amazon author page and via followit on her website, www.rllubin.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 11, 2026
While Ice is cold this book warms the heart
I like books about people trying to be true to themselves and escaping a life they don't like, risking a lot to do so. This story did that. I did want to know a little more about some of the characters but it was an enjoyable read.
It says in the author's notes that her daughter did the cover. Great job.
I like books about people trying to be true to themselves and escaping a life they don't like, risking a lot to do so. This story did that. I did want to know a little more about some of the characters but it was an enjoyable read.
It says in the author's notes that her daughter did the cover. Great job.
May 15, 2026
Very pleasant read. Despite its shortness, it’s easy to understand the characters and their motives. It’d be cool to see more about life in the five villages, but the mysteriousness is endearing in its own right.
June 13, 2026
Mina is a strong woman, independent, cunning and logical.
Saga broke my heart. But is just as strong as Mina in her own way.
I liked the book and will totally recommend it.
Saga broke my heart. But is just as strong as Mina in her own way.
I liked the book and will totally recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews