Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Outcast Mage #2

Winter's Mage

Rate this book
A strange new danger is stirring in the forest . . .

As a healer for supernatural creatures, Amy isn’t afraid of things that go bump in the night. But curing one of her patients comes at a potentially fatal cost. With every passing night bringing her closer to a terrible fate, even the help of her supernatural friends may not be enough to save her. The worst part is her sealed fate finally brings Rowan, the leshy she loves, back into her life.

And there’s another danger lurking in the trees, something...unnatural. It is a magic beyond Amy’s understanding, or even Rowan’s power to control.

As time runs out and danger mounts, Amy must test her strength and her courage, if she has any hope of saving her friends, or herself.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2018

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Miriam Greystone

5 books54 followers
I write urban fantasy stories filled with magic, romance and the occasional centaur. I generally fuel my creativity with an insatiable appetite for reading and frequent episodes of Doctor Who. (And lots and lots of Diet Coke.) My love for language is expressed, both in my writing, and in my day job as a sign language interpreter. I live just outside of Washington DC with my husband, my kids, and my badly behaved Australian Shepard.

I love to connect with fans, and you can join my Fb group right here: http://www.miriamgreystone.com/FBread...

For early access to my novels and fun giveaways, join my newsletter at: http://www.miriamgreystone.com/connec...

I can't wait to connect with you! :)

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
115 (42%)
4 stars
97 (35%)
3 stars
46 (16%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,341 reviews2,368 followers
March 29, 2018
Winter's Mage is a book I won from LibraryThing. It is an awesome win too. There is lots of fantasy creatures, magic, hell hounds, curses, touch of romance, and so much more. I got hooked right away. This was book two in the series but I didn't get lost at all.
Profile Image for Mara.
2,547 reviews273 followers
September 3, 2018
I'm sorry to be the first one star review out there, but I can't find anything salvageable in it. Book one wasn't particularly good, but at least it had some kind of plot.

Winter's Mage had the same lack of world building, but here it was glaring because magic without rules is just the author's wish.
It had the same martyr MC, but here with a role reversal. Now it was the hero that felt unworthy of her love (groan) with all the came with the cliché...
The same problem with pacing, but again here it was worse as there was no plot.
A book where things happen randomly isn't a book with plot, it's a series of vignettes with the same characters.

Characterwise I found it cringe worthy, but this at least is purely personal. But don't go into it expecting characterization (or any logic...)

So, sorry, but I can't recommend Winter's Mage.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,842 reviews18 followers
April 10, 2018
Winter’s Mage by Miriam Greystone a four-star read that won’t leave you as cold as a winters night. This is the second book in the Outcast Mage series and they just go from strength to strength this one picks up a short time after the first and continues the story, just like the first book, its deep and complex but there is plenty to keep you hooked and enough drops to let you know where you are and what is happening. This book is more emotional than the last and there are moments that will truly move you, the author has a great way of really getting you in that moment. All of the characters are well written but Asa, Rowan and Amy are truly great, you may not like them all but you will respect them and what they stand for and also understand what they stand for and the challenges they face. Thank you Miriam Greystone for a great second book.
Profile Image for Maura.
2,189 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2018
Truthsite (Outcast Mage Book 1) should really be read before Winter's Mage because I'm not sure you will enjoy book 2 as much if you don't read the series in order.

As with Book 1, Winter's Mage is an exciting adventure with fantastical creatures and magical energy. This was one long adventure from beginning to end and while the ending is satisfying, I look forward to reading more! The characters are interesting and not always what they appear to be and I anxiously turned pages because I was so excited to see what happens next.

One of my favorite quotes: "I see struggle...and worry. I see challenges that Force us to find strength inside ourselves that we didn't even know we had."

I absolutely recommend this series and anything written by this author.
Profile Image for Angela.
9,368 reviews123 followers
April 10, 2018
5 Stars

Winter’s Mage is the second book in The Outcast Mage Series by Miriam Greystone. It is an epic Urban Fantasy that’s packed full of action, adventure, mystery, magic, danger, mages, and mythical creatures.
We met Amy (Asa) in the first book, Truthsight. She is a Doctor, but also a very powerful Mage, with the gift of Truthsight. She had been unable to use her gift, because in doing so she would be discovered and then executed (I won’t go into more detail because I don’t want to spoil it for you if you haven’t read it yet). But when a patient’s life hangs in the balance, Amy has no choice but to use her powers. She doesn’t regret saving the mother and newborn, even though doing so gets her captured. But before she can be executed, she is saved by Rowan, who had his own agenda at the time. But, situations arise which sees them setting off on an adventure and has them joining forces with mythological creatures, to fight the forces pitted against them.
This story picks up a while after the events of book one. Amy is still recovering from her ordeal, but life is beginning to return to ‘normal’. Until she tries helping a cursed creature and ends up afflicted herself. Now it’s a race against time to find a cure.
As expected, Ms. Greystone wove her magic throughout this spellbinding story, it exceeded all my expectations, and then some. I loved the first book so much, and this one is every bit as good.
Ms. Greystone has created a complex, vividly detailed and exciting storyline- seamlessly blending the human world with that of the mythical/supernatural realms. She bought it all to life- using the power of her words alone. The characters are all fantastic- fully developed with their own personalities, quirks and flaws. I love them all. It was great to find out more about Jason, too.
The story is fast paced, and action packed. It’s addictive reading that I couldn’t put down till the very last word! I read it in one sitting.
A fantastic second instalment to an excellent series!
I can’t wait for more from this talented author.

Thank you, Ms. Greystone!
Profile Image for Myriam.
645 reviews26 followers
March 25, 2018
The book starts several weeks after the events in the Truthsight. Before I start complaining about the main character again, I have to say that it was an amazing book. Unlike the first book, there was lot less sadness and despair here and a lot more anger and determination. The author's writing is impeccable and beautifully consistent. There are literally no inconsistencies in the characters, the world, the plot, everything is perfect.
The amount of suspense in this book was nerve wrecking. I didn't think it was possible to have more shocking revelations after the first book, and especially after the nice slow calm start of this book... but no, the author had other ideas. And again there are so many intricacies in the plot and so many details that the author follows, I expected to get lost, but I didn't because the plot was brilliantly executed. 
And now the main character... Asa to her people and Rowan and Amy to everyone else, remains her annoying self-sacrificing self. I tried to like her and at some point I almost succeeded, but later I realised it was only because she got out her comfort zone for a moment to save everyone. Then she immediately went back to herself. And it doesn't matter,  I realised that I don't have to like her to enjoy the book. Because I enjoyed this book and the previous one, regardless of Asa. I think my dislike is also personal because Asa consistently reminds me of a person I know and dislike. That's how good the author's character development and consistency in writing is. So, whatever I said about Asa before stays, she hasn't changed a bit. The only thing that changed is maybe Rowan's behaviour. I liked him before and now I like him a bit less. Almost like Asa's personality rubbed off on him.
That said, the other characters are still amazing, Jason, Crinea and Meri. Crinea is probably my favourite character in the series. She is strong, amazing, and a proper warrior. Meri is surprising in so many ways and Jason is a great character, caring, loyal and a true friend. The world is incredibly interesting and original and well developed, as well as the way the characters fit in it. Overall, I am very glad I discovered this author and this fantastic series. I am looking forward to the next book. Asa will not stop me from reading this series! 
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,126 reviews68 followers
March 28, 2018
Winter's Mage (Outcast Mage Book 2) by Miriam Greystone is the second book in her Outcast Mage series. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly suggest reading the first book first to help enrich your enjoyment of this series. This book does make references to the first book. This author's writing skills are creative and addicting to read. I enjoyed this book as much as the previous one and found myself reading it in one sitting. Her plot is engaging and easy flowing. Her characters are unique and complex. They took me on some twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what they would do next. There are a few emotional moments in this book too that made me shed a couple of tears. This is the next chapter of Amy's life. Amy is a healer of supernatural creatives and she really isn't afraid of the things lurking in the dark. What will happen when she cures the wrong patient? The situation could turn fatal. Will her supernatural friends be able to save her from this evil? What will happen when this situation brings back the love of her life back into her life? Things are lurking in the dark that they cannot control. She is put to the test of courage and strength. What will fate have in store for her? I enjoyed the characters in this book. They each have powers that are unique to other characters. They are determined and giving up is not a choice for them. They seem to function well together to make this story easy reading and understandable. I highly recommend this book. Find out what happens to Amy and if her fate is secured or does it have something else in mind.
Profile Image for E.A..
952 reviews27 followers
March 29, 2018
Winter's Mage (Outcast Mage Book 2) by Miriam Greystone was action packed, full of suspense, and beautiful world building.

This wasn't my first book by this author, and I will say I didn't read the first book going into this one. I was a little confused at first, but it didn't take me long to catch on, and I believe it made the story all the more exciting. The story telling was sublime, engaging rich and emotional. It drew you in, and the twist and turns, the revelations, I didn't think you could fit that much good material into a book while keeping the plot on point and the standard at a constant high. Bravo!

Along with the detailed world building and solid plot, the characters were well rounded and grew throughout the story. With such a complex story, I find that some stories fall flat on their characters. There was no flatness here. If I didn't know this was fiction, you could almost believe that these characters exist in real life. From the way they spoke, their inner thoughts to their decisions. It was stunning to see such realism written, it tell's me the author has a unique understanding of human behaviour.

Overall, if you haven't guessed I recommend you get your hands on this series. And I will be going back to read the first book, I'll treat it like a prequel, so I don't feel like a fool for reading out of order. Also Miriam Greystone's other books are just as good, and something you need in your collection.

Happy Reading

-E.A. Walsh
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
April 28, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from City Owl Press.

This is the second book in the series, and although, I never read the first, the story was easy to follow despite missing the beginning.

The story has many supernatural beings, where the main protagonist, Amy, is an mage with healing powers. She was cast out of her community, and her foster mom, Meri, has just been freed from prison. The mages are not happy and were after Amy. Amy and Meri are able to connect with one another through a mirror and a shell. Now that Meri is free, Amy is told she doesn't have to worry about being tracked.

Amy's healing powers brings her all kinds of patients to her clinic. One evening, she encounters a Hellhound that has been injured. The creature is feared because looking at it will cause one to be cursed and eventually die. To late, Amy looks at the Hellhound and realizes her mistake. Despite this, she insists on caring for the beast.

Amy realizes that her time is limited and sets out to try to see if she can find a cure for the curse. She seeks out a knowledgeable Gnome, Baxin, who tells her that she roughly has three weeks to live. Amy's friend, Jason, and Amy's significant other, Rowan, come up with a plan to try to save her, but it's dangerous and they aren't sure if it'll work. Jason brings back another, who he couldn't leave behind, but Amy may not be able to save this one.
527 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2018
Winter's Mage is the second book in Miriam Greystone’s Outcast Mage series. It's an urban fantasy, focusing on a young woman called Amy who works as a doctor by day and a healer for magical creatures by night.


In Winter's Mage, Amy is forced to choose very quickly between self-preservation and her duties as a healer. With her trademark selflessness, we see Amy concerned more with how her fate would impact on others than with how it would impact on her. The character is wonderfully written, with a first person narrative that takes us through her thought processes.


It is the second book in the series, and as such is probably better read after the first. That said, Greystone does fill the reader in on plenty of backstory as the book progresses. You would be able to follow this book as a standalone or if it's been a while since you read Truthsight.


For me, this is a five star book. I love Greystone's well-developed urban fantasy settings. They're dark and edgy but there's a softness to some of her characters that balances the books nicely. With a wide range of fantasy characters, it would suit people who enjoyed books like the Artemis Fowl series and are looking for something with a well-written female protagonist.
Profile Image for Shannon.
859 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2018
I really enjoyed reading the rest of Asa and Rowen’s story. This is part two which follows Truthsight. This is mostly Asa’s story and is a completely magical fantasy.

The characters/creatures are amazing. Just like in any good book some of those characters are good and some are evil. Some you really don’t know what to think about them. My favorite was Crinea.
She is so strong and fierce and loyal! I really hope she gets her own story! The way Greystone writes would make that a heck of an adventure as well.

I loved the twist that Greystone throws in towards the end! It was one I was not expecting. Those are the best kinds of twists actually, the ones you really don’t see coming.

I hope there will be another story in this series. Maybe Jason’s story! Although Crinea has an interesting life as well. However I don’t feel like Rowen’s story was complete so maybe his version could be the next book!

I recommend this story but you must start with Truthsight first so you understand everything.
Profile Image for Anna Hirsch.
827 reviews14 followers
April 8, 2018
Winter’s Mage by Miriam Greystone
4 Stars

This is part two in the series The Outcast Mage. I really enjoyed Truthsight (part one) but this was an amazing follow up. Miriam continues introducing supernatural beings of the rarer variety, which is something I love. It allows you to widen your horizons a bit and learn something new. This book is packed with magic, action, lies and curses. I mustn’t forget the romance, Amy’s leshy finally walks back into her life. Amy spends her days and nights curing every supernatural being that comes upon her clinic. Now her friends must find a way to save her. Danger lurks in the shadows and it’s something that they haven’t encountered yet.

This book was very exciting with twists and turns and surprises I truly didn’t expect. I loved it! Miriam Greystone is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her writing is impeccable and spot on. The characters are well developed and consistent. The worlds that she creates leave you spellbound and wanting more.
Profile Image for Erin.
716 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2018
I give Winter's Mage (Outcast Mage Book 2) by Miriam Greystone 5 stars.

Amy is a natural healer. She will heal anything that needs it, human or supernatural creature. Unlike other mages, she does not judge. And now that she no longer needs to hide, she can use her gifts to heal even better. But one night, she may have pushed her luck and accepted a patient that she should have kept well away from. One that may change her life forever.

I loved the first book in this series and this second book is exceptional. I love Amy. But not only do we see her struggles, both with her heart and more physical dangers, we see her friends also struggle with their own issues. This makes this book even better. The characters are growing so much and I cannot wait to see where the next book will lead. Not to mention this story itself, which starts out strong and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.

I highly recommend this book to those who like strong female characters, supernatural characters, and magic.
Profile Image for Carissa Anelli.
184 reviews13 followers
April 4, 2018
Winters Mage (An Outcast Mage Novel) by Miriam Greystone is the follow up novel to Truthsight and is definitely not a stand alone novel. This story follows up Asa/ Amy after she was involved in a mage battle that almost took her life. Still healing and under the careful watch of the centaurs life returns to somewhat normal for her and her assistant Jason. Until the night the hellhound shows up and accidentally gives its curse to Asa when she tries to help it. Jason and Rowan then race to find the cure for the curse. Jason finally finding out exactly what he is as far as his magical abilities returns to the water nymph pod back in the neighborhood where he grew up.

The second book in this series is every bit as good as the first book. Miriam Greystone has done it again still one of my favorite authors that I have recently discovered. She has the ability to weave the magical world with real life and keep it believable. Another solid 5 star book for Miriam.
2,369 reviews37 followers
April 2, 2018
Asa misses Rowan, the Lesley. She works in her clinic on her supernatural patients. One evening, a hellhound comes to her clinic injured. She is able to convince the hellhound that she can heal him, but before that she is bitten. Asa discovers she has now been deadly cursed. Will she be able to get rid of the curse? Who can help her?

What a fantastic story filled with mythological creatures! It is a fun, fast moving action with heartbreaking events that kept my attention. I love the world that Asa lives in. The suspense is well written and had myself hoping things wouldn't get worse for Asa. It's a terrific book! Do read it!

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
427 reviews
April 10, 2018
Winters Mage (Outcast Mage Book 2)
By Miriam Greystone

What can I say but I loved this book, such a huge fan or Miriam’s writing style. I do highly recommend that you read Truthsight first, so you don’t struggle to begin with when reading Winters Mage. This is to get some back-ground history of the characters. Winters Mage of course is a book of magical, mystical rare creatures. I really enjoy the magical journey Miriam continues to take us on in this book and the new supernatural creatures we get to meet. What more could you want in a book that contains romance, lies, magic and curses? The answer is nothing everything that’s needed for a good storyline is in this book, that will keep you happy with each turn of the page. So, go get Truthsight, then read Winters Mage. Thank you, Miriam, for another awesome storyline.
Profile Image for Erica Fish.
992 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2018
There will be no spoilers because this book is off the charts.

Winter’s Mage by Miriam Greystone is the second book in the the Outcast Mage Series. The can be a standalone book but I recommend reading Truthsight the first book. Ms. Greystone is a great author who really puts a lot into her stories. Her plot lines are full of action, passion, and all around inviting. She has complex protagonist and antagonist characters. She breathes life into the story in the form. There is a little bit of everything in this story. It is a city setting with magic, fantasy, mystical characters, and wonderful characters. Asa (Amy) and Roland are back and they are on a mission. Ms. Greystone does an amazing job with her characters and the struggles they are going through in such a way that you can identify some people in your life with the characters of the book.
Profile Image for Katie.
2,260 reviews15 followers
April 11, 2018
Winter’s Mage
By Miriam Greystone
4 stars

This is the second book that I have read by this author but the first in this series. I absolutely love this author's writing style; the way creates such magical worlds for her characters are just amazing. Although I didn’t read book 1 I read through the reviews so I kind of had a feel for the story but I would definitely like to read it as I enjoyed this one so much. The characters in the story really interested me and whilst I didn’t really connect with any of them I found them to be complex but likeable. I enjoyed reading their magical story! The pace and flow of the story was excellent and it kept my interest until the very end.
This was quite an addictive read and I am really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. She has definitely opened up my mind to enjoying urban fantasy as a genre!
Profile Image for Sunday.
1,024 reviews4 followers
April 12, 2018
Winter’s Mage by Miriam Greystone
Four Stars

Winter’s Mage is the second book in the Outcast Mage series by Miriam Greystone. This series should be read in order. This book leaves off where Truthsight ended. I think this book is even better than the first. This book is full of mystery, magic, mythical creatures and action, suspense and adventure. This author has a way of bringing the characters to life with the wonderful descriptions. The book just pulls you in and wraps you in this wonderful world. This story follows Amy (Asa) and Rowan as the adventure continues. I don’t want to give anything away, so you will just have to get the book to see all the fast paced action that takes place. The world that Ms. Greystone creates is so detailed you feel like you are right there. I highly recommend this book, series and author.
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,037 reviews88 followers
April 8, 2018
Winter's Mage (Outcast Mage Book 2) by Miriam Greystone is the second book in the series and is great series. ​Miriam's writing is spot on and everything is a wonder to read, from the characters, to the magical world and creatures she has created. The fighting, the wonder, the betrayal, the truth, the lies make this book hard to put down. Just when you start to think you know where the story is going, then BAM you are twisted around and off on another route. Miriam’s words just flow from the page and brings to it, it’s to life, she is truly master of her craft.

I am looking forward to the next book. So get to it and grab a copy of Truthsight and begin your journey, one which you will not be disappointed in.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,850 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2018
First let me state, I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review. Also, this is a new author to me, and it won't be my last.

Unfortunately for me, I never read book 1, Truthsight, but I will. I could still read this alone, and wow, I truly enjoyed this story. Amy is a strong, stubborn woman who happens to be a healer. She's in love with a man/leshy, Roman, who she can't have. This story has so much going on and you will be shocked when you find out who is behind all that is happening to her. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up.
Profile Image for LZW.
705 reviews
March 29, 2018

Winters Mage is book 2 of the Outcast Mage series and I highly recommend reading Truthsight (book 1) first as this book picks up where book 1 left the readers. This is such an amazing fantasy series! This book is about taking the reins and kicking a$$! Gritty, hopeful, powerful...these words describe the journey taken in this book! Engaging from the start, this one is a real nail biter!
Asa remains such a strong heroine, so focused and determined! Such a well played out plot, and incredibly vivid world! Can’t wait for more!
1,216 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2018
wow, a powerful story of curses, prejudices and betrayal, that has you join Amy and Rowan in the story. The mages wanting to be superior to all others, no matter what. Amy is a healer, who doesn't turn anyone away. She will heal anyone who comes to her door. She will protect anyone who is in harms way. She will struggle with a curse, with prejudices from her own kind and be betrayed by the one person she loves the most. Its up to Amy to decide whether she picks herself up and live her life or return to the coven, she doesn't want to be a part of.
Profile Image for ꧁Brutally Honest꧂.
934 reviews31 followers
March 6, 2024
Cringy YA romance at its finest

Wow this book was cringy. Please rate your books correctly. This is YA. They did the deed but it was implied by “not sleeping because time was precious”. I never cringed so hard. All emotions and no thoughts or thinking. Are the characters 16? Because they sure acted like it. A lot of the issues would’ve been solved by chapter 3 if they just communicated and the FC got off her high horse moral compass. I’m not sorry but I would kill anyone if it not only saved me but a long lonely life of my mate. 😂
3,249 reviews71 followers
March 24, 2018
4 stars, not quite as good as book 1. The poor h has not found her HEA after all, in fact the H has gone missing. So the h is lonely, now cursed by a hell-hound, doing her best to find a cure for the centaurs. Her friend Jason, brings home a nymph victim, says he's his brother. The h is distracted by all those she is trying to help, that she doesn't feel the evil until it is too late. Her connection to the land is what saves her, or does she save it? Good adventure.
Profile Image for Kandis.
194 reviews
April 12, 2018
Winter’s Mage by Miriam Greystone is book 2 in the Outcast Mage series. This book has so many magical creatures in it! I enjoyed reading and getting to know each one of the interesting characters! This is my first book of this series and I would recommend starting with book 1. I have read a few books written by Miriam Greystone and each one is unique and fun to read! I can’t wait to read the other books in this series.
231 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2018
Another GREAT Story!!!

I read the first book in this series and had to come back and get the second book because I love the way the author brings this strange new world to life. Her characters personalities are amazingly good. There is a lot of love between the H & H and friends. Tons of action scenes that you can follow in your mind and OMG the suspense is off the chart. Now I think I will go get book number 3 in this series. :-)
Profile Image for Monique.
913 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2018
This follow up of the Outcast Mage series definitely did not disappoint. It was filled with adventure, loss and love, and a certain plot twist that just made the whole story flawless. Beautifully written, this book was an absolute joy. Now, when’s the next one due??
*I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books573 followers
July 7, 2018
Book1, Truthsight, presented excellent characters and a unique world and I was real excited to see what would happen next with (Doctor) Amy and Rowan. While I didn't find Winter's Mage as tension-filled and interesting as the preceding novel, it was a good storyline. Some real plot twists toward the end. It will be interesting to see where the series goes next.
Profile Image for Brittany.
389 reviews10 followers
August 23, 2018
This book again surprised me. I was NOT ready for that plot twist. I kept trying and trying to figure out who had done it and who was out for her... But I DID NOT see that one coming. I really enjoy books that I can't see what the future holds. Well done Miriam! Hats off to you for writing such a good book!

I highly recommend reading this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews