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The Long Winter #1
Winter World
A new ice age... and a shocking discovery...
will change humanity forever.
In the near future, a new ice age has begun.
Humanity stands on the brink of extinction.
Desperate for answers, scientists send probes into the solar system to take readings. Near Mars, a probe spots a mysterious object drifting toward the Sun. Is it the cause of the ice age? Or could it be our only hope of survival?
With time running out, NASA launches an international mission to make contact with the object. But it isn’t what anyone thought. In the dark of space, alone, the team makes a shocking discovery that will change the course of human history—and possibly end it.
will change humanity forever.
In the near future, a new ice age has begun.
Humanity stands on the brink of extinction.
Desperate for answers, scientists send probes into the solar system to take readings. Near Mars, a probe spots a mysterious object drifting toward the Sun. Is it the cause of the ice age? Or could it be our only hope of survival?
With time running out, NASA launches an international mission to make contact with the object. But it isn’t what anyone thought. In the dark of space, alone, the team makes a shocking discovery that will change the course of human history—and possibly end it.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
29762 people are currently reading
22037 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Riddle
22 books5,748 followersA.G. Riddle spent ten years starting internet companies before retiring to pursue his true passion: writing fiction.
His debut novel, The Atlantis Gene, is the first book in The Origin Mystery, the trilogy that has sold a million copies in the US, is being translated into 19 languages, and is in development at CBS Films to be a major motion picture. The trilogy will be in bookstores (in hardcover and paperback) around the world in 2015.
His recently released fourth novel, Departure, follows the survivors of a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash-lands in a changed world. The hardcover will be published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2015, and 20th Century Fox is developing the novel for a feature film.
Riddle grew up in a small town in the US (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. During his sophomore year of college, he started his first company with a childhood friend. He currently lives in Florida with his wife, who endures his various idiosyncrasies in return for being the first to read his new novels.
No matter where he is, or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can reach him at: ag@agriddle.com
** For a sneak peek at new novels, free stories, and more, join the email list at:
www.agriddle.com/email
If you don't want to miss any Riddle news, you can:
Like the A.G. Riddle Facebook page:
facebook.com/agriddle
Follow A.G. Riddle on Twitter:
twitter.com/riddlist
For more, please visit:
AGRiddle.com
* * *
His debut novel, The Atlantis Gene, is the first book in The Origin Mystery, the trilogy that has sold a million copies in the US, is being translated into 19 languages, and is in development at CBS Films to be a major motion picture. The trilogy will be in bookstores (in hardcover and paperback) around the world in 2015.
His recently released fourth novel, Departure, follows the survivors of a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash-lands in a changed world. The hardcover will be published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2015, and 20th Century Fox is developing the novel for a feature film.
Riddle grew up in a small town in the US (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. During his sophomore year of college, he started his first company with a childhood friend. He currently lives in Florida with his wife, who endures his various idiosyncrasies in return for being the first to read his new novels.
No matter where he is, or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can reach him at: ag@agriddle.com
** For a sneak peek at new novels, free stories, and more, join the email list at:
www.agriddle.com/email
If you don't want to miss any Riddle news, you can:
Like the A.G. Riddle Facebook page:
facebook.com/agriddle
Follow A.G. Riddle on Twitter:
twitter.com/riddlist
For more, please visit:
AGRiddle.com
* * *
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,152 reviews
September 22, 2019
Written like a screenplay, all talking heads with no chemistry between the characters. I'm not going to believe that the two main characters are falling in love just because the author tells me they are. The male MC is a total Mary Sue too. He received his doctorate in biochem on the same day as he got one in medicine. He can analyze people better than a psychiatrist. His only flaw is that he thinks people are better than they are.
I suppose he leaps tall buildings and travels faster than a speeding bullet in his spare time. I'll save my reading time for Elizabeth Moon who writes compelling characters in believable situations.
I suppose he leaps tall buildings and travels faster than a speeding bullet in his spare time. I'll save my reading time for Elizabeth Moon who writes compelling characters in believable situations.
July 14, 2024
A VERY GOOD STORY THAT IS MORE THAN WELL WORTH THE TIME TO READ
When a unknown alien source is robbing the energy from the Sun all at the same time is blocking Earth from the rays from the Sun sending Earth into a global ice age, NASA pulls what they hope to be the one man from federal prison to save everyone and everything from perishing from a long winter.
WINTER WORLD (THE LONG WINTER TRILOGY BOOK 1) by A.G. Riddle is a very well written book that will keep your interest from the first page to the last. The story is told in first person perspective by the two main characters Emma and James who you'll find yourself routing for them to work together to save Earth as well as themselves, family, friends, and every man, woman, and child on Earth.
This book is full of teamwork, friendship, hardships, loss, compassion, and determination of those on James and Emma's team as they struggle to head to space to save Earth.
This is my first book I have read by A.J. Riddle and will not be my last (currently, I am 100 pages into book two, and it's a great piece of writing, too). I really have enjoyed reading this book and hope you'll find yourself enjoying it as much as I have.
A few quotes from A.J. Riddle book one in his 'WINTER WORLD' in his 'THE LONG WINTER TRILOGY':
"Human nature is perhaps the only thing we can't escape."
"Therein lies a seminal truth about human nature: we desire in adulthood what we were deprived in childhood."
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.”
"Any change that takes power from those who have it will face opposition. The greater the change, the greater the force with which it will be struck down."
When a unknown alien source is robbing the energy from the Sun all at the same time is blocking Earth from the rays from the Sun sending Earth into a global ice age, NASA pulls what they hope to be the one man from federal prison to save everyone and everything from perishing from a long winter.
WINTER WORLD (THE LONG WINTER TRILOGY BOOK 1) by A.G. Riddle is a very well written book that will keep your interest from the first page to the last. The story is told in first person perspective by the two main characters Emma and James who you'll find yourself routing for them to work together to save Earth as well as themselves, family, friends, and every man, woman, and child on Earth.
This book is full of teamwork, friendship, hardships, loss, compassion, and determination of those on James and Emma's team as they struggle to head to space to save Earth.
This is my first book I have read by A.J. Riddle and will not be my last (currently, I am 100 pages into book two, and it's a great piece of writing, too). I really have enjoyed reading this book and hope you'll find yourself enjoying it as much as I have.
A few quotes from A.J. Riddle book one in his 'WINTER WORLD' in his 'THE LONG WINTER TRILOGY':
"Human nature is perhaps the only thing we can't escape."
"Therein lies a seminal truth about human nature: we desire in adulthood what we were deprived in childhood."
“Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment.”
"Any change that takes power from those who have it will face opposition. The greater the change, the greater the force with which it will be struck down."
November 11, 2019
Very meh. It felt like an attempt to cross Enders Game with the Martian, but it fell flat. I honestly can't even remember anyone's names from the novel only a few weeks past reading it. The two main characters are a male who is a super genius, and ends up being a great leader, statistician, public speaker, and overall a Mary Sue coupled with a female who is an astronaut and crew leader but ends up being nothing more than a love interest following the male around. How great it could have been if he had been kept the awkward nervous genius and she the decisive strategic leader. Their chemistry could have grown from their mutual strengths instead of his rescuing her and her following him around like a loyal puppy.
The sci-fi elements weren't bad and the action was written well enough, but I couldn't connect with either of the mains and kept rolling my eyes when the male proved to be great at everything he touched.
The sci-fi elements weren't bad and the action was written well enough, but I couldn't connect with either of the mains and kept rolling my eyes when the male proved to be great at everything he touched.
July 20, 2025
Very direct, either black or white, no in between. I love Riddle for that. Looking forward to more of his works !
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March 3, 2019I'm aware I'm odd woman out...I don't want to be! I want to be in the group of A.G. Riddle lovers!
It's not Riddle, it's me, and that's obvious by the author's hordes of fans.
My first A.G. Riddle so I have no connection to Riddle, no fond memories of previous books, and am out of my lane. As many sci-fi movies that I watch, one would think I'd like sci-fi books, but not so. I've read several sci-fi novels this year that were all highly recommended, award-winners, but nothing notable. I usually suffer through them with high hopes that deflate the closer I get to the ending of each contender.
Why I didn't care for this? It didn't snag me; it didn't spark anything, and I thought the ho-hum sexual tension was a routine attempt at probable conflict. I'm willing to sacrifice the literary vein, as far as stellar writing goes (npi), but the exchange should be for an exciting, captivating, hold-on-to-your-butts plot with characters memorable beyond 10 seconds after you close the book. I want my mainstream fiction to instantly hook me with the story being equally driven by inventive plot and promising characters. I do think the plot will eventually show potential (because it seems to hint at something that has been done very successfully before). Unfortunately, the characters I found to be little more than sketchy introductions that didn't evolve enough out of their embryonic stage to be engaging. It's the first in a series--I know-- but you have to want to come back and check in with characters you like. Dr James Sinclair's stint in prison for mysterious reasons didn't do enough to whet my appetite; his female counterpart, Dr Emma Matthews, was just simply 2D. She's smart, co-dependent, has deteriorating bone mass due to her long stay in space, and has a gummy bear for a heart. But, maybe Einstein's time-slowing effects of acceleration and gravity also make the heart fall for whatever or whoever shares various high-flying spacecraft.
The story is told from both space travelers perspectives, and though it adds some switch in the narration, Riddle hasn't solved the age-old problem of having different characters speak from one head, especially characters that seem still in the developmental stages. For an apocalyptic thriller, this just whimpers, while the author seems to spend more time writing about trivial personal events than the looming wipeout of planet Earth.
Unless the author has come up with something truly unique or petrifying as the adversary...pass my pillow. But again, I think there is a hint of potential. Without giving away anything, I had some 2001: A Space Odyssey deja vu moments. Geometry does not behave in space as we know it to do on Earth.
Regarding Winter World #1 ... I wish these characters all the best with their space exploits as they endeavor to save the world. I'd probably like the movie version if: this book #1 comprised just the first 15-20 minutes of the film; the special effects were mind-blowing; the characters were dimensional, interesting and believable; there was more back story to add the desire to hang on through the series-to-come; and if the plot moved with more intensity and speed. As it is, Winter World #1 felt like a couple of chapters quickly written and stretched into a book.
It's not Riddle, it's me, and that's obvious by the author's hordes of fans.
My first A.G. Riddle so I have no connection to Riddle, no fond memories of previous books, and am out of my lane. As many sci-fi movies that I watch, one would think I'd like sci-fi books, but not so. I've read several sci-fi novels this year that were all highly recommended, award-winners, but nothing notable. I usually suffer through them with high hopes that deflate the closer I get to the ending of each contender.
Why I didn't care for this? It didn't snag me; it didn't spark anything, and I thought the ho-hum sexual tension was a routine attempt at probable conflict. I'm willing to sacrifice the literary vein, as far as stellar writing goes (npi), but the exchange should be for an exciting, captivating, hold-on-to-your-butts plot with characters memorable beyond 10 seconds after you close the book. I want my mainstream fiction to instantly hook me with the story being equally driven by inventive plot and promising characters. I do think the plot will eventually show potential (because it seems to hint at something that has been done very successfully before). Unfortunately, the characters I found to be little more than sketchy introductions that didn't evolve enough out of their embryonic stage to be engaging. It's the first in a series--I know-- but you have to want to come back and check in with characters you like. Dr James Sinclair's stint in prison for mysterious reasons didn't do enough to whet my appetite; his female counterpart, Dr Emma Matthews, was just simply 2D. She's smart, co-dependent, has deteriorating bone mass due to her long stay in space, and has a gummy bear for a heart. But, maybe Einstein's time-slowing effects of acceleration and gravity also make the heart fall for whatever or whoever shares various high-flying spacecraft.
The story is told from both space travelers perspectives, and though it adds some switch in the narration, Riddle hasn't solved the age-old problem of having different characters speak from one head, especially characters that seem still in the developmental stages. For an apocalyptic thriller, this just whimpers, while the author seems to spend more time writing about trivial personal events than the looming wipeout of planet Earth.
Unless the author has come up with something truly unique or petrifying as the adversary...pass my pillow. But again, I think there is a hint of potential. Without giving away anything, I had some 2001: A Space Odyssey deja vu moments. Geometry does not behave in space as we know it to do on Earth.
Regarding Winter World #1 ... I wish these characters all the best with their space exploits as they endeavor to save the world. I'd probably like the movie version if: this book #1 comprised just the first 15-20 minutes of the film; the special effects were mind-blowing; the characters were dimensional, interesting and believable; there was more back story to add the desire to hang on through the series-to-come; and if the plot moved with more intensity and speed. As it is, Winter World #1 felt like a couple of chapters quickly written and stretched into a book.
July 27, 2024
Winter World was a a great first book A.G. Riddle's The Long Winter Trilogy. I was especially intrigued when I learned what was causing the world to be turned into a literal frozen tundra. The plot kept me interested as I went along with the team led by Dr. James Sinclair - who, after being let out of a life long prison sentence for reasons we do not find out until we are well into the novel - was the only one with the experience and intelligence who could possibly have an iota of a chance to find a way to end the freeze before the world population is wiped out. Listening along as he and his team fight for the preservation of humanity from space was thrilling. The prologue for book #2 sounds like a great continuation - and even more exciting.
Narrators Edoardo Ballerini and Amanda Leigh Cobb were the perfect pairing as dual narrators - together they provided a seamless and exceptionally riveting listening experience.
Narrators Edoardo Ballerini and Amanda Leigh Cobb were the perfect pairing as dual narrators - together they provided a seamless and exceptionally riveting listening experience.
September 6, 2019
Not an enjoyable read, and quite poorly written. I felt like I was forcing myself to finish the latter third of the book just so I could move on to reading something else as quickly as possible. I doubt any other book includes the word “drone” quite as many times as this one either.
The book is presented through two main characters, a Male know it all with apparently no flaws, and a female astronaut. I agree with many of the other reviews on here, the female lead turned from a strong interesting character into the whiny girlfriend in a short space of time. I won’t be rushing to read the sequel as the plot really wasn’t entertaining enough. Too many strange time jumps and inexplicable plot holes (building 9 identical space ships in a few months when we’re told there are no resources left on a frozen earth and everybody is starving to death for one). Avoid.
The book is presented through two main characters, a Male know it all with apparently no flaws, and a female astronaut. I agree with many of the other reviews on here, the female lead turned from a strong interesting character into the whiny girlfriend in a short space of time. I won’t be rushing to read the sequel as the plot really wasn’t entertaining enough. Too many strange time jumps and inexplicable plot holes (building 9 identical space ships in a few months when we’re told there are no resources left on a frozen earth and everybody is starving to death for one). Avoid.
February 5, 2020
In a startling about face it looks like I am the odd one out for actually liking this book (even though it rated quite highly). After our months of fires, heatwaves and years of drought I found this story, set in the very near future, about the earth facing a sudden ice age and thought it would make a nice change. I really didn’t know what to expect and found myself fully immersed in - ta da, science fiction. This is not a genre I read widely and certainly not lately. Which might explain why I enjoyed it. My expectations were not high, I’m not a fan of sci-fi, so I don’t have a lot to compare this to.
Notwithstanding the fact that the main characters seemed too good to be true and the science may or may not have been plausible (I really don’t know) the actual premise was different. The whole book was different to anything I have read. In my view that is a huge plus after many very derivative and predictable thrillers.
This was the first book in a trilogy. The earth has been inexplicably getting colder and humanity is under threat as people move to warmer places, places below sea level (i.e. Death Valley)! Anywhere they can get to. NASA has launched some probes via the International Space Station (ISS) to measure the sun’s radiation. They find that the whole area of space around the earth is receiving much less solar radiation than normal. And the ice continues to advance. One of the probes spots a strange artefact before it is destroyed. This ‘thing’ just shouldn’t be there. Then the ISS itself it pelted by debris and is effectively destroyed. There is one survivor, Commander Emma Matthews.
Meanwhile federal agents spring Dr James Sinclair from a federal penitentiary. He is some kind of genius - a medical doctor who has never practised but is also qualified in biomechanical engineering and ended up being some kind of robotocist guru. We don’t know why he was in prison until much later. He is rushed to NASA which is mounting a hasty space mission to study the artefact and to try and work out how and why the sun is being blocked from earth. On the way they detour slightly to rescue Emma who is still drifting around in a damaged escape module from the ISS.
Yes, I know it’s all very unbelievable but it was a heck of a story, at least for one not accustomed to the genre. Most of the narration is first person from Emma and James and much of the action takes place in space. I should probably stop there. As for the detractors, I’m not sure why the criticism. In sci-fi as in horror pretty much anything goes. While it may not have been plausible it certainly hung together and made sense within the narrative. Anyway, I really enjoyed the journey and I’m now off to get book 2.
Notwithstanding the fact that the main characters seemed too good to be true and the science may or may not have been plausible (I really don’t know) the actual premise was different. The whole book was different to anything I have read. In my view that is a huge plus after many very derivative and predictable thrillers.
This was the first book in a trilogy. The earth has been inexplicably getting colder and humanity is under threat as people move to warmer places, places below sea level (i.e. Death Valley)! Anywhere they can get to. NASA has launched some probes via the International Space Station (ISS) to measure the sun’s radiation. They find that the whole area of space around the earth is receiving much less solar radiation than normal. And the ice continues to advance. One of the probes spots a strange artefact before it is destroyed. This ‘thing’ just shouldn’t be there. Then the ISS itself it pelted by debris and is effectively destroyed. There is one survivor, Commander Emma Matthews.
Meanwhile federal agents spring Dr James Sinclair from a federal penitentiary. He is some kind of genius - a medical doctor who has never practised but is also qualified in biomechanical engineering and ended up being some kind of robotocist guru. We don’t know why he was in prison until much later. He is rushed to NASA which is mounting a hasty space mission to study the artefact and to try and work out how and why the sun is being blocked from earth. On the way they detour slightly to rescue Emma who is still drifting around in a damaged escape module from the ISS.
Yes, I know it’s all very unbelievable but it was a heck of a story, at least for one not accustomed to the genre. Most of the narration is first person from Emma and James and much of the action takes place in space. I should probably stop there. As for the detractors, I’m not sure why the criticism. In sci-fi as in horror pretty much anything goes. While it may not have been plausible it certainly hung together and made sense within the narrative. Anyway, I really enjoyed the journey and I’m now off to get book 2.
March 23, 2019
Even though I can’t understand how this book has such a high average rating, I have to acknowledge that and recognise that different books appeal to different readers.
The problem for me is not the genre.
But if you are analytical by nature and enjoy the logical puzzles posed by mystery and detective books, you will find Winter World so full of holes that the biggest challenge will be to finish the book.
The problem for me is not the genre.
But if you are analytical by nature and enjoy the logical puzzles posed by mystery and detective books, you will find Winter World so full of holes that the biggest challenge will be to finish the book.
April 3, 2019
Dual first person telling not showing.
5 stars for imagination.
1 star for style.
Reads like a high school kid wrote it. There are two protagonists and the writing annoyingly shifts between their first person narrative. Their voices are very similar. The grammar is mostly okay, but the style is atrocious. There are many four word sentences and the dialogue lacks nuance and depth. Perhaps Riddle’s worst work.
5 stars for imagination.
1 star for style.
Reads like a high school kid wrote it. There are two protagonists and the writing annoyingly shifts between their first person narrative. Their voices are very similar. The grammar is mostly okay, but the style is atrocious. There are many four word sentences and the dialogue lacks nuance and depth. Perhaps Riddle’s worst work.
February 17, 2019
I knew I'd love this and I did. A compelling apocalyptic tale, set half on a freezing Earth and the other half in space on the trail of mysterious alien artefacts. Perfect premise, although occasionally a little confused during the moments of extreme action. There will be a book 2, I believe, but Winter World ends completely satisfactorily. 4-4.5 stars. Review to follow on For Winter Nights.
March 31, 2020
Το βιβλίο ανήκει στο είδος της επιστημονικής φαντασίας κι ειδικότερα είναι μια διαστημική περιπέτεια.
Πριν δω τη λύση του μυστηρίου σκόπευα να βάλω 3 αστέρια αλλά με ικανοποίησε το τέλος του βιβλίου κι ανέβασα τη βαθμολογία.
Θετικά
-Αρχίζει και τελειώνει δυναμικά.
-Έχει ωραίο τρόπο αφήγησης, χωρίς περιττολογίες.
-Έχει μια μικρή ανατροπή. Για έναν που είναι έμπειρος σε διαστημικές ταινίες και βιβλία είναι εύκολο να ανιχνευτεί. (Χαίρομαι που αν και δεν μου αρέσει ιδιαίτερα αυτή η κατηγορία, κατάφερα να την ανιχνεύσω. Ομολογώ όμως ότι ακόμη και τώρα τη θεωρώ έξυπνη). Για όποιον δεν είναι, θεωρώ πως θα του αρέσει πολύ
-Οι ιδέες του συγγραφέα είναι ευφάνταστες.
Αρνητικά
-Κάνει μεγάλη κοιλιά στο μέσο της ιστορίας και θα το ήθελα εκατό σελίδες μικρότερο.
-Μερικές φορές χρησιμοποιούνται επιστημονικοί όροι που είναι δυσνόητοι και ίσως προσπεράσει ο αναγνώστης κάποια κομμάτια γιατί δεν μπορεί να τα παρακολουθήσει (λόγω ανεπάρκειας τέτοιου είδους γνώσεων, όπως εγώ. Βέβαια, είναι μυθιστόρημα και όχι επιστημονική μελέτη).
Πριν δω τη λύση του μυστηρίου σκόπευα να βάλω 3 αστέρια αλλά με ικανοποίησε το τέλος του βιβλίου κι ανέβασα τη βαθμολογία.
Θετικά
-Αρχίζει και τελειώνει δυναμικά.
-Έχει ωραίο τρόπο αφήγησης, χωρίς περιττολογίες.
-Έχει μια μικρή ανατροπή. Για έναν που είναι έμπειρος σε διαστημικές ταινίες και βιβλία είναι εύκολο να ανιχνευτεί. (Χαίρομαι που αν και δεν μου αρέσει ιδιαίτερα αυτή η κατηγορία, κατάφερα να την ανιχνεύσω. Ομολογώ όμως ότι ακόμη και τώρα τη θεωρώ έξυπνη). Για όποιον δεν είναι, θεωρώ πως θα του αρέσει πολύ
-Οι ιδέες του συγγραφέα είναι ευφάνταστες.
Αρνητικά
-Κάνει μεγάλη κοιλιά στο μέσο της ιστορίας και θα το ήθελα εκατό σελίδες μικρότερο.
-Μερικές φορές χρησιμοποιούνται επιστημονικοί όροι που είναι δυσνόητοι και ίσως προσπεράσει ο αναγνώστης κάποια κομμάτια γιατί δεν μπορεί να τα παρακολουθήσει (λόγω ανεπάρκειας τέτοιου είδους γνώσεων, όπως εγώ. Βέβαια, είναι μυθιστόρημα και όχι επιστημονική μελέτη).
August 29, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. It has the making of a Hollywood blockbuster. I kept seeing the movie in my mind as I was listening to the audiobook!
It follows two astronauts, Emma and James as they attempt to save the world and discover what is bringing about a new ice-age.
Winter World
I thought it was great, lots of action, adventure, and romance… Ok so I didn’t like the romance so much. I thought it was extremely corny. But overall it was a great book!
It was non-stop something happening. I enjoyed the writing and the characters.
One thing that I didn’t like was the predictability. I pretty much figured out all the main “OMG WHAT DID HE DO? JUST TELL US ALREADY!!” twists straight away, so I was bummed about the big revelation. It was just so predictable. Along with the absolutely stupidly corny romance – this is where it lost the wow factor for me and I deducted a star.
However, overall a great read. Would make a fabulous movie, kinda like deep impact meets the day after tomorrow, meets independence day crossed with the matrix. I enjoyed it very much.
What did I think of the audio version?
Yes I loved it! The narrators were excellent and it was like a movie in my mind!
Would I recommend Winter World?
Yes it was a fun read! Very intelligent and thought provoking in some parts and all out fun adventure in others. I didn’t buy the romance at all, but thankfully that was not what I was particularly after in this one.
If you like action-packed end-of-the-world books, this will be right up your alley.
I purchased Winter World at my own expense on audible.com
For more reviews check out my:
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It follows two astronauts, Emma and James as they attempt to save the world and discover what is bringing about a new ice-age.
Winter World
I thought it was great, lots of action, adventure, and romance… Ok so I didn’t like the romance so much. I thought it was extremely corny. But overall it was a great book!
It was non-stop something happening. I enjoyed the writing and the characters.
One thing that I didn’t like was the predictability. I pretty much figured out all the main “OMG WHAT DID HE DO? JUST TELL US ALREADY!!” twists straight away, so I was bummed about the big revelation. It was just so predictable. Along with the absolutely stupidly corny romance – this is where it lost the wow factor for me and I deducted a star.
However, overall a great read. Would make a fabulous movie, kinda like deep impact meets the day after tomorrow, meets independence day crossed with the matrix. I enjoyed it very much.
What did I think of the audio version?
Yes I loved it! The narrators were excellent and it was like a movie in my mind!
Would I recommend Winter World?
Yes it was a fun read! Very intelligent and thought provoking in some parts and all out fun adventure in others. I didn’t buy the romance at all, but thankfully that was not what I was particularly after in this one.
If you like action-packed end-of-the-world books, this will be right up your alley.
I purchased Winter World at my own expense on audible.com
For more reviews check out my:
Blog
Read
August 8, 2020This wasn’t a roller coaster for me. It was a cliff dive.
What started as a strong 4 storyline with a bit of not unexpected caricature and cliche writing devolved and then plunged into unremitting male ego stoking, a wildly non-credible nominal female co-lead character who was nothing but weepy cotton batting and self-deprecation (a NASA astronaut commander??) who existed only as a prop for the expert-in-everything glorified good-guy bad-boy male lead, and a thinly supported space drama plot.
I stopped when it was evident that this is, for me, a 1 star read with sorrowfully good potential, and when I was trying to distract myself from the aggravation and disappointment of the actual book by imagining to which authors I would like to entrust this apocalyptic sci fi plot that I really would have liked to read. At that point I woke up to the teeth gritting stance I was taking to get through it and sent it to the DNF pile.
What started as a strong 4 storyline with a bit of not unexpected caricature and cliche writing devolved and then plunged into unremitting male ego stoking, a wildly non-credible nominal female co-lead character who was nothing but weepy cotton batting and self-deprecation (a NASA astronaut commander??) who existed only as a prop for the expert-in-everything glorified good-guy bad-boy male lead, and a thinly supported space drama plot.
I stopped when it was evident that this is, for me, a 1 star read with sorrowfully good potential, and when I was trying to distract myself from the aggravation and disappointment of the actual book by imagining to which authors I would like to entrust this apocalyptic sci fi plot that I really would have liked to read. At that point I woke up to the teeth gritting stance I was taking to get through it and sent it to the DNF pile.
June 11, 2020
This is a good book, but it didn't stay with me. When I'd first finished it I was planning to grab the next one, but it faded quickly.
The world is not just cooling, it's freezing and soon we'll all be...well, kaput. Humanity will be gone, a thing of the past, no longer viable, dead, cold meat, frozen cold cuts. Then (of course) the said humans discover that for some reason while the sun's output hasn't diminished for some reason the heat reaching the Earth is "substandard", wayyyyy toooo substandard to be accounted for, until (again of course) we spot "something up there that, "ain't natural" it's manufactured.
Humm, not good. Maybe someone wants us to...die???? (You know like the aliens in Independence Day).
Not the greatest but I decided to move my rating from 3 to 4 stars. I can recommend it.
The world is not just cooling, it's freezing and soon we'll all be...well, kaput. Humanity will be gone, a thing of the past, no longer viable, dead, cold meat, frozen cold cuts. Then (of course) the said humans discover that for some reason while the sun's output hasn't diminished for some reason the heat reaching the Earth is "substandard", wayyyyy toooo substandard to be accounted for, until (again of course) we spot "something up there that, "ain't natural" it's manufactured.
Humm, not good. Maybe someone wants us to...die???? (You know like the aliens in Independence Day).
Not the greatest but I decided to move my rating from 3 to 4 stars. I can recommend it.
February 14, 2024
Continuing my spurt of re-reads, Winter World will keep the run going. Mysterious objects in space are blocking our planet from the sun. Scientists and governments race to solve the problem. This is science fiction but not in the realm of impossible. Excellent read. Worth a second look.
May 19, 2024
Riveting.
An absolutely gripping book that got me right at the beginning. When I opened the first page and started reading I got that lovely feeling inside that I knew I was going to love Winter World and I did. The characters were many and easy to like and follow with the main two, Emma and James standing out from the rest. Totally recommend reading this book.
An absolutely gripping book that got me right at the beginning. When I opened the first page and started reading I got that lovely feeling inside that I knew I was going to love Winter World and I did. The characters were many and easy to like and follow with the main two, Emma and James standing out from the rest. Totally recommend reading this book.
March 4, 2024
This is a really poor book. There is no depth to the plot, and no tension between the characters. Everyone is perfectly reasonable and of course very clever with the hero being a "genius". The "love" story is not credible, you get no sense of the 2 characters having joy in each other. The hero falls in love with her practically from her photo alone (yawn) which exudes a special "energy" (yawn yawn). Throughout the book in fact, the point of Emma was hard to fathom. She added nothing to the story not even romantic tension. I wonder did the publishers insist on a love interest?
I've read the Atlantic Gene trilogy which while certainly not great literature is a very entertaining and absorbing read. But this. It's really just a flat relating in very broad strokes of stuff that happens. No detail to give it credibility and weight. No real obstacles to the ... end objectives.
Just all very dull. If you are dithering on whether to read it, I say skip it.
I've read the Atlantic Gene trilogy which while certainly not great literature is a very entertaining and absorbing read. But this. It's really just a flat relating in very broad strokes of stuff that happens. No detail to give it credibility and weight. No real obstacles to the ... end objectives.
Just all very dull. If you are dithering on whether to read it, I say skip it.
October 23, 2019
[Audiobook] Another one of those books that start out quite promising and end in a big fat disappointment. I was looking forward to a SciFi novel but what I got was some mushy lovestory in space. Definitely NOT what I'd been expecting! The last few chapters were almost painful to read (or listen to). Especially when Emma and James started talking to the "harvester". And then there's the fact that almost the whole planet was covered with ice, which took months to form but only a few weeks to thaw I guess. I must admit that I did not listen too closely towards the end.
September 11, 2019
I’ve never seen so many high school level similes and metaphors in one book.
July 12, 2019
So, I’m a self-professed fan of post-apocalyptic lit, but I prefer it without zombies, monsters or “nerdy” elements that make me feel like an outsider. I was surprised, then, to find that I actually LOVED this book, in spite of the sometimes lengthy intellectual passages that explicated aspects of astronomy and space travel. What impressed me most was the character development. Author A.G. Riddle has breathed life into a variety of personas, each unique, interesting and, most importantly, believable. Additionally, I was completely engaged, from page one through the edge-of-your-seat conclusion—so much so, in fact, that I hated to turn the final page! I was, however, thrilled to discover that there’s a sequel in the works.
When perusing other reviews, I noticed that there’s some criticism about the validity of some of the facts presented. I honestly have no idea how valid those comments are. I just accepted what was written at face value and enjoyed the ride.
If you long for a good story, with characters you will love, definitely add this to your “need-to-read” list.
When perusing other reviews, I noticed that there’s some criticism about the validity of some of the facts presented. I honestly have no idea how valid those comments are. I just accepted what was written at face value and enjoyed the ride.
If you long for a good story, with characters you will love, definitely add this to your “need-to-read” list.
March 10, 2020
Η Γη παγώνει με ραγδαίους ρυθμούς. Στην προσπάθειά τους να επιβιώσουν οι άνθρωποι προσπαθούν να καταφύγουν στα πιο θερμά σημεία του πλανήτη. Όμως αυτό επιφέρει χάος και πόλεμο.
Η ομάδα επιστημόνων στο Διεθνή Διαστημικό Σταθμό φαίνεται να είναι η τελευταία ελπίδα της ανθρωπότητας για απαντήσεις. Κι αυτό που ανακαλύπτουν στον ήλιο γεννά περισσότερες ερωτήσεις, παρά απαντήσεις.
Ένα συγκλονιστικό μυθιστόρημα επιστημονικής φαντασίας με πολύ καλές επιστημονικές βάσεις και γεμάτο δράση.
Διαβάστε αναλυτικά την άποψή μου στο blog μου.
Η ομάδα επιστημόνων στο Διεθνή Διαστημικό Σταθμό φαίνεται να είναι η τελευταία ελπίδα της ανθρωπότητας για απαντήσεις. Κι αυτό που ανακαλύπτουν στον ήλιο γεννά περισσότερες ερωτήσεις, παρά απαντήσεις.
Ένα συγκλονιστικό μυθιστόρημα επιστημονικής φαντασίας με πολύ καλές επιστημονικές βάσεις και γεμάτο δράση.
Διαβάστε αναλυτικά την άποψή μου στο blog μου.
July 31, 2019
A smorgasbord of summer blockbuster movies.
Independence Day, Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow, Oblivion, with a splash of Star Trek Borg.
Not for the hardcore sci fi fans. The plot took to long to unravel, the characters lacked a soul, and the romance was awkward. This was a fast paced easy read. Because of that i gave it a reluctant 4 stars.
Downloading mankind's consciousness to the intergalactic cloud. Hmmm.
How could you not know Oscar was Star Trek's Data? 3 1/2 stars.
Update July 31
I dropped this to three stars because book 2 'The Solar War' was so so so bad.
Independence Day, Armageddon, The Day After Tomorrow, Oblivion, with a splash of Star Trek Borg.
Not for the hardcore sci fi fans. The plot took to long to unravel, the characters lacked a soul, and the romance was awkward. This was a fast paced easy read. Because of that i gave it a reluctant 4 stars.
Downloading mankind's consciousness to the intergalactic cloud. Hmmm.
How could you not know Oscar was Star Trek's Data? 3 1/2 stars.
Update July 31
I dropped this to three stars because book 2 'The Solar War' was so so so bad.
November 17, 2019
I dont get it...
Spoilers below.
To begin with, how can 28,000 1.5 mile wide hexagrams block the sun? how can this not be seen from the earth? So the book was broken from the beginning. Then, he kept writing about what a genius the main character was without giving any examples at all. And lastly, making it back to earth in an escape pod from the asteroid belt in 6 weeks.... 6 weeks I can understand, but lasting in an escape pod for 6 weeks just put the nail in it for me. I like my science fiction to have a solid technical foundation and yes, there is a lot out there that stretches the boundaries but this book failed horribly.
Spoilers below.
To begin with, how can 28,000 1.5 mile wide hexagrams block the sun? how can this not be seen from the earth? So the book was broken from the beginning. Then, he kept writing about what a genius the main character was without giving any examples at all. And lastly, making it back to earth in an escape pod from the asteroid belt in 6 weeks.... 6 weeks I can understand, but lasting in an escape pod for 6 weeks just put the nail in it for me. I like my science fiction to have a solid technical foundation and yes, there is a lot out there that stretches the boundaries but this book failed horribly.
November 19, 2023
I'm not sure what to do with this. It's a scifi thriller, but like a lowest common denominator scifi thriller. Blake Crouch, but supporting our troops kind where Blake goes more man lost without his woman. I'm not opposed to a little hoo-rah in my reading when it makes sense, but this book also did not make sense.
CONTENT WARNING:
I actually don't think I liked anything about this. I think I just didn't hate it enough to stop before I finished. It's sappy, one-note, obvious and yet another masculine power fantasy. This one is less phallic than many, so it was less offensive to my sensibilities, but it's greatest strength for me was being inoffensive.
That said, this has to be some of the worst writing I've endured in awhile. There are "similes" every other sentence or more, and I say it in quotes because similes are supposed to be figurative comparisons. Think "shall I compare you to a summer's day." But this book had similes that were just true. One of the lines I remember is "time seemed to stop. Only the clock indicated otherwise." Which...WOW! A clock?? Ticking?? SAY IT ISN'T SO. This wasn't the most egregious, just the one I remembered well enough to actually quote.
It's also such a pointed book. This book was meant for cishet white men. Prison doesn't work like that, taming a woman like she's a fucking bird you're feeding from your back porch is weird, requiring a woman to be all your softness is very sad for straight men, and he's really not that smart, except for how stupid everyone else is. I'm sorry guys, I get why this would be an ideal, but it's unimpressive to me, at least.
Ultimately I'm not the audience, but I persevered through it, and my take is that I'm underwhelmed.
CONTENT WARNING:
I actually don't think I liked anything about this. I think I just didn't hate it enough to stop before I finished. It's sappy, one-note, obvious and yet another masculine power fantasy. This one is less phallic than many, so it was less offensive to my sensibilities, but it's greatest strength for me was being inoffensive.
That said, this has to be some of the worst writing I've endured in awhile. There are "similes" every other sentence or more, and I say it in quotes because similes are supposed to be figurative comparisons. Think "shall I compare you to a summer's day." But this book had similes that were just true. One of the lines I remember is "time seemed to stop. Only the clock indicated otherwise." Which...WOW! A clock?? Ticking?? SAY IT ISN'T SO. This wasn't the most egregious, just the one I remembered well enough to actually quote.
It's also such a pointed book. This book was meant for cishet white men. Prison doesn't work like that, taming a woman like she's a fucking bird you're feeding from your back porch is weird, requiring a woman to be all your softness is very sad for straight men, and he's really not that smart, except for how stupid everyone else is. I'm sorry guys, I get why this would be an ideal, but it's unimpressive to me, at least.
Ultimately I'm not the audience, but I persevered through it, and my take is that I'm underwhelmed.
January 11, 2020
Aliens (cool). Long winter (interesting). Nearly 5 stars and an author I’ve never heard of (ok let’s give it a shot!)
This entire book read like a middle schooler’s diary entry trying to be a romance novel. Some BARF moments include:
- Emma going from compelling independent Austronaut to a love sick idiot obsessed with the stranger who “rescues” her
- James “gives her the honor” of sending the first message back to earth after one of their missions. After she records the message but before sending it she’s asks James “was that okay?” He says “yes it was perfect.” Are you fucking kidding me? She is an ASTRONAUT. Why is she seeking approval and permission from this dude?
I was mainly irritated by the ridiculous and unnecessary “love story” between the two, but many of the book’s more interesting story lines fell flat. I’m honestly very confused by the nearly 5 star rating and would like to hear what people liked about this book.
This entire book read like a middle schooler’s diary entry trying to be a romance novel. Some BARF moments include:
- Emma going from compelling independent Austronaut to a love sick idiot obsessed with the stranger who “rescues” her
- James “gives her the honor” of sending the first message back to earth after one of their missions. After she records the message but before sending it she’s asks James “was that okay?” He says “yes it was perfect.” Are you fucking kidding me? She is an ASTRONAUT. Why is she seeking approval and permission from this dude?
I was mainly irritated by the ridiculous and unnecessary “love story” between the two, but many of the book’s more interesting story lines fell flat. I’m honestly very confused by the nearly 5 star rating and would like to hear what people liked about this book.
August 8, 2019
I tend to gravitate toward certain genres during certain seasons. Spring, for example, is a time of hope, and so it requires the hope-filled literature of science fiction. Finding good science fiction, though, isn't easy. That's because good science fiction builds believable worlds and creates characters we care about while also blowing our minds with science and technology that's almost indistinguishable from magic. Talk about a tall order!
Winter World is good science fiction. I raced through it on my Kindle, and the second I crossed the finish line I was met with the option to pre-order the sequel, which I did. Here's the thing, though: I never do that! I never buy a book before it's been out for a while, and people have had a chance to review it. I'm cautious that way.
But with Winter World, I threw caution to the solar winds. Now I'm counting down the days until I can once again lose myself in some good science fiction!
Winter World is good science fiction. I raced through it on my Kindle, and the second I crossed the finish line I was met with the option to pre-order the sequel, which I did. Here's the thing, though: I never do that! I never buy a book before it's been out for a while, and people have had a chance to review it. I'm cautious that way.
But with Winter World, I threw caution to the solar winds. Now I'm counting down the days until I can once again lose myself in some good science fiction!
March 21, 2020
Το παράτησα κάπου στην 180 σελίδα!
Ξεκινώντας το, περίμενα να διαβάσω για μια προσπάθεια επιβίωσης των ανθρώπων που αντιμετωπίζουν τον λεγόμενο "Μεγάλο Χειμώνα", αλλά τελικά κατέληξα να διαβάζω για μια χούφτα επιστήμονες, που τους μάζεψε η NASA και τους στέλνει στο διάστημα να ανακαλύψουν τι είναι αυτό το "τεχνούργημα" που έχουν εντοπίσει και πιστεύουν ότι είναι η αιτία που παγώνει σιγά σιγά η Γη... Οπότε, αντί γι'αυτό που περίμενα, παρακολουθούμε τους επιστήμονες σε ένα ανυπέρβλητα βαρετό μπλα μπλα που κουράζει περισσότερο και από τους διαλόγους Γιάγκου-Βίρνας!!!
Ξεκινώντας το, περίμενα να διαβάσω για μια προσπάθεια επιβίωσης των ανθρώπων που αντιμετωπίζουν τον λεγόμενο "Μεγάλο Χειμώνα", αλλά τελικά κατέληξα να διαβάζω για μια χούφτα επιστήμονες, που τους μάζεψε η NASA και τους στέλνει στο διάστημα να ανακαλύψουν τι είναι αυτό το "τεχνούργημα" που έχουν εντοπίσει και πιστεύουν ότι είναι η αιτία που παγώνει σιγά σιγά η Γη... Οπότε, αντί γι'αυτό που περίμενα, παρακολουθούμε τους επιστήμονες σε ένα ανυπέρβλητα βαρετό μπλα μπλα που κουράζει περισσότερο και από τους διαλόγους Γιάγκου-Βίρνας!!!
September 3, 2024
3.50 ⭐️ (rnd ⬇️) — I think Riddle is the most prolific Lilly talented Sci-fi/Apocalyptic writer today. His characters are relatable, flawed heroes, his worlds are compels and well-fleshed out & his narrative always feels like it has just the right amount of good and evil.
The Long Winters first instalment, Winter World, ventures into the near future doomsday relam whereby all is ruled by the frozen unknown, and Riddle is at his best throughout much of this effort, crafting a chilling narrative that teeters on the precipice of scientific intrigue and yet also captures the quintessence of all things that are a staple amongst apocalyptic chaos. In this near or post-apocalyptic tale, Riddle ultimately, masterfully, blends the elements of survival, science fiction, and human drama, though not without a few stumbles along the way — the human drama aspect being the nye sole offender — before hitting form again back in the forte of world-saving science.
First off, this past 12 months I’ve become a rather keen Riddle fan. Not only does he seem to write an affluent pace, but the consistency in his work is solidly, well, consistent!
The narrative unfolds in a world thrust into a never-ending winter. Riddle's vivid descriptions of this frozen wasteland are nothing short of captivating, immersing readers in a hauntingly beautiful landscape. His meticulous attention to detail paints a vivid picture of a world gripped by relentless cold, where the elements themselves become formidable antagonists. The stark beauty of this frozen world stands as one of the novel's undeniable strengths.
Riddle's characters are a diverse mix, reflecting various backgrounds and motivations. The novel is told from two perspectives, that of NASA astronaut Emma Matthews, the central protagonist, is a strong-willed scientist determined to unravel the mysteries of this chilling catastrophe. Her unwavering determination serves as a driving force throughout the narrative. Her counterpart, Dr James Sinclair is a brilliant but troubled Inventor, whom begins the novel
In a Federal prison after a I’ll-conceived invention doesn’t resonate all that well, for good reason. Sinclair is written well, his motivations are believable & his redemption arc is engaging. However, the two’s relationship, as well as many other characters often feel one-dimensional, lacking the depth required to truly connect with readers.
The narrative, largely compelling, rhythmically paced and very much gripping at times, occasionally somehow falters under the weight of its own ambition. Riddle weaves intricate threads of scientific theories and geopolitical intrigue into the story, sometimes to the detriment of pacing. At times, readers may find themselves bogged down in exposition, longing for the story to regain its momentum.
The plot, though intriguing, occasionally strays into familiar territory, borrowing elements from other apocalyptic narratives. While there's a sense of urgency and impending doom, some plot developments may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre.
Yet, "Winter World" shines in its ability to pose thought-provoking questions about humanity's resilience in the face of adversity. Riddle's exploration of the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation adds depth to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the ethical implications of advancing technology.
There are some definitive, unambiguously clear frustrations for me — largely in the non-science components — in this first entry in his epic Science Fiction trilogy, The Long Winter. AG Riddle writes futuristic mystery & world-ending thrillers like no other, his premises are absolutely fascinating and his tropes take on arcs that many simply couldn’t even grasp, let alone write. This is his strength, alongside his ability to link pace, narrative & tension with a prose that is neither simple nor grandiose, but rather it just somehow manages to perfectly befit the narratives in a way that’s just-right. His characters, particularly protagonists are always likeable, relatable and fallible, as well as not being akin to other heroes we read about in similar stylings of this genre. It’s a skill set that many underestimate, but an author whom can always find his voice amongst his narrative without the reader ever having to question or assess the context or the voice of the author in any way whatsoever, is masterful. However, the aforementioned frustration in this novel, is that he writes the romantic or more poignantly, he writes about the love-interests of his characters in a way that feels just like it is, a male science-fiction writer trying to write about people falling in love. Riddle writes these characters interactions so rigidly & lacking any true pointed, unadulterated scenes where that love is unpacked and validated by the reader, instead we are more rather simply just supposed to trust they are in-love, rather than learning it page by page. Riddle is telling us they love each other, but there is little anecdotal or subtle nodes for the reader to but that, apart from the obvious fact they’re thrown together in difficult situations and have respect for one another and so forth. There’s no true tests of that love even, nor context for it amongst the characters backstory, so I’ve marked the novel down quite a bit for this and some other small detail that I think are important for context and some for creatively stifling his own work at times, but perhaps trying to make the novel a more conveniently timed read. I’m no romance adoring fiction reader, but I am an avid reader and film-goer so I’m gonna need a little more than that Mr Riddle! I rounded down to 3 stars here and may boost it to rounded to 4 ⭐️ give time and depending on how the series second instalments initial 100 pages rounds-off this narrative, or I may not, time will tell. But what I can say is that Riddle remains one of my favourite finds of 2023 & I’ll 💯 continue to buy his books, especially if the audiobook is read by the likes of Edoardo Ballerini, whom even though I only heard the elegies for this effort, sounded EXACTLY as I’d imagined James Sinclair, had I known he was the narrator (along with the almost equally talented Amanda Leigh Cobb) I dare say I’d of likely read 30-40% and listened to the rest (as I often do with books narrated well in order to make best economy of my daily 2hr commute to be able to capitalise on ensuring it’s 💯 reading time via audiobook.Connor audible) he is a gem & behind perhaps only George Newborn, Will Patton & the irrepressible Ray Porter).
To finish my thoughts here, Riddle’s Winter World manages to offer a chilling journey through a barren, scary and completely realistically told frozen apocalypse, rich in atmospheric detail and scientific intrigue. While it occasionally stumbles in character development and pacing, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking narrative. Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction will find plenty to enjoy in this icy adventure, even as they ponder the chilling possibilities of a world plunged into eternal winter.
The Long Winters first instalment, Winter World, ventures into the near future doomsday relam whereby all is ruled by the frozen unknown, and Riddle is at his best throughout much of this effort, crafting a chilling narrative that teeters on the precipice of scientific intrigue and yet also captures the quintessence of all things that are a staple amongst apocalyptic chaos. In this near or post-apocalyptic tale, Riddle ultimately, masterfully, blends the elements of survival, science fiction, and human drama, though not without a few stumbles along the way — the human drama aspect being the nye sole offender — before hitting form again back in the forte of world-saving science.
First off, this past 12 months I’ve become a rather keen Riddle fan. Not only does he seem to write an affluent pace, but the consistency in his work is solidly, well, consistent!
The narrative unfolds in a world thrust into a never-ending winter. Riddle's vivid descriptions of this frozen wasteland are nothing short of captivating, immersing readers in a hauntingly beautiful landscape. His meticulous attention to detail paints a vivid picture of a world gripped by relentless cold, where the elements themselves become formidable antagonists. The stark beauty of this frozen world stands as one of the novel's undeniable strengths.
Riddle's characters are a diverse mix, reflecting various backgrounds and motivations. The novel is told from two perspectives, that of NASA astronaut Emma Matthews, the central protagonist, is a strong-willed scientist determined to unravel the mysteries of this chilling catastrophe. Her unwavering determination serves as a driving force throughout the narrative. Her counterpart, Dr James Sinclair is a brilliant but troubled Inventor, whom begins the novel
In a Federal prison after a I’ll-conceived invention doesn’t resonate all that well, for good reason. Sinclair is written well, his motivations are believable & his redemption arc is engaging. However, the two’s relationship, as well as many other characters often feel one-dimensional, lacking the depth required to truly connect with readers.
The narrative, largely compelling, rhythmically paced and very much gripping at times, occasionally somehow falters under the weight of its own ambition. Riddle weaves intricate threads of scientific theories and geopolitical intrigue into the story, sometimes to the detriment of pacing. At times, readers may find themselves bogged down in exposition, longing for the story to regain its momentum.
The plot, though intriguing, occasionally strays into familiar territory, borrowing elements from other apocalyptic narratives. While there's a sense of urgency and impending doom, some plot developments may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre.
Yet, "Winter World" shines in its ability to pose thought-provoking questions about humanity's resilience in the face of adversity. Riddle's exploration of the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation adds depth to the story, prompting readers to reflect on the ethical implications of advancing technology.
There are some definitive, unambiguously clear frustrations for me — largely in the non-science components — in this first entry in his epic Science Fiction trilogy, The Long Winter. AG Riddle writes futuristic mystery & world-ending thrillers like no other, his premises are absolutely fascinating and his tropes take on arcs that many simply couldn’t even grasp, let alone write. This is his strength, alongside his ability to link pace, narrative & tension with a prose that is neither simple nor grandiose, but rather it just somehow manages to perfectly befit the narratives in a way that’s just-right. His characters, particularly protagonists are always likeable, relatable and fallible, as well as not being akin to other heroes we read about in similar stylings of this genre. It’s a skill set that many underestimate, but an author whom can always find his voice amongst his narrative without the reader ever having to question or assess the context or the voice of the author in any way whatsoever, is masterful. However, the aforementioned frustration in this novel, is that he writes the romantic or more poignantly, he writes about the love-interests of his characters in a way that feels just like it is, a male science-fiction writer trying to write about people falling in love. Riddle writes these characters interactions so rigidly & lacking any true pointed, unadulterated scenes where that love is unpacked and validated by the reader, instead we are more rather simply just supposed to trust they are in-love, rather than learning it page by page. Riddle is telling us they love each other, but there is little anecdotal or subtle nodes for the reader to but that, apart from the obvious fact they’re thrown together in difficult situations and have respect for one another and so forth. There’s no true tests of that love even, nor context for it amongst the characters backstory, so I’ve marked the novel down quite a bit for this and some other small detail that I think are important for context and some for creatively stifling his own work at times, but perhaps trying to make the novel a more conveniently timed read. I’m no romance adoring fiction reader, but I am an avid reader and film-goer so I’m gonna need a little more than that Mr Riddle! I rounded down to 3 stars here and may boost it to rounded to 4 ⭐️ give time and depending on how the series second instalments initial 100 pages rounds-off this narrative, or I may not, time will tell. But what I can say is that Riddle remains one of my favourite finds of 2023 & I’ll 💯 continue to buy his books, especially if the audiobook is read by the likes of Edoardo Ballerini, whom even though I only heard the elegies for this effort, sounded EXACTLY as I’d imagined James Sinclair, had I known he was the narrator (along with the almost equally talented Amanda Leigh Cobb) I dare say I’d of likely read 30-40% and listened to the rest (as I often do with books narrated well in order to make best economy of my daily 2hr commute to be able to capitalise on ensuring it’s 💯 reading time via audiobook.Connor audible) he is a gem & behind perhaps only George Newborn, Will Patton & the irrepressible Ray Porter).
To finish my thoughts here, Riddle’s Winter World manages to offer a chilling journey through a barren, scary and completely realistically told frozen apocalypse, rich in atmospheric detail and scientific intrigue. While it occasionally stumbles in character development and pacing, it ultimately succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking narrative. Fans of post-apocalyptic science fiction will find plenty to enjoy in this icy adventure, even as they ponder the chilling possibilities of a world plunged into eternal winter.
May 27, 2019
This book starts with an interesting concept – the world is cooling instead of warming.
Ok, so I don’t really get nitpicky about books and try to enjoy them for what they are – merely entertainment. But there was just something about this one that bothered me. I can’t really put a finger on it and maybe I didn’t fully understand things but there were too many holes and seemingly-missing-storylines. For one, the relationship between the two main characters was weird, rushed, and just convenient. A lot of “staring” as one reviewer points out. The author does not portray the awesome-former-commander of the ISS as a strong competent woman. She seems kind of weak and lovestruck. There are other holes in which these space travelers just happen to jet off from Earth and end up in the Asteroid belt. Something like that would take so much time that I would think the author would at least mention that (or research that). Speaking of space travelers, all of these non-astronauts quickly and easily become space voyagers without much training or rigor of going through this type of environment/experience. Plus, the main character is so smart that he just figures out all of the enemy’s moves and locations. These super scientists seem to make complex drones of all sorts in a matter of minutes with no issues. And the plotline kind of seemed predictable. There wasn’t enough explanation of the actual turmoil and death count that the earth would be experiencing if the entire planet froze up.
But maybe I shouldn’t have focused on all those nitpicky things? In any case, the plot was interesting enough to make me curious to find out what happened, and I got through the whole book. I liked the premise but really, those aliens could have and should have wiped out Earth long before the small sections of humans were deployed to stop them… Weird. I won’t be reading the next one, but I enjoyed this enough to give it three stars.
Audiobook narrator Edoardo Ballerini rating: 4 stars
Audiobook narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb rating: 3 stars
Edoardo was good at changing his voice. The other one was ok.
Ok, so I don’t really get nitpicky about books and try to enjoy them for what they are – merely entertainment. But there was just something about this one that bothered me. I can’t really put a finger on it and maybe I didn’t fully understand things but there were too many holes and seemingly-missing-storylines. For one, the relationship between the two main characters was weird, rushed, and just convenient. A lot of “staring” as one reviewer points out. The author does not portray the awesome-former-commander of the ISS as a strong competent woman. She seems kind of weak and lovestruck. There are other holes in which these space travelers just happen to jet off from Earth and end up in the Asteroid belt. Something like that would take so much time that I would think the author would at least mention that (or research that). Speaking of space travelers, all of these non-astronauts quickly and easily become space voyagers without much training or rigor of going through this type of environment/experience. Plus, the main character is so smart that he just figures out all of the enemy’s moves and locations. These super scientists seem to make complex drones of all sorts in a matter of minutes with no issues. And the plotline kind of seemed predictable. There wasn’t enough explanation of the actual turmoil and death count that the earth would be experiencing if the entire planet froze up.
But maybe I shouldn’t have focused on all those nitpicky things? In any case, the plot was interesting enough to make me curious to find out what happened, and I got through the whole book. I liked the premise but really, those aliens could have and should have wiped out Earth long before the small sections of humans were deployed to stop them… Weird. I won’t be reading the next one, but I enjoyed this enough to give it three stars.
Audiobook narrator Edoardo Ballerini rating: 4 stars
Audiobook narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb rating: 3 stars
Edoardo was good at changing his voice. The other one was ok.
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