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Universe Unbound #1
Winterborne
Sixteen-year old Mia Winterborne is destined to be special. Details are sketchy, though, as her dad disappeared with all the answers when she was five. Mia only knows that she’ll inherit her kickass superpowers on her seventeenth birthday. Helping Mia prepare for her anticipated ascendancy is Loie Bryce, her best friend and eternal sidekick extraordinaire. The girls’ intense friendship has never wavered until now, when Andreas arrives in Salcey Ridge. They both fall hard for the British hottie, who quickly becomes a fixture in their lives. When they discover that Andreas is not who he appears to be, the frightening reality of Mia’s powers finally hits home. The nearer Mia’s birthday draws, the more the danger escalates and long-buried lies are exposed, putting the girls on a path that they never expected.
372 pages, ebook
First published April 24, 2011
246 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
About the author
Augusta Blythe
9 books82 followersAugusta Blythe is the author of Winterborne and Ravenstoke, YA urban fantasy novels. She is also the author of Hostel Takeover written under the pseudonym Keeley Bates. She currently lives in England with her husband, two children, a clown fish, a cleaner shrimp and a mine urchin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 16, 2016
Oh what a conundrum my dears!
On the one hand, I have the impression that Augusta Blythe is a skilful writer. Her style is simple, but fluent, modern and mildly amusing and well suited for her market. Also, I like Georgia as a role model. On the other hand, lots of things about Winterborne pissed me off.
- The stereotyping of gay men (apparently their sexuality is discernible from their dance moves.) This is minimal but still aggravating.
- The stereotyping of British people (I am British but I'd like to think that stereotyping of any nationality would bug me.)
- The Captain Obvious plot. The subtle hints are jumping up and down shouting "look at me!" Did anyone NOT guess the plot twist?
- A death of a family member who is barely mentioned beyond a page or two afterwards. Virtually no grief.
- But most importantly, I hated that two lifelong best friends would have a huge falling out and stop talking to each other over the attentions of some teenage boy that they had known for a month or two. This is pathetic; the kind of behaviour that drives me insane in fiction and in real life. A girl named Grace who I once volunteered with told me tearfully that she'd been eating her lunch in her car because her so-called friends had rejected her after a boy one of them liked had said he liked Grace instead. I mean, seriously! She didn't even do anything! And all Loie did here was kiss the guy. He and Mia hadn't announced they were together. There was no chemistry between them. And then a lifetime of being BFFs is suddenly meaningless to them?! For fuck's sake.
Overall Winterborne is probably a three star but I'm downgrading it to two stars because Blythe could do with learning a little more sensitivity.
On the one hand, I have the impression that Augusta Blythe is a skilful writer. Her style is simple, but fluent, modern and mildly amusing and well suited for her market. Also, I like Georgia as a role model. On the other hand, lots of things about Winterborne pissed me off.
- The stereotyping of gay men (apparently their sexuality is discernible from their dance moves.) This is minimal but still aggravating.
- The stereotyping of British people (I am British but I'd like to think that stereotyping of any nationality would bug me.)
- The Captain Obvious plot. The subtle hints are jumping up and down shouting "look at me!" Did anyone NOT guess the plot twist?
- A death of a family member who is barely mentioned beyond a page or two afterwards. Virtually no grief.
- But most importantly, I hated that two lifelong best friends would have a huge falling out and stop talking to each other over the attentions of some teenage boy that they had known for a month or two. This is pathetic; the kind of behaviour that drives me insane in fiction and in real life. A girl named Grace who I once volunteered with told me tearfully that she'd been eating her lunch in her car because her so-called friends had rejected her after a boy one of them liked had said he liked Grace instead. I mean, seriously! She didn't even do anything! And all Loie did here was kiss the guy. He and Mia hadn't announced they were together. There was no chemistry between them. And then a lifetime of being BFFs is suddenly meaningless to them?! For fuck's sake.
Overall Winterborne is probably a three star but I'm downgrading it to two stars because Blythe could do with learning a little more sensitivity.
April 16, 2018
4,25 stars - English ebook -
-The rooks ar back in the sky, prepairing for another attack. They are calling now.-
Two best friends. One birthday that changes everything. Mia Winterborne knows she is special. She only does not know how special.
Loie Bryse is her best friend until they both fall for the same Guy. But who is he? And what of ancient and univarsals?
I did love this read. It was easy going. Did read it on three days near to the river on the beautiful spring days we had lately.
Like to read the other two books in this series, ravenstroke and the yawning void.
- exaxtly what kind of super power attract wildlife?- 🌹🦋🌸
-The rooks ar back in the sky, prepairing for another attack. They are calling now.-
Two best friends. One birthday that changes everything. Mia Winterborne knows she is special. She only does not know how special.
Loie Bryse is her best friend until they both fall for the same Guy. But who is he? And what of ancient and univarsals?
I did love this read. It was easy going. Did read it on three days near to the river on the beautiful spring days we had lately.
Like to read the other two books in this series, ravenstroke and the yawning void.
- exaxtly what kind of super power attract wildlife?- 🌹🦋🌸
May 29, 2022
3,5 stars - English ebook
16 year old Loie Bryce and her best friend Mia Winterborne have been prepairing and training for Mia's 17th birthday. The day Mia will get her super natural powers. Mia's inpending powers are something Loire knows she can't share. On top of that they have a chrush on the same boy. Disaster hiding in the corner.
Loie's charater is real, she speaks and acts like a real person. The issues she and Mia struggle with are so familiar to all of us I think. Loie proudly discribes herself as Mia's sidekick, I think she is more than that.
16 year old Loie Bryce and her best friend Mia Winterborne have been prepairing and training for Mia's 17th birthday. The day Mia will get her super natural powers. Mia's inpending powers are something Loire knows she can't share. On top of that they have a chrush on the same boy. Disaster hiding in the corner.
Loie's charater is real, she speaks and acts like a real person. The issues she and Mia struggle with are so familiar to all of us I think. Loie proudly discribes herself as Mia's sidekick, I think she is more than that.
July 5, 2019
this book was so average. i could see the plot twist from a mile away, and the romance annoyed the heck out of me. after like 2 days she was in love! i don't do insta-love!
still, thanks to the author and amazon kindle for the free book :)
still, thanks to the author and amazon kindle for the free book :)
March 19, 2015
If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be reading and enjoying YA books, I would have probably laughed. Not so now. There are so many good ones to pick from nowadays, and my latest is this one, Winterborne, first published in 2011. I received it from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Loie is a teenage girl, growing up in a small town with Mia, as her best friend. She lives in a small apartment with her chain smoking, bitter grandmother. Mia is as beautiful as Loie is smart. She’s also popular with the boys, perfect, rich, and Loie is the planet, to the sun that is Mia. And she loves Loie dearly. When Andreas, a gorgeous new boy in town, befriends them both, the girls, for the first time, compete for the same boy. In the midst of this, the girls are planning their seventeenth birthday party-both having being born on the same day. The two girls are also celebrating that Mia will be coming into her “powers” due to a story told to her by her mom. Since her powers are inherited from her missing father, she has no idea what they could be, and to make it even more interesting, her mother doesn’t believe one word of it. What they also don’t know, is that there are lots of different evil creatures that are never going to let Mia reach her seventeenth year, or die trying.
It was interesting that the main character is the best friend, instead of the beautiful gifted girl, and that was unexpected, and I thought pretty unique. As the girl that always gets the short end of the stick in life, Loie is pretty much content with her lot in life as Mia’s friend. She knows her own life has been stifled in favor of Mia’s, but because of her own horrible home life, her life with Mia, and Mia’s mom, Georgia, is the best thing she has in her life. That is until Andreas turns both of their lives upside down. He’s everything both girls have ever wanted, and he is also not what he seems at all.
When creatures start escaping from their secret world, into this small town, and attempt to hurt Mia, the story really ramps up. This author’s rich world building features evil pixies, terrifying garden gnome like, leprechauns, huge, frightening devil dogs, and more. We learn who the good guys are and about where they live, and so much more, in this story. A big question is, who is Andreas really, and is he part of the bad creatures world? Also, what really happened the night Loie’s parents died, and Mia’s father went missing? So yes, in addition to being a paranormal story, it’s also a romance, and a mystery.
I loved all the characters, that is except for the evil creatures, of course. I enjoyed the premise, the use of Loie as the main character, and the twists and turns the story took. There are some surprises to be had here, even if the reader does gradually figure some things out.
It’s very telling that as soon as I finished this book, I immediately started(and finished)the second book, titled, Ravenstoke. That’s how much I enjoyed this read. I highly recommend this to young adults from about age 14 plus, through adult.
By the way, I never thought that I would ever read a book with evil leprechauns, but it totally worked-even though I did have a moment of levity, when they first entered the story.(RabidReads.com)
Loie is a teenage girl, growing up in a small town with Mia, as her best friend. She lives in a small apartment with her chain smoking, bitter grandmother. Mia is as beautiful as Loie is smart. She’s also popular with the boys, perfect, rich, and Loie is the planet, to the sun that is Mia. And she loves Loie dearly. When Andreas, a gorgeous new boy in town, befriends them both, the girls, for the first time, compete for the same boy. In the midst of this, the girls are planning their seventeenth birthday party-both having being born on the same day. The two girls are also celebrating that Mia will be coming into her “powers” due to a story told to her by her mom. Since her powers are inherited from her missing father, she has no idea what they could be, and to make it even more interesting, her mother doesn’t believe one word of it. What they also don’t know, is that there are lots of different evil creatures that are never going to let Mia reach her seventeenth year, or die trying.
It was interesting that the main character is the best friend, instead of the beautiful gifted girl, and that was unexpected, and I thought pretty unique. As the girl that always gets the short end of the stick in life, Loie is pretty much content with her lot in life as Mia’s friend. She knows her own life has been stifled in favor of Mia’s, but because of her own horrible home life, her life with Mia, and Mia’s mom, Georgia, is the best thing she has in her life. That is until Andreas turns both of their lives upside down. He’s everything both girls have ever wanted, and he is also not what he seems at all.
When creatures start escaping from their secret world, into this small town, and attempt to hurt Mia, the story really ramps up. This author’s rich world building features evil pixies, terrifying garden gnome like, leprechauns, huge, frightening devil dogs, and more. We learn who the good guys are and about where they live, and so much more, in this story. A big question is, who is Andreas really, and is he part of the bad creatures world? Also, what really happened the night Loie’s parents died, and Mia’s father went missing? So yes, in addition to being a paranormal story, it’s also a romance, and a mystery.
I loved all the characters, that is except for the evil creatures, of course. I enjoyed the premise, the use of Loie as the main character, and the twists and turns the story took. There are some surprises to be had here, even if the reader does gradually figure some things out.
It’s very telling that as soon as I finished this book, I immediately started(and finished)the second book, titled, Ravenstoke. That’s how much I enjoyed this read. I highly recommend this to young adults from about age 14 plus, through adult.
By the way, I never thought that I would ever read a book with evil leprechauns, but it totally worked-even though I did have a moment of levity, when they first entered the story.(RabidReads.com)
September 3, 2016
Originally posted on www.yareads.com
Loie's parents died years ago in a freak accident, leaving Loie to the care of an emotionally abusive grandmother. Naturally, Loie turns to the best friend she considers family: Mia Winterborne. Loie spends just as much time at Mia's house as her own, where she even has her own room and a stand-in mother figure. Loie and Mia are as close as sisters and Loie's content to trail around in Mia's shadow, even when it comes to Andreas, the first boy to capture both their hearts. But Andreas inadvertently drives a wedge between the girls just when they need each other most.
Winterborne plunges you into this unique new universe from the very first page as the Loie and Mia discuss Mia's impending supernatural powers. But after the first chapter, the beginning feels rather slow. The lazy summer seems to last too long as it drags on through numerous chapters. But while not much seems to be happening plot-wise, we definitely see a lot of characterization and Augusta Blythe provides tons of grounding details that really make this world feel real.
As soon as the action picks up, Winterborne really hits its stride. This world is dark, terrifying, and completely fresh. The bad guys in this story are actual bad guys; claws, fangs, and murderous desires hide behind handsome exteriors. Blythe's villains are creepy enough to make your skin crawl. And as if helping to protect her best friend from otherworldly kidnappers isn't enough, Loie also has to deal with a grandmother she oscillates between hating and sympathizing with, solving the mystery of her parents' deaths, and falling in love with a boy she knows she can't have.
Poor Loie doesn't realize she's entitled to just as much happiness as Mia. My main issue with Loie is her self-deprecation. She thinks she's not as pretty or special as Mia and that therefore she doesn't deserve as much as Mia. Even though Loie's situation is nowhere near perfect, she still puts Mia before herself. And at times, Mia doesn't seem to consider Loie's feelings or appreciate the sacrifices Loie makes for her. The ending redeems both characters in my eyes. They both undergo extraordinary changes and grow into better characters. Loie finds her own inner strength and Mia learns a little humility. In my opinion, there's nothing more gratifying than an ending where the main characters truly grow and change for the better. Add to that all the realistic world-building and paranormal twists, and this series has definitely caught my interest.
I will say that the twist at the ending is a bit predictable and for some reason, Andreas doesn't really intrigue me as a love interest so far. He's definitely a likable character and his developing friendship with Loie is rather heart-warming. But his relationship with Mia seems off to me; I don't really understand why either girl is in love with him, other than the fact that he's hot and British. These qualities can definitely inspire a crush, but love? I'm not so sure. I'm interested in seeing how these relationships develop in the future, though. And the ending leaves off on a major cliffhanger, so I can't wait to start in on the sequel.
Loie's parents died years ago in a freak accident, leaving Loie to the care of an emotionally abusive grandmother. Naturally, Loie turns to the best friend she considers family: Mia Winterborne. Loie spends just as much time at Mia's house as her own, where she even has her own room and a stand-in mother figure. Loie and Mia are as close as sisters and Loie's content to trail around in Mia's shadow, even when it comes to Andreas, the first boy to capture both their hearts. But Andreas inadvertently drives a wedge between the girls just when they need each other most.
Winterborne plunges you into this unique new universe from the very first page as the Loie and Mia discuss Mia's impending supernatural powers. But after the first chapter, the beginning feels rather slow. The lazy summer seems to last too long as it drags on through numerous chapters. But while not much seems to be happening plot-wise, we definitely see a lot of characterization and Augusta Blythe provides tons of grounding details that really make this world feel real.
As soon as the action picks up, Winterborne really hits its stride. This world is dark, terrifying, and completely fresh. The bad guys in this story are actual bad guys; claws, fangs, and murderous desires hide behind handsome exteriors. Blythe's villains are creepy enough to make your skin crawl. And as if helping to protect her best friend from otherworldly kidnappers isn't enough, Loie also has to deal with a grandmother she oscillates between hating and sympathizing with, solving the mystery of her parents' deaths, and falling in love with a boy she knows she can't have.
Poor Loie doesn't realize she's entitled to just as much happiness as Mia. My main issue with Loie is her self-deprecation. She thinks she's not as pretty or special as Mia and that therefore she doesn't deserve as much as Mia. Even though Loie's situation is nowhere near perfect, she still puts Mia before herself. And at times, Mia doesn't seem to consider Loie's feelings or appreciate the sacrifices Loie makes for her. The ending redeems both characters in my eyes. They both undergo extraordinary changes and grow into better characters. Loie finds her own inner strength and Mia learns a little humility. In my opinion, there's nothing more gratifying than an ending where the main characters truly grow and change for the better. Add to that all the realistic world-building and paranormal twists, and this series has definitely caught my interest.
I will say that the twist at the ending is a bit predictable and for some reason, Andreas doesn't really intrigue me as a love interest so far. He's definitely a likable character and his developing friendship with Loie is rather heart-warming. But his relationship with Mia seems off to me; I don't really understand why either girl is in love with him, other than the fact that he's hot and British. These qualities can definitely inspire a crush, but love? I'm not so sure. I'm interested in seeing how these relationships develop in the future, though. And the ending leaves off on a major cliffhanger, so I can't wait to start in on the sequel.
June 2, 2011
Originally posted on Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me.
I enjoyed this novel just as much as I expected to. Loie (rather than Mia like I had thought) is the narrator and Winterborne follows the girls as they try to make sense of recent mysterious occurrences and win the heart of Mia's new neighbour, Andreas. Strange things are happening and not everything is as it seems. Can Loie continue living in Mia's shadow or will she find that she's more special than she thinks? Winterborne throws us into a world filled with odd creatures that we don't often see in paranormal books - dryads, pixies, leprechauns, harpies and more! The novel moves at a great pace, not too quickly but not ever boring. I found the plot to be exciting and it kept me guessing. Since this is a whole new world, all bets are off!
Loie's a character that I liked and sympathised with very much. For one, she's brave and intuitive. It's a shame that her best friend Mia is the golden girl who always takes the spotlight. Being a good friend, Loie easily accepts that Andreas will pick Mia over her without a second thought. It frustrated me to no end that Mia thought the same and not once considered Loie's feelings. Mia isn't a cruel person at all but I wonder how someone can be so selfish and inconsiderate. Andreas is good-looking, kind, caring and very British. I fell in love with him the moment he vaulted over Mia's fence in search for his soccer ball! He seems to lead Loie on a little but since he's just that great, I didn't get mad at all. Throughout the novel, there are moments between the two that will tug on your heartstrings and make you wish you had the power of mind control. If only! All of the characters in this novel keep some sort of a secret and it's fun discovering them all along with the characters.
I enjoyed Winterborne immensely and can't wait for more! There's so much waiting to happen in the sequel - Loie's relationship status, her embarking on epic adventures and dealing with everything else in her life! Who's excited?
I enjoyed this novel just as much as I expected to. Loie (rather than Mia like I had thought) is the narrator and Winterborne follows the girls as they try to make sense of recent mysterious occurrences and win the heart of Mia's new neighbour, Andreas. Strange things are happening and not everything is as it seems. Can Loie continue living in Mia's shadow or will she find that she's more special than she thinks? Winterborne throws us into a world filled with odd creatures that we don't often see in paranormal books - dryads, pixies, leprechauns, harpies and more! The novel moves at a great pace, not too quickly but not ever boring. I found the plot to be exciting and it kept me guessing. Since this is a whole new world, all bets are off!
Loie's a character that I liked and sympathised with very much. For one, she's brave and intuitive. It's a shame that her best friend Mia is the golden girl who always takes the spotlight. Being a good friend, Loie easily accepts that Andreas will pick Mia over her without a second thought. It frustrated me to no end that Mia thought the same and not once considered Loie's feelings. Mia isn't a cruel person at all but I wonder how someone can be so selfish and inconsiderate. Andreas is good-looking, kind, caring and very British. I fell in love with him the moment he vaulted over Mia's fence in search for his soccer ball! He seems to lead Loie on a little but since he's just that great, I didn't get mad at all. Throughout the novel, there are moments between the two that will tug on your heartstrings and make you wish you had the power of mind control. If only! All of the characters in this novel keep some sort of a secret and it's fun discovering them all along with the characters.
I enjoyed Winterborne immensely and can't wait for more! There's so much waiting to happen in the sequel - Loie's relationship status, her embarking on epic adventures and dealing with everything else in her life! Who's excited?
April 3, 2015
WINTERBORNE made my quick thought review segment because I enjoyed it so much that I immediately jumped on Amazon and bought book 2 and 3 to continue the story and now they are all in my head which makes it hard to just review book 1.
So, why did I love WINTERBORNE.. The connection between Mia and Loie. They come from different worlds, but grew up together and have a sisterly connection you can't help but be jealous of. There is a lot of different paranormal creatures introduced and you are left wondering what could come next. There's a hot and mysterious boy next door. There is plenty of action and secrets. Finally you can't help but want to go out and buy the rest of the series so you don't have to stop reading.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So, why did I love WINTERBORNE.. The connection between Mia and Loie. They come from different worlds, but grew up together and have a sisterly connection you can't help but be jealous of. There is a lot of different paranormal creatures introduced and you are left wondering what could come next. There's a hot and mysterious boy next door. There is plenty of action and secrets. Finally you can't help but want to go out and buy the rest of the series so you don't have to stop reading.
* This book was provided free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2013
I'm too old to be reading books like this. But I mean that as a commentary on the book, not on my age. The best YA books are worthy of an adult's attention. This one, not so much. Amazon always gets me with these "99 cents today only" books. I've bought a few and they've all been mediocre to middling at best...
...except for Angelfall, which was AWESOME.
...except for Angelfall, which was AWESOME.
June 7, 2011
Review originally posted at http://bookstobrightenyourmood.blogsp...
Before saying anything else about Winterborne I really want first to thank the author,Augusta Blythe,for approaching me and for giving me the chance to read her book.
That being said I can now proceed and express my amazement with Winterborne!It's a book I didn't just like,I devoured it!Once I started reading it I just couldn't possibly put it down!
Where should I start?From the incredible and unique story building?From the amazing Augusta Blythe's writing style or the set of characters she created that had just depth and development?In overall,Augusta Blythe delivers a YA story so good that the reader can't help but feel mesmerized until the very last pages.
At first,I was a bit surprised that the narrator was Loie Bryce rather than Mia Winterborne.Having read the premise I just assumed that Mia would be the narrator,but Blythe surprised me and in a very pleasant way.Cause Loie is just perfect a character!
I loved the way Blythe portrayed her protagonist and the way she sketched her feelings.It was fascinating to watch in real time how Loie felt towards certain situations and how different things started to change her view of the world and the people surrounding her bit by bit each time.
She starts as being the third wheel - as she refers to her own self - to rise above all her problems and drawbacks to a memorable character.At this point,I have to admit that I didn't like Mia nearly as much as Loie...She had certain qualities in her character and there were some things I admired about her but she was rather self centered for my taste...And the way she treated Loie at times just struck a rather sensitive spot in me.I didn't like the way she treated her,like everything was evolving around her and Loie was good only to frame her awesomeness.But as I said,she had certain qualities that redeemed her more or less by the ending.
As for the hottie of the story Andreas,let's just say that he is a well justified reason for both Loie and Mia to fight for his attentions!Don't take me wrong,I value friendship more than anything in the world,I just say that I could totally relate to both of them for falling for him!And to be honest,only the British accent would do the trick for me!Apart from that,Andreas is as a well developed character as everyone in this book,and by the end of the story I was both frustrated with him and at the same time I could appreciate him more by his actions.I know I don't sound really coherent right now,but I can't say anything more,to avoid giving away much of the story.
Winterborne is trully a book I totally recommend.It's action packed,fast paced and so well written that time flies by while reading itThe world Augusta Blythe created is unique,dark and creepy but gorgeous nonetheless.Even if I tried I wouldn't be able to find a single thing I didn't like.All in all a book that goes straight to my favorites shelf and one I can't wait to read its sequel!
March 12, 2012
Winterborne was unique in that for once we get to witness the action through the eyes of the supernatural's side-kick. Mia has always known that when she turned sixteen, she was going to inherit some pretty wicked supernatural powers. Her dad was a Universal, a human with extraordinary powers that helped keep the Ancients (pixies, leprechauns, hellhounds, etc) in line. As Mia nears her birthday, she and her side-kick Loie are practicing like mad during summer to see if her powers are leaking through yet. But the only thing really going on are all these weird occurrences happening around them, like a bunch of foreign birds trying to divebomb them and icky green slime around their home. I say 'their' home cbeause even though their just besties, Loie has a room of her own at the Winterborne manor. Hey, if your parents died when you were five and all you were left with was a drunk, angry grandmother that didn't care if you came home, you'd stay away too. Lucky for Loie, Mrs. Winterborne was really great friends with her mom and considered Loie her second daughter.
Anyways, summer's dragging on so enter the hottie from Britain that just moved to town. Turns out he's a Universal too, sent to watch over Mia. Ancients have apparently been trying and failing to attack Mia for awhile and now that she's close to ascension, they're desperate to kill her off. They're even willing to go after human Loie, so she gets protection by association.
I wasn't particularly fond of Mia through most of the novel. It's not that she's cruel or uncaring, but she's quite selfish, always focusing on herself. She even got upset with Loie for kissing Andreas, whom they both liked, as if Loie didn't deserve a chance to be the center of his affections. And it doesn't help that Loie keeps Her Heiness on the throne by always doing what she wants and feeding her rapid-growing egotism. But luckily Mia gets smothered with a hefty dose of humility so I ended this novel with a smile on my face and a sense of justice for side-kicks everywhere!
Winterborne had plenty of action, mystery. and paranormal characters popping in to ruin their special moments. Some things were predictable but you probably won't hit it exactly on the mark like you think you will. I'm not ashamed to admit that I started the sequel Ravenstoke the moment I finished this novel because I really want to see where this is going. Now that the powers have ascended, I'm really anxious to see how Mia and Loie take to this new world and deal with the constant threat of Ancients hunting them down...and if we get to see what Sanctuary looks like where a lot of the Universals hide out at.
Anyways, summer's dragging on so enter the hottie from Britain that just moved to town. Turns out he's a Universal too, sent to watch over Mia. Ancients have apparently been trying and failing to attack Mia for awhile and now that she's close to ascension, they're desperate to kill her off. They're even willing to go after human Loie, so she gets protection by association.
I wasn't particularly fond of Mia through most of the novel. It's not that she's cruel or uncaring, but she's quite selfish, always focusing on herself. She even got upset with Loie for kissing Andreas, whom they both liked, as if Loie didn't deserve a chance to be the center of his affections. And it doesn't help that Loie keeps Her Heiness on the throne by always doing what she wants and feeding her rapid-growing egotism. But luckily Mia gets smothered with a hefty dose of humility so I ended this novel with a smile on my face and a sense of justice for side-kicks everywhere!
Winterborne had plenty of action, mystery. and paranormal characters popping in to ruin their special moments. Some things were predictable but you probably won't hit it exactly on the mark like you think you will. I'm not ashamed to admit that I started the sequel Ravenstoke the moment I finished this novel because I really want to see where this is going. Now that the powers have ascended, I'm really anxious to see how Mia and Loie take to this new world and deal with the constant threat of Ancients hunting them down...and if we get to see what Sanctuary looks like where a lot of the Universals hide out at.
June 19, 2011
Born during a fierce snowstorm on the same day in the same hospital, Loie and Mia have been friends their entire lives. Their seventeenth birthday approaches – a day both anticipated and dreaded. For on that day the full extent of Mia’s extraordinary powers will manifest.
When sexy, suave, Andreas moves in next door, late in summer before school starts, Mia and Loie become smitten. A perfect gentleman, Andreas enjoys the company of both girls. All three bond closer when they discover that each of them has suffered a tragic loss in their young lives.
Loie has always felt as if her life rotates around Mia. Mia is beautiful, with a flawless complexion and toned body while Loie is still flat-figured and angular. Still, they are best friends and Loie is always eager to help Mia practice her skills and both always stand up for each other and are truly loyal and caring. As their birthday nears, strange, mythical creatures begin stealthy attacks and Andreas reveals himself as something other than a normal human.
Polished and well-edited, this book was a thoroughly engrossing page-turner for me. It is fast-paced, with witty, often humorous dialogue. The truth, which in the beginning is hidden within a murky sort of haze of conjecture, gossip, and ill-will, is unveiled in bits and pieces. The tangled knots slowly unraveling in a suspenseful way that always kept my interest piqued and my eyes glued to the kindle screen. The relationship between the characters was captured within the prose beautifully and honestly. At times, I was moved almost to tears, and other times I laughed out loud. I have to admit, though, the cliffhanger ending was a disappointment. I just hope that the next installment will be available sooner rather than later.
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
When sexy, suave, Andreas moves in next door, late in summer before school starts, Mia and Loie become smitten. A perfect gentleman, Andreas enjoys the company of both girls. All three bond closer when they discover that each of them has suffered a tragic loss in their young lives.
Loie has always felt as if her life rotates around Mia. Mia is beautiful, with a flawless complexion and toned body while Loie is still flat-figured and angular. Still, they are best friends and Loie is always eager to help Mia practice her skills and both always stand up for each other and are truly loyal and caring. As their birthday nears, strange, mythical creatures begin stealthy attacks and Andreas reveals himself as something other than a normal human.
Polished and well-edited, this book was a thoroughly engrossing page-turner for me. It is fast-paced, with witty, often humorous dialogue. The truth, which in the beginning is hidden within a murky sort of haze of conjecture, gossip, and ill-will, is unveiled in bits and pieces. The tangled knots slowly unraveling in a suspenseful way that always kept my interest piqued and my eyes glued to the kindle screen. The relationship between the characters was captured within the prose beautifully and honestly. At times, I was moved almost to tears, and other times I laughed out loud. I have to admit, though, the cliffhanger ending was a disappointment. I just hope that the next installment will be available sooner rather than later.
Laurie
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
July 28, 2011
Wow, an amazing debut. I loved the characters - both Mia and Loie - and loved the way their friendship worked. The storyline didn't fall into any of the teen BFFs traps. The fantasy side was interesting and well-developed. All in all a wonderful read, I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
July 20, 2016
3.5/5 stars.
I enjoyed this way more than I expected! Moving on to book 2 right away!!!!!!
I enjoyed this way more than I expected! Moving on to book 2 right away!!!!!!
March 10, 2019
Today We Did
Loie and Mia were born on the same day in the middle of a blizzard, and they have been best friends ever since. Both girls have experienced much tragedy in their intertwined lives, and they are more sisters than friends. Now that their seventeenth birthday is on the horizon, their lives are about to become even more complicated. According to Winterborne family myth, each Winterborne will develop powers at seventeen. And if that wasn’t enough, a seriously hot boy has moved in next door, and he is about to turn their lives upside down.
Winterborne is the first book of the Universe Unbound trilogy; a fantasy series for teens, told from Loie’s perspective. It gripped me early on, and I raced through the whole book overnight. I just couldn’t stop turning the pages! It was over too soon, really, and with an end that I had guessed at fairly early on, but that did not dampen any of my pleasure in reading it. I was interested by the powers that Mia was supposed to inherit, by the mystery of her missing father, and Loie’s parents’ accident, but when leprechauns arrived, oh boy, did I get excited! I love reading about mythical creatures, the good and the bad, and Winterborne had plenty. I could really visualise the evil pixie and his minions, and the hellhounds’ breath was rancid, their fear-inducing presence palpable. More books should feature such creatures of the dark!
There was also some teen romance, along with family and friend drama. Parties, boyfriends, frenemies, school, etc, but the bulk of the story revolved around Mia’s impending power surge and the danger that that was placing Mia, Georgia (Mia’s mum) and Loie in.
Mia was a princess, with beauty, money and self-confidence at off-the-chart levels. She overshadowed Loie quite a bit, with Loie acting like Mia’s faithful side-kick. That sort of relationship irks me a little, but Loie didn’t seem to mind too much, she was used to being the off-sider, rather than the main attraction. Despite this relegation to second place, which I think was largely self-imposed, Loie was really smart, pretty and incredibly loyal. While Mia was a little self involved, I still found her to be a likeable character overall, though Loie was my favourite. And Andreas, the gorgeous British neighbour, was right in the thick of things too. Andreas was charming, well mannered, blindingly handsome with a sculpted body, smart and fun; a little too perfect, sure, but so dang likeable I can forgive him his flawlessness.
Winterborne was quite an entertaining fantastical adventure, suitable for upper primary and high school readers.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
Loie and Mia were born on the same day in the middle of a blizzard, and they have been best friends ever since. Both girls have experienced much tragedy in their intertwined lives, and they are more sisters than friends. Now that their seventeenth birthday is on the horizon, their lives are about to become even more complicated. According to Winterborne family myth, each Winterborne will develop powers at seventeen. And if that wasn’t enough, a seriously hot boy has moved in next door, and he is about to turn their lives upside down.
Winterborne is the first book of the Universe Unbound trilogy; a fantasy series for teens, told from Loie’s perspective. It gripped me early on, and I raced through the whole book overnight. I just couldn’t stop turning the pages! It was over too soon, really, and with an end that I had guessed at fairly early on, but that did not dampen any of my pleasure in reading it. I was interested by the powers that Mia was supposed to inherit, by the mystery of her missing father, and Loie’s parents’ accident, but when leprechauns arrived, oh boy, did I get excited! I love reading about mythical creatures, the good and the bad, and Winterborne had plenty. I could really visualise the evil pixie and his minions, and the hellhounds’ breath was rancid, their fear-inducing presence palpable. More books should feature such creatures of the dark!
There was also some teen romance, along with family and friend drama. Parties, boyfriends, frenemies, school, etc, but the bulk of the story revolved around Mia’s impending power surge and the danger that that was placing Mia, Georgia (Mia’s mum) and Loie in.
Mia was a princess, with beauty, money and self-confidence at off-the-chart levels. She overshadowed Loie quite a bit, with Loie acting like Mia’s faithful side-kick. That sort of relationship irks me a little, but Loie didn’t seem to mind too much, she was used to being the off-sider, rather than the main attraction. Despite this relegation to second place, which I think was largely self-imposed, Loie was really smart, pretty and incredibly loyal. While Mia was a little self involved, I still found her to be a likeable character overall, though Loie was my favourite. And Andreas, the gorgeous British neighbour, was right in the thick of things too. Andreas was charming, well mannered, blindingly handsome with a sculpted body, smart and fun; a little too perfect, sure, but so dang likeable I can forgive him his flawlessness.
Winterborne was quite an entertaining fantastical adventure, suitable for upper primary and high school readers.
*I received this book as a digital copy from the author, who asked me for an honest review of this book. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
June 1, 2019
Amazon was offering this book for free, and sucker that I am, I caved...
It was an okay read. I saw the author’s intention but the book didn’t measure up. There were too many big obvious clues that were obvious to anyone who’s ever read YA paranormal before. It was really anticlimactic to get to the end and find out what we knew all along was just confirmed...
As for the non-magic stuff, I wasn’t impressed by the depth of character. The entire book was the protagonist pulling the poor orphan me monologues. It got old fast. Furthermore, there were a few people killed and I didn’t get any human reactions beyond “poor (name of dead person).” Those moments made it starkly clear that these were fictional characters and not living people. The only character who felt life-like was the bitter grandmother and she only made a few appearances.
Though this book does a nice job detailing the magic stuff, I wish the author put an equal amount of effort into the human stuff so that the character growth at least seemed believable. The high school interactions were so cliché. They added to the pacing issue. The drama of two best friends fighting over a boy seemed so stupid to me.
The author has it in her to write a better story, and with the right editor, I think it’s very possible.
It was an okay read. I saw the author’s intention but the book didn’t measure up. There were too many big obvious clues that were obvious to anyone who’s ever read YA paranormal before. It was really anticlimactic to get to the end and find out what we knew all along was just confirmed...
As for the non-magic stuff, I wasn’t impressed by the depth of character. The entire book was the protagonist pulling the poor orphan me monologues. It got old fast. Furthermore, there were a few people killed and I didn’t get any human reactions beyond “poor (name of dead person).” Those moments made it starkly clear that these were fictional characters and not living people. The only character who felt life-like was the bitter grandmother and she only made a few appearances.
Though this book does a nice job detailing the magic stuff, I wish the author put an equal amount of effort into the human stuff so that the character growth at least seemed believable. The high school interactions were so cliché. They added to the pacing issue. The drama of two best friends fighting over a boy seemed so stupid to me.
The author has it in her to write a better story, and with the right editor, I think it’s very possible.
January 23, 2012
Oh woe is me!!
That's pretty much the pov that this story was told.
A girl who's besty is going to get some super duper powers on her 17th birthday (I'm thinking something like Superman with the x-ray vision and flying or maybe Aquaman, even), and her parents are dead, and she lives with her drunk as a skunk smokey grandma who doesn't love her, but her bestie's mom super loves her and UGGGGS!!!!! It just drove me mad!!
I'm not saying this is a bad story... but kids... I was expecting something different.
LIKE SUPER HEROS!!
I was expecting a cape or light vision or you know... a utility belt!!
What I got was something like "THE IRON KING". You know.. the kind of creatures from "A Midsummer's Night Dream" (or so I hear)
I don't know kids... this just didn't sit with me.
You have Loie who tells the story and is so emo that I want to slap her. Then you have Mia who fills out her bikini nicely and is going to get the super powers. THen there is British Hot to Trot boy, Andres who has a heaving 17 year old lickable chest and wants to hang out with two girls. Mia lives at a McMansion and Loie lives in a run down roach apartment with her grandma who tells her to cook her own tv dinner. ARGS!! Again... where are the super heros?
So, for like 38% of the book I'm pretty bored. I don't want to be, and I understand that the story needs to be set up... but kids, I'm about ready to go to sleep. THen at 38% some action starts happening.
Word to the wise... tough it out... It is going to get better.
But if you're expecting super hero action then you're baking up the wrong book. I must admit that I was very disappointed in that. I thought we were going to go to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. But no... that totally didn't happen. And if you are expecting radioactive spiders or green lanterns or even aliens.... that's not going to happen either. In my opinion this is more of your run of the mill paranormal book that takes place between two besties and a hot boy. Not really my cup of Batman tea.
I think that maybe younger girls would like this better than me. I'm curious how a 12 year old would rate it.
Perhaps, I'm a bit too picky, but I really was expecting something super about this story and not just supernatural. I think when the description said "SUPER POWERS" I took that as "SUPER HERO" and not "SUPER HUMAN". But, we all know I have a one-track mind when it comes to SUPER :)
What I liked about the story was that the plot and characters were very imaginative. I did believe that it was told by a teenage girl and not an adult, and I also enjoyed the relationship between the two girls.
What I didn't like about the story was how emo the main character, Loie, was, how HARD her life was, and really that she told the story. I would have rather heard this tale from Mia.
I'm recommending this to younger girls.
That's pretty much the pov that this story was told.
A girl who's besty is going to get some super duper powers on her 17th birthday (I'm thinking something like Superman with the x-ray vision and flying or maybe Aquaman, even), and her parents are dead, and she lives with her drunk as a skunk smokey grandma who doesn't love her, but her bestie's mom super loves her and UGGGGS!!!!! It just drove me mad!!
I'm not saying this is a bad story... but kids... I was expecting something different.
LIKE SUPER HEROS!!
I was expecting a cape or light vision or you know... a utility belt!!
What I got was something like "THE IRON KING". You know.. the kind of creatures from "A Midsummer's Night Dream" (or so I hear)
I don't know kids... this just didn't sit with me.
You have Loie who tells the story and is so emo that I want to slap her. Then you have Mia who fills out her bikini nicely and is going to get the super powers. THen there is British Hot to Trot boy, Andres who has a heaving 17 year old lickable chest and wants to hang out with two girls. Mia lives at a McMansion and Loie lives in a run down roach apartment with her grandma who tells her to cook her own tv dinner. ARGS!! Again... where are the super heros?
So, for like 38% of the book I'm pretty bored. I don't want to be, and I understand that the story needs to be set up... but kids, I'm about ready to go to sleep. THen at 38% some action starts happening.
Word to the wise... tough it out... It is going to get better.
But if you're expecting super hero action then you're baking up the wrong book. I must admit that I was very disappointed in that. I thought we were going to go to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. But no... that totally didn't happen. And if you are expecting radioactive spiders or green lanterns or even aliens.... that's not going to happen either. In my opinion this is more of your run of the mill paranormal book that takes place between two besties and a hot boy. Not really my cup of Batman tea.
I think that maybe younger girls would like this better than me. I'm curious how a 12 year old would rate it.
Perhaps, I'm a bit too picky, but I really was expecting something super about this story and not just supernatural. I think when the description said "SUPER POWERS" I took that as "SUPER HERO" and not "SUPER HUMAN". But, we all know I have a one-track mind when it comes to SUPER :)
What I liked about the story was that the plot and characters were very imaginative. I did believe that it was told by a teenage girl and not an adult, and I also enjoyed the relationship between the two girls.
What I didn't like about the story was how emo the main character, Loie, was, how HARD her life was, and really that she told the story. I would have rather heard this tale from Mia.
I'm recommending this to younger girls.
March 11, 2025
Winterborne is book 1 in the Universe Unbound trilogy.
Loie and Mia have been best friends from childhood and Mia is expecting to get some cool powers when she turns 17. But when a mysterious boy from England moves to their town, they both fall for him.
I found this book hard to put down and I can't believe it took me more than 10 years to get round to reading it. I did expect the plot twist and wasn't very surprised by the end. However, I didn't like the relationship between Loie and Mia as Loie always seemed to put Mia first and she knew that as well, it got really annoying.
Loie and Mia have been best friends from childhood and Mia is expecting to get some cool powers when she turns 17. But when a mysterious boy from England moves to their town, they both fall for him.
I found this book hard to put down and I can't believe it took me more than 10 years to get round to reading it. I did expect the plot twist and wasn't very surprised by the end. However, I didn't like the relationship between Loie and Mia as Loie always seemed to put Mia first and she knew that as well, it got really annoying.
May 21, 2019
Good, easy story
Not a life changer, very easy to figure out, but welk written and with a good flow.
Loved the idea, it was clever, even if obvious at times. It's a very classic YA novel.
Would recommend to anyone wanting an easy urban fantasy with a little twist.
Woulf not recommend for those who seek a deeper meaning and more gore, it was a very light read in regards to that.
Not a life changer, very easy to figure out, but welk written and with a good flow.
Loved the idea, it was clever, even if obvious at times. It's a very classic YA novel.
Would recommend to anyone wanting an easy urban fantasy with a little twist.
Woulf not recommend for those who seek a deeper meaning and more gore, it was a very light read in regards to that.
November 15, 2019
A good coming of age “fairy tale” story with a difference
An interesting twist on the coming of age teen genre. I liked the character was aware of her impending powers emerging. It was a change from the standard stolen at birth and swapped, to be returned to her true people. I also enjoyed the surprise twist but had an inkling something was going to change. Very eager to continue reading this series.
An interesting twist on the coming of age teen genre. I liked the character was aware of her impending powers emerging. It was a change from the standard stolen at birth and swapped, to be returned to her true people. I also enjoyed the surprise twist but had an inkling something was going to change. Very eager to continue reading this series.
July 4, 2021
This was an excellent read. I enjoyed it very much though I admit it didn't surprise me. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in this series. I believe this book was this author's first. I know her under another name - Annabelle Chase. The books she writes now are different but not that much different from this, though her characters are older and perhaps wiser, as she is.
August 5, 2021
I sadly do not remember much of this book, given I finished it back in 2016. I do remember one thing, though. This book was my absolute favorite. I loved everything about it. As I reread some pages now, I finally see how truly cheesy it is. But 12 year old Mary LOVED this book. I may give it a reread one day.
February 21, 2018
It is an ok book. It could have had a better twis if it hadn't given so much away. It is a fantasy books and contains mythical creatures. There isn't really much to it except a cat, a boy, and two best friends, and the dad.
February 5, 2019
Well girls switch at birth mothers don't know, father planned the future for his daughter and that one girl who thinks who has magic doesn't but the other girl.
This book was awesome. I brought book two so fast that it's how much it was good. It's so mystery.
This book was awesome. I brought book two so fast that it's how much it was good. It's so mystery.
May 21, 2019
A good read you'll enjoy it.
It's a very good story although I did figure out the central issue of the plot before the character did but it was still good to go through the whole story enjoyed it and will very seriously consider buying the second book in the series.
It's a very good story although I did figure out the central issue of the plot before the character did but it was still good to go through the whole story enjoyed it and will very seriously consider buying the second book in the series.
November 13, 2019
This book has been a joy to read. The story was so exciting, and the characters were very real. One of the best fantasies I’ve read. Winterborne was very well written. I highly recommend this book. I have purchased the second book in this trilogy, and can’t wait to start reading.
February 15, 2021
Mia and Loie are 2 girls who are best friends and share the same birthday. One thinks that on her birthday she will be getting special powers. An entertaining story but one where you can see where it is going. Well written with great characters and worth reading
July 8, 2021
Winterborne
A fascinating look into hidden world, shocks and terror for the teenage heroines, High school high jinks. Jealousy and bullying by mean girls. A handsome hero, unrequited love. Teenage anguish.
A fascinating look into hidden world, shocks and terror for the teenage heroines, High school high jinks. Jealousy and bullying by mean girls. A handsome hero, unrequited love. Teenage anguish.
July 28, 2017
I need more
This book is officially going on my favorites # do NOT miss !!!!!
Btw Augusta Blythe you are a genius
This book is officially going on my favorites # do NOT miss !!!!!
Btw Augusta Blythe you are a genius
October 26, 2017
Amazing!!!
I give it five stars because it was a page turner!!! I didn't see the ending coming. It was such a great story please go read it!!! You won't regret it😃
I give it five stars because it was a page turner!!! I didn't see the ending coming. It was such a great story please go read it!!! You won't regret it😃
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