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Wintervale #2
The Winter King
Magic is waking. War has begun. Down with the king.
Fifteen months ago, Gwyn discovered he’s the rightful king of Simaerin, last of the ancient line of Wintervale. Now he leads an army against the tyrannical Crow King.
But first, Gwyn and his ragged army of tradesmen, peasants, and escaped slaves must brave the cruel winter months without proper supplies or shelter while trying to rescue the residents of a port city sentenced to death and avoid the menacing mercenary forces of Hesh-Kasal. On top of that, Gwyn has to balance politics among his generals, defend against a dragon assault, and seize a keep filled with vile magic and a terrible history. Confronted with true loyalty and bitter betrayal in turns, Gwyn wrestles against his own doubts to find the line between trust and wisdom.
As the death toll rises, and Gwyn struggles with the horrors and sacrifices of war, he comes to understand why the Crow King has fallen, and now Gwyn must face the same path and the same choice.
Fifteen months ago, Gwyn discovered he’s the rightful king of Simaerin, last of the ancient line of Wintervale. Now he leads an army against the tyrannical Crow King.
But first, Gwyn and his ragged army of tradesmen, peasants, and escaped slaves must brave the cruel winter months without proper supplies or shelter while trying to rescue the residents of a port city sentenced to death and avoid the menacing mercenary forces of Hesh-Kasal. On top of that, Gwyn has to balance politics among his generals, defend against a dragon assault, and seize a keep filled with vile magic and a terrible history. Confronted with true loyalty and bitter betrayal in turns, Gwyn wrestles against his own doubts to find the line between trust and wisdom.
As the death toll rises, and Gwyn struggles with the horrors and sacrifices of war, he comes to understand why the Crow King has fallen, and now Gwyn must face the same path and the same choice.
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2021
5 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 21, 2021
4.5-stars for the 2nd and final book in this duology.
As with the first book this is directed more towards young adults and is mostly void of the sort of violence and bad language that has become popular in modern fantasy, though the themes are darker than they were in The Crow King.
I can certainly tell that the author was influenced/inspired by Tolkien's world and vision; and I mean that in a complimentary way as I'm not really a fan of his books as they are too descriptive for my taste (I'm a LotR films fan).
I would say that it won't be for you if you like lots of action and fight scenes. The battles are generally quite short or they are described in past-tense so as I said in my review of book 1; look elsewhere if you just want hack-and-slash. As an afterthought I would liken the style of writing to that of Ursula K. Le-Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea.
I quite enjoyed the duology and would recommend it to those of you that enjoy fantasy of a gentler nature.
Thanks for reading.
As with the first book this is directed more towards young adults and is mostly void of the sort of violence and bad language that has become popular in modern fantasy, though the themes are darker than they were in The Crow King.
I can certainly tell that the author was influenced/inspired by Tolkien's world and vision; and I mean that in a complimentary way as I'm not really a fan of his books as they are too descriptive for my taste (I'm a LotR films fan).
I would say that it won't be for you if you like lots of action and fight scenes. The battles are generally quite short or they are described in past-tense so as I said in my review of book 1; look elsewhere if you just want hack-and-slash. As an afterthought I would liken the style of writing to that of Ursula K. Le-Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea.
I quite enjoyed the duology and would recommend it to those of you that enjoy fantasy of a gentler nature.
Thanks for reading.
September 13, 2021
You never know what to expect from the conclusion of a duology. Will it live up to the experience of the first book? Will it disappoint? Or will it smash all expectations out of the way, sweeping you away in a tide of grim battles, soul-piercing moments, and brilliant light?
For me, The Winter King succeeded in doing exactly that. Achingly relatable for the season our world is in, the themes in this story call the reader to examine their heart when faced with an uncertain future. The choice is made clear; apathy and despair, or relentless hope and fighting for what is right. I feel my heart strengthened and my spirit encouraged. Many, many thanks to the author for a brilliant story with a very timely message.
For me, The Winter King succeeded in doing exactly that. Achingly relatable for the season our world is in, the themes in this story call the reader to examine their heart when faced with an uncertain future. The choice is made clear; apathy and despair, or relentless hope and fighting for what is right. I feel my heart strengthened and my spirit encouraged. Many, many thanks to the author for a brilliant story with a very timely message.
January 9, 2021
The Winter King brings the Wintervale duology to a close, and even as I read the last line on the last page, I couldn't bear to part from these characters. For me, that's the true telling of a good book. Woodscourt masterfully weaves inspiration from American history into this world of unicorns, dragons, and magical and non-magical folk alike. The story comes alive on the pages through her descriptions and doesn't disappoint as we come to the end of Gwynter's journey against the Crow King.
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel and am forever grateful for that.
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel and am forever grateful for that.
December 8, 2020
I loved following Gwyn on his adventure. The characters were well written and believable. The scenery was beautiful. The plot was intriguing. The book held my interest from the first page to the last. The only problem with it was that it's the last in the series.
I was sent an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was sent an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
Just great stuff!
Read the 1st book 1st. But then you will enjoy this just as much. The very best breed of fantasy: Teaching us about the world and truth and right!
Read the 1st book 1st. But then you will enjoy this just as much. The very best breed of fantasy: Teaching us about the world and truth and right!
May 12, 2021
A marvelous conclusion, even better than the (excellent) first book. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys high fantasy.
February 16, 2021
Engaging
A well written fantasy novel worth looking into. I was impressed by the dynamic characters with a touch of variation throughout them. They felt real and the plot within itself was paced well. Lovely book.
A well written fantasy novel worth looking into. I was impressed by the dynamic characters with a touch of variation throughout them. They felt real and the plot within itself was paced well. Lovely book.
March 20, 2021
I read this back-to-back with The Crow King. Both novels together took me just over a week. I like to savor books when I read them, but I really raced through this duology. This is a testament to how enjoyable the characters and setting were. Quite enjoyed them both, I gave the first one a five-star review, and I give this one a five star review without hesitation. Looking forward to more MH Woodscourt.
December 13, 2025
Combined review with The Crow King:
First of all, this is true, pure epic fantasy, the likes that the great Tolkien himself would be proud of (if you added about 68% more poetry and songs). We have a mad tyrant ruler, a young Chosen One who would rather be at home on his farm than where his circumstances have led him, glorious (yet slightly standoffish) fae beings, unicorns, dragons, and all manner of hardships and trials.
When young Gwyn (he'll be of age in only 6 months!) discovers that his elder brother and dearest friend Lawin is dying, and that the only cure for him may lie in the hands of the savage and deadly Ilidreth, he has no qualms about risking his own life to do whatever it takes to save him. What he does not expect is for that single act of bravery (or stupidity, depending on who you ask) to lead the course of his life in a direction that will end with him leading a rebellion to end the rule of a mad tyrant king, and reveal secrets about the world that have been kept from most of civilization for over 300 years.
The story overall is clean, with no spice, graphic violence or strong language, but the emotions you will feel will still rip your heart out (or have you texting angry emojis to the author late in the evening as you clutch your emotional support ice cream to your chest while trying to avoid letting your hot, salty tears taint its gentle sweet caress on your soul). I dare say the author manages to slaughter way more children that #dammitandy Peloquin himself, just in a way less graphic manner (that trompled little girl in the desert still haunts my nightmares, man). There is a general religious overtone, but it is not preachy, by any means. The religion and the idea of a higher power is used both as a means to give the Winter Army hope in their dark times, but also to show that religion can often be twisted and manipulated by those who desire to use it however they can to justify their questionable actions. The story is also a beautiful example of how easily loyalty and devotion can be turned into something more sinister with nothing more than sweet words and empty promises for those who are not confident in their own selves and their own purpose.
The characters...oh my, the characters. You have noble young men, loyal ladies, shining nights, glorious unicorns--all the delightful things, and they are all so well developed in their depth. And then you have Kive. Kive is Kive. He is my absolute favorite character of the entire series, and I will not budge on that. Not the MC, the loyal brother, the sassy female, the powerful unicorn, or the twisted villain...just Kive. He is a sort of Gollum type character, a fallen Ilidreth, but extremely reminscent of Renfield, from Dracula--forced to serve his master, even when he knows he doesn't want to. He sees things in a way that is simultaneously extremely simple but more complex than anyone else can possibly imagine. I just adore him, and I want to give him a hug and tell him that everything will be ok, even though he can always tell when it won't. 😭
First of all, this is true, pure epic fantasy, the likes that the great Tolkien himself would be proud of (if you added about 68% more poetry and songs). We have a mad tyrant ruler, a young Chosen One who would rather be at home on his farm than where his circumstances have led him, glorious (yet slightly standoffish) fae beings, unicorns, dragons, and all manner of hardships and trials.
When young Gwyn (he'll be of age in only 6 months!) discovers that his elder brother and dearest friend Lawin is dying, and that the only cure for him may lie in the hands of the savage and deadly Ilidreth, he has no qualms about risking his own life to do whatever it takes to save him. What he does not expect is for that single act of bravery (or stupidity, depending on who you ask) to lead the course of his life in a direction that will end with him leading a rebellion to end the rule of a mad tyrant king, and reveal secrets about the world that have been kept from most of civilization for over 300 years.
The story overall is clean, with no spice, graphic violence or strong language, but the emotions you will feel will still rip your heart out (or have you texting angry emojis to the author late in the evening as you clutch your emotional support ice cream to your chest while trying to avoid letting your hot, salty tears taint its gentle sweet caress on your soul). I dare say the author manages to slaughter way more children that #dammitandy Peloquin himself, just in a way less graphic manner (that trompled little girl in the desert still haunts my nightmares, man). There is a general religious overtone, but it is not preachy, by any means. The religion and the idea of a higher power is used both as a means to give the Winter Army hope in their dark times, but also to show that religion can often be twisted and manipulated by those who desire to use it however they can to justify their questionable actions. The story is also a beautiful example of how easily loyalty and devotion can be turned into something more sinister with nothing more than sweet words and empty promises for those who are not confident in their own selves and their own purpose.
The characters...oh my, the characters. You have noble young men, loyal ladies, shining nights, glorious unicorns--all the delightful things, and they are all so well developed in their depth. And then you have Kive. Kive is Kive. He is my absolute favorite character of the entire series, and I will not budge on that. Not the MC, the loyal brother, the sassy female, the powerful unicorn, or the twisted villain...just Kive. He is a sort of Gollum type character, a fallen Ilidreth, but extremely reminscent of Renfield, from Dracula--forced to serve his master, even when he knows he doesn't want to. He sees things in a way that is simultaneously extremely simple but more complex than anyone else can possibly imagine. I just adore him, and I want to give him a hug and tell him that everything will be ok, even though he can always tell when it won't. 😭
July 15, 2022
What a beautiful conclusion to a profoundly spellbinding story.
This book is filled with everything that stirs others to fight for what's right and good.
It's pages overflow with compelling messages of hope, faith, righteous causes, love, liberty and light conquering darkness.
The characters are so deep and settle into your soul. You cheer, cry, laugh and wring your hands for them all.
Whether you are inspired by a noble youth who is fighting a war against impossible odds, sickness, winter cold, starving armies, dark magic, madness, betrayal and his own doubts or you are strangely drawn to a dark, king who has caused death and blood to stain his own lands in his pursuits of evil forces, this book is a masterpiece!
As a lover of history and a clear message, this story's inspirations were fun to me and the hidden tributes to real people that the Author weaved in. It is very focused on a mighty faith in a higher power, a love of liberty and a call to rise up in the name of hope. It's also truly deep and dives down into how much tribulation and sadness can come from war. The brutality and cruelty that people can inflict and the trust that can be crushed if put in the wrong person.
It also leaves the question of what makes people redeemable after their awful actions or when something horrible is done to them.
I know it's a long review, but I felt like I needed to do it justice. This is a truly wonderful tale and it's obvious that the author put her soul into it. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a heroic story that touches you and drives an inner fire to fight for something meanful.
Trigger Warnings: There is a lot of death (including some children) and blood (it's based around a magical war), dark deeds and corruption. There are several mentions of cannibalism, grief/loss and mentions of emotional, physical and mental abuse. There is some clean romance. Zero language. Even with the above mentions the Author handles everything very well and threads light into everything too. It's well balanced.
Read it!
This book is filled with everything that stirs others to fight for what's right and good.
It's pages overflow with compelling messages of hope, faith, righteous causes, love, liberty and light conquering darkness.
The characters are so deep and settle into your soul. You cheer, cry, laugh and wring your hands for them all.
Whether you are inspired by a noble youth who is fighting a war against impossible odds, sickness, winter cold, starving armies, dark magic, madness, betrayal and his own doubts or you are strangely drawn to a dark, king who has caused death and blood to stain his own lands in his pursuits of evil forces, this book is a masterpiece!
As a lover of history and a clear message, this story's inspirations were fun to me and the hidden tributes to real people that the Author weaved in. It is very focused on a mighty faith in a higher power, a love of liberty and a call to rise up in the name of hope. It's also truly deep and dives down into how much tribulation and sadness can come from war. The brutality and cruelty that people can inflict and the trust that can be crushed if put in the wrong person.
It also leaves the question of what makes people redeemable after their awful actions or when something horrible is done to them.
I know it's a long review, but I felt like I needed to do it justice. This is a truly wonderful tale and it's obvious that the author put her soul into it. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a heroic story that touches you and drives an inner fire to fight for something meanful.
Trigger Warnings: There is a lot of death (including some children) and blood (it's based around a magical war), dark deeds and corruption. There are several mentions of cannibalism, grief/loss and mentions of emotional, physical and mental abuse. There is some clean romance. Zero language. Even with the above mentions the Author handles everything very well and threads light into everything too. It's well balanced.
Read it!
November 17, 2021
A Bittersweet Ending
Readers will not be disappointed as they journey along with Gwyn and friends to take on the harrowing task of dethroning a tyrant king. Except this is no easy venture. It appears many countrymen are against the rightful ruler, their minds warped by gossip, lies, and fear to keep them in check. Then there is the spy in their midst, the heartbreaking losses, the terrible winter cold, the lack of food and clothes, the unexpected threats, the wait for assistance from other kingdoms. When it all comes to a climactic and shocking end, however, readers are going to wish it all hadn't come so soon. And it will feel far too soon because they will have spent all day reading. This will not be an easy book to put down. The series won't be easy to put down.
Readers will not be disappointed as they journey along with Gwyn and friends to take on the harrowing task of dethroning a tyrant king. Except this is no easy venture. It appears many countrymen are against the rightful ruler, their minds warped by gossip, lies, and fear to keep them in check. Then there is the spy in their midst, the heartbreaking losses, the terrible winter cold, the lack of food and clothes, the unexpected threats, the wait for assistance from other kingdoms. When it all comes to a climactic and shocking end, however, readers are going to wish it all hadn't come so soon. And it will feel far too soon because they will have spent all day reading. This will not be an easy book to put down. The series won't be easy to put down.
May 25, 2025
I am obsessed with M.H. Woodscourt and her fantasy novels! This was a great duology that wrapped up nicely at the end. Very satisfying. (But I would LOVE a Kive spin off!)
Our Winter King is going head to head with the tyrant Crow King in a marathon battle. A bit of a cat and mouse game, with twists and turns I didn’t see coming!
The characters are equally lovable and loath-able. The war scenes mention blood without being overly gory. This is a tasteful, engaging, and edge of your seat read!
Highly recommend, that if you read the kindle version, read past the Amazon pop up! She goes into discussing what inspired her novel and it’s very heartwarming.
Our Winter King is going head to head with the tyrant Crow King in a marathon battle. A bit of a cat and mouse game, with twists and turns I didn’t see coming!
The characters are equally lovable and loath-able. The war scenes mention blood without being overly gory. This is a tasteful, engaging, and edge of your seat read!
Highly recommend, that if you read the kindle version, read past the Amazon pop up! She goes into discussing what inspired her novel and it’s very heartwarming.
August 18, 2021
I bought this book in a little gift shop in Arco, ID and was thoroughly surprised as I was a little skeptical at first. I positively loved the setting and fell in love with Gwyn and his friends. Truly a beautiful tale of old foes uniting together to defeat a common enemy with courage, honor, and valor. 10/10 recommend reading!
May 4, 2024
10/10 - an incredible sequel and finale to the story
February 10, 2024
A fantastic ending
The Winter King is a story of ideals in a bitter and cruel world. There are many moments that ring true within this fantastical world.
I would love a companion tale delving deeper into Kovien's life and initial fall, but we learn enough to find understanding for how our villian became tainted.
I cried often over touching moments and characters lost. The author has a wonderful way with words that brings the readers affection for the characters forward.
I highly recommend this duology and all works by this amazing author.
The Winter King is a story of ideals in a bitter and cruel world. There are many moments that ring true within this fantastical world.
I would love a companion tale delving deeper into Kovien's life and initial fall, but we learn enough to find understanding for how our villian became tainted.
I cried often over touching moments and characters lost. The author has a wonderful way with words that brings the readers affection for the characters forward.
I highly recommend this duology and all works by this amazing author.
October 30, 2024
Truly, this book is the perfect complement to its first book -- the character of George Washington and the honor and sacrifices of many of his contemporaries -- the Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Henry Knox, and most of all Nathaniel Hale and Martha Washington -- shine through. It is American history, and yet a Christian fairytale with unicorns, fae, dragons, magic, and allusions to divine struggles -- and to read it is to become immersed in this world so much that one is tempted to believe it IS real. To such degree that by the end of the book I was almost praying for their happily ever after.
I hope the author has bonus stories and sequels on the way because I haven't gotten enough of Gwyn and Wintervale yet.
I hope the author has bonus stories and sequels on the way because I haven't gotten enough of Gwyn and Wintervale yet.
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