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Winter's Vindication
In these nine stories of frost and snow, join a collection of survivors as they fight to overcome nuclear winter, 100 years of ice, elder gods, frozen deities, a town ruled by thugs, and more. This premier anthology from SummerStorm press features the writing of C. Marry Hultman, Christine Watts, Erin Fanning, Thaddeus Rutkowski, John M. Floyd, David Green, Derek Power, Louise Pierce, and Abigail Linhardt.“For I Hear You Calling” by C. Marry HultmanWhen Told wakes to find herself stranded on the frozen shores of the icy north she must battle the elements and the unknown in order to make it back to her child.“For Humanity” by Christine WattsThe humans were all supposed to die by the start of winter, and then be reborn in spring. Except Lynn discovers that that is not true; one person stays behind. And that person is her.“The Snow Warrior” by Erin FanningAs a blizzard rolls across frozen Lake Huron, a boy and girl discover that no one is coming to their rescue and that legends sometimes come to life. Will they find the strength to survive and save their loved ones?“Iced” by Thaddeus RutkowskiThe story of a boy who tries to make the best of cold conditions in rural America. He tries ice fishing and ice skating, but he mainly tries to please his artist father. Real warmth lies somewhere else.“The Warden’s Game” by John M. FloydWhiterock, Alaska, is a lawless town controlled by three evil brothers. The townspeople have only one chance: the ghost of a legendary trapper who is said to come down out of the mountains only when all hope is lost.“The Saviours” by David GreenWhen the world's leading technology company identify an impending threat, a team of scientists and soldiers are frozen with the aim of restarting our way of life should disaster strike. Nothing can prepare The Saviours for the world they discover...“Freezings Greetings” by Derek PowerIt’s the most magical time of the year. Which, for Filthy Henry, doesn’t mean time off. Rather he has to figure out how to stop a winter spirit bringing about a magically permanent winter. Happy holidays indeed!“Fractured Thinking” by Louise PierceAfter witnessing the murders of his uncle and cousin during missionary service work, Sean Ashmore is returning home a troubled man. Plagued by visions of the murders, Sean finds himself lost in the woods during a blizzard.“The Silent Tower” by Abigail Linhardt The icy border of the Frozen Nation has closed. The people of a small village fight desperately for survival, cut off from their supply ships, when a girl steals food from the forest angering a tower inhabited by an ancient, dark god.
185 pages, Hardcover
Published January 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 29, 2021
Overall this anthology was good to read, not the best I've read but a long way from the worst. Here is my breakdown of the 9 stories:
The Silent Tower by Abigail Linhardt - 3.5 Stars - A good story, with some lovely writing. The pace was great, the tension built beautifully. There were a few points where I was confused about who was speaking, but for me I felt like the end didn't quite tie everything up as well as I would have liked. Still an enjoyable story to read.
For I Hear you Calling by C. Murray Hultman - 3 Stars - This story was my least favourite in the collection. The writing was quite beautiful at times, but I felt as though the story itself was more a chapter instead of a short story that stood on it's own. I got frustrated very quickly with the main character 'talking to her son'.
For Humanity by Christine Watts - 4.5 stars - A great piece, beautiful in story, pace, language use, and character. I was swept up in Lynne's plight and could not devour it fast enough.
The Snow Warrior by Erin Fanning - 4.5 Stars - Such a brilliant spine chilling story. I had goosebumps over my flesh, and absolutely adored the authors way of describing the snowman.
Iced by Thaddeus Rutkowski - 3.5 stars - There was nothing wrong with the writing as such, but it read more like a series of journal entries. It felt like nothing ended up happening and while it reminded me a little of 19th literature, I didn't expect to find a piece like this in this anthology.
The Warden's Game by John M. Floyd - 5 Stars - Brilliant. Everything about this was great. The writing, the characters, the story. Everything pulled me toward the end, which was wonderfully satisfying.
The Saviors by David Green - 5 Stars - Another truly brilliant piece of writing. Right from the very first paragraph I wanted to know what was going on. Everything is done with skilled purpose and the pace is entirely spot on. A brilliant futuristic piece with gasps of shock to add to the fun. The descriptions are so perfect for the barren landscape.
Freezings Greetings by Derek Power - 5 Stars - This is the most fun and quirky piece. I laughed out loud many times reading this story. I enjoyed the descriptions and Filthy Henry is a fantastic character. I'd love to see more of his adventures in this world that the author has created so brilliantly.
Fractured Thinking by Louise Pierce - 3.5 stars - An interesting piece of writing. I wanted to know more though, as though this were merely a preview or trailer to the real story itself. A few questions unanswered and at times unsure who was actually speaking.
The Silent Tower by Abigail Linhardt - 3.5 Stars - A good story, with some lovely writing. The pace was great, the tension built beautifully. There were a few points where I was confused about who was speaking, but for me I felt like the end didn't quite tie everything up as well as I would have liked. Still an enjoyable story to read.
For I Hear you Calling by C. Murray Hultman - 3 Stars - This story was my least favourite in the collection. The writing was quite beautiful at times, but I felt as though the story itself was more a chapter instead of a short story that stood on it's own. I got frustrated very quickly with the main character 'talking to her son'.
For Humanity by Christine Watts - 4.5 stars - A great piece, beautiful in story, pace, language use, and character. I was swept up in Lynne's plight and could not devour it fast enough.
The Snow Warrior by Erin Fanning - 4.5 Stars - Such a brilliant spine chilling story. I had goosebumps over my flesh, and absolutely adored the authors way of describing the snowman.
Iced by Thaddeus Rutkowski - 3.5 stars - There was nothing wrong with the writing as such, but it read more like a series of journal entries. It felt like nothing ended up happening and while it reminded me a little of 19th literature, I didn't expect to find a piece like this in this anthology.
The Warden's Game by John M. Floyd - 5 Stars - Brilliant. Everything about this was great. The writing, the characters, the story. Everything pulled me toward the end, which was wonderfully satisfying.
The Saviors by David Green - 5 Stars - Another truly brilliant piece of writing. Right from the very first paragraph I wanted to know what was going on. Everything is done with skilled purpose and the pace is entirely spot on. A brilliant futuristic piece with gasps of shock to add to the fun. The descriptions are so perfect for the barren landscape.
Freezings Greetings by Derek Power - 5 Stars - This is the most fun and quirky piece. I laughed out loud many times reading this story. I enjoyed the descriptions and Filthy Henry is a fantastic character. I'd love to see more of his adventures in this world that the author has created so brilliantly.
Fractured Thinking by Louise Pierce - 3.5 stars - An interesting piece of writing. I wanted to know more though, as though this were merely a preview or trailer to the real story itself. A few questions unanswered and at times unsure who was actually speaking.
January 28, 2021
Taking out the fact I have a story in this book - the rest of this book is fantastic. Some amazing stories in it that would leave you wanting more. The theme throughout is matched perfectly.
January 28, 2021
*I am an author included in this book, my review is for the other stories*
Superb diversity on a winter setting. The anthology is well put together and features authors from around the globe that adds to the quality.
Superb diversity on a winter setting. The anthology is well put together and features authors from around the globe that adds to the quality.
February 3, 2021
This book blew me away. My favorite was David Green’s “The Saviors.” It’s one par with the likes of James Rollins, but with dark twists at every turn. The entire book is worth the read and is full of wonderful and talented authors. Don’t miss out on this one.
March 31, 2021
The first thing that I was attracted to was the cover of this work, a beautiful winter scene that looks like some winter fog hovering.
I live in the Northeastern Part of the United States and we have fairly severe winters in comparison to other places. I love how beautiful the winter season is so I am hoping the authors can “show” me some winter wonderlands.
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Now, I have read this, and ordinarily I would try to pull three of my favorite stories, then two to give a high mention about. Unfortunately, with this book I am having difficulty with that part in its entirety.
So here is my rundown: I have two stories that I love.
The Warden's Game by John M Floyd I absolutely loved this story. The wild wild west came back to life there, very happy to have read that one.
The Saviors by David Green I’m going to admit that I am generally not a fan of “Sci-fi” But this futuristic voyage gave me a different perspective. I have to mention my favorite quote, ““Might wanna get dressed, Mack. It’s mighty cold in here…There’s a jumpsuit with your name on it under the seat.” Typing it out now still makes me chuckle.
As for the rest of this book, a couple of the stories could have been good with a bit of clean up of typos, but those typos really took away from the stories themselves. The rest did not grab me.
I’m sorry to say this received only 2 of my 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews