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Winter's Deception
Lilly Millbank is the new Mother Nature, the newly married young mum must now figure out how to navigate the minefield of intrigue and backstabbing that is part and parcel with the smooth transitioning of the four seasons, the eight petulant Kings and Queens that lord over them and the all-pervading destructive force of humanity.
But with the constant menace of attack from the rogue elves she must learn quickly as a maniacal plot by the king of the summer elves has placed her family in danger and threatens to end millions of innocent lives.
But with the constant menace of attack from the rogue elves she must learn quickly as a maniacal plot by the king of the summer elves has placed her family in danger and threatens to end millions of innocent lives.
- GenresFantasy
193 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2021
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 13, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Winter's Deception' by C.M Stolworthy.
Read and reviewed for C.M Stolworthy and MaidaVale publishers.
Publication date 5th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and gripping sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 10 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic beginning to what promises to be a best selling series!
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual choice of genre so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was looking forward to trying it out and I am very please to say I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! This is the first book in the series 'The Tale Of The Seasons' and is an absolutely gripping and page turning start. The storyline is unique, fast paced, action packed and C.M Stolworthy's fantastic writing skills and descriptions take you on an adventure with Willow, William and the rest of the fascinating characters. I was so engrossed in this book that I seemed to completely disappear into the storyline. CM Stolworthy manages to completely captivate the readers attention throughout. I loved the unique storyline Mother Nature, Child of Nature, The Season Kings and Queens, Elves and Sprites. It is a very modern day fantasy and I love how most of the characters seem human until their true nature is revealed. The storyline is filled with crime, fantasy, mystery, friendship, suspense, action and everything you could ask for in an unputdownable page turner. There was a great mix of laughter, tears, annoyance, deception and a range of emotions between the characters, some of which easily transfer to the reader. It is a short book and quite a quick read and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in this series.
I absolutely loved the mythological aspects in the book and there was just the right amount too. I found that any mythical/fantasy elements were explained in just the right amount of detail for those readers who hadn't heard about the fantasy elements, etc previously.
I wasn't only invested in the storyline but also the characters. I absolutely loved that the main characters are teenagers and that Willow is just starting to learn her powers. Willow and her brother William have a fantastic sibling relationship and you can tell how protective William is of Willow. I also loved the relationship between the family and their Guardian Elf Althea. I am looking forward to meeting all these characters and more in the next book.
Congratulations CM Stolworthy on what promises to be a hugely successful series!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books!!! Here is to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely addictive, action packed fantasy filled with friendship, action, mystery and more that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Ecology, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Literary Fiction amongst others.
200 pages
This book is just £4.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.05 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain.
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WintersDeception #CMStolworthy #BookReview #MaidaVale
@WintersDeception @CMStolworthy @MaidaVale @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
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https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
Review for 'Winter's Deception' by C.M Stolworthy.
Read and reviewed for C.M Stolworthy and MaidaVale publishers.
Publication date 5th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and gripping sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 10 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic beginning to what promises to be a best selling series!
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual choice of genre so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was looking forward to trying it out and I am very please to say I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! This is the first book in the series 'The Tale Of The Seasons' and is an absolutely gripping and page turning start. The storyline is unique, fast paced, action packed and C.M Stolworthy's fantastic writing skills and descriptions take you on an adventure with Willow, William and the rest of the fascinating characters. I was so engrossed in this book that I seemed to completely disappear into the storyline. CM Stolworthy manages to completely captivate the readers attention throughout. I loved the unique storyline Mother Nature, Child of Nature, The Season Kings and Queens, Elves and Sprites. It is a very modern day fantasy and I love how most of the characters seem human until their true nature is revealed. The storyline is filled with crime, fantasy, mystery, friendship, suspense, action and everything you could ask for in an unputdownable page turner. There was a great mix of laughter, tears, annoyance, deception and a range of emotions between the characters, some of which easily transfer to the reader. It is a short book and quite a quick read and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in this series.
I absolutely loved the mythological aspects in the book and there was just the right amount too. I found that any mythical/fantasy elements were explained in just the right amount of detail for those readers who hadn't heard about the fantasy elements, etc previously.
I wasn't only invested in the storyline but also the characters. I absolutely loved that the main characters are teenagers and that Willow is just starting to learn her powers. Willow and her brother William have a fantastic sibling relationship and you can tell how protective William is of Willow. I also loved the relationship between the family and their Guardian Elf Althea. I am looking forward to meeting all these characters and more in the next book.
Congratulations CM Stolworthy on what promises to be a hugely successful series!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books!!! Here is to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely addictive, action packed fantasy filled with friendship, action, mystery and more that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Ecology, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Literary Fiction amongst others.
200 pages
This book is just £4.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.05 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain.
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WintersDeception #CMStolworthy #BookReview #MaidaVale
@WintersDeception @CMStolworthy @MaidaVale @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
November 13, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'Winter's Deception' by C.M Stolworthy.
Read and reviewed for C.M Stolworthy and MaidaVale publishers.
Publication date 5th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and gripping sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 10 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic beginning to what promises to be a best selling series!
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual choice of genre so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was looking forward to trying it out and I am very please to say I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! This is the first book in the series 'The Tale Of The Seasons' and is an absolutely gripping and page turning start. The storyline is unique, fast paced, action packed and C.M Stolworthy's fantastic writing skills and descriptions take you on an adventure with Willow, William and the rest of the fascinating characters. I was so engrossed in this book that I seemed to completely disappear into the storyline. CM Stolworthy manages to completely captivate the readers attention throughout. I loved the unique storyline Mother Nature, Child of Nature, The Season Kings and Queens, Elves and Sprites. It is a very modern day fantasy and I love how most of the characters seem human until their true nature is revealed. The storyline is filled with crime, fantasy, mystery, friendship, suspense, action and everything you could ask for in an unputdownable page turner. There was a great mix of laughter, tears, annoyance, deception and a range of emotions between the characters, some of which easily transfer to the reader. It is a short book and quite a quick read and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in this series.
I absolutely loved the mythological aspects in the book and there was just the right amount too. I found that any mythical/fantasy elements were explained in just the right amount of detail for those readers who hadn't heard about the fantasy elements, etc previously.
I wasn't only invested in the storyline but also the characters. I absolutely loved that the main characters are teenagers and that Willow is just starting to learn her powers. Willow and her brother William have a fantastic sibling relationship and you can tell how protective William is of Willow. I also loved the relationship between the family and their Guardian Elf Althea. I am looking forward to meeting all these characters and more in the next book.
Congratulations CM Stolworthy on what promises to be a hugely successful series!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books!!! Here is to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely addictive, action packed fantasy filled with friendship, action, mystery and more that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Ecology, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Literary Fiction amongst others.
200 pages
This book is just £4.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.05 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain.
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WintersDeception #CMStolworthy #BookReview #MaidaVale
@WintersDeception @CMStolworthy @MaidaVale @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
Review for 'Winter's Deception' by C.M Stolworthy.
Read and reviewed for C.M Stolworthy and MaidaVale publishers.
Publication date 5th May 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous cover and gripping sounding synopsis and title.
This novel consists of 10 chapters. The chapters are short in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in third person perspective with several protagonists. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
What an absolutely fantastic beginning to what promises to be a best selling series!
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual choice of genre so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the storyline but I was looking forward to trying it out and I am very please to say I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! This is the first book in the series 'The Tale Of The Seasons' and is an absolutely gripping and page turning start. The storyline is unique, fast paced, action packed and C.M Stolworthy's fantastic writing skills and descriptions take you on an adventure with Willow, William and the rest of the fascinating characters. I was so engrossed in this book that I seemed to completely disappear into the storyline. CM Stolworthy manages to completely captivate the readers attention throughout. I loved the unique storyline Mother Nature, Child of Nature, The Season Kings and Queens, Elves and Sprites. It is a very modern day fantasy and I love how most of the characters seem human until their true nature is revealed. The storyline is filled with crime, fantasy, mystery, friendship, suspense, action and everything you could ask for in an unputdownable page turner. There was a great mix of laughter, tears, annoyance, deception and a range of emotions between the characters, some of which easily transfer to the reader. It is a short book and quite a quick read and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book in this series.
I absolutely loved the mythological aspects in the book and there was just the right amount too. I found that any mythical/fantasy elements were explained in just the right amount of detail for those readers who hadn't heard about the fantasy elements, etc previously.
I wasn't only invested in the storyline but also the characters. I absolutely loved that the main characters are teenagers and that Willow is just starting to learn her powers. Willow and her brother William have a fantastic sibling relationship and you can tell how protective William is of Willow. I also loved the relationship between the family and their Guardian Elf Althea. I am looking forward to meeting all these characters and more in the next book.
Congratulations CM Stolworthy on what promises to be a hugely successful series!!! I cannot wait to get stuck into more of your books!!! Here is to your next success 🥂
Overall an absolutely addictive, action packed fantasy filled with friendship, action, mystery and more that will keep you turning the pages.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Ecology, Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Literary Fiction amongst others.
200 pages
This book is just £4.99 to purchase on kindle and £9.05 in paperback via Amazon at time of review which I think is an absolute bargain.
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WintersDeception #CMStolworthy #BookReview #MaidaVale
@WintersDeception @CMStolworthy @MaidaVale @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...
https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86
October 14, 2021
A great fantasy read that mixes normal human life and the Elven world! Looking forward to the rest of the series 😊
August 27, 2025
As I closed the final pages of "Winter's Deception," I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just emerged from a whirlwind of frost and passion, intrigue and danger. The author has woven a tale that grips you from the first chapter and doesn't let go until the last.
Lilly Millbank, is the new Mother Nature.
Her journey from a young mother adjusting to her new role to a fierce protector of nature is nothing I’d read before.
The weight on her shoulders… balancing the transitioning of seasons while dealing with the egos of eight Kings and Queens, is portrayed with such skill that I felt every moment of her struggle.
The plot’s tension escalates with the constant threat from rogue elves, particularly the menacing king of the summer elves. Each twist and turn in the storyline kept my heart racing.
This isn't just a story about the changing seasons; it's a nail biting adventure that highlights the vulnerabilities of innocent lives caught in a larger conflict. I found myself drawn into the urgency of Lilly’s quest to protect her family and the world at large.
The author’s writing is vivid and enchanting. The way she describes the seasons had me already wrapping up for winter.
Yet, there’s an underlying darkness that seeps through the beauty, for every petal that blooms, there’s a lurking danger that kept me turning the pages!
Overall, "Winter's Deception" is a great read that combines fantasy, family, and fierce determination.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a blend of magical realms with real world themes.
🦋
Lilly Millbank, is the new Mother Nature.
Her journey from a young mother adjusting to her new role to a fierce protector of nature is nothing I’d read before.
The weight on her shoulders… balancing the transitioning of seasons while dealing with the egos of eight Kings and Queens, is portrayed with such skill that I felt every moment of her struggle.
The plot’s tension escalates with the constant threat from rogue elves, particularly the menacing king of the summer elves. Each twist and turn in the storyline kept my heart racing.
This isn't just a story about the changing seasons; it's a nail biting adventure that highlights the vulnerabilities of innocent lives caught in a larger conflict. I found myself drawn into the urgency of Lilly’s quest to protect her family and the world at large.
The author’s writing is vivid and enchanting. The way she describes the seasons had me already wrapping up for winter.
Yet, there’s an underlying darkness that seeps through the beauty, for every petal that blooms, there’s a lurking danger that kept me turning the pages!
Overall, "Winter's Deception" is a great read that combines fantasy, family, and fierce determination.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a blend of magical realms with real world themes.
🦋
November 26, 2023
It was an easy read. Well thought out plot for sure.
Loved how it was a modern told fantasy book where it had phones, cars, trains and actual homes.
I loved the whole Mother Nature, fairies and elves etc
Lilly Millbank is the new Mother Nature, the newly married young mum must now figure out how to navigate the minefield of intrigue and backstabbing that is part and parcel with the smooth transitioning of the four seasons, the eight petulant Kings and Queens that lord over them and the all-pervading destructive force of humanity. But with the constant menace of attack from the rogue elves she must learn quickly as a maniacal plot by the king of the summer elves has placed her family in danger and threatens to end millions of innocent lives.
Loved how it was a modern told fantasy book where it had phones, cars, trains and actual homes.
I loved the whole Mother Nature, fairies and elves etc
Lilly Millbank is the new Mother Nature, the newly married young mum must now figure out how to navigate the minefield of intrigue and backstabbing that is part and parcel with the smooth transitioning of the four seasons, the eight petulant Kings and Queens that lord over them and the all-pervading destructive force of humanity. But with the constant menace of attack from the rogue elves she must learn quickly as a maniacal plot by the king of the summer elves has placed her family in danger and threatens to end millions of innocent lives.
April 14, 2022
4.5 stars
When you live in a world that sees Kings and Queens overseeing the seasons it can be a challenging place but thankfully all has been calm for a long time now and the wars appear to be a thing of the past but with humans destroying the planet and global warming impacting on the Earth more and more can they really sit by and allow the human destruction continue? The dwarves and magical folk have long survived unseen by the humans but as mankind continues the expansion and seems set on taking over every available space and polluting it can things remain as they have been for all of the years or will the families have to step in?
As Mother Nature continues to live her everyday life with her daughter growing to one day take over everything the risks grow as the families feel more and more anger over the changes to the world but can humanity remain safe and not know about all that is going on? Can Mother Nature keep her family safe? Will the families join forces?
This book sees many different factions with a lot of unknowns unfurling as the story progresses and the fact it is making a point around global warming is very much of the time. I found the story worked well and I did enjoy this but the slight mark off was that a few little parts felt like they could have been slightly better (part being some of the dialogue earlier in the book and also a few little editing issues like a character being called Jacen but then Jason).
Overall this is a strong start to a series that could lead to a large series and many side stories alongside a main storyline which is something that is exciting to see for a debut novel.
When you live in a world that sees Kings and Queens overseeing the seasons it can be a challenging place but thankfully all has been calm for a long time now and the wars appear to be a thing of the past but with humans destroying the planet and global warming impacting on the Earth more and more can they really sit by and allow the human destruction continue? The dwarves and magical folk have long survived unseen by the humans but as mankind continues the expansion and seems set on taking over every available space and polluting it can things remain as they have been for all of the years or will the families have to step in?
As Mother Nature continues to live her everyday life with her daughter growing to one day take over everything the risks grow as the families feel more and more anger over the changes to the world but can humanity remain safe and not know about all that is going on? Can Mother Nature keep her family safe? Will the families join forces?
This book sees many different factions with a lot of unknowns unfurling as the story progresses and the fact it is making a point around global warming is very much of the time. I found the story worked well and I did enjoy this but the slight mark off was that a few little parts felt like they could have been slightly better (part being some of the dialogue earlier in the book and also a few little editing issues like a character being called Jacen but then Jason).
Overall this is a strong start to a series that could lead to a large series and many side stories alongside a main storyline which is something that is exciting to see for a debut novel.
May 4, 2023
I read this on a whim on a long ass flight from Melbourne to Rome and finished it before we even got to Abu Dhabi. The premise intrigued me, especially the combination of Elves/fantasy and the modern world. I was very quickly engaged in each character and their backstories, and by the time I had finished I still wanted to find out more! Particularly the truth about Gail and the Autumn King´s past.
I loved the dynamics between the children, and appreciated that they were written as children/teens and nothing was too inappropriate. Willow and William were a delight to follow in the story and their relationships with others and their parents was a delight to read. What surprised me was how engaged I was with the adults in the book, Lilly especially and her responsibilities as Mother Nature. I initially thought the adult characters were to be occassional side characters supporting the teen cast, however I was so happy to be enagaged in their thoughts and role in the plot as well, if not even more than say Willow or Gail (although I love them too!).
The combination of a modern corporation and ancient Elven magic and powers was an aspect of the setting which I enjoyed, as I thought it was very unique and executed quite well!
I would definitely recommend this book for children from the ages of 10 upwards (as there are some vague mentions of violence occuring), as well as adults. As a young adult I enjoyed this immensly.
I loved the dynamics between the children, and appreciated that they were written as children/teens and nothing was too inappropriate. Willow and William were a delight to follow in the story and their relationships with others and their parents was a delight to read. What surprised me was how engaged I was with the adults in the book, Lilly especially and her responsibilities as Mother Nature. I initially thought the adult characters were to be occassional side characters supporting the teen cast, however I was so happy to be enagaged in their thoughts and role in the plot as well, if not even more than say Willow or Gail (although I love them too!).
The combination of a modern corporation and ancient Elven magic and powers was an aspect of the setting which I enjoyed, as I thought it was very unique and executed quite well!
I would definitely recommend this book for children from the ages of 10 upwards (as there are some vague mentions of violence occuring), as well as adults. As a young adult I enjoyed this immensly.
May 19, 2022
What an amazing start to a fantasy series, short read, yet packed full of action. Pacing was brilliant, not one bit of the book was boring.
I adored the balance of magic, human life and elves. My favourite part was the ability to travel through trees, I felt as though I was travelling into another realm! Imagery was perfected through a world of kings and queens overseeing the seasons. I can’t wait for book two!
I adored the balance of magic, human life and elves. My favourite part was the ability to travel through trees, I felt as though I was travelling into another realm! Imagery was perfected through a world of kings and queens overseeing the seasons. I can’t wait for book two!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews