Rebel, Brave and Brutal

Winter, White and Wicked #2

by Shannon Dittemore

The gripping sequel to Winter, White and Wicked that boasts the thrills of Mad Max: Fury Road and the icy magic of Frozen

Sylvi Quine, the best rig driver on Layce, has braved the dangers of the Shiv Road to save her friend and learned the truth of her power over Winter. Now, she’s joined the rebels working to take down the Majority. Her magic could change the course of their fight, and she agrees to meet the king of Paradyia to offer an exchange: the healing powers of the Pool of Begynd for his army.

The journey won't be easy. To get there, Sylvi will have to navigate the Kol Sea, crossing through Winter’s storms and swarms of her Abaki—all while outrunning the Majority, who have sent their best Kol Master to track her down and bring her in, dead or alive.

But she isn’t traveling alone. Mars Dresden knows Sylvi is the key to freeing Layce, and demands she train like it. Kyn, the boy with stone flesh and a soft heart, is bound to Sylvi in more ways than one, a connection that both hurts and heals. And Lenore, Sylvi’s best friend, insists the Majority pay for what they’ve done to her parents. Even though her crew believes in her, Sylvi's still learning to use her power, and Winter’s whispers are constant.

Will she be able to control Winter when it matters most? Or will this be the end of the rebellion?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia, Fiction, Paranormal, Young Adult Fantasy

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2023

About the author

Shannon Dittemore is an author and speaker. Her books include the Angel Eyes trilogy, a supernatural foray into the realm of angels and demons, as well as the fantastical adventure novel Winter, White and Wicked. A sequel to the latter is expected in the fall of 2022.

Shannon's stories often feature strong female leads grappling with fear and faith as they venture into the wilds of the unknown. She’s often wondered if she’s writing her own quest for bravery again and again.

It’s a choice she values highly. Bravery. And she’s never more inspired than when young people ball up their fist and punch fear in the face.

To that end, Shannon frequently offers mentoring tracks at a local school where she provides junior high and high school students with an introduction to writing and the publishing industry. Tools she hopes will enable them to use their voice in new and powerful ways.

Together with authors Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson, she encourages young writers online at Go Teen Writers, an instructional blog recognized by Writer’s Digest four years running as a "101 Best Websites for Writers" selection.

Shannon is represented by Holly Root of Root Literary.

Reviews

[Erin Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

REBEL, BRAVE AND BRUTAL perfectly compliments WINTER, WHITE AND WICKED. While I did miss the Sylver Dragon for the first half of the book, we get a bit of time back with the rig which was very fun.

"I'm not asking you to be perfect. I'm asking you to grow."

My favorite part of this book was Sylvi's relationships with Mars and Kin. Leni was a fun addition to the gang, but Hyla can never be replaced! I also enjoyed learning more about Maree Vale and the history of Layce, as I remember having questions about both (and their relationships with Bygend and Winter) in Book 1.

"Sometimes truth is a dagger, straight to the heart."

I also really loved the themes and how well this story illustrates how sin lies and twists truth and fights for control, all under the guise of friendship or comfort; it built perfectly upon book one! The ending was my favorite part, as it is a slow-build to the climax. Truly, the ending was the best part though. And it was really cool to see how the author's faith shone in the story so clearly and yet subtly.

Definitely a duology that I would recommend to lovers of gritty fantasy, unique worlds, and complex characters.

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored the first book with its themes of trauma and assault and manipulative relationships and was not disappointed by the second. RBB is a beautiful book that really explores the lore of the world and has a lot of great spiritual themes and parallels, along with the breathtaking action and epic ice driving. I love Sylvi and Kyn and their sweet slow burn, and though part of me wanted them to kiss earlier and more often, I thought Shannon Dittemore did a great job handling Sylvi’s trauma and her realistic hesitation toward being touched by a man. Mars is such a fascinating character. And I thought the ending was perfect. So long, Winter.

[R.F. Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRO. the worldbuilding. The characters. The romance. The story. This was insane and perfect in every way and I am obsessed. I will be reading everything Shannon Dittemore writes

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Shannon. Sequels always make me afraid because how can book two possibly be as good as book one?
But you’ve done it. You’ve more than done it. I’ll write a more comprehensive review later, but for now, I just feel oh so happy that this book came into existence and exceeded all my expectations.

**
Full Review:
If you thought Winter, White, and Wicked was epic, buckle up, my friends, because Shannon Dittemore does it again! Rebel, Brave, and Brutal follows my favorite motley crew as they try to take down the Majority and the self-proclaimed Queen of Layce--Winter--herself. I laughed, I squealed, I felt ice freeze my veins as Mars, Kyn, Sylvi, and their new rebel friends battle and blister for freedom. Sylvi's growth in this book was so incredible to watch, and as a reader, I felt like I was growing along with her. Because not only is she brave and brutal, but she is caring and compassionate and fiercely loyal. I'd be Sylvi's friend and a member of her crew any day.
And that ending. Oh goodness, that ending. I truly couldn't have been happier with this story. I've been so disappointed by so many sequels of books I loved, but Dittemore took the crew to a whole new level and delivered a sequel that I am so happy to say I adored! I cannot recommend this book enough. Go preorder!

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh, it took me too long to FINALLY read the end of the most unique fantasy duology I’ve ever read, but I did and it was so good! Did I forget a bunch of the worldbuilding and lore? Er, yes, but I remembered the characters (which are more important, let’s be honest) and I loved the journey and growth they went on, especially Sylvi and surprisingly Mars, both of whom I wasn’t the biggest fan of in book one but grew to love and cheer for by the end.

And while not a Christian story, I loved how the author’s faith shone through in the part about Begynd and the healing water and how it reminded me of and is a great metaphor of Jesus, and I loved that part so much and what it represented without outright stating it, if that makes any sense, lol.

While I still love the Angel Eyes trilogy more then this one I’m really happy I read this duology and will happily read it again in the future. A really good out of the box fantasy I’d highly recommend!


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a brief flashback memory of a five year old girl nearly being r*ped by an adult man (nothing happened)

Language: bastard; Holy Begynd; flux; jagoff; damnable; gah; hell; oh my gosh; holy hell; damned; screw it up; what the; fluxing

Violence: fighting with weapons/magic (not detailed); a character nearly drowns; a character is choked

Sexual: a brief flashback memory of a five year old girl nearly being r*ped by an adult man (nothing happened); a kiss (not detailed); a mild suggestive comment

Drugs/Alcohol: a fantasy mineral acts as a drug that people get addicted to; in the past kids were pumped with a drug like mineral that drove many of them mad (not shown only mentioned)

Other: magic; magical powers/places/elemental spirit; zombie like creatures; death and grief; fantasy god/goddess in a fantasy world; a burned dead body floats in the sea (not detailed); a character is tied up/nearly kidnapped

[Lexi Dacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best YA Fantasy endings I’ve ever read! REBEL, BRAVE & BRUTAL is a magical world where strangers become family, friends become lovers, old vices die and new dreams are born.

As I finished reading the final pages of Shannon Dittemore’s REBEL, BRAVE & BRUTAL a huge smile spread across my face, tears frosting my eyelashes. ❄️

Oh my. good. ness.

Well done Shannon, well done.

This is a story that gives its all. You can tell when you read this book that it was written for more than just a market or a trend or to be a cool story for its readership. It was written for more than just being published - written from a heart filled with fierce hope for a beautiful future. It’s not trying to be any other story and yet it resounds with a deep familiarity that people from every walk of life share. Deep down we all yearn for a magic that can set us free from the pains that bind us. And this fantasy flies free.

What a perfect ending written with utter honesty. Every ounce of heart and passion poured out. Shannon wrote her heart. 🥹

This book ends perfectly.

I cried!!!! And laughed out loud many a time too.

The romance between Kyn & Sylvi 🌶😍

The heart wrenching fast paced race against the majority, the poisonous kol, and manipulative lies of winter. ❄️ When I wasn’t sure what side Sylvi would choose 🥶 but then the FIGHT that Sylvi brings made me wanna jump out of my seat shouting “YES!!!” 💪

The witty comebacks between Rebel friends 😂 The stunning wintery scenes on the isle of Layce.

The ships, guns, and Oceans Eleven esque secret operation in the end with its hope and heart. 🖤

I can’t wait for the world to have this book!!!

January 10th 2023 🥰❄️🥰❄️

Don’t wait. 📖

[Emily B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

YESSSSSS!! So so good. A magnificent ending! Shannon Dittemore, you’re a story-telling wizard.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always find that the books I love most are the hardest to review. When a story completely grabs hold of you and won’t let go, it’s difficult to find the words to truly explain why something is so awesome and why everybody should pick it up and read it. Rebel, Brave and Brutal is an apt name for this sequel because it is BRAVE and it is BRUTAL, but most of all, it’s even BETTER than the first book.

Rebel starts off with a bang and keeps going until those final chapters. It has been a long time since a book has held my attention and completely enraptured me in the story like this book did. Once I started, I wanted to forgo everything to keep reading, to find out what the Crew of the Sylver Dragon would do next, to learn what Sylvi would choose in the end.

There are a lot of emotions wrapped up in this book, and Shannon handles all of them with bravery and grace that makes me appreciate this series even more. I adore all the new aspects we get to experience in this book—from getting a bigger glimpse at the Paradyian culture to having more Lenore on the page to watching Sylvi grow in her abilities and compassion. And I, of course, love all the old aspects that are back for even more excitement. Mars, Kyn, even Winter—it was so fun to read about what they all do next and how they help Sylvi change and become an even better protagonist. This book has all the heart and excitement of book one, but it feels like it’s exploded. The stakes are higher. The action is more intense. The payoff is even better.

This is truly an epic, gripping sequel that fans of Winter, White and Wicked don’t want to miss.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an early digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

REBEL, BRAVE AND BRUTAL is everything I wanted in a sequel. I read this book in a single day and didn’t want it to end! I had chills, I laughed, got misty-eyes… it’s so good! 🥹❤️

Since WINTER, WHITE AND WICKED, I have been fascinated by this world and Sylvi’s journey within it. The history and lore is rich, the country has grit and surprises around every turn, and the characters are so fun to follow.

I loved seeing Sylvi’s growth in REBEL. She has a lot to untangle in her mind and heart. The underlying themes there were really powerful to me personally. Watching Sylvi process her identity, her feelings about Winter, her relationships with Mars and Kyn and the rebels… all of it was so satisfying to read!

The banter in this book is top notch, too. I laughed more than once while Sylvi, Kyn, and Mars were together (which was a lot, and I was happy about it! 😂🥰🤗) The relational aspects, especially between Sylvi and Mars, were some of my favorite parts. ❤️

In short, I loved it. Buckle up, because REBEL, BRAVE AND BRUTAL is another wild ride you won’t want to miss! ❄️ 🌬❄️

[Jenneth Leed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel was a fantastic ride into the second half of Shannon's duology. It's rare I enjoy the sequel better than the first, but this is a glowing exception. Both the heroes and the villains have leveled up their games, with Winter being more brutal, more manipulative, and more frosty in all the right ways. The solid chemistry between Sylvi and Kyn is just right without being rushed, and Mars is as crush-worthy and rude as ever, and I simply can't get over how Shannon creates such a unique voice to his character.
There are also a number of plots that twist and wind together expertly in a unique way. I never felt like I was reading just another dystopia, or just another Chosen One novel, or just another adventure story. Rebel takes some of the best hallmarks of genre fiction and expertly weaves them into a cohesive narrative (featuring brutal ice road truckers, of course).
I received an advanced reader copy from the author and provided my honest review.

[E.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon Dittemore has done it again. Rebel, Brave and Brutal is a chilling but warm-hearted follow up to Winter, White and Wicked! Filled with heart, determination, and action that locks you in, this book is the perfect ending to a stellar fantasy duo logy!

I so enjoyed jumping back into this universe with all of its complexities and yet simple and beautiful emotions that drove each character. Sylver is such a fun and complex character and I loved seeing more of her interactions with Mars and their quest to put and end to Winter's hold on their world.

It's a harrowing adventure that kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat (and up way past my bedtime) but it was so worth it. That ending...I won't spoil anything but there were tears in my eyes!

I highly recommend this duo logy and this amazing author. She's quickly moved to my "auto-buy" category. This book is perfect for fans of YA fantasy and authors like Erin Bowman, Brigid Kemmerer, and Amie Kauffman.

My rating: 5*

----
Thanks to the publisher and for this gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Madeleine Elizabeth Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best sequels/final installments I've ever read. Sylvi (and Mars, of course) felt just as rugged (and surly) in these pages as in Winter. The journey in Rebel felt natural yet unpredictable and Sylvi's inner trials and successes were everything I could hope to see in a main character. I LAUGHED and I CRIED. Shannon did a tremendous job bringing the main conflict against the Majority to a head, while deftly steering Sylvi and all her inner demons - dragons? - to a place where she could heal, transition, and move forward towards happiness. I seriously loved it. LOVED. IT.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoops I finished this a while ago and still have not done a review and so now have forgotten most of my thoughts.
This was a good conclusion to the series. I appreciated the reasons why Winter is the way that she is and how everything concluded, but wasn't amazingly impressed. It will be a book series that I recommend, but even though it's written by a Christian author, unfortunately it doesn't really fit the "clean" fiction that most Christian families are looking for for their teens.
Which. Again. Is the reason I dislike the term "clean" fiction. It doesn't mean anything because it can mean so many things.
This book series has no sex scenes (fade-to-black, allusions, etc.), minimal romance, like one kiss scene, (technically) no cursing (except the in-universe curses which aren't curses in our reality), but a ton of violence and magic. Some families would be cool with that and other families would want to shut down the library over it. *throws hands in air*
Anyway, this is a whole rant. I'm trying to find more Christian authors in YA and the first two examples left me underwhelmed. Here's hoping the whole separate pile has something going for it :))))

[Kate Yauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omgosh!!!! I could not put this book down and finished it in a few hours! Shannon Dittmore has done it again with the thrilling conclusion to Winter, White, and Wicked. I couldn't wait to get back with Sylvi and the crew and this story packs a punch.
Dittmore packs a lot in RB&B but it leaves you wanting more. I'm hoping for another series with these wonderful characters. I loved the higher stakes, choices the characters face with the knowledge that history and past choices can hurt generations. This timely story is about making a brighter tomorrow. I love Sylvi, Mars, and Kyn. I also love how this trio shows you don't need to stoop to evil to stop evil and how abusive relationships and power dynamics work and how to end them. We need more of this especially for younger people these days.

[NotTheTea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25⭐
❄️🏜️I think we needed other's pov in this book. Everyone was pressurizing Sylvie so much it felt overwhelming. I know she's very important and everyone was depending on her and all but that girl knew hardship. Maybe at least try to see from her pov?
❄️🏜️Uhh... Mars and his relationship with grandmas, was it necessary for us to know?😐
❄️🏜️I didn't like Lenore in the first book. It went downhill here as well. Ok I admit I dislike her character. I wasn't saying it directly cause she wasn't a villain guilt.
❄️🏜️End thought - I liked it but still felt unfulfilled. It lacked heroism. But I liked Sylvie, mars, kyn.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Katie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to this story and cast of characters! 😆 Rebel, Brave and Brutal picks up shortly after the first book ended, and never let’s go until the end, which made for a quick, engaging read! I definitely liked this one more than the first, as it had more things going on than Winter, White and Wicked.

I love the dynamics between all the characters and thought Sylvi’s character arc and growth was written so well! And her and Kyn were so sweet together. 😍Even when they were arguing, Kyn would always make sure she was okay. Mars has always been such an interesting character, and it was so fun to watch him and Sylvi grow closer and figure out their relationship. 😂

The truth about Winter, Maree Vale, and what really happened at the pool was a nice twist, and I loved seeing Winter get her butt kicked lol. The world building was really cool and I enjoyed getting a peek at Paradyia!

There was some mild cussing, but besides that the book was clean, the romance going no further than a kiss and the action not gruesome in any way.

All in all Rebel, Brave and Brutal was a great, chilly read! 🥶😍

*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

[Cassie Mesarchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love this crew. Sylvi and Kyn are adorable together and I loved the growth of their relationship together and how they learned to navigate through all that they went through. I love Mars and Lenore. The banter in this book is top notch!! I love Sylvi's character growth!! This book had me turning the pages to find out what happens next! I highly recommend it!!

[Lindsi McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel is the perfect ending to Sylvis story and the perfect set up to even more adventurous exploits in Shannon's fantasy world.
If I could give it more than five stars I would.
Bittersweet like dark hot chocolate.
You don't want to miss this adventure.

[Stephanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine this: the voice inside your head doesn’t belong to you but to a cold and vicious spirit. She masquerades as a friend. She even saved your life and saved you from a traumatic experience or two. And at times, you felt so confident that she was the only one who truly cared that you pushed away those who truly did?

That’s why the heroine of Rebel Brave and Brutal, Sylver (Sylvi Quinne aka Snowflake), found herself questioning everything she knew at the end of Winter White and Wicked. She thought she knew who she was. She thought she was strong. But had it all just been part of Winter’s elaborate manipulation? Mars says yes. Kyn says yes. On her better days, even Sylvi’s heart beats yes, yes, yes.

Will she allow Winter’s haze to keep clouding her mind? Or will she see what her friends—Mars, Kyn, Lenore (Leni), and the rest of the rebels—do? Sylvi might just be more capable than she thinks. And she’ll have to prove it by banishing her friend—her tormentor—Winter.

This series earned a place of honor on my shelf. Both books have been stamped with my embosser, safe from the thrift store pile of books I didn’t love. Immediately Dittemore draws you into the action, with Sylvi learning how to use the powers she didn’t really know she had—at Winter’s expense of course.

I felt like I was plotting and racing away in rigs with the rebels; I could imagine the cave systems of the Shiv in the mountain pass. Sea sickness gurgled in the pit of my stomach as I wandered with the crew on the Maree Vale. The shock of the Majority’s retribution rattled my bones. The Isle of Layce, cold and brutal as her presiding winter spirit was my home for the two days it took me to finish reading Rebel.

Sylvi’s letting go of what she thought she had with Winter will make you want to cry. Mars’s budding tenderness will melt your heart. Kyn’s unwavering belief will make you wish he was your friend. (And you’ll be cheering for the romance brewing between him and Sylvi too!) Leni’s intense focus on justice and fierce protectiveness will make you want to join a rebellion. And others, like Crysel, Dakk, Katsy, Kree, Hawken Valthor, Tooki, Macks, Sayth, Felyx, and Brash—every single character, whether major or minor, make a mark on the reader’s heart. Because like many of us, they’re willing to give up absolutely everything for freedom.

Dittemore’s writing is superb—from the opening line to the Kerce words Mars and Sylvi use to command Winter to the vivid descriptions of the Isle of Layce and the Kol Sea. And I really hated to leave it, and the world I’d become part of, when the story ended. Yet I was so satisfied with the way Dittemore tied all the ribbons and threads together at the end of it all. The characters might not have all been where I expected them to be, but they were exactly where they needed to be. If I had to sum it up in a word, it felt like hope.

My Take
Abusers, toxic or manipulative people try to fill a void, make you believe they are indispensable to your survival and happiness. Until you stop doing what they want. Then it gets ugly. Sometimes it we move on and we heal and we find deeper and truer love than we dared to dream existed.

[Rose of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series definitely goes into the lore, nevertheless I was still a bit confused, the plot not holding much coherensy until about 60-70% into it. I still enjoyed this read, but I feel that there was so much going on with the plot and true story of Winter/Begynd/Maree Vale that it was a bit lost in the sauce.

The first part of the book is just build up, taking place right after the previous book, and doesn't have much to show except for slow, tedious character building. Even so, I feel like there could have been more life given to the background characters, like Sayth and the rebel gang. They were kinda just there and said things. The smaller character group of the first book highlighted each personality better than a large group that wasn't described well.

I liked Wrex, although he wasn't around much. He didn't take quite the villanous role that I thought he was going to take. The author saved that for Winter, showing how she was the true villain the whole time.

Kyn got the most exposure and became fleshed out as a caring, hardworking friend to Sylvi. Reading and seeing them get closer was great; I love how they made their friendship and the respect of each other their foundation to their relationship. They also weren't very lovey-dovey with each other, which is amazing to see in YA books, because too much of that gets on my nerves.

Lenore, Sylvi's best friend and adopted sister, also got a lot of screentime. She's anxious by nature but caring and dedicated to justice. She was so sweet the way she took care of her frail father.

The ending wrapped up quickly, like I said with the last 70% and onward just flying by. It didn't truly feel like a heist in the way that I felt the author was going for. It was convenient and the setbacks didn't really set them back. Winter really just let Sylvie make her leave with no consequences? I guess she is just all bark and no bite, and Sylvie is more powerful than Mars and capable of making her leave.

Mars is the best character in this book. I would love to read a spinoff just about him. All that being said, I enjoyed reading about these characters and this world they are in. It's such a unique concept. I feel like it could have benefitted from stronger writing in character conversations and plot points.

[Amy's reading again · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 4.75☆   
 📚 06/03/25  - 10/03/25
꧁ 𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔.  𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒈𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒚𝒍𝒗𝒊 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅.꧂

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ꜱʏʟᴠɪ Qᴜɪɴᴇ, ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ʀɪɢ ᴅʀɪᴠᴇʀ ᴏɴ ʟᴀʏᴄᴇ, ʜᴀꜱ ʙʀᴀᴠᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜɪᴠ ʀᴏᴀᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴇᴀʀɴᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ. ɴᴏᴡ, ꜱʜᴇ'ꜱ ᴊᴏɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʙᴇʟꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴊᴏʀɪᴛʏ. ʜᴇʀ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʀꜱᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ꜱʜᴇ ᴀɢʀᴇᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴇᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋɪɴɢ ᴏꜰ ᴘᴀʀᴀᴅʏɪᴀ ᴛᴏ ᴏꜰꜰᴇʀ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ: ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴏᴏʟ ᴏꜰ ʙᴇɢʏɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ʜɪꜱ ᴀʀᴍʏ.ᴛʜᴇ ᴊᴏᴜʀɴᴇʏ ᴡᴏɴ'ᴛ ʙᴇ ᴇᴀꜱʏ. ᴛᴏ ɢᴇᴛ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ, ꜱʏʟᴠɪ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ɴᴀᴠɪɢᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋᴏʟ ꜱᴇᴀ, ᴄʀᴏꜱꜱɪɴɢ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ'ꜱ ꜱᴛᴏʀᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴡᴀʀᴍꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ᴀʙᴀᴋɪ–ᴀʟʟ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ᴏᴜᴛʀᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴊᴏʀɪᴛʏ, ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ꜱᴇɴᴛ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ᴋᴏʟ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀ ᴛᴏ ᴛʀᴀᴄᴋ ʜᴇʀ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʙʀɪɴɢ ʜᴇʀ ɪɴ, ᴅᴇᴀᴅ ᴏʀ ᴀʟɪᴠᴇ.ʙᴜᴛ ꜱʜᴇ ɪꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟɪɴɢ ᴀʟᴏɴᴇ. ᴍᴀʀꜱ ᴅʀᴇꜱᴅᴇɴ ᴋɴᴏᴡꜱ ꜱʏʟᴠɪ ɪꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴋᴇʏ ᴛᴏ ꜰʀᴇᴇɪɴɢ ʟᴀʏᴄᴇ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴍᴀɴᴅꜱ ꜱʜᴇ ᴛʀᴀɪɴ ʟɪᴋᴇ ɪᴛ. ᴋʏɴ, ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴛᴏɴᴇ ꜰʟᴇꜱʜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ꜱᴏꜰᴛ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ, ɪꜱ ʙᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴛᴏ ꜱʏʟᴠɪ ɪɴ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴛʜᴀɴ ᴏɴᴇ, ᴀ ᴄᴏɴɴᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʜᴜʀᴛꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇᴀʟꜱ. ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴇɴᴏʀᴇ, ꜱʏʟᴠɪ'ꜱ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅ, ɪɴꜱɪꜱᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴊᴏʀɪᴛʏ ᴘᴀʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ’ᴠᴇ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀʀᴇɴᴛꜱ. ᴇᴠᴇɴ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜ ʜᴇʀ ᴄʀᴇᴡ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇꜱ ɪɴ ʜᴇʀ, ꜱʏʟᴠɪ'ꜱ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴜꜱᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ’ꜱ ᴡʜɪꜱᴘᴇʀꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴛᴀɴᴛ . . . ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱʜᴇ ʙᴇ ᴀʙʟᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ ᴡʜᴇɴ ɪᴛ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀꜱ ᴍᴏꜱᴛ? ᴏʀ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇʙᴇʟʟɪᴏɴ?
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"𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦.  𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕡𝕖𝕠𝕡𝕝𝕖 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕗𝕠𝕣 ..... 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕖 𝕧𝕠𝕚𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕗𝕒𝕚𝕝."
"𝕀 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕜 𝕚𝕥'𝕤 𝕤𝕦𝕡𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕙𝕦𝕣𝕥.  ℙ𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕚𝕤𝕟'𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕗𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕊𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕗𝕝𝕒𝕜𝕖. 𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤𝕟'𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕕.  𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕨𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕤 𝕒 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟 𝕦𝕡."

⇒ This is such a unique story world and has a host of complex characters that make this series compelling.  Shannon Dittemore's prose sets the perfect tone for a moody, magical story, and she executed the plot perfectly. Throughout, she delivered on every promise, there was familial tension, romantic heartbreak, & sweet, sometimes heart wrenching moments for multiple characters.  The pacing was very good, with moments to breathe, but I often had a worry at the back of my mind about something dangerous I might have forgotten that was going to come back around.

“𝕀’𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕖𝕔𝕥. 𝕀’𝕞 𝕒𝕤𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨.”

⇒ I loved that there were new characters introduced into this book, but I felt like I didn’t have enough time with them. However, I really enjoyed the character arcs of those we had already got to meet in the first book.  The descriptions, emotions, depth, raw honesty, all of it was truly beautiful. My favourite part of this book was Sylvi’s relationships with Mars and Kin. Leni was a fun addition to the gang, but Hyla can never be replaced!  It was satisfying to see Sylvi’s growth. She went from a guarded and self-isolated girl to one who’s connected and learns to trust.

"𝕀𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟'𝕥 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕦𝕣𝕤𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕊𝕪𝕝𝕧𝕚, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤𝕟'𝕥 𝔹𝕖𝕘𝕪𝕟𝕕'𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕡𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕜𝕖𝕡𝕥 𝕞𝕖 𝕓𝕪 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕤𝕚𝕕𝕖 ..... 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕟𝕥 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕖.  𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕥 𝕡𝕠𝕠𝕝 𝕞𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜𝕤 𝕓𝕦𝕥 𝕨𝕖'𝕣𝕖 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕘, 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕞𝕖.  𝕀𝕥'𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜 𝕦𝕤."

⇒ While I did miss the forced proximity of everyone being in the Sylver Dragon, we do get some time back in the rig, and I loved seeing Sylvi at her most comfortable. I also enjoyed learning more about Layce and Maree Vale and Winter's relationship with them both, as I felt we were left with unanswered questions on this in the first book.

"𝕀’𝕧𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕨, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕟𝕕 . . . 𝕨𝕖𝕝𝕝, 𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕚𝕗 𝕀’𝕞 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥. 𝕁𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕪𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥, 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕙? 𝕋𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕨𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕕𝕣𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖 𝕦𝕡 𝕒 𝕓𝕦𝕟𝕔𝕙 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖."


TROPES
⫸ Fantasy
⫸ Dystopia
⫸ Magic
⫸ YA

TWs
⫸ Addiction
⫸ Violence
⫸ Death

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is part two of a two-book series that must be read in order. Because the world-building and character introduction was covered in Winter, White and Wicked, this lacked much of the mystery and read more like a "normal" young adult dystopian novel, with a focus on romance and the protagonist overcoming obstacles. It is clear that Shannon Dittemore was challenged when writing the ending, choosing to have Sylvi magically hear her mother tell the story of Winter rather than having a major breakthrough with her brother, Mars, or even learning from the other god after she makes a decision to send Winter away. As a result, Sylvia doesn't have to make a hard decision or have a pivotal moment in her character development because she already knows the outcome. Thus, there is no risk and no leap of faith that would only come from trust and love. It wasn't a horrible ending but it felt too contrived and wrapped up in a package.

[Rebecca]

I absolutely love the writing in this book. I could feel the emotions and atmosphere so vividly. I love when a book makes me feel the emotions of the story. it's like I am really there, experiencing the journey for myself. Something about the writing was so beautiful and kept me coming back again and again.

Winter being a raging spirit is such a cool concept. I love the world and the torn feeling our protagonist has over banishing winter. Trying to shut winter out while enjoying winter's company.

There was one place where this book fell short. I struggled to connect to the characters or the rebellion. Especially the rebellion. The Majority (I still roll my eyes at that name) felt like your mustache twirling, evil villain who is evil because the story requires that they are evil. The Majority also play such a background role in both books. They never felt like the oppressive force that they were supposedly being.

I still enjoyed myself quite a bit. My enjoyment of the atmosphere and the world and the spirit of winter pulled me along and kept me turing the pages.

[Bronzed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review While it's fresh - Wow

I'll definitely make a post about this on my Instagram, but for now: Wow this book is amazing. I never knew what parts of the plan would actually work, or which characters would succeed 🤌🏾😏🤌🏾 excellent execution of this plot. Dittermore delivered on every promise, there was familial tension, romantic heartbreak, & sweet, sometimes hear wrenching, moments for both. Themes came full circle, & not in a neon sign "look at this, remember this?" kind of way. The pacing was very good, with moments to breathe, but often with a worry at the back of my mind about something dangerous I might have forgotten. Anyway, I have many notes in my ebook version, even more highlights that I couldn't write on because I didn't want to stop reading. Also, Ps. I'm doing my hair in Senegalese Twists right now, &, since it takes HoUrS to do, I need something entertaining while I'm just sitting & twisting/braiding, & this fit the bill so well. I'm so pleased. Thank you, Shannon Dittermore for Winter & Rebel
👩🏽‍🍳's 💋

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher, ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books for this eARC for review! All thoughts are my own.

4.5/5 stars!

This series completely took me by surprise! I had a copy of the first book since it's release, but just got to it a few months ago. I immediately fell in love, and it was such high octane action the whole time, with incredible internal monologue by the MC! The sequel has been no different. There was almost constant action, and it was great getting to see the character relationships grow from the first book. I absolutely love Kyn SO SO MUCH, and Mars grew on me even more this round, as well as Lennie! Also her dad Max should be protected forever at all costs!!! To be honest there was a LOT going on plot-wise this entire book, and at some points it was difficult to keep details straight but I think that may have been a personal issue for me and not at fault of the story/author. This is definitely a story I'll be going back to reread in the future!

[Kate Lawhon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing conclusion to Winter, White, and Wicked

Dittmore does it again! I could not put this book down and finished it in a few hours. I loved seeing more of Sylvi and her crew as well as more of the magic and history. This is a story of not only setting history but also making a brighter tomorrow for everyone. I loved Sylvi, Mars, and Kyn. I also love how this trio shows that you don't have to stoop to evil to stop evil and that our choices decide who we are. It also shows how abusive relationships and power dynamics come into play, which is important for young people, especially these days. We need more books like this duology. I can't wait to see what Shannon publishes next, and tbh I'm really hoping for another series with these characters. There is so much rich lore within these pages! 😍😍😍

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great writing and a very adventurous story that I will be rereading someday. It was not a 5 star rating for me only because I felt like the main plot of the book kept changing. For this world I do understand that the author wanted the characters to try to find the best possible solution, but I was a little disappointed in how it all ended.

I loved that there were new characters introduced into this book, but I felt like I didn’t have enough time with them. This seems to be the downside with some duology series. I really am all for a spin off series for Mars, though ;)

The Christian symbolism was very low key, but very powerful in its overall message that I did get a little tearful in the last few chapters.

The character growth was phenomenal and I TRULY want to explore more of the seven isles.

[Darcy Schock]

Read it if you love:

✔️ Detailed fantasy worlds
✔️ Stories with unique characters (winter)


I loved that this book started on a ship! The beginning gave me a bit of Pirates of the Caribbean feel. This story was the second book in the Winter, White, and Wicked series. While I didn’t completely understand the entire story world, I did enjoy this series. It was a heavier read but the end was redemptive!

Themes—Justice, restoration of what is lost, and the importance of history.

“History is only lost if we give her up.”

“Stop thinking about things we can handle later.”

“Next time your rage wants to speak, keep your mouth shut.”

“They will see their history for what it is. It is not something to be feared or fixed but something to learn from.”

“Would you like to hear a story? A fairy story? No. A history. I’m starting to think they are one and the same.”

[Angelica Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel, Brave, and Brutal fully blew my expectations out of the water. I absolutely loved Winter, White, and Wicked and it will always be special to me. Some series suffer second book syndrome, but this one did not! It's just as good if not a little bit better than book one which was amazing.

The world and characters that Shannon has created are truly something incredible. I find the concept of the story and how it's created to be so unique. This story kept me invested and captivated from page one to the very end. I never wanted it to end. A lot that was left unanswered and unfinished in book one unfolds or is revealed in some of the best ways.

Thank you so much Shannon for the arc of this book. It truly means a lot. I absolutely loved it!