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Wintersea
Rowan Andisa, a healer's apprentice, hiding her magic from the tyrant king. . .
Quinn Alexander, an utterly forgettable prince, with secrets of his own. . .
A rash decision will tie their fates.
To keep herself and her village safe, Rowan leaves her life behind and sets out through the forest for Wintersea, the mysterious, frozen kingdom across the ocean, the only place where magic-born can live free. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she comes upon the young prince captured by the Woodsmen.
What follows is an adventure into the very heart of the realm, where Rowan is forced into the role of Royal Healer, a dream-come-true but also a nightmare. Because if the royal family discovers her magic, her death won’t be the only consequence. Her people will suffer, too.
But she finds an unlikely ally in Quinn, and soon she’ll discover that he has secrets of his own. Secrets that could exonerate the magic-born . . . but destroy everyone he loves.
In this first installment of the Wintersea Trilogy, hearts will break, loyalties will be tested, and hidden truths will be brought to light.
Quinn Alexander, an utterly forgettable prince, with secrets of his own. . .
A rash decision will tie their fates.
To keep herself and her village safe, Rowan leaves her life behind and sets out through the forest for Wintersea, the mysterious, frozen kingdom across the ocean, the only place where magic-born can live free. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she comes upon the young prince captured by the Woodsmen.
What follows is an adventure into the very heart of the realm, where Rowan is forced into the role of Royal Healer, a dream-come-true but also a nightmare. Because if the royal family discovers her magic, her death won’t be the only consequence. Her people will suffer, too.
But she finds an unlikely ally in Quinn, and soon she’ll discover that he has secrets of his own. Secrets that could exonerate the magic-born . . . but destroy everyone he loves.
In this first installment of the Wintersea Trilogy, hearts will break, loyalties will be tested, and hidden truths will be brought to light.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
55 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Liz Highland
4 books17 followersLiz Highland writes speculative novels for adults and young adults, as well as middle grade readers. She also writes picture books under another name. She lives in the hills of Vermont with her husband, kids, and whatever animals they’ve adopted at the time, and when she’s not writing, you can find her hiking, playing in the garden, or getting lost in the stacks at the library.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 26, 2022
Wintersea is a fantasy book you won’t be able to put down! There are so many wonderful elements woven into this story: an apprentice healer thrown into court life, a love triangle with two very opposite princes, forbidden magic, a mysterious hidden past, a vast new fantasy world, and a determined protagonist who set on uncovering the truth.
I highly recommend picking this book if you love fantasy with adventure, danger, court life, and romance. This is a fun high fantasy world to delve into!
For my full review check out: https://www.jennysandiford.com/book-r...
I highly recommend picking this book if you love fantasy with adventure, danger, court life, and romance. This is a fun high fantasy world to delve into!
For my full review check out: https://www.jennysandiford.com/book-r...
August 27, 2022
This book is a must read if you like epic fantasy, healing magic, and plot twists!
Everything about Wintersea worked for me. The stakes are raised early. The world-building is expansive and lush; it’s like watching a Lord-of-the-Ring type of movie. The characters are complex and leap off the page. I liked Rowan a lot (she manages to be both soft and a badass!) but Quinn truly stole my heart (he’s a bookworm! and his journey is touching). I liked their chemistry the most. Last but not least, the writing is gorgeous.
This book gave me Fire (Graceling) and Sorcery of Thorns’ vibes, and it’s one of the reasons why I couldn’t put it down.
I cannot wait for the sequel.
Everything about Wintersea worked for me. The stakes are raised early. The world-building is expansive and lush; it’s like watching a Lord-of-the-Ring type of movie. The characters are complex and leap off the page. I liked Rowan a lot (she manages to be both soft and a badass!) but Quinn truly stole my heart (he’s a bookworm! and his journey is touching). I liked their chemistry the most. Last but not least, the writing is gorgeous.
This book gave me Fire (Graceling) and Sorcery of Thorns’ vibes, and it’s one of the reasons why I couldn’t put it down.
I cannot wait for the sequel.
April 20, 2025
This was such a nice read. Medieval fantasy, hidden magic, maybe some forbidden love. It was cozy and the world and characters were intriguing. The writing was also beautiful. And the ending! Will definitely be picking up book two!
October 12, 2023
Orphan Rowan leaves her village when she can no longer hide her outlawed magical healing. En route to the safe land of Wintersea, she tries to rescue a kidnapped young man and finds herself diverted to the royal castle, the most dangerous place she could be. Is hiding possible when the two Alexander princes both covet her?
Ok, so it's a fairly standard YA fantasy staple of the hidden gifted in a land of injustice. Where Wintersea excels, however, is in the characterisation of its feisty heroine and the two princes, who couldn't be more different.
Pageturning fun with an unusual ending that leaves you crying out for book 2 without being a cliffhanger.
Five stars because I read it through in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ok, so it's a fairly standard YA fantasy staple of the hidden gifted in a land of injustice. Where Wintersea excels, however, is in the characterisation of its feisty heroine and the two princes, who couldn't be more different.
Pageturning fun with an unusual ending that leaves you crying out for book 2 without being a cliffhanger.
Five stars because I read it through in two days and thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 3, 2024
I read the first page and I was immediately hooked. I have not been so drawn into a book since Acotar. A young girl runs away from her family because she’s hiding a huge secret - then meets not one but TWO princes in the forest… naturally I’m obsessed.
“Quinn’s eyes darted to where Rowan rode, her hair unbound and tumbling down her back like sunshine.”
LIKE SUNSHINE, ARE YOU KIDDING!!! I absolutely eat this stuff up 😭
As the story evolves, it takes on a more powerful message of identity and courage and we follow Rowan who tries to break away from the societal expectations of women in her journey of self discovery (and self preservation)
“Over educated twit she was. Thought she could choose her own destiny.”
“Quinn wasn’t sure anyone knew what to make of her. People weren’t accustomed to a woman who could shoot a bow and had the bravery to take on a Woodsmen.”
I love love loved the brother vs brother dynamic, and I love that Quinn ultimately came through as the underdog. It reminds me of that first love innocence when everyone is so shy experiencing love for the first time - I loved the tension and the slow build of this romance.
“She focused her eyes and saw him above her, like a beacon of light in a storm. She gripped his arm, sure that if she let go, he would vanish.”
The plot twist in the middle KILLED me with the pov from the queen, I was soooo excited for where this was all going….
….but then it didn’t really continue to lift off like I hoped. I’m a patient gal and I love a slow burn but the story peaked after that twist and then I thought there would be moreeeee... but there just wasn't.
Yes I know, I know. She did kill the bad guy after getting kidnapped and found a way to get to Wintersea which is pretty epic. But I feel like compared to the start of the book, the ending was just a bit rushed. This is why I ended up on the 3 stars.
There is a book 2 and obvs I need to find out what happens. Would I recommend this book??? I think so??? There is so much potential for this story, I prayyy book 2 gives me everything I’m after.
Plz enjoy some of my fave quotes - Liz did throw in some killer lines that just had me clutching my chest
“Quinn sucked in a breath. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I don’t know if it’s love.’ But what, besides love, could tear such a big hole in his chest?”
“Words escaped her. She was sitting on a bench in the dark, with a man. A man who could command her to do whatever he wanted her to do. A man who was both beautiful and intimidating. A man who she couldn’t help but admire and couldn’t help fear. The man who would have killed if he knew what she was.”
“For four years, she had lived in fear - since the first time she had felt her power. But she didn’t know why. She didn’t understand. Because her power had just saved the life of a mother and child and somehow, people feared her.”
Sooo goood.
“Quinn’s eyes darted to where Rowan rode, her hair unbound and tumbling down her back like sunshine.”
LIKE SUNSHINE, ARE YOU KIDDING!!! I absolutely eat this stuff up 😭
As the story evolves, it takes on a more powerful message of identity and courage and we follow Rowan who tries to break away from the societal expectations of women in her journey of self discovery (and self preservation)
“Over educated twit she was. Thought she could choose her own destiny.”
“Quinn wasn’t sure anyone knew what to make of her. People weren’t accustomed to a woman who could shoot a bow and had the bravery to take on a Woodsmen.”
I love love loved the brother vs brother dynamic, and I love that Quinn ultimately came through as the underdog. It reminds me of that first love innocence when everyone is so shy experiencing love for the first time - I loved the tension and the slow build of this romance.
“She focused her eyes and saw him above her, like a beacon of light in a storm. She gripped his arm, sure that if she let go, he would vanish.”
The plot twist in the middle KILLED me with the pov from the queen, I was soooo excited for where this was all going….
….but then it didn’t really continue to lift off like I hoped. I’m a patient gal and I love a slow burn but the story peaked after that twist and then I thought there would be moreeeee... but there just wasn't.
Yes I know, I know. She did kill the bad guy after getting kidnapped and found a way to get to Wintersea which is pretty epic. But I feel like compared to the start of the book, the ending was just a bit rushed. This is why I ended up on the 3 stars.
There is a book 2 and obvs I need to find out what happens. Would I recommend this book??? I think so??? There is so much potential for this story, I prayyy book 2 gives me everything I’m after.
Plz enjoy some of my fave quotes - Liz did throw in some killer lines that just had me clutching my chest
“Quinn sucked in a breath. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘I don’t know if it’s love.’ But what, besides love, could tear such a big hole in his chest?”
“Words escaped her. She was sitting on a bench in the dark, with a man. A man who could command her to do whatever he wanted her to do. A man who was both beautiful and intimidating. A man who she couldn’t help but admire and couldn’t help fear. The man who would have killed if he knew what she was.”
“For four years, she had lived in fear - since the first time she had felt her power. But she didn’t know why. She didn’t understand. Because her power had just saved the life of a mother and child and somehow, people feared her.”
Sooo goood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
I went into this thinking that it was a stand alone, however later found out it is the first in a series. I ended up rating this a 3.5.
Whilst this book was easy to read, I also found it east to put down too. The world building was good, and I though that the reasons for magic being banned in the kingdom was interesting. I liked that it was something that had to be uncovered along the way as it had been covered up. The magic system was ok but one I have read before with healers, elementals, intuits etc. The book moved along at a medium pace and although there was action, the fights seemed to be over quickly.
I liked the FMC and MMC and the relationship dynamics they have. I though there was a good amount of character development for both of them throughout the book. It would have been great to have a bit more for some of the side characters like Prince Adrian and also the King to understand their characters a little better, but perhaps that will come in later books. I thought that the ending was an interesting choice as well, not quite a cliff-hanger but not what I was expecting either.
This was a solid YA fantasy read with forbidden romance. It was just missing something for me, which left me feeling a little underwhelmed in the end.
Whilst this book was easy to read, I also found it east to put down too. The world building was good, and I though that the reasons for magic being banned in the kingdom was interesting. I liked that it was something that had to be uncovered along the way as it had been covered up. The magic system was ok but one I have read before with healers, elementals, intuits etc. The book moved along at a medium pace and although there was action, the fights seemed to be over quickly.
I liked the FMC and MMC and the relationship dynamics they have. I though there was a good amount of character development for both of them throughout the book. It would have been great to have a bit more for some of the side characters like Prince Adrian and also the King to understand their characters a little better, but perhaps that will come in later books. I thought that the ending was an interesting choice as well, not quite a cliff-hanger but not what I was expecting either.
This was a solid YA fantasy read with forbidden romance. It was just missing something for me, which left me feeling a little underwhelmed in the end.
November 17, 2025
What a beautiful fantasy tale that feels like diving back into fairytales of my youth.
While it was a little predictable, it made for the perfect pre-bedtime read.
I love Rowan as a female protagonist, relatable in her quest to protect those she loves no matter the cost. And the introduction of Quinn as a male who isn’t necessarily physically strong or ‘macho’ was refreshing from the usual alpha-male types that appear in fantasy reads.
An exciting read, that had me ensuring a second book existed as I neared the end, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who longs for the forest, the seas, or perhaps the secrets of the mountains 😉
While it was a little predictable, it made for the perfect pre-bedtime read.
I love Rowan as a female protagonist, relatable in her quest to protect those she loves no matter the cost. And the introduction of Quinn as a male who isn’t necessarily physically strong or ‘macho’ was refreshing from the usual alpha-male types that appear in fantasy reads.
An exciting read, that had me ensuring a second book existed as I neared the end, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who longs for the forest, the seas, or perhaps the secrets of the mountains 😉
August 28, 2022
The world Liz created in this book is just mezmerizing. Rowan and Quinn is such a great character; strong build up of both side- and- lead characters. The slowburn affection between Rowan and Quinn is almost painful but Liz gave such sweet moment for these two before venturing to their path, separately but together if that even make sense.
It's no cliffhanger ending but the beginning of a greater story will definitely hunt me until the 2nd book is out.
It's no cliffhanger ending but the beginning of a greater story will definitely hunt me until the 2nd book is out.
October 10, 2025
This book is amazing if you want a good read that you can’t keep your eyes of then this is the one for you. The authors writing technique is makes it so I could imagine being in the book. This book has twists and turns, romance, mystery, secrets, and an addicting plot. If you like fantasy with a little bit of thriller then this is the book for you. (If you’ve read this book then read the second it’s called valendi.)
-Your fellow book reader
-Your fellow book reader
July 2, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I enjoyed the book because the characters were loveable, the journey was hard and described well and the book had me getting lost in its pages.
I think that sometimes the characters make decisions that are reckless, but I think that those kinds of characters can make a story better. I hope that everyone reads this book!
I think that sometimes the characters make decisions that are reckless, but I think that those kinds of characters can make a story better. I hope that everyone reads this book!
November 21, 2024
Really great world building, and loved the main character. Not a spicy read, but there is definitely a love story. It is a bit of a tear jerker at one point, but a fantastic read. I would love to continue to see where the adventure continues. Absolutely recommend.
June 11, 2024
Booking a flight to Edinburgh as we speak (s/o to Maia for the rec)
New working theory that my husband will be Scottish
New working theory that my husband will be Scottish
November 12, 2024
Great elements of magic, world building and a dash of romance. Looking forward to the 2nd book in the series!
March 8, 2025
A really lovely book about a lonely girl looking for family and throw in a bit of magic and some cool history!
March 29, 2025
This felt refreshing to me & I loved some of the cozy vibes from it. I definitely will be reading the second!
June 3, 2025
Excellent!
August 17, 2024
Such an amazing series! I'm just getting into fantasy and this is one of the few books that have left me wanting to read more. I couldn't put it down and am crossing my fingers there's more to come! 🤞🏼
September 21, 2022
Today would have been the best day of Rowan's life, if she were normal. Her heart would have been full of love and hope and belonging. But instead, she was running away.
So begins the adventure. Wintersea is a great fantasy read with all the elements that fantasy lovers adore. We get treacherous forests that are beautiful and magical. We get forbidden magic, healing, sword fights, archery, mysterious and brutal woodsmen, royalty, and sweet, slow-burn romance.
The pacing is just right for high fantasy, the characters are excellent and the descriptions delightful. I loved it all.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens to Rowan and Quinn and, of course, the whole kingdom.
So begins the adventure. Wintersea is a great fantasy read with all the elements that fantasy lovers adore. We get treacherous forests that are beautiful and magical. We get forbidden magic, healing, sword fights, archery, mysterious and brutal woodsmen, royalty, and sweet, slow-burn romance.
The pacing is just right for high fantasy, the characters are excellent and the descriptions delightful. I loved it all.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens to Rowan and Quinn and, of course, the whole kingdom.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews