A Beast as Dark as Night

The Winter Souls #4

by Jennifer Kropf

Once, there was the Truth, which shone as pure as Gold.

Then, came a Beast, who devoured Winter's lights.

'Twas Gold versus Poison
Darkness versus Light
King versus Beast
Day verses Night

A Beast as Dark as Night is the epic finale to The Winter Souls Series, a Christmas themed collection with holiday myths and folklore. Ideal for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms by Meredith Rusu and Ashleigh Powell.

Praise for the Winter Souls Series:

"Wow, I loved this book! It was gripping, fast paced, and full of action, yet not lacking in heart. Highly recommend for young YA readers upwards."- USA Today
Bestselling author Alice Ivinya

"It’s the Chronicles of Narnia meets Harry Potter. This fantastic winter tale is the perfect blend of classic portal fantasy and the magic world co-existing with our own. It’s a beautiful reminder of what is truly important in life."- USA Today Bestselling author Astrid V. J.

"Fans of Chronicles of Narnia will be thrilled with this new wintery adventure!"- Nikki Mitchell, author of Nightshade Forest “Whimsical, action-packed, clean, and completely immersive.”- Goodreads Review

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Young Adult, Christmas, Fiction, Romantasy, Christian Fiction

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 24, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Kropf spent her college years bored to death (nearly) in marketing and advertising classes, and graduated only to discover once and for all that her true passion is telling stories. She lives amidst lush Ontario farmland with her husband and three kids, reads obsessively, and writes even more obsessively. She thinks tea is gross and coffee is great and secretly wishes Peter Pan will show up on some cool summer evening and ask if she wants to visit Neverland.

Reviews

[R M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Souls series is so well written you will be compelled to join the adventure! I cannot give anything away but fans of Jennifer Kropf will not be disappointed! Your heart is going to feel this one though be prepared! Have snacks and drinks by your side you’ll be up all night finishing this one you cannot put down!

[Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope] · Rating 3 out of 5]

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Well, that book was a whirlwind and so much happened that I’m not sure I understand it all. But the ending was very good! I was just so ready for Helen and Zane to finally be together…haha! Overall, this was a very interesting series unlike anything I’ve ever read or will probably read. I really liked the Christian allegory parts and the winter/Christmas vibes. I did like it. I just wish it wasn’t so confusing. I didn’t appreciate some of the language she used as well. It could have been better.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Never underestimate a prayer spoken into the midnight hush.”

Epic. Truly, epic.🥹

I didn’t realize when I started this series that the power of prayer would be a theme, but, wow, I am glad it was. Kropf addresses it poignantly, powerfully, and ethereally. She even addresses a factor of prayer I have often pondered, that being the fact that God is outside of the constraints of time, so prayer must work backward, not just forward. “Time is a tricky thing.” (My paraphrase, if not a direct quote.)

And, wow, the climax!! Revelation, anyone??😍 Stirring and gripping. Highly recommended!!

If anyone remembers my concern about not loving the relationship between Zane and Helen, that, imo, gets 🚨🚨spoiler warning🚨🚨 resolved well, but you need to be willing to wait for it and ride a rocky road for a bit. I still don’t love the course of their relationship, but it ends well, for the most part.

[Astrid V.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this fantastic ending to the Winter Souls series. Kropf masterfully brings everything together, stays true to her characters and provides us with a brilliant conclusion filled with quotable moments and food for thought.

I loved the Narnia vibes in this series. The portal fantasy aspect was so nostalgic and the Christian allegory is beautifully done. I also adored how this series starts and ends with a prayer. It's simply beautiful.

Kropf has matured as a writer over the course of this series. Her writing had always been compelling, and now it's also settled into writing with wonderful turns of phrases that comes alive in your mind. I cannot wait to see what more this wonderful author will offer us. Hopefully more set in the world of Winter 🤞

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying 😭😭😭😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥹
RTC 😭😭😭😭😭

[sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

ja nemam rijeci koje bi opisale koliko je ova serija knjiga dobra i koliko mi se svidjela znaci savrsena je i tako mi je zao sto sam zavrsila jer vec znam da nema nijedne knjige koja moze biti ovoliko dobra
zane i helen su mi jedni od fave book characters ikad i bas sam sretna sto su imali tako sretan i kjut kraj ill miss them smsm 😭😭

[Anita Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book and this series!

[Ellerim Namhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The missions, the nightmares, it’s all…over

[Mary Grace Kroef · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Never underestimate a prayer spoken into the midnight hush." - A line that made me cry. -

When a world has lost hope the skies of Winter are polluted with ash, and Hope marks its emissary. Must this emissary lose everything while fulfilling her role?

I enjoyed the twists in this last book of four. To find a spark in characters that were once dark, to have our heroes face the shadows that linger inside of themselves because none of them is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, it's beautiful.

When I finished I was in tears. Happy tears and sad tears mix like Apple's dark and milk chocolates. I can't wait to see what stories Kropf has for the world next.

[Racheal Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to receive an arc copy of this book and once again, Jennifer has outdone herself. With it being the last book in the series, I don’t want to give anything away but if you haven’t started this series, I HIGHLY recommend it ❤️ This book and the series alone is full of magic, adventure, myths & legends and a warm Christmas feeling that its perfect for the holidays! Got book worms that love to read?! Even young adults? This is the PERFECT series to gift 🎄❤️

[TheBookLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book for an honest review. This is the final book of the series and I'm so sad it ended. This series was a whirlwind of magic and adventure. This is a series will I be reading again.

[Addy-Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rtc

[Mildly Mad Hatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was literally crying at the end. This book was so good and the ending! I love how it ended for almost all the characters, especially Helen and Zane. I wish there was more! Highly recommend!!!

[Rachel Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I demand more!
Really, I need the novella collection and everything.
I don’t know where to begin on this review. Let me start by saying “THANK YOU” for ending the series in a sensible, funny, and delightful way. There was closure for everybody and a sprinkle or three for things that could come.
As a whole, so much happens in this series. It’s a whole domino effect which I love. This series is epic. The allegory is stunning. I love how Kropf weaves in Biblical truths and Biblical stories. I saw so many correlations that made me excited because I can relate to knowing these things. Elowin is such a great role model. I thoroughly enjoyed the sprinkle of hope and truth. So many things spoke to me and make me want to come back to this world.
All the side characters were stupendous. They had great purpose, and I loved so many. Driar, Cane, Scarlet, Emily, and Apple are just a few of my favorites.
Kaley and Lucas. What a crazy duo. Lucas was HILARIOUS! I loved his snarky sarcasm and witty remarks. Kaley was way more calm and encouraging. I liked that she played such a big part, but didn’t overrule Helen.
JOLLY CHEAT! Eeeeee, k, it’s gonna sound weird if you haven’t read this book, but oh my wow! I really grew to love him in this book. So much about him was charming and delightful. Hehe, and the one little thing at the end…I can see a novella…
Zane. My poor dude. I was going to punch him at the beginning, but he had his reasons. He was hurting! I loved him so much. Then he finally did the thing and left behind his past. So good. He was a joy to watch grow and understand him more. I really just love him and think he’s a splendid character.
Helen. The reason we are gathered here today. She is the star. My heart goes out not only to her but to those who have ever felt like they were in her position. She was the hopebringer in this story. A carrier of truth. She held on until she no longer could. That’s when Elowin stepped in. Sweet Helen. She handled everything so well. So powerful and strong.
I’m almost tearing up writing this review. I did tear up in the book. I absolutely must read this series again. So much beauty and grace.

Content: violence (semi-detailed), two-maybe three kisses (lightly detailed), winter magic (it’s a stunning allegory

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kroph does it again with the fourth and final book of the Winter Souls series. Entertaining, twisting story lines, friends and foes, traitors and spies, and food. So much food! Mostly sweets, but oh, the entire series begs for hot cocoa and other tasty treats.

Helen finds herself back in the world of Winter, where things have gone from bad to worse. She searches to discover what exactly her role is in returning, and once she finds it, she is able to (mostly) latch on to it and not let go of her purpose. Which is a nice parallel to our real world experiences where we can discover what we're meant to do and sometimes we get waylaid, but there's almost always one person who will come alongside to remind us of who we are. Even as our enemy reminds us of all our failures, our failures don't have to define who we become.

I highly recommend this series for entertainment value as well as allegorical value. I wouldn't read it to very small children, but upper elementary certainly could enjoy this well-told winter tale. There's something in it for every reader - battles, books, foods, touch of romance, war, strategy, hope, despair, healing, second chances, redemption, courage.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[✨️Maggie Wagner ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 🌟 easily but I need some time to think abt my review 😅 its gonna be VERY long


im trying to think of a way to describe this series the way it deserves to be describe but I honestly cant think of any words to do so. this book series DEFINITELY took me on an emotional roller-coaster but it was probably the best emotional roller-coaster EVER! one of my friends recommend me a book and I went upstairs bc my mom had said that she had that book and that i shld try to look for it. so I went upstairs and found that book and then just grabbed a bunch of other books for absolutely no reason at all. one of them being A Soul As Cold As Frost. my mom has had that book for over 6 years and I've come across that book over 6 years and everytime I look at it I thought to myself "wow, that looks incredibly stupid." crazy!! ik! but as I was taking it downstairs I set it on my nightstand and I was like man! I wanna read! and I looked over and it was sitting there. dont ask me why I reached for THAT book when the book is actually went up stairs for was right there but I completely ignored it. so I cracked up the book and said what the heck! and I read the first chapter. and I thought huh that wasn't half bad!! and then I read the next chapter, then the next and pretty soon I was in Winter, a wonderful whimsical world! I was fighting evil, i was meeting new people! I was having the time of my life! when I realized we didnt have the second book i was like TO THE LIBRARY WE GO!!!!!!! and as soon as I got the second one i was overjoyed as I entered the magical land of Winter for the second time! and the second is easily my favorite!!!! with all the lovely new characters and all the NOT so lovely characters... I was having actually jaw-dropping moments! I was crying, i was squealing I was biting my nails!! this book was SO real to me it felt like I was really there!! when the second book ended i immediately jumped into the third book! sad at how short it was but also never looked up until it ended! the third one was very good! it took meonce again to my most favorite place to escape to!! I was learning all these new things and getting more background from favorite characters of mine!! but all at the same time it was dark and made me worried but also made me squeal with delight and give me butterflies! have you ever heard of a book giving complete opposite feelings at the same time?!? and finally as I cracked open the fourth and final book of the series as i stifled a sob knowing that my world of Winter would soon end. the 4th book scooped me up as quick as a lightning strike! I was gasping and crying and laughing out loud. pretty much all in the same chapter!! I was swooning at how well Jennifer Kropf wrote the romance!! my heart was actually broken in the final book but the pay off was like no other!! and soon it was time for the last battle... it felt like I was there fighting along side my friends! I completely forgot that the real world existed for about 2 hours!!! and with the best ending ever, i closed the final book with happy tears! I soon realized that the wonderful incredible amazing author of this fantastic book series has another series! and you can imagine my excitement when I realized that Winter was NOT quite done with me yet!!

ya, none the less yall shld totes read this series!! Thank you so so so much Jennifer Kropf for making this practically perfect series!! and prompts to whoever read all the way to the bottom of this review!!! pls go read this series and give it all the hype and attention it deserves!!!! pls pls pls!!!!

[Claire🎀✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ okok I liked this but not how Zane like ditched Helen and that rly annoyed me. And the part at the end when Elowin (idk how to spell his name lol) was a lion I was like this is literally Narnia. But the ending was great and also there were a lot of characters it was hard to keep straight.

[antonelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ono očekivala sam malo više, još uvijek sam uživala ali nije kao ostale knjige

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did it have to end? It’s such a good book, I loved it and will encourage others to read it!

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad that this series is over 🥺

I enjoyed this book but I don't think it's as strong as others in the series.

There is a shift in the tone of this book, compared to the others in the series. Ee come back to Winter and everything's changed for the worse and people have given up hope. It made me sad to learn how bad things had gotten while Helen was away, because I have grown to love Winter's magic and characters. However it set the stakes for the story had me believing in the cause.

I really enjoyed the bigger mix of Trite world and Winter. I Loved loved loved seeing Zane in our world pretending to be normal and being his usual show off self in the coffee shop!

And Jolly Cheat got redemption arc! Did I understand it? No! Do I care? No! His character is just so fun that I loved seeing his bigger involvement in the story. I also really ship him and Emily! She is the perfect no-nonsense type character to keep him in line.

Now on to why I didn't give it 5 stars...

Zane makes his feelings clearly known to Helen, but I feel like we never get an insight into Helens feeling about Zane, which is weird because she is the main narrator. Most of the scenes between these two are Zane making declarations and Helen doesn't really say anything about how she feels back to him. Obviously it's implied that she loves him too, I just wish we saw her express her feelings or had more conversation flow between her and Zane in this book.

The final battle and Helen's role in defeating Nightflesh didn't make sense to me. Helen literally sat back and watched Elowin's army do the work, but I thought she was the only one who could defeat Nightflesh? I was expecting a face off between her and Nightflesh, also I was expecting Helen to at least meet and speak to Elowin but alas... I do hate battle scenes so I am relieved that I didn't have to sit through a massive chapters long battle.

Those things considered, I do still love this series. The atmosphere, world and feeling of this series has solidly made it a favourite of mine. And I am delighted that we got a happily ever after!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was so much fun to read! It's a great clean fantasy that can be enjoyed by anyone.

The author did a great job with creating a new world and making me wish I could actually visit it and try all the chocolates and hot cocoa!
The story had a great message filled with drama, action, comedy, and love. The last half of this book definitely had me worried and I didn't want to put the book down until I knew how it all ended. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

I'll definitely miss reading about these characters but I look forward to whatever books the author releases in the future!!

[Stina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series. I know part of that is because it has a lot of my favorite elements. Fantasy, a huge world to explore with myths and history, dynamic characters, allegory and on and on. Please keep writing Jennifer!!! I am a fan😍

[Em Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book of the series by far, and beautifully finished! The way the author wrapped everything together is why this is a 5 star review for me! LOVED the ending!

[Amanda Cook]

Oh my goodness!!! So good, highly recommend the series!

[Kjb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

First of all the world of Winter is magnificent! I really would like to have a door in my closet to winter (please?)!
Time is not linear in this book, and I absolutely agree with that concept (as I think so for myself;), so you can always get me with that.
The characters are vulnerable, struggling, failing, losing hope... We - or at least I - can often strongly relate to that. And they keep going. Jennifer Kropf has a talent for writing that exact moment down, when you just want to shut the door to a world that's not very kind and you find yourself struggling to hold on to hope, yet not really willing to give it up. These were the moments for me, which made the book great.

Why not 5 stars?
Just a few constructive thoughts;
Obviously I ship Zane and Helen, but sometimes their relationship can be a liiiiiiiiiittle bit toxic. I would have loved to read an honest and open conversation between these two, also one 'I love you' - or three - wouldn't have hurt anybody - we need more people and folk who can say 'I love you' ;)
The story was fast-paced and far from boring. It would have been nice to have some scenes who were just a little slower and maybe more 'detailed', where the characters - for example--had more time to talk.
The ending was quite abrupt. It didn't make sense to me, why the Helen and her friends had to leave winter 5 minutes after the battle. After reuniting with Winston, and speaking of - why is Winston appointed to be what he is in the end? And why couldn't we have a walk through the new winter? And: why was Helen so important after all? I like the idea that she is 'nothing special', but is actually someone special and is important. But really, why the glowing symbols if she never gets what they really do? Why does she have to be the last carrier? What does she do as the last carrier? Why she? She literally did just one thing in the beginning of the book, but then just kept failing. That's not really encouraging after all. Even in the end she did nothing which would justify the fuss about her...and remember that not-so-linear-time-ting I mentioned? I don't understand the last battle at all.. Was the message that you can't do anything, but God can? Then he should have been fighting and not his army. Or that we don't understand everything he does (I don't like it when people say that, it's just an easy way out of the conversation..) but that would have been really random with what happened in that battle...

Well, that are just my thoughts. And although there are a few things I didn't understand, it was a magical, unique journey I really enjoyed and will recommend to everybody and I surely will read the series again a time or three;)

Thank you Mrs Kropf for these winter-Christmas books, I will definitely read your next books and am looking forward to your new series:)

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! This. Book. Was. So. GOOD!!!
I think I could cry. That ending was so beautiful. Somehow Jennifer Kropf ripped my heart all apart and pieced it back together again. She wrote the Gospel into a fantasy story so well that I can hardly believe it's real.
The way that she captured Christ's victory was so amazing, and the way she wrote about prayer. I love how Helen and Zane and all of the others realized they could no longer defeat the enemy on their own. I love how this book reminded me that I am never alone, and the God who created the entire universe is on His believer's side. The way that this book captured the end times made me so happy and hopeful for the future, which is no small feat for a christian fantasy.
Zane and Helen's relationship was so great! I definitely need a book about them and their future kids 🤣 And the way that she brought light into the end of the story made me laugh and smile :) Kropf spun so many fantastic stories, and still kept the glory and power of the Gospel front and center through it all. I was still confused at some parts, (I need a character list lol). But this was by far my favorite in the series. Highly highly recommend.
This book reminded me of a few verses in the hymn in Christ Alone.

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

[M.H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. The prose is poetic, yet crisp. The visuals are stunning. The formatting is lovely. Add to that a lot of profound moments, memorable characters, and heartbreaking sacrifice, and it’s one that sticks with you long after you reach the end.

I do wish I liked Helen’s character more. I can appreciate her struggles, but felt that her victories were unearned, and her role was a bit…abstract. Others in the story pulled more weight and made fewer blunders. Her mistakes felt too numerous and inappropriate at times, all simply to further the plot. And honestly, I couldn’t quite define her personality by the end—or how she grew—which feels like a gaping hole and a missed opportunity.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s a lot in this series that’s worth the read (like Zane). The faith portrayed herein is beautiful. Many of the characters are lovable (Jolly Cheat stands out in the best way in this book!). The final battle is very reminiscent of Narnia.

I’ve determined that I’m not a huge fan of allegory. It’s a bit too on the nose for me. Still, this series was worth the read for the little nuggets of wisdom and those delightful characters who fill its pages. Readers who enjoy faith-filled stories with heart and hope will certainly relish many facets of this Christmassy ride.

[Heather Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I don't want this series to end. The Winter Souls series brought me joy and everything I love about winter all in the form of books. Jennifer did an amazing job catching the essence of winter and Christmas and even the naming of characters and towns warmed my heart.

It has been an amazing journey watching Helen grow up to be this powerful, strong, brave and still somehow clumsy woman. She has gone through so much in these books, but she still came out strong in the end. All of her troubles have made her stronger and wiser. Even when Zane broke her heart she got back up and didn't let that stop her. Now Zane, poor Zane. We knew he was a snow pirate and had a questionable past with a mother who never loved him but damn I wasn't expecting that heartbreak. To read all he went through, and all his mother put him through I don't blame him for abandoning her I would've done the same thing. I'm really happy to see Winston develop into a character I can enjoy now. He was very hard on Helen and giving him this position was the best choice for him. To give his life meaning and the same with Kaley. She found her something that brings her joy as well that is fitting for her.

Even though this series sent me through a series of emotions I loved it all the same. I definitely can see myself rereading this series and recommending it to anyone who wants a fantasy winter read. Thank you, Jennifer Kropf for an ARC copy of A Beast as Dark as Night. This series brought me comfort that even after a long exhausting workday I was excited to read and learn about Helen's journey. I do think we need a few spin off series or a novella just to see what happens afterwards.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. I can't believe it's over. Not just the book but the series (unless the author is going to surprise us down the road!? hint hint). This has been one wild ride, fantastic journey, and I highly recommend to everyone. Narnia fans dive into this Winter Series that will knock your socks off.

Once again Kropf has kept me on my toes, given an amazing adventure and penned a world that I never want to leave. It's magical. Breathtaking. Fun. And so much more. It's not just for Christmas time. It's for any time. Like when it's 90 degrees in summer and you want to cool off - read this series. When it's a snowy day and you want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket, read this series.

I cannot wait to see what Kropf has next. She is on my watch list and I am anxiously awaiting to see what kind of creative worlds she'll take me to next. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paige Kleinsasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to see this series come to an end. Thoroughly enjoyed the entire Winter Souls series and this final book did not disappoint. Kropf definitely improved as a writer throughout the series and tied everything from the series together beautifully. Great to read any time of year but was such a fun addition to this winter / advent season for me!