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A Series of Four Seasons #1
True Winter
A cursed artifact. A hidden war. A brotherhood built on blood and betrayal.
Five hundred years ago, the Chains of Peter vanished—relics so dangerous they can shatter a soul or save it.
Now, the chains have resurfaced in Mobile, Alabama, and the House of David—a secret society sworn to contain cursed artifacts—is hunting them down. Leading the charge is Judge Eden Dowler—ruthless, loyal, and haunted by the sins of his past.
Eden has a plan: recruit his estranged half-brother Orion Bachman, the perfect candidate for the House—smart, strong, and unbroken. Convince Orion to join, and the chains are as good as theirs.
But the House of David isn’t the only one after the chains. A shadowy enemy called Seditio will stop at nothing to claim the artifact for themselves, even if it means tearing Eden’s family apart.
As the lines between protection and corruption blur, Eden must face an impossible choice: Will he guard his brother’s soul, or forge him into a weapon for a war that may never end?
True Winter ignites A Series of Four Seasons—a relentless blend of urban fantasy and psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and James Rollins.
Enter the hidden war. Claim the relic—or be destroyed by it.
Five hundred years ago, the Chains of Peter vanished—relics so dangerous they can shatter a soul or save it.
Now, the chains have resurfaced in Mobile, Alabama, and the House of David—a secret society sworn to contain cursed artifacts—is hunting them down. Leading the charge is Judge Eden Dowler—ruthless, loyal, and haunted by the sins of his past.
Eden has a plan: recruit his estranged half-brother Orion Bachman, the perfect candidate for the House—smart, strong, and unbroken. Convince Orion to join, and the chains are as good as theirs.
But the House of David isn’t the only one after the chains. A shadowy enemy called Seditio will stop at nothing to claim the artifact for themselves, even if it means tearing Eden’s family apart.
As the lines between protection and corruption blur, Eden must face an impossible choice: Will he guard his brother’s soul, or forge him into a weapon for a war that may never end?
True Winter ignites A Series of Four Seasons—a relentless blend of urban fantasy and psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and James Rollins.
Enter the hidden war. Claim the relic—or be destroyed by it.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2022
35 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Q.K. Petty
5 books28 followersQ.K. Petty was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1990. He graduated from the University of Alabama where he ran track and also played football. He had to quit playing sports in college due to him being diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. He writes thrilling, exploration stories which focus on the deeper meaning behind life’s challenges and the special unique qualities that humans even across cultures share.
Instagram: @qkpvault
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Instagram: @qkpvault
Facebook:/bamajumper
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 28, 2024
I love it when I find a book that sucks me in and the world around me disappears. This book was amazing, from start to finish. Eden belongs to the House of David, an organization that searches for ancient artifacts with mystical powers. When he is sent on a mission to recover the lost Chains of Peter, he discovers his half-brother Orion. He soon recruits Orion to the cause.
Together they fight against the sinister group called Seditio, a group that is trying to find the artifacts first. But as they work to recover the lost artifacts, Eden begins to question the purposes behind the House of David and his loyalty to it. And did he make a mistake in recruiting his brother to fight for its cause?
The plot was very fast-paced, intense and at times dark and disturbing. But it was oh so good! I loved it and can't wait to start the next book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
Together they fight against the sinister group called Seditio, a group that is trying to find the artifacts first. But as they work to recover the lost artifacts, Eden begins to question the purposes behind the House of David and his loyalty to it. And did he make a mistake in recruiting his brother to fight for its cause?
The plot was very fast-paced, intense and at times dark and disturbing. But it was oh so good! I loved it and can't wait to start the next book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
November 14, 2022
Oh boy! I loved this!
What doesn't this book have? It's got a mean, brooding protagonist called The Grim Reaper, it's got an impressionable and idiotic newbie, it's got psychopaths galore and it takes you on a breakneck adventure. Seriously, what's not to love.
I'm going to have to stick to a basic storyline because anything else and I'll start giving away the whole plot or the end and I wouldn't want to ruin that pleasure for you.
So The House of David is an organisation that destroys cults who grow up around religious artefacts. On the opposing side us an organisation called Seditio who, pretty much, do the opposite.
We meet Eden Dowler (aka The Grim Reaper, whose weapon of choice is a scythe called True Winter). Eden is almost alone in the world except for one half brother (Orion) who he decides to recruit into The House of David to fight for good.
What follows is an absolutely breathtaking hurtle across continents to find more artefacts, all the while Orion is learning his trade.
That's a basic overview but what QK Petty actually gives us is something akin to Indiana Jones on acid. It's truly excellent. I loved the characters even though I'd have cheerfully thrown Orion through a window if he'd not been a fictional character. QK Petty does not overdo his descriptions but the sparseness of description just lets your imagination work wonders.
I am bowled over by this book and the only question I have is: when is the next instalment out? I can't hold my breath for too long so I hope its soon.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys fast paced drama, great characters and the ability to leave a reader utterly breathless. And I haven't even describe the baddies who are uncompromisingly evil.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What doesn't this book have? It's got a mean, brooding protagonist called The Grim Reaper, it's got an impressionable and idiotic newbie, it's got psychopaths galore and it takes you on a breakneck adventure. Seriously, what's not to love.
I'm going to have to stick to a basic storyline because anything else and I'll start giving away the whole plot or the end and I wouldn't want to ruin that pleasure for you.
So The House of David is an organisation that destroys cults who grow up around religious artefacts. On the opposing side us an organisation called Seditio who, pretty much, do the opposite.
We meet Eden Dowler (aka The Grim Reaper, whose weapon of choice is a scythe called True Winter). Eden is almost alone in the world except for one half brother (Orion) who he decides to recruit into The House of David to fight for good.
What follows is an absolutely breathtaking hurtle across continents to find more artefacts, all the while Orion is learning his trade.
That's a basic overview but what QK Petty actually gives us is something akin to Indiana Jones on acid. It's truly excellent. I loved the characters even though I'd have cheerfully thrown Orion through a window if he'd not been a fictional character. QK Petty does not overdo his descriptions but the sparseness of description just lets your imagination work wonders.
I am bowled over by this book and the only question I have is: when is the next instalment out? I can't hold my breath for too long so I hope its soon.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys fast paced drama, great characters and the ability to leave a reader utterly breathless. And I haven't even describe the baddies who are uncompromisingly evil.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2024
True Winter is one of the best books I have read to date! I'm not sure what genre I'd catergorize it in - it's a mixture of many. It is a thrilling, creative fantasy with historical fiction incorporation, along with an occult theme and a bit of psychological drama - needless to say, it is very unique and captivating!
The action starts from the prologue, where we are introduced to the story of the Chains of Peter. That is the first of many powerful ancient artifacts in this book, all being very dangerous if they end up in the wrong hands. Following the prologue, we meet Eden, a judge of the House of David, but best known as the Grim Reaper. Eden is in Mobile, Alabama, in search of the Chains of Peter. Instead, he finds his half-brother, Orion. Orion is the opposite of Peter in almost every way, except for the fact that he is not bothered when he witnesses Eden slaughter many men with his bear hands (and his scythe, True Winter). The House of David's purpose is to keep all religious ancient artifacts out of the hands of the evil cult, Seditio, and ultimately take down the cult. Welding Series Four weapons (True Winter, Sweet Fall, Dark Summer, and Indigo Spring), and having the protection of artifacts such as the Finger of God, which prevents one from dying and promotes rapid healing, the House of David judges and acolytes set out to find most dangerous members of Seditio- Whiteface and Mary. Along the way, they face several unexpected challenges and twists, many being from within their own house (of David).
True Winter is a fast-paced read, with a strong, intense plot and wonderful world-building. This is my first Q.K Petty read, and he has such a way of writing, one that will suck you in completely. The characters and storyline were solid throughout, and I appreciated the levels of intensity throughout the book. There are several dark and disturbing parts, but also many action-packed areas as well as more tender moments (Eden's self-discovery journey, Orion's loss, etc). I did guess who the leader of Seditio was fairly early on in the read, however it didn't ruin the book for me. Instead, it had me looking forward to the next book in this series even more because boy, is this character twisted! 5 stars, hands down!
Thank you NetGalley and Q.K Petty for this outstanding read!
The action starts from the prologue, where we are introduced to the story of the Chains of Peter. That is the first of many powerful ancient artifacts in this book, all being very dangerous if they end up in the wrong hands. Following the prologue, we meet Eden, a judge of the House of David, but best known as the Grim Reaper. Eden is in Mobile, Alabama, in search of the Chains of Peter. Instead, he finds his half-brother, Orion. Orion is the opposite of Peter in almost every way, except for the fact that he is not bothered when he witnesses Eden slaughter many men with his bear hands (and his scythe, True Winter). The House of David's purpose is to keep all religious ancient artifacts out of the hands of the evil cult, Seditio, and ultimately take down the cult. Welding Series Four weapons (True Winter, Sweet Fall, Dark Summer, and Indigo Spring), and having the protection of artifacts such as the Finger of God, which prevents one from dying and promotes rapid healing, the House of David judges and acolytes set out to find most dangerous members of Seditio- Whiteface and Mary. Along the way, they face several unexpected challenges and twists, many being from within their own house (of David).
True Winter is a fast-paced read, with a strong, intense plot and wonderful world-building. This is my first Q.K Petty read, and he has such a way of writing, one that will suck you in completely. The characters and storyline were solid throughout, and I appreciated the levels of intensity throughout the book. There are several dark and disturbing parts, but also many action-packed areas as well as more tender moments (Eden's self-discovery journey, Orion's loss, etc). I did guess who the leader of Seditio was fairly early on in the read, however it didn't ruin the book for me. Instead, it had me looking forward to the next book in this series even more because boy, is this character twisted! 5 stars, hands down!
Thank you NetGalley and Q.K Petty for this outstanding read!
June 20, 2023
I received this book via NetGalley as a review copy.
I wanted to start this off by saying that when I read the initial preview of the book, I was pretty interested, but by about page 40, I was hooked. For a book that's just at the 300 page mark, I'm always a little leery of it simply because I've seen instances where the story and characters do not have enough time to really breathe and form their own presence to stand on their own. This book is not one of those books. From the start, you are engaged with Eden Dowler, and for the core characters, there's history, personality, and a big dose of development despite the page count.
With the story, itself, it's very fast paced, but not fast where things get left behind. There's a core story, and it really sticks to it, but without the pages and pages of description. Q.K. Petty does a great job setting each scene, and when the action slows, it's slowing to prep you for the next action scene by delivering exposition and backstory. My only drawback was the ending, and it's very very minor. To avoid spoilers, I felt like it kind of dulled the investment of a character's involvement, but at the heart, it didn't lose the sharp cut that comes from the final paragraph.
I definitely enjoyed the book, and knowing that he's working on a second one called Indigo Spring, I'll definitely be on the look out to read more into this series. I'm definitely looking forward to what Q.K. Petty has to offer for the future.
I wanted to start this off by saying that when I read the initial preview of the book, I was pretty interested, but by about page 40, I was hooked. For a book that's just at the 300 page mark, I'm always a little leery of it simply because I've seen instances where the story and characters do not have enough time to really breathe and form their own presence to stand on their own. This book is not one of those books. From the start, you are engaged with Eden Dowler, and for the core characters, there's history, personality, and a big dose of development despite the page count.
With the story, itself, it's very fast paced, but not fast where things get left behind. There's a core story, and it really sticks to it, but without the pages and pages of description. Q.K. Petty does a great job setting each scene, and when the action slows, it's slowing to prep you for the next action scene by delivering exposition and backstory. My only drawback was the ending, and it's very very minor. To avoid spoilers, I felt like it kind of dulled the investment of a character's involvement, but at the heart, it didn't lose the sharp cut that comes from the final paragraph.
I definitely enjoyed the book, and knowing that he's working on a second one called Indigo Spring, I'll definitely be on the look out to read more into this series. I'm definitely looking forward to what Q.K. Petty has to offer for the future.
November 3, 2022
Every once in a while I read a book (or series) that transports me to a totally new place that I never even thought existed in a genre I would usually not read. The last one I can think of is the Red Rising Saga. True Winter is that kind of book. I am not even sure what genre it fits in, but it's the story of a group called the House of David that hunts down Biblical artifacts that can wreak havoc in the wrong hands. But this is no National Treasure/ Indiana Jones saga. This is a dark, violent battle between good and evil that grabbed me from page one. And if you are willing to accept a couple of coincidences, you are in for an amazing ride clear to the finish. I cannot wait for book two and I truly hope all four books are this amazing!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2024
Q.K. Petty brings his characters to like from the very beginning. His character development is exceptional. True Winter is a fast paced story that gets the details right. Intense, dark, disturbing and adventurous with characters that you will love and many you will love to hate. The plot twists will give you whip lash! I can’t wait to read the sequel, Indigo Spring.
January 4, 2023
I did not know what to except with this book but I am truly blown away. It kept me on the edge of my seat and when I thought I had figured it out, it took me in a whole different direction. It was disturbing in the best ways possible. I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
December 21, 2022
Fascinating story at the crosslines of genres. Quite unlike anything I've ever read. Can't wait for the next book!
December 25, 2022
I really loved this book! It’s not one I would have normally gravitated towards (typically I like true crime or sappy romance), but this book was really good! Excited to read the rest of the series!
September 6, 2024
I feel that I need to say this. This was such a good book. The writing was totally amazing. Oh my gosh! I was hooked and I was delighted. No one was more surprised than myself. That goes to show, you should never judge a book by its cover. I love the action. The dry humor was on time. The plot twist was out of this world, I gotcha kinda of a thing. The characters are kind of crazy, but that makes them likable, well except the villains. Whiteface is a trip. The only thing I can say is run. Poor Eden has handle so many things, while at the same time protect his younger brother. Together the brothers dominate the book by working together to save the world. The book is very is detailed. The writer did a phenomenal job with explaining the suspense and or plot to the reader. The story moves at a medium pace without boring the reader. I enjoyed the book immensely.
August 23, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.
What a fast-paced and action-packed ride! From the prologue to the first few chapters, the stakes are immediately clear and you are tied to Eden Dowler’s background, journey, and goals. This book has so many intersecting genres, but when that is done well, it stands out beyond all other books, and this one was no doubt done well! There is fantasy, of course, but also some undercurrents of horror and historical fiction, as well as a heavy dose of adventure and action-packed thrills. I love novels that cross genres like this but still have a clear plot, and this one no doubt did. Another thing I love is dark books, and boy does this book get dark! In addition to deadly artifacts, there are tons of fight scenes and true explorations of good vs. evil, religion and cults.
Eden comes from a dark past, recruited by the House of David when he was only thirteen and in a very vulnerable position. Since then, he has become hardened, but he still bears the wounds of his past and the traumatic things he has had to do as an agent of the House of David. He also has his own moral conflicts to the job he has to do, which he copes with however he can, though maybe not always successfully. When he is sent out on an mission to retrieve the Chains of Peter, an incredibly deadly artifact, he becomes entangled in the life of his half-brother, the wealthy son of the family who just might be hiding them. Orion on the surface has everything going for him, but a glimpse into his life and we realize it isn’t quite as perfect as we think. Orion also becomes entangled with Eden, and the House of David, as well as with the life Eden leads. The two are vastly different and there is some tension because of it, but they end up working together when Eden recruits Orion to the House of David. So many of the characters in this book are fantastic. Even Phoebe, who initially annoyed me, was just such an interesting character who I wanted to follow. And let’s say say, it’s worth it to follow her character, and it is bound to end in shocks. And the villain, Whiteface, was so well written. When I give a book five stars, nine times out of ten you can bet it is partially because the villain was written so well. The Whiteface we see here is menacing, and a formidable opponent, and that is what makes him such an excellent bad guy. He’s also completely unhinged. Some of his moments reminded me a little of the Joker which is completely a compliment. You never knew what he was going to do or how much worse he could get. And man, he could get worse! Then, later, you realize the truth behind it all… and while I’ll stop myself here because the twist is incredible, let’s just say I need to read the next books.
Fair warning, this book is graphic. There are intense torture scenes and there is no shying away from blood and gore. It’s intense, scary, and yet it especially goes to show just how vile Whiteface is. The choices he makes, or tries to make, Orion make shows both his own skewed set of morals and also illuminates Orion’s. I have to say, if I’d been in that situation, I would have easily chosen to protect my family. I think it solidified Orion’s character and his morals, even if I didn’t particularly align with them, but that’s what makes him and the others such interesting characters. And Whiteface’s take on Orion’s righteousness was great. I loved how even in the midst of gore, action, and huge stakes, there was still commentary about what morality means, about how even those like Orion who truly do care for others still have a thread of selfishness… ugh! It was all written so well! And Orion goes absolutely feral after. That revenge was done so well. And then, you realize who the true, ultimate villain is?
None of the characters in this book are perfect. They’re all deeply flawed, morally skewed, and broken. They change, they do horrible things, and yet they are so raw and real that it is hard to not like them in their own way. The reason why I consider myself a fan of darker novels are because they ask big and hard questions, about humanity, the world, corruption, evil, all of it, and they don’t shy away from the hard answers too. True Winter does exactly this. It’s not an easy read, but it isn’t supposed to be. It’s unpredictable, twisted, dark, gritty, and yet at the same time, almost existential in the questions it poses about morality, choice, and so much more. For this reason, I am very eager to read the next books in the series. Because that ending was enough to make me need to jump into the next!
What a fast-paced and action-packed ride! From the prologue to the first few chapters, the stakes are immediately clear and you are tied to Eden Dowler’s background, journey, and goals. This book has so many intersecting genres, but when that is done well, it stands out beyond all other books, and this one was no doubt done well! There is fantasy, of course, but also some undercurrents of horror and historical fiction, as well as a heavy dose of adventure and action-packed thrills. I love novels that cross genres like this but still have a clear plot, and this one no doubt did. Another thing I love is dark books, and boy does this book get dark! In addition to deadly artifacts, there are tons of fight scenes and true explorations of good vs. evil, religion and cults.
Eden comes from a dark past, recruited by the House of David when he was only thirteen and in a very vulnerable position. Since then, he has become hardened, but he still bears the wounds of his past and the traumatic things he has had to do as an agent of the House of David. He also has his own moral conflicts to the job he has to do, which he copes with however he can, though maybe not always successfully. When he is sent out on an mission to retrieve the Chains of Peter, an incredibly deadly artifact, he becomes entangled in the life of his half-brother, the wealthy son of the family who just might be hiding them. Orion on the surface has everything going for him, but a glimpse into his life and we realize it isn’t quite as perfect as we think. Orion also becomes entangled with Eden, and the House of David, as well as with the life Eden leads. The two are vastly different and there is some tension because of it, but they end up working together when Eden recruits Orion to the House of David. So many of the characters in this book are fantastic. Even Phoebe, who initially annoyed me, was just such an interesting character who I wanted to follow. And let’s say say, it’s worth it to follow her character, and it is bound to end in shocks. And the villain, Whiteface, was so well written. When I give a book five stars, nine times out of ten you can bet it is partially because the villain was written so well. The Whiteface we see here is menacing, and a formidable opponent, and that is what makes him such an excellent bad guy. He’s also completely unhinged. Some of his moments reminded me a little of the Joker which is completely a compliment. You never knew what he was going to do or how much worse he could get. And man, he could get worse! Then, later, you realize the truth behind it all… and while I’ll stop myself here because the twist is incredible, let’s just say I need to read the next books.
Fair warning, this book is graphic. There are intense torture scenes and there is no shying away from blood and gore. It’s intense, scary, and yet it especially goes to show just how vile Whiteface is. The choices he makes, or tries to make, Orion make shows both his own skewed set of morals and also illuminates Orion’s. I have to say, if I’d been in that situation, I would have easily chosen to protect my family. I think it solidified Orion’s character and his morals, even if I didn’t particularly align with them, but that’s what makes him and the others such interesting characters. And Whiteface’s take on Orion’s righteousness was great. I loved how even in the midst of gore, action, and huge stakes, there was still commentary about what morality means, about how even those like Orion who truly do care for others still have a thread of selfishness… ugh! It was all written so well! And Orion goes absolutely feral after. That revenge was done so well. And then, you realize who the true, ultimate villain is?
None of the characters in this book are perfect. They’re all deeply flawed, morally skewed, and broken. They change, they do horrible things, and yet they are so raw and real that it is hard to not like them in their own way. The reason why I consider myself a fan of darker novels are because they ask big and hard questions, about humanity, the world, corruption, evil, all of it, and they don’t shy away from the hard answers too. True Winter does exactly this. It’s not an easy read, but it isn’t supposed to be. It’s unpredictable, twisted, dark, gritty, and yet at the same time, almost existential in the questions it poses about morality, choice, and so much more. For this reason, I am very eager to read the next books in the series. Because that ending was enough to make me need to jump into the next!
July 19, 2023
Kniha mě zaujala zajímavým příběhem, který je mixem Indiana Jonese a seriálu Knihovníci. Hledání pro lidstvo nebezpečných artefaktů, co mají moc lidstvu pomoci, ale zároveň jej zničit? Organizace, jenž se snaží zabránit zničení světa, aniž by o tom svět věděl? Dva bratři, kteří se neznají, s naprosto rozdílným životem a životními hodnotami? Tohle vás rozhodně vtáhne užd od samotného začátku.
A díky střídáním pohledů dvou hlavních hrdinů si autor dokáže udržet vaši pozornost celou polovinu knihy. Společně s Orionem se snažíte přijít na to, o co vlastně jde a jestli by se vypjaté situace nedaly řešit jinak než násilím. Naopak Eden postupem času začíná pochybovat o tom, jestli je jeho organizace opravdu tak neomylná, anebo už zašla příliš daleko, aby dosáhla svých cílů. Postupně s oběma hrdiny odkrýváte daleko zamotanější příběh, než by se zprvu zdálo.
Jenže v polovině se začne děj lámat a některé zvraty se dějí až příliš náhle, nelogicky a mnohdy až příliš krutě. Příběh by si totiž zasloužil delší a podrobnější vyprávění a rozplátní, než náhlý sled několika děsivých a dramatických událostí. Občas jsem měla problém se zorientovat v tom, co a proč se vlastně děje.
Jediné, co mě na příběhu mrzí, je naprostá změna Oriona, kterého jsem si ze všech postav oblíbila nejvíc. Ten největší zvrat příběhu se dá docela dobře odhadnout už od poloviny knihy, přesto mě samotný závěr docela překvapil. A za to si kniha zaslouží 4 hvězdičky s tím, že jsem velice zvědavá, co nás čeká dál.
Recenzní výtisk byl poskytnut nakladatelem díky NetGalley.
----------Reakce po dočtení knihy------
Zbytecne uspechane a prekombinovane. Lehce odhadnutelny plot twist. Hvezda navic jen zaten konec.
A díky střídáním pohledů dvou hlavních hrdinů si autor dokáže udržet vaši pozornost celou polovinu knihy. Společně s Orionem se snažíte přijít na to, o co vlastně jde a jestli by se vypjaté situace nedaly řešit jinak než násilím. Naopak Eden postupem času začíná pochybovat o tom, jestli je jeho organizace opravdu tak neomylná, anebo už zašla příliš daleko, aby dosáhla svých cílů. Postupně s oběma hrdiny odkrýváte daleko zamotanější příběh, než by se zprvu zdálo.
Jenže v polovině se začne děj lámat a některé zvraty se dějí až příliš náhle, nelogicky a mnohdy až příliš krutě. Příběh by si totiž zasloužil delší a podrobnější vyprávění a rozplátní, než náhlý sled několika děsivých a dramatických událostí. Občas jsem měla problém se zorientovat v tom, co a proč se vlastně děje.
Jediné, co mě na příběhu mrzí, je naprostá změna Oriona, kterého jsem si ze všech postav oblíbila nejvíc. Ten největší zvrat příběhu se dá docela dobře odhadnout už od poloviny knihy, přesto mě samotný závěr docela překvapil. A za to si kniha zaslouží 4 hvězdičky s tím, že jsem velice zvědavá, co nás čeká dál.
Recenzní výtisk byl poskytnut nakladatelem díky NetGalley.
----------Reakce po dočtení knihy------
Zbytecne uspechane a prekombinovane. Lehce odhadnutelny plot twist. Hvezda navic jen zaten konec.
April 25, 2024
Dive into the chilly world of ‘True Winter’ by Q K Petty! ❄️
This book is like a secret adventure playground buried beneath everyday life. Imagine a deadly artifact called the Chains of Peter resurfacing in Mobile, Alabama, and the House of David, this super-secret organization, sending its top agent to retrieve it. 😱
But here’s the twist: the agent, Eden Dowler, thinks his own family, the wealthy Bachmans, are hiding the chains. And guess what? His estranged half-brother, Orion, is one of them! Talk about family drama, right? Eden’s plan? Convince Orion to join the House of David. Simple, huh? Except for the fact that another shady group, Seditio, is determined to stop them at any cost. 💥
As the action heats up and the blood starts flowing, Eden starts questioning everything he thought he knew about the House. Meanwhile, Orion’s wondering if he should’ve trusted his brother in the first place. Should Eden toughen him up for the fight, or shield him from the darkness? ‘True Winter’ is a rollercoaster of suspense, loyalty, and betrayal that’ll keep you hooked until the very end. Grab a cozy blanket and get ready for a wild ride! 📖✨
This book is like a secret adventure playground buried beneath everyday life. Imagine a deadly artifact called the Chains of Peter resurfacing in Mobile, Alabama, and the House of David, this super-secret organization, sending its top agent to retrieve it. 😱
But here’s the twist: the agent, Eden Dowler, thinks his own family, the wealthy Bachmans, are hiding the chains. And guess what? His estranged half-brother, Orion, is one of them! Talk about family drama, right? Eden’s plan? Convince Orion to join the House of David. Simple, huh? Except for the fact that another shady group, Seditio, is determined to stop them at any cost. 💥
As the action heats up and the blood starts flowing, Eden starts questioning everything he thought he knew about the House. Meanwhile, Orion’s wondering if he should’ve trusted his brother in the first place. Should Eden toughen him up for the fight, or shield him from the darkness? ‘True Winter’ is a rollercoaster of suspense, loyalty, and betrayal that’ll keep you hooked until the very end. Grab a cozy blanket and get ready for a wild ride! 📖✨
January 10, 2023
"Never create a monster you aren't able to contain."
This book was such a journey, it is definitely a genre bender and so refreshing in that sense.
Loved not knowing what to expect or where the story was going.
Loved the genre bending to include a little bit of something for everyone.
And I get so excited to research other subjects mentioned or connected to the story, this did a great job of bringing new things to my attention to learn about.
I think what kept me from the 5th star is that sometimes I wasn't fully invested during slow story building time (ex: on the ship), and I do have more questions. But I'll have to wait for the next book! (Which I am very much looking forward to.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens!
This book was such a journey, it is definitely a genre bender and so refreshing in that sense.
Loved not knowing what to expect or where the story was going.
Loved the genre bending to include a little bit of something for everyone.
And I get so excited to research other subjects mentioned or connected to the story, this did a great job of bringing new things to my attention to learn about.
I think what kept me from the 5th star is that sometimes I wasn't fully invested during slow story building time (ex: on the ship), and I do have more questions. But I'll have to wait for the next book! (Which I am very much looking forward to.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Booksirens!
May 1, 2024
True Winter is one of the best books I've read recently, from the diverse great characters to the religious artefacts and plot twist.
The story is fast paced, Q.K. Petty's writing style pulled me in quickly with the intense action and amazing interactions between friends, enemies and family.
Not shying away from disturbing scenes and writing a villain who stays a villain through it all, it's the found family bonds between broken people that shine.
I adored the broken and quirky characters most of all, my favorite being the main character, Eden.
Overall I will certainly continue this series, it's a refreshing take on religious politics, artefacts, organizations and cults, set in a kind of urban fantasy.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
#TrueWinter #QKPetty #NetGalley
The story is fast paced, Q.K. Petty's writing style pulled me in quickly with the intense action and amazing interactions between friends, enemies and family.
Not shying away from disturbing scenes and writing a villain who stays a villain through it all, it's the found family bonds between broken people that shine.
I adored the broken and quirky characters most of all, my favorite being the main character, Eden.
Overall I will certainly continue this series, it's a refreshing take on religious politics, artefacts, organizations and cults, set in a kind of urban fantasy.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
#TrueWinter #QKPetty #NetGalley
July 31, 2023
Okay hold on.
What even just happened?! That was so incredible! This story was gripping right out of the gate, and kept the intensity going long after the first few pages. True Winter follows the relationship between two brothers, Eden & Orion, as they try to obtain the Chains of Peter without becoming part of their bloody history.
This story is part mystery, part thriller, and all fire. The plot moves quickly and deftly, keeping readers guessing between pages. Nothing is reliable and everything changes constantly. The characters are as endearing as they are lethal, and you haven't even met conflicted until you've met these two.
I already can't wait for book 2: Indigo Spring to become available!
What even just happened?! That was so incredible! This story was gripping right out of the gate, and kept the intensity going long after the first few pages. True Winter follows the relationship between two brothers, Eden & Orion, as they try to obtain the Chains of Peter without becoming part of their bloody history.
This story is part mystery, part thriller, and all fire. The plot moves quickly and deftly, keeping readers guessing between pages. Nothing is reliable and everything changes constantly. The characters are as endearing as they are lethal, and you haven't even met conflicted until you've met these two.
I already can't wait for book 2: Indigo Spring to become available!
November 14, 2022
True Winter is an action-packed thriller which will keep you invested with the story. They compelling characters and the psychopath villains will keep you in your seats. The main character Eden is such a complex character with many layers. Whiteface is a villain that will give you nightmares for months. I don't know genre this book fits in but it could go into many. It has some comparison to James Rollins Sigma Force series but a lot darker.
April 15, 2024
Supernatural Splendor
In a world where chaos and order are constantly battling, 'True Winter' unfolds as a unique tale of supernatural characters. With its gruesome action and unexpected twists, this story is truly unforgettable. The authors skillful character development adds depth to the already gripping plot, making readers invested in the characters' fates. Orion and Whiteface gory standoff had me at the edge of my seat. In the end, Orion would truly choose his faith!
In a world where chaos and order are constantly battling, 'True Winter' unfolds as a unique tale of supernatural characters. With its gruesome action and unexpected twists, this story is truly unforgettable. The authors skillful character development adds depth to the already gripping plot, making readers invested in the characters' fates. Orion and Whiteface gory standoff had me at the edge of my seat. In the end, Orion would truly choose his faith!
June 30, 2025
What a wild ride
Imagine being sucked into a religious power struggle you didn't know existed. You get both the perspective the unsuspecting person thrown in the middle of it and the person responsible for getting hin in the middle of it. There is action, fighting, and mystery.
*If you are at all sensitive to the talk or description of torture, death or cult sacrifice I wouldn't recommend this.
Imagine being sucked into a religious power struggle you didn't know existed. You get both the perspective the unsuspecting person thrown in the middle of it and the person responsible for getting hin in the middle of it. There is action, fighting, and mystery.
*If you are at all sensitive to the talk or description of torture, death or cult sacrifice I wouldn't recommend this.
June 10, 2024
Oh, what a fun ride it was. It was way darker and more disturbing than I thought it would be.
But it had so interesting plot. I loved the characters and it had really good character development.
It was one of those books where it sucked me in and hold my breath because I had no idea where the story is going.
I don't want to say anything else. It's a short book. 299pages. But it was very well done.
But it had so interesting plot. I loved the characters and it had really good character development.
It was one of those books where it sucked me in and hold my breath because I had no idea where the story is going.
I don't want to say anything else. It's a short book. 299pages. But it was very well done.
November 16, 2024
4/5 stars! This was a cool take on the historical fiction genre. This felt like a mix between The DaVinci Code and The Mummy and I enjoyed it a lot. The pacing was strong and I was swept away by the book. I finished it in two sittings and wanted more.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
December 7, 2022
A fantastic tale of warriors who hunt down sacred relics of saints- these relics can cause great harm in the wrong hands. A new recruit is added to the team. Perfect for Dan Brown fans.
September 23, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Quentin Petty for access to this arc in exchange for my honest review.
I'm sorry to say that this book was not my cup of tea. It felt more supernatural/fantasy than horror/ mystery/thriller. That being said, I liked the writing style, it just was not my genre.
I'm sorry to say that this book was not my cup of tea. It felt more supernatural/fantasy than horror/ mystery/thriller. That being said, I liked the writing style, it just was not my genre.
February 26, 2025
I knew I was in for a wild ride from the very first page of True Winter, and QK Petty more than delivers on that promise. Imagine Indiana Jones on a dose of adrenaline, clashing with secret societies and ancient artifacts that hold power way beyond our mortal comprehension—then throw in two estranged half-brothers, one of whom is literally called The Grim Reaper (Eden Dowler) and wields a scythe named True Winter. You can practically feel the sparks flying.
On one side, there’s the House of David, an organization specializing in hunting down dangerous relics before the wrong people can twist them into doomsday devices. On the other side is Seditio, a sinister band itching to exploit these mysterious artifacts at any cost. The tension is relentless: Petty wastes no time whisking readers from one high-stakes conflict to another, rendering fight scenes with a crisp clarity that leaves you breathless. The fact that Eden’s weapon of choice is a scythe only elevates the cinematic grit—hello, talk about intense.
Beneath all the swashbuckling action, though, the heart of the novel beats with the turbulent but tender relationship between Eden and his half-brother, Orion. I found myself rooting for them through every betrayal, rescue, and near-death experience, which is a testament to how well Petty builds character even amid the breakneck plot. Their bond provides the emotional anchor in a story that’s otherwise stuffed with conspiracies, masked killers, and a sense of looming global doom. Yet, there are also moments of dark humor—the kind that hits you like an unexpected punch line in an old cathedral at midnight.
If I have any quibble, it’s that the pace can sometimes rocket forward so fast you barely get a chance to breathe. But whenever I did get a moment to catch my breath, I actually appreciated the slower, introspective beats, letting the world’s tension simmer just beneath the surface. After all, if you want to appreciate how close doom might be, it helps to pause and look over your shoulder now and then.
All told, True Winter is the kind of adventure that’ll thrill fans of puzzle-box mysteries, epic showdowns, and larger-than-life heroes (or antiheroes) who’d rather swing a legendary scythe first and ask questions later. Petty’s writing hits that sweet spot between inventive wit and edge-of-your-seat action. And yes, I’m already waiting—impatiently—for the next installment. Because once you’ve had a taste of Eden’s world, it’s impossible not to want more.
On one side, there’s the House of David, an organization specializing in hunting down dangerous relics before the wrong people can twist them into doomsday devices. On the other side is Seditio, a sinister band itching to exploit these mysterious artifacts at any cost. The tension is relentless: Petty wastes no time whisking readers from one high-stakes conflict to another, rendering fight scenes with a crisp clarity that leaves you breathless. The fact that Eden’s weapon of choice is a scythe only elevates the cinematic grit—hello, talk about intense.
Beneath all the swashbuckling action, though, the heart of the novel beats with the turbulent but tender relationship between Eden and his half-brother, Orion. I found myself rooting for them through every betrayal, rescue, and near-death experience, which is a testament to how well Petty builds character even amid the breakneck plot. Their bond provides the emotional anchor in a story that’s otherwise stuffed with conspiracies, masked killers, and a sense of looming global doom. Yet, there are also moments of dark humor—the kind that hits you like an unexpected punch line in an old cathedral at midnight.
If I have any quibble, it’s that the pace can sometimes rocket forward so fast you barely get a chance to breathe. But whenever I did get a moment to catch my breath, I actually appreciated the slower, introspective beats, letting the world’s tension simmer just beneath the surface. After all, if you want to appreciate how close doom might be, it helps to pause and look over your shoulder now and then.
All told, True Winter is the kind of adventure that’ll thrill fans of puzzle-box mysteries, epic showdowns, and larger-than-life heroes (or antiheroes) who’d rather swing a legendary scythe first and ask questions later. Petty’s writing hits that sweet spot between inventive wit and edge-of-your-seat action. And yes, I’m already waiting—impatiently—for the next installment. Because once you’ve had a taste of Eden’s world, it’s impossible not to want more.
July 10, 2023
If I were to give this book a subtitle, it would be ‘How to argue philosophy and religion in the worst possible circumstances!’ True Winter by Q.K. Petty is a story I don’t know how to feel about. To dissect it completely I would have to spoil it and I don’t generally do that in reviews. I will however spoil one thing that will serve as a content warning; this book contains very graphic on page depictions of physical and psychological torture. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book and it had no content warning for this, I hope the actual book does have one and I will be honest, if I had known going in that there would be multiple chapters of torture, I would not have chosen to read the book.
Now that I have however, I have to try to formulate a fair review even if this is far from a normal read for me. The book is well written, the prose is uncomplicated and though there are things I would like more or less of, that’s more a matter of taste. It is a well-paced and interesting story, the two main characters are worth reading about, though I feel Eden’s character arc was less well defined than his brothers. I felt something was missing from Eden’s story, he switched gears too quickly for me to truly understand the why behind it. Orion’s story was very well written though, him I understood perfectly. The side characters were unique enough to make me wonder about them and I liked that. The world building was also an intriguing sci-fantasy mix of religious cults and miracles you could see under a microscope.
The plot of the book carried me along nicely though I could see exactly where it was going and to the authors credit, the ending made it clear that the events were never meant to be mysterious, the story was far more about the why of what happened than what actually happened. My slight sense of dissatisfaction comes from the way certain themes were argued. It is clear from the events of the story that the author was trying to show all sides of an argument without picking one as superior; unfortunately, the nature of the action and characters didn’t allow for all points to be equally highlighted so the end result to me feels more negative than it should. If this is sounding very vague it’s because it is truly difficult to address my feelings on this book without spoilers.
If you like action, religious mystery, a story to make you think and you don’t mind graphic violence, this is probably a good pick for you.
Now that I have however, I have to try to formulate a fair review even if this is far from a normal read for me. The book is well written, the prose is uncomplicated and though there are things I would like more or less of, that’s more a matter of taste. It is a well-paced and interesting story, the two main characters are worth reading about, though I feel Eden’s character arc was less well defined than his brothers. I felt something was missing from Eden’s story, he switched gears too quickly for me to truly understand the why behind it. Orion’s story was very well written though, him I understood perfectly. The side characters were unique enough to make me wonder about them and I liked that. The world building was also an intriguing sci-fantasy mix of religious cults and miracles you could see under a microscope.
The plot of the book carried me along nicely though I could see exactly where it was going and to the authors credit, the ending made it clear that the events were never meant to be mysterious, the story was far more about the why of what happened than what actually happened. My slight sense of dissatisfaction comes from the way certain themes were argued. It is clear from the events of the story that the author was trying to show all sides of an argument without picking one as superior; unfortunately, the nature of the action and characters didn’t allow for all points to be equally highlighted so the end result to me feels more negative than it should. If this is sounding very vague it’s because it is truly difficult to address my feelings on this book without spoilers.
If you like action, religious mystery, a story to make you think and you don’t mind graphic violence, this is probably a good pick for you.
August 3, 2025
Q.K. Petty’s True Winter is the rare urban-fantasy thriller that remembers a simple, uncomfortable truth: monsters aren’t just out there; they’re in us. On the surface, it’s a sleek chase through secret orders, cursed relics, and knife-edge confrontations. Underneath, it’s a personal reckoning—an intimate study of fear, how it grips, bargains, and finally lets go when forced to. That dual engine is what makes the book hum.
I clocked the mixed reactions online—some raves, some grumbles—and I’ll say it plainly: a lot of those takes miss the point. If you come to True Winter expecting wall-to-wall quips and bite-sized chapters, you’ll be reading the wrong book. Petty isn’t writing snack food; he’s serving a slow, warming stew. The chapters are long, yes, but they play like episodes in a prestige Netflix series—each with its own arc, a set-piece, and a mean little hook that dares you not to press “Next Episode.”
Our anchor is Eden, a lethal Judge drawn into an artifact hunt that forces him to face what terrifies him most. The world-building has a satisfying, clockwork precision: the House of David and its shadowy rivals, rituals that feel half-museum, half-crime scene, and relics that don’t just explode—they expose. Petty’s prose is clean and cinematic; action is readable (blessedly), and the quieter scenes carry weight. Dialogue snaps without showboating, and when the gloves come off, the consequences bruise.
What I loved most is the emotional honesty. Beneath the lore and the chase, the book keeps circling human choices—what we do to survive the story we tell ourselves. That’s why the “it’s too slow” complaint rings hollow to me; the measured pacing is the point. You’re supposed to sit with these people long enough to feel the thaw.
Are there rough edges? A couple of exposition beats run warm, and a scene or two lingers a breath longer than it needs to. But taken as a whole, True Winter is confident, immersive, and resonant. Think the secret-society intrigue of The Da Vinci Code fused with the character focus of a top-tier streaming drama—less wink, more wound.
Verdict: 4.5/5 but I’ll round up. A bold, absorbing opener that treats fear not as a gimmick but as a map. Let the chapters run long; the journey earns the minutes.
I clocked the mixed reactions online—some raves, some grumbles—and I’ll say it plainly: a lot of those takes miss the point. If you come to True Winter expecting wall-to-wall quips and bite-sized chapters, you’ll be reading the wrong book. Petty isn’t writing snack food; he’s serving a slow, warming stew. The chapters are long, yes, but they play like episodes in a prestige Netflix series—each with its own arc, a set-piece, and a mean little hook that dares you not to press “Next Episode.”
Our anchor is Eden, a lethal Judge drawn into an artifact hunt that forces him to face what terrifies him most. The world-building has a satisfying, clockwork precision: the House of David and its shadowy rivals, rituals that feel half-museum, half-crime scene, and relics that don’t just explode—they expose. Petty’s prose is clean and cinematic; action is readable (blessedly), and the quieter scenes carry weight. Dialogue snaps without showboating, and when the gloves come off, the consequences bruise.
What I loved most is the emotional honesty. Beneath the lore and the chase, the book keeps circling human choices—what we do to survive the story we tell ourselves. That’s why the “it’s too slow” complaint rings hollow to me; the measured pacing is the point. You’re supposed to sit with these people long enough to feel the thaw.
Are there rough edges? A couple of exposition beats run warm, and a scene or two lingers a breath longer than it needs to. But taken as a whole, True Winter is confident, immersive, and resonant. Think the secret-society intrigue of The Da Vinci Code fused with the character focus of a top-tier streaming drama—less wink, more wound.
Verdict: 4.5/5 but I’ll round up. A bold, absorbing opener that treats fear not as a gimmick but as a map. Let the chapters run long; the journey earns the minutes.
June 10, 2025
In True Winter, Q.K. Petty launches readers into an electrifying introduction to his ambitious "Series of Four Seasons." Petty artfully blends ancient mysteries, relentless action, and complex family dynamics, resulting in a thrilling narrative that pulses with intrigue and intensity. At its heart are two estranged half-brothers—Eden and Orion—each embodying starkly contrasting ideals: life and death, hope and despair.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the contemporary Gulf Coast, the novel follows Eden's urgent quest to recruit Orion into the enigmatic House of David, an organization dedicated to securing dangerous artifacts from sinister hands. Their primary target, the ominously powerful Chains of Peter, becomes the epicenter of a deadly race involving the shadowy organization Seditio and their enigmatic leader, Whiteface. Petty brilliantly captures the urgency and stakes of this pursuit, ensuring readers are kept on edge throughout.
What sets Petty's writing apart is his remarkable ability to balance fierce, pulse-pounding action with emotional depth and clarity. His fight scenes are meticulously choreographed and grippingly visceral, yet they never overshadow the intricate relationships or ethical dilemmas his characters face. Eden's pragmatic yet reflective nature provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the relentless pace, offering readers deeper insights into his acceptance of violence as a means to protect those he loves.
Though the narrative sometimes barrels forward at breakneck speed, limiting quieter introspective moments, Petty makes effective use of humor and subtle emotional nuances to keep the story grounded. The evolving bond between the half-brothers is especially compelling, layered with tension, vulnerability, and a promise of richer developments ahead.
True Winter is an exhilarating read, blending the thrill of artifact hunts with thoughtful explorations of familial bonds, duty, and sacrifice. Petty’s debut into this world is impressive, confidently promising even deeper adventures—and perhaps more nuanced emotional resonance—in future installments. A powerful start that leaves readers eager to explore the coming seasons.
Set against the atmospheric backdrop of the contemporary Gulf Coast, the novel follows Eden's urgent quest to recruit Orion into the enigmatic House of David, an organization dedicated to securing dangerous artifacts from sinister hands. Their primary target, the ominously powerful Chains of Peter, becomes the epicenter of a deadly race involving the shadowy organization Seditio and their enigmatic leader, Whiteface. Petty brilliantly captures the urgency and stakes of this pursuit, ensuring readers are kept on edge throughout.
What sets Petty's writing apart is his remarkable ability to balance fierce, pulse-pounding action with emotional depth and clarity. His fight scenes are meticulously choreographed and grippingly visceral, yet they never overshadow the intricate relationships or ethical dilemmas his characters face. Eden's pragmatic yet reflective nature provides a thoughtful counterpoint to the relentless pace, offering readers deeper insights into his acceptance of violence as a means to protect those he loves.
Though the narrative sometimes barrels forward at breakneck speed, limiting quieter introspective moments, Petty makes effective use of humor and subtle emotional nuances to keep the story grounded. The evolving bond between the half-brothers is especially compelling, layered with tension, vulnerability, and a promise of richer developments ahead.
True Winter is an exhilarating read, blending the thrill of artifact hunts with thoughtful explorations of familial bonds, duty, and sacrifice. Petty’s debut into this world is impressive, confidently promising even deeper adventures—and perhaps more nuanced emotional resonance—in future installments. A powerful start that leaves readers eager to explore the coming seasons.
August 1, 2025
I received an early review copy of this book via NetGalley, and I can honestly say that True Winter caught me off guard—in the best possible way.
When I first read the preview, I was intrigued. It had atmosphere, promise, and a tone that hinted at something deeper. But by page 40, I wasn’t just interested—I was completely invested. And that’s rare. Especially for a novel that just crosses the 300-page mark, where sometimes the story or characters don’t have the room they need to breathe. But Q.K. Petty doesn’t waste a single page. This story breathes—with urgency, with emotion, and with purpose.
Eden Dowler, the protagonist, isn’t just someone you follow—she’s someone you root for, someone whose choices carry weight. The supporting cast is no less compelling. There’s a real sense of history and personality in the core characters, and their interactions feel lived-in. Petty doesn’t rely on lengthy exposition or pages of filler to build this world; instead, every scene feels deliberate. Every moment adds something—whether it’s tension, tenderness, or insight into what drives these people forward.
The pacing is swift but never careless. When the action pauses, it does so with intent—to give you a breather, yes, but also to deepen your understanding of what’s really at stake. I never felt lost, never felt rushed. Instead, I felt like I was being guided through something carefully designed to hit both plot and heart.
There’s a sharpness to the prose that I really admire—clean, vivid, but never cold. And while the ending left me with a small sting of disappointment in how one character's arc wrapped up (no spoilers!), it wasn’t enough to dull the overall impact. The final paragraph is a gut punch in the best way—quiet, but unforgettable.
Knowing that Indigo Spring is coming next in the series fills me with excitement. Q.K. Petty has built something here that feels honest and alive, and I can’t wait to see how it grows from season to season.
This book surprised me, moved me, and left me wanting more. Highly recommended for fans of tightly woven fantasy with real emotional stakes.
When I first read the preview, I was intrigued. It had atmosphere, promise, and a tone that hinted at something deeper. But by page 40, I wasn’t just interested—I was completely invested. And that’s rare. Especially for a novel that just crosses the 300-page mark, where sometimes the story or characters don’t have the room they need to breathe. But Q.K. Petty doesn’t waste a single page. This story breathes—with urgency, with emotion, and with purpose.
Eden Dowler, the protagonist, isn’t just someone you follow—she’s someone you root for, someone whose choices carry weight. The supporting cast is no less compelling. There’s a real sense of history and personality in the core characters, and their interactions feel lived-in. Petty doesn’t rely on lengthy exposition or pages of filler to build this world; instead, every scene feels deliberate. Every moment adds something—whether it’s tension, tenderness, or insight into what drives these people forward.
The pacing is swift but never careless. When the action pauses, it does so with intent—to give you a breather, yes, but also to deepen your understanding of what’s really at stake. I never felt lost, never felt rushed. Instead, I felt like I was being guided through something carefully designed to hit both plot and heart.
There’s a sharpness to the prose that I really admire—clean, vivid, but never cold. And while the ending left me with a small sting of disappointment in how one character's arc wrapped up (no spoilers!), it wasn’t enough to dull the overall impact. The final paragraph is a gut punch in the best way—quiet, but unforgettable.
Knowing that Indigo Spring is coming next in the series fills me with excitement. Q.K. Petty has built something here that feels honest and alive, and I can’t wait to see how it grows from season to season.
This book surprised me, moved me, and left me wanting more. Highly recommended for fans of tightly woven fantasy with real emotional stakes.
August 2, 2025
Although the premise of this book sounds super interesting and it has some very original ideas that have a lot of potential to be developed into a great sci-fi series, and although when I started reading this I was looking forward reading all the four books, I'm incredibly disappointed and I won't be continuing this series, in fact I almost DNF around 55% but I wanted to see if the plot itself could at least grant a 2 star rating. It couldn't.
If the premise and some ideas are the best part of this book, to me the worst part are the characters. They all sound super edgy and rude, so they are totally not likable. Being not likable can be okay, so long they are interesting, which they also aren't. Some parts of Eden's backstory can be slightly interesting, and I think that although I don't think he has a proper arc, his development in personality makes the most sense compared to the rest. The worst for me I'd say is Orion. His personality changes at some point and from there it no longer makes sense. It's like a switch when it doesn't really make sense that it's a switch and the things that make that switch change state are quite random. Also, this book shows some serious mental issues that I don't feel were well researched, developed and much less treated with the respect they need and deserve.
The book also contains torture and I'd even say some gore and there is no trigger warning whatsoever. This is worse in my opinion due to the fact that the premise doesn't sound like a dark book necessarily. The plot itself was a bit of a disappointment, I felt it hinted at things only to then go the complete opposite direction. Finally, the writing during the first half of the book feels extremely rushed, what should have been impactful dramatic scenes feel almost like a first quick draft and are empty of life and emotion to me. The second half of the book, or the final part of it, does improve a little in this regard, but I just can't feel any character is a real person, so all interactions are meaningless and I can't care about anyone in this book.
Disclaimer: ARC review, however this is my honest opinion.
If the premise and some ideas are the best part of this book, to me the worst part are the characters. They all sound super edgy and rude, so they are totally not likable. Being not likable can be okay, so long they are interesting, which they also aren't. Some parts of Eden's backstory can be slightly interesting, and I think that although I don't think he has a proper arc, his development in personality makes the most sense compared to the rest. The worst for me I'd say is Orion. His personality changes at some point and from there it no longer makes sense. It's like a switch when it doesn't really make sense that it's a switch and the things that make that switch change state are quite random. Also, this book shows some serious mental issues that I don't feel were well researched, developed and much less treated with the respect they need and deserve.
The book also contains torture and I'd even say some gore and there is no trigger warning whatsoever. This is worse in my opinion due to the fact that the premise doesn't sound like a dark book necessarily. The plot itself was a bit of a disappointment, I felt it hinted at things only to then go the complete opposite direction. Finally, the writing during the first half of the book feels extremely rushed, what should have been impactful dramatic scenes feel almost like a first quick draft and are empty of life and emotion to me. The second half of the book, or the final part of it, does improve a little in this regard, but I just can't feel any character is a real person, so all interactions are meaningless and I can't care about anyone in this book.
Disclaimer: ARC review, however this is my honest opinion.
June 16, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
True Winter by Q.K. Petty is a thrilling and captivating novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in Mobile, Alabama, this story revolves around the search for a dangerous artifact called the Chains of Peter, which was stolen centuries ago.
The House of David, a secret organization dedicated to securing such perilous artifacts, sends its most skilled operative, Judge Eden Dowler, to retrieve the chains. Eden believes that the wealthy Bachman family is hiding them and plans to use his estranged half-brother Orion Bachman as leverage to gain access. With Orion’s loyalty and potential contribution to the House in mind, Eden must protect him from both Seditio, a mysterious counter organization set on preventing their mission, and the dark influence of his own organization.
The book’s cover design shines brilliantly, capturing the very essence of its atmosphere and theme. It adds an irresistible charm to an already captivating tale, adding a delightful layer of allure that is simply impossible to resist.
The plot is excellent with a fast-paced narrative that never loses momentum. The author’s writing style is exceptional; it beautifully captures the intensity and suspense of each moment while immersing readers in an intricate world of secrets and danger. The well-developed characters add depth to the story, making it even more interesting.
True Winter was truly an absolute gem. It captured my attention from start to finish. Its impeccable writing style and perfectly timed plot had me completely engrossed. The cast of captivating characters added a layer of depth and complexity that truly enchanted me. This book is nothing short of extraordinary!
The only downside? Waiting for book two! This book left me eagerly anticipating what happens next in this gripping series. Overall, True Winter is an amazing book that I highly recommend to any fan of thrilling adventures filled with mystery and suspense.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
True Winter by Q.K. Petty is a thrilling and captivating novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in Mobile, Alabama, this story revolves around the search for a dangerous artifact called the Chains of Peter, which was stolen centuries ago.
The House of David, a secret organization dedicated to securing such perilous artifacts, sends its most skilled operative, Judge Eden Dowler, to retrieve the chains. Eden believes that the wealthy Bachman family is hiding them and plans to use his estranged half-brother Orion Bachman as leverage to gain access. With Orion’s loyalty and potential contribution to the House in mind, Eden must protect him from both Seditio, a mysterious counter organization set on preventing their mission, and the dark influence of his own organization.
The book’s cover design shines brilliantly, capturing the very essence of its atmosphere and theme. It adds an irresistible charm to an already captivating tale, adding a delightful layer of allure that is simply impossible to resist.
The plot is excellent with a fast-paced narrative that never loses momentum. The author’s writing style is exceptional; it beautifully captures the intensity and suspense of each moment while immersing readers in an intricate world of secrets and danger. The well-developed characters add depth to the story, making it even more interesting.
True Winter was truly an absolute gem. It captured my attention from start to finish. Its impeccable writing style and perfectly timed plot had me completely engrossed. The cast of captivating characters added a layer of depth and complexity that truly enchanted me. This book is nothing short of extraordinary!
The only downside? Waiting for book two! This book left me eagerly anticipating what happens next in this gripping series. Overall, True Winter is an amazing book that I highly recommend to any fan of thrilling adventures filled with mystery and suspense.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
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