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Wolfsbane Winter
The Iron Wolf mercenaries who guard travelers on the Misery Trail are notorious for their quick and casual sex lives.
Deryn may fit the stereotype better than most, but she has her reasons. A childhood tragedy has left her wary of forming attachments. If you don't care, then you can't get hurt, but you can still make a mess of things—such as the error of judgment that leaves her with no money, forced to spend the winter on a lousy job in a miserable little backwater.
There she meets Alana, local healer, vet, and woman of mystery. It does not take Deryn long to find out that Alana is more than she seems, and has her own perilous secret to keep. Yet Deryn still finds herself falling for the woman, so much so that her come-and-go lifestyle is at risk.
This would be bad enough, but serious trouble arrives for Deryn and Alana in the form of demon magic from the Time of Chaos—revealing that old legends are not merely material for ghost stories around the fire. As the danger increases, who do they need to fear more, they need to fear more, the living or the dead?
Deryn may fit the stereotype better than most, but she has her reasons. A childhood tragedy has left her wary of forming attachments. If you don't care, then you can't get hurt, but you can still make a mess of things—such as the error of judgment that leaves her with no money, forced to spend the winter on a lousy job in a miserable little backwater.
There she meets Alana, local healer, vet, and woman of mystery. It does not take Deryn long to find out that Alana is more than she seems, and has her own perilous secret to keep. Yet Deryn still finds herself falling for the woman, so much so that her come-and-go lifestyle is at risk.
This would be bad enough, but serious trouble arrives for Deryn and Alana in the form of demon magic from the Time of Chaos—revealing that old legends are not merely material for ghost stories around the fire. As the danger increases, who do they need to fear more, they need to fear more, the living or the dead?
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
20 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Jane Fletcher
21 books200 followersJane Fletcher is a GCLS award-winning writer and has also been short-listed for the Gaylactic Spectrum and Lambda Literary awards. She is author of two ongoing sets of fantasy/romance novels: the Celaeno series—The Walls of Westernfort, Rangers at Roadsend, The Temple at Landfall, Dynasty of Rogues, and Shadow of the Knife; and the Lyremouth Chronicles—The Exile and The Sorcerer, The Traitor and The Chalice, The Empress and The Acolyte, and The High Priest and the Idol.
Her love of fantasy began at the age of seven when she encountered Greek Mythology. This was compounded by a childhood spent clambering over every example of ancient masonry she could find (medieval castles, megalithic monuments, Roman villas). Her resolute ambition was to become an archaeologist when she grew up, so it was something of a surprise when she became a software engineer instead.
Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, she now lives in southwest England where she keeps herself busy writing both computer software and fiction, although generally not at the same time.
Her love of fantasy began at the age of seven when she encountered Greek Mythology. This was compounded by a childhood spent clambering over every example of ancient masonry she could find (medieval castles, megalithic monuments, Roman villas). Her resolute ambition was to become an archaeologist when she grew up, so it was something of a surprise when she became a software engineer instead.
Born in Greenwich, London, in 1956, she now lives in southwest England where she keeps herself busy writing both computer software and fiction, although generally not at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 16, 2017
This was a fun book that hit the sweet spot for my listening pleasure while commuting. Heavy on the adventure and just enough romance to be fun, but not so much it's distracting while driving. This is the first Jane Fletcher book I've read. I will definitely be looking forward to reading all her books.
February 27, 2022
2.5. Pretty anti-climiatic.
There's a lot packed in here, but it just never gets utilized.
There's a lot packed in here, but it just never gets utilized.
May 11, 2016
Wolfsbane Winter is mostly a reasonably unremarkable fantastical love story, with some hints that this world is one we should be recognising. Not being great on the geography of the US, I only got some of the most obvious ones, like “Ellaye”, but I think there’s others for the more discerning among us. And then, of course, there’s the fact that this unremarkable fantastical love story is remarkable because of one major thing: both protagonists are women.
If you’re looking for relatively traditional fantasy without the crappy gender roles and homophobia, tahdah, you’ve found it! Women are capable soldiers and scouts, in this world, and are mostly allowed to do it. I think I remember some commentary from some characters that was less happy about it, and maybe some gendered insults, but it’s relatively free of that. The character arcs are fairly traditional too: from a damaged, traumatised child to one who can accept love, or from being broken down by a strange new ability to slowly coming to terms with it… It all feels very traditional, except minus the inevitable Guy Getting The Girl (and there are no kitchen boys who become kings, either, if you want to be really pedantic).
Given that fantasy is relatively devoid of non-straight love stories of any type, it was kind of charming to have a traditional one like this to read. If you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this isn’t it, except that it portrays a world a little more broad-minded than your average medieval fantasy novel. (Which this isn’t quite, see also “Ellaye”, but it feels it.) But it is fun.
Originally posted here.
If you’re looking for relatively traditional fantasy without the crappy gender roles and homophobia, tahdah, you’ve found it! Women are capable soldiers and scouts, in this world, and are mostly allowed to do it. I think I remember some commentary from some characters that was less happy about it, and maybe some gendered insults, but it’s relatively free of that. The character arcs are fairly traditional too: from a damaged, traumatised child to one who can accept love, or from being broken down by a strange new ability to slowly coming to terms with it… It all feels very traditional, except minus the inevitable Guy Getting The Girl (and there are no kitchen boys who become kings, either, if you want to be really pedantic).
Given that fantasy is relatively devoid of non-straight love stories of any type, it was kind of charming to have a traditional one like this to read. If you’re looking for something groundbreaking, this isn’t it, except that it portrays a world a little more broad-minded than your average medieval fantasy novel. (Which this isn’t quite, see also “Ellaye”, but it feels it.) But it is fun.
Originally posted here.
January 3, 2011
“I love fantasy fiction but my special favourite within that genre is epic or ‘high’ fantasy. With its classic modes of good versus evil, questing for rare items or revenge for fallen comrades, although not on a grandiose scale, ‘Wolfsbane Winter’ contains of a measure of each, with the precious ‘gem’ which might be attained: love’s fulfilment.
At times the plotting of the story seemed a trifle forced to me, especially regarding the development of Alana’s early story line. At first, this made Alana seem unworthy of my sympathy because her actions didn’t seem reasonable to my observation. Thankfully, her character gained more definition and gumption as the pages passed, which perhaps was exactly as the author intended.
In contrast, Deryn’s character was much more defined, as were the description of her emotions, actions and surroundings. Witty terms and humour incorporated into the narrative amplified Deryn’s strong character into a full-fleshed, thoughtful and very ‘real’ person who was enchantingly both lonely and self-sufficient.
I felt ‘Wolfsbane Winter’ was carefully crafted and built, yet this in no way inhibited flow and pace. Instead, when certain scenes were eventually played out after being hinted at previously or needs expressed by characters were later fulfilled, it was particularly satisfying. When an author has the ability to make me say, “Aha!”, that’s always a good thing. Also, I particularly enjoyed the writer’s contrasting descriptive phrases which helped me not simply visual a scene, but think and build upon it further in my mind creating greater depth in the narrative.
I know some lovers of fantasy still prefer not to read GLBT specific fantasy fiction, but in the case of this novel, they are doing themselves an enormous disservice. ‘Wolfsbane Winter’ is one of those stories where the author does so very many things well the few minor issues I had were easily dismissed as they truly took nothing away from the entertaining qualities of the whole work of fiction. For lovers of adventurous fantasy with a romance that never feels overdone and characters which make each other better, I recommend this highly enjoyable tale of fantasy.”
At times the plotting of the story seemed a trifle forced to me, especially regarding the development of Alana’s early story line. At first, this made Alana seem unworthy of my sympathy because her actions didn’t seem reasonable to my observation. Thankfully, her character gained more definition and gumption as the pages passed, which perhaps was exactly as the author intended.
In contrast, Deryn’s character was much more defined, as were the description of her emotions, actions and surroundings. Witty terms and humour incorporated into the narrative amplified Deryn’s strong character into a full-fleshed, thoughtful and very ‘real’ person who was enchantingly both lonely and self-sufficient.
I felt ‘Wolfsbane Winter’ was carefully crafted and built, yet this in no way inhibited flow and pace. Instead, when certain scenes were eventually played out after being hinted at previously or needs expressed by characters were later fulfilled, it was particularly satisfying. When an author has the ability to make me say, “Aha!”, that’s always a good thing. Also, I particularly enjoyed the writer’s contrasting descriptive phrases which helped me not simply visual a scene, but think and build upon it further in my mind creating greater depth in the narrative.
I know some lovers of fantasy still prefer not to read GLBT specific fantasy fiction, but in the case of this novel, they are doing themselves an enormous disservice. ‘Wolfsbane Winter’ is one of those stories where the author does so very many things well the few minor issues I had were easily dismissed as they truly took nothing away from the entertaining qualities of the whole work of fiction. For lovers of adventurous fantasy with a romance that never feels overdone and characters which make each other better, I recommend this highly enjoyable tale of fantasy.”
July 28, 2013
um i'm not really sure how i feel about this book.
i want to like it. the magic system is really cool and both charters have the potential to be awesome and complex but instead it mostly feels awkward. it's like you get a lot of information but not about what you want to know. there's too much talking about the same topic. i can't quite put my finger on it.
i am very grateful that there exists lesbian fantasy but i had a hard time getting into this one.
i want to like it. the magic system is really cool and both charters have the potential to be awesome and complex but instead it mostly feels awkward. it's like you get a lot of information but not about what you want to know. there's too much talking about the same topic. i can't quite put my finger on it.
i am very grateful that there exists lesbian fantasy but i had a hard time getting into this one.
April 7, 2013
Really enjoyed this book and the new world that the author has created.
The quality of her writing constantly impresses me and I loved this start to what will hopefully be more from this world.
The quality of her writing constantly impresses me and I loved this start to what will hopefully be more from this world.
December 9, 2014
The story takes a while to get going. Half of the book is spent showing where our main characters, Alana and Deryn, come from. It isn't a bad way to go, as their individual stories are pretty interesting by themselves. Deryn is an Iron Wolf scout, a mercenary. Alana is a noble with the powers of an empath. Both, through their own circumstances, land in the same out-of-the-way settlement for the winter. Despite their best efforts, they start to fall in love, but of course, there's obstacles in the way of their being together.
The plot is fairly basic, and much of the story focuses on Deryn and Alana's blossoming relationship. There isn't really anything to write home about, but it serves as a nice framework for the romance. Jane Fletcher does a nice job writing a story with lesbian protagonists. Often times, you'll get stories that focus on their sexual preference as a conflict--meaning it's either a coming-out story, or it's a woe-is-me-I'm-homosexual tale. In this case, the characters just so happen to be gay. Fletcher establishes that without a lot of hemming-and-hawing and moves on. It's really refreshing.
The story stands well on its own, but I wouldn't mind reading of more adventures from these characters. Overall, Wolfsbane Winter is a great romance fantasy.
The plot is fairly basic, and much of the story focuses on Deryn and Alana's blossoming relationship. There isn't really anything to write home about, but it serves as a nice framework for the romance. Jane Fletcher does a nice job writing a story with lesbian protagonists. Often times, you'll get stories that focus on their sexual preference as a conflict--meaning it's either a coming-out story, or it's a woe-is-me-I'm-homosexual tale. In this case, the characters just so happen to be gay. Fletcher establishes that without a lot of hemming-and-hawing and moves on. It's really refreshing.
The story stands well on its own, but I wouldn't mind reading of more adventures from these characters. Overall, Wolfsbane Winter is a great romance fantasy.
January 1, 2017
I misinterpreted and thought this book was abour weres. Which it is not. ;(
This book is slow paced and i really want to give it a 2 star or something for being a bit boring. But since i know its not that bad for others and because i did manage to finish it. I'll give it a 3 star rating.
............
This book is slow paced and i really want to give it a 2 star or something for being a bit boring. But since i know its not that bad for others and because i did manage to finish it. I'll give it a 3 star rating.
............
April 20, 2017
My first.
I didn't know what I was getting into when I started reading this book. I knew it wasn't my normal genre. But the more I read it the more I came invested in the storyline and the characters. I will be reading more of her books. I would definitely recommend this book.
I didn't know what I was getting into when I started reading this book. I knew it wasn't my normal genre. But the more I read it the more I came invested in the storyline and the characters. I will be reading more of her books. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 16, 2019
25% Wow, the worldbuilding is half-assed, and I do not appreciate the lifting of Lucifer and demons from real-world religion stuff. It's presumably a fictional world in this book, make something up rather than take from real-world sources, please! I never expected to face-palm this hard at a Fletcher book. I liked or loved all her other books, what the hell is this crap?? Everything feels formulaic and predictable.
31-33% It's been a while since I've seen such a blatant example of the Idiot Ball trope. Wow. I am not impressed.
47% Deryn and Alana finally meet. This doesn't bode well for satisfactory development of their relationship, especially given how shoddy everything has been up to this point.
52% Just over halfway through and little sign of a solid plot. My resolve to finish this is wavering. Also, Deryn has carried and clung to the Idiot Ball one too many times, and characterization in general feels inconsistent and off for both the mains. Did Fletcher get a new editor for this? Did she even have one?
55% Oh boy, the stupid "I can't possibly just have an adult conversation with my crush, I must act like a child and flee, then wallow in do-I-or-don't-I" bullshit, for the second time. I don't really like either of the mains by this point, tbh. Bad enough that Deryn thinks she's smarter and therefore better than Ross for lacking brains and then acts like a dumbass in more than one way herself, but now both Deryn and Alana are acting annoying. They may have reasons, but it's still juvenile and a big pet peeve of mine.
85% And now Alana has the Idiot Ball, plus useless pacifism at an entirely inappropriate time. Ugh.
93% Oh, ffs. "Cold-blooded" murder is the line? And predictably it bites Deryn in the ass a minute later. Another Idiot Ball moment. If I wasn't so close to the end of the book, I'd DNF it for this.
Ugh, finally finished. I am so disappointed. This book feels like it was barely rewritten from when Fletcher was much younger. At least this wasn't the first book of hers I read, or I'd have never bothered giving the others a chance. It's just that bad. To add insult to injury, the plot remained half-assed and barely there throughout, much like the relationship development.
31-33% It's been a while since I've seen such a blatant example of the Idiot Ball trope. Wow. I am not impressed.
47% Deryn and Alana finally meet. This doesn't bode well for satisfactory development of their relationship, especially given how shoddy everything has been up to this point.
52% Just over halfway through and little sign of a solid plot. My resolve to finish this is wavering. Also, Deryn has carried and clung to the Idiot Ball one too many times, and characterization in general feels inconsistent and off for both the mains. Did Fletcher get a new editor for this? Did she even have one?
55% Oh boy, the stupid "I can't possibly just have an adult conversation with my crush, I must act like a child and flee, then wallow in do-I-or-don't-I" bullshit, for the second time. I don't really like either of the mains by this point, tbh. Bad enough that Deryn thinks she's smarter and therefore better than Ross for lacking brains and then acts like a dumbass in more than one way herself, but now both Deryn and Alana are acting annoying. They may have reasons, but it's still juvenile and a big pet peeve of mine.
85% And now Alana has the Idiot Ball, plus useless pacifism at an entirely inappropriate time. Ugh.
93% Oh, ffs. "Cold-blooded" murder is the line? And predictably it bites Deryn in the ass a minute later. Another Idiot Ball moment. If I wasn't so close to the end of the book, I'd DNF it for this.
Ugh, finally finished. I am so disappointed. This book feels like it was barely rewritten from when Fletcher was much younger. At least this wasn't the first book of hers I read, or I'd have never bothered giving the others a chance. It's just that bad. To add insult to injury, the plot remained half-assed and barely there throughout, much like the relationship development.
October 21, 2014
This high fantasy starts in a forest, with the Iron Wolf mercenary group protecting a group of miners. The ratio of men to women in the merc group seems equal, and the sexual pairings are diverse. I like that m/m, f/f in this book is just part of the story and not THE story. The place names in this backwards world (horse and buggy, no technology) are pretty cool; Sluey. Oakan and so on. The reader is shown, subtly, that this is our post apocalyptic earth in the first chapter. Very nicely written good sex, now I am going to have to go read more by this author!
July 12, 2011
This is a great fantasy story about two women, set far, far into the future...though there is same sex love its not erotica. I really, really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this author.
October 25, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
Want to read
January 25, 2012Over the Rainbow award winner, 2011
April 27, 2012
The story is slow going at first but it picks up toward the middle. There is plenty of excitement in the second half. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
September 29, 2016
I quite enjoyed this book, even with the long build up. Both characters are well developed with believable growth. The biggest problem is that the conflict between them is overcome too quickly.
February 5, 2018
It took me a bit to remember if I'd read this, which tells you it wasn't great. But I like Fletcher a lot.
December 15, 2018
Bought this book, like, last summer bc the paperback was briefly cheap as hell. Then did not read it for months bc idk, I'm less likely to read paperbacks than ebooks during the school semester. Just how I roll.
Anyways going in I had very mixed expectations. On the one hand, you hear really good things about Jane Fletcher. On the other hand, a few months ago I tried reading a different book of hers and had to give up when I just could not get into it. So...this seemed slightly more like my kind of thing, I'd spend money on it, I had a physical copy, and I wanted it to be good. I'd seen it on a winter queer reading list on I think Autostraddle. It seemed like a sign. The time had come. I took it on my plane back home from college.
And it's pretty dang good!
So first off I have to say I love Deryn. She's like the classic ranger butch--not sure that's actually an archetype but it should be--and she feels just very physical and competent in ways that I'm just so into. Alana was less my thing but she's into living in a small town and a simple life yet doesn't come across as a perfect person, so I was pretty into that.
It's kind of an episodic book. You go from Deryn's backstory to Alana's backstory to more Deryn background to them finally meeting to them having sporadic adventures, etc, etc. Yet I didn't mind that. I actually really enjoy an epic fantasy book that doesn't have it all tied together sometimes. It just feels relaxing.... like, we're just strolling through this world, through this character's life. We don't need it all to fit together perfectly. We're just seeing the character grow and having adventures, you feel? And all the individual adventures are very fun. Fletcher writes good petty and banal evil. She writes awkward fight scenes, where even magical weapons are ungainly and mis-function and you as much stumble around as anything. And she writes good. sexual chemistry... though I'm not sure how convinced I am that Deryn and Alana are meant to be! As a subplot, their romance isn't bad, but it develops pretty fast, and I'm not so sure they'll stay together. At least they seem to be good for each other, for now.
I do have a couple qualms. For one, there's a character who comes across as mentally disabled (Ross) and the way the narration talks about him, calling him a halfwit and saying he has as much brains as a beetle, is just pretty rude. For another, more literary note, Fletcher really does drop a number of plot threads I would have liked to be picked up again. For example, Brise is such a major character in the beginning that it seems sad she never comes back. But it's a pretty brief book for an epic fantasy so I guess it's okay. I'm satisfied with the story as is.
(Me: I'm gonna buy this Fletcher book rather than the other ones so I won't get sucked into a series.
Also me, having finished the book: Wait you mean there isn't a sequel?)
So overall it's a good book. I'm glad to own a copy. Will I try out a Fletcher series in the future? We'll have to see!
Anyways going in I had very mixed expectations. On the one hand, you hear really good things about Jane Fletcher. On the other hand, a few months ago I tried reading a different book of hers and had to give up when I just could not get into it. So...this seemed slightly more like my kind of thing, I'd spend money on it, I had a physical copy, and I wanted it to be good. I'd seen it on a winter queer reading list on I think Autostraddle. It seemed like a sign. The time had come. I took it on my plane back home from college.
And it's pretty dang good!
So first off I have to say I love Deryn. She's like the classic ranger butch--not sure that's actually an archetype but it should be--and she feels just very physical and competent in ways that I'm just so into. Alana was less my thing but she's into living in a small town and a simple life yet doesn't come across as a perfect person, so I was pretty into that.
It's kind of an episodic book. You go from Deryn's backstory to Alana's backstory to more Deryn background to them finally meeting to them having sporadic adventures, etc, etc. Yet I didn't mind that. I actually really enjoy an epic fantasy book that doesn't have it all tied together sometimes. It just feels relaxing.... like, we're just strolling through this world, through this character's life. We don't need it all to fit together perfectly. We're just seeing the character grow and having adventures, you feel? And all the individual adventures are very fun. Fletcher writes good petty and banal evil. She writes awkward fight scenes, where even magical weapons are ungainly and mis-function and you as much stumble around as anything. And she writes good. sexual chemistry... though I'm not sure how convinced I am that Deryn and Alana are meant to be! As a subplot, their romance isn't bad, but it develops pretty fast, and I'm not so sure they'll stay together. At least they seem to be good for each other, for now.
I do have a couple qualms. For one, there's a character who comes across as mentally disabled (Ross) and the way the narration talks about him, calling him a halfwit and saying he has as much brains as a beetle, is just pretty rude. For another, more literary note, Fletcher really does drop a number of plot threads I would have liked to be picked up again. For example, Brise is such a major character in the beginning that it seems sad she never comes back. But it's a pretty brief book for an epic fantasy so I guess it's okay. I'm satisfied with the story as is.
(Me: I'm gonna buy this Fletcher book rather than the other ones so I won't get sucked into a series.
Also me, having finished the book: Wait you mean there isn't a sequel?)
So overall it's a good book. I'm glad to own a copy. Will I try out a Fletcher series in the future? We'll have to see!
September 3, 2018
I've been looking for a fantasy book like this one for a while. No going out on a grand quest to save the world, no killing evil kings and complicated political plots, just regular people trying to make a living in a fantasy world through economic troubles. I like reading about ''slice-of-life'' stories like this. I was scared we were going to head into political plot when Alana's part of the story was introduced, but I was glad to see the plot went away from it just as Alana herself wanted no part of high borne drama.
It was a very nice read and one of the rare books I can honestly give a 5 star rating because I have no complaints whatsoever about it except maybe that the buildup getting to the main part of the story was a tad bit long. But I can forgive it as I feel none of the ''prologue'' parts felt superfluous and were actually necessary to fully understand both protagonists.
It was a very nice read and one of the rare books I can honestly give a 5 star rating because I have no complaints whatsoever about it except maybe that the buildup getting to the main part of the story was a tad bit long. But I can forgive it as I feel none of the ''prologue'' parts felt superfluous and were actually necessary to fully understand both protagonists.
December 20, 2021
I remember nothing about this. I know I read it this year but, seriously, not even reading the summary is bringing anything back to me. ?? I've loved everything Jane Fletcher has written and this is probably her "worst" book but, to be fair, it's still better than 80% of other lesbian romances I've read. I wish there were more lesbian romances about werewolves in general (seems to be a theme I've been onto this year) but, now that I've written that, I'm trying to remember if this book even really HAS werewolves (in the way that we understand them, generally). Wow. Still shocked I recall so little of this.
March 6, 2019
Brilliant
This was action packed from the start, and it got my heart racing. I could really picture the scenes as they unfolded, the writing was so descriptive and wonderfully done.
Highly enjoyable, I got drawn in and didn't want it to end.
This was action packed from the start, and it got my heart racing. I could really picture the scenes as they unfolded, the writing was so descriptive and wonderfully done.
Highly enjoyable, I got drawn in and didn't want it to end.
December 14, 2019
This was entertaining but not as captivating as some of this author's other books especially the ones in series.
December 15, 2025
This was pretty good. I liked most of the author's other works much more though.
March 21, 2017
I am pretty sure this is, objectively-speaking, the most poorly written book I have ever read. Yet more proof for my theory that Bold Strokes Books only actually pays their editors to edit the sex scenes.
August 14, 2018
A romance that ticks along very nicely within a rich fantasy world. I enjoyed this a lot.
March 28, 2013
I just couldn't get into this story. It was too contrived even for me. Ugh.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews