C. J. Daley
I received a copy to review for BBNYA, and my review has been withheld until after the competition ended. I also grabbed a paperback copy, as I prefer to read physical. And what a beautiful cover.
This is a fun mix of elemental-esque magics, as the seasons are at war with winter. The big bad is so bad that he is locked away and still posing problems. One of the most enjoyable things, is that while the stakes are high, world-endingly so, the entrance of our de facto hero is in the king’s kitchens as a lowly kitchen boy. He does desire to be a knight, but he’s just a boy. One with nearly no experiences in life.
Through the novel, the author shows Garlan as he leanrs, experiences, and grows. He has to experience danger, loss, near-death activities (several times), and even new friendships. He is not infallible, nor is he invincible, he feels both real and knightly.
Although the ending does really deliver on the whole battling seasons plot line, I did find some of the other stops/action sequences to feel a bit uninvolved. They served the purpose of teaching Garlan, but at the same time didn’t always tie back to winter.
Personally a 4/5* for me. As this is more so whimsical than many other fantasies, as well as featuring such a young protagonist, the fairytale-esque style of storytelling did make this read a little overlong for me.
I received a copy to review for BBNYA, and my review has been withheld until after the competition ended. I also grabbed a paperback copy, as I prefer to read physical. And what a beautiful cover.
This is a fun mix of elemental-esque magics, as the seasons are at war with winter. The big bad is so bad that he is locked away and still posing problems. One of the most enjoyable things, is that while the stakes are high, world-endingly so, the entrance of our de facto hero is in the king’s kitchens as a lowly kitchen boy. He does desire to be a knight, but he’s just a boy. One with nearly no experiences in life.
Through the novel, the author shows Garlan as he leanrs, experiences, and grows. He has to experience danger, loss, near-death activities (several times), and even new friendships. He is not infallible, nor is he invincible, he feels both real and knightly.
Although the ending does really deliver on the whole battling seasons plot line, I did find some of the other stops/action sequences to feel a bit uninvolved. They served the purpose of teaching Garlan, but at the same time didn’t always tie back to winter.
Personally a 4/5* for me. As this is more so whimsical than many other fantasies, as well as featuring such a young protagonist, the fairytale-esque style of storytelling did make this read a little overlong for me.