The Winter People
(The Winter People #1)
by
Rebekah L. Purdy
Pub September 2nd 2014
by Entangled: Teen
ARC for Review
Summary
An engrossing, complex, romantic fantasy perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore or Maggie Stiefvater, set in a wholly unique world.
Salome Montgomery fears winter—the cold, the snow, the ice, but most of all, the frozen pond she fell through as a child. Haunted by the voices and images of the strange beings that pulled her to safety, she hasn't forgotten their warning to "stay away." For eleven years, she has avoided the winter woods, the pond, and the darkness that lurks nearby. But when failing health takes her grandparents to Arizona, she is left in charge of maintaining their estate. This includes the "special gifts" that must be left at the back of the property.
Salome discovers she’s a key player in a world she’s tried for years to avoid. At the center of this world is the strange and beautiful Nevin, who she finds trespassing on her family’s property. Cursed with dark secrets and knowledge of the creatures in the woods, his interactions with Salome take her life in a new direction. A direction where she'll have to decide between her longtime crush Colton, who could cure her fear of winter. Or Nevin who, along with an appointed bodyguard, Gareth, protects her from the darkness that swirls in the snowy backdrop. An evil that, given the chance, will kill her.
Love and Magic Does Exist
I have to admit this one has been on my TBR for quite some time…I could kick myself for not reading it sooner. I will say this though I’m pretty stoked that I've read it. The summary leaves out key components of this story so you won’t find them in my review. I hate Spoilers and such. Any who this is a very engrossing fantasy read that kept me engaged and enthralled with what would happen next. Almost everyone knows what is going on except the main character and for those that are inpatient I can see why that would be frustrating. NOT FOR ME THOUGH!! I loved trying to figure it all out and falling in love right along with Salome! Once we get the big reveal there is still some tribulation our character has to face, but I got my HEA and enjoyed the journey getting there.
The Story, I will try to talk about it without spoilers so bare with me. Something is amiss in the woods around Salome’s family estate. After a tragic accident she nearly escaped as a child there is a dark terror that haunts Salome. Fast forward to the present we are re-introduced to Salome and her best friend. Things are happening around Salome that she doesn’t understand. Unable to get help from those around her Salome will have to figure out what is going on and how she can stop it. The love interest was something that was well developed throughout the story. I won’t touch more on that even though I’m dying too because it was AWESOME…Just know the romance aspect was refreshing and probably the best part of this read.
The Characters, I’ve touched a bit on Salome but what I haven’t mentioned is her unwavering dedication to her family. Honest and a little awkward suited her perfectly, Salome’s personality was endearing to say the least. When faced with an impossible decision she makes the right one because it is just. She isn’t perfect though there were a couple of times I wanted to shake her but by the end I was 100% okay with all of her choices. Brave Kind and Honest! Salome’s best friend was the perfect partner in crime and complete opposite of Salome in every way. Their friendship felt seamless not perfect but perfect for them. I will say Kadie gets around a bit so if you’re a stiff then you might not care for her. I’m with Cal Naughton when he says “I like to picture Jesus in a tuxedo T-Shirt because it says I want to be formal, but I’m here to party.” though so I loved her. The grandparents were great…The parents not so much, I’m guessing the mom doesn’t know much because she sure acts like she doesn’t know what's going on. The dad was a loser in my eyes we find out why he is so crappy but that was about it. The guys…They were perfect each one in their own way added to the story and I thoroughly enjoyed their very different and individual contributions.
The End, through great sacrifice Salome saves the day and all is well for now. Her heart and soul sing to the one she belongs with. The Winter People felt a lot like a fairy tale but it ended a bit differently than most…if you’ve read it you know what I’m talking about ahem (castle, crown) if you haven’t read it then once you do you’ll know. Thank goodness there wasn’t a cliffhanger I would’ve died seriously died if there were. No this wrapped up pretty well…there are a few open story lines that I hope we delve into later but as I said all is well for now. I recommend this for those into fairy tales and sweet innocent love.
My Rating
4.0 Pond, Woods, Winter, Snow, Basketball, Date, Sword, Threats, Friend, Ruins, Bus, Pool, Guard, Library, Bond, Kiss, Kassandra, Gold, Cane, Castle, Motorcycle True Love Filled Stars!
About the Author
I was born and raised in Michigan (just look for the mitten-shaped state on the map). I’ve lived here most of my life other than the few years I spent in the U.S. Army. At which time I got a chance to experience MO, KS, SC, and CA.
I work full time for the court system and in my free time I write YA stories. Pretty much any genre within the YA realm is game for me, but my favorites are fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, thrillers, light sci-fi, and some time travel.
I also have a big family–I like to consider us the modern day Brady Bunch. When my hubby and I met and got married, he had 3 children from a previous marriage, I had 2 and we have 1 together. It’s a lot of fun though.
And I can’t forget my other family members–yep, we’ve got some pets: 4 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 turtle. Everyone in the family has one…I won’t bore you all with their names (unless you really want to know). Okay, you talked me into it! Jack, Pearl, Grr…(yes that’s my dog’s name), Callie, Shadow, Mooshoo, Grouchy, and Sorbert. Other than writing some of my other hobbies include: reading (mostly YA of course), singing, swimming, football, soccer, running, camping, sledding, church, hanging with my kids, and traveling.
I belong to a fabulous writing group called YA Fiction Fantatics (YAFF) and you guessed it we all write YA!
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Salome seems like a character I would like.
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