celtic folklore

Review of Daughter of Winter by Corina Douglas

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Synopsis:
Marked by an ancient prophecy wielded by the gods.

Shackled to a dark, enigmatic stranger.

And prey to a powerful adversary seeking vengeance.

Her life will never be the same again . . . .


Intrigue and danger enter Brydie MacKay’s life when Gage walks into her carefully controlled world. He brings news that her grandmother has died, and as her last living relative, Brydie has inherited her estate and must travel to Scotland to accept her legacy and all it entails. Brydie doesn’t want the inheritance, not after the way she was treated, and when a series of actions unfold that illustrate her ‘legacy’ is not just a physical entity but a turbulent birthright proclaiming she is the descendant of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur, she tries to run.

But Gage won’t take no for an answer. He has his own role to fulfil and will do whatever it takes to ensure Brydie returns to Scotland with him—even if that means taking her against her will.

Daughter of Winter is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series based on the myths and legends of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. Featuring dark magic, druids, fae, selkies, mythical creatures, and a morally grey hero with an enemies-to-lovers romance, it is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Fever series.

Review:
Overall I thought this was an alright book but not gripping in the appropriate ways. Most of the drama and ambiguity was because of lack of communication between Gage and Brydie. There were also many “flash back” moments of Brydie’s that were a bit of an info dump instead of being shown. There was one particular point that stuck out describing Brydie’s clothing when nothing else was mentioned to that level of detail previously, and a few points where the grammar seemed odd, “I cried until I had breath no more.” (Douglas 110, Chapter 4)

While Douglas’ descriptions of druidic times/nature/magic were quite well done, Brydie herself wasn’t that likeable. It was hard to route for someone who constantly let themselves be taken advantage of and only ever tried to assert themselves in the worst possible times when it could be life or death. That being said, while Gage is intentionally standoffish and reserved, he does seem to be quite smart, saying, at one point, “It’s human nature to be fickle, to desire that which we shouldn’t and undertake deeds of deceit and corruption to get what we want. All of us are guilty of it, and not one of us is purely good.” (Douglas 166, Chapter 21) Nevertheless, we learn that Gage has a person he cares about that he’s hiding, and I’m sure that will be important further on in the series.

While it’s been hinted at that Gage and Brydie will have some sort of connection, potentially physical/romantic due to their parts in the prophesy, the way they’ve acted towards each other makes it a bit off putting and frustrating when they think of each other amourously– would you really think of someone you hate like that?

Overall it was an alright read, and I may continue on, though know that this book ends with more questions left than answers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith

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Synopsis:
Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils—both mortal and immortal.

Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents’ disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister’s questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can’t get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina’s sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she’s only beginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it’s Edwina’s to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic—in this world or the Other—will tell.

Review:
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I couldn’t get enough of it! The world building was exceptionally done and well crafted; the type of story you find yourself enthralled in and not wanting to put down… until you’re near the end and then you never want it to finish. This book perfectly followed Edwina, Ian, and her stalker. There was so much more fae, and magic, and fairy tales, and it was just the type of perfectly encompassed story that will stay warming your heart long after you finish the series.

I loved the aspect of choice and how it plays into fate and the future, whether everything is an illusion or written in stone. I absolutely adored all of the characters we were introduced to and became attached to; even those that were unsavory. I quite loved the Celtic tie ins, and the descriptions used so if you were unaware you weren’t left in the dark. The one caveat I had with this novel was how easily Edwina did the expected in a circumstance, however it is somewhat explained later given her lack of thorough magical studies. I love who Gavina turned out to be, and I certainly hadn’t expected how tied into everything she already was, or how much Sir Henry played into things. The only question left unanswered was the how of Ian and Edwina, but that isn’t as important as their feelings. All in all, I absolutely adored this little two book series and intend to one day have the paper version on my shelf.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯