Hi, all:
I bring you the last but one Journey of Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene’s Dead of Winter. And the author has shared that she has finished the last journey, so I will bring you that one pretty soon, I am sure, as I can’t wait to know what happens!
Dead of Winter: Journey 13, The Harbor by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
A great battle begins. Action abounds as many threads are drawn together. Arawn has amassed overwhelming legions of the dead. Another unexpected but powerful foe comes into the battle. All of Emlyn’s companions and friends are in grave danger as they face insurmountable odds. Two goddesses could even the odds, but gods and goddesses are known to be unreliable. Will they help? Or will they do more harm than good?
Meanwhile the goal of the Society of Deae Matres is to re-create the Binding to again trap Arawn and any other nightwalkers in the Realm of the Dead. Yet, what about Boabhan and Lucetius? Boabhan is at least half nightwalker. Lucetius, her son, was conceived when Arawn violated her while attempting to turn her. Will they be trapped in a new Binding along with their worst enemy? This is revealed in Journey 13.
Come, be a part of the Journeys of Dead of Winter.
Kindle: relinks.me/B09TN3NDX1
Paperback: relinks.me/B09TN1F58B
About the author:
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene lives in a “high desert” town in the Southwest of the USA.
Teagan had always devoured fantasy novels of every type. Then one day there was no new book readily at hand for reading — so she decided to write one. And she hasn’t stopped writing since.
Her work is colored by her experiences from living in the southern states and the desert southwest. Teagan most often writes in the fantasy genre, but she also writes cozy mysteries. Whether it’s a 1920s mystery, a steampunk adventure, or urban fantasy, her stories have a strong element of whimsy.
Founder of the Three Things method of storytelling, her blog “Teagan’s Books” contains serial stories written according to “things” from viewers. http://www.teagansbooks.com
Major influences include Agatha Christie, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Charlaine Harris.
See book trailer videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-z7_iH5t2_7aNpy3vG-Q?
https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM/
I’ve been following this novel, which the author decided to publish using the serial format, from the first journey. And now that there is only one more instalment left, I can honestly say it has been quite the journey. The author decided to divide the book up into Journeys, transforming the original novel to make it more compatible with the serialisation, and adding extra materials and new scenes as she went along. Journey is the perfect word for each one of these gems, not only because the characters visit many locations in the fantastic universe created by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene, but also because Emlyn, the main protagonist, undergoes quite a transformative experience, and an emotional journey that takes her from childhood to adulthood (almost), and transforms her from a shy, quiet, ignored and forgotten girl, into an independent, brave, and determined young woman, one with skills, powers, and abilities beyond anything she could have ever dreamed.
In this particular journey, there are quite a few surprises. We have interesting asides about Gods, Goddesses, (with their suspect morals and as many vices as they have virtues), and their behaviour towards human beings. Some of the most fascinating characters we have met throughout the previous journeys make an appearance here, bringing with them allies and forces to help fight the war, although that is not without its added complications. How will they all interact with each other, and how invested they will be in the future of the inhabitants of the world? Will their own hatreds and their wish for revenge blind them to what might be best for Emlyn and her friends? Can the past be repeated, and if it can, should it be, when the consequences might be devastating for some?
While the “adults” make plans, Emlyn has a chance to reflect and wonder what the consequences of those plans might be. Although she still has doubts about her own skills and the role she has to play, many of those fantastical beings who come to their aid see her differently from her travelling companions, trust her and shower her with compliments and accolades. They believe in her and know her fate is linked to that of her world.
Hesitant still, but emboldened by the confidence some very important players have placed on her and worried about the fate of one of her friends, she sets off on one more journey, aware of the risks, but determined to play a part and not be left behind.
The journey ends up on quite a cliffhanger, although at this stage of the story, doing otherwise would be almost impossible.
I enjoyed everything: being reacquainted with some of my favourite characters from previous journeys; learning more about the past and about how the goddesses, the Deae Matres, the dead kings, and the many wondrous creatures get on with each other, and what their relationships, alliances, and disagreements are like; seeing Emlyn having a few moments with some of her friends and thinking about the future; seeing her figure out things that others (older and more experienced) have missed, and getting an opportunity to observe the tactical moves of both parties and how the war evolves.
Another unmissable chapter, once again enhanced by the beautiful writing, the powers of description and observation of the author, and her inclusion of a cast of locations and characters at the end.
As always, I recommend it to anybody who enjoys coming of age stories, especially those with a taste for fantasy, whimsy, wonderful and highly imaginative writing, and characters and creatures you’re unlikely to forget.
To fully enjoy the experience, the journeys should be read in the right order, and to make that easy for everybody, I include the universal links to all the previous journeys as well.
Universal Purchase Links
Journey 12, Goddesses
Kindle: relinks.me/B09P5LJY13
Paperback: relinks.me/B09NTTZ9J8
Journey 11, the Sumelazon Escarpment
Kindle: relinks.me/B09M7Q19XT
Paperback: relinks.me/B09M4QWDYK
Journey 10, Pergesca
Kindle: relinks.me/B09J6TH8TD
Paperback: relinks.me/B09J7GFWYV
Journey 9, Doors of Attunement
Kindle: relinks.me/B09F8Y5DML
Paperback: relinks.me/B09F1BB9RW
Journey 8, The Lost Library
Kindle: relinks.me/B09C6MPTYT
Paperback: relinks.me/B09C34XR7P
Journey 7, Revenant Pass
Kindle: relinks.me/B098MS8P48
Paperback: relinks.me/B098GV1G5V
Journey 6, The Fluting Fell
Kindle: relinks.me/B096CPJNSX
Paperback: relinks.me/B096CPJNSX
Journey 5, Llyn Pistyll Falls
Kindle: relinks.me/B09431TD6G
Paperback: relinks.me/B0942KC471
Journey 4, The Old Road
Kindle: relinks.me/B092G5LB7R
Paperback: relinks.me/B092M51Y88
Journey 3, the Fever Field
Kindle: elinks.me/B08XTNZ9M8
Paperback: relinks.me/B08XXY3JXF
Journey 2, Penllyn
Kindle: relinks.me/B08VMNSF97
Paperback: relinks.me/B08VLMR2KD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dead-of-winter-journey-2-penllyn
Journey 1, Forlorn Peak
Kindle: relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX
Paperback: relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5
Thanks to the author for this serial that has kept us on our toes, thanks to all of you for reading, and remember to like, share, comment, click, and keep smiling and safe!
I’ve read Journey 13, too. I couldn’t believe how many pages altogether the serial novel is. I would have been too intimidated to pick up anything that big, but in serial format, I’m comfortable with it. I’m looking forward to number 14!
Thanks, Priscilla. Yes, I knew the author had talked about an “epic” novel, but I am with you. The length would have put me off if I had faced the full novel. She’s done a great job serialising it as well. I am also looking forward to the last Journey, although I hope we might get to hear more, at least about some of the characters. Have a great week!
Hi, Priscilla. Thanks for your feedback about the serialization. I always loved big thick books, but I was made aware that many people do not, a few years ago. A coworker remarked that she liked small books because she felt a better sense of accomplishment through reading several short books as opposed to one huge one. At first, I was surprised, but the conversation stuck with me.
Also, when I was finally ready to take the draft off the shelf, the prospect of editing it was terribly daunting. All things combined, I decided to make it a serial.
Thanks for being a part of these Journeys from the very start. Hugs on the wing.
Great review. I have been reading since the first Journey. I can’t wait for the final Journey.
Thanks, Dan. It’s one of those bitter-sweet things, isn’t it? I want to know how it all ends, but will be sorry to not have more of the story to look forward to. Although, who knows? Characters have a way of getting a life of their own. Oh, and congratulations on your novels. Good luck!
Thanks for taking time from your week to visit here, Dan — and for being part of the Journeys. Have a splendid week. Hugs on the wing.
HI Olga, thank you for this splendid review. I am looking forward to reading Journeys 12 and 13. They just keep getting better.
I totally agree. Emlyn has changed so much from the beginning of the story… That’s a character arch if I’ve seen one! Have a lovely week, Robbie!
Thank you so much for that, Olga. I have a related question/request for feedback that I will email.
Thanks, Teagan. I received and replied. ♥
Robbie, that is music to my ears. Your recent reviews mean the world to me too. The momentum really starts to build in Journey 12 and carries on through 13. Be well, be happy. Hugs on the wing.
Olga, I’m so excited about this review. Heartfelt thanks for sharing your insights into the story and characters. You were spot-on. If you don’t mind me copying the post (since I can’t reblog), I will share it on Wednesday at my blog. It’s a great preliminary for the release of the conclusion.
With so many people launching books this month, I haven’t asked anyone to help me with an actual launch. I might regret that but…
I’m halfway through the editing and formatting process.
Thank you again. You are a treasure. Hugs on the wing.
Oh, thanks, Teagan, and of course, feel free to copy the post and share.
Journey 14 is gathering momentum, Teagan, and although I know what you mean about book launches, I don’t think yours will lack in attention. We’re all eager to read it!
If I can do anything, you know you can count on my blog.
Keep safe and take as much time as you need. We know it will be worth the wait.
I hope the rest of the week proves fruitful and pleasant for you.
Big hugs. ♥
Good luck to the lovely Teagan with her book. I have shared on Twitter.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete! Yes, she’s in the process of editing the final Journey, so it’s a great achievement. Have a great week, Pete.
Thank you kindly, Pete. I appreciate you taking time to comment and share. Hugs on the wing.
Congratulations to the amazing Teagan – a wonderful review, Olga. Toni x
Thanks, Toni! I totally agree about Teagan and her talents!