I was really excited to read Read Winter because I’ve been curious about Japanese mythology since I was a kid. I didn’t know anything the kamigakari, however, until I saw an anime that involved it. So when I saw the synopsis for this story I knew I wanted to snatch it up. Of course when a Kitsune and Tengu get involved I couldn’t help but love it more. I have a fascination with those particular yokai since they are often featured in manga and anime as well.Title: Red Winter
(Red Winter Trilogy Book 1)
Author: Annette Marie
Published: October 21, 2016
Emi is the kamigakari. In a few short months, her life as a mortal will end and her new existence as the human host of a goddess will begin. Carefully hidden from those who would destroy her, she has prepared her mind, body, and soul to unite with the goddess—and not once has she doubted her chosen fate.
Shiro is a yokai, a spirit of the earth, an enemy of the goddess Emi will soon host. Mystery shrouds his every move and his ruby eyes shine with cunning she can’t match and dares not trust. But she saved his life, and until his debt is paid, he is hers to command—whether she wants him or not.
On the day they meet, everything Emi believes comes undone, swept away like snow upon the winter wind. For the first time, she wants to change her fate—but how can she erase a destiny already wrought in stone? Against the power of the gods, Shiro is her only hope … and hope is all she has left.
I was so absorbed into this word. I felt like I was watching a show and the illustrations are not only amazing but completely add to the experience. I wish this was something I saw in more books, especially fantasy. There are not many but I felt they were perfectly placed. Well there is one scene that would have been nice to see a illustration for. Not only do the illustrations help but there is also a pronunciation guide and a glossary in the back of the book. So if you find yourself confused with anything you can look it up. I felt that everything was very well explained and did not need to use it. I did enjoying reading it at the end.
I loved everything about the plot. Emi is a dedicated miko following her path until the winter solstice when she will become possessed by Amaterasu, something every Miko dreams of. As that time approaches, Emi starts questioning everything she knows when she finds out she has been lied to. She goes off on her own for her own answers, which leads her in the path of yokai. I loved Emi’s determination despite often seeming weak. I also love her dedication to Amaterasu even when she doubts her purpose.
How can you not love Shiro! He’s a Kitsune and who doesn’t love a fox yokai. Plus he has that personality that you can’t help adore.
I just really loved this story. Now I have to go watch Kamisama Kiss, Red Data Girl and Hiiro no Kakera to tide me over until Dark Tempest. I really can’t wait.
Annette Marie is the author of the Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, which includes the 2015 Goodreads Choice Award nominee Yield the Night. Her first love is fantasy, a limitless realm of creativity where she can break all the boring rules of real life, but fast-paced urban fantasy, bold heroines, and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has politely inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of northern Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her remarkably patient, comparatively sensible husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit her website at www.authorannettemarie.com
Celebrate the Release of RED WINTER with a Giveaway!
Grand Prize: 1 Winner will Receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card
Runner-Ups: 3 Winners will Each Receive one $10 Amazon Gift Card Each
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