Red Winter ~ Review

Ali here ~

Title: Red Winter
Series: Red Winter Trilogy #1
Author: Annette Marie
Release Date: Oct 21, 2016
Genres: YA Fantasy/Romance/Mythology
Blurb: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.

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****What I Loved****

• Such a unique story! You just don’t see a lot of Asian fantasy.
• Great pacing. It never drags. It sucks you in quick and doesn’t let you go!
• Japanese mythology!! I’m teaching my kids mythology this year so this really couldn’t be more perfect! And I’ve been learning a little Japanese alongside my sons making this even better!
• Unpredictable – especially with my low knowledge of Japanese mythology.
• Emi and Shiro both have reasons to be suspicious of one another, and yet they have great chemistry. The attraction without trust works in this story well because it makes sense. .
• The plot really plays well with the romance. There’s mystery and secrets being kept. You don’t know if the secrets are keeping them apart or just keeping Shiro from killing Emi. And, the secrets are literally a matter of life and death.

What didn’t I like? There was only once or twice where I got confused with a scene change, but I think that might have just been because I was listening to the audiobook. I love this book and picked up the second one before I even finished this one so that there was no delay in moving on with the story! I definitely recommend this to YA Fantasy/Romance fans, especially those looking for diverse characters! 5 Stars!!

Have you read Red Winter or any of Annette Marie’s other books? What did you think? Have a recommendation for me?

Happy Reading,

Ali