by Jessica Leake
Expected Publication: April 9th, 2019
SYNOPSIS:
Katya’s power to freeze anything she touches has made her an outcast in her isolated village. And when she loses control of her ability, accidentally killing several villagers, she is banished to the palace of the terrifying Prince Sasha in Kiev.
At the castle, though, she is surprised to find that Sasha is just like her—with his own strange talent, the ability to summon fire. Instead of punishment, Sasha offers Katya friendship, and the chance to embrace her power rather than fear it.
But outside the walls of Kiev, Sasha’s enemies have organized their own army of people who can control the very earth. Bent on taking over the entire world, they won’t stop until they’ve destroyed everything.
Katya and Sasha are desperate to stop the encroaching army, and together their powers are a fearsome weapon. But as their enemies draw nearer, leaving destruction in their wake, will fire and frost be enough to save the world? Or will they lose everything they hold dear?
REVIEW:
I was sent an early copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Several months back I discovered Jessica Leake's work in the incredible Beyond a Darkened Shore. While Through the White Wood isn't quite a sequel, it does take place in the same world and we even see characters from Beyond a Darkened Shore which was very satisfying. This book immediately hooked me within the first page. The two main characters Katya and Sasha are extremely compelling and supported by many equally great characters. I felt deeply for Katya and her feeling of being an outsider and enjoyed watching her strengthen to finally accepting her powers. Everything that occurred was gradual and at a believable pace which I think is important in a story. If things happen too fast it can really hurt things such as the genuine growth of relationships between all of the characters. When Katya met the prince she really wanted nothing to do with his war and had no idea how deeply it would affect her world. I found I warmed to the prince at about the same pace as her and when they finally came to understand one another it was all the more rewarding. Some other characters of note that I enjoyed were Kharan, Ivan, Boris, and of course Elation. Oh Elation, how the story of her eagle broke and touched my heart! I could not put this book down and highly recommend it to those with an interest in all things fantasy!
RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Several months back I discovered Jessica Leake's work in the incredible Beyond a Darkened Shore. While Through the White Wood isn't quite a sequel, it does take place in the same world and we even see characters from Beyond a Darkened Shore which was very satisfying. This book immediately hooked me within the first page. The two main characters Katya and Sasha are extremely compelling and supported by many equally great characters. I felt deeply for Katya and her feeling of being an outsider and enjoyed watching her strengthen to finally accepting her powers. Everything that occurred was gradual and at a believable pace which I think is important in a story. If things happen too fast it can really hurt things such as the genuine growth of relationships between all of the characters. When Katya met the prince she really wanted nothing to do with his war and had no idea how deeply it would affect her world. I found I warmed to the prince at about the same pace as her and when they finally came to understand one another it was all the more rewarding. Some other characters of note that I enjoyed were Kharan, Ivan, Boris, and of course Elation. Oh Elation, how the story of her eagle broke and touched my heart! I could not put this book down and highly recommend it to those with an interest in all things fantasy!
RATING: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
