Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Winterling (Winterling #1)

by Sarah Prineas (Goodreads Author)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 1,626 ratings · 331 reviews

"A girl named Fer who travels to a magical land where she has to discover who she truly is while putting right a terrible wrong. She’s helped by a tricksy puck-boy named Rook and a wild horse named Phouka."

"What a wonderful, imaginative alternate world Prineas has created for this book!" --Kristin Cashore, author of the New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire.

"Filled...more

Hardcover, 256 pages

Published January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Amazing YA Covers of 2012

92nd out of 698 books — 2,066 voters

Can't Wait Books of 2012

409th out of 2,386 books — 15,571 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 09, 2012 Hallie added it

Shelves: childrens, fantasy

2012 you say?? That's a looong time from now. 2011 needs some Sarah Prineas!

[Dec 2011 update] has been preordered, from the US. November 8th in the UK? Sorry, Quercus, not a chance.

(See my profile for my 'policy' about rating books.)

I hadn't quite taken on board that this was a portal fantasy, rather than completely invented world like the Magic Thief books, so was very surprised when the protagonist thought about whether there'd be tofu for dinner. :) It's nice to know that Sarah Prineas can wr...more

like 4 likes · see review

Dec 06, 2011 Karissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

I got a copy of this book for review through the Amazon Vine program. It was a wonderful and magical middle grade fantasy full of adventure and magic. Something that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

Fer has always felt like she doesn't quite belong in this world. In the woods one night she rescues a boy, except the boy isn't exactly human. The boy invites Fer into the Way and into a dangerous fairyland. Fer feels strangely at home in this other place but senses that somet...more I got a copy of this book for review through the Amazon Vine program. It was a wonderful and magical middle grade fantasy full of adventure and magic. Something that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

Fer has always felt like she doesn't quite belong in this world. In the woods one night she rescues a boy, except the boy isn't exactly human. The boy invites Fer into the Way and into a dangerous fairyland. Fer feels strangely at home in this other place but senses that something is out of balance with the land and the huntress, Mor, who rules the land. Now Fer must unravel the mystery behind her past if she is to help prevent eternal winter from gripping both sides of the Way.

I loved this book. Fer is such a wonderful character, with her wandering in the woods she seems a bit fanciful at first...then she finds out this strange quirk is exactly what is needed on the other side of the Way. I loved the quirky elements like Fer's strange patchwork coat and her strange type of magic. I also enjoyed the fact that Fer is a strong heroine but different in her strengths than many heroines you see in fantasy literature.

Many of the other characters are a lot of fun too. Puck is a fun and complex male lead and some of the side characters (especially the Wolves) added a lot of fun to the story. I enjoyed that all of the characters were a little quirky and different.

I also loved the description in the story. Prineas writes in a way that really brings the mysterious wood alive. The plot was a bit predictable, but it was fun to read all the same. The story has such a dark fairy tale vibe to it. I love it when authors can imbue a traditional fairy tale feel to a book, but it comes off as something new and exciting.

Although the main part of the story is nicely tied up at the end, there are still a number of questions for Fer and Puck to answer. I look forward to seeing more of their tales in future installments of this series.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It is a quick, fun, and magical read. Fer is a fun heroine, that is strong but in a quirky way. I loved the fun characters, the way magic was blended with nature, and how the story had such a wonderful fairy tale feel to it. Fans of fantasy adventures with a fairy tale feel to them and a strong quirky heroine will find a lot to love in this story. For some reason this book reminded me a bit of Plain Kate by Erin Bow in tone and feel. This is an appropriate read for anyone middle grade or older.(less)

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Mari rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, juvenile, fairy-faery-fey

This was a solidly OK book. The characters had potential, but felt flat. The flap told me to expect "boundless curiosity and wild spirit" from Fer, the main character. Honestly, this description had more spunk and energy than I felt while reading the text.

I'm having a hard time writing this review because I REALLY wanted to love this book. After all, both Ingrid Law (author of Saavy) and Kristin Cashore (author of Graceling) said lovely things that were quoted on the back cover. I'm a librarian...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jul 07, 2011 Greg Eekhout rated it 5 of 5 stars

Lucky boy that I am, I got an early look at Winterling, and this is the blurb I volunteered:

Sarah Prineas conjures a world of frost and snow and magic and peril. At the core of a story that doesn't skimp on thrilling chases and dangerous secrets, we have Fer, a compelling hero readers will care about and root for. Joining Fer is a fascinating cast of allies and enemies, from grouchy Rook to snarling wolf people. Winterling captures the best elements of classic fantasy tales and puts them in a fr...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Jenn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade, sf-and-fantasy

Update: I wrote a blog post about "Winterling and the Girl I Was":
http://www.jennreese.com/2012/01/read...

I had the good fortune of reading this book in manuscript form. I instantly fell in love with Fer and her adventures. Prineas creates a rich, wild world every bit as enticing as her city of Wellmet in the The Magic Thief series. Fer, in her patchwork coat, is a great heroine -- not the stereotypical plucky girl, but heroic in her own unique way. Can't wait to get more of Fer and Rook in boo...more

like 2 likes · see review

Dec 21, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade, for-review, vine

Winterling by Sarah Prineas is a magical tale of friendship and righting old wrongs – a testament to the value of life. Winterling opens with a bang as the prologue begins with a dog running from wolves and ending up in our world.

Read the rest of my review here

like 2 likes · see review

May 30, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mg-ya

When I asked my daughter how many stars to give this book, on a scale of one to five, she said ten. Thinking she'd misunderstood, because, well, she's eight, I reiterated that it was a scale of one to five. She exclaimed, "I KNOW! I meant it's OFF THE CHARTS!"

like 2 likes · see review

Apr 20, 2013 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have nothing bad to say about this book, thereby making this the first 5-star rating I've given to a book this year. This YEAR, you guys. The comment I made about it at page 56 remains true--the whole thing irresistibly reminded me of "Little White Horse," except much less awkward, and I really enjoyed it. Throughout, the world feels believable and appropriately magical. I loved Fer. She sets off to save this fantasy world and never once compromises her own principles or worries about the fact...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 14, 2012 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals, bullies, community, families, fantasy, friendship, ncbla2013, travel, death

Like her father before her, Jennifer has never really felt as though she belonged in the community where she lives. Her classmates tease and belittle her and even make fun of her name and her clothing. Ever since her father's disappearance, Fer has lived with her vigilant grandmother who teaches her about herbs and tries to protect her. But when Fer rescues Puck from wolves, she wants answers about her lineage and journeys to the land where her parents lived, determined to find out what happened...more

like 1 like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Kendra Healy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ladies-being-awesome, middle-grade, sad-children

I loved every moment of this book, and really the only thing holding it back from a four-star review is a lack of polish. Fer is an engaging character, and the world she inhabits has that magical, fresh quality about it I treasure so much in middle grade books. The world-building feels authentic, almost like if you look at the world in a different way it might even be real.

However, the book suffers from a lack of polish. Fer's situation with her grandmother, called Grand-Jane, is difficult and s...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 08, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

There's nothing like a nasty villian. A witch queen? A crow lady? Mor, the villian in this story, is all of those things, murdering the true heir to the land and stealing her magic thus causing the seasons to stop. Winter is constant and the only way to bring spring is to sacrifice an animal or human in a ritual known as The Hunt that renews Mor's power. Don't be fooled by the constant winter and thinking this is another Snow Queen. Mor is more closely linked to Morrigan from Celtic mythology, t...more There's nothing like a nasty villian. A witch queen? A crow lady? Mor, the villian in this story, is all of those things, murdering the true heir to the land and stealing her magic thus causing the seasons to stop. Winter is constant and the only way to bring spring is to sacrifice an animal or human in a ritual known as The Hunt that renews Mor's power. Don't be fooled by the constant winter and thinking this is another Snow Queen. Mor is more closely linked to Morrigan from Celtic mythology, the battle Goddess who appears on the battlefield in the form of a crow and returns later to feed on the dead. This story is a potluck of myths and folklores that might have you thinking of the White Queen in Narnia, or Puck from a Midsummer Night's Dream or Sisters Grimm, or Odin's Hunt in Norse mythology, or Artemis from Greek mythology, or the Mother Goddess from ancient myths, to name a few.

The heroine, Fer, goes to Mor's land when she accidentally opens The Way pulling wolves who are chasing the shape-shifter Rook, (or Puck), into her world on Earth. Fer has never felt that she belongs on Earth and when The Way opens she is determined to visit it. She is living with her Grandma and knows that her parents went through The Way only to never return back to Earth. After traveling through The Way with Rook she meets Mor and discovers Mor not only knew her parents but was an ally.

Mor is covered in glamorie, a magic that hides her true self, and allows her to manipulate people or animals by using crow feathers, touching skin, or binding promises. Fer can feel that something is wrong with the land but cannot figure out what it is. When people start to seek Fer's healing powers, she sees that they are turning into wildlings and losing their human-side completely. She knows something is wrong with the land and she is determined to find out what it is as well as what has happened to her parents.

Girl power abounds in this story with female characters of Fer, Fer’s mom, Grand-Jane, Leaf woman, and Mor. The female-dominated roles made me think of myths of the Mother Goddess. Fer, the spunky, strong female heroine, is willing to stand up for what is right. She also insists that Rook has a choice even though he keeps telling her to not trust him because of his bondage to the Mor.
Rook is an interesting character who struggles internally because he’s under the power of Mor. We find out that he’s with the Mor because of Phouka but I never completely understood why except that Phouka helped Fer’s father escape with Fer to Earth when she was a baby. I wanted to know more. I did want more answers to my questions such as how did her grandma become a healer? How did her mom become a healer? What really happened between her mom and dad? It would seem that the book is the first in a series.

This is a quick read compared to other fantasy books.
(less)

like 1 like · see review

Feb 27, 2012 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bekah, anna, childrensbooks

Winterling is a lovely story of Fer, a girl who stumbles upon another world and her place in it. While walking in the woods one night, Fer notices something different about the pond near her home. Instead of reflecting the crescent moon she sees in the sky, the pond shows a full moon. Without knowing it, Fer opens the way to another world that night at the pond. She eventually visits the other world and encounters people who are part creature/part human, amongst other things.

Fer is a well-writte...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 24, 2011 Kathy Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was another delightful fantasy from Sarah Prineas. This one features a strong female heroine. Fer is a middle schooler being raised by her grandmother after her mother and father "had gone from this world." Fer always thought that this was a metaphor for dying. At least she thought so until she rescued a dog that turned into a boy and then followed him home through a pond into a strange, sick world where it was always winter.

The Mor is ruling this land and wants to convince Fer to be her f...more

like 1 like · see review

Dec 13, 2011 Beverly rated it 5 of 5 stars

FTC Disclosure: I received an Advance Copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

Winterling by Sarah Prineas

From the back of the book: With her boundless curiosity and spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, of the secrets it whispers to her. But when her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock the secrets about the parents she n...more FTC Disclosure: I received an Advance Copy of this book from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

Winterling by Sarah Prineas

From the back of the book: With her boundless curiosity and spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, of the secrets it whispers to her. But when her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew. Led to a reflecting pool that uncovers the Way, Fer finds an enchanting dangerous land.

In this place cloaked in wonder, where pucks transform from boys to horses, Fer feels a strange magical attachment. But with her mother gone, everything has spun out of order and evil has imprisoned the place in ice. Now it is up to Fer to face down the power Mor, who has cruelly taken over this world and it's people, and discover the legacy she carries within.

What I liked about the book: The story is very well written with fully developed characters. It's easy to like everyone but the evil Lady. Prineas has a done a good job at creating a magical world that readers will want to know more about. It's a quick read. Prineas has created a nice balance between adding enough details to keep readers engaged without adding so many complex details that struggling readers might feel compelled to give up on the story. I'm not sure if this will be a series or not. It could easily be a stand alone read (though I hope not) or the beginning of a great new series. It does have a darkish fairy nature to it without being to dark or terrifying. Prineas has truly shown great talent in the balancing of this story. I definitely recommend this for my 4th and 5th grade students who like magical fairy tale adventures.

What I didn't like about the book: That it ended so soon. But, perhaps that's not a really a con - shouldn't a good book leave the reader wanting more?

This book will be released in January 2012.

Recommended for 4th grade and up.

Mrs. Archer's rating: 5 of 5(less)

like 1 like · see review

Jan 17, 2012 Brandy Painter rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade, favorites, 4-6-fantasy

4.5 stars really (because Rook is awesome)

Originally posted here.

Here it is, the first of my Most Anticipated Reads of 2012. Winterling by Sarah Prineas was well worth the anticipation. This is one of the books that just fit me and my mood perfectly.

Yay for heroines who ask questions! Again. And again. And again. Until they finally get the answers they need. Also, yay for heroines who persist in what they know is right even when others say it is a lost cause. Fer had me smiling through the entir...more 4.5 stars really (because Rook is awesome)

Originally posted here.

Here it is, the first of my Most Anticipated Reads of 2012. Winterling by Sarah Prineas was well worth the anticipation. This is one of the books that just fit me and my mood perfectly.

Yay for heroines who ask questions! Again. And again. And again. Until they finally get the answers they need. Also, yay for heroines who persist in what they know is right even when others say it is a lost cause. Fer had me smiling through the entire book, mostly because she is a bit different as a heroine. She is a thinker, compassionate, and true to her word. She meets what must be done head on and pours love and mercy on the people she meets. (I was also happy that not all of those she bestowed these traits on were very thankful for them. It gave the book a realistic quality that I appreciated.) At the same time she is scared of the unknown and not absolutely sure of herself. Rook was another favorite (the book focuses on him almost as much as it does on Fer) as I have a much acknowledged weakness for trickster characters with attitude. Especially when they are truly heroic and angry about it. That's always good reading.

There are many elements of the plot and world that will be familiar to most readers. The idea of a changeling, the Other world running not quite in tandem with but crossing over ours, the concept of a Green Man (or Woman), an evil one who must be defeated to restore balance and what is proper. Prineas took all of these and really made them her own though. She has created a world that is beautiful and mysterious and conveys those things without being overly descriptive. She says much with few words, a trait I always appreciate in a writer. I actually had dreams about the story each night I was reading it and that doesn't happen to me often. Only when a writer has really been able to etch their world into my mind.

Happily there will be a sequel coming out in 2013 titled Summerkin so there is more from this world to look forward too. (Most Anticipated of 2013 list already in the making.)

Kate at Book Aunt posted a review for this where she talks about the Irish myths used in the story. Very interesting.

And tomorrow The Enchanted Inkpot will post an interview with Sarah Prineas about the book.(less)

like 1 like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Michele rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-fantasy

I liked this book!

This middle-grade fantasy is an action-packed, interesting introduction to the concepts of the world of fairy--without ever using the words fairy or fey. The main character, Jennifer, known as Fer, is a wild child who has learned spell lore from her grandmother. When she accidently opens a “way” to the other world, she discovers her connection to this world, and learns that this world needs her to correct a grievous wrong. Nature -- its essential wildness and damp muddy earthin...more

like 1 like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 heidi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, ebook, fantasy, mid-grade

What right-thinking child among us did not secretly feel that we were probably a lost fairy changeling, stuck in this strange world of iron schoolbuses and arbitrary adults?

The difference is that Fer is probably right about it, and that her cranky grandmother is both useful in terms of skills and cranky for a reason. Fer does use the things that she learned from her Grandmother, which I enjoyed.

The writing was pretty, but not distracting.
"Stars whirled past; bits and rags of clouds swirled aroun...more

like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-lit

Children's Novels

The book picks up on a young girl who doesn't feel as if she fits in where she is and through discovery finds the world she was meant to belong in. It starts out in a rural town in the midwest where the protagonist lives with her grandmother and believes both of her parents died in a car crash.

I enjoyed the characters and the concept. The author managed to use some literary mechanics which have been used often and yet I did not feel bored or ripped off as the reader. It has an A...more

like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Donalyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-fantasy, ncbla-committee-2013-books

4.5 stars I will read anything, but I have a fondness for the sort of books I loved as a child-- fantasy books with wild, magical things, dark woods, secrets, and brave, smart children. I enjoyed Winterling tremendously and it has been passed from child to child since I brought it into my classroom.

like 1 like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Cathi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-professionally

The world Jennifer inhabits with her Grand-Jane seems normal enough: a bus to and from school, a cozy home with her grandmother, chores. The voices of Fer [bullies after school call her ‘Jenny Furhead’ because of her untamable braid] and Gran are filled with the love and an edginess that comes from a relationship too tightly woven without regard to its surroundings. Like the multiple names Sarah Prineas has created for each of these 2 main characters, the author weaves strands of setting, charac...more The world Jennifer inhabits with her Grand-Jane seems normal enough: a bus to and from school, a cozy home with her grandmother, chores. The voices of Fer [bullies after school call her ‘Jenny Furhead’ because of her untamable braid] and Gran are filled with the love and an edginess that comes from a relationship too tightly woven without regard to its surroundings. Like the multiple names Sarah Prineas has created for each of these 2 main characters, the author weaves strands of setting, characters and even time in this story to be multifaceted and changing in the way of a high fantasy world. Jennifer can’t remember her parents and has always felt awkward, except when roaming the natural farmland around Grand-Jane’s cottage. On the first night of this saga, in fields under a crescent moon at a nearby pond, Fer discovers vicious wolves on the attack. At first she thinks their victim is a dog. After chasing away the aggressors she discovers it’s a wounded boy. Then, she takes the boy to Gran for healing and is informed in uncharacteristic detachment that this is a puck; untrustworthy and not worth salvaging. The girl feels a strange affinity to Puck and pride in her courage in the rescue. After convincing Gran to perform rudimentary first aid, she is ordered to take him back to the Way so he can return to his own world. She is curious. She wants to follow him. And when, like Alice chasing the rabbit down the hole under the tree, Jen plunges into the portal at the pond, she finds a world where, like the hairs escaping from her plait, she can break away from the binding lack of control in her life, and begin to develop naturally to her true self. In this place the Lady, beautiful and enchanting, is a ruling huntress who, like the Queen in Narnia, wants to bring eternal winter to all living things. The Lady, the MÓr, calls her Gwynnefur. How Gwynnefur is shaped by her adventures in this alternate universe is full of intrigue and suspense.
The narrator Erin Moon uses her acting ability to create distinct voices for each character in the story. Her inflections add much to our understanding of their personalities. Mrs. Prineas has written a tale that will be a good introduction to high fantasy for middle grade readers. The first in a trilogy, listeners will eagerly await a return through the Way to the cycle of seasons in this world of transformation. I know I will!
(less)

like · see review

May 18, 2012 GraceAnne rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a really nice middle-grade fantasy, and I mean that in the best possible way. The writing is good, the patterns clear, the magic sweet and complex enough, and there is nothing stupid in it. That is rarer than it should be. She is a writer I will happily spend more time with.

like 1 like · see review

Apr 05, 2013 Bethany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, magic-realism, fantasy, childrens, children-s

I like this book; I really do. It's founded on an interesting premise, the characters are likeable, and the plot is well-motivated. I'm definitely going to read it again.

The problem with Winterling is the end. Prineas spends so much time setting up for the final confrontation; Fer (Jennifer/Gwynnefar) has convincing motivation to beat the villain, everyone else is becoming disillusioned, the villain herself is becoming exposed and weaker...but the ending falls flat. (view spoiler)...more

like · see review

Feb 25, 2012 Phoebe rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Kezia for Cora

Shelves: fairy-fantasy, juv, juv-fantasy

Sarah Prineas never disappoints! Her fantasy books are interesting enough for adults yet perfectly appropriate for the upper elementary reader. Taking a different tack from her excellent Magic Thief series she introduces Fer, a girl who has never felt quite right in her own skin. She runs into the woods one night after a disagreement with her grandmother and encounters wolves attacking a dog. She beats them off and discovers that the dog is really a boy--and this is the beginning of all of her a...more

like · see review

Mar 14, 2011 Erica (daydreamer) marked it as must-read

Shelves: sounds-intriguing, love-the-title, so-ready-to-love, release-in-2012, cover-love, would-like-to-buy

All I have to say that is if Kristin Cashore loves the book, who am I to pass it up?

like 1 like · see review

Feb 05, 2012 Katy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Katy by: Amazon.com Vine

Shelves: vine-book, galley-for-review

See my review here:
http://www.amazon.com/review/R2PN0RI7...

like 1 like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Dena Landon rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are very few authors whose names I put on my 'automatic buy' list. Sarah Prineas is one of them. Her books never fail to delight and entertain, with strong main characters, interesting plots, and magic that is both fun and believable in her worlds. As much as magic can be believable ;)
This book takes place in two worlds - the first seemed to be either our own or close to it. Fer grows up in this world, never feeling like she quite belongs. Her Grand-Jane trains her in herbcraft and spells...more

like · see review

Feb 14, 2013 Gabrielle Byrne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I just finished Winterling, by Sarah Prineas. I had heard wonderful things about her writing and am now happy to concur with those reports. Winterling is a wonderful, curl-up-by-the-fireside story with rich characters and a well-developed world, perfect for middle graders. It's the story of Jennifer (Fer) and how she finds a gateway into another world - one that needs her and to which she is deeply connnected. Throughout the story, there's a theme of connection and intimacy with others. Fer's r...more

like · see review

Nov 04, 2012 Charlyn Trussell rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Grades 4 and up

Shelves: adventure, fiction, friendship, magic, fantasy, orphans, series, strong-female-character

Fer has been raised in this world by her grandmother, Grand-Jane, but she has never felt like she belonged. Even the children at school treat her like an outcast. One night, she disobeys her grandmother and sets off through the woods where she finds a boy being attacked by wolves. She rescues the boy and takes him back to Grand-Jane for her to treat with her chants and poultices. Grand quickly realizes the boy called Rook is an interloper, a puck who has come through a passageway called the Way...more

like · see review

Oct 20, 2012 Michelle Isenhoff rated it 4 of 5 stars

My blog’s been a little shy on sweetness lately, but this book fits the bill nicely. It was a wonderful surprise. First, I have to comment on how gorgeous the cover art is. I made it really big because I love it. Not only did it draw me to the story, it reflects it perfectly. Great job, Jason Chan. That’s exactly the type of cover I dream about for my own books.

What about the story? Super. Fer (Jennifer) is a young lady who just doesn’t seem to fit in at her school. It feels all wrong, and no wo...more My blog’s been a little shy on sweetness lately, but this book fits the bill nicely. It was a wonderful surprise. First, I have to comment on how gorgeous the cover art is. I made it really big because I love it. Not only did it draw me to the story, it reflects it perfectly. Great job, Jason Chan. That’s exactly the type of cover I dream about for my own books.

What about the story? Super. Fer (Jennifer) is a young lady who just doesn’t seem to fit in at her school. It feels all wrong, and no wonder. When the Way near her house opens, she finds she belongs to the world beyond, a land now shadowed by the evil Mór. Her only friend in this new world is the puck, Rook, who’s thrice-bound to the Mór and unable to help her. Fer must rely on her own resourcefulness and principals in a fight she cannot win alone. Meanwhile, the poison is seeping through the Way, into the world in which she left her grandmother.

The plot is a little simplistic and predictable, but it is engaging. The new world is an easy one to succumb to. Its magic doesn’t actually involve fairies, but the mischievous character Rook is reminiscent of Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was my first doorway to the faery realm. The Mór also shields her evil behind glamorie, a shimmery veil of beauty also associated with fairies. Taken together, they give this book the same feel as fairy magic. Characters that are wilding, or changing into animals, and never-ending winter add to the illusion, so for a few hours it’s easy to forget that magic isn’t real.

Maybe this isn’t the best book I read this year. It’s not the deepest or most thought-provoking. It’s not particularly clever or surprising. It’s even a little fluffy. But the prose is beautifully written and it celebrates friendship, loyalty and goodness. I guess a book doesn’t have to be perfect for a reader to loose herself in it and close the cover with a smile and a sigh of satisfaction. And that’s exactly what happened.

The cover says 10+, but I think it would be a great read-aloud for kids as young as six or seven.(less)

like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Jessica marked it as hikedigitalbookshelf

Winterling is filled with imagination! Fer's wild and free spirit makes her feel like she doesn't belong, but when she saves a creature her life changes. She is led into a strange passage to a new dangerous land. Fer instantly feels like she belongs to this realm where magic is real. Fer senses that by the ruler of this land it is out of balance and she must make some decisions. She must unlock secrets about who she is and claim her place before her previous land and the new Way descend into end...more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Winterling- Sarah Prineas	3	25	Feb 28, 2013 02:48pm

combine
Other Editions (8)

More editions...

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Fantasy

140 users

Childrens > Middle Grade

44 users

Young Adult

31 users

Fantasy > Magic

15 users

Adventure

15 users

Childrens

13 users

Childrens > Juvenile

12 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Fantasy

10 users

Animals

6 users

Paranormal > Fairies

5 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Sarah Prineas

I'm from rural Johnson County, Iowa, and my first novel, The Magic Thief, was published by HarperCollins in June 2008 and by a bunch of other publishers around the world. The next book in the series, The Magic Thief: Lost, came out in May 2009, and the third, The Magic Thief: Found, was published in spring 2010. My next book from HarperCollins was Winterling (2012), followed by two sequels, Summer...more

More about Sarah Prineas...

Books by Sarah Prineas

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Winterling

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Winterling
avg rating	preview: Winterling Goodreads rating: 3.82 (1626 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594289-winterling?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1317137596l/11594289.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11594289-winterling?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Winterling by Sarah Prineas[/url]

Winterling (Winterling #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website