Winter's Light (Winter Saga, #2)

May 25, 2012 Becca *love true love* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I just love it!

Crossbows, machetes, lodestones, WITCHES! (who on earth could've seen this last one coming??) After getting to know Winter as an ordinary girl with a normal life (not that losing one's parents could ever be normal, but still) and seeing her struggle to accept all the paranormality that fell on her head out of the blue we now see a different girl. Her kind and compassionate nature is still there, but this is a girl who doesn't hesitate to throw herself into the claws of the unknown...more I just love it!

Crossbows, machetes, lodestones, WITCHES! (who on earth could've seen this last one coming??) After getting to know Winter as an ordinary girl with a normal life (not that losing one's parents could ever be normal, but still) and seeing her struggle to accept all the paranormality that fell on her head out of the blue we now see a different girl. Her kind and compassionate nature is still there, but this is a girl who doesn't hesitate to throw herself into the claws of the unknown to save the one she truly loves.

"Sadly, Winter supposed that's all it really was when you came right down to it. A bit of boy trouble"

But what a boy, and what a trouble! In this book Winter finds out that the Skivers are not the most dangerous thing lurking out there in the periphery of her vision. And when compared to her current tangle of unexpected danger she found herself in, they might seem the last thing she should worry about.

"She considered writing a note for Lucy. What could she say? Hey Sis, gone monster hunting. If I'm not back by dinner it's probably because I had my soul sucked out. Don't wait up"

I didn't find much gaps in the book - if any. The style is remarkably improved (It was great from the beginning, now it's even better) I suffered for a while waiting for the events to pick up. And then when they eventually did I was blown away! Truckloads of surprises. So many enemies turned allies turned friends. And so many almost-friends turned allies ended up enemies!! The surprises were... well unbelievably surprising. Especially the final two. If I had an inkling about the first one, the second left me with my mouth hanging open. Who could have imagined?!

*Before I finish I have a comment, an issue. Call it what you wish:
I strongly believe that God wouldn't leave those monsters of creatures play with human souls as they please. But then again, it's a work of literature so...

Now I'm leaving you with a final quote, with hopes that next year will hurry up a little so I can get the third installment of this amazingly woven, remarkably different new world.

" 'What I do tonight, I do for him' Winter murmured, and opened the door"

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Jun 05, 2012 Chelsea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, supernatural, best-ya-books, aus

Review to come!

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Jul 01, 2012 ♫Julie♪ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-to-buy, out-in-2012, traveling-book

First thing first... A HUGE THANK YOU to Paranormal Wastelands for doing this Blogerhood of the Traveling Book and to Pan Macmillian Australia for giving copies and give us a chance to read this book.

Second, this book is only available in Australia for now, but we can cross our fingers that it could change in a near future if he was to find a publisher on this side of the Globe.

Now, to my review...

I will admit that it took me a while to get into the story this time. The first chapters seemed to...more First thing first... A HUGE THANK YOU to Paranormal Wastelands for doing this Blogerhood of the Traveling Book and to Pan Macmillian Australia for giving copies and give us a chance to read this book.

Second, this book is only available in Australia for now, but we can cross our fingers that it could change in a near future if he was to find a publisher on this side of the Globe.

Now, to my review...

I will admit that it took me a while to get into the story this time. The first chapters seemed to stretch long. I understood Winter's heartbreak over losing Blake, but I was in need of something happening.

And just like that, M. J. Hearle seemed to hear my prayers when two new Demories appeared on Winter's graduation day and her life was about to be changed again.

But Demories are not the only ones back; Sam makes a return in Winter's life. I wasn't sure how to feel about his return. Even when I realized there would be more books, it was more obvious than not that he would come back, but I wasn't sure how I would feel about him and wonder if he would make me change my mind about him. But through the book, the readers are finally getting to see a side of him that we didn't see while his family was shadowing him. Though at the beginning, Winter knows that whether she can trust him or not, she needs him to help her with her quest about finding Blake.

My favourite character though was Jasmine. She's what I call a true friend who even if sometimes she can be tackless, she's there for Winter from the beginning to the end. Her explosive personality made this story even more interesting for me. I personally would like to see Jasmine and Sam getting closer if it was ever possible for her to forgive him.

Winter didn't get my attention as she did in the first book, but I like it like that since we got to know the other characters more.

And the add of the story of Lamara and Blake's journal entries was a good move. I liked to read a bit more about someone who's like Winter and I liked we got to know Blake slightly more. It's not enough, but more than what we got from Winter's Shadow.

Overall, once the action started, M. J. Hearle got me hooked once again in Winter's world and I'm looking forward for the next book.(less)

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Apr 14, 2012 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Overall, with the stakes much higher than ever before and with many sacrifices awaiting Winter, WINTER'S LIGHT will certainly take you on a journey of self-discovery, mystery, and what it means to fight for what you love most in the world. Both well-written, entertaining, and fascinating, if you loved the first book Winter's Shadow then there's no doubt in my mind whatsoever that you're going to love this sequel too!

Full review: http://talesoftheinnerbookfanatic.blo...

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May 19, 2012 Tee loves Kyle Jacobson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-must-reads, arc-books, may-2012

Thank you to Paranormal Wasteland for allowing me to read Winter's Light.As most of you know M.J. has been trying to get his book published in America but it is only available in Australia by Pan Macmillan. Thank God Darkfallen and Greta were able to get some books and send them around to us Blake die hard's in America.

In Winter's Light we finally get to see the back drop for where Blake came from and who his parents are. We also get the background story of how the portal to the other world was...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Felicia Rogers rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars...Between liked and really liked

Received a copy for review through Paranormal Wastelands

“Winter’s Light” by M.J. Hearle is the sequel to “Winter’s Shadow.” This is a YA paranormal novel published only in Australia.

Winter is plagued by nightmares. In her dreams, her love, Blake, is still alive.

Graduating from high school, Winter should be making plans for her future but instead she is fighting to stay alive. As a Key the Demori are drawn to her. Sam, a member of the Bane, saves her life...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Novels On The Run rated it 5 of 5 stars

MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING: 4.5 WARRIOR WINTER STARS!!!

M.J has written a wonderfully haunting, in parts, sequel to Winter’s Shadow with all the characters we got to know returning, and some new additions. There are twists and exciting action scenes. Visually this book is quite breath taking.

The Demori are still drawn to Winter with Sedoris and Benedict on her case. Sadly Blake is no longer there to protect her, but she is not alone in her fight.

I love Jasmine she has turned into this gorgeous sp...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Lauren Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: aussie-author, paranormal, ya

Winter’s Light is the sequel to M.J Hearle’s debut YA paranormal novel Winter’s Shadow. This review may have spoilers to Winter’s Shadow.

Winter Adams is mourning the loss of Blake, a Demori who sacrificed his life to save her. But when Winter has visions of Blake via the lodestone he gifted her to keep her safe, she becomes convinced that he is alive somewhere in the Dead Lands.

In a showdown with a couple of evil Demori who want to suck the life out of Winter, Sam (the guy who tried to kill her...more Winter’s Light is the sequel to M.J Hearle’s debut YA paranormal novel Winter’s Shadow. This review may have spoilers to Winter’s Shadow.

Winter Adams is mourning the loss of Blake, a Demori who sacrificed his life to save her. But when Winter has visions of Blake via the lodestone he gifted her to keep her safe, she becomes convinced that he is alive somewhere in the Dead Lands.

In a showdown with a couple of evil Demori who want to suck the life out of Winter, Sam (the guy who tried to kill her and Blake in book 1) comes along and saves the day. From this, a mutual truce is ignited and a friendship ensues. They decide they need each other; Winter needs Sam to find Blake and Sam needs Winter to help take down the evil Demori. Problem is, Sam is a Bane and the Bane are the enemies of the Demori, including Blake.

In a desperate attempt at finding her love, Winter strikes a deal with the Bane. She will contribute her ability as a ‘key’ to open the gates to the Dead Lands for the Bane and in turn will be allowed entry to locate Blake. Winter, Sam and her feisty best friend Jasmine fly to France to a big eerie castle to meet the Bane and put their plan into action.

Despite Winter’s gut feeling that something isn’t right, she goes along with the Bane with the hope of reuniting with Blake. She feels she owes him this given he saved her life. But when Winter’s heart takes over her intuition she finds that she may not be able to take everything at face value.

Winter’s Light has a slow-building suspense much like Winter’s Shadow and to be honest, at first I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy the sequel. But by the half way mark I was turning the pages quickly to find out what happened next. Much like the first book, I felt Winter was quite passive throughout most of the story, until near the end when she actually steps up to the plate and begins to make decisions for herself. At times I found her passivity frustrating, but I could understand her haziness, given she was mourning Blake’s loss. I really enjoy Jasmine’s spark and I think she compliments Winter well and brings out her personality a bit more. I also liked seeing a different side to Sam this time and felt he quite genuinely cared about Winter. I have a feeling a love triangle is in the midst although Winter’s probably oblivious to this! Although absent physically in the story, Blake is brought to the readers’ mind through excerpts of his journal.

Winter’s Light is an intriguing sequel to Winter’s Shadow by Aussie author M.J Hearle and extends the story of love, loss and sacrifices set in a unique paranormal world.
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Feb 11, 2013 Tehani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian, ya, fantasy

I really wish we had half stars as this is a solid 3.5 for me. Solidly written (though a few grammatical errors that jarred eg: tact instead of tack) with an unusual structure that sees the book removing one of the main characters from the first book to a distant third party. This forms one of three narratives, the most interesting one I thought being the "genesis" story.

I liked that Winter takes as much control as possible given the events surrounding her, even though her motivation is entirel...more

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May 23, 2012 Mandee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: aussie, for-review, i-have-a-copy, may2012release, pan-macmillan, ya-lit, aussieya2012, review-on-the-blog

3.5

Winter's Light is the second book by M.J Hearle in the Winter Saga. It's been three months since the events at the end of Winter's Shadow and Hunter is about to graduate from high school, along with her best friend, Jasmine. Her older sister has started dating a guy called Dominic and it's made her a lot more relaxed. Winter is still wearing the lodestone that Blake gave her and unfortunately it attracts some unwanted attention. Luckily for Winter, Sam and Jasmine are there to help her out an...more 3.5

Winter's Light is the second book by M.J Hearle in the Winter Saga. It's been three months since the events at the end of Winter's Shadow and Hunter is about to graduate from high school, along with her best friend, Jasmine. Her older sister has started dating a guy called Dominic and it's made her a lot more relaxed. Winter is still wearing the lodestone that Blake gave her and unfortunately it attracts some unwanted attention. Luckily for Winter, Sam and Jasmine are there to help her out and tag along for the adventure.

As I mentioned above, I don't want to spoil anything so I won't discuss too much more of the plot. This time the in addition to the story told by Winter's perspective we jump back in time to Lamara's original trip to the Dead Lands and we learn the story of how Ariman, Blake's father, came to be. Also, thanks to Sam, Winter has a translation of Blake's journal to read through and excerpts are shared with us throughout the book.

Winter definitely comes into her own in this sequel. I mentioned how appearance-conscious she was in the first book and she was definitely a damsel in distress that didn't listen to warnings. In this book she's much stronger and more determined to do what she thinks is right. And while Jasmine can be mean and abrupt, she was a really good friend to Winter and helped her out on a few occasions. Sam was also a great asset, always watching out for Winter and providing her with the information she was desperate to have. They both offer Winter great advice, that while she doesn't want to hear, she knows is true.

Again the action in this book was fast-paced and it lead up to a big finish, including a cliffhanger which I think will make way for a great third instalment of this series.

As I mentioned in my review of Winter's Shadow, there were some Twilighty aspects, but I'm happy to say there weren't as many in Winter's Light. There was a scene in a clearing where Winter is almost attacked and that reminded me of the scene in New Moon but only just. I think M.J managed to break out of the stereotypical paranormal romance framework and gave us a much more interesting and unique story.

We do learn more about the history behind Blake's heritage and also the organisation that Sam is a part of and again I thought the mythology was well thought out and created an authentic world for the characters.

Winter's Light is a great follow up to Winter's Shadow and it's sure to please fans of paranormal romance. International readers can purchase it online and Aussies can find it in local book stores.

My copy was provided to me by the wonderful people at Pan Macmillan Australia.(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 Darkfallen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, read-n-reviewed

Winter has nightmares of the night she lost Blake. Nothing seems much worth it anymore without him. Even graduating from high school seems unimportant now. But all that starts to change with a flicker of hope after a vision she gets while at a graduation party. Hope that maybe, just maybe, Blake isn't completely gone, but trapped in the Dead Lands somewhere. But then what happens after Winter leaves the party turns everything dark. Again Winter finds herself on a ride for her life trying to outr...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Dhezza Silverio rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, e-books-slash-i-books, read-in-2012, wishlist

Blake is gone. It's been three months since the accident at Pilgrim's Lament. Winter can't stop thinking of Blake, of what really happened to him in the Dead Lands. Winter tried to call Blake through his lodestone but she made a horrible mistake, by calling Blake she gets the attention of other Demori. She didn't realized there's a lot of them who can't resist a Key. Also, the lodestone give Winter a sight Blake suffering in a dark room. Now she's determined to save him, no matter what.

I must sa...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Em rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-as-good-as-the-others, where-did-ther-hottie-go, not-much-action

AHHHHH! I'VE ONLY JUST REALISED THAT I CAN GET THIS ON AMAZON UK!!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!

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Mar 08, 2012 Michelle novelsontherun rated it 5 of 5 stars

RATING: 4.5 WARRIOR WINTER STARS!!!

M.J has written a wonderfully haunting, in parts, sequel to Winter’s Shadow with all the characters we got to know returning, and some new additions. There are twists and exciting action scenes. Visually this book is quite breath taking.

The Demori are still drawn to Winter with Sedoris and Benedict on her case. Sadly Blake is no longer there to protect her, but she is not alone in her fight.

I love Jasmine she has turned into this gorgeous spitfire. She is a g...more

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May 26, 2012 Lisa (Badass Bookie) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-swap

Rating - 3.5

The Short Story? - A fantastic addition to a deliciously enticing paranormal series! Hearle sure know how to write one heck of a cliff hanger! Winter's Light was a treat to read from cover to cover. Filled with mystery, action, sacrifice and loss Winter's Light completely blew me away! A sequel I would definitely invest in, Hearle hauntingly beautiful world-building will have you craving for more!

The Long Story? - I did a double-take when I first received the book - it's HUGE. Sit...more Rating - 3.5

The Short Story? - A fantastic addition to a deliciously enticing paranormal series! Hearle sure know how to write one heck of a cliff hanger! Winter's Light was a treat to read from cover to cover. Filled with mystery, action, sacrifice and loss Winter's Light completely blew me away! A sequel I would definitely invest in, Hearle hauntingly beautiful world-building will have you craving for more!

The Long Story? - I did a double-take when I first received the book - it's HUGE. Sitting at 440 pages, for someone like me who rarely ventures past the 350 page mark - I was a little unnerved. However Winter's Light had me hooked from page 1 and I was completely captivated by this well-written story. I think it's safe to say that I enjoyed Winter's Light more than Winter's Shadow. Romance takes a backseat but it still plays a huge part directing the course of the novel. Hearle take us out of small town Hagan's Bluff and into France where Winter is faced with new challenges that will do anything to separate her from her beloved Blake. Fantastic twists and turns, completely unpredictable and filled with action. I'm especially impressed with the final showdown, Hearle has written a fantastic finale in which he has left as a cliff-hanger *shakes fist*! One thing is for sure though, I will be biting my nails waiting for the release of book 3! Extraordinary work!

I don't think I'm ever going to get over how well Hearle writes as a girl, I harbour secret theories about his gender.... but that aside, the characterisation was superb! From the moment we were introduced to Winter in Winter's Shadow, I've always taken a liking to her. She's quite timid and shy but she's got a heart of gold and her determination and faith and love really is something to be admired. She's a strong character and in many ways she's a heroine but I feel that at times she's a little bit of a damsel in distress. I think what Winter needs is martial arts lessons! But she's such an amazing character, I really admire her strength. I've taken a liking to Jasmine and Sam in Winter's Light, both play an essential role in the novel and their fierce friendship with Winter was touching.

In a nutshell - Winter's Light completely took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this beautifully crafted novel that makes some of the other YA paranormals I've read look like ... well, crap. Loved Hearle's world-building, the concept of the Deadlands and the Bane and everything in between was original and a delight for a reader's imagination. Fantastic characters that inspired me and make me want to jump in the pages and fight besides them. Winter's Light is an unputdownable novel that's a jewel amongst the rest. Two thumbs up!(less)

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Apr 26, 2012 Celine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Review originally posted in: http://forget8me8not.blogspot.com.au/...

Cover:
I love the snowy theme of the cover and the girl's white dress. The white theme makes Winter's red hair and the title's red font stand out!

Story:

Is Blake gone forever?

It's been 3 months since Blake sacrificed himself to save Winter's life. Winter has graduated from high school. Winter's life is never the same since she met Blake in Pilgrim's Lament. Winter longs for Blake and yearns for him through the lodestone Blake gav...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Jen {The Book Twins} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, series, paranormal-romance

Posted on my blog:: Check it out.
The Book Twins | YA & Adult reviews

The sequel to 'Winter's Shadow' brings everything you anticipate and more. If you thought the first book was good, then you aint seen nothing yet. In Winter's Light, Blake is gone, but Winter can't stop thinking about him and wondering what happened to him when the Shivers took his soul to The Dead Lands where the malfarie would be doing God knows what with it. Fast-forward three months and Winter is graduating from high sc...more

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May 06, 2012 Sarah (Head Stuck In A Book) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, review-copy, young-adult, owned-and-read

I loved this book as much as the first one my only problem, no Blake and I definitely felt his abscence.
After losing Blake at the end of the last book after sacrificing himself for her Winter is lost it's been three months she calls him to her with his lodestone (a crystal that will let him know when Winter needs him) to no avail, until one day she sees a vision of him being held prisoner in the Dead Lands.
While attending a graduation party Winter wanders off and is set upon by two Demori who re...more I loved this book as much as the first one my only problem, no Blake and I definitely felt his abscence.
After losing Blake at the end of the last book after sacrificing himself for her Winter is lost it's been three months she calls him to her with his lodestone (a crystal that will let him know when Winter needs him) to no avail, until one day she sees a vision of him being held prisoner in the Dead Lands.
While attending a graduation party Winter wanders off and is set upon by two Demori who realise that she is a Key but just as she is about to be attacked she is saved by Sam who has been on the run since the end of the last book.
Sam becomes her ally in trying to find Blake after realising from reading Blake's diary that he stole that he never killed anyone and that his family the Bane who are sworn enemies of the Demori had him believing that all Demori were bad.
Through Sam, Winter is introduced to more Bane members and they strike a deal with her, they'll reunite her with Blake after she opens a portal for them into the Dead Lands, so she flies out to France with Sam and her best friend Jasmine and after arriving at the castle has a feeling that something is wrong but she doesn't quite know what it is.
As in the last book this one has chapters relating to the past, this time to Ariman (Blake's father the first Demori) and Ariman's mother Lamara the Farseer, I find the back stories of all these characters really interesting and hope that the same theme continues in the next book.
I also loved the addition of Blake's diary entries leading up to and after he met Winter to see what his thoughts were when they first met.
I wasn't a big fan of Sam in the previous book but he's definitely one of my favourites now and I'm thinking that Sam has developed feelings for Winter and perhaps she might have done the same, I think that this would make an interesting twist to the story.
All in all this was a fantastic addition to this series, an unputdownable book from an author who knows how to keep you enthralled.(less)

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Jan 16, 2012 Mada marked it as to-read

Official Winter’s Light blurb:

Is death really the end?

It’s a question Winter Adams can’t stop turning over in her mind. Not after what happened that night on Owl Mountain. When the darkness descended and took away her love. And then comes the vision, the answer she’s been waiting for:

No. There is still time.

Now, a journey must be taken, a truce will be formed with an old enemy, and a battle fought – not for herself, but for another. For Blake.

The darkness is gathering again and this time there i...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Joy (Cheery♡Reads) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: may-2012, i-own

I was really excited for the sequel to Winter's Shadow and was expecting lots of action and excitement. But somehow, the story fell short for me. The beginning was slow going and I found myself putting it down quite often.

It only got me excited and glued to it when Sedoris and Benedict made their appearances. After that, it was up and down for me. Winter's performance was lacklustre this time around.

I was expecting more maturity and growth on her part but she was mostly depending on Sam and the...more

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May 05, 2012 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-to-buy-in-english, traveling-books, ebooks-i-own, books-to-buy-in-paperback

Once again a huge thanks to the amazing bloggers of paranormal wasteland for doing again a travelling book for this serie! They gave me the opportunity to read a sequel i've been waiting for a while!

So Winter’s Light is the sequel to the YA paranormal novel Winter’s Shadow. If you haven't read the first book don't read this review as it can spoil you some details from the first book.

I have to admit at first i wasn't sure i would like this book as much as the first one when i realized the storyli...more Once again a huge thanks to the amazing bloggers of paranormal wasteland for doing again a travelling book for this serie! They gave me the opportunity to read a sequel i've been waiting for a while!

So Winter’s Light is the sequel to the YA paranormal novel Winter’s Shadow. If you haven't read the first book don't read this review as it can spoil you some details from the first book.

I have to admit at first i wasn't sure i would like this book as much as the first one when i realized the storyline would probably lack some Blake regarding the end of the first book and also because in a lot of series the second opus is not as good as the first one but M.J Hearle delivered once again and beautifully written story, as addictive as the first one but in a completely different way!

Right from the start i could tell this story would be different from the first book. Winter's haunted by the dead of Blake and can't go on with her life. Right when she think that all the supernatural stuff is behind her she got targeted by the Demori and that's when Sam come back in the picture. I have to admit that with what happened in the first book i wasn't Sam biggest fan. Like Winter and Jasmine i doubted he was trustworthy and was pretty sure he had is own agenda when he started helping her but at the same time i felt bad for this teenage boy who was stuck at a young age in the familly business, want it or not. The lack of Blake also gave the opportunity to put Jasmine in the spotlight. In the first book Jasmine was only this strong willed, full of energy and eccentric best friend but in this book i was glad for the sparks she was briging in the story because like in the first book Winter's pretty passive during most of the storyline except toward the end when she decide to take matter in her own hands and i had a hard time relating to that because she's suffering the loss of Blake so much that i was expecting her to be more forward in her attempt to bring him back.

I really loved how M.J Hearle enterwined the story of Winter, Blake's journal and Lamara, it brought an amazing depth in the story and i can't wait to read the conclusion of this epic story!

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Mar 23, 2012 Brodie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, aussie-swap

4.5 stars

Three months have passed since the tragic events at Pilgrim's Lament. Three months Winter's has had to deal with her grief over losing Blake, while living with the knowledge of all she learnt about the Dead Lands and her own unique abilities. She's about to attend her high school graduation - putting yet another piece of her life behind her - but what she doesn't realise is that life after school may offer something far more unsettling. Attacked by two Demori, Winter finds an unlikely s...more 4.5 stars

Three months have passed since the tragic events at Pilgrim's Lament. Three months Winter's has had to deal with her grief over losing Blake, while living with the knowledge of all she learnt about the Dead Lands and her own unique abilities. She's about to attend her high school graduation - putting yet another piece of her life behind her - but what she doesn't realise is that life after school may offer something far more unsettling. Attacked by two Demori, Winter finds an unlikely saviour in Sam, one of the Bane who aided in Blake's demise. He may have just saved her life, but can she really trust him? More troubling is that Winter now has a deadly enemy in a Demori who will stop at nothing to exact his vengeance.

Winter shines for her strength and initiative in this novel. She's determined, a girl on a mission, fueled by love and the promise of saving what she thought was lost to her. She's very independent and I liked seeing her faced with difficult decisions. While sometimes you're warning her against doing something, you can sympathise with her reasons why and she's smart enough to understand the risks. Sam was a very welcome addition to the cast, I loved that Hearle probed deeper into his character. He may not have always done the right things, but he's now away from his father's influence and a much better person for it. He's trying to atone for his past mistakes and while you have suspicions that he may still be hiding something from Winter, you can't help but feel for him. I also love that we saw plenty of Jasmine. Too many times the best friend is there but often gets pushed to the side when the heroine is off on a dangerous supernatural mission. Here, Jasmine knows of the otherworldly dangers Winter is entangled in and regardless of the risks, she sticks by her friend's side, loyal until the end... despite that she's just as terrified as Winter!

As with Winter's Shadow, Hearle once again gives us a glimpse into the past - two thousand years ago, to be exact. I especially loved this element of the story. Lamara was a fascinating character who made a decision powered by love, just as Winter is doing now, but it lead Lamara to the heart of the Dead Lands. Straight into the terrifying hands on the Malfaerie. I so enjoyed reading the time spent there, because the Malfaerie are horrific, power-hungry things and I was caught up in Lamara's tragic, yet darkly thrilling story.

We're still immersed in the haunting atmosphere of Hagan's Bluff, but we also see more foreign scenery with the Dead Lands and a glimpse of Paris. And it's in Paris that we meet the Bonnaires, a long line of family (perhaps not all by blood, but definitely by loyalty) who hunt down the Demori. They want Winter for a very specific reason... but are their motives to be trusted? And is Blake's potential rescue worth the risk of what they want to unleash?

Sacrifices demand to be made and Winter must learn to trust her instincts. But when they're warning her against the one plan that may save Blake from his eternal doom, how can she turn away? The stakes are raised even higher in the sequel. Hearle brilliantly weaves two captivating tales from the past and present, which intertwine despite the time that separates them. Winter's Light will hook you back into its dark and eerie world from the very first page and once you turn the last, you will be hungry for the next book after the cliffhanger you're left on! Packed with even more action and intensity than the first, Winter's Light keeps you on constant alert, with twists you won't see coming until the very last minute and danger that urges you to read faster.

A must read for anyone who enjoyed the first book and definitely a series you should try if you're looking for something new in a slew of paranormal cliches! (less)

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Mar 14, 2012 Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own, publisher-sent, pan-macmillan-sent, arc-s

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
*Read in March 2012*

**Thank-you to Pan Macmillan Australia for proving me with an ARC of this to read and review**

Winter’s Light is a darkly intense follow up to Winter’s Shadow by M.J. Hearle that doesn’t disappoint with it’s rich description and enthralling storyline!

I find the world crafted by Hearle in this series to be hauntingly beautiful. Hearle’s prose is exquisite; deeply gothic and one that flows easily, sweeping you up straight into the story. It captures you from the very beginning a...more
*Read in March 2012*

**Thank-you to Pan Macmillan Australia for proving me with an ARC of this to read and review**

Winter’s Light is a darkly intense follow up to Winter’s Shadow by M.J. Hearle that doesn’t disappoint with it’s rich description and enthralling storyline!

I find the world crafted by Hearle in this series to be hauntingly beautiful. Hearle’s prose is exquisite; deeply gothic and one that flows easily, sweeping you up straight into the story. It captures you from the very beginning and it’s easy to get immersed in the tale. In Winter’s Light, the storyline from Winter’s Shadow continues and the tragic events of the first book continue to impact on the storyline of it’s sequel.

The combination of past and present that Hearle blends is both tantalizing and intriguing and the inclusion of new mysteries and new characters weave with old to leave you glued to the pages and eager to know what’s next. I loved getting a glimpse into some of the events that are a part of the history of the Malfaerie and Demori and learning more about Lamara, the young woman we’ve only heard about proved to be insightful. It was easy to be drawn to her desperate plight and brave nature.

Winter has been through an incredibly lot lately. The last three months have been hard on her and loosing Blake has taken its toll. I find Winter to be a fantastic heroine to follow! M.J. Hearle writes her voice with such perfection that it’s no problem at all to slip into her head. She undertakes such growth throughout this book in her determined quest to save her lost love and her inner strength that she demonstrates definitely endeared her more to me. Her ability to make tough choices and her desire to do the right thing make her a force to be reckoned with; I can’t wait to see what she’ll do next.

While I’ll be the first to admit I missed Blake, Jasmine continues to be a fantastic character and best friend to Winter and Sam steps up in his search for redemption. I love Jas. Her witty remarks and devotion to her best friend is beautiful and I found I really loved Sam in this book. I liked him in the first book, but here he truly touched my heart with his desire to make up for his actions in the first book and his desire to be a friend to Winter. I also liked Elena. As one of the new characters introduced and part of the mysterious Bane, I admit she wasn’t who I thought she was at first sight and I loved seeing Hearle unveil her character. I’d definitely like to see more of her in future books.

With twists, turns and betrayal, Winter’s Light is a spectacular read! A heart-racing and surprising ending is bound to leave you begging for more and desperate to know what Hearle has in store for this series next!
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Nov 03, 2012 Josie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Well you know how with most book series the sequel is usually quite boring and nothing really happens say in twilight where Bella just moons over Edward the whole book and tries to kill herself a lot? This book is the complete opposite. I was quite skeptical, I admit, and I didn't have very high expectations but I was surprised. This book matches It's prequel and is maybe even better with an ending that is definitely leaving you wanting answers. Amazing author :)

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Jun 25, 2012 Natalie Rochester rated it 4 of 5 stars

Summary:
Overalll, I think this book is worth 4/5 stars. It was a great read, but a little slow to begin with. If you haven't yet, you should definitely check out 'Winter's Shadow'. Also, how gorgeous is that cover?!

Full review: http://quirkygirllikesvintage.blogspo...

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Jul 03, 2012 Tiana rated it 3 of 5 stars

I thought the first book was better, but Winter's Light was still alright. I liked Sam. I liked some of the revelations. I hated Jasmine, gosh she's fricken annoying. Sucked that Blake wasn't found in this sequel, but I guess that just holds more suspense for the next book.

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Jul 28, 2012 Adrielle Pottle rated it 4 of 5 stars

I can't get enough of these books. Totally different world to any that I have been engrossed in to date (and that is a lot). An Australian author to boot! Certainly boots the typical, predictable vampire/werewolf crap that has been chewed up and spat out many times.

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Aug 26, 2012 Steph Bowe rated it 4 of 5 stars

My thoughts about Winter's Light are included in my review of Winter's Shadow: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

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Dec 11, 2012 Shelley marked it as to-read

Shelves: fairies-witches-warlocks-oh-my, urban-fantasy, young-adult, paranormal, awaiting-for-further-books-in-the-s

I'm still refusing to read this book until I see at least a publication date on book 3 OR even a title and cover would be nice. However, after stalking his blog to try and gleam any bit of news I learned that a) He was super super busy, one of those thing being planning his wedding/getting married and b) he has a novella coming out (sounds like soon!) about Claudette, which has greatly peaked my interest.

I'm super super curious to read about Claudette before she went psychotic.

PS - Love love the...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Michelle added it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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title link	preview: Winter's Light
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Winter's Light (Winter Saga #2)

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Winter's Light (Winter Saga #2)

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