Shadowcry (Wintercraft, #1)

Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, book-list-2010

Wintercraft is a debut novel, which has had quite a lot of buzz leading up to it's publication date. The cover is awesome and I was very much looking forward to reading this book which is being marketed as an alternative to vampires and angels, and I was definitely up for something refreshing and new.

Although Wintercraft is a solid debut, with good writing and a flowing plot, it didn't blow me away. The landscape in Wintercraft is vibrant and descriptions of places and scenes are well thought ou...more Wintercraft is a debut novel, which has had quite a lot of buzz leading up to it's publication date. The cover is awesome and I was very much looking forward to reading this book which is being marketed as an alternative to vampires and angels, and I was definitely up for something refreshing and new.

Although Wintercraft is a solid debut, with good writing and a flowing plot, it didn't blow me away. The landscape in Wintercraft is vibrant and descriptions of places and scenes are well thought out, unfortunately I didn't feel the same about the characters.

Kate is a young girl with a gift. She can see into the 'veil', the boundary between worlds and see through spirits of others. I found Kate's character to be rather flat. I didn't really get a sense of who she was until around a hundred pages from the end, which is when the book kicked into gear for me with regards to excitement and energy. Much of the book we see Kate running, hiding and getting caught, or escaping, running, hiding and getting caught again, which was rather repetitive. Edgar, Kate's best friends' role was that of rescuer and not much else.

The character which stood out by far was that of Silas, the evil element to the story. However, he wasn't evil enough, instead I found myself feeling sympathetic towards him and his plight as a man brought back from death but living with no soul. He wishes for death and thinks that Kate and her gift are the key to getting what he wants. He is the most colourful character of all and his cold, harsh exterior and violent nature, which we really don't see that much of, hides a small part that is still good. For me, the true evil in Wintercraft is found in Da'ru, a member of the High Council.

I also feel that this book would be more suitable for younger teens because although the main protagonist, Kate, is around fifteen, she is quite a young fifteen and didn't have the same maturity I have found when reading other young adults books with the same aged protagonists.

Verdict:

Sadly Wintercraft didn't engage me as much as I hoped it would. I wish the characters were more developed, as I prefer my books to be quite character driven, and didn't really think that the plot alone was substantial enough to carry the book. However, Wintercraft is a fun fantasy and I'm sure many fantasy fans will enjoy it.(less)

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May 17, 2010 The Holy Terror rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: color-purple, color-blue, owned, bought-05-10, magic, young-adult, fantasy, 2010

*4.5 Stars* What an incredibly fascinating and unique world Burtenshaw has created. I honestly can't believe that this is her first book. I was completely enthralled after reading just the first chapter, and the story grabs onto you and doesn't let go until the last page.

Kate Winters lives in Morvane on the island of Albion, where she works in her Uncle's bookstore. When she was five her town was harvested by the wardens; people were collected and rounded up to be sold as slaves or to become so...more *4.5 Stars* What an incredibly fascinating and unique world Burtenshaw has created. I honestly can't believe that this is her first book. I was completely enthralled after reading just the first chapter, and the story grabs onto you and doesn't let go until the last page.

Kate Winters lives in Morvane on the island of Albion, where she works in her Uncle's bookstore. When she was five her town was harvested by the wardens; people were collected and rounded up to be sold as slaves or to become soldiers in the never-ending war against the Continent. Kate was spared, but her parents were not. She hid in a secret spot while her parents were dragged away, never to be seen by Kate again.

The wardens descend on the towns to look for the Skilled as well - people that can enter the Veil; the land of the dead. Kate is fifteen now and she doesn't know it yet, but she is destined to be one of the most powerful of the Skilled in ages, and more than one person is looking for her.

A lot of times in fantasy novels the author gets hung up on creating some crazy fantastical world and the story gets lost while you try to make sense of things. Burtenshaw takes something that is unbelievable and makes it easy to understand. There's a sense of tense excitement throughout the whole novel, and you can't help but want to turn the pages faster and faster to find out what will happen to the characters.

Kate doesn't believe in her abilities and the Veil at first, but the rate at which she accepts things is both imaginable and feels real. Kate wants to help what is left of her family and friends, and tries to do what she thinks is right. She isn't so stubborn that she kicks and fights against her fate; she takes hold of it with both hands.

At first, Silas Dane is the supposed villain of the novel, but his role exists in a decidedly grey area. He's a tortured man whose soul has been blackened against his will, but his and Kate's lives become forever enmeshed together.

The imagery that Burtenshaw uses to describe the world she has created is magical. I could imagine everything clearly, which can be a difficult feat when different realms and rituals are involved.

I loved the characters, was fascinated by the world, and drawn into the story completely. I've read that at least two more books are planned in this series, and I wholeheartedly look forward to reading them. This was simply a great first book by a new author, and one I'll watch for years to come.(less)

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Nov 21, 2011 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: witchcraft

I read only 186 pages, but I can say that just LOVED Silas.

He is tall, dark, mysterious, dead (yeah... dead as a doornail... nobody is perfect).... the men of your dreams!!!

But only this character wasn't enough to captivated me.
Maybe was the public to which the books was written (it's a YA book) or the fact that the "walk on the land of the dead" thing was written to much similar to the wonderful book of Garth Nix

Lirael Daughter of the Clayr (The Abhorsen Trilogy, #2)

... I don't known exactly what make me abandon this book, but certainly if readi...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Josephine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Although a very different story from Ranger's Apprentice, despite the implication on the back, it is definitely an exciting read. This is a book that I was unable to put down.

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May 15, 2010 edifanob rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads, my-books

So I did it. I read a YA fantasy novel and ....... I liked it .....
und certain premises. It is definitely YA so don't expect complicated plots and twists and turns. I read it in just one day.
All in all Jenna Burtenshaw did a good job on her debut novel.

And there is one really intriguing character: Silas Dane. I think he will be the most interesting character for all adult readers.

Read my full review over at Edi's Book Lighthouse.

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Mar 30, 2013 Eli Constant rated it 3 of 5 stars

The premise of this book is really unique and attention-grabbing- The idea of 'skilled' individuals that can reach through the 'veil' into the afterlife. The story follows one skilled individual in particular, Kate Winters. Kate is an orphan being raised by her all-too-normal Uncle Artemis, a book keeper in small town outside the graveyard city of Fume. As part of the Winters' family, Kate's parents were privvy to the workings of WinterCraft - a text written by the most gifted of skilled which o...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Lucinda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A spellbinding supernatural story that delicately interweaves ancient magic and spinechilling suspense

This gothic creation is utterly breathtaking, with such a colorful mix of interesting characters that are greatly memorable and likeable. Wintercraft is the first installment within a spectacular Young Adult fantasy trilogy, with ‘Blackwatch’ (book 2) and ‘Legacy’ (book 3) continuing Kate’s journey. I did feel that this book contained elements within that would appeal to readers who enjoy books...more A spellbinding supernatural story that delicately interweaves ancient magic and spinechilling suspense

This gothic creation is utterly breathtaking, with such a colorful mix of interesting characters that are greatly memorable and likeable. Wintercraft is the first installment within a spectacular Young Adult fantasy trilogy, with ‘Blackwatch’ (book 2) and ‘Legacy’ (book 3) continuing Kate’s journey. I did feel that this book contained elements within that would appeal to readers who enjoy books such as Sabriel, as it includes sympathetic villains and characters who express such independent thought. Jenna Burtenshaw’s in-depth world building is impressive, as I totally believed in Albion and those who inhabit this mystical place which is full of sinister secrets and danger.

One follows the story of Kate Winters who is not only torn from family members but is hunted by dangerous enemies, like Silas Dane who is a merciless killer haunted by memories. Kate is skilled with the ability to see through the veil of life and death, and as the Night of Souls approaches she may be the key to the fate of her world…with the clues to her power hidden within the book of Wintercraft.

This is an inspired magical creation of such epic proportions, which many readers both younger and older Young Adults/ teenagers will love. I found it really easy to loose myself within this tale that is highly readable and most enjoyable – to those with a vivid imagination! I also have to mention how much I treasure the beauty of the paranormal cover and embellished pages, which transport one instantly to the author’s world. This is a light, fun and totally fantastical read of sheer sublime storytelling in which dreams really do become reality. Since reading Wintercraft I am now very keen to delve into book 2 of this spectacular saga and so I praise highly this brilliant book.

www.wintercraft.co.uk – Enter the world of Wintercraft…meet the characters, visit the key locations and find out more about the important places in Wintercraft. Find out more about characters such as Da’ru Marr, Edgar Rill and Artemis Winters and locations like Morvane, Fume and the City Below. Visit the high council chambers and the thieves’ way and also, extras – computer desktop wallpaper!*
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Jul 12, 2012 Insane Giggler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: at-home-on-shelf, radical-royals, fantasy-style

very discriptive, almost too much. drags on. I am on the 103 page and all that has happened is her getting taken.
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Let me tell you now, when something happens- everything happens and doesn't stop. I seriously lost track of where she was what was happening and the scene didn't seem to be very well thought out. I got a general idea of where she was but you would think with so much detail that you got a clear vivid image. Nada.
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Apr 16, 2012 Nura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: because-its-blue, work-related

Kate tinggal di Albion, sebuah negeri antah berantah yang berada di sebuah pulau bertetangga dengan Kontinen. Albion dalam keadaan berperang, dan sewaktu-waktu para warden akan datang untuk mengambili penduduk, entah untuk dijadikan sebagai tentara atau sesuatu yang tidak mereka ketahui sama sekali. tapi ancaman terbesar justru berasal dari para penguasa negeri tersebut, para anggota dewan, atau tepatnya salah satu anggota dewan yang memiliki Kemampuan. lalu apa hubungan Kate dengan semua itu? k...more

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Apr 10, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Brought to you by Guest Reviewer Susan

Wow… Wow… Wow… This is an awesome book. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, so well written and so well constructed. I loved everything about it and couldn’t put it down. It is like nothing else out there, there are no witches, no vampires or werewolves. Yet it still has a supernatural theme to it.

I was unsure of Kate at first and wish she had a bit more back bone, not that she was a push over but she was powerful. She is young and unsure of herself, whi...more

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Jan 05, 2012 Lori Cox rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-school, young-adult

Kate is a 15 year old living in Albion, a country that has been at war for many years. The wardens come to her town to “harvest” workers for the effort and since they had already seized her parents ten years prior, her uncle has a plan to hide her. What they discover while hiding is that Kate is one of the Skilled, as she is able to bring a bird back to life. These Skilled people are especially high on the wanted list and the rest of the book is spent with Kate running, hiding and escaping captu...more

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Dec 22, 2011 Charlotte Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Is it as good as the second one that I read first, hell yes. In fact it explains a lot of what was actually happening within the second book. The novel itself was grasping and attractive with action and adrenaline. The imagery was alive and it engaged the readers mind to become one with the book so that they were unable to put it down and instead just wanted to carry on reading to find out what happens. I loved the fact that silas was displayed as some sort of evil character in the novel, but fr...more Is it as good as the second one that I read first, hell yes. In fact it explains a lot of what was actually happening within the second book. The novel itself was grasping and attractive with action and adrenaline. The imagery was alive and it engaged the readers mind to become one with the book so that they were unable to put it down and instead just wanted to carry on reading to find out what happens. I loved the fact that silas was displayed as some sort of evil character in the novel, but from having read the second one first, I knew that there was a soft side to him, but the book still had me doubting.

I just feel that with this series of books the author has really gone into great depth and power with their words. They have made the book into something attractive and engaging. The wording just springs to life as your reading it so that actually you feel like you are in on the adventure and that you are the one in danger of being caught and killed. I loved the family connection that was going on but also know what happens with this family arrangement next which kind of saddens you in many ways. I would have loved to have read more about kates family, her mother and father that is, for I feel this would have added even further interest to the novel and would have allowed the reader to understand the history a little bit better, so that they knew the danger that laid ahead.

The bird thhat belongs to silas makes me smile, merely for the fact that he is obviously a great companion, not out to cause damage or harm, but merely the eyes that see what silas can not. In many ways I feel there is some great importance to the crow. The badies in the novel were hidden well, despite the fact they were predictable as well. I just felt that the way their character and persona were presented to the reader, was done in an effective manner so that you really got the sense and feeling of a bad guy. Altogether though, I have to say this has become one of my few favorite series of books to read and I intend to find out if a third one is to be made, or has been made.(less)

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Sep 22, 2011 Kale rated it 1 of 5 stars

You would think that being able to bring a bird back to life would be a good thing. For Kate that life could be the death of her.

Kate Winters has been living a quiet life in her small town with her uncle Artemis, content as the village booksellers. But their sleepy little town is overdue for a visit from the harvesters, wardens from the city of Fume who abduct people and sell them as servants and soldiers for the war front. The most hunted and prized prisoners are the Skilled, humans with the a...more You would think that being able to bring a bird back to life would be a good thing. For Kate that life could be the death of her.

Kate Winters has been living a quiet life in her small town with her uncle Artemis, content as the village booksellers. But their sleepy little town is overdue for a visit from the harvesters, wardens from the city of Fume who abduct people and sell them as servants and soldiers for the war front. The most hunted and prized prisoners are the Skilled, humans with the ability to see into the veil, the world between worlds. The Skilled also possess powers to heal and see the future. Unfortunately for Kate she comes from a long and distinguished line of Skilled, and some very dangerous people know it. They will stop at nothing to capture and harness her power for their own agendas.

I found Shadowcry a bit of a drag. It literally had no life to carry you through the plot development and world building. I forced myself to finish it. For me there was nothing really to latch onto. The characters seemed to bumble through the story, Kate was too naive, too stubborn, not at all clever, or interesting to be likeable. Well she might be interesting but the author didn't really elaborate on her character or much of any other. Edgar her not-so romantic lead seemed sweet with his bungled attempts to save Kate, but there were so many gaps in his description I'm not even sure what he looks like or if he's a brave, or a fool, he comes off less as a hero and more of a contradiction. I like Artemis for a moment, but then the author makes a point of casting him as a coward and close-minded, and not worth saving, which makes Kate look dumb for doing the right thing. I get that she wanted to create flawed characters, but those flaws only work if the people are endearing. The bad guys Silas and Da'ru were more fleshed out. Silas most of all, since his situation was more interesting than most being not quite alive yet unable to die. But these are the villains and I don't want to get to know them better than the heroine. The pet crow should not be my favorite character, which (sadly) it is. Overall I found the cast annoying.

Shadowcry made me want to cry. The concept was promising, I thought it was going to be a twist on necromancy, but with an overly imagined world and underly developed characters the book falls flat. It was written well, but becoming immersed in such a dark and dreary world with no romance or interesting personalities to add color and life to the story it turned out bland, especially when a majority of the action happens in the last two chapters. Those Who Still Wish to See the Dark, Be Ready to Pay Your Price. In Boredom.(less)

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Aug 11, 2011 Elizabeth "Liza" rated it 4 of 5 stars

This novel was published in the UK last year under the name ‘Wintercraft’, which makes a lot more sense that ‘Shadowcry’. This is a fantasy book with some mystery thrown in the mix for good measure. I felt the story was original, even if the concepts were a little hard to grasp.

The characters are very complex, each with their own agenda and strong personalities. Kate comes across as an open-minded, practical young woman with a power that she neither understands nor wants. Despite his cruelty an...more

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May 02, 2011 Jessica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I raced through this novel! It was so good that I could not put it down. It was very fresh for me as it was more fantasy and I haven't read from this genre since reading Garth Nix's Abhorsen series.

Kate is living with her uncle and helping him run his little bookshop. They know about the Wardens but having seen them in a long time. However, Kate's uncle gets some information and is getting ready to take Kate and hide when the Wardens invade the town and Kate, her friend Edgar and her uncle must...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, ya-contemporary

Kate Winters lives in Morvane with her uncle. They have a small bookstore that does okay, and are left alone to do their business. Kate has a best friend called Edgar. He's shy, loyal, and helps out at the bookstore. Everything in her life is peaceful, even if she did lose her parents the last time wardens stormed the town.

And now, the wardens have returned. The day they storm into Morvane, Kate's peaceful life gets thrown into chaos. While hiding in the basement with her uncle and Edgar, she re...more Kate Winters lives in Morvane with her uncle. They have a small bookstore that does okay, and are left alone to do their business. Kate has a best friend called Edgar. He's shy, loyal, and helps out at the bookstore. Everything in her life is peaceful, even if she did lose her parents the last time wardens stormed the town.

And now, the wardens have returned. The day they storm into Morvane, Kate's peaceful life gets thrown into chaos. While hiding in the basement with her uncle and Edgar, she revives a dead bird by holding it in her hands. This gets the attention of Silas Dane. A man who isn't exactly alive, but wants one of the most powerful Skilled to help him out of his undead existence. And when he eventually gets his hands on Kate, the game of cat and mouse begins. Every time she gets away from him, Silas seems to be one step behind her. Until he gets her on the Night Train, and takes her to the graveyard city of Fume. Which is now being used by the High Council.

In Fume, Kate starts to realise that her life isn't as simple as she thought it was. She also comes to terms with the fact that her uncle has lied to her for years, in order to keep her safe. Although she doesn't know it, she's one of the Skilled and becomes a sought-after weapon. Because when the cunning Da'ru gets her hands on her, she wants Kate to find Wintercraft--a book that will give Da'ru the power she craves. But not if Silas gets to it first.

I really enjoyed this story. There seemed to be a new discovery at the turn of every chapter. The mythology, customs, and way of life was intriguing. I couldn't wait to find out what Silas wanted from Kate. I also thought that the interaction between Silas and Kate was unexpected. Her friendship with Edgar is only strengthened, even though he's got his own secrets and a past he wanted to escape. And she never gives up on her uncle, Artemis. Also, the scenes featuring the Veil are amazing.

Wintercraft is a refreshing, exciting, and very well written fantasy tale that takes the reader to a very unique place. The imagery was vivid, the characters interesting, and the story so intoxicating that even though Fume was so dangerous, I couldn't wait to return.

Yeah, I loved this book. It's packed with a whole lot of dangerous fun.(less)

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Sep 04, 2010 Larissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Albion was a country at war. It was a war that had been going for so long that no one knew why it had started and few alive could remember a life without it. But war wasn't the only threat. Kate had always been taught to be prepared for the wardens, but it had been ten years since they had come to her town of Morvane and too many had become complacent. So no one was prepared when the wardens returned.

But with the wardens came another threat, Silas Dane, a deadly killer and a man determined to hu...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, ya, review-copy

In Wintercraft, we meet Kate Winters, a young girl who discovers that she has the power to see through the veil and command the souls of the dead. She and her friend, Edgar — who is more than he first appears to be — are taken to the city of Fume and caught up in a power struggle between the Skilled and the High Council, who wish to destroy them.

Wintercraft is a really mixed bag. At times the writing is excellent, demonstrating real skill in keeping the pages turning and the tension ratcheted up...more In Wintercraft, we meet Kate Winters, a young girl who discovers that she has the power to see through the veil and command the souls of the dead. She and her friend, Edgar — who is more than he first appears to be — are taken to the city of Fume and caught up in a power struggle between the Skilled and the High Council, who wish to destroy them.

Wintercraft is a really mixed bag. At times the writing is excellent, demonstrating real skill in keeping the pages turning and the tension ratcheted up to the maximum. Yet, especially towards the end of the novel, when you would have expected Jenna Burtenshaw to utilize the best of her writing in the climactic finale, everything falls rather flat and left me feeling disappointed. In addition, the fate of Da’ru is somewhat confusing. Kate’s actions in this sequence are written in a dreamlike manner, unlike everything that comes before, which raises the question of whether Da’ru is really vanquished or not.

In terms of characterisation, Burtenshaw makes Silas Dane everything he needed to be: the fierce, silent killer on Kate’s trail, genuinely terrifying as he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. Despite his dark past and his actions during the novel, Burtenshaw ensures that the reader feels real sympathy for his plight.

On the flip side, Kate is a rather lacklustre heroine. She accepts her mystical powers with practically zero qualms and watches people die at Silas’ hands without really batting an eyelid. I struggled to feel any empathy for her. Edgar is presented in a deliberately mysterious, heavy-handed manner that grows tired very quickly, and his relationship with Kate, such as it is, comes out of nowhere. Lastly, Da’ru is a pantomime villain. She monologues about her evil plans, and does evil for the sake of evil and to gain ultimate power. We learn little about her true motivations. WHY has she decided to pierce the veil and bring the dead back to life. WHAT, in her past, made her cause the death and mayhem during this novel? I asked these questions, but received no answers.

During the course of Wintercraft, Burtenshaw also provides us with several series’ worth of exposition, long, descriptive passages where all the details we require to get us up to speed are told, not shown. The first five pages of chapter seven, for instance, give us a potted history of Albion. It’s interesting, but there are far more effective ways to convey this.

Despite all this, Burtenshaw’s writing shows a real flair at times, and there is promise for the future. I forgive much thanks to the vivid, evocative description of the Night Train:

Light flooded the walls, the rumble of wheels echoed through Kate’s bones and the night train thundered into the station, groaning and grunting like a vast malodorous beast. It was a moving stink of dripping oil, hot grinding metal and burning fumes; a patchwork of heavy repairs, newly forged metal and old hammered panels all riveted together into one scarred machine. Its massive wheels growled against the pressure of the brakes and its metal carriages rolled behind, each one windowless and terrifying accompanied by the creaking sound of hanging chains.

In summary, I enjoyed Wintercraft to a point, but, with so much truly excellent YA fantasy fiction being published right now, it feels mediocre in comparison. Overall, it’s ordinary, but with occasional flashes of brilliance. I think Burtenshaw has more (and better) to come. I will pick up future novels by Burtenshaw, but won’t be rushing to the store on release date.(less)

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Jul 08, 2010 Lyndsey Rushby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya

In Morvane, while getting ready to open her Uncle Artemis' bookstore on the busiest day of the year, Kate Winters doesn't realise that her whole life is about to change. Wardens from the High Council raid the town, lead by Silas Dane, a notorious killer, in order to find something that they want. One of the Skilled, someone who can see between the veil of life and death. Morvane has been left alone for a long time but now, the Wardens and Silas know exactly who they want. Kate.

When Kate and Art...more In Morvane, while getting ready to open her Uncle Artemis' bookstore on the busiest day of the year, Kate Winters doesn't realise that her whole life is about to change. Wardens from the High Council raid the town, lead by Silas Dane, a notorious killer, in order to find something that they want. One of the Skilled, someone who can see between the veil of life and death. Morvane has been left alone for a long time but now, the Wardens and Silas know exactly who they want. Kate.

When Kate and Artemis realise that she is one of the Skilled, Artemis takes a drastic move in order to save his niece. He's taken away by the Wardens just Kate's parents were 10 years earlier. Kate must try to hide what she is in order to save herself and to help her Uncle but Silas isn't someone who can be fooled. He wants Kate to help him but he isn't the only one with a need for her power.

Kate wants nothing to do with her newfound powers and abilities but she isn't given much of a choice concerning what she must do. There is only one thing standing between her and helping Silas in his mission...the book of Wintercraft.

What I thought
Wintercraft is exactly what a young adult fantasy book should be. Jenna Burtenshaw, in her debut novel, has created a gothic world full of mystery, magic and mayhem. The cover of the book is very well fitting and will give you an idea of the world that you are about to be transported to. The descriptions of the different settings were so vivid that I truly felt like I was a part of the story and it was actually pretty scary. There is no way that I would want to be Kate, having to deal with everything that she does throughout the story. Each setting has a history all of its own and one that made me want to know more. It was very interesting just how different some of the places were. Morvane and Fume couldn't be more different yet they still have some similarities due to what is happening.

Wintercraft is a very well paced story. Although it was quite slow at times, there was also a fair amount of fast paced action scenes. While I like action in the books that I read, I don't want it to happen on every single page. Having the slower parts of the story gave me time to catch my breath and reflect on what had just happened. I felt like the plot picked up exactly where it need to in order to keep readers hooked, which is exactly how I felt. I do think that Wintercraft is very much a 'build up' book and that the second in the series is going to reveal a lot of what I wanted to find out.

Kate was wonderful as the main character. What made me like her so much was that she's a mix of everything that I both love and hate in female characters in this genre. There were times when I thought she was incredibly strong and brave to do some of the things that she does but then it was counterbalanced with a softness and vulnerability. While Kate wants to get away from Silas and save her Uncle, she also understands that she has to make some sacrifices to get what she wants and that means not doing what she thinks is right. Kate's personality is very mixed and because of this, I never really knew what she was going to do, making everything an exciting mystery. It did take me a little while to warm to her though but I think that was mainly down to the story being told in 3rd person. I really like knowing what's going on in a character's head so maybe if it had been written in 1st person, I would have liked her more earlier on in the story.

Silas Dane is the ultimate bad guy but I loved him anyway. As a man who doesn't give a thought to killing people and doing what he has to, I should have hated him because he was horrible and selfish. But I didn't. There's something about Silas that drew me to him and I think that was not knowing his full story. A lot of what has happened to him is explained in Wintercraft but I definitely think that there is more to come. Even though he is the bad guy, I was also able to see and understand his reasons for being the way that he is and I think that is one of the biggest things that made me not hate him.

There is no romance in Wintercraft which was such a welcome change for me. As much as I enjoy the love triangles and usually routing for the other guy, it was nice to read a book that was ALL about the story for a change. I do have a feeling that romance is going to come for Kate in the second book and I have a few guesses already about what might happen. As Wintercraft is so unpredictable in its plot (in a good way), I fear that I am going to be completely wrong and something totally different will happen.

Wintercraft is something different from a lot of YA novels that are being released at the minute and an amazing first release from Jenna Burtenshaw. Book 2 in this series, Wintercraft: Blackwatch is due to be released in April 2011 which is way too far away for my liking.
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Apr 07, 2013 Joshua Bellin rated it 1 of 5 stars

I seldom fail to complete a book I've started, but I only got one-third of the way through this book before I stopped and returned it to the library. Flat, uninteresting writing; flat, uninteresting characters; flat, uninteresting story; flat, uninteresting world. It didn't help that the book was poorly edited, with the author's proclivity for repetitive sentence structures left untouched. Here, for example, is a string of five consecutive sentences all structured in the same way: "Edgar squeale...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Gwyneth Stewart rated it 2 of 5 stars

Intriguing set-up, disappointing execution. Set in an alternative England (called Albion) in a pre-industrial age, this is the story of Kate Winters, the last of her family, who are part of a people called "the Skilled," who know how to access "the veil" (the land between the living and the dead) and use its powers. Unfortunately, the plot never really gets going, and the only really interesting character is Silas, who is the villain. He is a man who was raised from the dead by the powers inhere...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Janine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites

I'd been dying to read this book, so when I finally had it in my possession I couldn't put it down.

Shadowcry has the kind of writing I like best, and I can understand how others may not like it. The writing reminds me of Cornelia Funke, Mary Hoffman, and Diana Wynne Jones. It has that classic feel to it. That being said, I loved it!

From the start of the book I was sucked into the world (which is so cool by the way. Fume sounds like a creepy cool place.) and dying to know more. I really wanted to...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Serena Myles rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book started off so promising but unfortunately it was downhill from there.
I was at chapter 11 when i finally felt like the book was kicking off.
The descriptions in my opinion were far too long, by the time Jenna was finished describing something i had forgotten what she was talking about.
The main character : Silas, Kate and Edgar were interesting and enjoyable but they weren't enough to keep the story going.
If you were to ask me about the characters now i wouldn't be able to tell you a...more

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Apr 01, 2011 Tessa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-or-magic, series, yyay, arc

*more like a 2.75 stars for: "It was okay, I didn't hate reading it and liked a lot of the ideas."*

We enter Kate Winter's life as it becomes a hotbed of action and intrigue. So why was it a struggle for me to get through the story? There's nothing really terrible about the writing (there are a couple of weird mis-attributed quotes that I assume will be corrected in a non-ARC edition, and the use of the word "disorientated" which isn't incorrect but just sounds like it). Many of the many escapes...more

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Aug 09, 2012 Sara Nia (Tea and Parchment) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own, cover-appeal, supernatural-paranormal, ya-fiction

There was something about this novel - something that I can't quite pinpoint, even as I write this review, that made me finish it in one sitting. Some indefinable quality about this high fantasy story drew me instantaneously into its world, and kept me there until the end. "Then, why give it only three stars instead of four or five?" I hear you ask. I don't know. I can't tell you. But I did. And that was almost my biggest problem with this book.

It's a fairly interesting (if not massively origina...more There was something about this novel - something that I can't quite pinpoint, even as I write this review, that made me finish it in one sitting. Some indefinable quality about this high fantasy story drew me instantaneously into its world, and kept me there until the end. "Then, why give it only three stars instead of four or five?" I hear you ask. I don't know. I can't tell you. But I did. And that was almost my biggest problem with this book.

It's a fairly interesting (if not massively original) premise. In a world where the 'Skilled' are becoming more and more rare, they are a commodity that makes them both a powerful yet hunted people. Kate is one of these rarities. On the island of Albion, (not sure how I felt about this detail - historical/mythical references aside, does anyone play Fable on Xbox? Anyone??) where towns through the ages have been harvested for by the wardens, attempting to locate the remaining 'Skilled' and enslave them, Kate must escape the capture of Silas Dane - the deadliest and most feared warden of them all. But Silas Dane has his own ghosts to escape, and his own debt to settle. And how do both of their stories intertwine with the magical book of 'Wintercraft', that teaches the reader to master the intricacies of 'the Veil'(the land of the dead) and it's inhabitants?

I disliked how quickly we discovered Kate's skills (as did Kate, herself). The beginning felt very 'layed-out'. I soon got over it though, and the rest of the story was quite intriguing. My favorite character by far was Silas, even though, upon reflection, I can't give a good reason why. Sort of like the whole book really. I'm not quite sure why I feel the way I do about it. I just do. But I thought Silas was the strongest, most believable, most flawed yet fascinating character in the story, even though he was...well, kind of evil. I am excited to see his story develop in the sequels. I also hope that a romance will develop between Kate and Silas (not Edgar, please not Edgar), because I think that would be such an interesting love story to explore. I was only a little disappointed that there was no real hint of this as a possibility in 'Shadowcry'. Oh, and talking of the title - it sucks. OK, so the title itself doesn't suck, and it's not TOTALLY disparate from the story itself, but I think that the British title 'Wintercraft' is far more fitting. I do love the cover though. Very dark fantasy, minus the cheese-factor that irritates me about a lot of fantasy cover art.

A well written and conceptually interesting novel. Although I did read this entire book with the unspoken assumption that this was Burtenshaw's debut novel. Not that it was badly written - it wasn't - but I somehow instinctively knew it. I look forward to the development the next installment brings, both in plot, characters, and writing style. (less)

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Jul 29, 2012 Kendra Malcom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have already read this book, but since Blackwatch, the second in this series, has just come out I decided to read it again to really get the jist of everything again. Reading this book a second time I was just as thoroughly impressed and entranced by it as the first time I read it. That is why this book is on the list of my favorite series'.

For years Kate's hometown has been safe from a harvest, a time where wardens come and take people away to fight in the war that Albion is having with the C...more I have already read this book, but since Blackwatch, the second in this series, has just come out I decided to read it again to really get the jist of everything again. Reading this book a second time I was just as thoroughly impressed and entranced by it as the first time I read it. That is why this book is on the list of my favorite series'.

For years Kate's hometown has been safe from a harvest, a time where wardens come and take people away to fight in the war that Albion is having with the Continent. Kate never thought that she'd have to face another harvest in her lifetime, especially after the last harvest took her parents away from her. Living in a bookshop with her uncle, Kate woke up a few days before the Night of Souls, a time when everyone celebrates and remembers the dead that have passed before them. She never thought that that that day would change her life forever. Wardens came into her town and her and another assistant named Edgar hid in the cellar of the bookshop. When a dead bird got revived in her very hands Kate didn't know what to think. But at that point everyone knew she was a part of the Skilled. A group of people that can see within the veil between life and death and can manipulate it. Her and Edgar had to flee from wardens that had gotten her uncle and while running she meets Silas Dane. A man who is not alive, yet not dead. He is the most feared person in Albion and Kate had the unfortunate pleasure of running into him.

After being taken by Silas into the city of Fume, Kate's journey picks up and there are all kinds of mishaps, deceitful people, and new things that Kate ends up going through. The journey to find Wintercraft, a book written by her ancestors and others of the Skilled, is the main point of her journey in this book. Once found, a whole nother world is revealed to Kate that she never dreamed was possible, and especially for her.

The way Jenna writes all of the scenes as well as all of the feelings that Kate has is just remarkable. I have only read a few books that keep me so engrossed in the story like this one has. The synopsis of this book is an amazing summary but even it doesn't give the book the justice it deserves. As the reader you will feel sympathy, anger, sadness, and excitement as you have never before with a book. And with the ending that it has? It will leave you wanting more! I am so glad that I re read this book and that I also already have the second book to start on! (less)

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Jul 18, 2011 Jenn of Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hardcover, young-adult-novels, own, review-written

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Kate Winters is a fifteen year old orphan being raised by her Uncle Artemis in a small village where they run a book shop. When the wardens raid the town searching for Kate because of the powers that she doesn’t even know she possesses they’re taken captive and she is brought to the High Council of Albion. Her companion for the trip is a collector named Silas Dane, and man with zombie-like attributes who was returned from the dead by one of the skilled...more ***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Kate Winters is a fifteen year old orphan being raised by her Uncle Artemis in a small village where they run a book shop. When the wardens raid the town searching for Kate because of the powers that she doesn’t even know she possesses they’re taken captive and she is brought to the High Council of Albion. Her companion for the trip is a collector named Silas Dane, and man with zombie-like attributes who was returned from the dead by one of the skilled, a high councilwoman named Da’ru who with the help of a dangerous book called Wintercraft has taken control of powers no person should possess. Silas cannot die and he longs for death more than any other, when he discovers Kate who is not only skilled but a walker and descendent of the long ago bonemen he know she is his old hope for death. Kate must decide which is the lesser enemy Da’ru or Silas and how to use her newfound powers before everyone she loves is lost.

My main issue with this book is that I would like to have seen more world building into the world of Albion and the war with the Continent over possession of the skilled. While it’s an intriguing tale that draws you in, it almost feels like being pulled into the middle of the story, seeing the awful thing that happened through memories or conversations. I’d have rather began at the beginning experiencing each atrocity as it occurred. There are so many things we don’t fully understand in this tale because the time wasn’t taken to go into detail about them. Also I would have liked to see more personal interaction between Kate and Silas. Both characters were compelling, especially Silas and I would have liked to see more of a bond form between the misunderstood villain and his frightened but powerful captive. To be honest if there are future continuations in the world of Albion where Kate gets older I might actually enjoy seeing a relationship develop between her and Silas, though at the moment she’s a little young for that.

I truly enjoyed this book and was really drawn into the world of Albion, but I was left with more questions than answers at its conclusion which frustrated me as a reader. To enter a world where people are born with the ability to control the veil between the living and the dead, a world where the greatest threat facing them is all the knowledge they’ve lost because it’s the lack of that knowledge which allows them to controlled, threatened and abused.

Kate is a strong but also insecure heroine, she doesn’t really know what she can do and until she’s forced to see it herself she never believed powers like that truly existed. I’m not really sure if Silas can be considered a hero, villain or victim in this tale which is what makes him such an intriguing character. At first glance he appear a heartless villain, but as you continue to turn the pages of this tale you learn there’s a lot more to this character than what meets the eye.

The plot is wonderful with a decent pace, I guess I’d say more fast than slow, but not totally fast either. It’s intricate drawing you quickly into the tale and immersing you into Albion’s world and the struggles within it, but the real strong suit of this book is the intricacies of the main characters. I personally hope this is a series because as a reader I’m not ready to let these characters go. I want to know more, I want to understand them and their world. Overall it’s an excellent read that I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy the fantasy genre.
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Nov 13, 2011 Beverly rated it 3 of 5 stars

From the inside flap: The Night of Souls -- when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest -- is only days away.

Albion is at war . . . and losing.

The wardens have descended, kidnapping innocent citizesn for their army, but looking for one in particular.

And fifteen year old Kate Winters has just raised a blackbird from the dead.

As her home is torn apart by the wardens, Kate's discovery that she is one of the Skilled -- the rare people who can cross the veil between life and death -- ma...more From the inside flap: The Night of Souls -- when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest -- is only days away.

Albion is at war . . . and losing.

The wardens have descended, kidnapping innocent citizesn for their army, but looking for one in particular.

And fifteen year old Kate Winters has just raised a blackbird from the dead.

As her home is torn apart by the wardens, Kate's discovery that she is one of the Skilled -- the rare people who can cross the veil between life and death -- makes her the most hunted person in all of Albion. Only she can unlock the secrets of Wintercraft, the ancient book of dangerous knowledge. Captured and taken to the graveyard city of Fume -- with its secret tunnels and underground villages, and where her own parents met their death years ago -- Kate must harness her extraordinary powers to save herself, her country, and the two men she cares for most. And she'll make a packet with a murder to do it.

Those who wish to see the dark, be ready to pay the price.

What I liked about the book: It's an intriguing story with a lot of potential. People who can travel the veil between life and death is a refreshing alternative in the paranormal genre. Kate is a likable character and so is Silas, though it takes a while before the reader can allow themselves to think they might even remotely like Silas. Kate is a little immature for a fifteen year old, but as the book nears the end, she seems to mature rather quickly.

What I didn't like about the book: The pacing was not as fast as I would have liked. The story had the potential to be quite a thriller, but just seemed to drag in places. The characters tend to fall flat, even Silas and Kate. The plot is intriguing, but without well developed characters to support it, the story tends to fall a little flat as well.

Even though the book didn't live up to my expectations, I am still intrigued. While I might not recommend it to my readers who are searching for a great read, I will probably read the next book in the series. Burtenshaw did hook me at the end of the story. I'm curious to see what happens next.(less)

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Oct 29, 2011 Mrs. ReaderPants rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

Read more reviews at http://readerpants.blogspot.com

OVERALL RATING: Neutral opinion, 2 out of 5 stars

WHAT I LIKED: The story has some untapped potential.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: I am stuck in a major reading rut lately. With the exception of Fat Cat by Robin Brande, the past several weeks have been full of mediocre reading selections. While I was at first excited about Shadowcry, the tell-don't-show writing style and minimal dialogue made it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Silas is t...more

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Dec 19, 2010 Michelle (Clover Hill Book Reviews) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This has also been posted on my blog, Clover Hill Book Reviews.

The cover on this drew me in, and had me more curious than ever after I'd read the book synopsis. What you can't see clearly from the Amazon cover above, is that there's also symbols around the outside of the dome.

I couldn't wait to read this, so it didn't. There's not many books that I've jumped up my reading list yet...but this one did :) From the start, the pages grabbed me, urging me to read more....I couldn't put it down. It's...more This has also been posted on my blog, Clover Hill Book Reviews.

The cover on this drew me in, and had me more curious than ever after I'd read the book synopsis. What you can't see clearly from the Amazon cover above, is that there's also symbols around the outside of the dome.

I couldn't wait to read this, so it didn't. There's not many books that I've jumped up my reading list yet...but this one did :) From the start, the pages grabbed me, urging me to read more....I couldn't put it down. It's unlike any book I'd read to date...mingling those not really dead, with other who have special, sought after powers....

Kate lives with her Uncle, Artemis, in their bookshop, after her parents were taken away when she was younger. Kate's life as she knows it is about to be turned upside down. Everything she thought she knew comes into question, her friendships, her family, and even more than that - herself.

The characters in Wintercraft are so vivid. Silas is a chillingly evil character. I'm surprised I've got any hair left on the back of my neck after Silas' menacing theatrics put the fear of god into the whole village, including Kate. The evil characters in this book are simply outstanding. From the moment Silas stepped into the book, I could feel the palpable, heavy air in his words. With it, Siras gives the story a sense of death and foreboding, although he's mostly doing his master's bidding (and he's not dead)....he's downright scary...and oh, so good at it! Kalen is also scary, in a nails-down-the-chalkboard way.

There was an Alfred Hitchcock moment with black birds that had me squirming in my seat, trying to read all hunched up and with half my eyes closed...I can't stand birds flying low!!!! Wintercraft would make a fantastic film, I would *love* to have this on dvd or even better, see it on the cinema. (The book trailer will have to suffice for now!)

I could babble about this most of the afternoon, but it would come out as gushing, and then you'd know all the book's secrets! So...this one is awarded a rating of 5/5 with merits. If you haven't read it, you really should. I can't wait for the next in the series, Wintercraft: Blackwatch to come out. US readers - Wintercraft is titled Shadowcry,and due out Summer 2011 in the US - one for your diary! (less)

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title link	preview: Shadowcry
avg rating	preview: Shadowcry Goodreads rating: 3.63 (856 ratings)
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Shadowcry (Wintercraft #1)

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