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Seasons of Paleo #1

Savage Winter

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From New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken comes a New Adult Dystopian story about losing your heart--only to find it again in the least likely of places. (This is a four book serial)If they take you, you don't come back. You either die...or wish you had. The Western Empire was ruthless. The only reason I survived was because he gave his life for me--a life that might as well have been mine, for when they stole his last heartbeats, they silenced my own. They call me princess, an answer to the prophecy, but I’m nothing more than a prisoner...awaiting my lifelong punishment. Marriage. To the Prince of the East. But it’s the Royal Protector who reminds me of what I lost. He threatens something I never thought I'd have again...my heart

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 19, 2012

25 people are currently reading
618 people want to read

About the author

Rachel Van Dyken

177 books18.6k followers
Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.

Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...

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5 stars
115 (33%)
4 stars
112 (32%)
3 stars
86 (25%)
2 stars
27 (7%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,166 reviews708 followers
July 20, 2014
I totally love the cover; it really draws you in and makes you want to pick it up to find out what is going on. At least it did for me. I’m working my way through Rachel’s books, which up until now have all been regencies, so I was a bit surprised when I started reading and found myself in a totally different world. I didn’t bother reading the summary before I start, I have enjoyed all of Rachel’s other books so I didn’t bother. Anyway, I liked the new world of Paleo that was created, with the two warring countries of East and West. I also liked our heroine Kyle, although she could be a bit blind at times. I don’t want to ruin the story, so I’ll just say that I did like it. It kept me reading and wanting to know what would happen next. I thought Kyle had great chemistry with our hero. Again, her blindness did get a bit annoying, I guess. I thought his secrets either should have been less obvious or she should have been less blind. It was an enjoyable read though and I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.

Content: Clean, just kisses.
Profile Image for Midu Hadi.
Author 3 books181 followers
September 28, 2012
I received this book through Astaea Press, for free, in exchange of an honest review.

What I liked about it:
the pretty cover.
it was the right length.
the beginning was pretty interesting.
the epilogue ties the reader to the sequel without being pushy.

What I didn’t like:
the story and all its twists were too predictable
the synopsis mentions something about girls disappearing but we’re never shown what happens to them.

It is a sweet story about two people in love who thought each other to be lost forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for delica..
241 reviews
September 16, 2012
Legend of the legend.

Two soul mates lost their way to each other for six years.
But now prince and protector hiding behind the masks came for lovely Kyle, who was captured and made 'adoptive' daughter of the Emperor. What Kyle doesn't know is that behind the mask of the protector is hiding her long lost lover Kaden.

The cover got me to read this story and I must say I'm thrilled.
I definitely didn't think I would be so smitten with this story, but glad I am.

If you can, read it! It's a short story and you'll love it.
Profile Image for Tammie.
1,608 reviews174 followers
February 10, 2017
3 1/2 stars. A nice short story; I wish it would have been longer. I wanted to give this more stars because I enjoyed reading it, but it was so predictable, too predictable really, I figured out the whole thing pretty much from the beginning. Also I couldn't help but think the main character was incredibly dense not to have figured everything out herself. People don't change that much in just 6 years either. It was very romantic and sweet though.
Profile Image for Radiant.
1,180 reviews30 followers
September 9, 2012
The story was fast,easy and interesting read!
Though it was predictable after a time..i really liked the suspense..and how it was uncovered.
Kaden and Kyle's story was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes..it was pure,innocent and as time goes passionate..
I am looking forward for the next one for sure as i want to know more of the Spring.
Sri.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,711 reviews46 followers
May 2, 2013
I have to say, after reading one of Rachel Van Dyken's other books, that was not very clean I wasn't expecting much from this one.

But, man it was short but oh so sweet. Loved every minute of it. I got to the end though and was thinking, "Wait, that's it! How can that be! Boo!!!" Can't wait to read the next one!

Moral Note: Some kissing, and mild violence.
Profile Image for Rebecca .
359 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2012
I've enjoyed all of Rachel Van Dyken's books that I've read. I wish that this book hadn't been so short. This was the only draw back for me.
Profile Image for Kilikina.
781 reviews444 followers
August 20, 2012
2.5 stars

Predictable to say the least. Pretty much called the entire plot from the beginning.

Curious to see what the next book will be about...if I decide to read it.
Profile Image for Englishrose.
354 reviews29 followers
September 4, 2012
This was a fantastically good book. I loved everything about it except the length - I wanted it to just keep going and tell me more. Kyle is a strong character who is put through a lot. Aiden is a wonderful character that I liked more and more with every turn of the page. The romance was deep and sweet and pulled at my heartstrings. Though I felt like it was a tad bit predictable and would have benefited from perhaps a little more action or explanation throughout, it was an incredibly impressive book and one I will go back to read again. I can't wait for the second book to come out.

www.cleanromancereviews.com
Profile Image for Annette.
Author 23 books535 followers
September 14, 2012
I enjoyed this book a lot. The plot was great. The reason I'm not giving it a higher rating is because I think it could have been so much more. It was an entirely new world that the author created and I had a hard time envisioning it. I think it could have been filled out with more information not only about the setting (I don't enjoy long winded setting descriptions, but his needed more) but also about the expressions on the characters faces, the intonation of voice.

Overall, a short and sweet read.
Profile Image for Deborah.
676 reviews52 followers
September 16, 2012
I really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the characters and the setting. My biggest complaint was the fact that it was way too short. I love that it will be a four book series and that we will get each season. This book was very predictable, but for some reason I didn't care. I wish the book was longer but at the same token, I liked the length because I could finish it at one sitting. I am so glad that this one was FREE and yet I would of still been okay spending money on it.

If you like a good fantasy, pick this one up!
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,490 reviews31 followers
August 25, 2012
This was an amazing book. I enjoyed it from the first page. I can't wait for the next book when it comes out.

I felt so sorry for the both of them. They both tried to protect each. That is true love. I can't imagine finding my one true love at such an early age.
Profile Image for Book_fanatic.
29 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2012
The first thing which made me pick this book was the beautiful cover...
The story was very good ,i found myself lost in it real quick and i loved Kyle and Kaden.
The suspense was the catch and i liked it!!!
Am looking forward to the next one in the series.....
Profile Image for K.M. Carroll.
Author 45 books38 followers
December 1, 2012
This book has the same plot as the Princess Bride. It's also a romance novel. I don't care for romance novels that much, but I'm sure other people enjoy them, so I gave it 3 stars.

The title and series name had made me hoping there were dinosaurs in it. Boy, was I wrong! :-p
Profile Image for Aly.
63 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2012
This book cover is beautiful.
I felt that Kyle's heart was being played with a little. It was still a sweet story and I want to read the rest of the books in this series.
Profile Image for Soub.
188 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2012
A lovely short story...
Profile Image for Krystle.
23 reviews12 followers
August 2, 2012
Only 73 pages?! When does the follow-up come out??
Profile Image for Rachel Clifton.
117 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2012
Good story, although it was obvious who Aiden was from the begining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews221 followers
October 8, 2019
Reviewed by Robin

I wasn’t sure if I would like this or not given that it was or should I say had the sci-fi label attached to it. But, it wasn’t that bad; to me it more Dystopian. As I read this I felt for the plight that Kyle and Kayden found themselves in at such a young age. In this short story we find young love ripped apart only to find that Kyle is destined for bigger things. To help heal an unsettled or two unsettled societies.

She sees Kayden die or so she thinks. It is hard to forget that first kiss…first love. She may have been saved by his selfless act but she does endure torture at the hands of the King.  As we fast forward six years the hope of these societies is in Kyle’s and the prince’s hands.

I felt that for such a short story this wasn’t bad. For me I felt it to be a little predictable. It was a very clean safe read. I didn’t get the emotional ties to the characters that I would have liked but it really wasn’t that bad. I would have liked a little more background about the characters and family along with a little more background information on the East and West Societies.

I think overall it is a nice fast paced story that works for a quick lunchtime read or even just something to unwind with.
Profile Image for Diana Kopszywa.
185 reviews
January 24, 2018
Winter

Good read. Fantasy. Fiction. Young in adventures. Mystery with some mirth. On to the next sweet read. Love the authors work.
Profile Image for Sarah Beth.
252 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2019
This was such a great read! I loved the detailed descriptions, the charismatic and engaging characters!! Rachel Van Dyken knows how to write a beautiful, suspenseful and amazing story!!!
Profile Image for Caz.
1,170 reviews22 followers
June 13, 2019
2.5 stars.

A short book that it would seem was meant to lead to a series that never happened.
457 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2021
Omg it was such an amazing, addictive, short and quick read for me that left me WANTING SO MUCH MORE!! I hope Rachel write more in this world. I absolutely love it!
Profile Image for Marie.
525 reviews
July 20, 2014
Kaden und Kyle leben in einer Welt mit zwei Reichen, die sich feindlich gesinnt sind.
Als Kinder werden sie getrennt und beide denken der jeweils andere sei tot. Kyle kommt zum Emperator des Westens und weil 'die Alten' sie als wichtig sehen, wird sie eine Prinzessin. Was den Imperator nicht davon abhält sie zu misshandeln. Eines Tages verkündet er, es sei Zeit die Prophezeiung der Alten zu erfüllen und sie würde jetzt den Prinz aus dem Osten kennenlernen, den sie heiratet.
Der Prinz und seine Leibwache sind vermummt, aber scheinen nett zu sein und am nächstn Tag reisen sie in einem Hovercraft ab. Auf der Reise lernt Kyle den Leibwächter besser kennen, der ihr Geschichten erzählt...

Es stimmt, es ist von Anfang an ersichtlich, dass einer der beiden Kaden ist und irgendwann ist auch klar, dass der Prinz sich als Leibwächter maskiert hat. Finde ich aber generell nicht schlimm.
Was mich viel mehr genervt hat waren logische Patzer: da essen sie, Kyle geht auf Deck trifft den Leibwächter und dann gehen sie frühstücken... auch die letzte Szene, wo alles aufgelöst wird, dreht sich etwas im Kreis, weil sie es eigentlich schon weiß, dann aber noch fragt und super erstaunt ist ... Hätte wohl noch eine Runde Überarbeitung benötigt.

Aber wenn einen das nicht stört ist es trotzdem eine schöne kurze Geschichte.
Profile Image for May Abbey.
Author 8 books39 followers
November 7, 2012
Such a romantic idea. Clean and passionate, a difficult balance to find. The hero truly was heroic without being a boor, and the heroine was feminine but fun and spirited, too. I love the premise and the uniqueness of some of the scenes, especially the “lovers fog.” All the myths and legends surrounding the heroine and hero gave it a rich flavor, like fantasy. But it still held true to its genre as a love story. However, it seemed too short and lacking in detail, that every scene could have been more involved. I would have loved to see it expanded, even slowed down a little in some places in order to really exploit the richness of the characters and story.
Profile Image for Natalie.
736 reviews19 followers
October 12, 2012
ThIs was a fun short Novlla (?? Not quite sure what the length requirements are for this, but this is just 92 pages). I found it for free on Amazon for Kindle. It was a smart move because when the author comes out with the next book, I'll most likely buy it. It's listed at the end of the book as a Dystopian Fantasy Romance. This had great romance and a nice fairy tale feel. I look forward to reading more along this line.
Profile Image for Jules Goud.
1,123 reviews6 followers
November 25, 2015
Lucky me, I got this book of itunes for free. And it wasn't too shabby.

This book was my cup of tea. I love the idea of a soulmate for everyone, it's just such a comforting thought.

It was a really good short story to help tie in the next book...
The plot was interesting, and the ideas were cool. I always wonder how the authors come up with these things!

It was a nice, relaxing read and this short story is great if you need to escape from a hectic life for an hour or two.
Profile Image for Kristin Vayden.
Author 40 books477 followers
November 6, 2012
I Loved this book! It was enough of the Science Fiction to feel like an escape from reality, but not confusing. The storyline was engaging and well thought out and drew me in immediately! I hope there are more in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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