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Heart of Darkness #2
Bane of Winter
A land gripped by eternal winter. A queen with a heart of ice. A woman with a destiny. This isn’t the faerie from the storybooks…
Tainted creatures hunt me and death haunts my every turn, but my Raven keeps me safe. Together we must navigate the Winter Lands and find the Winter King because only he can aid me in my quest. Only he can help me unite the Tuatha and cut off Oblivion’s power.
If only quests were that simple.
Nothing is what it should be, and suddenly the only plan is survival. I will do whatever it takes to live, whatever it takes to protect those I care about. I will be whomever I need to be, even if it means losing myself.
I will use the warrior inside me, and when the time comes, I will roar.
Tainted creatures hunt me and death haunts my every turn, but my Raven keeps me safe. Together we must navigate the Winter Lands and find the Winter King because only he can aid me in my quest. Only he can help me unite the Tuatha and cut off Oblivion’s power.
If only quests were that simple.
Nothing is what it should be, and suddenly the only plan is survival. I will do whatever it takes to live, whatever it takes to protect those I care about. I will be whomever I need to be, even if it means losing myself.
I will use the warrior inside me, and when the time comes, I will roar.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2019
146 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
134 books2,813 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 6, 2019
DNF 31% completely lost interest in this quest. As for the newest romantic interest? Sorry but that raven is dull dull dull.
February 15, 2019
At the risk of being kicked out of the Debbie Cassidy Fan club I'm afraid I this fell short of its amazing start
Book 1 ★★★★★
I love Debbie's work and normally she can do no wrong so what the hell is wrong with me!?
It just didn't give me the feels. I'm sorry it had nothing to do with the writing
It was just so quick and felt hurried. Wynter is on a mission to save the Fae relm from Oblivion and to stop it spreading into the human world. So yes there is a time pressured mission to complete here but we went from one thing to next so quickly I didn't really feel the connection with Raven - even with the soul bond they have.
Veles was left behind when they entered Faerie so most of this is spend with the Raven. I liked him but Wynter and her determination to give him his own choices got a little old. The tension would build and then oh no I can't ... pull away
Finn... Finn who? He was barely remembered by Wynter
Berstuk played a bigger role than I expected and I couldn't even remember who he was. Encase you don't either..he's the guy who captured her in book 1 and marked her before letting her go with Veles. The Alison in wonderland feel has heightened to an I'm not sure whats going on level. Some parts were trippy
I'm so getting kicked out of the fan club.
It jumped form one situ to another very quickly, and a lot of ....leave me behind save yourself ....
Maybe if it had of been longer I could have gotten into it more. I'm also tired of one guy appearing only to lose the other. They never seem to be all together.
If I'm not excommunicated then I'll read on to find out what happens, I'm just not excited about it
Book 1 ★★★★★
I love Debbie's work and normally she can do no wrong so what the hell is wrong with me!?
It just didn't give me the feels. I'm sorry it had nothing to do with the writing
It was just so quick and felt hurried. Wynter is on a mission to save the Fae relm from Oblivion and to stop it spreading into the human world. So yes there is a time pressured mission to complete here but we went from one thing to next so quickly I didn't really feel the connection with Raven - even with the soul bond they have.
Veles was left behind when they entered Faerie so most of this is spend with the Raven. I liked him but Wynter and her determination to give him his own choices got a little old. The tension would build and then oh no I can't ... pull away
Finn... Finn who? He was barely remembered by Wynter
Berstuk played a bigger role than I expected and I couldn't even remember who he was. Encase you don't either..he's the guy who captured her in book 1 and marked her before letting her go with Veles. The Alison in wonderland feel has heightened to an I'm not sure whats going on level. Some parts were trippy
I'm so getting kicked out of the fan club.
It jumped form one situ to another very quickly, and a lot of ....leave me behind save yourself ....
Maybe if it had of been longer I could have gotten into it more. I'm also tired of one guy appearing only to lose the other. They never seem to be all together.
If I'm not excommunicated then I'll read on to find out what happens, I'm just not excited about it
March 9, 2019
This is soooooo good. I love Raven, love Veles, love how kick ass Wynter is becoming and love the way the fey realm is getting built into the story. This series is so deliciously dark.
DEBBIBY Cassidy is the Queen of Urban Fantasy Reverse Harem, but this series is fantasy, so she is a lady of many talents!
We get much more world building in this installment, as well as seeing Wyber develop as a character and get into her powers a bit more. She's very different to Debbie's typical heroine, but it just shows her diversity as a writer.
We see things develop between her a Raven, although their dynamic is very complicated. And Veles... I love him so much!
Highly recommended!
DEBBIBY Cassidy is the Queen of Urban Fantasy Reverse Harem, but this series is fantasy, so she is a lady of many talents!
We get much more world building in this installment, as well as seeing Wyber develop as a character and get into her powers a bit more. She's very different to Debbie's typical heroine, but it just shows her diversity as a writer.
We see things develop between her a Raven, although their dynamic is very complicated. And Veles... I love him so much!
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2019
The second installment in this series is a great continuation of book one.
Wynter's quest now led her to Faerie, into the heart of the war with Oblivion. Accompanied by the Raven, she is slowly succumbing to her soul - the soul of the goddess Morrigan, and the perks and abilities coming with that fact. Though, Wynter doesn't want to be her. And Veles does not like his Wynter to enter the realm without him, his protection, only with another man. Dangers follow Wynter's every step, and under the time pressure, she must hurry up to succeed..
This book was a rollercoaster, developing so fast I sometimes wished it would slow down a bit and show us more - I'd certainly appreciate more depth in several parts as it felt a bit hurried. Especially when it comes to the strange relationship between Raven and Wynter, the soul bond and Wynter pushing him constantly away. The hot'n'cold behavior brings me sometimes almost to frustration - but in good way :)) Other than feeling hurried on occasions, I couldn't say anything against the book - action packed, emotional, bringing back the characters from book one and answering some questions (though, I hoped there will be more mentions of Finn, he was really pushed into background). Secrets and details about the nature of who Wynter really is are falling into place and creating a better picture of the kickass heroine. Her feelings feel real, the conflict in her tugs at my heart, and the romantic interests mixed with basic needs give the story a different edge. Although I just finished the book, I feel like I need more just about right now. There is so much promise to this series!
Wynter's quest now led her to Faerie, into the heart of the war with Oblivion. Accompanied by the Raven, she is slowly succumbing to her soul - the soul of the goddess Morrigan, and the perks and abilities coming with that fact. Though, Wynter doesn't want to be her. And Veles does not like his Wynter to enter the realm without him, his protection, only with another man. Dangers follow Wynter's every step, and under the time pressure, she must hurry up to succeed..
This book was a rollercoaster, developing so fast I sometimes wished it would slow down a bit and show us more - I'd certainly appreciate more depth in several parts as it felt a bit hurried. Especially when it comes to the strange relationship between Raven and Wynter, the soul bond and Wynter pushing him constantly away. The hot'n'cold behavior brings me sometimes almost to frustration - but in good way :)) Other than feeling hurried on occasions, I couldn't say anything against the book - action packed, emotional, bringing back the characters from book one and answering some questions (though, I hoped there will be more mentions of Finn, he was really pushed into background). Secrets and details about the nature of who Wynter really is are falling into place and creating a better picture of the kickass heroine. Her feelings feel real, the conflict in her tugs at my heart, and the romantic interests mixed with basic needs give the story a different edge. Although I just finished the book, I feel like I need more just about right now. There is so much promise to this series!
March 7, 2019
More *grabby hands*
So by now we’re all aware of my on going love affair with Debbie Cassidy’s writing. We can always expect a fairly smart and independent FMC, a gripping plot and a fantastically built world. Bane of Winter doesn’t disappoint.
I love Veles, like so much so I’d read it if it was just a mf book and Veles was MC, I guess horns do it for me what can I say 🤷🏻♀️. I was so afraid with how the last book ended that he would be very prevalent in this book, luckily that was not the case and we got plenty of his horny goodness (see what I did there, because he has horns 😂😂 crackin’ myself up here)
Book 2 takes off right where we ended in book 1, entering Faerie. Then we get to meet and get to know more characters and find out some of what is really going on. It was action, twists and turns everything I love in a book. Another interesting bit is Faerie itself, the way it’s connected to other dimensions had me 🕵🏻♀️ does this mean all our current Debbie series could potentially cross over in Faerie???? So many possibilities.
So by now we’re all aware of my on going love affair with Debbie Cassidy’s writing. We can always expect a fairly smart and independent FMC, a gripping plot and a fantastically built world. Bane of Winter doesn’t disappoint.
I love Veles, like so much so I’d read it if it was just a mf book and Veles was MC, I guess horns do it for me what can I say 🤷🏻♀️. I was so afraid with how the last book ended that he would be very prevalent in this book, luckily that was not the case and we got plenty of his horny goodness (see what I did there, because he has horns 😂😂 crackin’ myself up here)
Book 2 takes off right where we ended in book 1, entering Faerie. Then we get to meet and get to know more characters and find out some of what is really going on. It was action, twists and turns everything I love in a book. Another interesting bit is Faerie itself, the way it’s connected to other dimensions had me 🕵🏻♀️ does this mean all our current Debbie series could potentially cross over in Faerie???? So many possibilities.
March 10, 2019
This author is a one click for me, she never disappoints. I have read all of Debbie's works, she never fails to capture my interest with her unique characters and plots.
In Bane of Winter we have Wynter, as she is trying to find the Winter King with Raven by her side. These two are just getting stronger together and I so love it. We get more characters that we get to meet. As always Debbie always makes the side characters just as interesting as the main ones. The action and pace is spot on, leaving everything flowing smoothly. Honestly from the time that you start reading until the end, before you know it, you are at the end and craving more. Also I like that this series is a smidge darker/adult then her other ones, and I love it!
Overall, if you like well written paranormal Rh with great characters and lots of action. This series is a must read.
In Bane of Winter we have Wynter, as she is trying to find the Winter King with Raven by her side. These two are just getting stronger together and I so love it. We get more characters that we get to meet. As always Debbie always makes the side characters just as interesting as the main ones. The action and pace is spot on, leaving everything flowing smoothly. Honestly from the time that you start reading until the end, before you know it, you are at the end and craving more. Also I like that this series is a smidge darker/adult then her other ones, and I love it!
Overall, if you like well written paranormal Rh with great characters and lots of action. This series is a must read.
February 18, 2019
This is a Debbie Cassidy book so as you would expect the storey line is a very strong one - Different than her normal UF books as this one is more Fantasy based with wonderful characters. This is the second book in the set and is a fantastic follow up to book one. Absolutely Amazing RH series where love is central and the sex naturally follows. Debbie is really good at building heat into scenes but the storey is key and the sex is just the cherry on the top so to speak. Lots of unexpected plot twists crops up to keep you interested and just when you think that the storey is going one way something happens and every thing changes direction. A very entertaining & Captivating read.
February 22, 2019
I've been ready Debbie Cassidy's books for awhile now and I'm still surprised at what goes on in this woman's heads to create such rivetingly entertaining stories. 'Bane of Winter' is no exception to this rule, even if it is more dark and adult oriented - which by the way, I am all here for!
The second book in the 'Heart of Darkness' series, B.O.W. gives us more of what we loved and craved in the first installment; keeping the atmosphere, characters, themes, and pace all in one place.
As a fan of this author, I am pleased.
The second book in the 'Heart of Darkness' series, B.O.W. gives us more of what we loved and craved in the first installment; keeping the atmosphere, characters, themes, and pace all in one place.
As a fan of this author, I am pleased.
March 9, 2019
This is the second book of the series and unfortunately I did not read the first one. I fell in love with this amazing story. It gives enough information to understand what happened in the first book. Winter was a wonderful female character- strong, intelligent and caring. I want to keep Veles and the Raven for myself. The world this author created had me part of their world and I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait for the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 10, 2019
This awesome sequel is well-written with great world-building and developed characters. This series is a little darker and more adult than Debbie's usual works but it is riveting with more backstory and depth to the main characters. This RH is not standalone and should be read in order to see the growth and acceptance of the h. I loved it and think anyone who loved Debbie's previous series will also be entertained by this enjoyable read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 10, 2019
I hadn’t had chance to read the first book of this series when I was given the opportunity to read this book, so first I went about reading book one and I was instantly hooked. Book two starts off pretty much where book one left us, Wynter is now in the winter realm along with the Raven as they try to find a way to stop Oblivion’s taint from spreading, whilst Veles is left behind.
There are lots of twists and turns throughout the story which leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Definitely another excellent story by Debbie Cassidy and can’t wait for the next one!
There are lots of twists and turns throughout the story which leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. Definitely another excellent story by Debbie Cassidy and can’t wait for the next one!
March 28, 2023
So much so quick!
Spice: 3/5
Big cliffhanger! Story is pack with action and information. We don’t get to see much actual character development. Really just the basics, but it’s all so quick some how you fall in love with the characters just as quickly.
Biggest complaint is: Finn and Fenn. I hardly like when important characters have the same first initial, but that’s just too close. Getting me all sorts of confused. Wondered why she was making meatloaf after a huge emergency at the end.
Spice: 3/5
Big cliffhanger! Story is pack with action and information. We don’t get to see much actual character development. Really just the basics, but it’s all so quick some how you fall in love with the characters just as quickly.
Biggest complaint is: Finn and Fenn. I hardly like when important characters have the same first initial, but that’s just too close. Getting me all sorts of confused. Wondered why she was making meatloaf after a huge emergency at the end.
February 12, 2019
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off and the action doesn't let up from there. The story line keeps you hooked from page one and drags you in right to the last page. Wynter is getting stronger and so is her connection to Raven. We also meet some new characters at the end of the book that I am sure will play bigger roles in the next book. This is truly an awesome series and I will definitely be following it all the way to it's conclusion.
February 14, 2019
This series honestly just keeps getting better. Let me tell you that you will not be disappointed. Just when you think it’s going to turn out one way, wrong, it goes a different way. I really enjoyed the pace of the relationships too. It’s a perfect fit for Wynter and I wouldnt change anything. One thing that is really good about this book is that Debbie takes the time to dive more into the characters. I find myself rooting for everyone not just Wynter. It will not disappoint you!!
March 7, 2019
This second installment in a series was another fast paced and well-written fantasy from this author. Her stories always takes me on a journey where I have no idea what is going to happen next. The tone is similar to the fantasy adventure books of my youth, albeit with a thread of very adult romance (though the adventure takes center stage). Looking forward to where Wynter and company’s quest takes them next.
March 9, 2019
This was such a great sequel to the first book in this great series! I really enjoyed the intense fairy-tale feeling of the storyline and Veles gets even more swoon worthy as we get to know his character better and see what he is willing to do for love. Poor Raven breaks my heart and I am looking forward to seeing how his character grows in future books. Another high-five read and can’t wait to see what happens next!
March 27, 2019
Bane Of Winter Was Fantastic!
This series is turning out to be fantastic so fantastic that I can’t wait until Fate’s Destiny is here because I am hooked!
Heck I’m hooked on just about every book that Debbie Cassidy writes, which I’m off to see if I’ve missed any of her books because I need more! :)
So yep I most definitely do recommend this book but a word of advice if you haven’t read the first book then I highly suggest that you do!
This series is turning out to be fantastic so fantastic that I can’t wait until Fate’s Destiny is here because I am hooked!
Heck I’m hooked on just about every book that Debbie Cassidy writes, which I’m off to see if I’ve missed any of her books because I need more! :)
So yep I most definitely do recommend this book but a word of advice if you haven’t read the first book then I highly suggest that you do!
June 16, 2019
Love this series and this author!!
Every one of Debbie Cassidy’s books are amazing and nonstop can’t stop reading awesomeness!! This series is no exception.
Wynter travels to Faery and learns she has part of the Faery Queens soul in her. She starts this quest to try to free Finn and save the other worlds against Oblivion, but she is gathering allies and loves along the way. Can’t wait for book three!!!
Every one of Debbie Cassidy’s books are amazing and nonstop can’t stop reading awesomeness!! This series is no exception.
Wynter travels to Faery and learns she has part of the Faery Queens soul in her. She starts this quest to try to free Finn and save the other worlds against Oblivion, but she is gathering allies and loves along the way. Can’t wait for book three!!!
August 20, 2019
Bane of Winter - great story continued
The second book in this series has the reader totally engaged. The winter season is a tangible thing and not just a short period in a year. Blizzards, cold, scary creatures and evil must be confronted so Wynter can save those she loves. Great read, entertaining, colorful worlds with charismatic characters. I am highly anticipating the next stage in this journey.
The second book in this series has the reader totally engaged. The winter season is a tangible thing and not just a short period in a year. Blizzards, cold, scary creatures and evil must be confronted so Wynter can save those she loves. Great read, entertaining, colorful worlds with charismatic characters. I am highly anticipating the next stage in this journey.
November 19, 2019
Oooooh… I loved this book! I was eager to pick up book two and I wasn't disappointed. We pick up right from book one and go barreling into a new world. One that holds new characters that you soon fall in love with.
The story keeps you captured until you finish. It's nail biting exiting and seriously hot. It's a completely new and original take on Fairey and it's inhabitants.
Luckily book three is already out. Seriously, you need to pick up this fabulous series. You won't be disappointed.
The story keeps you captured until you finish. It's nail biting exiting and seriously hot. It's a completely new and original take on Fairey and it's inhabitants.
Luckily book three is already out. Seriously, you need to pick up this fabulous series. You won't be disappointed.
January 25, 2020
Good but fast
Avoid addition to this series and we'll written. It's got all the same elements as the first: action, suspense mystery & romance. What started as a slow burn reverse harem romance starts picking up speed. We get more hot moments and a more definite idea of who her harem might be. This second book moved a bit faster feeling like the characters are all was on the move & in the thick of things. This series is probably one to read in order. Good book would recommend.
Avoid addition to this series and we'll written. It's got all the same elements as the first: action, suspense mystery & romance. What started as a slow burn reverse harem romance starts picking up speed. We get more hot moments and a more definite idea of who her harem might be. This second book moved a bit faster feeling like the characters are all was on the move & in the thick of things. This series is probably one to read in order. Good book would recommend.
January 29, 2020
Better than the first
I found this to be a better read than the first book. It really got to the heart of what was going on and needed to be done. I liked the guys too, except for Finn he seems to make some questionable decisions, but he’s not really in the book much either to really decide about him. Overall it was a good follow up to the first book and I’m looking forward to the second book.
I found this to be a better read than the first book. It really got to the heart of what was going on and needed to be done. I liked the guys too, except for Finn he seems to make some questionable decisions, but he’s not really in the book much either to really decide about him. Overall it was a good follow up to the first book and I’m looking forward to the second book.
March 15, 2019
I highly recommend reading the first book before this in order to get the full story and believe me, you want the full story! Book 2 starts right where 1 leaves off and continues the fast paced action filled journey. Wynter is gaining confidence and I love that. I love the characters and world that the author has created in this series and look forward to Book 3
June 15, 2020
Loved it!
I liked the first one. This one is much better. I'm really excited to read the next one. Characters came into play that I was pretty sure I would see again but I wasn't expecting it so fast. Now it's a race. It's was always an urgent need to save the world from Oblivion but now it's a race to see who is going to win!
I liked the first one. This one is much better. I'm really excited to read the next one. Characters came into play that I was pretty sure I would see again but I wasn't expecting it so fast. Now it's a race. It's was always an urgent need to save the world from Oblivion but now it's a race to see who is going to win!
February 25, 2019
This story is really really good. It’s different and unique compared to a lot of the Rh books out at the moment.the characters are intriguing and the story is exciting. I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen. I can not recommend this author highly enough.
March 7, 2019
Love this series!
This is an amazing unique series. No one does it like Cassidy. The characters are fantastic and come in all variations. This series has a good plot with suspense and mystery. I can't wait to see what what happens next especially after that cliffhanger.
This is an amazing unique series. No one does it like Cassidy. The characters are fantastic and come in all variations. This series has a good plot with suspense and mystery. I can't wait to see what what happens next especially after that cliffhanger.
March 28, 2019
Good read
Bane of Winter continues with Wynter's journey through fairy with Raven in search of the winter king. The plot flowed smoothly and I couldn't put it down! Definitely hooked on this series and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Bane of Winter continues with Wynter's journey through fairy with Raven in search of the winter king. The plot flowed smoothly and I couldn't put it down! Definitely hooked on this series and can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 29, 2020
Ggrrr, I read to fast . . . . . . Amazing characters, fantastic romance, thrilling adventure and wonderful action. Paranormal romance/action/adventure at its best. Scratch that, writing (full stop) at its best!!!
March 15, 2019
Gripping and compelling
This story grabs you and runs, I couldn't put it down. It's a very interesting and fresh take on fairy tales and I can't wait for the next one.
This story grabs you and runs, I couldn't put it down. It's a very interesting and fresh take on fairy tales and I can't wait for the next one.
April 8, 2019
Loved it!
I started this set because I had read most of everything else by this author. The first book was good, but this one was exceptional! The twists never stop!
I started this set because I had read most of everything else by this author. The first book was good, but this one was exceptional! The twists never stop!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews