Amaterasu Reads: Review: Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle

Different. That's the only word I can think of to describe this book.

Title: Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle
Pages: 432
Release Date: June 1st 2011
Published by: Pan Macmillan Australia
Source: Publicist (thanks Louise!)
Buy: Pan Macmillan Australia | Book Depository

Summary (from Goodreads):

Blake Duchamp...

He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.

But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.

The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger. Himself.

What made me interested in this book was the fact that the writer is a guy. Who says the paranormal genre is only for women? M.J. Hearle is a guy who wrote a book through the point of view of a girl, Winter. And he does it so well you'd never guess the difference if it was a man or a woman writing this.

What started out as a typical love story transformed into something unique. Until now I'm still not sure just WHAT exactly Blake is. He's a different paranormal being, behaving in a way where people becomes naturally curious to find out just what he is. Attractive, dark, with dangerous secrets he'd die to protect, his life changed when he tried to change what was supposed to happen to Winter. Our female lead, who is no stranger to death like Blake, tries to get by everyday, grieving for her recently deceased parents. Withdrawn and naturally reserved, Winter's life changed when she met Blake, and along with discovering Blake's secrets, she found out some about her own as well. In a race to save herself from strong forces out to get her, love blossomed.

Let me just say, I will never look at cats the same way again. Another interesting portrayal of the felines will be seen here in Winter's Shadow. If only Nefertem can talk, Grimalkin of the Iron Fey series will have a fierce competition from this tabby.

Evil took a new form in this book. If you think vampires, werewolves are monsters to be frightened of, you have to be prepared to encounter a new type of dangerous creature in this book.

The shift from the present to the past was handled nicely in this book. Most books tend to be careless in writing flashbacks, but not in Winter's Shadow, as it greatly helped piece together the entire story. The past completed the present, and the story maintained an ominous, dark vibe throughout the entire novel.

Winter's Shadow is a story about star crossed lovers, two tormented souls, both having experienced painful losses and finding their way to each other. Danger was always present, as both characters are a constant threat to each other, and yet they just heeded love's calling. I loved how the story started out slow, allowing time for the characters background to be establish and develop, and ending into a wild rush of action that led to the partial conclusion of Blake and Winter's story.

Gripping, intriguing, and deliciously dark, Winter's Shadow is a great start for author M.J. Hearle! The ending was very promising and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel of this book!

Content (plot, story flow, character):