Take a photo of a barcode or cover
monetp 's review for:
Winterwood
by Shea Ernshaw
"A sleeping forest will allow safe passage. But if it wakes, be prepared to run." ~ [b:Winterwood|43822698|Winterwood|Shea Ernshaw|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1549309592l/43822698._SY75_.jpg|62284064]
An eerily beautiful book. I wouldn't call it haunting exactly, but more cerebral and atmospheric. The unusual plot and gorgeous imagery make for a strange reading experience. I enjoyed this book immensely, but it was a wild ride.
The plot doesn't sound that unique at first: witch meets boy, witch falls for boy, boy is actually a missing person. Pretty standard stuff. However, [a:Shea Ernshaw|15941035|Shea Ernshaw|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1574101213p2/15941035.jpg]'s creation of a living, breathing forest makes the plot more complicated. I wasn't expecting to like Nora that much because the witch trope has been done before. However, after reading the book, I have to admit I've never read about a witch quite like her. This novel is nearly a work of magical realism because hardly any tangible magic occurs. The reader spends most of the book following the adventure of a witch that doesn't seem like a witch. I love how introspective and quiet Nora is because I can relate to her as a main character. When she does speak up, it's to defend the trees and that's lovely.
Final thoughts:
- I guessed what had happened to Oliver 1/3 of the way through the novel. I guessed it when Nora saw him at Willa Walker's grave. I was disappointed that Oliver's backstory was exactly what I predicted. Maybe that was meant to be spoon-fed to the reader though since Nora's ending was so unexpected! I love how her nightshade turned out.
- I. LOVED. FIN. such a fun character/sidekick! There were several moments where I was afraid he was going to get hurt.
- Nora's neighbor is so cute. I would've loved a couple more conversations with him.
An eerily beautiful book. I wouldn't call it haunting exactly, but more cerebral and atmospheric. The unusual plot and gorgeous imagery make for a strange reading experience. I enjoyed this book immensely, but it was a wild ride.
The plot doesn't sound that unique at first: witch meets boy, witch falls for boy, boy is actually a missing person. Pretty standard stuff. However, [a:Shea Ernshaw|15941035|Shea Ernshaw|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1574101213p2/15941035.jpg]'s creation of a living, breathing forest makes the plot more complicated. I wasn't expecting to like Nora that much because the witch trope has been done before. However, after reading the book, I have to admit I've never read about a witch quite like her. This novel is nearly a work of magical realism because hardly any tangible magic occurs. The reader spends most of the book following the adventure of a witch that doesn't seem like a witch. I love how introspective and quiet Nora is because I can relate to her as a main character. When she does speak up, it's to defend the trees and that's lovely.
Final thoughts:
- I guessed what had happened to Oliver 1/3 of the way through the novel. I guessed it when Nora saw him at Willa Walker's grave. I was disappointed that Oliver's backstory was exactly what I predicted. Maybe that was meant to be spoon-fed to the reader though since Nora's ending was so unexpected! I love how her nightshade turned out.
- I. LOVED. FIN. such a fun character/sidekick! There were several moments where I was afraid he was going to get hurt.
- Nora's neighbor is so cute. I would've loved a couple more conversations with him.