What a gem! I loved every minute of this book. Just when I thought I’d sussed out how it was all going to end, there was another twist in the plot - right up until the very end. This wonderful story tells of a young girl’s rise to power in a world she never new existed. Winter is tried and tested over and over again but her resilience and overwhelming good nature win out every time. This is a story of friendship mixed with heartache. What Winter believed was true in her life, turns out to be very different. It is a story of loss but the warmth of her trust and faith in those around her leaves you feeling happy. This a fabulous book for any reader who likes a good adventure/action book. It also appeals to readers who, like me, are interested in mythology and magic. A book whose main character is a brave and determined young lady and a fabulous role model. I couldn’t put it down. Suitable for independent readers from about 9 years to young teens.

I was so excited to be chosen to receive an advanced copy of this book. I immediately fell in love with the cover. It was a wonderful fantasy adventure.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This is one of the best fantasy books I've read in a long time. This book is full of action, adventure and suspense. It is very well written and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. All middle school libraries should have a copy of this book. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Central Avenue Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

The Rise of Winter is a fantasy adventure for middle grade readers. I enjoyed this story. Terra, earth, was nearly destroyed by humans. Now, there are Guardians who protect Terra. A new guardian leader is chosen, but it's not a popular choice. Seemingly just a random human girl, she must now protect Terra. This is an exciting engaging read. The characters are dynamic and likeable. The story moves at a good pace and is well written. I think it's a good fit for middle grade readers. I recommend this one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderful nature-based fantasy novel for middle grade children. It brings up many ethical questions surrounding the idea of caring for the Earth, and the role humans have to take in providing that care. It does so in understandable language for middle school kids. The fast-paced plot and detailed world building made It hard to put down especially toward the end. I highly recommend teachers have a copy of this on their classroom bookshelves - the kids will really go for it and it gives teachers an opportunity to talk about the preservation of natural ecosystems.

This is absolutely going to be one the best books i have read this year. I feel if you enjoy fantasy novels, or stories similar to 'The Chronicles of Narnia' or 'His Dark Materials' trilogy, then this is especially up your alley.

The story is fun and easy to immerse yourself into, and you really get drawn into the conflicts between the characters - especially between Winter (the protagonist) and those who are determined to try to kill her.

This story has plenty of action, betrayal and intense scenes. It also has funny and touching moments that balance out perfectly.

The entire book i kept wanting to find out more, and the ending definitely leaves way for a sequel i'll be looking out for.

This was such an enjoyable read, i would absolutely recommend to anyone.

I received a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review, with many thanks to the author and publisher.

Sometime in the far off-future...we neglected to heed the warnings and almost killed our mother Earth. Now it has recuperated to an extent and there is again a misbalance. Terra is choosing who will bring back that balance with 4 Guardians from the air, sea, and land, on each of wisdom, power, agility, and speed. Winter suddenly finds herself in this world. The animals don't all trust the new human member. After all, her father killed another Guardian when he had the job and humans are slowly introducing the technologies that caused the problems in the first place. Now Winter has been chosen to lead. Can she do so when others cannot forget? The first in a series.

I love that the imbalance of resources and the dangers of climate change ( this future world has only two seasons and winters are considered mythological). A great way to educate kids about the dangers we inflict on our world.

I was first drawn to this book by the cover. Then the synopsis drew me further in. That’s when I knew I wanted to read this book.

The main premise of the book is surrounding the Guardians, who have been selected by Terra (sort of like a non-corporeal Mother Earth) to protect Her after the humans nearly destroyed it centuries ago. The Guardians are animals of the sky, water, and land. They each have their own special powers given to them by Terra to control elements, move with agility, and wisdom. Within this group one member is named the Terra Protectorum. This individual has the ability to learn and use powers from all the other Guardians.

They need a new Terra Protectorum leader though after years of not having one. Fractions have split off since the last leader after disagreements and a need for revenge festered. When Terra selects a human girl, Winter, who’s father had quite the past, the group fractures even further. Who wants the human in charge when it’s the humans who destroyed Terra in the first place and are doing it again? The wolves certainly don’t. Neither do some of the Guardians.

This was a fun middle grade read. I can absolutely see myself recommending this book to my own children and to adults. There are a lot of messages in the book about our environment. It’s done in a thoughtful and unique manner without being totally obvious. I enjoyed Winter’s journey as we discovered more about Terra, the Guardians, and what happened in the past. It’s especially enjoyable when Winter is learning to use her powers.

I look forward to the story continuing in book 2, which from the ending certainly seems like it will happen.

It took me a little while to get into the story but once events got underway the reader is taken on a roller coaster ride towards the final destination and I found myself reading through each successive chapter avidly to discover what would happen next.
Winter is an outsider from the beginning because, having cat like eyes, she is different and is therefore bullied at school. Her parents are dead and she lives with her blind grandmother who refuses to answer any questions about her parents, particularly her father. She is confused about many things and the reader joins her on her journey of learning and discovery. We discover that centuries ago, Terra, the world, was almost destroyed by humans, that the Guardians were created to protect Terra and that their leader was murdered years before. Terra is once again in danger from human destruction and The Guardians need a new leader, a new Terra Protectorum, but when Winter is chosen there is outrage, anger and betrayal ahead. Can Winter fulfil the destiny chosen for her and save Terra from being destroyed? There is a real cliff hanger of an ending and the reader is left with more questions than answers as we are just at the beginning of Winters journey.
A great choice for YA or indeed anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction.

Centuries ago,Terra, the world, was nearly destroyed by humans. In the wake of that destruction, Terra created the Guardians a group sworn to protect her. But humans have returned to their plundering ways and Terra needs the Guardians. The Guardians are now fractured, their leader murdered years before. They need a new leader a new Terra Protectorum but when a young girl is chosen outrage ensues. Questions demands answers.

This book was received as an ARC from Central Avenue Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book reminded me a lot of Red Queen The Dark Crowns and Cinder in a way where a girl is destined to save a kingdom from its ruins and the protectors that shape it. Every page was an eye-opener and really brought excitement to the plot. Choosing a random girl with no knowledge of the kingdom to be its saving grace is realistically impossible but in the fantasy world, exciting to follow and read on. This book will want to make you curious to see what happens to Terra and what of the fate and destiny of the guardians and the girl that saved them.

We will definitely consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.