Winter, White and Wicked has been constantly described as “Mad Max” meets “Frozen”. And while I can’t attest to the Mad Max aspect, I can without a doubt say that this book definitely exudes a Frozen-esque dystopian vibe that just worked. Winter, White and Wicked was exhilarating, page-turning, and full of non-stop action. 

Shannon Dittermore is a very talented author, there is absolutely no question about that. I was hooked early on and the story’s forward moving-plot and non-stop action kept me reading page after page. The clear descriptions and vivid imagery throughout easily transported me into the book’s setting. I could almost feel the icy wind biting my cheek, see the snowy backdrop, hear the engine of the rig as it made it’s treacherous way through the mountainous path. One of the best parts of reading is getting lost in the world, and Winter, White and Wicked did not disappoint. 

The mythology that the plot and story centers around was very clever and well-written. It was detailed, and contained just the right amount of magic to feel both believable and whimsy. And I really appreciate how the information was given to readers: just enough was introduced in the prologue to pull you in, and then more is gradually added as the evolves. I found this pace perfect. I was able to get grasp of the story and then build upon my knowledge. 

 Winter, White and Wicked was an excellent story. The kind of book that will transport you to another world to get lost in for awhile. From the creative mythology to the vivid descriptions, it was easy to fall into the book and be captivated by the pages. I definitely recommend for anyone looking for a dystopian-esque fantasy full of grit, great characters, and magic.

I enjoyed this fast-paced fantasy about a girl named Sylvi who’s a rig driver. She is an independent and successful woman but she is also flawed. She is strong willed but she is selfish, bitter and lots of anger within her that can make you not really like her. You do see her grow throughout the book and at the end of the book you can see how much she grows.

Also we are introduced to other characters in the book and you get have some information and their histories about them. I thought it was nice to get their background and find out their stories throughout the book.

Overall, it was good fantasy book with lots of adventure and very fast-paced.

Winter, White and Wicked thrusts you into a world that is somewhat familiar, but vastly different than our own. Dittemore’s descriptions of the environment and the inhabitants of Layce helps you to envision the fantastical and deadly world that she has created and how unforgiving it can be. This, paired with the original and descriptive religion of the island, does a great job of preparing you for the epic story that the author is telling. I loved Sylvi and how independent she was. She just wanted to have a set life for herself and Lenore and I could definitely relate to her situation. There was also never a dull moment in this book. The action paired with the suspenseful moments made taking a break from reading this story nearly impossible. I had to know the answers to all of the questions that Dittemore poses with Winter. The friendships formed within this story will also warm your heart. Sylvi is not the warmest person, and given her background this is understandable. But, being able to see Sylvi develop and grow in this story added to the depth of this wonderful world that we have delved into. The author doesn’t put a perfectly neat bow on the end of this story, but it creates a nice segue into there being a second book. All in all, I really enjoyed this story and the originality that came with it and would definitely recommend it being read during the winter, snowy months.

This year was full with stunning covers and Winter, white and wicked is on the list! How you can’t buy this book just to admire the cover every time you look at your bookshelves? It looks like Sylvi’s eyes are looking in yours while she is reading your soul!

But about the story… Mad Max: Fury Road and Frozen sound like the best idea for a book. And it really is. The world building is captivating, especially with all the stories about its creation. Stories that for some are history and for some are just myths and legends. But there is a grain of truth in every legend!

For me the beginning was slow, it took me sometime to get caught by the story. But when the action started, I wanted to find more about Winter and her true intentions.

Thank you TBR and Beyond and Shannon Dittemore for the opportunity to read Winter, white and wicked in exchange for an honest review.

Sylvi is raised on the lonely island of Kerce, a land that has been controlled by Winter for many decades.

Sylvi only has one goal. Finish a haul and bring money to the table. On the road she can forget who she was and only focused on the path ahead with Winter as her companion.

But after her best friend, Lenore, runs away with a group of rebels, Sylvi agrees to use her rig to haul a load of essential supplies across a treacherous pass from a rebel sympathizer, Mars Dresden, to find Lenore and bring her home.

She must transport him, his companions and his haul.

In this journey, Sylvi begins to wonder if “Winter”, the icy spirit who has control of Layce, is really a friend or foe.

THOUGHTS

At the beginning I was struggling with the pace of the story. As almost all elementals/magic novels, the information is overwhelming since the author is trying to explain how the magic system works. By a third of Winter, White and Wicked I was still struggling to comprehend how Kerce magic works.

Even though the story has so much potential, I found that Winter, White and Wicked is so repetitive. The same argument is brought up during the novel but with a different explanation. 

I also found myself frustrated with the main character because I just wanted for her to grow a backbone and deal with Winter.

Even though this novel lacks romance, it was very believable between the characters which contributed in the story development.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Winter, White and Wicked is totally different from other books I’ve read. The worldbuilding is so unique and very interesting.

The cover is beautiful. You can’t deny that.

But unfortunately the ending is a little bit disappointing and with many holes. There’s no indication of a sequel but the story wasn’t completed, it shows all the lies in Sylvi’s life and then JUST ENDS.

I really hope there is a sequel since I felt like the story was building up for something major and then nothing.

Have you ever had a time when you looked forward to a book a ton and then it didn't live up to expectations?
This is what happened for me regarding Winter, White and Wicked.
The reason why I eventually DNF'ed was because I was so confused regarding the part real and part fantasy world that Sylvi lived in. I could not pinpoint the location, time period, or much else.

Rating: 1/5
No content list for this one since I did not finish. However, there was one death already.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Winter, White, and Wicked is one of those debuts that is equally captivating and gorgeously crafted. I was glued to the story and the characters and I was blown away by the beautiful prose.

This book took me by surprise. Winter, White, and Wicked was such a fun roller coaster ride of a story! It’s fast-paced and intriguing, brimming with exquisite writing and exceptional characters. It’s a story I couldn’t put down. 

I was captivated and fascinated with the world building. Distemper has created a truly compelling world, and it’s a world that is not afraid to illustrate its harshness. It’s a world left in an eternal winter, and the people on this island are just as cold and deadly. The history behind the world and why it’s cursed was really fascinated and I felt that Dittemore executed it all really well. It’s easily a world that many will find unique. 

The characters were by far amazing and beyond mysterious. Sylvi was an interesting main character and one I could easily connect with. I loved her relationship with Winter and I was eager to find out why an icy spirit was traveling with Sylvi. She’s a character that’s brave and determined but also cautious. She doesn’t want to take too many chances, but she also wants to save her friend. She has the help of the one and only Mars Dresden, who I absolutely loved. I loved his fierceness and loyalty and determination. I devoured almost all the scenes between Sylvi and Mars. I do wish there was a bit more romance (I’m a sucker for romance), but the storyline was still enjoyable without the romance aspect. 

With how Winter, White, and Wicked ended, the author could easily travel back into this world with a sequel, which I would easily devour. Overall, I was very pleased with this debut and I’m looking forward to reading more from Dittemore.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher for TBR and Beyond Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Winter, White and Wicked

Author: Shannon Dittemore

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: fantasy, found family

Publication Date: October 13, 2020

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Pages: 384

Recommended Age: 16+ (drugs, smugglers, monsters) 

Synopsis: Twice-orphaned Sylvi has chipped out a niche for herself on Layce, an island cursed by eternal winter. Alone in her truck, she takes comfort in two things: the solitude of the roads and the favor of Winter, an icy spirit who has protected her since she was a child.
            Sylvi likes the road, where no one asks who her parents were or what she thinks of the rebels in the north. But when her best friend, Lenore, runs off with the rebels, Sylvi must make a haul too late in the season for a smuggler she wouldn’t normally work with, the infamous Mars Dresden. Alongside his team—Hyla, a giant warrior woman and Kyn, a boy with skin like stone—Sylvi will do whatever it takes to save her friend.
            But when the time comes, she’ll have to choose: safety, anonymity, and the favor of Winter—or the future of the island that she calls home.

Review: I thought this was a good read. The book had excellent character development and the plot was great. The book is so creepy and it's perfect for the winter and mystery reads.

However, the writing in this book is bad. The book is wrote so weird that I had issue reading it and had to reread numerous chunks of the book. The book is super confusing and doesn't show the readers what is happening, only telling what is going on. The books characters also speak weirdly in this book and there's not a lot of world building. 

Verdict: It’s good, but it was a hard read for me.

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars

This was an interesting fast-paced fantasy that had some unique elements I haven't come across in the YA I've read. Since finishing the book I've waffled on my rating as there were parts I really enjoyed, but others that I wished had been much better developed. However, it was the ending that ultimately kicked it up to 3.5 stars for me and I'm very keen to see what happens in the sequel! Also, this cover is so gorgeous and I love it! 😍

CW/TW: torture, mentions of drug use and addiction, animal death, attempted rape of a child (flashback scene)

We follow Sylvi's perspective and honestly? I really struggled with her. Sylvi thrives in the independence that rig driving gives her and that was a unique element that surprised me. I loved that she was a rig driver and it's definitely something I've never seen in YA before. It takes a lot to be a successful young woman in a field that is solely dominated by men, and I admired her courage her solid abilities to so effortlessly handle a beast like the Dragon in such treacherous conditions. It was fantastic! That said, Sylvi is selfish and full of bitterness (so much of it!), rage and contempt that I had a lot of trouble understanding. Some of it is explained later and I understood it to an extent, but her contempt and need to rebel against those who tried to help her, just didn't make sense to me. She's flawed and I'm okay with flawed characters if their actions make sense, but I really struggled with Sylvi! She does experience growth by the end though, and although it's slow and at the same time, kind of abrupt, it was a relief to watch her accept the changes and finally arrive at the realisation that maybe she has been played.

We also get to learn a bit about the side characters: Mars, Kyn, and Hyla. Although they were at times baffling and frustrating (Mars especially) I did get attached to them. I loved how their stories and histories unfolded as the story went on. I felt their pain, anger, frustration and I was 100% rooting for the rebels by the end! I'm really keen to see how their characters will further develop. Another character we learn a lot about is Winter. She was a unique element to the story and I really liked how Dittemore breathed life into her character. Winter is a malevolent spirit that has turned the island of Layce into a snow-covered frozen "wonderland" out of jealousy and loneliness. She was definitely an interesting entity and nemesis and a well-formed character overall. There was no doubting her wickedness, but there were times I also pitied her because I understand how consuming loneliness can be.

While I didn't think the writing was bad, the main issue I struggled with was the world-building. The introduction to various elements of the world, the magic, and the histories and mythology felt very patchy; you would only get very small bits and pieces at a time and it made it difficult to form a cohesive understanding of the world. I'm still not 100% sure how the magic really works and I also don't really have much of a clue about who the Majority are. From what I gather they're the ruling class and biggest threat aside from Winter, but where did they come from? Why are they so powerful? How come Winter doesn't control them? I kept hoping that things would be further explained, and while I did understand some things better by the end, I still wished it was done better.

3.5/5 stars

I decided not to continue reading this after the 3-quarter mark. Funny I should drop a book when I'm already so far in, it's just that I'd already felt like stopping much earlier and simply wanted to give the story more chances. It's not a bad book, I just felt bored by the events happening, especially the history lessons on the mythology. I did enjoy some of the scenes while they were on the road though. Another reason why I decided to quit was because of the annoying MC. At one point she did an incredibly irritating thing that I, personally, wouldn't be so quick to forgive(unlike some of the characters in the story). Mind you, she's already made many small annoying actions up to then. Let it be known that I'm not against having unrelatable or flawed characters, they're just not for me as I read books mainly for enjoyment. So, if I was not enjoying it, why was I even pushing myself through it, right? 

Anyway, it's got quite an original premise but didn't have the best execution. Not only did I  care less about the history lessons, I couldn't keep up with it either. It got confusing and ended up going in a cliche direction(from the spoilers I read in other reviews). I think this story can very easily get lost amongst all the other books out there, so only a select few would enjoy this immensely.

My goodness gracious I needed this type of book and Shannon Dittemore delivered with Winter, White and Wicked. 

First, let me say CONGRATULATIONS to your book birthday Winter, White and Wicked! You are now out in the world and ready for consumption. 

Review Time!

First of all, I love the premise of this story. The whole trucker/dystopian vibe is not something usually done and it was just amazing here. Not only that, but the world building for the history of this island was unique. The author built a gritty but magical world, that wasn’t forgiving and full of people that learned to survive. 

Second, THE CHARACTERS. Oh my goodness, we know I love good side characters and we are bursting at the seams here! The main character is also fantastic, shout out to Sylvi, but I’m team Kyn. Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate Hyla, as she’s the real MVP of this book. As you know, that’s my opinion, but feel free to read the book and argue with me. #FightMe

I do have a favorite quote from the book and will share it with you all. 
“Yesterday does matter.’ The thought is a dangerous one, the words mutinous on my tongue. “Understanding what happened, it’s how we’re going to save tomorrow.” (Heavy but so good) 

Lastly, the writing on this one was gripping. The reader is in it for the long haul (PUN INTENDED), and kept chugging along with every action packed moment. I would recommend this to anyone that is feeling daring, adventurous, or just the need for speed and action. 

I will say based on that ending, I hope we have a book two in the works. If it ends there I will be…forever guessing. 

Overall Summary:

Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Plot: 4 Stars
Character Development: 4 Stars
Dialogue: 4 Stars
Writing: 4 Stars
HAPPY READING~~ 
Ash <3 

 ~I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.~

I loved this book so much! I was apprehensive going into it because I love Frozen, but I don't know that much about trucking and I've never seen any Mad Max movies. Was I only going to like half the book? Nope, I liked the whole thing. Sylvi is the main character, and she is real and flawed and wants to protect the people she loves at all costs. She is favored by the spirit Winter, who has control over the whole island. Sylvi spends the frozen months driving runs around the island for a living, which is the safest time to go since the ice creates the only roads on the island. She likes being alone best, but she's forced to work with three other very different people in order to get her sister/best friend back. Along the way, Sylvi's journey of self-discovery is profound and definitely what I enjoyed most. Seeing where she started and where she ended was very rewarding as a reader.  A close second was getting to know Mars, Kyndel, and Hyla, the other most prominent characters, and seeing how the author developed the invisible yet very present character of Winter. Winter, White and Wicked is a standalone from what I gather, but I could easily enjoy another story that continues Sylvi's journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a good YA adventure. There's something for everyone.

Buy, Borrow, or Bypass: If you are someone who buys YA, this needs to be part of your collection. I usually favor series over standalones, but I already know I will reread this one in the future. Plus, the cover is extremely shiny and beautiful. If you mostly borrow, then go for it. But don't bypass this one! The writing is wonderful, and you are sure to fall in love with it, the characters, and the world.

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars

This was a hard book for me to rate because I struggled a bit in the beginning. I had trouble getting into the story, and I was very confused about the world, and I didn't really care much about the characters (and one just pissed me off a lot when I was reading, although I do think that was the point). But once I got into it and more of the world was explained, I started to enjoy it a lot more.

Once I understood more of the world, and the history of it, I found it to be really fascinating, and I did grow to care more about the characters, which is also good. There were twists and turns that I didn't expect, and the ending has me interested in a sequel. Overall, I think this was a really unique fantasy and I would recommend it to people who enjoy YA fantasy.

Take Grisha or Mistborn, mix it with Snowpiercer or Mad Max and sprinkle more YA vibes and you'll get Winter, White and Wicked. In this book, Winter is not a season, but a conscious being that can grant one magical powers. It's also infinitely dangerous. What could possibly go wrong?
⁠
The book follows Sylvi, who lives on Layce, an island cursed by eternal winter. Alone in her truck, she takes comfort in two things: the solitude of the roads and the favor of Winter, an icy spirit who has protected her since she was a child. When her best friend, Lenore, runs off turns to the infamous smuggler Mars for help. There, she meets a whole team of misfits.⁠
⁠
⁠The book comes to an unexpected climax, which is a big plus. Other things I enjoyed included the main character, who was not the perfect YA protagonist you'd expect, but a girl that some considered selfish, the personalization of a season, and the way magic entailed some consequences. I'm also a sucker for trucker stories, as my grandfather used to be a trucked. But he drove in a completely different climate (Libya isn't exactly cold).

Otherwise, it's not exactly my cup of tea. If you enjoy large casts, embarking on quests and convoluted magic and political/social systems, it's definitely up your alley.

It was a decent book. I wasn't super wow-ed but I liked it. I think it had a solid overall plot and the characters were good. Average read for an above-average premise. Not much stands out to say more.

Winter White and Wicked is the perfect blend of current day technology and magic. I love the way Shannon Dittemore was able to recreate the dark whimsy of classic fairytales and mix it with something brand new. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

"Kyn's eyes are wine and rage.  They're passion and loss.  They're flame, the embers of a fire that could die as easily as catch."

Thank you to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.  

I was initially drawn to this book by the beautiful cover, and I immediately requested it.  The premise was really interesting and different from other YA fantasy.  

The malicious spirit of Winter has cursed the island of Layce, and yet, she favours Sylvi, who has heard her voice since she was a child.  As a rig driver, Sylvi likes the solitude of her truck and is in no way interested in joining the rebellion.  However, when her best friend, Lenore, signs up to their cause, Sylvi knows she must find her and bring her home.  This leads to the acceptance of a job from the notorious rebel smuggler, Mars Dresden. She must transport him, his companions and his haul across Winter's treacherous mountains, despite the late season and the risks involved.  

I really enjoyed Sylvi's development throughout the book.  She was fierce, intelligent and has grown up hearing Winter.  I also really liked Kyn's personality and I thought him and Sylvi complimented each other perfectly. The novel was very character driven, and I was invested in everyone's story.  The romance was slow and believable, and there was plenty of action throughout. The world-building was also well-done and I liked the contrasting versions of the same creation myth.  

However, only small snippets of world-building and history are released as you read on.  By the end, I fully understood this beautiful, fantasy setting, but during, I was left confused and lost.  The pacing also varied, with some sections being really gripping and other chapters being slow and lengthy.  Overall, the book was enjoyable and I would recommend curling up in front of a fire and reading it.

Sylvi drives the frozen tundra, alone except for Winter, the spirit who grants her protection on the icy, lonely island of Layce. It is a harsh existence, and Sylvi's parents, first her birth parents, then her adopted parents, have both perished. Although Sylvi's friend Lenore is still alive, she no longer travels with Sylvi, and has joined the rebel cause in Northern Layce. Sylvi isn't concerned with who's on top, so long as she's left to her own devices, but then smuggler Mars Dresden offers her a job to support the rebellion, and Sylvi decides to make the drive. Along the way, Sylvi must come to grips with the nature of her solitude, the reality of her relationship with Winter, and what it means to be human in a world where spring never comes, and the people in it are almost as cold as the island itself.

What an action-packed, gritty tale of survival this was! Sylvi and Winter have a peculiar relationship at the onset, and this story doesn't waste much time on early exposition, favoring instead a tempo and feeling of danger on an island that'll just as soon bury you as allow you to survive. Mars and his group aren't Sylvi's favorite at first, but they are tough and much like the family Sylvi wishes was still alive. I really enjoyed how Sylvi and Kyn become closer over time. Of course, with how dark this story's premise is, there are twists and turns that will churn your stomach and make you yell at the pages, and the worldbuilding will encircle you like a cold winter storm. Assumptions are frequently challenged throughout the story, and Sylvi learns a lot about herself and how she wants to live before the last page turns. Winter, White and Wicked is as sharp and dangerous as a glistening icicle, and also beautiful in its crystalline perspective of a world hardened by the winds of Winter. Get your parka out for this one, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

This was a 3.5 star rating to me. Not 3. It was better than a 3, but didn't leave me with the sense of enjoyment that I would bump it to 4Stars. 

Ok, now to the review. Sylvi is content with her life as a rig driver on an island cursed to an eternal winter. She revels in her solitude and her connection to a wintery spirit named Winter, who she's had a connection with since she was a child. When her best friend runs off with the rebels, Sylvi makes a deal with a shifty rebel leader to use her rig to haul a load across a treacherous pass. She's soon confronted with the darker side of Winter as secrets come to life about her island's history as well as her own. Sylvi is now faced with a choice: to go back to the anonymity of her old life or to step up and claim her newfound birthright. 

Winter, White and Wicked was hard for me to get into at first. Part of it is the slow pacing at the beginning of the novel, but I just had trouble adjusting to a fantasy with big rigs in them. It was an interesting mix. But I did get over that, and the book does pick up in terms of action and plot lines. I will say that the fantasy world of Winter, White and Wicked is really really unique, unlike anything I've ever read before. I also was fascinated and pulled into the lore of Sylvi's lost heritage and how Winter came under her control, and the history of how the island was cursed to eternal winter. The world-building, once it gets going and the big reveals happen, is probably the strongest part of this novel. It was just the pacing issues and the facts that the characters had some annoying little moments that caused me not to connect with this book as I normally would, but it was still really good. Winter White and Wicked is a story about the choice we all face to run from our problems or to face them head-on, a story with lots of action that fans of Frozen and Mad Max will enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the review copy!

Okay first... Lets give this book cover some love!!!!    I loved this story so much. It gave me all feels I was looking for. I was so excited to see when I got approved! This plot and story were done great and so easy to follow. The characters were written very well! 

I highly recommend this read!