Reviewed: July 5th, 2021
Released: August 20th, 2020
Genre: Epic YA Fantasy
The Crow King has outlawed magic. Despite the kingdom’s edict, Gwyn plunges into the ancient and deadly True Wood to find a magical cure for his dying brother. Within the shadowed realm, he must fend off more than violent and fallen fae-like Ilidreth when he learns the king is out to stop him at whatever cost.
On his desperate quest, he is joined by a unicorn, a quirky girl, and the maddest of the fallen fae. Together they must outrun enchanted crows and enemy armies, and face the ghosts of a shattered age, all while racing to save Gwyn’s brother. Meanwhile, war brews between countries, and a secret order of mages hunts Gwyn down.
Yet none of this can prepare Gwyn for the harrowing truth behind the fall of the Ilidreth long, long ago, and what it means for his life and his homeland.
Helen’s thoughts:
What a wonderful story. Woodscourt has created a rich and magical world, full of well developed characters and quirky magical creatures. She had me at Unicorn, especially a shiny one. Anything that glitters and I’m there! Maybe I was a magpie in another life.
The first book of the Wintervale trilogy, The Crow King draws you in and immerses you in a magical world where the Crow King rules, and only he is allowed magic. Gwyn is brave and a little reckless but he is true of heart and determined to save his brother. Through his eyes we discover the beauty of a world hidden and reviled and the reader quickly realises that all is not well and evil cruelty lies beneath the Crow King’s iron control. You begin to question, as Gwyn does, whether what he has been told about his world is true.
As Gwyn, his brother Lawen, and even Nathaera, a young girl he rescues, come to realise, knowing something and doing something about it are two different things.
A well written first installment of an epic YA fantasy that is well worth the read. You are drawn into the magical world from the very beginning and it doesn’t let up. Can’t wait to pick up the next book.
About the Author:
Writer of fantasy, magic weaver, dragon rider! Having spent the past 20 years devotedly writing fantasy, it’s safe to say M. H. Woodscourt is now more fae than human.
All of her fantasy worlds connect with each other in a broad Universe, forged with great love and no small measure of blood, sweat, and tears. When she’s not writing, she’s napping or reading a book with a mug of hot cocoa close at hand while her quirky cat Wynter nibbles her toes.
You can find M.H Woodscourt on:
You can purchase Book One of the Wintervale: The Crow King
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Hardcover | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
Link book on Amazon Canada: eBook | Paperback
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my books which are available in eBook or paperback: Book One: Sentinals Awaken. Book Two: Sentinals Rising. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Helen Garraway 