Roberta Writes – book reviews: Dead of Winter Journeys 8 and 9 by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

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I am finally finished with work, three days late and its been a whirlwind so I didn’t manage to record a YT video for these two reviews. The Dead of Winter series of novellas are wonderfully imaginative and entertaining and I have enjoyed the nine journeys I have read to date.

Teagan Riordain Geneviene is running a Dead of Winter writing and art challenge on her blog, Teagan’s Books. You can join the challenge here: https://teagansbooks.com/2021/12/08/wednesday-writing-what-used-to-be/

You can find my fondant art entry for this challenge on Robbie’s Inspiration here: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/robbies-inspiration-dead-of-winter/

Journey 8: The Lost Library

Dead of Winter by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

My review

This journey opens with a meeting between the long dead King Hallr and Arawn, planned by Arawn but a surprise to Hallr. What does Arawn want with this powerful former king?

The Deae Matres have finally discovered the Lost Library and meet the ancient and mysterious Haldis. Her family relationships with Hallr and Hallgeir are revealed to all. Emlyn gains a greater understanding of her powers and starts learning to use the Ogham Staff in order to unite with Hallgier, Osabide and Zasha who disappeared so unexpectedly. Unfortunately, the process through which Zasha transitioned into the Lost Library has made changes to her and she is not the same woman she was previously. The Deae Matres, particularly Osabide, are distraught about Zasha’s new persona and poor health, and discuss plans to undo the changes that have taken place.

Emlyn is gaining in confidence and knowledge, although the intense anxiety and mental barriers resulting from the mental abuse she suffered at the hands of her family, frequently manifest themselves in her behaviour and conversations. She spends some time roaming the library and learning more about it. Her interest in various paintings and artifacts will prove to be useful.

Emlyn suffers some distress as she gradually comes to realise that Haldis is not necessarily trustworthy and may have her own agenda. She also suffers disappointment in her relationship with Luce. Will her misgivings about Haldis and Luce prove to be true?

Journey 9: Doors of Attunement

Dead of Winter: Journey 9, Doors of Attunement

My review

The book starts with some reflections by Luce which are very revealing. His devotion to his mother, fear of his father and the retribution he could take against Luce, ambivalence towards the Deae Matres, and intrigue with Emlyn are all revealed. His relationship with the Listeners, a new and intriguing element to the book, is mentioned.

Emlyn, Osabide and Fotia, previously Zasha, cross over into another realm on the advice of Haldis who has recommended this journey as the only way of reinstating Zasha’s own personality and good health. The trio come across the three doors of Attunement and realise they must open one in order to move forward with their question. They meet the Listeners who can grant the requests of questors at their discretion.

Fotia must make a difficult decision and Emlyn learns that there is more to the trios quest than simply restoring Zasha. It is also necessary to seek and find the missing crown of the Ohgam Staff.

The plans of both Arwan and Haldis are revealed.

The imagery and imaginative characters and settings included in this episode are more marvelous and intriguing than ever. A most worthy read and a great step forward in this epic journey.

Purchase Dead of Winter Journeys 1 to 11 by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Journey 11, the Sumelazon Escarpment

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09M7Q19XT

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09M4QWDYK

Journey 10, Pergesca

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09J6TH8TD

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09J7GFWYV

Journey 9, Doors of Attunement

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09F8Y5DML

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09F1BB9RW

Journey 8, The Lost Library

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09C6MPTYT

Paperback:  relinks.me/B09C34XR7P

Journey 7, Revenant Pass

Kindle:  relinks.me/B098MS8P48

Paperback:  relinks.me/B098GV1G5V

Journey 6, The Fluting Fell

Kindle:  relinks.me/B096CPJNSX

Paperback: relinks.me/B096CPJNSX

Journey 5, Llyn Pistyll Falls

Kindle:  relinks.me/B09431TD6G

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0942KC471

Journey 4, The Old Road

Kindle:  relinks.me/B092G5LB7R

Paperback:  relinks.me/B092M51Y88

Journey 3, the Fever Field

Kindle: elinks.me/B08XTNZ9M8 

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08XXY3JXF

Kobo:  Dead of Winter: Journey 3, the Fever Field eBook by Teagan Riordain Geneviene – 1230004609599 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Journey 2, Penllyn

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08VMNSF97

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08VLMR2KD

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dead-of-winter-journey-2-penllyn

Journey 1, Forlorn Peak

Kindle:  relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX

Paperback:  relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5

Kobo:  Dead of Winter: Journey 1, Forlorn Peak eBook by Teagan Geneviene – 1230004446033 | Rakuten Kobo United States

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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73 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – book reviews: Dead of Winter Journeys 8 and 9 by Teagan Riordain Geneviene”

  2. Robbie, your reviews thrill me. Of course I love your videos, but they are a bonus. I’m just grateful for your lovely reviews, especially since I understand how busy work has been — on top of everything else.
    I’m sharing all over social media, and I just now updated my Wednesday blog post to include a link to this post.
    I’m actually doing a third post this week for Thursday Doors, so your timing is perfect — I can add this review! You’ve encouraged me to push on through with work on Journey 12. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi Teagan, I am glad you like these reviews. As I mentioned to Dan, reviewing a series without giving away spoilers and keeping a fresh view each time is an interesting challenge for me. I don’t read series generally other then Hode’s Hill by Mae Clair and Harry Potter.

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    2. Hi Barbara. I made it sort of a cross between a series and a serial, with monthly novelettes. In doing that, I’m editing a mammoth manuscript. I know there’s an end, but not completely sure how many installments. Now I’m polishing #12, I thought 13 would be the last, but now I’m not absolutely certain. One sure thing is that it won’t go beyond 15. (I’m hoping for 13.)
      Thanks for visiting. Hugs on the wing.

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  9. A fabulous series that I am also hooked on, Robbie. I have journey 11 waiting and I hope I’ll catch up over the holidays. I also love your winter creation. It is amazing what you can bring to life with fondant! Take care and thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. Hi Olga. I didn’t think I would be able to, but now it looks like I will have Journey 12 finished by Christmas. I remember you like to read them in twos. Your reviews mean the world to me. I’m delighted you enjoy this story. Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing.

      Liked by 1 person

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