Roberta Writes – Book review: Dead of Winter Journeys 10 & 11 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

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I am really enjoying Dead of Winter, a fascinating novel by Teagan Riordain Geneviene, told as a series of journeys. Thirteen journeys are currently available with the final one due for publication soon.

You can find Teagan Geneviene here:

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Teagan-Riordain-Geneviene/e/B00HHDXHVM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/teagangeneviene
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeagansBooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/teagangeneviene/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-z7_iH5t2_7aNpy3vG-Q
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teagangeneviene/

Journey 10: Pergesca

What Amazon says

“Dead of Winter: Journey 10, Pergesca” resumes outside the Lost Library, where Hallgeir was faced with a decision that could impact the entire world.

Lucetius is gravely wounded when he attempts to deliver a message. Emlyn, Zasha, and Osabide are again separated from all their friends. The Three must continue their journey without assistance or protection from the other travelers. They must reach the faraway city of Pergesca. That is also the seat of power of the ancient Society of Deae Matres. Will the companions eventually be reunited?

A vicious enemy returns, displaying unexpected strength.

An important character dies in this novelette. The death of a character is a rare thing in stories written by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene.

My review

This journey is full of surprises and moves the story along at a terrific pace. Siblings, Hallr and Haldis both show different sides to their characters, leading to unexpected changes to the storyline. This particular part of the story was intriguing and well handled by the author, leaving the reader gasping in astonishment and unsure whether to feel relieved or suspicious.

Emlyn’s powers continue to develop and she is getting a better handle on controlling them but interventions still happen. A most unexpected set of circumstances brings Emlyn, Sasha, and Osabide directly into the path of confrontation with a terrible enemy. Another intervention, brings unexpected relief and leaves the reader feeling pleased and encouraged.

The trio travel to Pergesca, Zasha’s city and the head quarters of the Deas Matras. Zasha introduces her companions to a new and fascinating character, HaDritak Baki, who is the proprietress of an inn with enjoyable name of the Golden Book. The name of the inn is a bit of a play on the character of Mistress Baki who is an enterprising and educated woman.

Luce’s role in the story becomes more apparent as well as his involvement with his mother and Emlyn.

This is one of the most descriptive and vivid journeys I have read in this series to date and I am looking forward to Journey 11.

Purchase Journey 10: Pergesca

Amazon US

Journey 11: The Sumelazon

What Amazon says

Meet a new character in this Journey of Dead of Winter. She is a Deae Matres whose encounter with Gethin Gwilym has an unexpected result. Next in Pergesca, we get better acquainted with a noblewoman or “HaDritak,” who is an old friend of Zasha. She has a few tricks up her sleeves.

Emlyn sees and experiences places, customs, and foods that are foreign to her. One of her gifts is growing.

As the conclusion of Emlyn’s “Journeys” draws near, we see that our heroes are underdogs. They are out-manned, “out-spirited,” and under-powered — physically, magically, and politically. With no other recourse, they make use of deception and manipulation. Although, how can that possibly be enough?

My review

Journey 11 starts off in the Lost Library and we find out what has happened to Gethin, Hallgier, and Tajin. It is a relief to know that Blossom and the other horses are safe and protected. We also discover that a small number of the Deae Matres are men. This interesting detail comes up a few times over the course of this journey, and some other surprising characteristics of the society are unveiled. It seems that the Deae Matres, despite their education and lofty societal and individual goals, is not immune from politics which slows the wheels and results in a cumbersome internal infrastructure.

A most interesting ancestor of Gethin comes to the fore and through this link, he obtains a most unusual weapon. I wonder when it will be used in the series?

Back in Pergesca, Zasha, Osabide, and Emlyn continue to plan their strategy and Emlyn receives a most beautiful white silk gown which makes her look just like her ancestor, Eriu.

Despite a less than satisfactory meeting with the Council of the Deae Matres, the trio find support and help in a most unexpected place. Luce brings news of a threat from the direction of the Sumelazon Escarpment, while Emlyn discovers that her powers are considerably stronger than she thought.

An exciting new chapter in this excellent fantasy tale.

Purchase Journey 11: The Sumelazon

Amazon US

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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58 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Book review: Dead of Winter Journeys 10 & 11 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene”

  7. I have yet to find your books on the US Amazon list or shown as Kindles. Are any of them available in the U.S.? Amazon won’t deliver overseas. They wouldn’t in the past, so I’m sure they won’t now, unless it’s a Kindle or Audiobook. So I was just wondering…?

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    2. Thanks so very much for visiting here and for reblogging, Jane. I don’t want you to be mislead — this series is fantasy. However, I actually do have a series of 1920s cozy mysteries, the series is Pip’s Three Things. This is one of them:

      Hugs on the wing!

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  13. I appreciate your insight recognizing the new sides revealed by characters which is one of Teagan’s many strengths We all have more than one side. It was a bit disappointing, yet very realistic to find out that “the Deae Matres,… is not immune from politics which slows the wheels and results in a cumbersome internal infrastructure.” It’s great to have my memory refreshed. I read these two novelettes a while back and look forward to the next. I just don’t want the series to end!

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    1. HI JoAnna, I am delighted that you enjoyed these two reviews. I am very fond of Teagan’s writing and I have her new book of short stories on my kindle for after this series is finished. The Deae Matres had already show cracks in its structure with Haldis and even some of the other members at the beginning of the story so I wasn’t surprised by that twist.

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    2. You are so kind, JoAnna — thank you. It means a lot to me that you don’t want it to end. I’m editing the concluding Journey right now. I’m crafting several threads into the ending that should inspire the reader to keep imagining stories for several characters after “The End.” (Not cliffhangers, everything gets resolved.) Have a beautiful new week. Hugs on the wing.

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  14. Two great reviews, Robbie! I’m so looking forward to this last journey – the background, characters and atmosphere have all steadily built and I’m in awe of the way Teagan has developed this into such a mystical and powerful tale.

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    2. Alex, I blush. ^^’ Thank you so much for this beautiful comment. I’m so glad that you’ve been part of the Journeys. You’ve made remarks on Facebook that have kept me going. I think/hope you’ll enjoy the conclusion. I’m feeling good about bringing so much together for it. Hugs on the wing.

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  15. Two great reviews, Robbie. I have just finished Journey 13, and I am sure you’ll enjoy 12 and 13 as well. I can’t wait to read the final journey, although I will be sorry as well. I’ll miss the adventures of this wonderful universe and its characters, but I’m sure Teagan will keep the stories coming, wherever and whenever they are set.

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    2. Olga thank you for having been such a big part of the Journeys. Your reviews mean more to me than you could imagine. Yes, there will always be more stories to tell. I hope to finish up two novels in particular. You might remember the Guitar Mancer… and I’m sure you’ll remember the one I haven’t showed to the public yet, Wheel of Fortune. Plus I want to flesh out my non-fiction shelf with Speak Chuckaboo, and See Flapper. Stay safe and well. Hugs on the wing.

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  17. You’re going to call caught up for the conclusion, Robbie. Great reviews. I’ve enjoyed the entire series and have only the last two to go. Congrats to Teagan on two more awesome recommendations. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Diana. Your reviews mean so very much to me too. I’m editing the concluding Journey right now. I’m crafting threads into the ending that should inspire the reader to keep imagining stories for several characters after “The End.” And making sure all the many threads get tied up. Have a beautiful new week. Hugs on the wing.

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