The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
Series: Weathermages of Mystral #1
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: July 29, 2014
Date Read: October 28, 2017
Length: 608 pages
Source: Kindle Purchase
★★★★☆
After three long years of war, starkly handsome Wynter Atrialan will have his vengeance on Summerlea’s king by taking one of the man’s beautiful, beloved daughters as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter’s battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother’s death, rages on.
Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father’s palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig’s icy king was supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom—and her first taste of overwhelming passion.
As fierce, indomitable Wynter weathers even Khamsin’s wildest storms, surprising her with a tenderness she never expected, Kham wants more than Wynter’s passion—she yearns for his love. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.
This was good! I have heard great things about this book since its release date. I am really not sure why I waited so long to pick it up. I am glad that I listened to all of the recommendations and finally read this wonderful story. I was swept away into this world and fell in love with the characters. It was the kind of book that I didn’t want to put down. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Wynter, the King of Wintercraig, has just defeated the Summerlea and has come to claim a princess as part of the bargain. Khamsin is the daughter of the Summerlea King but she is not one of his treasured daughters. She is the daughter that he depises and keeps hidden away. The Summerlea King agrees to the deal and forces Khamsin into the role as bride.
Wynter and Khamsin have fantastic chemistry from the start but they have a lot to learn about each other. At the start of the story there is no trust between them and they are prone to thinking the worst of each other. They are both good people and as they spend time with each other they start learning that their assumptions may not be accurate. It was really quite nice to watch this pair open up to each other. I fell in love with both of these characters and loved watching them pull each other out of their shells. They really seemed to be made for each other.
Wynter must deal not only with his new bride but also with the Ice Heart which threatens his life. He has been able to control it so far but those around him question how much longer that control will last. I thought that the Ice Heart was a nice aspect of the story. It was really interesting to watch Wynter with his internal struggle. Khamsin must deal with life as an outsider in a realm where her brother is a known enemy, having sparked a war. I really felt all of Khamsin’s emotions as she navigated her new world.
I enjoyed the world at the center of this book. There were so many vivid details to the story that helped bring everything to life. I thought that Wynter and Khamsin both had really interesting powers that nicely complimented each other. There were a few really unique creatures to keep things very interesting. Everything came together perfectly to form a well told story.
I would highly recommend this book to others. It was the perfect blend of romance and fantasy with enough action to keep the pages turning. This was a rather long book at around 600 pages but it didn’t feel long. In fact, it was over all too soon. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
The Winter King
About the AuthorC.L. WILSON grew up camping and water skiing across America, from Cherry Creek reservoir in Denver, CO, to Lake Gaston on the border of Virginia and North Carolina. She is an active member of Tampa Area Romance Authors (TARA), her local chapter of Romance Writers of America. When not engaged in writerly pursuits, she enjoys golfing, swimming, reading, playing video games with her children, and spending time with her friends and family.
That does sound good. I might have to add that one to my wish list. Thanks for the great review.
I had a great time with it!
I heard great things about this author. I really want to try the books
This was the first book by C.L. Wilson that I have read and I can't wait to read more.
From the world to the characters, it all sounds really good. And that cover is just gorgeous! Great review.
I am not a fan of the cover. My daughter and I were making fun of it but I guess I am in the minority. It was a great story.
I LOVED this book and book two is just as good as Winter King. I really loved Summer's book. I adored the chemistry and seeing these two slowly be honest with each other. And book two is coming out tomorrow so I hope you grab it up soon.
I can't wait to start The Sea King – hopefully within the next week.
oh I agree the world and the characters look amazing. I probably have this, because I wouldn't have been able to pass up on that cover alone, gah
I like the color on the cover but what is going on with his hair? Oh well. I did love the story and hope you get the chance to read it, Lily!
I tried one by her aaaaages ago
This was my first one.
I have not read anything by this author, but I have heard great things about this series.
This was an impressive start!
Glad to see you liked it too. I've seen great reviews for it. I'm not too keen on the cover, but who cares. 😀
I have to agree with you on the cover. Not a fan at all. The story is great so I guess that is what matters.
I really need to read this! I have a copy, and I've heard such good things. Glad to see you loved it too.
It was really good. I am glad that I finally fit it into my schedule.
I want to read this! I am so glad you ended up liking it. The size might have put me off, but the way you describe it, it sounds like it the pages fly by. Thank you for your great review, Carole!
It is long but doesn't really feel long if that makes sense.
I'm pretty much stuck on the cover! It makes me think of the romance novels I read as a tweenager #nostalgia. I may have to check this book out because it sounds like my kind of romance.
Have a great week. – Katie
I am not a fan of the cover but the story inside was great!
See, why have I been sitting on it for almost a year. Glad you enjoyed it and love the blend of fantasy and romance.
I think you would really like this one, Kimberly!