Hi Cara,
Today i am reviewing the first book in The Redwinter Chronicles, Daughter of Redwinter by Ed McDonald.
Those who see the dead soon join them.
From the author of the critically-acclaimed Blackwing trilogy comes Ed McDonald's Daughter of Redwinter, the first of a brilliant fantasy series about how one choice can change a universe.
Raine can see--and more importantly, speak--to the dead. It's a wretched gift with a death sentence that has her doing many dubious things to save her skin. Seeking refuge with a deluded cult is her latest bad, survival-related decision. But her rare act of kindness--rescuing an injured woman in the snow--is even worse.
Because the woman has escaped from Redwinter, the fortress-monastery of the Draoihn, warrior magicians who answer to no king and who will stop at nothing to retrieve what she's stolen. A battle, a betrayal, and a horrific revelation forces Raine to enter Redwinter. It becomes clear that her ability might save an entire nation.
Pity she might have to die for that to happen...
(Synopsis from Goodreads.com)
Daughter of Redwinter has some many different elements that make it an interesting epic fantasy book to read.
PLOT: Daughter of Redwinter follows Raine as she is dragged into the drama of Redwinter. Life is more complicated for Raine as she has the Grave sight (ability to see/ speak to the dead) which if found out could cause her to be put to death. In Redwinter she must deal with her lack of emotions her, her new role and treachery. As this is the first book in the series, there is a lot of world building mixed in with the plot.
CHARACTER: Raine is a 17 year old girl so even though as an adult in her 30’s I find something she does as annoying but I think I might think that about most fictional / real 17 years. She is a female lead that grows into her strength as the book continues. Which is enjoyable to read, especially when you compare her to other character at a similar age. One of my favourite aspect of Raine is her interesting and colourful language choices.
There is a great mix of characters so I am going to cover a couple;
Braithe of Sealand - moment I heard about him I didn’t like him.
Ovitus LacNaithe - Has a good heart but has that “Nice Guy” Energy.
Sanvaunt LacNaith - Dark mysteries man more to him that meet the eye. Crush material.
Esther of Harranir - An apprentice that has a great connection with Raine. She show how someone with a disability feel they have to try harder to prove themselves.
WRITING STYLE: I enjoyed McDonald writing style especially when it came to fight / battles. He is also very good at creating a epic detailed work but not overloading the reader with non necessary or interesting information. Also I really appreciate the name glossary at the end with character and the world information.
THEME: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Violence, control, religion, folklore
OVERALL: Daughter of Redwinter is an enjoyable read and I would be interested to see what happens next in Redwinter.
My rating for Daughter of Redwinter is 3.8 out of 5.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gollancz for gifting me a copy for review.
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Thanks for reading,
