Title: Wintersong
Author: S. Jae-Jones
First published February 7, 2017
436 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250079213 (ISBN10: 1250079217)
Rating: 3.53
Overview
Get lost in the enchanting tale of Wintersong, a coming-of-age story that will leave you breathless. With a dark and unforgettable atmosphere, Liesl’s musical dreams and childhood fantasies become her reality when her sister is taken by the dangerous Goblin King.
As she journeys to the Underground to save her sister, Liesl discovers a captivating world ruled by a mysterious man. But with time running out, Liesl must make an impossible decision and uncover her true identity before her fate is sealed forever.
S. Jae-Jones’s richly woven tale of music and magic will transport you to a world that you’ll never want to leave.
About the Author
Meet S. Jae-Jones, or JJ as she prefers to be called.
She’s a talented artist, someone who loves adventure, and the celebrated author of the New York Times bestseller, Wintersong. Although originally from Los Angeles, JJ now resides on the East Coast and is still getting used to the cold winters.
When she’s not busy writing, JJ can be found pursuing her next black belt degree in taekwondo, playing with her energetic twin dogs, Castor and Pollux, or indulging in her favorite pastime- collecting hobbies. As your helpful assistant, I’m here to drop hints and answer any questions you may have.
Keep an eye out for my clues!
Editoral Review
Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones is a fascinating novel that explores themes of love, sacrifice, and identity in a musical fantasy world.
The author, S. Jae-Jones, is a skilled storyteller who has previously worked as an artist and editor in the New York literary scene.
Her experience shines through in the vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and complex characters that populate Wintersong. The novel was first published on February 7, 2017, and has since become a beloved classic in the YA fantasy genre.
The story centers around a young woman named Liesl, who is forced to navigate the treacherous world of the Goblin King when her sister is kidnapped. As she delves deeper into the world of goblins, magic, and music, she must learn to confront her inner demons, confront mad desires and confront the Goblin King himself.
The setting of Wintersong is an ethereal, musical world inspired by German folklore and classical composers. This fusion of music and fantasy creates a unique and enchanting atmosphere that draws the reader in from the first page.
The characters, too, are multi-dimensional and engaging, each with their own motivations, fears, and desires that drive the plot forward. Liesl herself is a complex and nuanced protagonist, struggling with her own insecurities and self-doubt as she embarks on her quest to save her sister.
One of the strengths of Wintersong is its use of music as a central theme. Throughout the novel, various genres of music are incorporated as symbols of the characters’ emotions and motivations, making the tale more intense, captivating and immersive.
In addition to the use of music, the book is well-written, with flowing prose and rich descriptions that transport the reader directly into the world of the story. One of the weaknesses of the book, however, is its slow pacing.
While the intricate world-building and character development is admirable, the plot can feel rather sluggish at times, giving the reader the impression that the story doesn’t advance as fast. The novel requires a little more patience than some readers might be willing to invest.
Overall, Wintersong is a beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, music, and lyrical prose. It’s historical and cultural significance is also relevant since it is a derivative of German folklore and an imaginative modern story encourages the reader to immerse themselves further in the story’s universe.
While the plot may be slow at times, the world-building and character development more than make up for it, making it a highly recommended read. For these reasons, Wintersong earns a solid 4 out of 5, and it is a must-read for any YA fantasy fan.
