The Winter King (Weathermages of Mystral, #1)

by C. L. Wilson

[stacey_is_sassy]

When Storm meets Ice.

Sometimes a book comes into your life and you get completely sucked in. C.L. Wilson has captured my attention with a book that will stay with me for days. Her characters came alive. I was living in Summerlea and watching Khamsin sneak around the servants and guards. I was watching Wynter turn frostier and frostier with every use of his power. I wanted to hold lightning in my hands. I survived heartbreak, suffering and misery. I lived for my chance at love, friendship and loyalty. A family was the one made not the one born to. Wynter is my king and Khamsin is my queen. My loyalty was earned.

So, basically, I was swept away to another time and another place. I couldn’t read fast enough but was desperate for the words to never end. This type of story comes alive and you see it, smell it, breathe it.

There is magic, good and evil. We meet beasts, gods, witches and royal families. Clans hold power and your spirit animal guides and help you. A gaze can freeze, a touch can heat and emotions can cause storms. I loved meeting new characters and finding where their strengths and weaknesses lie. There are wars fought to gain power. Battles start when tempers flare and innocents die caught in the crossfire.

At times I was an emotional mess while reading. Tears were pouring from eyes as I witnessed Kham being treated badly, first by her father, then by Wynter and his people. This poor chick did not deserve what she got. Her life has been filled with guilt and she is blamed for everything bad that happens. I couldn’t help but admire her for her strength and perseverance. Kham was one of the strongest characters I’ve ever met.

Wynter was a very interesting character. It took a little while for me to warm up to the cool and frosty king. He has faced heartbreak and treachery from those closest to him. Wyn’s strength is an enduring one. His suffering has given him a hard shell around his heart and made him take risks that put his life and sanity in danger. With a few loyal friends at his back, he must control the frost from overtaking his heart. Only a Storm coming into his life can burn the shell and keep his heart beating.

I hate doing the comparison thing, but I will say that it gave me the heart-pounding, epic feeling that I got from reading Kristen Ashley’s, Fantasyland series. Good overcoming evil, trust is earned and sacrifices made to show commitment and loyalty. Love did not just arrive, it was worked and fought for. Passion and connection were there from Wyn and Kham’s first touch but they must find out if it was magic or real. Both will test their connection but hope will guide them to find love.

Honestly, The Winter King was one of the best books I’ve ever read. This is pure escapism that left me on a high. It was longer than I’m used to but it felt like it was over too soon. I am now a C.L. Wilson fan and I can’t wait to escape with her again soon.