Red Winter (The Red Winter Trilogy Book 1)

You know how when your boyfriend or girlfriend is really into something you don't necessarily relate to, but you love them and want to understand their interest so you give it a shot? That's very close to how I experienced this book. I am not a huge fan of Japanese animation. My knowledge in Japanese culture comes from all of two books I’ve read (thank you, Snow Falling on Cedars and Memoirs of a Geisha) and whatever could be gleaned from the incidental exposure on the internet. Anime has interested me at some points in my life but I've never stuck with it. I've never finished a series or read Manga, so when one of my author crushes decided to write her next series firmly planted in Japanese culture and mythology, I took a deep breath and swallowed the bitter pill of reluctant acceptance.
Annette Marie’s previous series was urban fantasy/fantasy, and easily one of my most cherished book finds. She is incredibly talented at creating worlds and scenes and does not use intangibles to describe people and places. For the world of Red Winter, centered around Japanese mythology (based in Shinto, I believe), she has given us dark forests and snow-covered temples, godly vessels and gods at war. Emi is our heroine, the chosen human vessel of the goddess, Amaterasu. She has known no life beyond preparing for the day of Amaterasu’s descension, and she is moved from place to place in order to keep her location hidden from the creatures and gods who would destroy her, thus preventing Amertasu’s descension. Because of the frequent moves, she has few, if any personal relationships. This makes for a lonely girl, and when she begins to question the sincerity of the people who are supposed to be protecting her, she finally begins to get interesting.
There is so much exposition in this book. It’s necessary. The author obviously understands that the content here is a bit dense, especially for a layman like me. She takes her time explaining Emi’s duty, the people around her, everyone’s roles, the layout of the temples, and the ceremony and expectation of Emi’s life. At times I resented the pacing, but understood the choice of it. When the action begins, we are at about a quarter way through the book, and I was ready for it. We finally meet Shiro, a kitsune yokai (ummmm, forest spirit/god?) and the second protagonist in this story. Going into too much detail from this point would, I feel, take away from the experience of reading it, so I’ll glide over the details as well as I can.
This has a distinct fairy-tale feel. Emi is very much a pampered and naive princess who has rarely questioned her fate, and who, through a series of events, discovers that very little of her life is truthful to what she’s been taught. There’s a whole mess of politics involving priests, gods, sub-gods, and poor little Emi, who just wanted to be a good and pure vessel for her goddess. When she discovers just how far down the rabbit hole goes, the girl she never knew she was comes to the forefront and shows Emi that not every yokai is bad and not every kami is good. That the stakes at play are more important than anyone realizes, and that the fate of the world basically rests in her untested hands.
As with most first-in-a-series books, this is mostly set-up for the next two. I can recommend this book to Annette Marie lovers, but unless you have a thing for Japanese mythos, this might be a pass. If you give it a shot though, I think you’ll find yourself quite able to finish it. The settings are so rich; I can easily place myself in any of the scenes written here, or nearly feel the kimonos Emi wears. The urgency in some of the scenes was quite distressing, and the potential epic quality to the story, the journey promised in the last couple chapters, puts the next book, Dark Tempest at the top of my TBR list.

I absolutely loved Marie’s Steel and Stone series and was incredibly excited to see that she has a new series starting. This book starts out pretty slow but it picked up a lot towards the second half and I ended up enjoying it.

I think part of what made the story slow at the beginning is that it is a bit of an info dump with all the Japanese mythology and terminology thrown at the reader. However, it does pick up pace quite a bit in the second half of the book and there is a lot more action.

I ended up enjoying the story quite a bit, I loved the action, and also loved the Japanese mythology that the story is based on.

As with the Stone and Steel series; Marie does an amazing job creating characters that are complex and easy to engage with. Additionally the action scenes are incredibly well written; I am not sure how Marie does it but the action scenes just absolutely grab you and have you on the edge of the seat. Marie also does a wonderful job creating a believable world that's nestled secretly next to our modern day world.

Overall this was a great start to a new fantasy series by Marie. I thought the start was a bit slow, but things really started to pick up in the second half. I am eager to read more about Emi and Shiro and figure out how they are going to balance the battle between the different ancient powers at work. I would recommend to those who enjoy urban fantasy and are interested in Japanese mythology.

After reading all 3 books, I am eagerly waiting for Annette Marie's next set of works. I have read her Steel & Stone and Spell Weaver (waiting for the 3rd!) series and they all do not disappoint. But this series is my favorite; you can see the growth of the writer by comparing this to her other series.

It is beautifully written where the characters all have amazing growth and there are twists and turns in at just the right moments. I normally enjoy pure fantasy books, but the lore and the world building is beautiful. From the first few chapters, you will be transported into this world and become attached to the characters so quickly that you'll never want to leave.

The bonus is that there is art in the books! I really wish this series would transfer into an anime. I am very sad that the series has come to an end, so my only warning is that you may experience heartbreak once you realize the ride is over.

Red Winter was the first book of Annette Marie. It picked my interest because the blurb promised me yokai (earth-bound spirit) and that is something I can't not read. The cover is also gorgeous!
I'm a big fan of amine and Inuyasha and I was instantly reminded of it when I read the blurb. It was not like Inuyasha at all, but it did not disappoint me. In fact, I think this is one of the best books I have read this year! I devoured this one in a couple of days.

The writing was great. It kept me interested, filled the main character Emi with life and ensured an exciting journey. I loved the characters, even those who were on the sidelines most of the time. They were all well-developed, served a purpose in the story and made me laugh, roll my eyes at their antics and felt their concern. Above all, I felt that all the characters were extremely realistic. Shiro and Emi are my favourite characters of course, but I also enjoyed another character which is introduced a little later.

Since I study Japanese culture and language at my university, I am also familiar with religions of Japan and I was really impressed how well everything was described. Not only the attitudes of younger people towards religions, but also internal procedures and mentalities. Many people don't care for religion as much, but there are certain things in Japanese culture that probably won't change for the decades to come. Honor and respect, contributing to greater good rather than looking for yourself and other major cultural differences compared to our "western world" were depicted very well.

The book actually included 10 full-page illustrations by artist Brittany Jackson. Her work is just amazing! The illustrations were beautiful and captured the atmosphere of those scenes like only a picture can. <3
There were some plot twists and none of them were expected. Red Winter really kept me on my toes and I was honestly disappointed when I realized that I was already on the last page :( But the second part Dark Tempest will be released in the beginning of January so there ist still hope.

The only thing I think might me problematic for some readers are that Marie actually uses Japanese names for things. There is a glossary and a pronunciation guide which is really helpful if you're not sure. So keep that in mind when reading the book. I didn't have any problems with the Japanese words, but I know people who wouldn't like to have to check everything. So make sure you keep that in mind.

If you want to read an exciting read with spirits of all kind, some adventure and romance and want to get a glimpse of Japan, then go ahead and start reading TODAY. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I did!

I love Annette Marie's Steel and Stone series! She is an amazing writer and I have been really looking forward to reading another series written by her!

I love how unique and exciting this story is! The author introduced a new world and made it interesting and captivating.
The story centers around Emi, a Japonese girl that has been destined to become a host for a goddess. As her time to became one with the goddess nears, she finds out details that was not explained to her before. She starts to doubt her destiny.

In this book you will find suspense, action, drama, some twists, and a little romance. The author is very detailed and she describes everything well. I'm looking forward book 2.

**I received a free digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion**

My Rating: 4 ½ Stars

*I received a free digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

The first in a new series, Red Winter is a complex and exciting story that has left me eagerly anticipating the next book.

Red Winter tells the story of Emi, a Kamigakari, or rather a human who host’s Goddess’s spirit within her body.  Soon, the spirit and Emi will become one as a ceremony is perfomed on the Winter Solstice. Having been raised since the age of eight, when the Goddess’s mark first appeared on her body, to be the next Kamigakari, Emi knows no other life and sometimes yearns for a life and choices of her own.  When a chance discovery leads Emi to learn that she has been lied to her entire life, it sets in motion a whole string of events that are quite thrilling and fascinating.

While contemplating all that she has discovered she comes across Shiro, a Yokai, another spiritual being that she has been taught to fear.  But when she saves his life, he claims to owe her a debt so she seizes the opportunity and enlists his assistance in finding answers about the Kamigakari ceremony that will soon change her life.  Little do they know what’s to come as danger seems to be awaiting them everywhere they go.  Emi, who has led a sheltered life, experiences all kinds of new things during her search for answers…answers she may not be too happy to find.

The story gets off to a bit of a slow start as much of it is used to help explain the complex background of the beliefs and culture that serve as the basis for the main plot of the story through conversations and encounters between characters.  I found all of it to be quite fascinating, but at times it could be a bit overwhelming and hard to remember. So I am glad that in addition to explaining certain things through the story and its characters, the author also included a very helpful pronunciation guide and glossary for terms used in the book.

While the beginning may have been a bit slow, the action definitely picks up leading to an amazing and intriguing story.  I found myself lost in Emi’s world, anticipating what trouble she and Shiro would find themselves in next.  And Emi is such a great character.  I admired her determination and spirit.  Despite her fear of what she might learn, she continues to search for answers and also continues to work with those she has been taught to fear.  The author did a wonderful job of creating a complex world with characters that are both intriguing and likeable. The amount of detail is just amazing. I couldn’t wait to learn more about all of them and see where the journey would take me.

And since this is part of a series, the journey is not quite over and there is a bit of a cliffhanger.  I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!

By the way, kudos to the person who designed the cover of this book…it is absolutely beautiful…as are the illustrations scattered throughout the book!

I saw an advertisement for this book through Instagram and the drawings I saw definitely piqued my interest. I proceeded to devour the whole trilogy in one day. I definitely recommend this series.
It was really nice to see Japanese folklore and mythology blended in a modern setting and watch the author breathe life into these well known figures.
My favorite part was watching the relationships grow between Emi and all of her allies.
I'm only sad that it ended and now I have nothing to read :(

Well, here we go... I’ve been sucked into another one of Annette Marie’s series.

Not that I’m surprised. Annette Marie is freaking amazing. Red Winter has everything that I love in a book. A rich, vibrant world of mysterious characters, heart pounding action, and breathtaking magic. Gorgeous illustrations. An engaging plot. A pinch of comedy. An elegant, imaginative fantastical world. Stunning mythology. How can I not be in love?

It is set in modern Japan, which was interesting. Emi, the main character, is a kamigakari which means she will be the vessel for a powerful goddess. She was a bit annoying at the beginning - kind of stuck up, but I really liked how she changed throughout the book. One thing I love about all of this author’s characters is that they have such fascinating histories, and Shiro is no exception. He’s unique; he intrigues me, and I want to know more about him.

The only thing is, I had some trouble with all the Japanese mythology names. I’m already horrible at remembering names, and with so many of them starting with the same letter I kept getting mixed up! I wish there was more of an identifier when talking about each so I’d know whether she was being attacked by a bird or a god without having to stop and check the glossary.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes mythology, very light romance, fantasy, and of course, fans of the Steel and Stone series. Sure, there are a few tiny details about the world that I wish were clarified, but overall Red Winter is well-researched, solidly written, and has exquisite scenery.

I can’t wait for the next one! I’m really hoping for some romance between Shiro and Emi… ;)

This book was amazing, the only bad thing about it, is that the story is incomplete. Like many Trilogy's the book ends abruptly without any true resolution. It's very hard to be satisfied with a book that leaves you hanging.

That said, I really like the characters, the writing style, and the plot. Everything feels immersive and fleshed out. I really wanted some form of closure or resolution which points to a deep and engaging read. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an escapist tale. Beyond the immediate story, I'm interested in learning more about the world around Emi. While she herself seems living in a past fantasy era of Japan, the world around her seems filled with the modern and mundane of our own world. I'd love to see how the two co-exist and I'm interesting in learning why old ways for the shrines are still better than modernizing Have they never tried? Does technology interfere with Kami Ki? I want more of Emi's story and more of the story of her world. Wonderful book.

Red Winter is a brilliant mix of YA fantasy romance and Japanese Manga. The characters are intense, the plot thick, and the forbidden romance is delivered in spades. There are 10 beautiful illustrations in the book that give life to the scenes throughout. I now believe artwork like this should be standard for all novels! One of my favorite parts about Red Winter is the interactions between Emi and Shiro, but maybe Shiro's sly smile was the best part of all...

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

A unique story, filled with beautifully described settings and amazing characters. The start to this book is slower than Annette Marie's previous series (Steel and Stone), but it was necessary to set up the story and to provide the reader with time to get to know the locations and characters, and particularly the names of the different mythological creatures. Even so, I found it difficult to remember what all the names meant, but they were always referred to in context so I could figure it out without having to refer to the glossary. The story quickly gets going when Emi encounters one of the creatures she's always been warned about, and her life becomes a lot more interesting. There are plenty of intriguing characters, and I can't wait to find out more about Shiro! A great start to this trilogy and the illustrations within the book are gorgeous. Now I just have to wait for book 2... (I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

I started this series because I was looking for something a little different, and I sure found it! This trilogy is amazing. It is a journey into a fantasy world of Japanese myth and folklore that is every bit as interesting and exciting as the world of Harry Potter. There is an element of romance in this book and it goes deeper in the next two, but this is by no means a sparkly kid's story. This story starts out mysterious and then just gets wilder and wilder. There's enough action and adventure to keep any hardcore fantasy reader happy.

I love this book and am already looking forward to the next installment. I have become quite a fan of Annette Marie's writing in the past year or so. In this book, she draws upon Japanese legend to spin an intriguing and relentless tale of warring gods and their vassals. Her characters are well developed and filled with conflict and passion. It's easy for the reader to get submerged in the story. In addition, I truly appreciate the beauty of her writing from the phrasing to word choices to the imagery created. I will read this book again, as I do her previous series, just to immerse myself in a splendidly told tale. Very talented writer.

This is a beautiful ocombination of Okami (video game) and Inuyasha (anime). I can't say for certain if this is Annette Marie's intention however it is full of Japanese lore that borrows and builds on time honored stories and legends. Admittedly, I found the first few chapters a bit dull until I realized this is the very effective method by which the author demonstrates what the main character's life is until the events that change her existence. Despite this, Marie does a beautiful job of explaining Japanese lore tied to shrine maidens and its magic. Even a weeaboo (yeah look it up) like me learned new stories and terms I had never heard of. Seriously, check this series out.

A unique story, filled with beautifully described settings and amazing characters. The start to this book is slower than Annette Marie's previous series (Steel and Stone), but it was necessary to set up the story and to provide the reader with time to get to know the locations and characters, and particularly the names of the different mythological creatures. Even so, I found it difficult to remember what all the names meant, but they were always referred to in context so I could figure it out without having to refer to the glossary. The story quickly gets going when Emi encounters one of the creatures she's always been warned about, and her life becomes a lot more interesting. There are plenty of intriguing characters, and I can't wait to find out more about Shiro! A great start to this trilogy and the illustrations within the book are gorgeous. Now I just have to wait for book 2... (I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)

I started this series because I was looking for something a little different, and I sure found it! This trilogy is amazing. It is a journey into a fantasy world of Japanese myth and folklore that is every bit as interesting and exciting as the world of Harry Potter. There is an element of romance in this book and it goes deeper in the next two, but this is by no means a sparkly kid's story. This story starts out mysterious and then just gets wilder and wilder. There's enough action and adventure to keep any hardcore fantasy reader happy.

I love this book and am already looking forward to the next installment. I have become quite a fan of Annette Marie's writing in the past year or so. In this book, she draws upon Japanese legend to spin an intriguing and relentless tale of warring gods and their vassals. Her characters are well developed and filled with conflict and passion. It's easy for the reader to get submerged in the story. In addition, I truly appreciate the beauty of her writing from the phrasing to word choices to the imagery created. I will read this book again, as I do her previous series, just to immerse myself in a splendidly told tale. Very talented writer.

This is a beautiful ocombination of Okami (video game) and Inuyasha (anime). I can't say for certain if this is Annette Marie's intention however it is full of Japanese lore that borrows and builds on time honored stories and legends. Admittedly, I found the first few chapters a bit dull until I realized this is the very effective method by which the author demonstrates what the main character's life is until the events that change her existence. Despite this, Marie does a beautiful job of explaining Japanese lore tied to shrine maidens and its magic. Even a weeaboo (yeah look it up) like me learned new stories and terms I had never heard of. Seriously, check this series out.

This story delves into Japanese folklore which I am not familiar with, so it is causing some lack of interest. But after the third chapter concludes I am finding myself drawn into this wholly unknown world eager to discover more about what has and will come to pass for Emi.

After 10 years of preparation in allowing her body to be host to a godess. Emi learns that everything she's been taught and told is a lie. That maybe she has sacrificed more than just her body and the tragedy of loosing someone close might all be for nothing, Emi must look deep inside herself and decide if it's all worth it. Struggling with what is good and evil, right and wrong. She breaks rules and sides with the enemy to find the truth.

Thank you Annette for allowing me into another of your world's. Thank you for introducing me too a new group of friends for me to laugh and cry with. I can not wait until the next Book So I might be reunited with them for the next leg of 'our' journey.

(Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

In KIMURA EMI's world, kami (heavenly spirits) and yokai (earthly spirits), are good and evil, yin and yang, and she is wrapped up in the middle of it. Emi is a kamigakari, and in a few months, on the winter solstice, she will become the host of Amaterasu, an Amatsukami (one of the four rulers of the kami).
Emi has spent many years in preparation for this event, but one afternoon she uncovers the truth about what will happen to her at this ceremony, and suddenly, she isn't so sure she wants this. When she she encounters a kitsune (fox yokai) and saves his life, she just might have the chance to escape her destiny.
SHIRO is a kitsune who has lost most of himself, his powers, memories, true form- all of these have been sealed away by some unknown deity, and he has almost no chance of ever recovering them. But after a bad encounter with an oni (an ogre yokai), his life is saved by a miko (shrine maiden) hiding a secret. But she might be his only hope at recovering himself. But what she asks of him in exchange might spell the end of him.
YUMEI is the Tengu (the raven yokai who rules the crows), and one of the most powerful yokai out there. He has an interest in Shiro, and has agreed to help him and Emi, but what does he intend get out of this deal?
KATSUO is a sohei (warrior priest) who has just become one of Emi's bodyguards. But he and Emi have met before. They share a tragic past, which he is determined not to let repeat itself. But what will be the cost of this potentially futile endeavor?
But Emi, Shiro, Yumei and Katsuo will need to work together if they want to save the world. The Kunitsukami (four rulers of the yokai) are missing, and without them, the world's balance will fall. Who is behind these disappearances, and what is their aim?

Annette Marie has created a richly detailed and unique fantasy world inspired by Shintoist mythology and enhanced by Brittany Jackson's stunning illustrations, one readers will not soon forget. I love the energy and realism of the characters, and the intriguing plot twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, and can't wait to read the next book.
This is a book I recommend for anyone who loves stories about mythology, the Orient, spirits, fantasy or for young adults.

My knowledge of the Japanese culture was absolute zero. So when I grabbed this book I was a little skeptical. The plot looked really interesting but my absolute-zero knowledge made me nervous that it would be hard to finish. And although I had to take my time reading some names and words, I loved it. The book grabs you and pulls you in on the first page. And I was soooo not expecting that. The world is so well written that you could see it easily in your head even if you have no knowledge of the subject like me.
The book is really great you should definitely read it.

This book was given to me by Smith Publicity in exchange of an honest review.

I really enjoyed Red Winter. I thought the Japanese mythology was a refreshing change. I guess if you're into Manga and Anime, it's not so unusual, but for someone like me it was a nice departure from the regular immortals and shifters and vampires (oh my!). Annette Marie does a great job of introducing this new world without boring us to tears. She has a real way of peppering the details and vocabulary throughout the storytelling. As with the Steel and Stone series, I thought she did a great job of creating complex and believable characters. Can't wait to read book two!

The Steel & Stone series (Piper!) by Annette Marie is most definitely my current favorite book series. I love everything about it, the writing, the story, the romance... but I was a little wary to start this one. While I adore her writing style, Japanese anime isn't my typical read. I'll also admit I spent three days on the first two chapters, probably because I was trying to keep track of all the different names and terms, but after I sat down and started giving it my complete attention, I realized I couldn't have been more wrong.

This book has all the elements I need and love in a story: the unique story-line, the romance, the strong female lead, the adventure. I got really into Emi's story and starting thinking up different explanations for Shiro's...situation (Hopefully you'll read the story and see what I mean). This book is definietly worth buying, just as any work by Annette Marie is. This book takes you to a whole different world, much different then the Steel & Stone series. On top of the brilliant writing, there were ten beautiful images to really suck you into the story and help you picture Emi's world.

This book was, in my opinion, extremely well written. This chacters were unique, the setting was well disqribed, and the plot was interesting and easy to follow.

I read a large amount of books, so it is rare that a ceritain book or author caputures my attention. However, this particular author has written a majority of some of the best books i've read on ebook.

( I'm really just saying the same things over and over,aren't I?

I very much enjoyed the whole series and am writing about that here since I usually look at the first book to decide if I should start a series or not. I also usually won't start a new series until all/most of the books are out since I can't remember what I read 6months ago from any given series. This whole series is out and it's a great read! I loved the Steel and Stone series as they were totally imaginative and went places I didn't see them going. This was the same. This series was unique and inventive. Yes, the beginning is a little slow, but it builds and keeps moving.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I was super excited to start another Annette Marie book even though it's a very different world from the Steel & Stone series. The book is a little hard to get into at first. There are a lot of names that take some getting used to and a whole other culture to dive into. I also didn't think Emi was a very strong lead character (in contrast to Piper) at first. But once you hit the 30% mark, you'all fly though the rest. I'm glad I stuck through it. Also the illustrations are gorgeous and help you to picture the characters. Can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!

"Somewhere among the trees was the shrine where she would spend her last two months as a mere mortal."

And so begins one of my favorite books I’ve read in the past year. I’ll be honest – I was not excited to pick this up. It sounds like every other YA novel out there. An epic destiny. A girl. A boy. A girl who succumbs to insta-love at first glance and loses all intelligence and personality.

For the first 20% of this novel, I was convinced my first impression was correct. Emi is timid, naïve, and obsessed with fulfilling her special-snowflake destiny.

"All these human fears and worries would become meaningless. Her future had been written by the kami, and her destiny awaited her. She just had to endure two more months of mundane, vulnerable mortality first."

Cue the eyerolling. And we’re introduced to a childhood crush who is attractive, protective, and shares a tragic past with Emi.

"Three years had passed since she’d seen him, but his face was painfully familiar – those eyes, so dark but still somehow so warm, and his shaggy black hair brushed aside to reveal that little wrinkle of concentration between his eyebrows. Oh yes, she knew him. He’d featured in her nightmares so many times she could never forget his face."

No thank you. I could see where this was going. I am so glad I was wrong, wrong, wrong.

Stick with it. The first part is necessary to illustrate how much Emi grows by the end of the novel. We need to understand how lonely and sheltered and naïve she is, even if her internal thoughts and desires in the beginning made me want to kick her in the shins.

By the time she meets Shiro, the novel had completely sucked me in and I was in love with Emi. She’s rebelling for the first time, but is realistically tempered by her determination to fulfil her duty. Martyrs can be annoyingly pious. Emi wasn’t like that. She was relatable – scared and angry, but still rational enough to think through all her options. Thankfully she’s not one of those girls who runs away at the first sign of responsibility. You know those girls I’m talking about. The girls who whine, “But what about me? I want to live my life my way. Screw everyone and screw the consequences!”

"Even if she could escape her fate on the solstice, would she? Could she do that? Could she turn her back on her duty, her responsibility? She had volunteered for this task, and abandoning her obligations on the eve of the ceremony would be the worst kind of dishonor. Amaterasu needed a host. If Emi failed to become Amaterasu’s vessel, the kami would have to start all over again with another kamigakari, delaying her descension by another ten years. And some other young girl would unwittingly throw her life away."

Emi’s actions make sense. Yes, she’s emotional and she wants to live her life, but I can understand wanting new experiences and wanting to know the truth. Yes, she takes risks, but they’re calculated risks. She’s never TSTL, even when walking into a yokai’s lair.

Even with her destiny, she doesn’t turn into a Mary Sue and gain convenient powers. She believably learns new ways to utilize skills she’s already spent years developing. Okay, yes, there was some literal deux ex mechina near the end, but I can forgive that in a book about gods and demons.

And okay, we all know where this is going in terms of romance. But just because it’s predictable doesn’t mean that I’m not 100% on board. Emi has learned life-changing information and she has her priorities straight. While she may be flustered and flattered by Shiro’s attentions, she is not a brainless ninny whose self-worth is tied to some guy’s perception of her.

"Some things were more important than her life, but that didn’t mean her life didn’t matter at all. And before she left this world for good, she would help her kami save it."

In a sea of boring YA books with spineless heroines, Emi shines. I highly recommend this series and can’t wait to experience more Emi and Shiro.

I read this book because I absolutely loved the Steel & Stone series. I wasn't sure how I would feel about all of the Japanese myth aspects to it, but it didn't feel like it bogged the story down too much and I enjoyed the progression. There was, however, quite a bit of foundation laid which is one of my least favorite parts of urban fantasy stories. But, it kept me interested. I'm also looking forward to seeing how the romance angle develops, as that's one of my favorite parts!

**ARC for honest review**
Reading Steel and Stone series took me into a magical world of adventure and danger that I didn’t want to leave. Once the series ended (for now), I couldn’t wait to read more from Annette Marie. Her stories are what intrigued me and I became greedy, wanting more. Annette did not let down with the new Red Winter series. I recommend this series to anyone who loved Annette Marie or the Steel and Stone series. You will not be disappointed. Promise! I will admit I was hesitant at first, because of the Japanese culture and language and the words used for certain jobs, gods, etc. I am not the best with remembering these right off the bat, so I was double checking everything. However, there is a helpful glossary at the back of the book for easy access. The new book also includes beautifully illustrated pictures throughout the story. You won’t be let down with this purchase. Enjoy!

I fell in love with Annette Marie after reading this book. I received it through Netgalley and gobbled it up in a couple of days! I loved mythology of any type and had recently been introduced to Japanese mythology by a different author, so it was good to know a little already and learn more and become even more infatuated with it! Can't wait to read more!

Loved it! I was always fascinated with Japanese mythology and this book did not disappoint. It is a gripping action packed adventure, beautifully done. It has a very authentic oriental feel, written by a person who intimately knows what she is talking about. Definitely one of the best fantasies this year, comparable with Susan EE's ANGELFALL.

What an awesome read! I love that Annette Marie always has such a strong female heroine in her books. Emi is a wonderful addition to the author’s family. Throughout the story you are never sure who is friend or foe. Absolutely love the unexpected allies and shocking betrayals. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

Truly engaging story with very interesting Japanese influence and almost visual imagery. The story is unpredictable, the heroine is very cool and loyal. The gods/spirits/beings are out of this world. Let's not forget the sliver of romance and sexual tension. Can't wait for the next installment.

I love Japanese mythology so this book was definitely right up my alley! I have loved every single book that Annette Marie has written so far and I am super excited to read the second book in this series. Emi is such a great MC and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

First 30% is tedious. There's some fighting, running around, questions galore, more running, rest break, even more running, fighting, close calls, and the slowest burn of all slow burns. Not sure if I will read the second book or not.

Emi and Shiro are both spellbinding characters in a completely original world. The introduction to the culture of their world and to their adventure was captivating. The original artwork is breathtaking as is the world that Annette Marie created.

I received a free ebook from the author and consented to give a fair, unbiased review.

I loved the book. I thought it started out slow, but picked up the pace toward the middle. The characters are mysterious and I love the legends used in the plot. If your a mythology buff you'll love this book. I can't wait to see what happens next.

I loved this book! While I thought it started out a little slow, I loved the chance to get to know the characters, and to see a part of Emi's live before everything changes. A stunning start to the trilogy, I am eagerly waiting to see what happens next! Great for fans of Asian culture and folk-lore this is a fun story told in an interesting way.

I love reading Japanese lore based fantasy and this didn't disappoint. I adore the Yokai characters amd their personalities. Emi is a bit weak but considering her back story it makes sense. I look forward to seeing her strength and resolve grow.

Well, this is a huge departure from Steel & Stone, but still excellent, fairly well laced with Japanese culture and mythology, but not to confusing or difficult to relate to. Eagerly on to book 2.

I read this author's other series Steel & Stone, and I really liked it. So Upon finishing that series, I down loaded the first book of the Red Winter series. However I did not like this book at all. I admit I only read 40% of the book. That is nine chapters of info dump. It is like an encyclopedia on religion, ceremony, tradition, dress, food, scenery, etc. And the heroine still hasn't met the hero yet. I think that is too long of a set up for a story. So I quit reading it.

I liked the Steel and Stone series so much I thought maybe I just didn't give this series enough of a chance to grab me. So I went back and finished book one. But unfortunately it didn't get much better. The world building requires too much concentration. Names and terms are too similar. I felt I should be taking notes to keep it all straight. It is very YA. The Hero continuously smirks. and the heroine continuously blushes.

Amazing book. I read this based off recomendations from goodreads. It was a little slow to start and a bit unpolished for the first 4 or 5 chapters and I was tempted to give up on this, but I forged ahead. I'm glad i did. The pace quickly picked up and the introduction of Shiro spiced up the entire flavor of this up til then bland story. After that it just got better. Great story. I just downloaded the second book. Can't wait to read.

Her heroine is on the brink of adulthood after an extremely sheltered and focused childhood. As she begins to make decisions for herself and question the world around her, her force of character emerges.
This is an extremely entertaining rif on Shinto myths and the descriptions in the action sequences would make great story boards for a martial arts movie. Both atmospheric and accessible, I was hooked from page one.

The author creates a traditions bound story nearly isolated from the rest of society. The world building and dynamic characters live up to the precedent of high expectations from the Stone and Steele series. It's a great start to a new series of which the next book can't get here fast enough.

Absolutely loved this whole entire series!! Could not put it down and finished all three books in three days. Thank goodness I was on vacation when I started this series.haha Each book is filled with action; amazing, unique, and vibrant characters; and a beautiful love story to top it off. Would definitely recommend it. I have never read something quite like it. ? I wish there was a fourth book that had mini stories about the characters in Red Winter!

Definite good start to this series. Some holes in the story that didn't quite make sense but that is the beauty of fiction, you can get away with it. Fun read, with interesting imagery and characters. The illustrations were a nice touch. Looking forward to the next book.