I can certainty see the appeal of book! The setting is beautiful, premise intriguing but for some reason I just didn't connect with the characters. I can't say the book ever grabbed my interest. It was a good enough read to keep pushing through, but for me the issues just kept piling up until the breaking point near the end. I think this will be a good fantasy for those who love groups of characters in their stories and a bit of slice of life.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel.

Three friends set out on a mission to find the fabled Snow Chanter. Only with her help can they stop the evil Siddél and save their people.

This was the first fantasy novel I’ve read by Linda Nagata (read three of her SF novels though). Although it was good I enjoyed <I>Pacific Storm</I> and The Red Trilogy more.

The plot was good with lots of action, world building, and character development. However, the plot felt way too Tolkienish with a grand adventure by a group of friends. Sometimes I really enjoy this plot/trope but not this time. I guess I was just hoping for more.

The characters were okay but I found they followed stereotypical gender roles too much. Lanyon, the female sorceress they met on the way, started off strong with a fiery entrance. She was tough, smart, courageous and fearless. She actually saved the trio’s lives before joining them. However, as the novel progressed she became more damselie as she had to be rescued. Once or twice would have been okay, even understandable, but it felt like this happened in every battle.

The pacing was good but I wish a bit more time was devoted to fights. Entire major battles could start and finish in a few paragraphs, so if you were distracted while reading it you could miss out completely.

Overall this was a good fantasy novel by Linda Nagata, not one of her best works but still a fun and enjoyable Tolkienish plot. I probably won’t continue the series.

Thank you to Mythic Island Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Once I got used top the writing style I was able to breeze through this book. Bennek, Marshal, and Kit were all vey charming and brought a really great energy to the story. There were a lot of fight scenes and they all painted a clear picture. The world building was good and I love the idea of spirits that take care of the earth and have a vendetta against humans. The magic was interesting, especially Benneks. The story was fast paced and full of action and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

thanks to negalley and the publisher for providing me with the digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.

what a fun book! i enjoyed it a lot, it had a good cast and writing and the world was fascinating, but alas confusing. i was so engaged with the story until the plot kept getting messy for me. however still enjoyable and i’d check out the author’s other books for sure!

I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I like this author. This has a good cast and I always enjoy Nagata's imagination. I don't think this is her best work, but I stayed mostly engaged, and think many of her fans and fantasy fans will like this one. 3.5 stars.

I really appreciate the review copy I was provided!!

I received “The Snow Chanter” by Linda Nagata from the publisher as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

“The Snow Chanter” is an epic fantasy that includes magic, monsters, and a cast of characters you can’t help but fall in love with. The book follows four main characters, three young warriors who make it their job to hunt the monsters who prey on them, called arowl created by the villain Siddél who hates the people have invaded their world of the Wild, and a female sorceress who has taken the task to use a spelled arrow to kill Siddél so he can no longer create more monsters. The warriors are called forth to find The Snow Chanter, a spirit who needs their help, and join forces with the sorceress to tackle on the perilous task of stopping Siddel forever.

This book promises adventure in a beautiful world and I actually greatly enjoyed this adventure! While the cover didn’t spark much confidence, I’d remind other readers to not judge this book by its cover. The promise made in the beginning of the novel was achieved and it even gave you more to look forward to. The characters were well-developed and interesting so I was quickly invested. I also really enjoyed the young warriors – Bennek, Marshal, and Kit – because they had so much personality and confidence (but not arrogance). They just seemed like a nice well-rounded bunch. The sorceress, Lanyon, was also nice, but I felt she was less developed and I didn’t love her quite as much, though she was still enjoyable to read. Part of me felt she was added just for the magic element rather than to add much more to the story (though this changed by the end as more secrets were revealed). I just wish that she was able to add more to their journey and growth of the other warriors.

I loved the spirits, I loved what they added to the world, and I really enjoyed being pulled into the journey. The book kept my engaged and I finished it within a short few days reading late into the night, so definitely a good thing!

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to others. Looking forward to reading the next one!