If you are wanting to brush up on some 18th century french lore with paranormal liberties this may be the book for you.

Pacing of the book was easier in the two modern point-of-views. Slipping back to the archaic explanation of some of the magics and relics did abruptly stop the flow and left me at a cliff hanger at times when I just wanted to push on with the action.

The main character wasn't entirely trustworthy but it worked out well as I continued to battle between who was good and evil as they play a heavy theme in 18th century French countryside living.
The banter our Magician and his shoulder devil provided more than just comedic relief. Many times it seems to finally help our main character make a decision.
The achillean romance was believable yet just out of reach. Antoine seemed to struggle the most of the idiocity of such a relationship which I feel detracted from the story as a whole. I wanted to say just get over it and love. Alas. It draggged out.

Most stories I read, can tidy up everything neatly by the end. This one still left a few holes left for the wondering mind. I was done with the wondering and wanted some finality.

Overall, t historical fiction x dark achillean fantasy was a well-written and continued to draw me in. Before I knew it I was half done and then I couldn't put it down and finished the last-half in a day. Whoops! Lots of adventure and some great character surprises.

This advanced reader copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The prose was peculiar and special. I was expecting more lush and extensive historical descriptions and research, but maybe I wasn't the right audience. The story had a sarcastic, humoristic charm. 2 stars

I was drawn to the Red Winter from the moment I saw the initial announcment because the author uses several tropes that really resonate with me. There's the immortal hero, the monster hunting, the historical setting, and blend of mythology and real historical events as a foundation of the story. The author weaves all of these elements together into a gripping, suspenseful narrative that packs an emotional punch.

The main characters, Sebastian and his supernatural companion Sarmodel, are both vivid and unforgettable. Cameron Sullivan does a fantastic job of immersing readers in different time periods, skillfully using famous stories like the life of Joan of Arc or hunt for beast of Gévaudan as an inspiration for the story of his own, that feels familiar and original at the same time.

The only part that didn’t quite work for me was the development of the relationship between Sebastian and Antoine. The shift from acquaintances to persons who share a deep bond felt a bit too rushed.

While The Red Winter wraps up its plot nicely, it’s clear the author is leaving space for possible future installments. I’d definitely love to meet Sebastian and Sarmodel again, in another book.

dnf @ 59%


This was one of my most-anticipated books on my TBR, but alas it didn't quite work for me -- all for reasons that are me-related.

If you're looking for a dark academia-ish historical novel with occult elements, this is 100% the book for you. I found the narrative style to be quite engaging -- we're reading an account from our narrator written in the 21st century, following his memories of events that unfolded in 18th century France. There's a solid mix of magic and creatures and lore, but all presented in a way that feels approachable and draws you in.

The things that didn't work for me -- interpersonal development and lack of suspense -- are unfortunately the things I want in a dark/horror novel, and while the author did a fine job with the way he told his story, he didn't have these elements in the ways that I prefer. The main character is very well-developed, but the interpersonal aspects weren't as strong as I prefer. Additionally, while this book leans more into darkness than real horror, I felt rather unaffected by that darkness -- I had hoped for some suspense or disgust, but unfortunately did not find it here. And while I thought other aspects of the book were quite good, its lack of these two meant I didn't feel compelled to finish.

That being said, I absolutely will be recommending this to my library -- I think it is an engrossing tale that many of our readers will enjoy.

I AM SICK. I AM SO UNWELL. THIS BOOK WAS SO SO GOOD THAT I AM STILL THINKING ABOUT IT. The writing was both beautiful and fun but the story??? THE STORY???? PLEASE.