Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham
Published: September 1, 2021
Credo House Publishers
Pages: 326
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Fantasy
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Jonathan Edward Durham was born near Philadelphia in one of many satellite rust-belt communities, where he read voraciously throughout his youth. After attending William & Mary, where he received a degree in neuroscience, Jonathan waded into the professional world before deciding he was better suited for more artistic pursuits. He now lives with his partner in California, where he writes to bring a unique voice to the space between the timeless wonder of his favorite childhood stories and the pop sensibilities of his adolescent literary indulgences. His debut novel, “Winterset Hollow,” an elevated contemporary fantasy with a dark twist, is mined from that same vein and available everywhere.
Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book—a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It’s Barley Day . . . and you’re invited to the hunt.
Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse- pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.
“There’s beauty in the unknown, but there’s also beauty in truth..”
A fable from his childhood has captivated Eamon for as long as he can remember. And though not many know it, those that do are diehard fans. When an opportunity arises to allow Eamon and his friends the chance to explore the beloved island where it all started, no one even though they wouldn’t make it home.
This was a very different read for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was not it. This was like a bloody fairytale.
The characters were well developed, and the storyline was there. I enjoyed the story within a story aspect. I found the plot different and fairly engaging.
I did find the writing to be a bit wordy at times like every possible word was used to describe something. But I think for the context of the timeline, it worked.
This was an adventure to die for, with more twists and turns than expected. I did enjoy the journey of self-discovery Eamon had while on the island.
Emotional and sad mixed with fantasy and history, this is a novel that will take your breath away.