Reading “Dead of Winter” in the Dead of Winter

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inReading Room, Spring, Winter, Writer's SalonTags:, , , ,

It is said that sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways, guiding us towards the things we need, including books. Whether it’s a recommendation from a friend, a book that seems to jump off the shelf, or a topic that keeps coming up in conversation, these serendipitous moments can lead us to meaningful reads.

Dead of Winter by Teagan Riordain Geneviene was one of those serendipitous moments.

“Dead of Winter” offers an intriguing blend of fantasy and societal conflict, with a compelling protagonist facing challenges due to her unique abilities. Emlyn’s journey alongside the Deae Matres – a society of intelligent women – promised a storyline filled with discovery and resilience. This combination of fantastical elements and societal themes was truly magical.

Dead of Winter Journey 7 Revenant Pass

I read “Dead of Winter” on a winter visit to Ottawa. The timing and location was atmospheric. A huge snowstorm covered the city, matching the deepening winter encountered as the adventure evolved, journey by journey.

Safely ensconced in our hotel room, I revelled in sound of howling wind and relentless snowfall . Without question, the time and location enhanced my reading experience. It’s amazing how the surroundings can intertwine with the narrative of a compelling book.

Dead of Winter Journey 11 The Sumelazon Escarpment

My Takeaways from “Dead of Winter”

The loyalty of friends shines through as a source of strength for the protagonist, serving as a reminder of the power of genuine connections. Dead of Winter is a testament to the notion that challenges, however formidable, are instrumental in fostering resilience and fortitude. Teagan imparted the valuable message of holding onto hope, steadfastly believing in the arrival of a brighter future, and facing it with unwavering courage. These timeless themes form the bedrock of Emlyn’s journeys, which resonated with my experience and left a lasting impression on my heart and mind.

Embrace the opportunity and see where this adventure takes you!

Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter Link

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

22 thoughts on “Reading “Dead of Winter” in the Dead of Winter”

  1. I love how you presented your experience of reading Dead of Winter in the dead of winter. I’ve thought about how the seasons affect my writing but not my reading. Food for thought!

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    1. I am so pleased that you stopped by, Liz. I have often considered how a specific moment in time influences our reading. I believe that seasons can influence our reading decisions and reactions to narratives. Winter often leads to cozy reading sessions with tea, while summer may inspire light beach reads. Fall can evoke a desire for atmospheric mysteries, and spring might encourage picking up uplifting stories of new beginnings.

      But I also believe that narratives come to us at the “right” serendipitous time. For example, “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “The Weight of Ink” came to me during the pandemic and social distancing. Both novels dealt with aloneness.

      Dead of Winter came to me during a time of decision and the assessing of risk. Emlyn chose courage even though she knew that darkness was ever near. The winter storm and the horrific travel conditions added to the uncertainty, which mirrored Emlyn’s journey, but without all the colour and wonderful mystical nuances. There is nothing mystical about waiting to board the plane that may be cancelled at any time. LOL!!

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  2. Rebecca, I can’t describe how wonderful this multi-media post is for me. I’m thrilled to be at the beginning of your latest blog journey. It’s as if “Luce” is playing that magical flute to guide us (or rather you and Don) to bring all this together. This is so beautifully done! Hugs on the wing.

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    1. Thank you, Teagan. But it is you that I must thank for creating the Dead of Winter Series. Writing 14 journeys is a huge accomplishment. Emlyn came to me at the right time! Looking back from the vantage point of the spring, I realize how much seasons influence our reading experiences. Looking forward to more adventures.

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  3. I really don’t ‘do’ fantasy for a variety of reasons, but you’re not the first to put this author in my sights. Perhaps I shall have to suspend negative judgment for a while!

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    1. Fantasy is not for everyone, Margaret. However, I will say that this story is not heavy handed with the magic. I like to write “ordinary” heroes who each only have small magic, but they are stronger working together. They have to find a way to make their small magic work against a much greater foe. I also ease the reader into the magic of the worlds I build.
      Regardless of all that, I appreciate you visiting and commenting. Hugs.

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      1. And I appreciate your taking the time to reply too, to someone who hasn’t taken the trouble – yet – to read your work. I’ll hunt your work down once I’m back in England!

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    2. I think that you will enjoy the adventure, Margaret. There is some fantasy involved but it really is a story about a community working together to overcome evil. Thank you so much for stopping by – very much appreciated.

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  4. Teagan is indeed an exquisite storyteller and creates fantastic characters. I love that you read this series in the “dead of an Ottawa winter”. It was great to hear you read a passage from the book as well. What an awesome way to do a book review.

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly, Darlene. Teagan had unexpected twists and turns along the way which prompted me to continue reading. I finished at 3am, simply because I had to know the ending. Thank you for your comment about book reviews.

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    1. Thank you, Robbie for listening in! I loved hearing the wind howling outside our hotel window. The nagging fear that our flight may be cancelled for a couple days added to the growing anxiety of the journeys. You used the right word (you always do) “thrilling.”

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