WEEKLY BOOK RECS: 6 book reviews and suggestions every week
Hey, babes! Winter is the season for snow-covered adventures, magical settings, and cozying up with a book that transports you to a chilly, enchanting world. This week, we’re diving into the heart of winter with books set in snowy, magical landscapes—where the setting is just as important as the characters. So, grab your favorite blanket and a warm drink, and let’s head into these winter wonderland book recs!
1. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Rating: 4.9/5
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Tropes: Russian Folklore, Magic, Winter Survival
Main Characters: Vasilisa Petrovna, Morozko, Father Konstantin
What It's About:Set in medieval Russia, The Bear and the Nightingale follows Vasilisa, a girl who can see spirits and guardians from old Russian folklore. As Christianity takes hold of her village, the ancient beings she’s known all her life are at risk of disappearing. But when a powerful winter demon threatens her home, Vasilisa must embrace her magical gifts to protect her family.
Review:This book is like stepping into a fairy tale. The snowy Russian wilderness plays a huge role in creating the story’s magical, wintry atmosphere. The writing is lush and beautiful, with the cold, snow-laden setting making everything feel so vivid and immersive. Vasilisa is such a strong and captivating heroine, and her connection to folklore adds layers of magic to the story. If you want to be transported to an enchanting world full of winter magic, this is a must-read. Perfect for fans of folklore, magic, and fierce heroines!
2. Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Rating: 4.8/5
Genre: Fantasy, Retelling
Tropes: Fairytale Retelling, Winter Kingdom, Bargains with Fae
Main Characters: Miryem, Irina, Wanda
What It's About:A reimagining of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, Spinning Silver follows Miryem, a young woman with the ability to turn silver into gold. When her talents catch the eye of a dangerous winter king, she’s drawn into a world of cold magic, impossible tasks, and deadly stakes. Meanwhile, the lives of other women—each with their own struggles—are intertwined in this magical, wintry adventure.
Review:The winter setting in Spinning Silver is so beautifully detailed that you’ll feel the cold creeping into your bones. Novik’s writing is exquisite, and the winter kingdom that Miryem becomes entangled in feels like a character in itself—dangerous, chilling, but also filled with magic. The multiple perspectives add depth to the story, and each of the women’s journeys is compelling. This one is perfect for lovers of retellings, rich world-building, and strong, resilient heroines. Trust me, you’ll get completely lost in this winter wonderland.
3. Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
Rating: 4.4/5
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Tropes: Goblin King, Underground Kingdom, Music and Magic
Main Characters: Liesl, The Goblin King
What It's About:Liesl has always lived in the shadow of her talented siblings, but when her sister is taken by the Goblin King, she ventures into the dangerous and magical Underground to save her. There, she must confront not only the Goblin King but also her own desires and dreams.
Review:If you’re a fan of Labyrinth and love stories steeped in winter magic and darkness, Wintersong is for you. The Underground, with its icy, magical kingdom, is breathtakingly described, and the way music and magic are woven into the narrative makes it feel otherworldly. Liesl’s journey of self-discovery is both romantic and emotional, and the Goblin King is equal parts dangerous and alluring. The wintry setting adds a layer of mystery and enchantment, making this a perfect winter fantasy read!
4. The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Rating: 4.6/5
Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
Tropes: Alaska Frontier, Folklore, Found Family
Main Characters: Jack, Mabel, Faina
What It's About:Set in the 1920s Alaskan wilderness, The Snow Child follows Jack and Mabel, a childless couple who create a snow child in their yard. The next morning, the snow child is gone, but a mysterious young girl named Faina appears in the woods. As the couple grows closer to her, they begin to wonder if she’s a real girl—or something more magical.
Review:This book is so atmospheric—it’s like reading a snow-covered fairy tale! The harsh but beautiful Alaskan landscape feels like a living, breathing part of the story, and you can almost feel the cold and isolation creeping in as you read. Faina’s mysterious, magical presence adds an ethereal quality that makes this novel feel both haunting and heartwarming. It’s a beautifully written, slow-burn story that perfectly captures the feeling of winter and the magic of believing in the impossible.
5. Winterwood by Shea Ernshaw
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy, Mystery
Tropes: Forest Magic, Dark Secrets, Forbidden Romance
Main Characters: Nora Walker, Oliver Huntsman
What It's About:Nora Walker comes from a long line of women who have a mysterious connection to the magical Wicker Woods. One night, after a snowstorm, she finds a boy named Oliver who had gone missing from the nearby camp. As their lives become intertwined, Nora must uncover the secrets of the forest and Oliver’s disappearance—before the forest claims them both.
Review:Winterwood is brimming with winter magic and mystery! The snowy Wicker Woods are so vividly described that they almost feel like another character in the book—dangerous, magical, and full of secrets. The mystery surrounding Oliver and Nora’s connection to the forest keeps you hooked, and their slow-burn romance adds another layer of intrigue. If you love atmospheric YA fantasy with a dark, wintry twist, Winterwood will definitely enchant you.
6. East by Edith Pattou
Rating: 4.7/5
Genre: Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling
Tropes: Quest, Polar Fantasy, True Love
Main Characters: Rose, The White Bear
What It's About:A retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon, East follows Rose, a young woman who agrees to live with a mysterious white bear in exchange for her family’s fortune. But when the bear is cursed, Rose embarks on an epic journey to save him, traveling through icy landscapes filled with magic and danger.
Review:If you love fairy tale retellings, East will transport you to a world of icy landscapes, magic, and adventure. The wintry setting is described in such a vivid, enchanting way that you’ll feel like you’re traveling through snow-covered mountains right alongside Rose. Her journey is filled with danger, magic, and true love, making it the perfect winter read. It’s an epic, heartwarming story that will make you believe in the magic of the season. Perfect for fans of polar fantasies and classic fairy tales.
Which of these winter wonderlands are you getting lost in first? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to tag me in your #WinterReading posts @apolloimperium! ❄️📚✨
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