"There are countless monsters in this world. Some with fangs, some who skitter in the darkness just out of sight, some who wear human skin but whose hearts have turned dark as forest shadows."
From the first page of Through The White Wood, Jessica Leake spirals readers alongside Katya at the peak of her darkest hour. Blamed for her villages misfortunes, Katya is cast from her home where the villagers possess hearts colder than anything her powers of ice can render. Like a snowstorm, readers are then whisked along the road to Kiev where an uncertain fate bound to the servitude of Prince Sasha awaits Katya.
Yet, rather than being caged like another of Sasha's gyrfalcons, Katya is introduced to the world of elementals wielders where Katya is trained as a weapon to fight against the united forces of the Drevlians and Novgorodians. As time progresses, the promise of a stronger, timeless magic begins to forge between them.
She's ice and he's fire, together, can they become the catalyst that saves their world?
In this impactful return to Jessica Leake's imagination, prepare yourself for a journey Through The White Wood.
Book Aesthetic
After reading Beyond A Darkened Shore, I was counting down the days until Through The White Wood was released. Jessica Leake once again proved herself as an author who knows how to handle ancient folklore and weave together a work of fantasy based on a fantastic tapestry of history. Through The White Wood upheld the integrity of Russian and Slavic folklore through Leake's narrative interpretation that transports readers to a time where legends flourished among men and magic was a means of unlocking the greatest triumphs of the human spirit.
For aficionados of The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden or The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi, this outstanding read must have a reserved spot on your reading corner.
About the Author
Jessica Leake is the author of Beyond a Darkened Shore as well as the adult novels Arcana and The Order of the Eternal Sun. She lives in South Carolina with her husband, four young children, lots of chickens, and two dogs who keep everyone in line. Visit her at www.jessicaleake.com.
About the Book
Through the White Wood By Jessica Leake Young Adult Historical Fantasy Hardcover & ebook, 416 Pages April 9th 2019 by HarperTeen
The Bear and the Nightingale meets Frostblood in this romantic historical fantasy from the author of Beyond a Darkened Shore.
When Katya loses control of her power to freeze, her villagers banish her to the palace of the terrifying Prince Sasha in Kiev.
Expecting punishment, she is surprised to find instead that Sasha is just like her—with the ability to summon fire. Sasha offers Katya friendship and the chance to embrace her power rather than fear it.
But outside the walls of Kiev, Sasha’s enemies are organizing an army of people bent on taking over the entire world.
Together, Katya’s and Sasha’s powers are a fearsome weapon. But as their enemies draw nearer, will fire and frost be enough to save the world? Or will Katya and Sasha lose everything they hold dear?
Inspired by Russian mythology, this lushly romantic, intensely imaginative, and fiercely dramatic story is about learning to fight for yourself, even when the world is falling down around you.
To venture Through The White Wood, you must go
Beyond A Darkened Shore
Beyond a Darkened Shore
By Jessica Leake
Young Adult Historical Fantasy
Hardcover & ebook, 384 Pages
April 10th 2018 by HarperTeen
The ancient land of Éirinn is mired in war. Ciara, princess of Mide, has never known a time when Éirinn’s kingdoms were not battling for power, or Northmen were not plundering their shores.
The people of Mide have always been safe because of Ciara’s unearthly ability to control her enemies’ minds and actions. But lately a mysterious crow has been appearing to Ciara, whispering warnings of an even darker threat. Although her clansmen dismiss her visions as pagan nonsense, Ciara fears this coming evil will destroy not just Éirinn but the entire world.
Then the crow leads Ciara to Leif, a young Northman leader. Leif should be Ciara’s enemy, but when Ciara discovers that he, too, shares her prophetic visions, she knows he’s something more. Leif is mounting an impressive army, and with Ciara’s strength in battle, the two might have a chance to save their world.
With evil rising around them, they’ll do what it takes to defend the land they love…even if it means making the greatest sacrifice of all.
Praise for the Book
“Beyond a Darkened Shore is thrilling and romantic. This is a must-read for lovers of fantasy, mythology, and folklore.” – Kody Keplinger, New York Times bestselling author of The DUFF and Run
“With undead armies, flesh-eating spirit horses, and a powerful heroine, fantasy, romance, and historical-fiction readers will have a great time.” – Booklist
“While Morrigan and Odin are terrifying, raven-haired Ciara is the star. Beautiful, strong, and independent, she is the perfect warrior princess. Epic historical fantasy filled with deadly creatures, simmering romance, and nonstop action.” – Kirkus Reviews
2 winners will receive a copy of Through the White Wood (US only) 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally) Ends April 17th
While this marks an end to this blog post The Reading Corner for All is also sharing a special post on Instagram for Through The White Wood.
Thank you everyone for your comments and daily interactions. They truly make this literary voyage absolutely spectacular.
Until next time!!