My book review of The Winter Goddess by Megan Barnard.
Title: The Winter Goddess
By: Megan Barnard
Genre: Mythology
Pages: 304
Release Date: March 11th, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:
A goddess is cursed to endlessly live and die as a mortal until she understands the value of human life, in this inventive, moving reimagining of Gaelic mythology.
Cailleach, goddess of winter, was not born to be a blight on humanity, but she became it. If anyone asked her, she would say with scorn that it was their own humans were selfish, thoughtless, and destructive, bringing harm to each other and the Earth without cause or qualms.
One day, Cailleach goes too far. Thousands die, lost to her brutal winter. In punishment, her mother Danu, the queen of the gods, strips the goddess of her powers and sends Cailleach to Earth, to live and die as the mortals she so despises, until she understands what it is to be a human. Though determined to live in solitude, Cailleach finds that she cannot help but reach for the people she once held in such disdain. She loves and mourns in equal measure, and in opening herself to humanity, hears tales not meant for immortal ears—and a secret long-buried, that will redefine what it means to be a god.
Add on Goodreads
Review:
The Winter Goddess by Megan Barnard is a beautifully reimagined tale of Gaelic mythology that follows Cailleach, the goddess of winter, cursed to live and die as a mortal after causing countless deaths. Stripped of her powers, she is forced to experience humanity's fragility and learn the value of life. Barnard’s writing is both lyrical and immersive, bringing the cold, harsh beauty of winter to life as Cailleach’s journey unfolds. The goddess’s emotional transformation, from scornful detachment to loving vulnerability, is compelling and poignant. With rich world-building and a captivating plot, this novel explores redemption, empathy, and the true meaning of divinity. A must-read for fans of myth-inspired fantasy!
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
No comments:
Post a Comment