Book Review: Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle

Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle
Publication date: 1st June, 2011
Source:  Thanks to Pan Macmillan Australia

Goodreads Description:

Blake Duchamp...

He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.

But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.

The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger. Himself.

My Review:

Favourite Quote: Blake titled his head at her as if she was a particularly tricky problem to solve.  Their eyes locked, and for one delirious moment Winter had the sense again that Blake wanted to kiss her.  It was an irrational, impossible, wonderful instinct - an instinct her body reinforced through its reaction.  Flushed with heat, her pulse quickened, and everything stood out in exquisite detail.  The stars in the sky, Owl Mountain, a tooth of darkness in the distance, a stray lock of Blake's hair stirring in the breeze, the sensual curve of his lips, and  his eyes.  Most of all his eyes.

Isn't that quote gorgeous?  Winter's Shadow is a dark and appealing read that is so beautifully written.  It's pages are full of intrigue and mystery that make it hard to put it down.

Hearle writing is hypnotic.  He has a great eye for details especially when it came to describing the setting.

Through the broken pane of the stained glass window she could see the remnants of an ancient graveyard, all but hidden by the tall grass and weeds that had crept in from the surrounding woods.  Blackened tombstones rose above the grass here and there like strange fungi, weathered by the elements and the passage of time.  Standing over of the graves, dressed in a simple gray suit, was a young man.

The pace starts very slowly, maybe a little too slow in the first half but it does pick up and then you find yourself completely captivated by this tale.  The plot is refreshingly different from other paranormal reads out there. Hearle has certainly created an interesting and unique concept that is full of dark and eerie secrets that gently unravel ensuring you are kept in suspense until the end.
 
Winter's Shadow is mainly told from Winter's POV.  We do get flashbacks to 1878 and Blake's narrative briefly that allows us to understand the story better.   Both Winter and Blake are likeable and well crafted characters.  However, Blake would be the standout out character for me.  He was a complex and alluring.

The ending was satisfying but at the same time wanting more.  I am left hoping there is more to Winter's and Blake's story. 

Overall, Winter's Shadow is a strong debut novel.  It you are looking for an exceptional paranormal romance that is smart, spellbinding and original than you shouldn't miss this.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters:4/5
Romance: 4/5
Cover:4/5

For more info: Visit MJ Hearle's website.

Note: This book is an Australian title for those of you participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge.   No international release date yet.  But I am hoping to arrange a book tour for this in the near future with Go Aussie Book Tours.