Winter Sun: Warriors of the Five Realms

Book Review on Winter Sun by Hollee Mands

If you read Little Fire by Hollee Mands, you will be equally enthralled with Winter Sun, as much as I was. Despite Declan and Evangeline’s love each other, the universe “tests” them with many relationship “obstacles.” Some of the obstacles are external in that certain people do not believe that Evangeline and Declan are well-matched with their magic, status, upbringing, goals, etc. Other “obstacles” come from within Evangeline and Declan themselves. Like any two people in a relationship, communication is key; however, this can be a problem for Evangeline and Declan. Both try to protect their hearts and confide to others outside of their relationship when they should be brave enough to discuss issues between the two of them. The result usually leads to miscommunication which does not strengthen their bond; instead, it weakens it.

As I said before this is novel is not meant to be read quickly. Instead, it is to be read slowly as if indulging in a decadent and gooey chocolate dessert in which you savor each morsel, crumb, and bite. Hollee Mands is skilled “pâtissier” who flawlessly builds multi-complex sentences with poetic ease and sweetens the plot with her wordsmithing. Will the relationship of Declan and Evangeline withstand all the trials and tribulations that come hurtling after them? Will they learn from their mistakes or look to others for answers? Like a master weaver, Hollee Mands intertwines suspenseful plots with a plethora of unusual characters to create a novel that will keep readers spellbound as it maneuvers our emotions through plot twists, bewilderment, shock, and betrayals.

~~~by Kelly Wolf, PhD 11/26/21

Anddddd we’re back for the sequel to Declan and Evie’s story! I always get nervous whenever I start a sequel to a book I love because my expectations are rarely ever met. Winter Sun beat the second book slump and did NOT disappoint me!
I loved diving back into the world of fae, archmages, and romance!
Winter Sun picks up right after Little Fire, several months after the Unseelie Court showdown from the first book. Declan and Evie are navigating an unfifilled mating bond, political maneuvering, and a mysterious illness plaguing our girl, Evie.
I loved that we got to see our main characters navigate a relationship that is for all intents and purposes unequal in power. Declan is extremely powerful and Evie feels she cannot be a perfect mate for someone like him. (She’s wrong, but I totally get where she’s coming from.) It’s nice to see a heroine that is plagued with insecurity but who pushes through it to really find herself.
Declan. My sweet, murderously protective archmage. I love this man. The lengths he’s willing to go to for his and Evie’s relationship is what dreams are made of. Evie coming into her power and navigating who she currently is, recovering her memories, and fighting for her relationship was such a nice character progression. I don’t want to spoil any plot points, but the twists and betrayal in this sequel truly threw me for a loop. So. Good.
Favorite scene: the burning beach if you know, you know.
This has truly been one of my favorite new series of 2021. I see we’re getting my boy Gabriel Blacksage’s book next and I am foaming at the mouth for it!!! I was so excited to receive an ARC for Winter Sun thanks to Hollee! Please keep blessing us with your talent!

Evie and Declan's trials continue even as their love and devotion continue to grow stronger. Evie has enemies everywhere she turns- Declan's counciliors, the castle staff, his family, the other members of the Echelon, the Fae searching for her, and, even, within her own body and bedchamber! Yet, she continues to grow in character as her memories and powers return. As Evie becomes more independent, Declan becomes even more controlling in his efforts to keep Evie safe. They both grow into their intense love as they get to know each other and themselves while facing danger and drama from all sides. This is an epic romance that I highly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy, suspense and intrigue along with passion and romance. I can't wait to see what Hollee Mands writes next.

I really enjoyed Little Fire…. And this is a great fulfilling conclusion. Sitting at the edge of my seat… uhmmm… edge of my recliner 😁for this rocking and rolling saga. I read it in one sitting… meaning all night. I finally reread Little Fire and then Winter Sun again.

Very unique storyline, enough romantic “activity “ but not for its own sake but segued in naturally. What a breathe of fresh air…. Not bordering on porn with a story wrapped around it. I can’t stand that… waste of time to read in my humble opinion.

So… this is a fitting conclusion to Little Fire…. We knew she had it in her! Wow… did she have it in her!

This was a fantastic sequel to the first book! It was engaging and entertaining read! The story has treachery and love and so much more! I absolutely love how the story progresses so easily.

Hollee Mands characters, world building and story depth and development will astound you!
Declan and Evie are literally in a battle for their Happily Ever After!
Despite their love for one another, everyone's not happy about Declan's choice.
His nemesis is still on the loose, his own counsel has all but turned against him, his father and even his own insecurities have him doubting all but his own love for his Little Fire.
While Evie seeks to fully remember her past, she's plagued with fainting spells and an inability to use her magic. Without it, all in Declan's life will always see her as unworthy, beneath him and she also can't complete their mating bond.
They both wonder can each except the depths that each will go to for the other when new revelations and secrets are unearthed about themselves as the past and the future unfolds.
Get ready to hold on to the edge of your seat!
Some parts made me gasp, some parts made my cheer and some parts definitely gave me the willies!
Evie grows into an even stronger person than she already is. And Declan? My fierce, sweet, poor Declan, once again has to go through and do things he's never experienced before.
Did you ever finish reading a book and knew right away that you were going to read it again?
Yes!

This was an awesome sequel!! Again I totally got lost in the book and ended up letting my 4yo daughter stay up until almost 1am🤣 oops🤦🏽‍♀️. I did indeed buy the paperback of Little Fire because I can tell this series (I REALLY REALLY hope there will be more books) is going to be my TOP go to to reread. Hollee Mands you have an incredible gift and I thank you so much for these precious words!!!

I received an ARC copy and am volunteering my honest review