Red Winter: The Complete Trilogy

By: Annette Marie

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Emi has dedicated her life to preparing for her destiny: to become a living vessel for her goddess’s spirit. With the fulfillment of her divine duty only two months away, she’s never once questioned the strict rules that control every aspect of her daily existence.

Until the day she discovers her entire life has been built on lies.

With her inescapable fate fast approaching, she stumbles into the path of Shiro, a fox yokai and enemy of her goddess. He’s mischievous, cunning, unpredictable ... and a little too eager to assist her in finding the answers she needs.

His helpfulness doesn’t come from the goodness of his yokai heart. A mysterious curse binds his power and his memories, and he suspects Emi can free him. Thanks to her goddess’s power, she probably can—if she dares. Instead, she strikes a bargain with him: he has to help her first.

Reluctant and untrusting allies, they delve together into the twisted deceits of the gods. With the danger greater and the truth more terrible than either imagined, Emi and Shiro’s fight to save each other will become a war against the heavenly realm itself.

Perfect for fans of romantic fantasy, forbidden romance, gods and demons, and Japanese mythology, the Red Winter omnibus edition combines all three books: Red Winter, Dark Tempest, and Immortal Fire, as well as a new epilogue.

©2016, 2017 Annette Marie (P)2024 Tantor

The creativity behind the writing.

Overall this was an exciting read, and you do have to trust the process and let the story build. I would recommend this story to anyone who loves fantasy, gods, demons, dragons, romance, and a cute little white fox. What was really hard about the story for me was Emi and her lack of confidence, her inability to see her own strengths within herself. (she does have strength, but it quickly falters when challenged with another question or a heavy situations that occurs.) Her indecisiveness. Her need to always panic when asked a question and not having the confidence she needs in her answers. Her confusing nature of accepting what she is, but then at the same time, not accepting what she is. I really didn’t like how long it took for her to gain her confidence. But overall we all it’s a good read and I do recommend it.

Slow burn at its finest

It took me years to finish this series. Only because I got so caught up in Steel and Stone series and was in love Piper and Ash. At first it was a little hard to get into the first few chapters. I was trying to understand what she was and the Japanese words. Once Shiro and Umai came in , I was caught up. The banter, the plot and romance all melded well. I was surprised for the first time in a while plot twist or I had not realized where it had been going but it’s was an out loud gasp 😮. Loved it.

Get trilogy in Japanese mythology

Author did her research with terminology and mythology. The story is great of a forbidden love. Reminds me of a nice mix of fushigi yugi, inuyasha, Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi, and kamisama kiss.

Stunning and Otherworldly

Emily Woo Zeller brings one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read to stunning, vibrant life.

Sakura falling on snow

Japanese mythology
Slips into the soul
As Sakura falls on snow

As someone who grew up with Black Belt Theater and Saturday morning cartoons heavy on anime,
I loved the Asian atmosphere. As they tend to, the stories start slow and restrained, focusing on a day in the life of Emi, sheltered and prepped to become a vessel. I considered giving up after a few hours because it was just so much clueless girl bumbling into danger. Halfway thru the first book, however,
I realized the story got ahold of me.

Oni (demons), fox and crow Yokai (shape shifting spirit folk), Qi (soul/life magic), and the battle between gods … by the end of book one I was invested in Emi, Shiro, and the fate of this fantastical land.
Sure, there are times when it was a bit YA heart eyes, but to me that matched the anime sentiment.
I don’t know if the author spent time in Japan; she certainly captured the essence of Asian fantasy.

If you need fast paced action and the more traditional snark and bark fantasy, try the author’s various Guild Godex series. If you want something different, that will stick with you after the last page,
give this a go. I found it well worth the investment.

Note: the three books are currently all in Audible Plus.
The only additional thing in this collection is a bonus epilogue, which I found underwhelming.

Not my usual read

I enjoyed this. want sure I would as my normal genre is drama, mystery, and thrillers

Yes yes yes

I just finished and I love it!!! It's a rollercoaster of emotions but a great ride. If you love fantasy romance this is it!!! Extra bonus points from me for the Japanese Mythos/Shinto lore.

Love it

I couldn't put the book down when I first read it. I loved listening to the story. I do think it would be even better with multiple narrators. I love stories with ancient gods and demons.

love love

The world building was well done, I loved our main characters & the journey they took us on. the narrator did a fantastic job & I just loved this story.

OH MY!

I did not go into this reading with any expectations at all. I decided to read it because I love Annette Marie’s books and wanted to explore all of them. This series took me on such an emotional rollercoaster that I’m still reeling from. I started the book confused bc I didn’t know much about the folklore but by the fourth chapter I was hooked. I cried, cringed, cheered and cried some more. My husband said I was too invested in the characters. I told him that if a story grabs you like that then it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. Thank you so much Ms. Marie for the worlds you have let us as readers escape to. I believe that reading brings everyone together no matter their beliefs and you have written them well. 🥰