Red Winter: The Complete Trilogy

By: Annette Marie

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 36 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

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

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.

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.

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. 🥰

Love this series, Slow burn, mythology based adventure.

This is my second listen and it was as good as the first. It's been a couple of years and Annette Marie added a new epilogue to the series. If you love Japanese mythology you will definitely love this series. The main character is stronger than she thought she was or anyone thought she was for that matter. The stories well developed with several twists and turns. The narrator does a fabulous job and I will be listening to this again.
If you haven't read any of Annette Marie's series I highly recommend starting here because it's only three books. If you like her style then I would suggest that you try the Guild Codex universe, which has several intertwined series. Her Steel &Stone series is also a fun ride.