The Winter Goddess

A Novel

De: Megan Barnard

Narrado por: Aoife McMahon, Aidan Kelly

“The Winter Goddess is a gripping, bittersweet tale that explores love, loss, and the price of power and immortality. . . a perfect read for cold winter nights. I couldn’t put it down.”—Genevieve Gornichek, bestselling author of The Weaver and the Witch Queen

"Utterly bewitching. . . Barnard's novel pairs the beauty and fragility of the human experience with the sharp bite of winter. The result is an enthralling and emotional saga mythology lovers everywhere won't want to miss!"—A.D. Rhine, author of Daughters of Bronze

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 Irish mythology.

Cailleach, goddess of winter, was not born to be a blight on humanity, but she became one. She would say with scorn that it was their own fault: mortals 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, 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 one of them. 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—including a long-buried secret that will redefine what it means to be a god.

From the author of the “stunning . . . riveting” historical reenvisioning Jezebel (Library Journal), a vividly imagined and arresting story of a goddess punished—and a goddess reborn, as she discovers the importance of a life ephemeral…and what it means to truly be alive.

©2025 Megan Barnard (P)2025 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Utterly bewitching. The Winter Goddess draws the reader deep into the realm of Irish mythology through the unforgettable perspective of Cailleach, a goddess cursed to live as a human. Offering gorgeous prose, complex relationships, and keen insight in equal measure, Barnard's novel pairs the beauty and fragility of the human experience with the sharp bite of winter. The result is an enthralling and emotional saga mythology lovers everywhere won't want to miss!"—A.D. Rhine, author of Daughters of Bronze

“A beautiful, vivid fable, which shows us—like all the best tales of the gods and goddesses of our ancient past—what it is to be human. Told in sparkling prose, with rich and resonant layers, this is a moving and meaningful retelling of Irish mythology.”—Nikki Marmery, author of Lilith

“An exciting and fantastical take on ancient Irish mythology. In this page turning novel, Barnard examines the power of Ireland's goddesses and mortal women, spinning a world of high imagination. She is skilled at bringing women of legend alive on the page. The perfect read for lovers of Juliet Mariellier and The Mists of Avalon.”—Molly Aitken, author of Bright I Burn

Amazing!

I absolutely loved this story. It has a great ending and an engaging story. As soon as I finished the book I had to listen to again. The second time was even better. I know I will listen to it again and again. Great story and a great narrator. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to more books from Megan Barnard.