Winterset Hollow

By: Jonathan Edward Durham

Narrated by: Jonathan Edward Durham

Everyone has wanted their favorite book to be real, if only for a moment. Everyone has wished to meet their favorite characters, if only for a day. But be careful in that wish, for even a history laid in ink can be repaid in flesh and blood, and reality is far deadlier than fiction...especially on Addington Isle.

Winterset Hollow follows a group of friends to the place that inspired their favorite book - a timeless tale about a tribe of animals preparing for their yearly end-of-summer festival. But after a series of shocking discoveries, they find that much of what the world believes to be fiction is actually fact, and that the truth behind their beloved story is darker and more dangerous than they ever imagined. It's Barley Day...and you're invited to the hunt.

Winterset Hollow is as thrilling as it is terrifying and as smart as it is surprising. A uniquely original story filled with properly unexpected twists and turns, Winterset Hollow delivers complex, indelible characters and pulse- pounding action as it storms toward an unforgettable climax that will leave you reeling. How do you celebrate Barley Day? You run, friend. You run.

©2021 Jonathan Edward Durham (P)2022 Jonathan Edward Durham

Magical dark thriller - frightening and beautiful

I was looking for a scary book and found something that definitely had some intense and frightening moments to it - but it was so much more than I could have imagined!

It was the most beautifully written book, and I've never really read anything quite like it. It spoke to the kid in me who would love to live in a magical land with talking animals. And I felt the main character's strong desire to be a part of a world he had read about since childhood. But it also was heart wrenching in spots where you could feel the intense anger, frustration, and sadness of the creatures. Each animal character could have its own historical breakout story that leads up to this final battle.

Truly an unbelievable find! I don't know what I like most:
- The author's detailed descriptions of everything from the land and animals to food and forests transports you to that scene. You are there in the story.
- Or his ability to weave a story within a story - like a finely woven rug that you can't truly see until you step back to see it in its entirety.

And while at first, I wasn't sure if I'd like his narration, because I like to hear unique character voices, ultimately I was thankful to hear the voice of the person who created this work of art.
Now that I've finished it - I am starting over and will have a new perspective.
(p.s. - this is not a kid's book - more older teen and adult.)

Jonathan - please write more!!!

Magic

I loved the plot twist! Well developed characters. The writing was poetic and the two books were blended together well. The author did a great job narrating his book, it kept the tone of the book right where it needed to be.

I look forward to more books by Durham.

WOW!!!

This isn't my normal genre of books. I'm usually mystery/thriller and this did have that! And how awesome for the author to read the story to us! I wish this was a series because it was one of the best stories I have ever read/listened to. Very much reminded me of some of my favorite childhood stories with the book characters but only this is very much an adult twist. Like other's mentioned it does have the Hunger Games vibe to it. It is fantastic! Don't hesitate to get!!

Utterly Compelling

Unparalleled. An expertly narrated, atmospheric and hauntingly beautiful story that at times, completely shattered me. Truly special, bravo.

Excellent Book!

Extremely well written and a very good performance! Would recommend, easily 5 out of 5 stars!

Holy Moly!!!

This was easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I was sucked in from chapter 1. Beautifully written, and narrated by the amazing author! Run, do not walk to read this book. Please make a movie 🙏

Good, not great

The writing is descriptive which makes it easy to imagine the scenes in the book. The story is unusual, which is great in an era where most writers have one cookie-cutter script and create new books by changing character names and scenes.

However, the story makes no sense. Foxes use daggers and bows with arrows. Bears use war hammers. Rabbits use guns. Further many protagonists keep on going after taking wound after wound after wound. The book requires the suspension of a lot of basic anatomy and physics.

One of the best I’ve listened to!

The author reading this book really was perfect! I could visualize the characters! I’ve listened 3 times and hear new details each time! I’ll probably listen again in a few months!

Absolutely amazing

I rarely give out 5-star ratings (or write reviews), but this modern masterpiece deserves them both. The story was riveting, the imagery rich, and the language complex and luxurious—truly, this audiobook was a joy to listen to.

Wonderful story

Enjoyed the plot and the characters immensely. I felt feelings. I look forward to more! Perhaps a prequel?