The Winter King

By: Christine Cohen

Narrated by: Christine Cohen

Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's Summary

A village trapped in winter, a tyrannical god, and a girl who will do anything to keep her family alive.

Ever since Cora's father disappeared through the ice, whispers about her family's "curse" have grown increasingly louder. Desperate to help her mother and siblings survive another bleak season in the Winter King's frozen grasp, Cora begins to bend (and even break) the rules she has kept since she was a little girl.

But when she discovers a secret that's much bigger than herself, she realizes too late that she has put herself - and those she loves - in even greater peril. Wintry and dangerous but hauntingly lovely, The Winter King is the debut novel from author Christine Cohen.

©2019 Canon Press (P)2020 Canon Press

Part Allegory, Part Traditional Fiction

This is a different book than the one I thought I was going to read. Cohen created a world in which the characters and supernatural elements are often symbolic, mirroring those in our own world and giving the book a kind of allegorical feel. The problems presented are struggles between good and evil. However, the war is not fought with weapons or powers which the protagonist, Cora, obtains, but with truth, integrity, kindness, faithfulness, and hope which war against lies, fear, abuse, manipulation, and moral compromise. Cora finds these things at war within herself as well as within her city.

Cohen has something to say about communities that weigh a person’s worth or favor with God by their wealth and health. Her villains are the “aldermen” (priests) who keep people living in fear of judgment while lining their pockets and physically abusing the people in their charge. The god-king is not who they say he is. As a result, the people are besieged by illness, poverty, and starvation as well as monsters sent by the evil god below. Cora finds out the truth about her god-king in an allegorical tale which weaves elements from Christianity and pagan mythology into a beautiful story of self-sacrificial love which overpowers pain and death. But to really understand and possess such things, Cohen reminds us that we must love truth and be willing to tell it and love it even when others want to live by lies.

Enchanting

Part fairytale, part allegory, this book captures the imagination and soul. It’s beautifully written, with solid character growth, plot twists, and a satisfying ending. I’d heard good things about this book and was not disappointed.

Delightful and mysterious

Cohen brilliantly retells the stories of Persephone and Norse mythology and turns Martin Luther into a funny courageous female character! Cora is a bitter angry young woman who blossoms into a truth-seeking , brave and fear facing teenager. You’ll love this story whether you are young or old!!!

Hooked from the very beginning!

Loved this book! The mystery was so good. When the author reads the story you know it’s gonna be good!

so good

excellent choice for a family road trip. wonderful story. we didn't want it to end!