Today I bring you a review for the monthly TSG bookclub book, Wintersong by S Jae-Jones.
Blurb…
Beware the goblin men and the wares they sell.
All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.
But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.
Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.
Review…
Well let me just start with. I love this book!
I was so unsure of using this book for the bookclub as the synopsis read a little like the story of Labyrinth and I know that for many it is a love hate situation with it. I however, love Labyrinth and I have never read a book about Goblins so I just had to take the risk and I’m so glad I did.
The story focuses on Liesl (Elisabeth) and her sister Käthe. It took me a good chapter or two to get use to the setting in another country and the whole musical atmosphere but I soon found my step with it.
I really liked Liesl as a character, she didn’t come across as anything other than what she was.
I really felt for the Goblin King, it was clear he was only doing what was necessary for everyone’s survival including the world above.
The ending was so sad, I really hoped they would find a way to stay together as it was clear they loved each other. I thought that she would die down there if I’m honest so I wasn’t expecting her to end up free.
I also think the first bride that has managed to leave was Liesl’s grandmother Constanze.
I felt such affinity to this book I truly loved it and was so sad when it was over. I enjoyed it so much more than I had expected and I will definitely read this again and again for the sheer magic of it.
If you have read Wintersong I would love to know your thoughts on it, did you enjoy it as much as I did?
Thanks for reading.
The Stationery Geekette x
Read, Write, Inspire 