Member Reviews
Melanie Dickerson never disappoints. You know exactly what to expect from her and are never let down. And yet somehow it’s still always fresh and new!! And her characters are always different and fresh but always lovable.
A really fun fairy tale retelling. Who doesn't love a fairytale? This book was a lark to read and I really enjoyed it. While part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.
This book was everything a medieval book should be! Strong women, loyal men with a knight and a fair maiden to make it superb! I loved it! The dynamic characters and beautiful background was well described and added to the story! I was enthralled and captivated by how it all came together!
I've been enjoying this series and was excited for this book to come out. This group of siblings are quite the crew and each one having their own novel is greatly spreading out learning more about each one. I would love to have them come out faster! I can't wait to "meet" them all! You're going to love them as well. I will say that I feel you should read the series in order so you get the most out of it. Each one does build on the one prior, but they can be read as stand-alone novels if you wanted to.
This novel follows Sir Berenger. His story has him as a knight. One of his fellow knights happens to be the brother of the lovely Mazy. Mazy goes off on her own to find her brother Sir John when her father dies and her other brother Warin abandons her when she won't do as he wishes.
Mazy is such a sweet and wonderful person while her brother, Sir John, isn't. When he goes off to London she goes along. And she must make use of her wonderful skills with a knife to protect herself. She also learns to bake bread and is quite resourceful.
Sir Berenger and Mazy enjoy each other's company but can they protect each other?
This was such a fun novel. It didn't read super fast but it read well and the characters were wonderful. I enjoyed them all and loved seeing some of Sir Berenger's brothers and sister pop back in and out so we could say hi and see how they were doing.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I really enjoyed this book by Melanie Dickerson. I like how the stories in this series are loosely based on Fairy tales. I also love how easy the story is to read and how engaging the story is. I really liked the characters and how they overcame some hard things and were both strong individual who chose to work together. I loved the romance in this book. I also loved how we saw characters from other books in this story. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I am usually a fan of Mrs. Dickerson. However, this was not her best work. This was supposed to be a retelling of The Snow Queen. However, I found nothing that resembled the original fairytale. I like Mazy and thought she was a strong character. She loved fighting with knives and rides horses. However, I wish that this was a faithful retelling of my favorite fairytale. If it was an original work rather than a retelling. I would have enjoyed it more.if it was an original work. Yet, as a retelling, it falls flat. I recommend this for anyone who have never read her works before. However, for longtime fans of Mrs. Dickerson’s novels, this is far from her best and is forgettable.
This was a delightful offering by this author. It is fairly sufficient as a standalone, but having read the previous books will help readers appreciate it a lot more. Dickerson does a pretty good job with character development, at least of the main characters. I'd have liked to see a bit more with Mazy's brother, Sir John, but as is he was really an antagonist! Good grief! Most of the time he was pretty worthless as a protective brother. I would have liked him to realize his error in the direction he was headed and to try to atone for and to change his character trajectory. Sir Berenger seemed quite perfect, most of the time, and while I was grateful that Mazy had someone to stand up for her sometimes, it was a fun surprise that he ended up needing her help in the end. The women folk in this story stood up for and protected themselves, which was a bit unusual for the day, but nice to read. It also led to her confidence in stepping forward to help her friend, Sir Berenger when it counted.
Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC! #FortressofSnow #NetGalley
Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.
This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.
I did not care for this one. The actions of the characters were not believable for the medieval times, nor were they well developed. Everything wrapped up too nicely. Maybe good for someone who wants a straightforward story. I received an arc and was not influenced in my review.
Fortress of Snow is a loose retelling Snow Queen following a girl name Mazy who try find her ways after her dad passes away. The writing is descriptive but still enjoyable. The characters is loveable and I like she growing stronger from each hard time she must endure.
The romance light and sweet. I like saw their growing chemistry and relateable dynamics.
This is my first read from the author, but her name is well known around my book friends expecially fans of Christian fantasy romance. Looking forward for another books in this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for provided my copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you know Melanie Dickerson, then you know what to expect with this book - well written, exciting, and interesting. It’s a medievale young adult clean romance.
Mazy is optimistic and resourceful and I love that, especially considering the time period in the book. I loved her determination and courage even if she grew up noble and not used to working so much.
And Berenger has my heart! So kind and charitable. I loved them for each other and the romance was so sweet and good!
It took me a little while to get into the book but once I was there it was great!
Thank you to Thomas Nelson - Fiction and NetGalley gor giving me an advanced digital copy of FORTRESS OF SNOW by Melanie Dickerson.
Rating: 4.6
Talk about Dysfunctional families. Mazy's family consists of a father who married twice. The eldest, son of the first wife who died, inherits the property when their father dies. He is Half brother to Mazy. he is married with a child and is not kind. Then I learn that their father was Not kind to the eldest either. And Mazy's brother, who is training to become a knight, is not a prize either. Despite the kind offer from his patron to allow him to attend his father's funeral, he refuses to go even if he knows his sister Mazy will be there. Both half brother and brother do not sound likable.
Mazy knows that her half brother does not like her. It looks like Mazy was their father's favorite child. Mazy leaves her home to travel to see her brother who is at Duke. She meets Berenger who is a good guy.
This novel is a fictional novel about families who lived in England during the time of King Richard - the Crusades?
Highly recommended for fans of chivalry, romance and knights.
I used to read all Melanie Dickerson’s books when I was younger, and this is the first one that I have had in a while and it didn’t quite hit the spot for me. I thought Mazey was a bit naive and seemed really young, and I wasn’t a huge fan of how the plot elements were laid out. I did still really like the style of writing and storytelling that Dickerson used, but the characters fell a bit flat for me even though they were set up to have so much potential in the setting.
Fortress of Snow is a very good book. Fantasy is not my favorite genre but recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
If cozy romantic fantasy were a genre, then Melanie Dickerson has honed it into an art. Her books never fail to surprise me and make me feel like I just wrapped myself in a warm blanket and settled in for the winter. Although in this case, that is exactly how I read the book.
The book begins with sweet Mazy, darling of her father, dealing with her father's death and her brothers' lack of concern for her. I loved how fiercely independent she was, as well as how she had learned to shoot a bow, throw knives, and other things that women were not generally taught at the time because she didn't want to learn typical girl stuff and her father had coddled her. I loved how creative she became when she discovered that she was the only one looking out for her, and how she figured out not only how to create business opportunities, but also how to care for others in the process. She was always generous and compassionate to those in need regardless of how she had been treated. I also loved her childish crush. Of course she would fall for the kind, handsome knight who was five years older and worked with her brother. Any 16 year old girl would. And I loved how he never stopped deserving her childish adoration even as he grew older.
There were a few tense moments, and a few dangerous situations, but nothing overly frightening or concerning. Mazy showed constant faith in God's guidance and provision. And that faith was not put to shame. I think my only disappointment was the constant reinforcement that one must be married to have a man's protection. I think she proved otherwise as she protected others who were not her family, and in her case, I think marriage was a bonus, not a necessity. Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to anyone who would like a sweet Christian romance.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
I love Melanie Dickerson! Her books are always easy, clean reads. I really enjoyed Mazy in this story, and I related to her so much. I enjoyed reading about Mazy and her growth and her realization that it is ok to rely on people. This is a lesson I myself am learning and was glad to relate to a character in this way. The only thing is I wish it had more action and that Mazy used her skills more throughout this book, especially since they were very "unladylike" "for that time period.
Melanie Dickerson’s fairytale reimaginings are some of my favorites. I’m always curious to see how she puts her own spin on them. Fortress of Snow is loosely based on The Snow Queen. I didn’t know anything about this fairytale going in and that was a good thing because there are some twists in this story where it’s better not knowing what might happen next. I liked the clear battle of good versus evil. The villainess is one of those characters you love to hate. She’s particularly nasty.
The story takes place in England in the late 1300’s. Mazy runs away to Strachleigh Castle to be with her brother John when her father dies unexpectedly and her oldest brother is trying to force her to marry. There she befriends Sir Berenger who is hoping to make a name for himself and earn the king’s favor. When duty calls Berenger away to Prague and Sir John is called to London, Mazy goes with John despite his indifferent treatment of her. She learns to live on her own after befriending a girl named Ro and learns to make and sell bread. She also develops some pretty great knife fighting skills which come in handy.
When Berenger returns to London, he finds Mazy all grown up. There’s definitely an attraction there, but with precarious financial prospects, he accepts the offer of the King to court the beautiful Lady Bristow. He travels to her castle to see if they would suit. Mazy who is secretly in love with him is saddened over his choice. But, all is not as it seems at the castle especially with regard to Lady Bristow’s young ward. When Mazy finds out that Sir Berenger may be in danger she decides to travel to Bristow castle to warn him.
I enjoyed this story especially the second half. It started out a little slow, but once Berenger meets Lady Bristow, the story really gets going. She’s definitely a temptress with questionable intensions. Berenger is such a good and noble knight who takes his oaths and responsibilities seriously and thank heavens, because it takes all his strength to resist Lady Bristow. I loved the way he wants to protect Mazy and the kindness he shows towards Lady Bristow’s ward, Juliana.
Mazy is definitely a heroine you can cheer for. She’s independent, caring, and dangerous with a knife. She doesn’t hesitate to defend those she cares for. I loved the way she helped the widows and doesn’t hesitate to go after Berenger when she thinks he’s in danger. Her brother Sir. John was a bit disappointing and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Mazy and her lack of family support.
I listened to the audiobook version of the story and thoroughly enjoyed the narrator. She really made these characters and the story come alive. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, but also listened to the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
After reading this book, I went back and read the beginning of the series. That filled in lots of gaps for me and it my fault I did not do so beforehand. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to the rest of the series because I found it both enjoyable and puzzling in such a delicious way!
This fourth novel in the Dericott series stands alone, but it also continues the tale involving some of the characters from previous books. Orphaned Mazelina of Wexcombe does not find the longed-for assistance from her brothers, but Sir Berenger comes to her aid. This story contains a sinister plot and oozes suspense. The author presented relatable characters in a believable medieval environment. I like that Mazy didn’t put on airs or feel she was above working with her hands. Readers can take note of the good example she models in living life. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #FortressofSnow #NetGalley