The one thing I knew for absolute certain about Wintersong before I started reading it was this: it was inspired, in ways, by the film Labyrinth. It had been years since the last time I saw Labyrinth, so I went out of my way to watch it again in January and refresh my memory. High on the musical numbers and the affection for the characters, I dove straight into reading this debut novel.

Wintersong is about Liesl, a practical, hard-working gal devoted to her family. She is also a girl who secretly dreams of composing music, inspired heavily by the Goblin King. She hasn't seen him since she was a child, but his reappearance in her life is sudden and startling - especially when her sister Käthe is kidnapped and taken underground to his realm. Liesl makes the journey to rescue Käthe, but is forced to offer her hand in marriage in exchange for her sister's freedom. As she grows accustomed to life underground, Liesl soon discovers that she still harbors a strong connection to the Goblin King, her childhood playmate who is now her husband. But even as sparks fly, even as her musical abilities soar, both Liesl and the Goblin King are forced to reevaluate just what sacrifices they are willing to make.

The parallels between the film and the novel are obvious - the self-centered nature of the protagonist, the kidnapping of a beloved sibling, and the journey underground. All of these things are really front and center in the first half of Wintersong, when Käthe is kidnapped and Liesl goes after her. It is this part of the novel that I really liked best, as I'm always partial to stories of strong sibling relationships and exciting adventures of rescue. In addition to the story, I found the setting wonderfully immersive since Jae-Jones does well in bringing the variety of settings (village, the inn, the woods, the underground) and characters (Liesl, Liesl's family, the Goblin King) to life. Throw in the way music is woven in, the warring natures in Liesl (selfless versus selfish), and that'll basically be all the reasons I thought the first half was pretty good.

You might be wondering - what about the second half of Wintersong? Well, before going into it, I actually thought that the entirety of the story was about Liesl's journey underground to rescue Käthe. So, I was surprised to discover that the second half of this story was something else entirely: an in-depth look at the blossoming romance between Liesl and the Goblin King, coupled with Liesl's flourishing musical talent. It was definitely an unexpected change of pace! I liked that Liesl felt free to express herself musically, and that she was provided with the means to do so. But I'm of mixed stance on the romance, since there were both sweet moments and uncomfortable ones in turn. I wound up not being entirely fond of this part of the story, even though I was still interested enough to find out how it would come to an end.

In sum, my feelings are quite mixed towards Wintersong. I enjoyed the first half, but didn't love the second half. I didn't connect with any of the characters or feel like I truly got to know them, but I thought the setting was immersive and the incorporation of music well-done. While I wouldn't be quick to give this one a general recommendation, if you think it'll be your cup of tea, then I would say go forth and read.

S. Jae-Jones’ writing is so lyrical and mesmerising that it’s easy to become hooked to the book. The world she crafted is dark and dangerous, and full of pain, temptation, seduction, and love. Sometimes the story is uncomfortable, but I kept hoping that it would have a happy ending. The story talks a lot about religion and beliefs, and who we are. There’s a lot of judgement towards Käthe who is interested in fashion and flirts with men for fun. In the context of the setting and the religion of the characters I suppose it’s realistic.

A big part of this book is the romance. At times I found it hard to root for them, because it seemed like Liesl wasn’t even sure of her feelings herself. Liesl is sometimes an inconsistent character, but then as you get to know her it’s easier to understand that she’s quite flawed, sad, and lonely, but her secret dream of being a composer is what kept her afloat. I kind of wish the story had a bit of a different ending only because I’m a sucker for those sappy happy endings where everyone gets what they want, but at the same time the ending suited the story.

This is also a story of family and what we’ll do to protect them. Liesl struggles to find common ground with her sister, so she instead builds a strong relationship with her musician brother. Over the course of her journey, she learns that her sister was lonely too and that Liesl would sacrifice everything to save her. Love is a powerful thing. There’s also an important arc for Liesl as she learns to love herself and be herself despite her parents forgetting her or putting her down. I think that's perhaps the best arc in the story. Liesl confronts who she is, and fights for herself.

Wintersong isn’t a perfect book, but it was a reading journey I’ll never forget. Even now the story is lingering in my mind. The characters are sometimes inconsistent, and sometimes the romance was a little off-putting as were some other aspects. But I really enjoyed the book.

The storyline was captivating. But I found that the descriptions (particularly of the character's feelings and emotional development) to be cumbersome and wordy. However, the plot was interesting enough that I powered on through!

Wintersong is one of those books that I fell in love with the title and synopsis of a long time ago, and have been impatiently awaiting it ever since. Although I've never seen Labyrinth, the whole plot just seems magical and exciting, and I knew it was going to be a book that I absolutely adored.

I'm not sure what my favorite part of this book was - whether it was the beautifully detailed world, the characters who had so much depth and made the book fun, or the plot that was both haunting and unforgettable.

I honestly hadn't read anything like this, although I try to read quite a bit of fantasy. It was simply a beautiful book, and I truly loved the way that music was incorporated into the novel. It adds so much extra to the book, and makes it even more enchanting. The characters are also well written and completely full of depth and personality, and it's super easy to really connect with them while reading this book.

Want to know what else I really loved about Wintersong? The fact that so much of it was based on family ties and love. So often it seems like the whole element of family is completely missing from YA fantasy, but that wasn't the case in this book, and I applaud the author for it. In fact, it actually focuses on the two sisters in the book, and the depths one sister would go to in order to save the other.

The whole goblin premise was new to me, as I've never actually read anything else with goblins, and I have to say, I think it was really well done - I found it enjoyable and different, and it really was of interest to me from the very first moment that I picked it up.

If you love YA fantasy, you really have to check out this book. It was such a beautifully written novel and had so many of the elements that make a great fantasy, all wrapped up into one (with an absolutely gorgeous cover). The author clearly has a gift when it comes to storytelling, and I'll definitely be reading anything else she writes!

Ugh! This book!!! The Feels!!

I have to say that my body went through every emotion while reading this book! I started off as nervous and by the end, I was crying!

I really loved this story line! Elisabeth is the oldest daughter of a poor family whom always is looking out for everyone else but herself. She helped her brother become a violin prodigy and basically gave up on the one person whom she had always had an attraction to her sister to marry. She feels lonely and like the ugly duckling of her family. One day she meets The Goblin King and she still fights to save her sister. But he is not all that he appears to be.

My favorite character was Constanze, Elisabeth’s crazy grandmother! She always talked in riddles and the family just entertained her craziness as long as it was convenient. She was a hoot!

The ending…ugh! Get your tissues ready cuz this one will leave you crying:-( I felt for Elisabeth and Aric. I am not sure if this is a stand alone but I am really hoping that we will get to see more of these characters in the future!!

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy! It was superb! Definitely 5 stars!!

Wintersong is a luscious tale of a king and a brave maiden. The story enchants you with its characters and the winter-y setting. But also pulls at your heartstrings with some really great writing. Wintersong deserves songs and poems in its name. It is a masterpiece and it's only the first sweet melody of this world I have come to love. I cannot wait for more. Let me have iiiiit.

I'll write my full review on the blog soon!!!

Wintersong was like an eerie fairytale but it was also different from anything Ive read before. I heard this is a retelling of the movie the Labyrinth but Ive never seen it. Leisl has always been fond of her grandmothers stories about the Goblin King but she never thought her imaginary childhood friend would kidnapp her sister. I thought the family ties were a great part of this book. I was so immersed in the story that I got swept up in the feelings of it all.

The lyrical writing did a fantastic job of making the musical atmosphere come alive. It reminded me a bit of Laini Taylors writing. This story had an enchanting and mysterious vibe that I really enjoyed. However the ending left me with some unanswered questions which was a little disapointing. It didnt have to end the way it did. Theres other things they could have done but I wont mention them because I dont want to spoil anything.

The first half of the book was amazing. I was captivated by the games Leisl played with the Goblin King when she was trying to save her sister. It was fast pace and gripping. I loved Leisl determination to save her sister and I was touched when Kathe missed her. Kathes character grew on me and I ended up really liking her. I didnt like their father but I understand that he's important to the main characters developpement.

My biggest issues were in the second half of the book but thats just my preference because I know some people who prefered the second half. The second half focused more on the romance while the first half has more action and focused on the family. I just felt like the scenes and details in the second half dragged a bit but the history behind the Goblin King and the Underground was fascinating.

The Goblin King, also known as the Lord of Mischief, was an interesting character. I didnt know if I was going to like him as a love interest at first but he was alright. Theres was just so much time spent on the music and not enough time spent developping his character that I didnt connect with him as much as I would have liked. I enjoyed the little bit of back story we got from him but I wanted more. Theres also some sexual content that I wasnt a big fan of.

I didnt like that Leisl put so much importance on sex and how she thought it could change who she is. I really appreciated that for once the main character was plain looking and not in the way were she doesnt think shes pretty but she really is. However, I still think beauty is a matter of personal preference. I could feel Liesls passion for music and her perspective gave me a new understanding and appreciation for music. I also felt her longing for her family. I could tell she really cared for them despite the sibling rivalry.

I wasnt sure why Hans chose to marry Kathe when it seemed like he cared more for Leisl since he gave her that red hood. I also dont know how the Queen was able to command the goblins to stop before they had consumated their marriage since the goblin said thats what the old law recognized. I liked the goblins Twig and Thistle even though Thistle wasnt very nice. Overall this was an enchanting tale that made me feel many emotions. Who knew Id love music and goblins so much.

Part of me wishes this wasn't a standalone but at the same time it couldn't have gone any other way. Recommend it for those who enjoy retellings but of lesser-known tales.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date: February 7, 2017
Rating: 3 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):


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.

What I Liked:


I know what you might be thinking: how did she not love this book to pieces? Why doesn't it say "5 stars", or at least "4 stars"? Believe me, I'm probably as surprised as you are. I fully expected to absolutely adore this book and gush about it after reading it. I expected to fall in love with a mesmerizing, seductive story; I didn't fall in love with the story, and (to me) it wasn't mesmerizing and seductive.

Liesl (short for Elisabeth) is the oldest of three children. She is the plainest child, the one most often forgotten. Her sister Kathe is beautiful, curvy, and flirtatious. Her brother Josef is a musical prodigy, playing the violin like no other. Liesl herself is a genius composer, but only Josef knows about the music in her soul. And it's a music that the Goblin King wants. No one believes in the Goblin King, save Liesl's grandmother... and Liesl herself. When she was a little girl, she used to be friends with him. Now she is older and no longer believes in her childhood fantasies. But when her sister is taken by the Goblin King, Liesl immediately strikes a bargain with him to get her out. In exchange for her sister's life, Liesl will marry the Goblin King and live in the Underground. She is no longer alive to the above world, and her family will soon forget she existed. In the Underground, Liesl is captivated by the Goblin King, whom she is slowly remembering that she has known him her entire life. As they grow closer, Liesl finds herself creating more music, and developing strong feelings for him. But nothing lasts forever, and a price must be paid. There are consequences for every action, and Liesl must decide what to sacrifice once and for all.

There are plenty of reasons to love this book, plenty of reasons why I understand the hype. For one, the writing is so beautiful. The author has a great writing style, and I love how wonderful the writing of this story was. Everything flowed idyllically, with a lull. The author has a talent for writing, and it shows, in her debut novel.

I'm not really familiar with the fairy tale on which the author based this story, or Labyrinth. However, I can tell that this is a retelling of a fairy tale. The story in general is so interesting. It has a Hades and Persephone feel to it (but more romantic, sort of). The world-building is well-written; I was expecting a lot of fantastical elements, and goblins of course, and there is a lot of all of that. Goblins, changelings, magic, twisted words, bargains... this story has it all.

Liesl goes through quite a transformation, in this book. Part of why she was willing to go down in the Underground with the Goblin King was because she wanted to be loved and wanted, for the first time in her life. She once believed she was plain and unr markable; by the end of the book, she has more self-worth, and she thinks more of herself. She is so selfless throughout the book, and by the end, she still has that soft heart, but she is also a stronger woman.

The Goblin King - I almost wish we could have read from his perspective. He is an enigma and a puzzle, and we slowly learn about him as the story goes on. I liked him, but I wasn't entranced by him (like many other readers were). I can understand the fascination with him, but he didn't come across as anyone special (more on this in the next section). I did like him though.

The romance is hot and cold. Liesl and the Goblin King clash and burn and simmer. They push and pull, and so there are scenes in which there is some serious heat, and then there are scenes in which they don't even want to look at each other. This book has content that is definitely "mature" and not for younger teens.

I'll talk about the ending in the next section. Overall though, I get the hype. Really, I do. And I think this is a well-written fantasy story with a great pairing and a sweeping tale. But maybe it was just me - I didn't fall in love with the story.

What I Did Not Like:


Maybe the book was over-hyped for me? I felt a little disappointed, even as I was reading. I was waiting for that OMG-THIS-IS-SO-GOOD moment, in which I knew I would be gushing for days about the book. I still haven't quite hit that point.

My irritation started with the beginning of the story - I hated Kathe. She's beautiful, selfish, and so, so spoiled. She only thinks of herself (though we see, as the story goes on, that that is not quite true). She is shallow and I honestly felt bad for Liesl for having to deal with her. But Liesl is a selfless sister, as sisters are.

I think I'm most disappointed in the romance - I wasn't all that convinced and sucked into the romance. Don't get me wrong, I shipped Liesl and the Goblin King. I can see why people think the romance is seductive and sensual. But I was... unimpressed? Maybe I was expecting more when people were like "oh the romance is so gritty and dark and sexy". It wasn't? The story takes a darker turn after the halfway point, and I suppose this book is a little sexier than any given Young Adult novel, but I didn't think it was particularly sexy.

Maybe it's because I have read so many adult romance novels and I know what a sexy romance in a story really is? How sexy seduction can actually be, in a fictional story? I'm not sure. But the romance was underwhelming in terms of the chemistry. Don't get me wrong! It's still a fairly sensual romance and there are a few hot scenes between Liesl and the Goblin King! I personally was unimpressed though.

All of their hot and cold was a little annoying too, to be honest. I didn't really understand their physical relationship either. At one point, it was like Liesl wanted the Goblin King to have sex with her to "fix" her. Is sex something that "fixes" people? Maybe it is, but in this book, it seemed so weird that sex was what unlocked Liesl's music. That seemed nonsensical. But hey, maybe I'm missing something that was part of the original story or fairy tale.

In terms of the Goblin King himself - he seemed somewhat one-dimensional. I understand that the story is all about Liesl's transformation, but I couldn't get a good enough sense of the Goblin King. We learn about him so, so slowly, and most of the time, it's like he's a piece of meat to Liesl, or something like that. He's the most interesting character of the book, but I feel like he is reduced to his height and his smiles.

Also, is it me or did the plot kind of meander? I couldn't really get a sense of where the story was going, after a point. So Liesl makes the deal with the Goblin King and she is now in the Underground and married to him. Okay? What's next - how they fall in love and ride off into the sunset? There was no "larger" plot at hand. You'd think there would be some impending doom, like the world ending, or the laws of the magical world being broken, or goblins escaping into the above world. But nope, the rising action and the climax are incredibly underwhelming. Where was the story going? I'm not sure.

So maybe the pacing was off, for me? Because it felt like the story meandered and went nowhere, and then BAM! Liesl has a choice to make, in the last 5% of the book (or thereabout). The climax occurs in the last 5% or so, which makes no sense. The ending was a slap in the fast, in terms of how it just showed up, with little explanation or execution.

The ending! The ending is so anticlimactic, underwhelming, and horrible! Horrible meaning cruel, though I saw it coming. What was the point? What was the point of the entire story? WHY was that allowed? What are the consequences? It happened in the past - how? Why? What came after? I had so many questions after I read the end of the book. The end literally makes no sense, and we get no explanation as to why it was allowed, what the consequences were, what the "aftermath"was.

Not to mention that the ending is so cruel and not a HEA. Every book doesn't have to end in sunshine and rainbows but... with a romance like this one? Color me disappointed that this book didn't end differently. There are so many ways the author could have ended this book. She choose the easy, predictable, and cruel way.

Unfortunately this book has left me with a feeling of dissatisfaction.

Would I Recommend It:


It's hard for me not to recommend this book, because it is a beautifully written, well-crafted story. And so many people have loved it. But I was unimpressed. I can appreciate the author's writing and the story and what she was going for, but the execution fell a little flat for me. However, I think anyone who was looking forward to reading this book should give it a chance. It could be me and my mood - or it could be the fact that I've read so many beautifully written, sexy romance novels that are the definition of "seductive" and "sensual". Then again, this book was underwhelming and not just in terms of the romance/chemistry, for me.

Rating:


3.5 stars -> rounded down to 3 stars. I hate to rate this book so low - though admittedly, 3 stars isn't super low. I so thought this book would be perfect for me - fantasy, fairy tale retelling, delicious romance. I was a little disappointed, but I'm most likely in the black sheep camp. I see the author is writing a companion novel - honestly, if the story doesn't feature Liesl and the Goblin King in some (happy) capacity, then I'm not sure I'm interested in the companion novel. I really don't want to read about Kathe. Josef, maybe? Really, I want more Liesl and the Goblin King.

**EDIT: I've learned that the sequel is a continuation one (and not a companion one). Yay! This doesn't change my rating, but it makes me feel better about the story, and I will definitely be reading the sequel.

I absolutely loved Wintersong. It was a beautiful story with such darkness and mystery. It was a dark fantasy romance and for once, it didn’t contain a vampire or a werewolf or the fae.. instead, it was a retelling of Labyrinth, complete with goblins! The heroine wasn’t beautiful and naive, but was instead more cunning and talented. She did not melt at the attention of men or even the Goblin King, desperate for attention, even thought she sometimes wanted to. I loved Liesl and her story.

Wintersong was gorgeous and lyrical, full of suspense and romance. I hate to give too much of the plot away, but it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it and devoured it quickly. I love dark romances and I thought the book delivered exactly what I wanted with a ton of twists and turns.

I will say that I have not seen Labyrinth, so I have nothing to compare it to. I don’t know how much was changed or what the differences are. That also means I had no expectations, so I was able to fully immerse myself in the book. If you have really high expectations as a result of loving the movie, since it appears to have quite the cult following, I can’t comment on whether it’s a decent retelling. Otherwise, I highly recommend the book.

Wintersong is a magical YA fantasy that delivered a unique retelling I didn’t know I wanted.

Time did not stop for anyone, least of all me, but in that moment of our kiss, I found a little pocket of eternity.


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Wintersong is one of those books I worked really hard to get-trying every avenue and applying for every little ARC and giveaway until I got my hands on it. And, while I’m extremely pleased I got it, I can’t help but wish for more.

I’ll be honest and say I have no clue what to rate this book. On one hand, I loved the writing, the atmosphere,the absolutely amazing way the author described everything…but, on the other hand, there were moments when I was truly unhappy with the repetitive phrases (Ex: He was once again my austere young man, He wasn’t the austere young man, etc.), the lack of much plot (near the end), and the rather large focus on music.

I understood then what Constanze had meant when those doomed young ladies longed to hold on to him the way they yearned to grasp candle flame or mist. His beauty hurt, but it was the pain that made it beautiful. Yet it was not his strange and cruel beauty that moved me, it was the fact that I knew that face, that hair, that look. He was as familiar to me as the sound of my own music. This was the Goblin King.


NOW, hear me out-I don’t mind music in books-AT ALL-but, for quite a while, it felt like all the book had to offer. It based literally everything off their love of music, which is great, but then…not much else followed. For many, this may seem intriguing, and it was beautifully done, that’s for sure, but when the story doesn’t offer much else, I find it tends to bring me down-a lot.

In the world above, wishes were will-o-the-wisps: beautiful, but insubstantial and always just out of reach. Here in the Underground, will-o-the-wisps were very much real. Tricksy little creatures: sly, deceitful, but tangible. Touchable. My wishes had weight.


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That’s not to say I didn’t love parts-The opening was beyond words alluring, beautiful, and had me hooked from the moment I started. I didn’t quite grasp the first 35% per se, finding myself a bit lost at times, but I loved the direction it was going. And I must say, the end was my absolute favorite part of the whole story. There was romance, there was true love, or what I felt was the truest love of the book-besides sibling love-and a feeling so deep it drew tears to my eyes, even after battling over my true thoughts of this story.

His face was grave. “Are you willing to take that risk?”
An impossible choice. The life of my sister … or the fate of the world. I had thought my stakes were high, but I saw now that the Goblin King’s was even higher. “What will happen to you if I win?” I whispered.
A smile crossed his lips, but the corners were downturned, more sad than satisfied. “You know,” he said. “You’re the only one who’s ever asked.” Then he vanished in a swirl of wind and dead leaves.


So, as you can see, I’m lost as to what to rate this. Do I go lower because of my pensive thoughts throughout? The pondering over and over again on what exactly to think? Or do I stay higher knowing that, in the end, my heart was content, my mind extremely satisfied, and my curiosity squelched?

This was the immortality humans were meant to have: to be remembered by those who loved us long after our bodies had crumbled into dust.


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This book was heartbreaking. It was beautiful. Dark, sensuous, but sometimes lacking substance and the depth I craved. It could be a bit cold at times, and then all of a sudden lyrical and addicting.

I guess all in all…it had everything I ever ask for in a book-It wasn’t too heavy, even for non-fantasy readers, but where it shined in lyrical beauty, it lacked in making me feel for our main character. I don’t think I ever once connected with her like I did Kathe, her sister. She had a brighter personality, something to hold onto.

So here I am at the end of it all…and I can only deduce one thing: I both loved and hated this book. I know many people will love this story…I’m just stuck in that horrid in between-still very confused.

What a book to return to reviewing with! I think my emotions are still reeling, but I’ll do my best (as always) to try and put them into some sort of coherent thought.

Liesl has always been second to everyone in her life.  She walsys puts the needs of those around her above herself.  When her sister is taken from her by the Goblin King, Liesl agrees to take her place and become his bride.  In doing so, she learns so much about herself and the Goblin King.  In the end though, they’re forced to make a decision that could change them and their world forever.

This book destroyed me, but in the best way possible.

It was the book I needed to read right now.  I wasn’t expecting it to be, but it was.  There were a few issues I had with it, but overall, I really enjoyed it and I thought it was rather refreshing compared to many YA books out there.  It certainly doesn’t follow the usual tropes.

The plot moved slowly, but steadily.  I was expecting more to happen at the beginning.  I really loved Liesl, or Elizabeth as she’s later called, and the journey she takes.  There’s a true sense of self growth. Her sister, Käthe, and brother, Josef, were great supporting characters for her and really shape who she is–until she meets the Goblin King.  The Goblin King. I wanted more of him.  We see glimpses of his back story and why he is the way he is, but in the end, his story is a bit unresolved.

In terms of categorizing this book, Liesl is 19/20 years old and some scenes are rather strong in subject matter for a YA.  I can see how they get away with it, but still.

That ending.  THAT ENDING.

That ending was the source of my destruction.  But, like I said, in the best possible way.  I kept expecting a different scenario to occur, but I was proven wrong in the end.

What I loved about this was it touched upon the idea that people come into our lives for a reason.  They change us and make us who we are — for better or worse.  I love that the author was brave enough to explore this when many often stray from that.  Sometimes a happy ending isn’t the type you wanted, but the type you needed.

I'd like to start this review with a story: I first saw Labyrinth sitting in my bunk bed on an Air Force Base in Afghanistan. One of my best friends on deployment was obsessed with the movie and was appalled that I'd never seen it! I remember sitting on my bed wondering what in the hell I was even looking at on my laptop screen. Still, something about Labyrinth hooked me. Even though the puppets are bizarre, the music is weird, and Sarah is annoying, the character of Jareth has always fascinated me. When I found out about Wintersong and realized that the Goblin King was going to get a romance, I had to have it!

Wintersong is unique because, while it is a retelling of the Goblin King and does sort of feel like Labyrinth, it is an entirely new story. The main character is Liesl and, instead of trying to rescue a baby brother, she is trying to rescue her sister Käthe. In order to retrieve her sister, Liesl must agree to marry the Goblin King and stay with him Underground. But of course, there wouldn't be much of a story if things didn't become a bit more complicated than a quick marriage.

Let me be clear, I loved every character in this book. Liesl is the ugly sister, the plain one who has only ever wanted to compose music. She's insecure and unsure of everything about herself and I identified with her so hard! I loved her unsteady strength and independence and her relationship with her siblings. But even more than I loved Liesl, I loved the Goblin King.

He remained mysterious all the way until the end, but I loved it. I have always had a thing for love interests who are a little hard to pin down and the Goblin King certainly kept his secrets. Although he has a distinct character apart from the Goblin King of the film, I pictured him as having (younger) Jareth traits and it made the reading experience that much more fun (for me, at least). His story did become more clear towards the end, but I feel like there is still a lot that could be learned about the Goblin King and I'm really hoping for another book!

I've seen some mixed opinions on the actual romance of Wintersong, but I have to say that I loved that too! The relationship between Liesl and the Goblin King was tense and a little angsty and their romance was definitely a slow burn. The Goblin King has his own past to contend with, while Liesl is trying to figure out what it is that she wants. I am not usually one to enjoy slow burn, angsty romance, but this one was sweet and perfect.

Although this is marketed as YA and the main character certainly fits that category, Wintersong didn't necessarily feel like a young adult book. The writing was heavy and lyrical and, while the romance isn't quite to the level of Sarah J. Maas, there were (thankfully) some bits that you might not find in a typical young adult book. I felt like Wintersong combined the best of both worlds. The ending of this book is also not as clean cut as you may be used to. I've seen that some people didn't love the way it wrapped up, but it definitely left me wanting more!

I expected to love Wintersong when I was granted a review copy (thank you, Netgalley!) and I was not disappointed. This is already at the top of my 2017 reads list and I am anticipating that it will stay in my top five. I honestly can't say anything negative! If you're a Labyrinth fan, this is definitely the book for you! Even if you've never seen Labyrinth, though, I think Wintersong is a book that any fantasy lover will enjoy.

Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones is exactly the sort of book you want to read on a deep, dark winter night while snow is falling steadily. Once I saw the cover and read the summary for this book, I could not resist reading it. I opened it up on my Kindle and as expected, the pages just kept turning and turning themselves until I had finished the book. Wintersong is quite a gorgeous read, and if you’re a fan of imagery I think you’re going to love it.

S. Jae-Jones’s Wintersong follows main character Liesl, a young woman who composes music and loves her family so deeply. Liesl opens the book hanging out in this part of the forest near her home called the Goblin Grove. There, she has promised a boy who is a little bit odd that she will marry him someday. The two play all the time and so, she thinks it is just a game.

Flash forward and Liesl and her family who own an inn are all aflutter. Dad’s friend is this famous musician and he’s come to audition Liesl’s little brother, Josef for an apprenticeship. This could pull their family out of poverty. Meanwhile, Liesl’s sister is about to marry Liesl’s crush, Hans. But then, her sister disappears and is pulled into the world of the Goblin King aka that boy that Liesl promised to marry. And so, it’s up to Liesl to save her sister and sacrifice herself instead.

Liesl makes an admirable protagonist for Wintersong. I mean, she’s not portrayed as a great beauty like her sister. However, she’s got value. She cares more for her family than herself. She loves her sister and brother with all her heart and will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety and happiness. Outside the realm of her family, Liesl has a gift for composition. So, of course this is an overture that we see again and again threaded throughout the story. Her music skills do come into play and have a good reason for being a part of Liesl’s character. I’ll leave it at that.

As for the romantic lead, the Goblin King is not really a whole lot like the Goblin King in Labyrinth, Jareth. He’s a bit more serious. He’s also not the first to take on the role of Goblin King. In fact, you might see him as a bit of a doomed character. Alas, it is up to Liesl to figure out just what his origin story is, while also falling in love with him. Meanwhile, she’s also trying desperately to figure out if there’s any way for her to live and reunite with her family.

Probably the single element besides the music that I liked best about Wintersong was the portrayal of family. Sure, Liesl’s family isn’t perfect. Her dad is an alcoholic. Her mom is, well, she tries, but she’s so practical. Liesl’s grandmother, Constanze gets the whole Goblin thing and tries to protect the family but because she’s old, the family ignores her. The bond between Liesl, Josef and their sister (I am blanking on her name, I think it’s Katya or something, ahhh) is strong. I mean, Liesl is the glue. So, when she disappears into the Goblin Grove and into the Goblin world, it makes sense that her siblings are trying their hardest to hang onto their memories of her and hopefully to save her as she has saved them over and over and over. I truly loved reading this bond.



I loved that the setting in this book was Austria while Mozart was around. Also, I am so so bad on years, but it’s not a time I often get to read about when reading historical fantasy. I loved that this world allows for the existence of people of color as well as gay people. The strong role of music within this book is also not something to be discounted, especially if you enjoy reading books with music as a main theme. I also really enjoyed the doomed feeling of the romance. I think if you’re looking for a darker sort of romance where it doesn’t wrap up so neatly, you’ll be into Wintersong.

Nineteen-year-old Elisabeth (Liesl) Vogler has always been the protector of her younger siblings Käthe and Josef. She helps out her parents in a Bavarian Inn. Although she is the oldest, Käthe is prettier. Liesl creates music with her brother but because she is a girl, it is frowned down upon. During an audition, Käthe is kidnapped.

Liesl plays by the Lord of Mischief's rules and tries to save Käthe but the The Goblin King makes it quite difficult. Through a labyrinth of rounds, Liesl tries to outsmart The Goblin King but finds out it's a lose-lose situation. In an exchange for Käthe's freedom and to save the world from eternal winter, Liesl makes the sacrifice to take Käthe's place. A life for a life. A hand in marriage. However, that's not the only thing Liesl sacrificed.

Liesl puts her family before her. Her sacrifice is for the greater good. Unlike her sister who is fickle and a dreamer, Liesl is quick thinking, determined and is selfless. The Goblin King is very mysterious. Although he cares fondly about Liesl, he doesn't play by any rules. He doesn't make any promises because after all he is the Lord of Mischief. He is a very interesting and complex character and I would love to know more about his backstory. Twig and Thistle are quite the pairing. Both are attendants of Liesl when she is in the Underworld. They are blunt but they mean well. However, you can never fully trust goblins.

Wintersong is a dark yet lyrical fantasy novel. It's beautifully written. S. Jae-Jones writes a novel showcasing the power of love, music, the soul and freewill. You can hear the transcendent music resonate throughout the novel. S. Jae-Jones does a fantastic job creating a world which reminds me a little a bit of the The Labyrinth, "Little Red Riding Hood" and the Greek myth about Persephone. German folklore of the "Der Erlkönig" is also woven into this novel. I can even hear "Mein Herr" from Cabaret.

Wintersong teeters on the cusp of being Young Adult and New Adult. I would suggest teens 16 years and older to pick up this novel due to the sexual content in this book. I found that Liesl lusted after The Goblin King throughout the book which I fond very awkward and slightly disturbing. She pines for him all the time and cannot refrain herself. The pacing of the novel slowed down toward the second half of the book.

Wintersong is exquisite in every sense and it's definitely a book to read slowly and savor. If you're looking for a quick read, you might want to skip this one. If you're a reader who loves gorgeously written prose, this is a book for you! I highly suggest this novel to those who are entranced by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Caraval and The Star-Touched Queen.

For a magical experience, listen to the Edward Scissorhands soundtrack when reading Wintersong. It will give you goosebumps!

Liesl grew up on tales of the Goblin King. Tales spun by her grandmother and built on an old system of beliefs Leisl's own parents have long snubbed.

But when Liesl's own sister is taken by the Goblin King himself, she realizes the tales are all too true. Now it's up to her to sacrifice everything to save her beloved sister. But how can she outwit the ultimate trickster, much less one intent on finding and keeping a bride?

S. Jae-Jones combines elements of Labyrinth and the Persephone myth in her masterfully unique debut. But she turns both on their heads, basing it in an actual historical setting - well an actual historical setting for the pieces that take place in the "real" world, that is. And it's pretty cool, as well. Steeped in historical Austrian culture and music, the story makes use of folklore with a definite David Bowie leaning.

Liesl is the daughter of husband and wife innkeepers/musicians. But her father has long given over his own talent in lieu of the bottom of a bottle. Now the family fame and fortune rests squarely on the shoulders of Liesl's little brother, who is set to audition for a musician of extraordinary talent.

But Liesl has her own musical aspirations. Aspirations she keeps under lock and key and secret from everyone except her brother. Her hidden talents are what the Goblin King thirsts after. As it turns out (we learn in the prologue but it takes Liesl some time to remember), Liesl has known the Goblin King since she was a child.

But the Goblin King is a trickster. Liesl is the one he wants, but takes her sister as bait.

The imagery in Wintersong is amazing! The Underworld is at once beautiful and creepy, as evidence by the far away vs close looks at the decorations in Liesl's own chambers there. And again, the Goblin King is a trickster. But he allows Liesl herself to see the truth of things, increasing the horrors of the world tenfold.

For someone who grew up watching Labyrinth, the idea of a sort of Labyrinth retelling is awesomely appealing, but with understandable reservations. Readers, I have to say that S. Jae-Jones does the world and the legend justice, all the while making it 100% her own!

Wintersong is chillingly cool with just the right blend of dark fantasy and steamy romance to appeal to a broad audience.

A beautiful, lyrical story full of music. It is at the core about love, self, griwth and sacrifice. I loved it and was sad when it ended. The writing built the varued places with great skill and each character is deep, full of flaws and strength.

At 60% into this book, it hit me: this story is remarkably similar to The Star-Touched Queen but with a thousand references to classical music thrown in. While neither of these things are inherently bad, I have to say I never had any intention of <i>rereading</i> The Star-Touched Queen, nor do I have much interest in music. This book was simply a bad fit for me.

3.5 stars

This book is a riddled tale that is both intriguing and convoluted. It is like climbing a mountain where you see the peak and when you get there, it isn't the summit and it is only the final pages where questions are answered and things mostly make sense.

The man without a name, Der Erlkönig, the Goblin King, is the star of this show. He's elusive, inviting, mean-spirited and a lost soul. The timelessness of his nature is rather confusing and I suspect my own words in this review are slightly confusing as a result. However, I constantly wanted to know more about him, how he came to be, why he wanted Elizabeth and what his role in the underworld and the world above was.

Elizabeth, Leisl was also a great character. The sensible young woman within her family, understated and brushed-over. Yet, she had caught the eye of Der Erlkönig. I longed for a life of satisfaction and blossoming for Elizabeth.

This book left me somewhat unsatisfied with a sense of lack of completion and many questions about what could have been and what could happen later. The story was a little too elusive in narrative but the characters were so well developed. I enjoyed this but I wanted more.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley in return for an honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.