Ever Winter

Source: NetGalley/ Podium Audio

My Thoughts:

The Post Apocalypse Thriller, EVER WINTER, narration by Dan Stevens, is the first book that I have read by Peter Hackshaw, and I look forward to reading more of his works.

One of my favorite books to read are survival stories, so it’s not surprising that I thoroughly enjoyed reading EVER WINTER, a tale filled with love, loss, courage, strength, revenge, and a willingness to survive against overwhelming odds, be it the elements or the worst of humanity.

As a horror fan and one of the revenge stories, I love the books mentioned within and Henry’s interpretation of each in relation to his circumstance at various points in the novel.

About:

‘Henry and his family have managed to survive on the tundra of what was once a vast ocean, far from the savage remnants of humanity. When the family is discovered, their peaceful existence is shattered, and their lives are changed forever.’

Overall – 5.0/5.0 Stars
Performance – 5.0/5.0 Stars
Story – 5.0/5.0 Stars


Thank you, NetGalley and Podium Audio, for loaning me an Audiobook of EVER WINTER in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Scheduled To Release – January 26, 2021 (Subject To Change)

Audiobook performed by Dan Stevens. He was awesome. Every character was believable and I didn’t struggle with any part of it.
This reminded me of Water World in the sense that no one could be trusted. The crazy people were in charge and it was dire situations. Survival was everyone’s goal.
I thought it was well done and I loved the bonus chapters offered at the end. A great Sci-fi book. I highly recommend this and I hope there’s a book two.
Thanks Podium Audio via Netgalley for this audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my review.

Really great story!! I really loved it. When Henry's parents where killed oh how I wanted to cry! (that bit won't be published) wil definitely be reading more by this author and the narrator was fantastic too!

Anyone who knows me knows I love me some post-apocalyptica.

This one is decades after the world ends and everything is frozen and cold. I don't usually love the way many authors writing speculative fiction use language (i.e. making up weird words to emulate swears, etc.) but the language here was a beautiful and seemingly organic mix of a bunch of different languages that felt completely authentic. Especially considering how language does change and grow.

The characters were great; I got big The Road vibes from the father and Henry, and while the rest of the family did feel a bit under-developed throughout, Henry felt like a real person. Henry's relationship with Hepburn was excellent and I thought it was a nice touch; I'd never considered what AI would be like years and years after an apocalypse that sent humans back to the stone age.

Henry's sisters unfortunately suffered from being plot points, as did the few other female characters; I think they were there only so Henry could have his hero's journey and try to be a saviour. They and their obstacles were just tropes from start to finish.

The third act happened all at once and was kind of tricky to follow but the outcome was really good and it made me wish this were a series.

The narrator of the audiobook is Dan Stevens and I have not been giving him enough credit for his acting skills, apparently. His narration absolutely made the book for me.

Ultimately, this is a great addition to my favourite genre; a pleasure to listen to, compelling, and thoughtfully put together.

I received a copy of this audiobook for free from NetGalley and Podium Audio in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

Wow.
This is quite an impressive debut novel. Ever Winter is a sci-fi/horror survival tale set in a harsh post-apocalyptic future. There' is an abundance of action, scares, and gross-out moments to hold your attention but the underlying themes of family, tragedy, loss, friendship, and hope will keep you invested in the characters.

I loved the unique dialogue choices and the author's linguistic inventiveness reminded me of Anthony Burgess.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this audiobook. Dan Stevens' euphonious voice and skilled narration really brings the story to life.

Thanks to Podium Audio, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest feedback.

Unique combination of horror and sci-fi, with shades of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and even Charles Dickens.

Peter Hacksaw portrays a bleak future where the entire world is covered in layers of ice and snow. Cannibalism has become commonplace, and the only law is lawlessness. In the far north of this extreme environment hides a family, struggling hard to fend for themselves and stay hidden from those who would do them harm.

I don't frequently find myself wishing for any book to be a 'series', but I actually found myself wanting to know more about how the world came to be the barren wasteland that is portrayed. While the past is alluded to, I would love to have some 'fleshing out' of the calamities that brought this world about.

There is a moment in the middle of the book, and you'll know it when you get there, when the tone and trajectory of the book changes. It caught me off guard, but I have to admit that it actually works pretty well, and the resulting novel is definitely worth a read by fans of all genres.

I love just about love anything post apocalyptic. I was really excited when I saw the premise on this book.

Then I was able to get an advance copy of the audio book which made me even more excited.

I really loved this take on the way Hacksaw combined the harsh primitive post apocalyptic life and it still ran up against technology from the previous world.

It did take me a while to feel attached to any of the characters but I also think that it helped that detached feeling about the harsh world they were in.

I thought it had wonderful twists and turns and some moments that I totally was not expecting.

If you're in to audio books I loved the person who did the narrating on this one too.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC/Audio book in exchange for my honest review

Mad Max on Ice. I mean, that's essentially what it is, in the best way possible. It takes place in a world of "ever winter," a few generations after an instantaneous freeze wiped out the majority of humanity, leaving the scrappy few to survive. Henry and his family (parents and numerous younger siblings) have found a way to fend for themselves, building their own homestead out in the middle of the ice, away from the strange quasi-society of the "favela" nearby. One day, their peace and isolation is ruined, and Henry is left on his own to survive and get vengeance. Cue the perfectly executed Hero's Journey and coming of age story.

I thought this book was a great foray into science fiction/fantasy for those (like me) who don't normally like that genre. It was normal book-length, not 50293848 pages like those books usually are, and had just the right amount of desolation, dystopia, and drama to reel in any reader. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Dan Stevens - and boy! does that guy have a future in audiobook narration. He made all of the characters come alive and gave them each a perfectly fitting personality.

I loved the first two-thirds of the book. I thought the character development was really strong, and I loved seeing Henry grow and change as a character, especially in his Rocky-training-montage moments. I became very endeared to Hepburn, Henry's supernatural aide (if you're following along the Hero's Journey steps) and Panthera as well. The ending fell a bit flat for me. I didn't think it merited the hype leading up to it, but it's not easy to create an epic battle when you don't have the hundreds of epic pages to preface it - basically, it's no Lord of the Rings.

I overall really enjoyed this book, especially Dan Stevens's narration. I would recommend it to any fan of the SFF genre or anyone wanting to dip their toes in. Thank you to the publisher for the audio ARC via Netgalley!

Listening to this audiobook truly pulled me into the story. On a post apocalyptic frozen earth where a family is surviving on their own away from all other humans I shivered imagining the cold that enveloped them. They survived on fish, seals, birds or even humans if one was found nearby that had not died from illness because "meat is meat." Food was scarce and you did what you had to. After collecting the meat from a man they had found near their home who had been stabbed and not been dead long. A stranger showed up in their home asking if they had seen his friend. This visit is the catalyst that spins Henry, the oldest son, and his world out of control. After reluctantly letting the stranger leave their home alive the family must leave their igloo home and travel to find anther location to stay safe. Unfortunately, the stranger comes back pulling Henry's family apart and leaving Henry to greive and plot revenge. The narrorator brings the characters of Henry and his sisters alive in such a way that you feel that you get to know them. The characters are so well written that you can feel what they feel and imagine what they are going through. The foes that Henry must go up against are ruthless and cold. Just as one would imagine the worst of humanity that would rear it ugly head to dominate the remnants of human life. This audiobook pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. I can't wait to see what more this author has in store!

I was drawn to this novel for the cover, then the plot sounded interesting and then I found out the audio version is read by Dan Stevens. Absolutely listen to this book on audio because Dan Stevens is an amazing narrator and he definitely brings the story to life with his various voices for the different characters. If he read the dictionary I would still be intrigued and hanging on every word, but the story was interesting so he just elevated it with his talents. Henry goes through so much on this journey throughout the novel. If you are into epic adventures with a little bit of suspense you will love Ever Winter.

In his debut novel Peter Hackshaw takes readers to a world where the latest Ice age has taken over the Earth:

Earth has become a desolate place of snow and ice; only those with the strongest will be them human or animal will survive. Henry and his family have been able to survive on the tundra by themselves, never interacting with other people. That changes when a stranger enters their home, a predator who is only looking to take. This starts a new journey for Henry and his family as they have one more threat they need to deal with in order to survive.

Loved this book and what made it even more great was that this is Hackshaw’s debut novel. This was a dark dystopian read but also a coming of age story. I feel like Hackshaw was able to tell an interesting and harrowing story that will have you wanting to read this book in one sitting. It really does grab a hold of you from the very beginning and just a warning there is some darker events and images within this book that very much fit the time that it is placed in.

I have not read any dystopian books where it is the next ice age we are fighting for survival of the human species with. I liked that Hackshaw understood that the greatest enemy in this world, probably other than the cold, are Humans and that humans turn to baser needs when faced with challenges, like “Meat is meat” and you have to be some form of brutal to survive. Henry and his family are surviving on ice in the traditional Inuit way (even though I am pretty sure they are Scandinavian in descent), which I found very interesting. I cannot comment on whether how they hunted or built their home as accurate, but it sounded to me like Hackshaw did some research to authenticate these aspects of the the story.

Henry is a great character who you root for throughout the book. The book is mainly told from his POV but we do get some chapters from his sisters every once in awhile as events of the book unfolds. I liked that it is mainly told from his point of view and does not jump around too much as this makes you as the reader become invested in him and his struggle, both mentally and physically.

There are few things that were stretching it a bit with the fantasy aspect, like guns still being able to work and things like that, but we do not know when the ice age hit the Earth so there could have been some extra technology that was created to make guns and certain electronic equipment come to life after many decades. Also I am not sure about the Cave aspect that is introduced later in the book, I'm not sure if it is needed or if Hackshaw is setting something up for a later date but it just felt out of place with everything out going on in the story.

This was a great read and something different for my in the dystopia genre. Hacksahw told an interesting story, that could ring true, who knows when we are due for the next Ice Age. I highly recommend this book for those who are looking for something a bit different in the dystopia genre coupled with a coming of age story with darker aspects. I look forward to seeing what Hackshaw comes up with next, I hope it is another journey.

Enjoy!!!

devastating apocalypse? Sign me up!
This book really held my attention. I wished the narrator was a little different but oh well! The story is what got me. This is such an interesting story. With a amazing writing and great characters!

🎧 I admit that I was a little lost at the beginning of the book. Shoulda read the summary 😆

Read the summary! This is a future frozen world where a family chose to live in the boondocks. The evil king & his minions kill Henry’s parents & baby brother & kidnap his 3 sisters & leave him for dead.

This is where it got good for me. Revenge & other tropes but tropes I enjoy. I loved Henry’s character development. I loved his 2 partners in crime. All of the characters felt believable. A story I enjoyed! Great narration. I’d definitely listen to book 2.

NetGalley provided me with this audiobook. Thank you, loved it! Audible won’t let me review it but there’s also one on Amazon & Litsy under Twainy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

I really liked this book. It did start out a bit slow but it worked for the storyline. This being the author's first novel makes me want to keep an eye out for future books.

The Earth is covered in a thick blanket of ice. The modern world ended nearly 100 years ago. Some humans manage to stay alive in the constant cold. The world is a brutal place. The killing cold. The killing wildlife. The murderous survivors. Henry and his family manage to survive, scavenging what they can to keep living. Then they find a dead man in the snow....and things change for them forever.
This is a brutal, but totally mesmerizing post-apocalyptic tale of revenge. Hackshaw pulls no punches. This is not a story for the squeamish. From cannibalism to animal attacks, this story is gritty and gory at times, but realistic. Modern sensibilities don't fit a planet that has been encased in ice for 100 years. The humans who are left survive the only way they can....as do the polar bears and other animals that have managed to live through the permanent hard freeze of the planet.

I found this book hard to listen to a few times....graphic scenes. But, I kept going because I wanted to know the whole story! Glad I did....on the whole, the story is quite good!

I listened to the audio book version of this story. I'm finding I enjoy suspense/thriller type stories much better in audio. Narrated by Dan Stevens, the audio is just under 10 hours long. Stevens is a superb narrator. He brought the characters and the story to life!

Very enjoyable listen!

**I voluntarily listened to a review copy of this audio book from Podium Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

I received an audio copy of Ever Winter from NetGalley for review. I was sold by Dan Stevens’ narration alone. I enjoy post-apocalyptic stories and this was a very unique addition to the genre. Generations after an apocalyptic event/freeze, Henry and his family are surviving in the ever winter of the north. They live a solitary existence until a stranger appears one day and sets off a series of events that changes the course of their lives. Just when you think the story is going one way, it veers off in different directions, always keeping you guessing. Very well done!

Ever Winter is a great revenge story that starts slow but engages with the gritty realism of its wintry post-apocalyptic dystopian setting.

I rarely pick up post-apocalyptic dystopian as my sub-genre of choice. In this case, I've to admit the narrator being Dan Stevens made a whole lot of difference. Fortunately, I was not disappointed in the least, both in the performance and quality of the story.

Ever Winter is a revenge story that is filled with brutality and violence, but also a lot of heart. Set in the future where perpetual winter covers the world, the story is mainly told from the perspective of a young man, Henry, who lived with his family in an igloo homestead on the 'Lantic (which I take it to mean The Atlantic ocean completely frozen over). Based on what I could gather from the narrative, this cold spell has lasted for about 100 years and life was difficult and harsh in the vast cold landscape where food is scarce.

When I say this book was brutal, I meant it in every sense of the word. Right from the very first chapter, we saw our main protagonist and his father carving up the dead body of a man as meat for the family to consume as food. Hackshaw did not pull any punches in portraying the grim reality of what life would be in a frozen world. The author has also created a very believable post-apocalyptic setting from the way that language has evolved to the mannerisms of speech and words used by the surviving people who became the new generation. Items from the time before the world was frozen over were also referred to as 'anteeks'. It was so paradoxical for while life seemed more primitive in this world, those items were considered as part of the old world even though it's technologically more advanced.

Shortly into the story, it was revealed that there was a bigger community of people living elsewhere when a stranger suddenly appeared in Henry's home; a stranger that heralded darker times to come for him and his family. I couldn't really say much more without spoilers. What I could say was that I really enjoyed it even though it took me about a third of the story before I became engrossed. The book took its time in the beginning to introduce its key characters, which I've always appreciated as this will only make me feel more invested later.

There was a section leading towards the midway point of the book which had me on tenterhooks. One scene here had me squirming so badly even before what was implied actually happened, as the very thought of it was horrifying. I also didn't expect the direction the narrative took after this part, and it started to become pretty darn fantastic. This marked the point where I found myself utterly hooked and invested in everything that was unfolding in the story. I have to stay vague so that it will not ruin the pleasant surprise that I felt at what transpired, and which eventually resulted in such an emotional beat for me at the end.

Now, as this is an audiobook review I have to talk about Dan Stevens' narration. As I've mentioned above, his narration was the biggest draw for me to listen to this book as he is one of my favourites. For a very good reason, as his ability to voice characters and imbuing the right personality into them is one the best in the audiobook business (that he's also an incredibly versatile actor is besides the point - ahem). The clarity of his enunciation made it so easy to listen and catch every single word. I could listen to that voice and accent all day, everyday. Hackshaw has written a great story with distinctive characters, and Stevens' stellar and nimble performance on audio made it even better. One more thing to note is that the audiobook also has two bonus chapters, which was not in the Kindle edition.

I do believe fans of a good revenge story will enjoy Ever Winter, although one does need to contend with a slow burn in the beginnning. It is also worth bearing in mind that there are some scenes in here which are unremittingly brutal and violent. The frozen post-apocalyptic dystopian setting is also not for everyone, but whether this is right up your alley or not, I do recommend checking it out.

I'm not a fantasy-lover. Fairies and strange old men with tattered cloaks are not my jam, but the synopsis of Ever Winter by Peter Hackshaw leapt out at me despite being billed as a Fantasy/Sci-Fi.

The book follows Henry, our protagonist, living hundreds of years in the future while the world suffers through a perpetual ice-age.

Henry's world is turned upside-down when a stranger crosses his family's doorstep and he is forced to face another community trying to survive on the frozen earth.

I don't often cry in books, but this one had me weeping very early on. It's testament to Peter Hackshaw's intricate character development that I developed such a strong connection so quickly.

This book kept surprising me. The addition of strong post-apocalyptic elements including really inventive future technology as well as some really dark, almost horror elements, worked to create a really strong and emotional tale. One minute I was crying, the next I was cheering, and then I was gasping for air and staring horrified!

Amazingly all of these elements worked beautifully together, and instead of a messy, confused book I found it to be incredibly strong. The plot was inventive, the characters believable and the setting was harsh and haunting.

The narration of the audiobook by Dan Stevens was exceptional, and I was genuinely sad for this book to end! I would recommend this one to anyone craving a gritty and wholly unique dystopian tale with some familiar fantasy elements. It triggered memories of The Dark Tower series - one of the most epic tales in existence in my opinion - but equally as genre defying.

Thanks to Netgalley and Podium Audio for the audio ARC of this book!
Henry lives in a post-apocalyptic, world with his parents and 5 siblings. Out on the ice, above what used to be a thriving ocean teeming with life, they spend their days hunting for fish and discovering relics of a world long forgotten.

When a visitor comes to their home, Henry’s life is upended. With four of his siblings kidnapped, Henry swears to both save them and get vengeance on his family’s attackers.

This tale of revenge, love, and loss, narrated by Dan Stevens, is a gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

The Pros and Cons of Living During Ever Winter

Pros:
1. snow leopards who become your friend
2. ancient robots who are super handy in a crisis
3. that’s it.

Cons:
1. You only have access to one book for the first 15 years of your life (and that book is It, by Stephen King…but you don’t even know what a clown is).
2. It’s freaking cold all the time.
3. Sometimes you have to eat dead people to stay alive (seriously, like the first 10 minutes of the story has them eating a dead guy they found).
4. You can’t give a baby a name until you’re pretty sure they’re going to stay alive, because like I said above, it’s freezing all the time and there’s very little to eat.
5. Every adult except for your parents is a giant creep who wants to marry your pre-teen sisters.

Basically, living during Ever Winter would be a hard pass from me. Of course all of these points, even the cons, are what make this book so compelling. Dan Steven’s narration is spot-on; he makes even the most despicable characters come alive. And, gosh, was I rooting for Henry. He was dealt a pretty terrible hand. All I wanted was for him to get revenge on the King and his lackeys and make them pay.

TW: child/baby death, violence, child marriage

This was amazing on so many levels. The story was brilliant and so engrossing, I got really emotional with some of the deaths.. You could really imagine the story and get engrossed with it. I have read a lot of post- apocalypse books recently and this was up there with the best. This is my first exposure to this author but will not be my last.

Then we go onto the narration wow what a voice Dan Stevens gives to the story what a range of tones, you can really tell the drama training. I am now going to look for this narrator as well.

I was given a free copy by net galley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

I at first had a hardctinevwithbthus story it paints a bleak picture of humanity in an apocalyptic scenario with little to no information about how it happened.

I love post apocalypticstories they are a big favoritebut I'm used to more information on how the world devolved into that condition. The thought live moves on into the degree if existencewithoutany knowledgeofcthecwhy's and how is a bit hard to believe. However, setting that aside it is easy to settle into the world and it sets a dark tale fueled by revenge and retribution. The book is gripping and well written.

Set in a frozen post apocalyptic world, life is harsh and the book is just as harsh, it is gritty and gory and violent.

We follow Henry a young man, as he lives this harsh life with his family and then as he avenges them.

This is a future where there is no technology and the people are barbaric and the rules are basic and savage.

It is definitely not for the faint of heart, but I did enjoy it and the audiobook made it better. Narrated by Dan Stevens he did a really good job especially with the characters and the voices.

This is a suspenseful dystopian, revenge story with strong characters. My rating 4.5.

Henry is a teen raised with his younger sisters and brothers in a solitary family. His parents made a choice to go into the wilderness in the vast tundra, once an ocean, where they struggle to survive the perpetual winter. Henry’s father taught him to stay alive, scavenge, and provide food for the family. One day they found a recently dead body in the snow. They scavenged from the body as that is the way of the wild. This act led to another man showing up at their home while Henry and his father were out. They return to find the man charming the younger girls although their mother is cautious. Henry’s father sends the man on his way and warns the family that they need to relocate.

Henry, his sister Mary, and their father make a remarkable find of a supply ship frozen in the former ocean. Henry remains behind intent on opening a container. When he returns home, he finds the home on fire, his mother and infant son killed and his father dying. His siblings have been kidnapped and Henry swears to find and rescue them.

But what can a young boy do against a community led by brutal, evil men and women? His first attempt meets with failure and he is dragged out to the snow and left to die. Surprisingly, another young boy sneaks out to try to help. Then an android entity arrives to treat his injuries and bring him back to the ship to be nursed back to health. In the process, Henry is changed and trained to become a warrior who might be able to face the savage community where his sisters reside.

The story started just a bit slowly, but I was soon wrapped into Henry’s world and cheering for the family’s, specifically Henry’s, survival. I liked the AI companion and the other feline companion that Henry managed to befriend.

Peter Hackshaw created a fascinating, if brutal, world, and then added historic (to Henry but not the reader/listener) elements including a surprise vehicle. Admittedly the story is harsh with deprivation, violence, and evil. Some sensitive readers might be offended by some of the scenes. I cringed a few times but, overall, I appreciated the author’s ability to weave a tale of personal determination in a harsh world. I recommend this to readers who like dystopian and can handle the evil elements that might exist in a broken-down society. I would be interested in reading more by Mr. Hackshaw.

Audio Notes: Dan Stevens does an excellent job with the narration. He provides distinct voices and accents that fit the characters. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story and I would be glad to listen to more stories narrated by Mr. Stevens.

Source: 2021 NetGalley.

Interesting

I had to go back and look at my review of The Ice Lion because I felt like this book had a lot of the things that it was missing. Ever Winter did a good job of trying to explain what happened and referred to the generations that were gone allowing me to figure out what happened in a better way.

So, on the surface, Ever Winter is a story about a post-apocalyptic snowy/cold wasteland after another ice age. On the surface, it seems like it's going to be another Cli-Fi story, but it's so much more. It's a revenge story but also a story about growth.

The biggest thing that jumped out to me was the main antagonist. His character in general fits what you'd think of a slightly crazy person holding power via fear and fear alone. The funnier part to me was the accent and speech pattern that Dan Stevens went with. It reminded me a lot of King Julien from the Madagascar movies (who was a bit crazy and obsessed with being king as well) mixed a little bit with another character I can't put my finger on. While the random connection in my head with the kid's movies -- it didn't take away from the story but actually added to it. You could tell that he was not right and the way that he talked about and just reacted to things was helped by this accent/speech pattern.

The story itself was interesting but a few times it was a bit slow. I started this one near its release a while back - but put it down. I picked it back up and flew through the early scenes where we find out what happens to Henry. His training scenes and just overall growth was probably the best part of the whole story. Then it slowed down again (just when I thought it was going to pick up). Then, it sprinted towards the end. What I'm trying to say is that the action and fast-paced scenes seemed to ebb and flow with some slower scenes. It was okay but I was listening on a car ride and I almost turned it off because it was getting too slow.

Overall, Ever Winter was an interesting story with a lot more under the surface. It's a story of revenge, redemption, and learning from the past. Along with probably 10 other subplots woven in for good measure. Throw in the excellent narration from Dan Stevens and you have a book I enjoyed but didn't love.

Loved it! Creepy & chilling. Dan Stevens has one of the best voices for narrations, which is probably why he gets so much work lately. Definitely a perfect listen to curl up with during a winter storm.