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"It is the life of the crystal, the architect of the flake, the fire of the frost, the soul of the sunbeam. This crisp winter air is full of it." - John Burroughs, Winter Sunshine

the relative peace and quiet of Shyleholm is shattered by the traitorous attack of the Tyrans against the Argons. Ilyenna and her clan prepare themselves against any eventuality. during a raid, Ilyenna is fatally wounded but winter fairies come to her rescue, heal her and offer her a gift. Ilyenna is invited to become like them and to claim the title of Winter Queen but accepting such a proposition comes with a very heavy price...

adventure, fantasy and romance swirl through the pages of Amber Argyle's Winter Queen from beginning to end. the action and drama does not let up and they will keep the reader engaged all throughout the tale. like snowflakes, these elements fall lightly in some pages and heavily in others.

all of these take place in a world filled with well-drawn characters - both human and otherwise. some like Ilyenna, her father Clan Chief Otec, Otrok and Rone display heroism and are admirable in their courage, strength and sacrifice. others like Clan Chief Undon and his son Darrien are downright appalling in their greed, viciousness and bloodlust. there are spirits as well that appear early on in the book. their appearance might have been short but they leave a lasting impression on Ilyenna. as to the fairies, especially the winter ones, they are beautiful to behold but behind their physical attributes, there lies a hint of menace and danger.

another thing that caught my attention was how the author brought to the fore a very simple concept - Balance as exhibited by the opposing forces in nature and life in general. this theme is central to the whole story.

i also liked how Ilyenna, the main protagonist, matured as the story progressed.

overall, i enjoyed this novel because despite all that Ilyenna and the other clans endured from the Tyrans and Raiders, the story left me not with the chill of winter but with a good, warm feeling in the heart.