4.5/5 Stars

"Interesting, beautiful read"

I love the idea of witches. I mean, who wouldn't want to hex the idiot whose texting while weaving in and out of traffic? Or the ex who dumped you for someone with bigger boobs? And I've read a lot of witchy fiction and was curious to see Pevato's take on the theme. I was pleasantly surprised. The story follows the awakening of a normal girl turned witch, and a witch-hunter with a conscience. Pevato weaves a storyline that has everything a reader like me enjoys: forbidden romance, supernatural elements, coming-of-age, and mystery. Her writing voice is amazing and her descriptions are beautiful. I would definitely continue reading the series.Dani Fisher, Amazon Review

5/5 Stars

There are so many nice extras in this book (I have the print version), from the maps to the detailed character lists, character playlists so you can have a soundtrack as you go, plus beautiful page breaks of snowflakes and blowing snow. The story is quite special too. P. M. Pevato has given us a wonderful start to an interesting YA series about witches and magic that takes place within a frosty, isolated setting that only enhances the mood. In fact, I kept getting a neat Twin Peaks/Northern Exposure meets Charmed vibe as I read. Since I enjoyed this first book, I look forward to continuing adventures with the Ice Born, the Fire Born, and the Den Born as more secrets come to light in Snow Valley.

Heidi Ruby Miller, Faculty Member, Creative Writing, Seton Hill University

5/5 Stars

The author has drawn upon history, classic literature, myths and legends to create a world of magic in a contemporary setting. The plot is fast-paced, unpredictable and spellbinding. The author continues to keep the reader guessing beyond the last chapter. The twists and turns are unexpected and the flow is seamless.

Keep Calm Novel On, Book Blogger

5/5 Stars

The characters are well developed, and the world in which they live, play, and work is equally well developed and believable. The imagery is beautiful, and I found myself wanting a blanket as I read. (It takes place in an alpine village in the winter, and I was cold.) I truly cared about some of the characters, and others, well—I wasn't supposed to like them.

Lenora Good, Goodreads Author

4/5 Stars

I enjoyed the story very much, captured by the gorgeous imagery. At all times I felt immersed in the story. I was riding a mountain bike at top speed through an autumnal forest along with Emeranne. I traipsed through a mysterious nighttime woods following fireflies to discover the body of sleeping boy in Emeranne’s “dream.” I sat around a camp fire toasting marshmallows and singing camp songs with the Coven and their Den Born friends. I sat with Ems and friends in a shimmering swirl of dust motes as she uncovered her absent mother’s hidden books. Even scenes at the community football field and the Halloween event at the high school, while meant to show that the teens still led normal fun loving lives, still had a greater purpose and offered some plot advancement, even if just to include Ben in the Coven’s activities. The descriptions are breathtaking and added richness to the story. Even now I feel like I could stroll through the community and find my way up crisp, snowy mountain roads to Ems’ log home with her mountain dogs standing guard. I loved the way the author switched points of views so we could get a glimpse into Bennett’s bizarre history and his burgeoning awareness of Ems and the role he plays in her life. Multiple techniques are used in the novel to layer past, present, dreamscapes, flashbacks, and hint at the coming danger. Action and description are laced together so well that at times I felt dizzy, rushing, heart beat increasing. Fantastic! Beautiful, artistic and poetic are only a few words to describe the writing.Michelle, Amazon.com