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Huh...well I enjoyed the first book in the series more, it had a more compelling storyline for me (4.5 star worthy!). This, I kinda had to read to see if Katya got her HEA after the events of the last book but it all got a little twisted for me.

There was so much sex in this compared to the last and for me, and I think for the story too, it was unnecessary. Everyone was with everyone (or it seemed like it anyway).

I was only really interested in the relationship between Ezra and Katya (and Cortez, I guess, though not as desperately as the first two) and a lot more than that happened. Weddings, fights, sex...

If this is the sort of thing that's going to continue throughout the rest of the series, then I'm not sure I'm interested.
  
TT
Through the White Wood
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
<h2><em><strong>Through the White Wood</strong></em><strong> was interesting to read.</strong></h2>
Although there were some things I didn't like about this one, I enjoyed many aspects of Jessica Leake's latest novel. <em>Through the White Wood</em> is the companion novel to <em>Beyond a Darkened Shore</em>, following Katya as she journeys to the palace of Kiev after losing control of her powers. But as she enters palace life, she learns the country she calls home is threatened by outside forces.

We learn from the beginning Katya is feared since childhood due to her ability to freeze anything she touches. Throughout the book, Katya is constantly struggling with the question, "am I a monster?"

<h2><strong>Elements of History and Folklore.</strong></h2>
Although Leake mentions in the author's note she took liberties with certain elements, I loved seeing how they would come together in <em>Through the White Wood</em>. There's a good blend of history, folklore and fantasy that nothing seems out of place and sparks a curiosity to do my own research outside of the book.

<h2><strong>I wanted more from <em>Through the White Wood</em>.</strong></h2>
I enjoyed going back into the Byzantine Empire and seeing some of the Slavic folklore coming to life. However, I really felt there's something missing from the novel. As I got further into the story, I found myself somewhat disappointed with a few aspects:
~ Katya - I wanted more from her. Sometimes I feel she is going through actions because she feels she has to and eventually it morphs into wanting.
~ Prince Sasha - I also wanted more from him, particularly his backstory and the rumors surrounding him before Katya meets him. Also, Prince Sasha's real name is Vladimir, which kind of struck me as odd? The novel mentions Sasha is a childhood name, but I don't recall going into the particulars of <em>why</em>.
~ The romance - it just felt out of place and a little rushed. I found the world far more interesting.

Most of the novel dives into this struggle as Katya learns about her history and power, and she struggles with accepting her ability as part of who she is. There is little action up until the final battle, where everything feels a little rushed to get to victory. (Little action may just be me - at a certain time of day, lots of telling exhausts me and my goal is to stay awake.)

<h2><strong>Overall</strong></h2>
I enjoyed <em>Through the White Wood</em>! I liked seeing Katya's constant struggle of whether or not she's a monster and her journey to discover who she is. The world is interesting enough for me to continue reading Katya's story, and I liked seeing the various elemental powers being a part of it. Jessica Leake's latest novel is a solid story for those who enjoy a slower-paced book with historical and folklore elements woven together.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/through-the-white-wood-by-jessica-leake/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
As much as I enjoyed the previous two books, I think that this is my favorite of the three. But maybe if I read the others again, I'd change my mind - each time I read one of them! :P Again the book is much better than the synopsis on the book has you believe - they're always a bit misleading or incorrect.

The characters and settings just came to life and the love story was lovely between Katya and Sasha. Yes, the love scene didn't seem like it fit into the book, but the rest was so great I'll forgive that part. The secondary characters just added to the whole story, and I wish that I could visit with them again, even though I know it'll be a different kingdom in the next book. Oh well, I'm sure I'll love any book that Ms. Lackey writes in the Five Hundred Kingdoms Series. :)