Winter and the Immortality Thief 

by Brien Feathers

Winter and the Immortality Thief is an absolutely captivating start to the Volynian Tales series. From the very first page, I was pulled into a world of swords, sorcery, political intrigue, and, of course, dragons.

What stood out most to me was the strength of the characters, particularly Dawn. She isn’t admirable because of her thieving or cunning ways, but because of the fierce love she carries for those she cares about, especially her brother. Her determination to protect him, even at great personal cost, makes her an incredibly compelling protagonist. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

The plot itself strikes a perfect balance between dark fantasy and slow-burn romance. It’s layered with politics, rebellion, and the constant question of loyalty and betrayal. Brien Feathers has a real gift for weaving a strong storyline with characters who feel multidimensional and human, even in a world filled with sorcery and dragons.

The dynamic between Dawn and Ilya added so much depth. Their unlikely friendship highlights the complexities of identity and prejudice, while also contrasting Dawn’s hardened pragmatism with Ilya’s unexpected innocence. Through them, the novel sheds light on the persecution of the Osukhan people in a way that feels both personal and powerful.

On top of that, the worldbuilding is rich and immersive, blending religious conflict, political tension, and a magic system that feels fresh and fascinating. The dragons and immortal tsar raise the stakes even higher, creating a story that is both epic in scope and intimate in its emotional weight.

Overall, Winter and the Immortality Thief delivered exactly what I was hoping for: a dark, engaging fantasy with characters I genuinely cared about. It’s a strong foundation for the Volynian Tales series, and I’m excited to see where the story goes next.