Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano

Seasons of the Storm by Elle Cosimano
Release Date - June 23, 2020

Publisher Website - Harper Collins Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 480 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**arc received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

One cold, crisp night, Jack Sommers was faced with a choice—live forever according to the ancient, magical rules of Gaia, or die.

Jack chose to live, and in exchange, he became a Winter—an immortal physical embodiment of the season on Earth. Every year, he must hunt the Season who comes before him. Summer kills Spring. Autumn kills Summer. Winter kills Autumn. And Spring kills Winter.

Jack and Fleur, a Winter and a Spring, fall for each other against all odds. To be together, they’ll have to escape the cycle that’s been forcing them apart. But their creator won’t let them go without a fight.

Ever since watching Rise of the Guardians with my nieces I have wanted someone to write a book that incorporated similar elements to the story arc of Jack Frost in that movie. His origin story is heartbreaking and resonated with me along with the fun, soaring feeling of his new found powers. Seasons of the Storm does exactly this and more. It manages to capture some of that magic, even if other elements were not quite as strong.

This book is very plot focused. The story is propelled forward because of actions and not necessarily because of the characters themselves. I don't feel that we get to really know these characters other than the basic stuff. They feel very surface level but it works in this action driven sort of story. I liked the characters well enough though, and that also fits with the type of story this is.

The romance was one of the things that I thought was well done. We meet Fleur and Jack when they are already falling for each other. We jump right into their story and the connection is evident immediately. The history they share is part of why this element works. I bought that they had grown to feel things for each other and that it would cause them to question everything. It is exactly what I hoped I would get from this romance. Lots of angst, longing, and emotion. It is very Romeo and Juliet. There is also another romance in this that I predict many readers will love even more as it feels more like it is being built on the page.

The magic aspect is, sadly, not as developed as I would have hoped. There is plenty foundation here but I still only feel like we know the basic of the powers these characters have. We get to see some of what they can do but it is under extreme circumstances. I wanted a bit more detail about what they typically do with their powers. What does it mean to be a winter, spring, summer, or autumn? I never felt like I had a clear understanding of what they did while it was their season. I hope this is expanded upon in future books because the whole premise is intriguing. I just wish the world building had gone a little deeper. I did appreciate that we got to find out how a someone becomes a season and the choices they have to make as a result are explored in detail. These origin stories are, as you can guess, heartbreaking in various ways and I feel that weight is given the appropriate heft in both the plot and characterization.

The stakes and consequences for actions are something else I feel was handled well within the story. There are lasting repercussions for their actions that felt earned. The characters have to get their hands a little messy and that comes back to haunt them in a way that worked for me.

As I got to the last few chapters I was hit with two distinct thoughts. First was that the book was heading for a cliffhanger ending. It just did not seem possible to wrap the story up in the amount of pages left. The second was disappointment that some of the major point points would not be dealt with within this one book. I was, mostly, wrong. The book does end in a satisfying way even if it felt a bit rushed. There are elements that I wished has been expanded upon, particularly those introduced towards the end. It ends with just enough being teased for sequels while providing a full intact story.

This might be the book for you if you like books filled with romance, action, and bit of magic. It is more plot driven than anything else so it offers a fast paced read that has some fun action sequences. It is the kind of story that you will breeze through and that will leave you entertained.

2020 Most Anticipated - Seasons of the Storm

It is one again the most wonderful time of the year! It's time for me to kick off my annual most anticipated event. Each year I spotlight the books that I am eager to get my hands on in the upcoming year in hopes it'll put them on your radar as well.

This year I am starting with a book that has forbidden romance, the seasons as actual characters, and probably at a lot of action and angst.

Elle Cosimano's Seasons of the Storm promises all of this and more and it is wrapped up in a very pretty package. The cover is STUNNING.

The Goodreads synopsis for this novel makes it seem like it is going to be the best mix of fantasy elements and romance.

One cold, crisp night, Jack Sommers was faced with a choice—live forever according to the ancient, magical rules of Gaia, or die.

Jack chose to live, and in exchange, he became a Winter—an immortal physical embodiment of the season on Earth. Every year, he must hunt the Season who comes before him. Summer kills Spring. Autumn kills Summer. Winter kills Autumn. And Spring kills Winter.

Jack and Fleur, a Winter and a Spring, fall for each other against all odds. To be together, they’ll have to escape the cycle that’s been forcing them apart. But their creator won’t let them go without a fight.

This sounds amazing. It also has one of my favourite tropes, star-crossed lovers, going for it. I am curious to see what makes Jack have to make a life defining choice and am already eager to see how he and Fleur meet.

Elle has  very kindly, agreed to take part in my event this year! She's shared a few details about the book, and some of her inspirations while writing it.

1. What gif do you think describes Seasons of the Storm?

But seriously, I also have a really fun Pinterest inspiration board for the book here:

https://www.pinterest.com/ellecosimano/seasons-of-the-storm/

2. If someone were to make a signature ice cream in honour of your book, what might be included?

My Summer’s favorite: boardwalk soft serve with jimmies on a cone

3. The seasons obviously play a big role in this novel. What inspired you to create this mythology that revolved around the seasons and which season is your favourite?

A few years ago, I was challenged by a group of friends to write a flash fiction piece inspired by this gif.

A lot of people liked it, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. I started messing around with a possible full length story idea, and it sort of took on a life of its own.

I love all four of my Seasons, but if I had to choose the one I felt most deeply connected to, it would probably be Jack Sommers (Winter). His magic was so much fun to write, maybe because I live in a tropical climate year-round and there are elements of winter I miss. Or maybe because I see so much of my own teen self in him.

4. Name a song you listed to for inspiration while writing this novel (if you didn't listen to music let me know and I can quickly send another question)

I listened to the same playlist almost exclusively for the two years I spent drafting and revising this book. It’s long and eclectic, the songs representing the different time periods my characters grew up in, and many of them reflecting the seasons and themes in the story. I had songs that put my in the headspace for specific scenes, and you can probably figure them out as you read. You can listen to the whole thing here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrrKj5l9Phj6zvluayey9dhF_YfgQ6oeU

But if I was going to pick one song that helped inspire the book, I’d have to go with The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, “Something Just Like This”.

5. If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel?

Time travel isn’t really an element in my story, so I haven’t really thought about it. But this book took me back to my own youth in the 80s, and it was so much fun to reconnect with the music and remember a time before internet and social media and cell phones, when the most fun you could have with your friends was taking off on an epic road trip, discovering yourselves and each other off the grid.

6. What 2020 release are you most anticipating?

SO. MANY! There’s been an embarrassment of riches in the YA fantasy market and I’ve been devouring so many amazing, captivating series. I’ve got alerts set for new releases from Holly Black, Sarah Maas, SabaaTahir, Renee Ahdieh, Leigh Bardugo, Taherah Mafi, and so many others. I love getting lost in their worlds.

7. If not too spoilery, can you share the first line of Seasons Of The Storm

 There’s something inherently wrong with a home that’s easy to get into and hard to break out of.

The Pinterest board for this is so pretty! I recommend checking it out. You get a sense of some pretty epic battles, lots of swoon worthy romance, and some teases of what the 'seasons' powers might be/how they might manifest themselves.

Seasons of the Storm releases June 23, 2020 but you can pre-order it right now from any retailer (and use up some of those holiday gift cards).

Chapters // Amazon // Barnes and Noble // BAM

You can find out more about Elle by following her on Twitter, and by visiting her her website. You can also find out more about her books on the publisher website.

Do you love fantasy novels as much as I do? What about forbidden romances? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to for the next book on my 2020 most anticipated list. 

Waiting On Wednesday ... Seasons Of The Storm

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Seasons Of The Storm by Elle Cosimano

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

One cold, crisp night, Jack Sommers was faced with a choice—live forever according to the ancient, magical rules of Gaia, or die.

Jack chose to live, and in exchange, he became a Winter—an immortal physical embodiment of the season on Earth. Every year, he must hunt the Season who comes before him. Summer kills Spring. Autumn kills Summer. Winter kills Autumn. And Spring kills Winter.

Jack and Fleur, a Winter and a Spring, fall for each other against all odds. To be together, they’ll have to escape the cycle that’s been forcing them apart. But their creator won’t let them go without a fight. 

This book has been on my radar since I read the deal announcement and now it has a pretty cover and intriguing synopsis!

I have always been intrigued by the idea of a book where the seasons are actual characters and the 'winter' character falls in love with the 'spring' character. This book is going to give me that!

It sounds romantic, action packed, and like there may be some incredible world building. This one doesn't come out until summer 2020, but I am already counting down the days until I can toss this one into my pool tote.

Expected release date - June 23, 2020

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOK

When We Wake by Elle Cosimano (goodread)

This synopsis immediately caught my attention when the deal was announced. I love the idea of the seasons as actual characters and especially love the idea of 'spring' and 'winter' falling in love.

a group of teens who, on the brink of death, are turned into immortal Seasons. Trapped in a vicious cycle of killing each other year after year, Winter and Spring—Jack and Fleur—fall in love, and must find a way to unite against nature and reclaim their free will.

I am really looking forward to finding out more about this book and for its release in 2019! 


TV/MOVIE

Avengers: Infinity War Trailer

My initial reaction to this trailer was a bunch of nonsensical flailing with "BUCKY IS BACK" thrown in for good measure. I am so excited to see Winter Soldier is awake again and fighting by Steve's side again

In non Steve and Bucky reactions I love the glimpse of Thor meeting the Guardians of the Galaxy. I am terrified we're going to lose characters we love (Thanks, Thanos). Oh, and I love the brief glimpse we get at Peter's spidey sense. This movie is HIGH on my list for 2018 releses and I am already counting down the days until I get to see it.

Stranger Things renewed for Season 3

I am sure it is no surprise to anyone that Netflix has renewed Stranger Things for a third season. No details on a release date or when filming will start but I am excited to return to Hawkins again. I am hoping for an October release date as Halloween was the perfect time to binge watch this show.

Mindhunter renewed for Season 2

I loved the first season of Mindhunter and was beyond excited when the official annoucement of it being renewed for a second season was posted by the show's Twitter account.

We need to talk to more subjects. pic.twitter.com/7pTnxAhM0G

— MINDHUNTER (@MINDHUNTER_) November 30, 2017

The casting on this show is perfect, and I hope they continue that with season two. Here is hoping that it releases Oct of 2018 so we don't have to wait too long.

What are you obsessed with this week?