Mother of Winter

Barbara Hambly

Book 4 in the series:Darwath

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ancient mages

catastrophic events

immersive writing style

well developed characters

fantasy world

suspense and mystery

exploration of diverse locations

complicated relationships

strong back story

fantasy series continuation

slow pacing to abrupt conclusions

sci fi elements

complex situations

'Mother of Winter' by Barbara Hambly is the fourth book in the Darwath series, continuing the story five years after the events of the original trilogy. The book follows the characters as they face a new threat involving ancient mages and the being known as the Mother of Winter. The plot involves a journey to prevent a catastrophic event, with elements of suspense, fantasy, and mystery woven into the narrative. The writing style is described as engaging, with well-developed characters and a strong back story of the Keep.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and flawed, grappling with complex situations and relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and descriptive, blending suspense and fantasy with modern elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot continues the story of the characters from a previous trilogy, involving ancient enemies and challenges to prevent catastrophic scenarios.

Setting:

Set in an elaborate fantasy world, the story's setting allows for exploration of diverse locations and dire circumstances.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, initially slow before picking up, with some abrupt moments towards the conclusion.

“Do you see it?” Gil Patterson’s voice was no louder than the scratch of withered vines on the stained sandstone wall. Melding with the shadows was second nature to her by now. The courtyard before th...

Notes:

Mother of Winter was published in 1996, 13 years after the last book in the Darwath Trilogy.

The story is set 5 years after the original series and introduces new enemies.

Ancient mages are causing catastrophic weather changes as they try to summon the Mother of Winter.

The main characters Gil and Inglorion travel south to stop this disaster, leaving Rudy in charge at the Keep.

The novel explores deeper character development, especially for Rudy, who matures throughout the story.

The writing style is engaging, blending suspense with fantasy elements.

Readers recommend starting with the original Darwath Trilogy to fully understand the plot and characters.

Barbara Hambly's stories often highlight the struggles of magic users against monotheistic religions, which some readers find frustrating.

There are hints of Lovecraftian themes in the story, though it's not overly dark by modern standards.

Characters in this series are described as strong yet flawed, making them relatable.

Hambly's ability to create immersive worlds has captivated readers over decades.

The book contains twists and surprises that keep readers guessing until the end.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of survival under harsh conditions, ancient threats, and potential violence.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, primarily exploring the relationships between the characters.

From The Publisher:

Five years after defeating the Dark Ones, the embattled inhabitants of the once-great Keep of Dare face a yet more deadly foe. An icy-cold force was spreading across the northlands, spawning strange creatures that killed everything in their grisly path . . .

Archmage Ingold Inglorion believed the source of this monstrous evil lay in the decadent lands to the south. With him traveled Gil Patterson, the scholar-warrior from Earth who had forsaken her own universe for love of the mage. Determined to aid him in his quest, she was cursed to become the instrument of his death.

Ingold's apprentice Rudy Solis was left behind, the sole wizard standing between the Keep of Dare and the nightmare creatures besieging it. Rudy struggled tirelessly with wavering magic to ward off the virulent attacks of the ice mage's minions. But when someone attacked the widowed queen-the woman he loved-Rudy was forced to plumb the ultimate secret locked in the black crystal heart of the Keep of Dare . . . and so decide the fate of the world.

What can you read after
Mother of Winter?

See the list (14 books)

About the Author:

Barbara Hambly is the author of Patriot Hearts and The Emancipator's Wife, a finalist for the Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. She is also the author of Fever Season, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and the acclaimed historical Benjamin January series, including the novels A Free Man of Color and Sold Down the River. She lives in California.

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