I can honestly say that Silver Thaw is a really good read. I think it took me a couple of pages to get into it, but then I was hooked. It's a delicious fantasy, with a great setting and really vivid characters. I was drawn into the story and powered through it in one day, staying up late to get to the end and see how it all resolved.
The story is told in four parts, marking the four seasons of the year, and the progression of the tale, with four different characters taking the 'lead' in each part. It's a clever way to write a story, and with each part building on the world and plot line, the pressure builds right until the end. I liked a lot of the characters in this novella - even though many of them are in no ways perfect - and appreciated the tropes she employed in her story, and the way she let those unfold.
This is Amy's first release - she has a novel coming out next month - but even so, it is substantially better than a lot of the indie published stuff I've read in the last few years. I wouldn't say the novella was perfect, but it was a refreshing read and made me hopeful for the rest of this challenge - who knows what else I might come across? I'm definitely planning on getting a copy of her novel, Ravenmarked, when she releases it. I have a feeling she's going to do well for herself in the indie world, and I wish her the best of luck.
(reviewed 29 days after purchase)