Silver Thaw

Review by: Ashlee Scheuerman on Jan. 21, 2012 :
Exceptional storytelling from Amy Rose Davis draws you into the solid and well-imagined world in "Silver Thaw" with ease, then the tale progresses at a perfect pace. Emotional responses to the characters are key, and range from sympathy, to camaraderie, to loathing, and shades of feelings in between. A very enjoyable example of the skill of the author.

Review by: Pippa Jay on Dec. 10, 2011 :
It takes a lot to hook me into a story these days, but this one did it. It's also very rare these days that I can start reading something without at least a small urge to edit. Silver Thaw is an entertaining fantasy, smoothly told, with wonderful world-building and believable, consistent characters and a chilling edge of horror. If I was pressed to make any criticism, and I’m struggling to do so here, it would simply be the POV characters who die. Having gotten so far into their heads and characters, it just jarred a little for me, though I think that's a tribute to the writer's skill in making me empathize with them so deeply. The author clearly knows her craft and how to spin a good tale. The ending left me with tears in my eyes and the intention to read it again very soon.

Review by: N.M. Martinez on June 11, 2011 :
Simply put: this is an amazing story. I don't know what I expected. I've read Davis' Ravenmarked, and I loved it, so I knew I would love this one as well. The two stories, while equal in quality, are completely different.

This story almost has a touch of horror. There are things in it that made me gasp and made me pause to think. Even though this was only a novella, there was a lot packed in and nothing was wasted. This is a book I imagine I will end up reading again from time to time.

Review by: Laurel C Kriegler on May 7, 2011 :
From the pen of Amy Rose Davis, a self-published (indie) author, comes this wonderful dark fantasy. When I was introduced to Amy by a friend, I bought this book, intending to read it 'sometime'. I am now very glad that I did, and more so now that I have read it.

The story does not take long to read, being a novella, and the vivid imagery makes it a true pleasure. The words create the setting and the characters in such an unobtrusive way that one simply absorbs them as one follows the events depicted by them. I needed to put the book down several times – life intervenes – but each section drew me on to read more, until I had read the story through to its conclusion. What amazed me most was that the present is skilfully interwoven with the past to create a rich tapestry that consists of the many lives, seasons and emotions that run through the story. This is one tale that is very well-written – in terms of language and grammar as well as creativity and imagery – and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as an outstanding work of fiction.

Like the song of the siren, this book will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Review by: Alice Lynn on Jan. 21, 2011 : (no rating)
Silver Thaw, a novella, by Amy Rose Davis, is one of those wonderful pieces of fiction that comes at you out of the blue. I didn’t have a clue as to plot or setting, only that it was fantasy. Well, change fantasy to a fantastic read and you have it. I was hooked in the first paragraph. The world Ms. Davis creates incorporates echoes of myth and history into an absorbing and exciting narrative. Metaphor, syntax, language, and style are woven together so skillfully that an entire world arises within your imagination. The hint of familiarity is the familiarity that seizes one when a master storyteller begins, “Once upon a time.” But her characters are not mere clichés. They make you privy to their conflicts, desires, and dilemmas. The story is told through four major characters, and uses a seasonal device to move the plot forward. It begins in Winter and ends in Autumn. The mystery of a strange singing maiden and the reason she wears a silver collar and wrist chains keep the pages turning. This is a must read for anyone who enjoys legend, myth, or fantasy. Now I simply must read her next book, Ravenmarked.

Review by: J.C Hart on Jan. 13, 2011 :
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.

Review by: Puddletown Publishing Group on Jan. 13, 2011 :
I was enchanted by this small book, a retelling of an ancient myth. The writing was beautiful and well-edited, something I don't always find in self-pub work. The story itself was enchanting and pulled me right in. I can't wait to read her upcoming novel.

Review by: George Angus on Jan. 2, 2011 :
When I downloaded this book I wasn't really sure what to expect. Delving into a a new (to me) author is something that I always approach with a bit of trepidation.

I may have to re-think my approach.

From the opening paragraph, I was entranced. I love how the author introduced the characters. Sometimes, writers feel like they need to beat us over the head right away with character development. Not so here. The author lets us take a moment or two to get comfy with the characters and the development happens at a completely natural pace.

The story moves right along at a pace that kept me interested without being frantic about it. There was just the right mix of descriptive paragraphs and dialogue. Page and a half descriptions bore the hell out of me and will make me drop a book like a new year's resolution.

I love the seasons sectioning and as I turned to each one, I was moved to be in that season. Excellent.

In short, this novella was a great read. I'm looking forward to what the author will offer up next.

Review by: Cathryn Grant on Dec. 31, 2010 :
Silver Thaw transported me to another place where I could feel the change of seasons, hear the haunting music, and see the moments of tenderness. The story artfully blends fantasy and mythology through the lives of characters who make the reader experience their yearning. Using the four seasons to tie the pieces together grounds a story that weaves through the lives of multiple characters.

A fast-paced read filled that pulls you in and doesn't let go until the satisfying end.

Review by: Shane Wingerd on Dec. 16, 2010 :
I don't normally write reviews on the books I read, however, I feel that in this case I should "sing" praises to the author of this novella. I was completely enthralled from page 2 (simply because page 1 of the PDB version only has two sentences on it).

I thoroughly enjoy stories that challenge my initial impressions of characters as tidbits of their past, woven through the tale, reveal their current motivations. I also find myself chuckling quietly when those of somewhat fanatic persuasion receive a good cuffing and must concede that the unwashed masses may be more intelligent than they thought.

A warning, once you start this book you will not be able to put it down. I didn't.