Winterkill by Kate A. Boorman

Faber & Faber, 2014. ISBN 9780571313693
(Age: 12+) In a past world not unlike to ours, Emmeline carries a burden and a title that has stuck with her since the day of her birth. Winterkill is coming and while the walls surrounding her village are supposed to make her safe, Emmeline can't help but feel apprehensive about those around her. Feeling like an outcast, Emmeline trudges through her not so eventful life until one day, she hears whispers from the trees in the woods and at that moment, her life will never be normal again. So when Emmeline begins to discover secrets hidden within the woods, will she risk it all to find out about her history?
Kate A. Boorman's Winterkill delivered a creative plot and an intriguing mystery into one novel. When reading the book, my liking for the main heroine, Emmeline grew as she was a character that I could admire and relate to. The writing is of good quality, with great imagery and similes included throughout, especially from a first-time author. But did this book fulfil my desire for story that will leave me wanting more? Sadly, it did not hit the mark with me regardless of the imaginative plot.
An aspect of this tale that I did enjoy was the surprising plot twist nearing the conclusion as well as the secrets and hidden agendas. The author delivers well-written characters that I either loved to hate or simply liked.
Samantha May