Winterborne - by J D Netto (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Treacherous politics, deadly secrets, ancient magic, and forbidden romance: The battle for ultimate power has begun in the first book of this epic fantasy.

Even before his mother's mysterious murder, Henric Sabio never felt at home in his small town or at his private high school. He figured that was because of his cynical personality and tendency to daydream about dragons. But when a sudden supernatural attack transports him, his father, and his sister to a frozen magical world, Henric quickly learns he is different in ways he never imagined. He is Henric Iceheart, son of a disgraced prince and heir to a throne that desperately needs to restore the glories of a lost age.

Plunged into the elegant hierarchy of court life, Henric starts to discover hints of a secret history beneath the kingdom's glistening surface. As he navigates ruthless nobles, sacred laws, and a rival family hungry for his family's throne, his dormant powers--a deadly command of ice and a bond with an ice dragon long thought extinct--ignite. And soon rumors are spreading, naming Henric the prophesized Prince of Winter who will unite the land, albeit at a terrifying cost.

With help from the gentle elf Hundarian Silvermore and his ambitious twin sister, Kellenen, Henric attempts to prove himself worthy of this moniker and change his foretold fate. But his growing and complicated attraction to the Silvermore twins reveals long-buried prejudices that threaten his path to the crown. As rebellions rise and enemies close in, he must decide whether to claim his newfound destiny or reject it and face the consequences.

Some legacies save kingdoms. Others destroy them. Henric's might be destined for both.

Tropes include: coming of age, hero's journey, hidden identity, and forbidden love.

Review Quotes

"A lush and atmospheric journey through an enthralling, gothic world. Netto weaves a masterful story of grief, love, and the search for belonging. The plot twists made it an unputdownable adventure!" --Elizabeth Helen, New York Times-bestselling author of the Beasts of the Briar series

"A lively . . . fantasy tale. . . . Netto writes with a genuine flair for the visceral." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

J.D. Netto is the bestselling author of The Whispers of the Fallen, Henderbell: The Shadow of Saint Nicholas, The Echoes of Fallen Stars, and Winterborne. Celebrated for his imaginative storytelling and unique contributions to contemporary literature, Netto lives in the greater New York City area.