I really enjoyed this book. I haven’t got around to reading Amy Wilson before but her books have caught my eye, and this one didn’t disappoint. I feel like the fantasy element wasn’t too strong, in that anyone could read it whether they like fantasy or not, and anyone would enjoy Stella's story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have heard a lot of praise about Amy Wilson's books and so when I got the chance to read Shadows Of Winterspell I couldn't wait to get started. The story is about, Stella, a girl who lives just outside Winterspell with her nan. Her life is lonely and unfulfilling and all she really wants is to go to school and so when she gets the chance she can't wait but learns that there is much more to school than she'd first imagined.

I really enjoyed reading this story and finding out more about Stella's intriguing family and story throughout. I like that Stella is a strong character that knows what she wants and will be stubborn enough to try and achieve it herself even if there are consequences as I think it shows that you should always go after your dreams, even if they are a bit daunting at first.

I think the story is lovely with the beautiful setting and lots of fae magic mixed in. At some points, I would have liked more of the magic but I also like that it wasn't too over the top with it as it had a good mix, enough to make the book still seem very realistic and relatable for children. I loved seeing the friendships develop throughout the book and I like that their friendships built up with experience. Yanny is a character that, like Zara, intrigued me from the start and I am glad that Zara did get the chance to be a part of the secret that Yanny and Stella were holding onto as it gave the book a more intriguing aspect and I feel Zara is a character who would be very much like most of us readers!

I have loved reading this book, it is the perfect wintry book full of family, magic, friendships and great to encourage children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams (even if the adults are a bit doubtful!)