If you follow me on Twitter you would have seen me screaming to the void about Wintersong and how desperately I want to read it. This book is inspired in part by Labyrinth- which was childhood favorite movie. I’ve spent years obsessed over The Goblin King and yearning for someone to take his character and delve deeper. My dreams have been answered and JJ has written a book I know I’ll love.
About the Book
B
eware the goblin men and the wares they sell.
All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns.
But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts.
Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.
Coming February 7th 2017 by Thomas Dunne
This past week Griffin Teen graciously sent me the first 40 or so pages of the book to give me very much appreciated look at what I was looking forward to. To say I dropped everything to read would not be an exaggeration.
I have been waiting to get a feel for the atmosphere of the book and characters and this teaser was perfect to do just that. I immediately got swept away in the story and the visuals were PERFECT. As I read further, each page, inspired dread because I knew it would end and I’d be made to wait so long to read more. Some pain though is worth it, wouldn’t you agree?
The novel begins with a beautifully written overture about a boy and girl singing and dancing in the woods. The little girl never knows who the boy is but he asks her to marry him and plays games with her. This is such an excellent beginning and though not long it sets the story up and is so very vivid. I could feel the woods, I don’t know if it was supposed to, but it made me think of cool days and being chilled in the shadow of trees.
Chapter 1 introduces us to the main character and her sister. In only a few short chapters you get a very clear idea of these sisters personalities and how they interact with one another. I felt it was beautifully executed. Both sisters have fault and seem highly realistic in their passions and insecurities. Once the tall stranger enters the story I couldn’t help but picture David Bowie’s version of the Goblin King. Even if you aren’t a fan of Labyrinth JJ’s descriptions and the book’s atmosphere will have you visualizing the setting and characters.
I really could go on and on about these 44 pages I’ve just read but I think you get the idea. This book is beautifully written and after just a short teaser I am INVESTED. I want to know what will happen next. I am attached to the characters-though they are not perfect in the slightest (this honestly makes me even more attached to them).
Have you added this book to your to be read list? If not you SHOULD. Here it is on Goodreads. Also, you MUST check out the author’s website and sign up for her newsletter. Both are full of exclusive content you will want to see.
Giveaway
I’m giving away a pre-order of one Wintersong hardcover. This is international if Book Depository ships to your location.
I’m looking forward to the story itself, I love the page peeks S.Jae has been posting on her twitter page. It’s killing me that we still have 7 months to wait.
These 40 pages gave me life yesterday. I have been rejuvenated after reading this preview! I am so excited to read the whole thing. I feel like this is why time travel should be invented.
“Beware the golin men and the wares they sell”
This sounds so intriguing and mysterious – always a good sign! Looking forward to a beautiful mix of romance, magic and danger.
I’m really excited about the goblins and what the author’s goblin kingdom looks like.
Uhm, everything?
Everything about it sounds amazing.
The Goblin King and the sexy times extras!
My favorite part is so going to be “based in part on Labyrinth” that’s one of my favorite movies ^-^
I’ve been following JJ via her newsletter and I’m REALLY in love with the inside cover pages! The borders look so nice and from what little I’ve read of the writing, it seemed mesmerising. I’ve never watched Labyrinth… even so, I’m excited to see what she does with her book!
I’m so excited about goblins, goblins, goblins! Some of my favorite fantasy creatures. I can’t wait to read this and visit this underground world she’s created! The description alone has me on the edge of my seat!
OMG. I loved Labyrinth and can sing all the songs by heart. I grew up watching that VHS tape over and over again…David Bowie and Jennifer Connolly (sp?) dancing in the ballroom…sigh.
Did you know the woman who played Dr. Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation (Gates McFadden) choreographed that movie? Thought I’d share…
I want to read this book so very much.
I’m excited about how Liesl will cope up living in another world. Another life. Will they overcome their differences? Why must she sacrifice her music, her dreams?
This book sounds fantastic! I’m actually so excited, I really want to read this.
Great post! xx
CAN I JUST SAY EVERYTHING? LOOOOOOVE a good fantasy, plus the comparisons to Labryinth have totally piqued my interest. ALSO that cover + blurb from Lu has made this book a top priority for me.
I’m excited to read her take on The Goblin King. Anything inspired by Labyrinth is a must read for me. Thanks for the chance!:)
You. Are. So. Lucky. I’m sooo excited for this book–I’m hoping it fills the UPROOTED void in my life! (Thanks for the giveaway!)
I love the cover for this book. it drew me in right away. of course goblin king did too. I am so glad you enjoyed those 44 pages. I can’t do previews. They drive me nuts. Can’t wait to read this book.
The whole thing really. I am so looking forward to this book. My young heart is just fangirling inside!!!
I’ve read a version of the Goblinking before and it was one of my favorite books so this sounds right up my alley
I’m a total sucker for gorgeous writing and vivid worldbuilding. I am also a HUGE Labyrinth fan, so that certainly piqued my interest!
I loved Labyrinth, so anything that comps to it is a must read for me. Plus, I follow JJ and she seems great!
If it’s inspired by Labyrinth, I’m there. I have to watch the movie again (I’ve just been telling this to my husband, who has NEVER SEEN IT O_o ) because it’s been way too long.
Thanks for this, Kristen!
I’m looking forward to the plot. It just sounds so interesting and unique!
I love fantasy, so I am very excited for the entire book!
Labyrinth scared the crap out of me when I was a kid! Anyway, I am intrigued!
I am so excited about this Wintersong. I had this obsession with the Labyrinth when I was little and I always wished that they made a sequel. I really wish they had more books about goblins.
It was the cover image that drew me at first. But after reading what you had to say, I’m quite intrigued.
This book is giving me serious Stolen Songbird vibes with the style of the cover and the underground fantasy! It sounds so intriguing and dark!
It sounds amazing. The synopsis sounded familliar, like the Beauty amd the Beast familiar, where the woman married herself to the one who captured one of her loved ones to free them–but with the additional muse drive, it sounds different in an enchanting sort of away. Yeah. I’m adding this to my TBR list.
I never heard of the Labryinth, but yeah, I’m checkimg that out, too.
The aspect I’m looking forward to the most is the concept of being kept ‘prisoner’ by someone who has been your muse. Also, the part where the Goblin King and Liesl actually had met before as kids and how it would play out in the future, the process of them falling in love after the ‘forced’ marriage and how Liesl’s life fading away will go into the dynamics of their relationship.
Just by reading this small summary makes me want to read this book. I cannot wait to read this when it comes out.
I’m super excited about this! The Labyrinth is one of my all-time favorite movies and I’ve been waiting for this retelling for too long! I’m ready to see if there is an actual romance between the MC and the Goblin King!
I’m most excited for the Goblin King of course! I would marry him in a hot second! This is definitely a romantic hero I can get behind.
I would like to give this to my daughter to read. I think she’d love the conflict built into the romance.
I think what excites me the most is finding out whether the Goblin King will be redeemed by love. The book sounds great!
I loved The Labyrinth as a kid , so this whole premise sounds amazing !
I’ve missed Labyrinth as a formative movie, but I’ve been obsessed with goblins since I’ve read Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti as a (much too young) kid. So I’m definitely looking forward to Wintersong. Cannot wait to read it.
Labyrinth was one of my absolute favorite movies. I always loved the ball scene, where she was sort of tranced and her and Bowie were dancing together, so I’m super exited to see a version of what happens when the main character stays with him.
I always wanted to read a book about the Goblin King too. Ever since I saw an anime that featured the goblin king, I’ve been so interested in him. So that’s what I am looking forward to.
I’m excited for this book! You flailing about it is how I heard about it! I’m excited about the goblin part… not many books have goblins!
It sounds really exciting. I can’t wait to read the whole book!!
It all sounds amazing and the cover… can’t wait for 2017 to come.
the fact that we get an actual book with goblins and stolen maidens and the best part is we get adult themes with it too! just makes me the happiest of clams !
I’ve been super excited about Wintersong ever since I first heard about the book! It sounds like it’s going to be a fascinating fantasy novel, and I love that it’s inspired by Labyrinth and the Goblin King specifically
I love fantasy!
I am so beyond excited for this book! I too am obsessed with Labyrinth and have been since I first watched it as a kid (it waa the first movie I had entirely memorized from start to finish, dialogue and songs and all). This is probably my most anticipated 2017 release, along with ACOTAR3 and Renee Ahdieh’s new series!
I’m very excited how the the Goblin King and Leisl get along. And i love this type of genre.
I found out about Wintersong a few days ago.
Since the moment I read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to read this book.
Something about the synopsis captured me. I don’t know what, I just know that it did.
Not to mention, It’s a retelling. And I love retellings. Honestly, it’s enough to tell me a story is a retelling for me to jump right on it.
So… yes. I’m very-very much looking forward to picking this book up.
And thank you so much for the amazing chance! Good luck to everyone! (:
I’m soo excited about the fact that it’s GOBLINS and i’ve never read s book where goblins where the main characters so i’m very excited!
Even though i have never won a giveaway before, i’ll enter this one.
Good luck to everyone
It has a Beauty and the Beast feel to it with one trading herself to save another and I am in awe of that self sacrifice.
I’m most excited for the goblin aspect! There’s not a lot of goblin books out there, so this one looks pretty unique!
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with goblins in it (apart from Harry Potter, you know). I’m curious if I’ll warm up to them or forever think they are creepy and should be avoided.
This book Sounds Great! I’ll Put it on my wishlist!
I remember equal parts loving and being terrified of Labyrinth when I was a little girl. I’m so excited to experience that same feeling as an adult and in written form!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!! Would be cool to win
Good luck to everyone
YAY
Gorgeous post sweet girl. <3 Thank you for sharing about this book 
I am so glad that you are so excited about it 
I just love that cover a whole bunch. Sigh. I'm most excited about that, haha 
But I also think it sounds pretty exciting too. I just. Ah. I hope it will be good 
And gosh, I hope you will love it the most. <3 Thank you for this amazing giveaway too. You are the bestest 
Goblin King
Sound really interesting and unique
The goblin kingdom!
I am dying to read this book!!!! I LOVE Labyrinth – DAVID BOWIE!!!! – and the premise of the book sounds amazing! Thanks for the giveaway!:)