The Winter Goddess

A Novel

By: Megan Barnard

Narrated by: Aoife McMahon, Aidan Kelly

“The Winter Goddess is a gripping, bittersweet tale that explores love, loss, and the price of power and immortality. . . a perfect read for cold winter nights. I couldn’t put it down.” —Genevieve Gornichek, bestselling author of The Weaver and the Witch Queen

"Utterly bewitching. . . Barnard's novel pairs the beauty and fragility of the human experience with the sharp bite of winter. The result is an enthralling and emotional saga mythology lovers everywhere won't want to miss!" —A.D. Rhine, author of Daughters of Bronze

A goddess is cursed to endlessly live and die as a mortal until she understands the value of human life, in this inventive, moving reimagining of Irish mythology.

Cailleach, goddess of winter, was not born to be a blight on humanity, but she became one. She would say with scorn that it was their own fault: mortals were selfish, thoughtless, and destructive, bringing harm to each other and the earth without cause or qualms.

One day, Cailleach goes too far. Thousands die, lost to her brutal winter. In punishment, her mother Danu, queen of the gods, strips the goddess of her powers and sends Cailleach to earth, to live and die as the mortals she so despises, until she understands what it is to be one of them. Though determined to live in solitude, Cailleach finds that she cannot help but reach for the people she once held in such disdain. She loves and mourns in equal measure, and in opening herself to humanity, hears tales not meant for immortal ears—including a long-buried secret that will redefine what it means to be a god.

From the author of the “stunning . . . riveting” historical reenvisioning Jezebel (Library Journal), a vividly imagined and arresting story of a goddess punished—and a goddess reborn, as she discovers the importance of a life ephemeral…and what it means to truly be alive.

A tale of humanity...

This is my second audiobook written by Megan Barnard. I went in thinking I was going to get a story of gods and and their creation. Instead, Megan has written an engrossing, relatable tale of what makes us beautifully human. I didn't begin this book with prior knowledge of of Celtic gods, but I'm once again finding myself researching the lore of those she writes about. By the fourth life, I found myself aching and crying for Cailleach, feeling so desperate with her to remain in her world. The unfolding of the chapters that followed gave way to shock and surprise along with our protagonist. Aoife McMahon was captivating as goddesses, lovers and children alike. And Aidan Kelly narrating the lore of each season between Cailleach's story was a creative way of informing us of a little backstory. Very well done, and once again feeling warmth and sadness to have come to the end.

Amazing!

I absolutely loved this story. It has a great ending and an engaging story. As soon as I finished the book I had to listen to again. The second time was even better. I know I will listen to it again and again. Great story and a great narrator. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to more books from Megan Barnard.

The author did too much

I’m so disappointed with this book which is too bad because I loved jezebel. Diabetic sweet immature and overly dramatic sums it all up. I fast forwarded to end my pain.