So, obviously, I knew this was a sci-fi retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen, and I must admit, as a lover of Dune, the hardcore sci-fi world-building is definitely a palate cleanser after recent "soft" sci-fi reads. But I was unaware that it is, too,  a retelling of the Welsh/Celtic myth of the dying king, replacing the king with, in fact, the Snow Queen herself, named after Arianrhod, the Welsh goddess most associated with death and rebirth, her name meaning 'Silver Wheel' and symbolizing the turning of the year.

Her consort Starbuck's true name is Herne, an ancient British spirit assassinated with Cernunnos, the horned god, the Horned King, the hunter and symbol of virility and fertility. I can already predict that Moon will take the place of the dying king's daughter, his successor, while Sparks will challenge Herne for the right as consort, therefor bringing about the turning of the year, the great change from old to young.

Interestingly, reenactments of this struggle took place at Midwinter and Midsummer, between the holly king and the oak king (Herne is associated with oak) and is the basis for pagan British Yuletide. They're part of a whole, making the year a ritual cycle.

Looking forward to see how Vinge uses both the stories, how she twists and adapts them!

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.

I added this book to my TBR list when I read that it was based in Celtic mythology. I am a huge fan of mythology but most books are based in Greek and Roman mythology, so this was a unique Young Adult fantasy for me to read. I have been hooked by this story and I am official a fan of the series. Christy Dorrity did a wonderful job creating and writing Awakening. This book is not just for young adults but for adults as well. If you are a fan of mythology, fantasy, romance, and mystery than this book is for you. I cannot wait to see what Dorrity does with the next book of the series. 

Would I read it again?
Yes, I definitely would.

Will I read the next book?
YES!!

Would I recommend it to others?
Yes

Would I read other books by this author?
Absolutely

I had the pleasure of reading this as a beta reader and I can honestly say, I'm so intrigued by this story and all its characters, that it's put a delay in my own writing. I've gotten so wrapped up in Brynn's world and the potential for the next book in the series, I seriously can't focus. LOL

This novella is the prequel to the series that will feature the warriors of The Nine, and if you guys have visited Brynn's website, then you'll know that these warriors are indeed badass!! I can't wait to meet them all!!!

Entasy is focused around Kylah and who she thinks she is...who she really is...and the journey to get back to the life she was forced to forget. I LOVE Kylah. She's funny, full of life, and once she faces her past and embraces her destiny, I think she's going to be a force to be reckoned with. Aerric is just downright yummy, and while I love him and can't wait to see their story take shape, the character that I'm completely drawn to is Obsydian (aka Syd.) He is delicious-and in more ways than just the physical. I love his personality. He's fierce yet gentle, and I cannot wait to see the role he plays in Kylah's past and future.

I gave Entasy five stars because of the great world building that Brynn achieved with her detailed writing style. I could literally see the images as though I was watching a movie. The characters emotions are real and I was quickly drawn into their world.

To say I'm excited to see this series unfold is an understatement. I can't wait to be further drawn into a world of Celtic myth and magic through these amazing characters.