Reviews

Magical! A wonderful book-mystical and modern combined. The characters are endearing, funny and magical. I couldn't put this book down-I was racing to see the outcome but equally didn't want it to end as it was so absorbing! What an incredible book for a first time publisher!

Loved it, looking forward to the new book! Hard to believe this is the authors first book. As someone who loves reading urban fantasy and comedy fantasy, this book will sit happily on my book shelves with the likes of Christopher Fowler, Mike Carey, Neil Gaiman and the master himself, Terry Pratchett.Great characters, lovely visuals without being overly descriptive and a nice little twist towards the end, which I really should have seen coming, but didn't.Thoroughly good read, I'm looking forward to the next one Jay R 🙂

Couldn't put it down I've read a lot of Krampus books over the years. Most are...okay. Some are kinda awful. A few are good. This is one of the good ones. It's exciting, scary but not too scary, with a lot of heart in the characters and good humor throughout. I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it to someone looking for a Krampus/Christmas story to pull you out of the winter humbugs.

Warriors of Winter - an excellent first novel Jay manages to catch the spirit of Christmas in his first fantasy novel. With great characters, an imaginative storyline and a couple of dachshunds thrown in as well. What more could you want - perhaps a blue whale flying over London, some magic and a villain who want to ruin Christmas. Looking forward to reading the next book - hopefully it will be a sequel.

Warriors of Winter by JR Bolaky So you order the book and you read it in a day.The next day you phone for a taxi and a bowl of custard arrives driving a candy-striped 1964 MkIII Zodiac, takes you where you want to go, and only charges you a fiver. You are not surprised.An outstanding first novel, a page-turner of bizarre originality. Jay shapes mind-bending fantasies in mundane settings; a cheery mythical figure serves tea and biscuits in front of her telly, a magical dog cocks his leg against an ancient monument and a blue whale flies over a dystopian London in a topical tale with more than a hint of disturbing reality.

Warriors of Winter is no ordinary Christmas tale… Warriors of Winter was an absolute delight to read, and I’m going to convince you that you need to experience this tale of love, loss and adventure.Without giving too much away, this debut story from J R Bolaky was one of the most fun books I’ve read in a long while. With sprinkles of political and social commentary and a diverse representation of people within the characters, Bolaky is able to present an interesting adventure that captured my attention from the offset. This may be based around Christmas, but don’t let that fool you in to thinking it’s just for the festive period. Warriors of Winter is for life, not just for Christmas!This book is joyous, contemplative and witty, which caught me with many a hearty chuckle in parts. It is evident that the author expressed their personality through the way in which this book is written.I’m looking forward to reading the next book from J R Bolaky, whether it be a sequel or a totally new story altogether and I’ll be the first one in line for my copy!

Exciting, magical and wondrous....Warriors of Winter ROCKS! Everything about this book is awesome, it kept me devouring each page with excitement and anticipation. There are so many stores within stories that each character brings to life, all wonderfully depicted with great skill, believable weaknesses and strengths, and attention to detail that grips the reader from start to finish. London scenes are expertly visualized and Ottie and Rosie, were adorable and quirky.Buying this book for Christmas Pressies for all my friends, young and old will adore.

Wildly Imaginative with a style all of its own I'lI start this review by saying I don’t often enjoy Christmas themed novels and that sometimes the Fantasy genre,if poorly executed can leave me cold.However....From the start I loved the imagination and ideas that poured out of this book which showed a creativity that is rarely seen in a debut author.There’s plenty here for anyone who doesn’t usually read this genre as the storytelling and inventiveness will keep you entertained throughout.The relationship that develops between Winter and Chris is particularly well executed,as is the introduction of various characters. I particularly enjoyed the way that Deidra was introduced to the proceedings and the interactions between Ottie and Rosie (who doesn't like a sausage dog)I felt that as the story developed the author found their form,and relaxed into their writing,which then started to flow,captivating me and drawing me into the storyThe author should also be applauded for highlighting our current political climate,and including a few digs at just how out of touch our politicians are with the less fortunate in society,especially as this book could also be read by a younger audience.With a nod towards Terry Pratchett and a hint of Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series and a style all of its own,I'm sure this will lead to subsequent books which will develop into something special.Like strictly you can’t hit full marks across the board on your first dance but as the author has done here you can give it a good go.8 out of 10

Shadows are lurking, but there is hope in the light. As a first-time fantasy author, Jay Bolaky captures the true essence of Christmas beyond modern-day festivities, the hope that bonds us together over a hot fireplace, that keeps the demons at bay when all seems lost, for a taste of roast dinner surrounded by family.This is done through a blizzard of genre-mashing, with the fantasy adventure centring a hellish crime that carries well beyond possible reality, but lays heavy on the centre of a snow-swept London.A fantastic short read and first effort by the author, whose imaginative mind shows the remanence of Terry Pratchett in a dark sleigh ride to remember.