Seasonal Fears by Seanan McGuire

Alchemical Journeys, Book 2

Synopsis: Melanie has a destiny, though it isn’t the one everyone assumes it to be. She’s delicate; she’s fragile; she’s dying. Now, truly, is the winter of her soul.

Harry doesn’t want to believe in destiny, because that means accepting the loss of the one person who gives his life meaning, who brings summer to his world.

So, when a new road is laid out in front of them—a road that will lead through untold dangers toward a possible lifetime together—walking down it seems to be the only option.

But others are following behind, with violence in their hearts.

It looks like Destiny has a plan for them, after all….

Review: I really enjoy the author’s poetic novels. These tales are very different from what we usually find and I was thrilled to see her come out with a new one.

Melanie has an unusual illness, she knows she is going to die, but she has her boyfriend, Harry, to support her. They have known each other for a long time and have known all along that they will end their lives together. But when Melanie and Harry discover they are in the running for the Winter and Summer crown, everything changes! They will embark on an adventure that will force them to face all the wannabes, but also to accept a world they didn’t know.

As I said, it was a poetic, very pretty, story and I was delighted to discover it. The characters are quite touching, especially Melanie who has always lived with illness and who will finally understand her special condition.

A beautiful novel.