The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett

The Winter Duke

When Ekata’s brother is finally named heir, there will be nothing to keep her at home in Kylma Above with her murderous family. Not her books or science experiments, not her family’s icy castle atop a frozen lake, not even the tantalizingly close Kylma Below, a mesmerizing underwater kingdom that provides her family with magic. But just as escape is within reach, her parents and twelve siblings fall under a strange sleeping sickness.

In the space of a single night, Ekata inherits the title of duke, her brother’s warrior bride, and ever-encroaching challengers from without–and within–her own ministry. Nothing has prepared Ekata for diplomacy, for war, for love…or for a crown she has never wanted. If Kylma Above is to survive, Ekata must seize her family’s power. And if Ekata is to survive, she must quickly decide how she will wield it.

Part Sleeping Beauty, part Anastasia, with a thrilling political mystery, The Winter Duke is a spellbinding story about choosing what’s right in the face of danger.

About the Author

Claire Eliza Bartlett is a US citizen who grew up in Colorado. She studied history and archaeology and spent time in Switzerland and Wales before settling in Denmark for good. When not at her computer telling mostly false stories, she works as a tour guide in Copenhagen, telling stories that are (mostly) true.

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Point of (Re)Views

“This book is absolutely fascinating, and I love the world-building around this dukedom. Magic also has a powerful, dangerous, and rich quality that adds some flair to this unique icy world- mirroring many of the people who live in it. My favorite part of the book is the LGBT romance and characters who are gender fluid.”

- Olivia, OneMused

“Every time I read a book by Bartlett, I’m absolutely giddy at the uniqueness within. Fact: Bartlett’s creativity shines so bright, you won’t be able to sleep until you finish this story of betrayal, murder, ice, and magic. Claire, I beg of thee, please keep writing and giving me fantastically biting stories.”

- Adrienne, MyBookishBones