Father Winter

A Yule Story

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
360 Pages
Reviewed on 11/09/2017
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Author Biography

I live in New England with my family. I’ve never traveled to the Arctic, but once or twice I've found myself wandering the halls of Father Winter's palace.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

Father Winter: A Yule Story by Eric Tanafon introduces the reader to siblings Connor and Holly during one of the best times of year; Yule. Connor has managed to get himself into some trouble and since Yule is coming fast, both siblings know he could find himself on the naughty list. Holly wants to keep her brother off that list and she has a grand plan to do just that. All she has to do is find an elf, talk them into taking her to the North Pole and simply change Connor's name to the nice list instead of naughty. That should be easy, right? Read the book to find out what happens on this journey that takes both siblings through more than they ever thought they would see.

I am trying to get myself into the holiday spirit early this year and what better way to do it than with a good book. This might be a children's book, but as an adult I really did enjoy it. Seeing the world and the wonder of it through the eyes of children is amazing. Holly truly believes she can help her brother and sets out to do just that in an act of love. The love of siblings at this age is so wonderful and so pure to me, watching as Holly and Connor have so many different things to overcome while they are on this trip. Eric Tanafon has laid out a wonderful story that is magical and manages to teach lessons on the way. As with all children's books, this one does indeed set out to teach something, but it is done in such a effortless way that I think most children would miss they are being taught and just walk away from it with the good lesson. I am going to be recommending this one to my local library for their winter reading circle with kids. Whether you have a child you would like to read this to, or just want to feel a little magic of your own, I recommend this book.

Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer)

Father Winter (A Yule Story) by Eric Tanafon is a book that is sure to get the reader into the holiday spirit. When Holly realizes that her brother, Connor, is going to be on Father Winter's naughty list, she decides that she has to make it right, and so she forces Snowthorn the elf to take her to Father Winter's palace so that she can change the list and he'll be marked as nice. However, Connor sees what happens, and believes that the elf is kidnapping his sister, and so he decides to go after them in order to save her. Both of them will be tested and will make new friends on their journey. Will Holly be able to change the list? Will Connor save his sister?

I really, really enjoyed reading Father Winter (A Yule Story) by Eric Tanafon. The book is an amazing story of sibling love, selflessness, and sacrifice. The story is very well written and descriptive. I was hooked by the first page and I never wanted to put the book down. I loved how the plot made you think one thing would happen, and then something else would happen. The characters are likeable because they are brave and selfless. This is a real page turner. This plot has many dramatic and exciting scenes that will cause the reader to gasp out loud. This story also has some funny parts. This is a great book for the holidays. I liked that the story is about Yule, because there aren't a lot of Yule tales out there. This book is absolutely amazing. I would definitely recommend this to readers of all ages.

Jack Magnus

Father Winter: A Yule Story is a holiday-themed fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Eric Tanafon. Holly Morrison just doesn’t understand how her brother, Connor, doesn’t get it. If he’d only believe in Father Winter, he wouldn’t have to go out and try to steal the things he wants. Father Winter would bring them to him. Connor had long since given up on the idea of Father Winter or Santa Claus or whatever you wanted to call the supposedly chubby man who dropped off presents on Yule or Christmas, depending on which day your parents decided to celebrate. It was two days before the solstice, and Seattle was putting on its wettest and most dismal weather show. When he got back home after his Wolf Pack’s unsuccessful heist, it was only 3:30 pm, but it was already dark outside. They had been lucky enough to evade the store detective who had been hot on their trail after Gil dropped the tablet on the way out, but the police were looking for them. Holly does believe, however, and the elf she’s managed to capture is her key to changing Father Winter’s mind about Connor.

Eric Tanafon’s holiday-themed, adventure fantasy novel for children and preteens, Father Winter: A Yule Story, is a thrilling and imaginative treat for the holiday season. Tanafon’s questors and their guides are the perfect companions to have when one ventures up into the frozen north lands in search of Father Winter. There’s the elf, of course, as well as a somewhat mischievous Arctic fox, and that’s just the beginning of this surprisingly awesome book that makes the Arctic come to life so beautifully. I loved reading about Holly’s interactions with Snowthorn and the Inuit family, and Connor’s quest to rescue his sister is every bit as action-packed and exciting. You don’t have to believe in Christmas or Santa Claus to enjoy this marvelous fantasy where nothing is quite as it seems, but you may find yourself just wondering a bit as you follow along on Holly and Connor’s adventures. Father Winter: A Yule Story is most highly recommended.