Calling all fans of fantasy and D. Wallace Peach: Diana has a new book just out! It’s entitled Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver, and it more than lives up to Diana’s high standard of compelling stories, complete with a beautiful cover.
Here is the blurb for Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver:
“Already the animals starve. Soon the bonemen will follow, the Moss Folk and woodlings, the watermaids and humans. Then the charmed will fade. And all who will roam a dead world are dead things. Until they too vanish for lack of remembering. Still, Weaver, it is not too late.”
In the frost-kissed cottage where the changing seasons are spun, Erith wears the Weaver’s mantle, a title that tests her mortal, halfling magic. As the equinox looms, her first tapestry nears completion—a breathtaking ode to spring. She journeys to the charmed isle of Innishold to release the beauty of nature’s awakening across the land.
But human hunters have defiled the enchanted forest and slaughtered winter’s white wolves. Enraged by the trespass, the Winter King seizes Erith’s tapestry and locks her within his ice-bound palace. Here, where comfort and warmth are mere glamours, she may weave only winter until every mortal village succumbs to starvation, ice, and the gray wraiths haunting the snow.
With humanity’s fate on a perilous edge, Erith must break free of the king’s grasp and unravel a legacy of secrets. In a charmed court where illusions hold sway, allies matter, foremost among them, the Autumn Prince. Immortal and beguiling, he offers a tantalizing future she has only imagined, one she will never possess—unless she claims her extraordinary power to weave life from the brink of death.
My review:
The tale opens with an unanticipated confrontation of mortals with enchanted beings, the Winter King’s white wolves. A bloody and terrible battle ensues in which places the delicate balance between the enchanted and mortal worlds on a razor’s edge. This prologue left me breathless and wondering what would come next.
Then, in a cottage that spans the boundary between the enchanted and mortal world, the reader is introduced to a halfling named Erith. Her mother, a magical being, was the much revered weaver of tapestries for each season, which ensured the seasonal changes. Now, taking over from her mother, Erith must assume the demanding task of creating the tapestries, her first being that of spring, which at the spring equinox will be imbued with an enchantment causing the change from winter to spring.
It is an age old honor to be the Season’s Weaver and a heavy burden, especially when the four seasons are not always gracious about handing over the crown at the appropriate time. Erith has to remain impartial to not cause any further disharmony; to the extent she herself only wears black or grey to avoid showing a preference.
While Erith feels herself to be an inadequate weaver in comparison to her mother’s, she nevertheless completes the beautiful weaving and now must bring it to the magical island of Innishold. There the Winter King resides, and there winter will give way to spring with the enchantment of the weaving at the equinox.
The author’s imagination has no limits in her inventions of characters, and I am more often than not gobsmacked by her creations. In the first chapter the reader is introduced to Mazheven, leader of the Mori Duglum, stout hunters clad in green cloaks with carrying powerful bows on their backs and quivers of arrows at their hips. Mazheven wears a long red scarf that encircles his neck, which contrasts with his cloak and his white beard. This guide taught Erith lessons in woodlore and with his band will see her safely through the snowy and foggy forest and across the frozen lake to the Winter King’s palace, a journey fraught with danger.
One of those dangers are the wylyali , which Erith sees lurking the forest. These are fearsome. horned winter predators that slip from the “gauzy border” that separates the living from the dead. They hunt anything mortal with a blood lust, and the more they eat, the more hungry they become. Tall and gaunt, their pale skin is stretched so tightly over their bodies that their individual muscles and bones can be seen. They are truly frightening.
After crossing the frozen lake and finding the Winter King and the rest of the seasonal royalty already in a wild celebration of the equinox, Erith is engulfed in the revelry but remains nervous about her reception by the King. Although she is on edge, nothing prepares her for what comes next: the theft of her tapestry and her imprisonment by the Winter King. The Winter King seemed to me unnecessarily cruel and vindictive, unlike the rulers of the other seasons, and I had to wonder why.
How will she recover the tapestry? Who can Erith count on for allies in confronting the Winter King? And what secrets did her mother and the Winter King keep from her?
The author’s descriptions of this quasi-magical world are of this world are breathtaking, and as I’ve noted with her previous books, I often take time to read them twice because they are so beautiful – such as this one, describing the spring tapestry: “The landscape formed a square…A medley of greens and blues flowed across the season, the underlying wave overlaid with a handstitched palette of flowers. Butterflies flitted between the blooms of lungwort and foxglove. Rabbit sprinted in the pale grass, and the fish sparkled in a purling stream. The azure sky played host to clouds as soft as lambswool.”
I hope I have given you enough of an introduction to the book to compel your interest. This is fantasy at its best, along the lines of the Chronicles of Narnia or Tolkien’s Ring Trilogy. If I could give the book ten stars, I would!
About the author:
D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked. Diana lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two dogs, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
Diana started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked. Diana lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s rainforest with her husband, two dogs, two owls, a horde of bats, and the occasional family of coyotes.
The author can be found
On twitter: @Dwallacepeach
On her blog: http://mythsofthemirror.com
On her website: dwallacepeachbooks.com All of her books are available on Amazon.
Diana Peach quickly became one of my favorite fantasy writers. Her magical worlds and lyrical writing are compelling, and I’ve read most of her books. She is an award-winning master of world creation, having won The Next Generation Indie Book Award for Fantasy, the largest international awards program for indie authors and independent publishers, for The Necromancer’s Daughter.
You can find my review of this book at: https://saylingaway.com/2022/11/07/an-interview-with-d-wallace-peach-and-a-review-of-her-new-book-the-necromancers-daughter/
Lovely to hear you enjoying this book so much.
Thank you for swinging by Noelle’s this morning, Rosie. I’m delighted with her review, of course. She’s wonderfully kind. 🙂
Thanks, Rosie. I certainly did!
Thanks, Noelle. I’ve read one of this author’s stories and fell in love with her characters, the setting, and her beautiful writing, and this one sounds fabulous as well. Congratulations to her.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read Noelle’s review, Olga, and for the lovely comment about your reading experience. Hugs. <3
You will love the characters in this one. They are so unusual and imaginative!
Good morning, Noelle. Thank you for hosting me today and for the wonderful review. Yesterday was my birthday, so reading it was like opening a present! I’m delighted that you enjoyed the book and the writing. This one took me a long time and was more difficult for me to write than other books. I value your opinion and you started my day with a smile. I’m looking forward to spending the day with you today. Hugs, my friend <3 <3 <3
You couldn’t be more welcome and I loved the surprise at the end, which turned my thinking totally around!
Oh, thanks for letting me know that! It was a final little twist. Winter is indeed harsh and often deadly, but…. I’m just tickled by your review, my friend. You kept it a surprise and that was complete fun. I’m looking forward to the day with you.
Thanks, Diana – may you get LOTS of book sales. We’ve been waiting for your latest for a while, and are NOT disappointed!
<3 <3 <3 It's been 2-1/2 years coming, so I'm glad the effort wasn't for naught. <3 <3
A fabulous review of Diana’s latest book. She is so good at world building and character development.
She is a master!
Thank you, Darlene, for stopping by Noelle’s and for the wonderful comment. Hugs, my friend. 🙂
I agree with every word of your review! It’s a magical story, but one like Tolkien’s The Ring trilogy that keeps you gripped between good and evil.
And then turns everything you are thinking around!
Thank you, Trish. You’re so kind to me. Tolkien started off my love of fantasy, you know. So the comparison made me do a little happy dance. I was thrilled by your review too. Thank you! <3 <3 <3
It’s nice to see this fantastic book on such a great blog tour. Your review is wonderful!
Thanks so much. Diana is a great writer- her imagination is unparalleled!
Thanks for stopping by Noelle’s place this morning, Tim. She wrote a lovely review and I’m so glad I could share it. Have a great day, my friend.
What an excellent review. It covers the intricacies and lyrical nature of this book well. So many different characters! I am intrigued by Diana’s explanation of where she found background on them. The Wylyali for one, from the Native American Wendigo. I come across this character consistently in the American Westerns I enjoy. I now see the similarities.
Noelle’s review was wonderful to wake up to this morning, Jacqui. Yes, the wendigo is an intriguing creature, and I wanted to include it, but HOW presented a dilemma since I also wanted to use European, Japanese, and Arctic characters. Thanks so much for swinging by Noelle’s this morning. Hugs. 🙂
So happy to hear I did a good job, Jaqui! The Wylyali were indeed frightening as described, but all of the characters were so well drawn!!
BTW, Noelle, I just grabbed a copy of The Last Pilgrim. It looks excellent.
Oh, I’m so glad. It’s a fascinating read. I was entertained and I learned a lot (like what happens when I read your books!). 🙂
I completely agree with your review, Noelle. Diana is so skilled at descriptive prose and makes the reader really see and feel the scenes. Thank you so much for sharing and a big congratulations to Diana on another winner!!
Thanks, Jan. Noelle was very kind to me with her review, as were you. My hosts are all wonderfully supportive (as well as talented). I’m having a great day here and can’t wait to visit with you next week. I appreciate the visit. <3
I love your review, Noelle 🙂 I go back and reread those beautifully written words too!
Thank you, Denise. Diana is incomparable!
I love your review and everything said about the book. I just can’t read this type of story any more. I’ll probably get back to it in time 🙂
You would love the book, Jemima. I’m not a particular fan of fantasy, but I love Diana’s books. The wonderful writing alone is worth it. A real treat to read. Yes, some of the fantasy characters are scary, but everything is dealt with in moderation and the storyline stays on track, as little by little, all the issues are resolved. You should give it a try. It’s SO worth it.
Thanks, Noelle, for the kindness. <3
No worries, Jemima. I so appreciate you taking the time to visit and read Noelle’s wonderful review. Have a lovely day. Hugs.
I think you would fall in love with the descriptions, Jemima, and you know the book will have a good ending, as is Diana’s style. Some of the characters are scary but they are just imaginary. Read it during the day with a bright light and a cuppa!
When I read about the wylyali, I remembered how I felt when I read about them in Diana’s book. They gave me the creeps, and that is all to the credit of Diana’s great imagination and excellent writing skills. I kept wanting to pull on a coat and wrap it around myself tighter, and be ready to run as fast as I could.
They are definitely creepy creatures, Anneli, and I took it about as far as I could go in the book. I still get the shivers when I think about the way they sound. Eeek. Thanks so much for swinging by Noelles and adding your boost. Have a beautiful day, my friend, and stay warm. <3
They gave me the creeps, too, and they seemed to turn up at the worst times!
Love your review, Noelle. Congratulations to Diana.
Thanks for stopping by, John. Noelles review was lovely and most appreciated. Happy Friday! I think you’re on a break, so extra thanks for your kind comment.
I’m back (as of yesterday)
I’m a big fan of Diana the author but also as someone who is supportive of her fellow bloggers and writers. She personally has offered me guidance. I don’t know of too many people who would have taken the amount of time she did in providing valuable feedback.
So nice of you to say that, Pete. I’ve been waiting for your next book! I hope life is treating you well and giving you some time to be creative. Thanks for stopping by Noelle’s and checking out her review. She’s been a wonderful supporter of my work and I love her books. You know how I feel about this amazing community. Happy Friday!
What an amazing review. This book is pure magic. I keep telling Diana she tapped into the world of faery. I’m reading the book a second time because the imagery transports me to the land of the charmed. Thanks so much, Noelle.
No wonder why your behind on your other stuff, Colleen. Lol. You are too kind and a little bit crazy, huh? I’m just delighted that you enjoyed the book and thank you again for inspiring me with your knowledge of the faery world. Noelle’s review was such a joy when I saw it this morning. She made my day. Hugs, my friend.
I could be crazy, for sure! I actually have a faery guide who visits me when I’m dream tending. Your fantasy books make it hard to not believe these places exist! 😂
I love hearing that. Thank you. <3
It’s well worth another read! Thanks, Colleen!
Thanks, Jacqui. My first attempt at historical fiction, but I loved writing it. It was long-listed for an international book award!
Thanks, Jan. I concur- Diana has created another winner!
Thanks, John. Much appreciated.
Yes, she definitely is! I interviewed her after The Necromancer’s Daughter came out and it was so much fun!
I ordered my copy. Looking forward to a great read.
Thanks for hosting.
Sandra
Thanks for swinging by Noelle’s, Sandra. And I’m thrilled that you’re going to give the book a try. It’s the most “magic infused” of my books and I hope you enjoy it. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
You will not be disappointed!!
Isn’t this just a lovely novel? I’ve re-read several of the beautiful passages just to appreciate the prose. Congrats on another well-deserved review, Diana!
Thanks for the wonderful comment, Teri, and I’m delighted that you’re enjoying the book and the writing. Noelle’s review was a surprise this morning and she started my day with a huge grin. Thanks for adding to the fun!
I do love to reread part of Diana’s books – then am just a little envious of her beautiful writing!
The review really brings us into the midst of the mystery of this world. I like the way it echoes the suspense of the narrative too.
Thanks for your kind visit, Kerfe, and wonderful comment. Noelle’s review was a great intro to the book and tease for what’s to come. I love learning what different readers think, and I’m always grateful, not only for the time it takes to read, but then pull their thoughts together. Have a lovely weekend! <3
Thank you!
We so appreciate the reviews!
I love your detailed opinions, it’s a great help to steer us towards the books and subjects that we know can really enjoy.
I do hope you will get to read this one, Holly. It’s a winner!
Thanks, Holly. I’m delighted to be spending a couple of days with Noelle. She’s such a kind person and wonderful host. Her review was sheer joy for me. Hugs, my friend, and have a beautiful weekend. 🙂 <3
Wow! You wrote a fabulously teasing review. I will definitely be reading this.
Although, I do want to finish “The Rose Shield” series first. I’m about to start the second book, right after I read a short book by another fellow blogger!
Thank you for tis wonderful review, Noelle!
Let me know when the postal strike is winding down, Resa, and I’ll send you the books. 🙂 I think you’ll enjoy how fanciful this one is, and if you decide someday to draw for it, you can let your imagination go wild too! Noelle’s review was pure pleasure for me to read and she’s been a wonderful host. I couldn’t be happier. Hugs, my friend, and have a gorgeous weekend.
I will let you know. The strike is over, and I’m getting some mail, but there are many pieces I know of that were mailed just prior to the strike that are not here yet.
I don’t trust the flow yet.
😬✉️🙄📦🤞
Noelle did a lovely post. I’m sure you are happy! I’ll see at the next stop tomorrow!
🙂 Tuesday and Thursday this coming week. And Yay about the mail!
I’ll be there!
The more reviews I read, the more anxious I become to get started on this much anticipated story. Great review, and I literally can’t wait. 🙂
Aww. Thanks as always, Andrea. You always give me such a big smile with your kind comments. Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Reading!
Your writing has a way of resonating with me on a deep level. It’s clear that you put a lot of thought and effort into each piece, and it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.SABA303
Thank you for stopping by and Noelle’s and checking out her review. She certainly made my day. Happy Weekend!
What a wonderful trailer. Finsihing off the book I am on this weekend. YOU are next.
Diana does great trailers. She did one for me for The Last Pilgrim. I need to learn how to do them!
It was my pleasure, Noelle, and I’m so glad it came out well! That was before AI took off, so it was harder to make the images. Much easier now. I’m sure you could make your own.
Already? Oh, I’m tickled to hear you’ll be starting it soon. And thanks for the note on the trailer, Shey. I love making those, especially when my brain needs a break from staring at text. Haha. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
You too xx
They’re quite fun to make actually, Noelle.
I read the whole Rose Shield series and reviewed it, Resa. You will enjoy every single book!
You’re the best!
You won’t be disappointed!
Amazing review! Diana is a stunning storyteller! Can’t wait to read it!
Thank you for stopping by and for the kind comment, Joy. I’m delighted with Noelle’s review and honored that she shared it. Have a lovely weekend, my friend. 🙂
Amen to that!
I wanted to take a moment to commend you on the outstanding quality of your blog. Your dedication to excellence is evident in every aspect of your writing. Truly impressive! SLOT DANA GOPAY
Thank you!
I’m following the tour and still devouring this book. Noelle, your review was gorgeous and informative for sure, leaving readers hanging at the crux of things. I’m enjoying learning more about all the creatures involved too. <3
The creatures are amazing – so many but so well described! I love Diana’s imagination.
I cannot disagree with you Noelle. 🙂
Thanks for following the tour, Debby, and for your kind comment about the characters. And Noelle’s review was such a lovely surprise. I was definitely happy dancing. I’m glad you’re enjoying the story. Hugs!
Yay you! Take it all in. <3
Congratulations to Diana for that review. She is an incredible author.
Absolutely!
Thanks for taking the time to read, Craig. Noelle’s review was a dream and I’m so grateful. Have a great week and Happy Writing. 🙂
Noodlemagazine I do not even understand how I ended up here, but I assumed this publish used to be great
Brilliant review Noelle for Diana’s wonderful book… such an amazing world and characters. ♥
Thank you, Sally. I love the worlds she creates – so easy to get drawn into them!
Thank you for stopping by, Noelle’s, Sally. She’s a wonderful host and her review was a great surprise. I’ve had such fun with the tour and appreciate your kind comment. Hugs. <3
Congratulations to Diana on the excellent review! Sharing to help spread the word.
Thanks, Liz. Happy to help Diana get the word out!
You’re welcome, Noelle!
You’re so kind to share, Liz, and thank you for the visit here at Noelle’s! Her review is a great peek into the book. Have a wonderful Sunday and week ahead.
You’re welcome, Diana. Busy week ahead for me!
A terrific review, Noelle. I also really enjoyed this book.
Thanks for adding your boost, Robbie. I’m so grateful for you review too. Only three stops in and it’s been a fun tour. Have a lovely week, my friend. <3
You must be a member of Diana’s fan club! There are many, many members!
It’s a lovely review, Noelle. Thanks for posting it. Congrats to Diana on another amazing story. Hugs all around.
Thanks, Teagan. Her stories are always awaiting with much anticipation and never disappoint!
Thanks for stopping by Noelle’s, Teagan. She wrote a lovely review, indeed, and I’m delighted that she enjoyed the story. Made my day! Have a wonderful week, my friend, and congrats again on your release! <3
What a wonderful review of Diana’s new book, Noelle! I too, love Diana’s lyrical writing. It’s a treat when reading Diana’s books. Thank you for hosting Diana!
Hi Miriam! Thanks for taking the time to swing by Noelle’s and read her review. She did a great job setting up the story and I couldn’t be more pleased. I love your comment. Kind as always. Hugs and have a great week!
Noodlemagazine This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am really happy to read everthing at one place
Thanks, Miriam. So easy to host her because her books are stellar!
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Noelle! I’m her fan!
I should read this, as I love all of her books I’ve read so far. Thanks for sharing!
It’s full on magical fantasy this time, Nicholas. Thanks for swinging by Noelle’s place and checking our her review. If you decide to give the book a try, I hope you enjoy the read. Have a great week!
I’m absolutely buying it, Diana. Thanks 🙂
You made my day, Nicholas! 🙂 🙂
Me, too. I’ve read quite a few and are scrounging around to see if I missed any! Thanks, Nicholas.
Beautifully written review!!! Congratulations to Diana!!! 🙂
Thanks so much Linda. It was an easy write!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by Noelle’s, Linda. She writes wonderful reviews and it made my day to see it here. Have a beautiful day, my friend. 🙂
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today yet I never found any interesting article like yours It is pretty worth enough for me In my opinion if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did the web will be much more useful than ever before
I wanted to stop by, Noelle, and thank you again for hosting me, for all your wonderful comments, your review, and your kind support. I had so much fun visiting with your followers and talking about the book. Huge hugs. <3
What the responses tell me, Diana, is that you are one very popular writer! And much loved by your readers!
This community is wonderful, Noelle. I appreciate it immensely.
First off, Happy Birthday Diana! Launching your book in the new year is sure fire proof you’re off to a great new year ahead. Thank you also for introducing us or at least me to Sally’s book which sounds fascinating and so rich with history. I love the she was 4 at the crossing and now 80 with so much wisdom having embraced in her wonderful rich years.
But today is all about you now isn’t it and Sally, you did a great job highlighting the magic of Diana’s words and introducing us to the amazing characters. I’m afraid I’m still at the prologue but all of these great intros to her book will catch me up when I get to those chapters. With book club tomorrow I’m hosting, etc I’m scurrying along and clean up is still a constant job after the holiday! 💓
A wonderful review for a wonderful author. Congratulations to Diana.
Thanks, Beem. Diana is a star!
Thanks so much for the visit, Beem. I appreciate it! Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by Noelle’s, Cindy, and for the lovely birthday wishes. Noelle’s book is incredible for both the storytelling quality and her research. I learned a lot while being wrapped up in the tale. Thank you so much for starting my book. I know you’re always busy, so I appreciate the effort. And thanks for following the tour too! Have fun with your book club! Hugs.
Thanks, Cindy. I’m so glad you stropped by for the intro!
A wonderful review of what promises to be an amazing book by a magnificent writer. I’ll be receiving my copy soon and I’m so eager to explore this new world of Diana’s imaginative crafting. Wishing Diana much success with Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver.
Thanks so much for following the tour, Mike. Noelle was a quick reader and I was delighted that she shared her review here. Your copy is on it’s way! And your poem looks beautiful. I’m so pleased with it. I hope you enjoy the story. Hugs.
Thanks, Mike. You will be flabbergasted by this new world!