Book Review: I Shall Return with Winter by C.F. Welburn

Genre(s): Fantasy

Content warning: There are a number of fight scenes, some more brutal than others. There are a number of character deaths, one scene depicting themes of cannibalism, and several passages that show or allude to physical abuse/torture.

After his town was attacked and his sister killed, Oben goes on a quest for revenge against the Skalg raiders who committed the crime. Oben isn’t a warrior—he’s a farmer with a family—but he’s determined to carry out justice despite his lack of combat qualifications. Most of the other men in his town were killed, and those who remained believed him mad for taking up the task. But he persists.

Once Oben reaches Skaligar, his life is altered inexplicably one night during a storm. He has a vision of a woman, but isn’t certain if she’s real or hallucination. He doesn’t know if she stabbed him, or if he was struck by lightning. Regardless, he’s left with a mark on his back that changes his life. Whether or not it’s a change for the better is left to interpretation.

I liked that Oben was a reluctant “chosen one”, and often denied he was anything special. The Skalgs treat him as a prisoner for the most part, some attempt to kill him, and very few believe as their leader does—that Oben is chosen by their goddess. He wants no part in it, yet is forced, time and again, to carry out the steps of a convoluted prophecy. He remains in denial throughout the book and continually tries to fight is purported destiny.

At times I didn’t fully connect with the main character, but that aside, it was an enjoyable read.

The Skalgs (or Taliskans, as they prefer to be called), were an interesting people, reminiscent of the Vikings. Their ways are harsh, borne of a desire to survive despite the inhospitable nature of the lands they inhabit. As the story progresses, Oben comes to see them not as heathens or barbarians, but as people. Their stories of his own people cause him to question his beliefs, his faith, and the government he grew up trusting. He realizes his self-appointed fight isn’t as black and white as he’d once believed. I really enjoyed that aspect of the story.

There was so much action in this book, a good dose of adventure, and a plot that had a number of both expected and unexpected turns. It was a fun read, and one I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

Author website: cfwelburn.com

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