The Red Winter

Bookseller recommendation

“Brilliant. I did not realize how much I need morally grey fantasy retellings of historic events in my life until this book. One of my new favorites for sure! ”

— Andy • Sower Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Is it too early into the year to yell FAVORITE BOOK OF 2026? Just like last year with Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, this book consumed me. I’m not usually into werewolves, but this historical-fantasy reimagining (it is so well placed historically, that it feels like It could be all true) of the hunt for the first werewolf made me feel all the feels. Written as a memoir by the immortal Sebastian, it is full of sorcery, demons, and debauchery, but at its heart, it is a beautiful queer love story between Sebastian and Antoine that is heartbreaking, hilarious, and unforgettable. Sullivan’s prose, intricate timelines, and morally complex characters make this debut stunningly immersive. I finished it in awe and I am desperate for the next story by this unique new voice.”

— Erika • Righton Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Reminiscent of V. E. Schwab’s Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil. A love story between a professor tasked with killing a beast and a lord who took him under his wing in 18th century France. Violence but also mercy, passion, sorrow, and hunger flow off the pages. Sullivan has done something special and the various voice actors and affects used throughout this audiobook make the story even more enjoyable. ”

— Jared • Charter Books

Bookseller recommendation

“An incredible tale of love, loss, and lots of blood. Sullivan expertly weaves a tale unlike any I've ever read. Queer fantasy at its finest. ”

— Jake • Vroman's Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“If you love Empire of the Vampire by Jay Kristoff, this is for you! A historical fantasy novel like you have never read before, The Red Winter spans centuries with gods and monsters reinvented in a new way. I lol'd with this book several times, and cringed in disgust at others. So much fun, and a fast-paced multi-timeline read. ”

— Claire • Mostly Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The Red Winter is enchanting, horrific, funny and insightful, often at the same time. It's a great alternative history piece with supernatural themes and wonderfully complex characters and a plot that will keep you guessing! If you enjoy historical fiction, the Dresden files and a bit of spicey language this is a must read! Church and Barnett do an excellent job of bringing the story to life with their performance too.”

— David • Warstorm Games

Bookseller recommendation

“As a rule I tend to stay away from books that compare themselves to some of my favorite novels. I went into this book half expecting it to not live up after all being compared to Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, Babel: An Arcane History, and This Historian is a small feat. The Red Winter blew my expectations out of the water and then some. Set in France throughout the centuries, The Red Winter tells the story of Sebastian Grave and Sarmodel as they deal with the Beast of Gevaudan and the consequences that their actions have had. One part historical fantasy and one part love story, it drips the essence of it's own darkness and leaves one craving more. I would love to see Cameron Sullivan return to this world and these characters in a sequel or even a prequel.”

— Kendra • The Book Vine