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What Is The Red Winter About? (Spoiler-Free)

Sebastian Grave hasn’t set foot in Gévaudan since slaying the Beast twenty years ago, but the son of his estranged lover hunts Sebastian down to deliver the terrible news that the Beast of Gévaudan has returned. Despite his indwelling demon’s, Sarmodel, disapproval, he returns to the town that harbours grim and pleasant memories alike.

Upon his return, Sebastian finds not only that his former lover is vastly changed since their last meeting, but the city is poised for war. When angels, demons, the church, and magic are at play, conflict is surely to brew.

Is The Red Winter Worth Reading?

At just over 500 pages, The Red Winter is surely not a weekend read. Not to mention, it is inspired by historical tales and events, so you might find yourself rereading sections or setting down the novel for a quick Google search.

So, if you are prepared for a long-running tale that continuously builds throughout, I would surely recommend The Red Winter.

Themes and Topics in The Red Winter

The Beast: With a tale based around a mysterious, yet deadly Beast, there are many potential interpretations for this mysterious figure. If you have a particular interpretation, share it in the comments!

Queer Love: As a Queer retelling set in the 18th century, it is no surprise that there are themes of concealing ones desires and suppressing urges.

French Revolution: Based in the French countryside, Sebastian is unknowingly witnessing the rising tensions that led to the French Revolution.

Religious Influences: With demons and angels being active players throughout the novel, religion is a steady influence throughout the tale. Instead of sticking to the common light and dark views, Sullivan positions all under a grim light.

Writing Style, Pacing, and Structure

Sullivan’s writing style is unique as his tone shifts as Sebastian evolves over the centuries. The footnotes, which are told in the present, are casual and modern. Meanwhile, the bulk of the story is told through the pessimistic lens of an immortal dealing with a heavy heart. But, we get flashes of a optimistic Sebastian as he retells the tales of his previous adventure resulting in the slaying of the Beast.

Who Will Enjoy The Red Winter?

T. Kingfisher, Alix E. Harrow, and Cassandra Knaw have been featured for The Red Winter‘s reviews for a reason. Their novels are a close comparison for Sullivan’s debut novel. With grimy-themes and a willingness to depict the dark side of humanity, there are plenty of similarities between these dark fantasy authors.

Final Verdict: My Review of The Red Winter

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Spice Rating: 🌶️️🌶️️(2/5)

Review my rating scale here!

The Red Winter was a great return to everything enjoyable about fantasy. From the dark tale that slowly unravels across multiple timelines to the grimy world built on soggy grounds, I was captivated throughout the entire novel. Not to mention, the portrayal of the indwelling demon, Sarmodel, was brilliant. Also, I always love a book with a good usage of footnotes.

The only thing that didn’t earn the book a five-star rating from me is that there was no true “wow factor.” However, not every book needs to knock off my socks, so I am content exploring this world as Cameron Sullivan crafted it.

Release Date for The Red Winter

The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan is expected to be published on February 24, 2026.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group, for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel for an honest review. Special thanks to Cameron Sullivan for a spectacular story spanning centuries.