My first 5-star rating of 2014! 
 Midwinterblood just was announced as the winner of the 2014 Printz award, and it's absolutely well-deserved. The only confusing bit for me is why this book is considered young adult fiction -- there's nothing about the plot that would seem to make it more a YA book than a general adult title. 
 In any case, Midwinterblood is a truly beautiful and mesmerizing book, telling the story of two people bound together over time. As the seven connected stories that make up this novel unfold in reverse chronology, we see the two find and lose one another over and over again, through tragedy, war, forbidden love, and sacrifice. 
 The writing is chilling and beautiful, full of loss and discovery. Midwinterblood is unusual and an unforgettable read. Don't miss it. 
 (My full review is posted at Bookshelf Fantasies.)