trisarahjtops's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
dinareadsit's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
cakeroo's review against another edition
4.0
I liked Spinning Silver quite a bit!
The overall plot was compelling (it's a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin (my fave!), but instead of being a weird gross goblin, Rumpelstiltskin is conveniently a hot fae king) and the world-building was nice & rich. If you happen to be reading this review *before* reading Spinning Silver, I'd say this book is heartier than the Nora Roberts' brand of romance-fantasy. It's not a light read, but it's not particularly heavy. Beginner fantasy for the discerning reader, I think. :)
Miryem is an awesome protagonist- mostly likable but definitely (and realistically!) flawed, clever, interesting. I really can't say enough positive things about her.
Wanda is a great character, but what really stands out in Wanda's chapters is Novik's ability to write multiple POVs. The style of Wanda's chapters reflect equally her competence and background- specifically her lack of a formal education.
Irina is okay. To be honest, I read this book a few months ago and I had to do a quick google search to recall her name, so I think it's safe to say she's kind of forgettable (but I am also prone to forgetfulness).
For those who read the book & are here to discuss-
I really, really enjoyed this book, but the ending kinda lost me. I just finished Uprooted by the same author, and I think I'm starting to recognize a trend.Novik tries to infuse a bit of romance into her novels, which I have no problem with- I love romance! But the Staryk king....? And Miryem? It just didn't really land for me. It felt like Novik shoehorned their romance in because readers of the genre would expect it. Same thing happens in Uprooted, but Novik at least lays *some* groundwork ahead of time. It just appalls me to this day that the Staryk king apparently experienced enough character development to want to date the girl he was once mortified to even bargain with. And she even set him up to be killed! Mere months before they get married! I have a pretty high capacity for suspension of disbelief, but this pushed it.
The overall plot was compelling (it's a retelling of Rumpelstiltskin (my fave!), but instead of being a weird gross goblin, Rumpelstiltskin is conveniently a hot fae king) and the world-building was nice & rich. If you happen to be reading this review *before* reading Spinning Silver, I'd say this book is heartier than the Nora Roberts' brand of romance-fantasy. It's not a light read, but it's not particularly heavy. Beginner fantasy for the discerning reader, I think. :)
Miryem is an awesome protagonist- mostly likable but definitely (and realistically!) flawed, clever, interesting. I really can't say enough positive things about her.
Wanda is a great character, but what really stands out in Wanda's chapters is Novik's ability to write multiple POVs. The style of Wanda's chapters reflect equally her competence and background- specifically her lack of a formal education.
Irina is okay. To be honest, I read this book a few months ago and I had to do a quick google search to recall her name, so I think it's safe to say she's kind of forgettable (but I am also prone to forgetfulness).
For those who read the book & are here to discuss-
I really, really enjoyed this book, but the ending kinda lost me. I just finished Uprooted by the same author, and I think I'm starting to recognize a trend.
julesreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
Atmospheric and beautiful. I did find the story a little difficult to follow at first due to the switching POVs. It takes a second to figure out which voice goes with which character and how they all interact together. However, I loved this story and found it a perfect winter read. Great for fans of fairytales and snow ❄️
casmix's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Fun story with a happy ending
chattie_the_mad_chatter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The plot, atmosphere and retelling of the fairy tale Rumplestiltskin was really well crafted. All the different parts of the story pulled together for the final.
I enjoyed how it drew from Mythology as well as different aspects of the fairy tale and the use of thrice repeated. The Winter atmosphere of both the mortal and Stark Kingdoms along with the harsh world's of both created a fantastic winter setting.
Themes of a pragmatic business sense and greed were mixed with compassion and weakness along with women at the bottom of life's ladder finding inner strength to take their place in the harsh unrelenting world.
It was nice to see Jewish representation with a fantasy and the family values were the spot of warmth that was well needed.
Despite this, I did not warm to the characters and I can’t pinpoint why. I liked them and followed their adventures, but i did not make friends with them and grow attached like I usually do with at least one characte. I'm not sure if this was a narrative voice choice where secondary characters gave first person perspective and I would have preferred 3rd person? That could be a factor. I am glad I read this, but it's not going to be a favourite re-read, which I think is down to my personal preference.
I enjoyed how it drew from Mythology as well as different aspects of the fairy tale and the use of thrice repeated. The Winter atmosphere of both the mortal and Stark Kingdoms along with the harsh world's of both created a fantastic winter setting.
Themes of a pragmatic business sense and greed were mixed with compassion and weakness along with women at the bottom of life's ladder finding inner strength to take their place in the harsh unrelenting world.
It was nice to see Jewish representation with a fantasy and the family values were the spot of warmth that was well needed.
Despite this, I did not warm to the characters and I can’t pinpoint why. I liked them and followed their adventures, but i did not make friends with them and grow attached like I usually do with at least one characte. I'm not sure if this was a narrative voice choice where secondary characters gave first person perspective and I would have preferred 3rd person? That could be a factor. I am glad I read this, but it's not going to be a favourite re-read, which I think is down to my personal preference.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Bullying, Misogyny, and Physical abuse
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Violence, and Child abuse
tokyo_mulldrifter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
marinarathesauce's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75