Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Spinning Silver

I've yet to not enjoy a Naomi Novik novel. The variety of characters and the depth shown from so many of them I think it was most drew me to this story. Miryem, the child of a moneylender, gains a reputations for turning silver to gold, and after the Staryk king hears of it, Miryem's fate is shifted. When beginning to read it I thought that would be the end of the story if Miryem was able to "produce" the promised gold, however the interweaving of other complex storylines really kept this one going. I listened to the audio version so occasionally I stumbled in understanding exactly which character I was following, but I didn't find that to be a deterrent for me. Would highly suggest for fans of fantasy.

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hurricanetortillah's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

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randomwright's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

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aloeverra's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Absolutely fantastic read, it started out a little slow but as soon as you add a few more perspectives in the story it picked up for me. I listened to the audiobook of this and the reader was incredible. I loved every voice, I could tell who was talking within the first few sentences even though the perspective changes weren't announced.

The book had a fun blend of different fairy tale retellings, though all were subtle. The strongest link was to rumplestiltskin, though how that story was adapted was very clever in this books plot.

The topic themes in this book really resonated with me. The idea that the three main women in the book are all stuck in these circumstances out of their control. Instead of despairing or complaining about it, they find ways to control aspects of their life little by little. At first, its small but their strength grows. I also loved the idea of what is magic really? Each person sees miraculous or wonderous things in different places depending on their experiences. Even just the act to give without wanting anything in return can seem impossible to some people.

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tibbarasden's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced

4.5

I debated about giving this a five-star, but in the end, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the story/characters I couldn't quite give it that. The atmosphere of this book was spot on. I liked the little connections of the three main characters throughout the storyline. I loved the fire and ice/winter and summer theme throughout. The only thing I didn't like was the number of POVs (6) and the way the author transitioned through the POVs. It wasn't always clear initially whose POV it was, which would take me out of the story a little. Also, I didn't feel the tree's backstory was explained, which left me a little dissatisfied with its whole role. But everything else about the story was wonderful, and I loved how it played out in the end.

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