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bree_h_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
From a technical standpoint this book should probably be closer to 3.75-4 stars BUT I love S.T. Gibson’s writing style which made up for some of the shakier parts of the book.
I think Gibson’s writing style really lends to fairy tale retellings. It flows very nicely and gives everything an enchanting, otherworldly feel. It’s perfect for a retelling of the Snow Queen and I think suits retellings for other fairy tales that want to carry the feeling of being in another world.
I also thought the romance between Helvig and Gerta was excellent. Especially with the backing and struggles Helvig has with her own feelings. Helvig’s struggle with sapphic feelings felt very relatable and well executed.
However despite how much I liked those aspects, I wish the audiobook narrator had been better chosen. While she suits A Dowry of Blood, I think she sounds a little too mature for Helvig’s character. Outside of the voice not suiting the character she did an amazing job. I just felt a little taken out of the story by the mismatch.
Finally I think the book’s pacing felt a little off. Everything was very rushed and there were several aspects I felt lacked proper build up. I think if I had been unfamiliar with the story of The Snow Queen I would have been a lot more confused on what was happening and why.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, though I wouldn’t recommend it as someone’s intro to S.T. Gibson’s work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Kidnapping
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