Scan barcode
torturedreadersdept's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
daciane's review against another edition
Previously read and enjoyed Uprooted by the same author. I liked the premise of this book, but after almost 80 pages it hadn't grabbed my attention. Found myself becoming bored and easily distracted. Plus the constantly changing perspectives felt a bit clunky?
Content Warnings
Minor: Physical abuse and Rape
wonderbeastlett's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This deals with a lot of issues that are gritty and more complex. I did enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Physical abuse, and Murder
secirko's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Physical abuse
bethann_coleates's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Classism
murkyreflections's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
sinceraly's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Ideally, I'll write a longer, more well thought out review at some point, but for now:
Spinning Silver is an excellent adaption/retelling of Rumpelstiltskin that does a great job of setting itself apart from the original. The book is excellently written with some of the best prose I've read all year, and Novik is so incredibly skilled at describing things so well you really can picture them all in your head.
The only thing stopping me from rating the book 5 stars is the amount of perspectives the book gets written through, and the nonsense order of how they happen. At first it's as simple as Miryem/Wanda/Irina, but then you toss in perspectives from the tsar, from Irina's handmaiden, from Wanda's brother, and they all happen randomly, it feels like. Though I loved the switch in perspectives at first, eventually it led to the middle section of the book feeling disjointed and not as cohesive as it could have been. Maybe on a second read, I'd feel like it's worth it, but it was a big enough negative for me to keep the book from 5 stars.
Also wish the book would have given me an epilogue if only because I wanted to see more of the Staryk king post "you fight good" moment. I'm a sucker for proud bitches and a redemption arc.
Spinning Silver is an excellent adaption/retelling of Rumpelstiltskin that does a great job of setting itself apart from the original. The book is excellently written with some of the best prose I've read all year, and Novik is so incredibly skilled at describing things so well you really can picture them all in your head.
The only thing stopping me from rating the book 5 stars is the amount of perspectives the book gets written through, and the nonsense order of how they happen. At first it's as simple as Miryem/Wanda/Irina, but then you toss in perspectives from the tsar, from Irina's handmaiden, from Wanda's brother, and they all happen randomly, it feels like. Though I loved the switch in perspectives at first, eventually it led to the middle section of the book feeling disjointed and not as cohesive as it could have been. Maybe on a second read, I'd feel like it's worth it, but it was a big enough negative for me to keep the book from 5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Antisemitism, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
booklifeisthelife's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
3.5
I really enjoyed this book, the world, the characters and all the small details. It has six povs which I enjoyed (all which varying frequently) so you really did get to know the characters. However two main problems I had with this book. One was the writing which was otherwise good if you ignore the excessive use of "and" and the run ons. Once I was able to get used it it wasn't so bad but it really did bother me so I docked a .5 but the thing that took a whole 1 off was the ending. I did not like the one part of, the ending for the one main character. I liked most of the characters ending and was happy for them but the one really bothered me. Without getting into specific, they forced a "romance" that I felt wasn't a thing. There was no build up, no tension, no gradual feelings developing besides respect on the male's side. But the romance just..wasn't there yet they forced an ending in that direction which kinda ruined it for me. Nice fantasy world but I would have liked a little more informatio about the other kingdom. I still really loved the book and I struggled choosing between 3.5 and 4.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Violence
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Rape
boopityzoo's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.75
I really enjoyed this book! Some highlights include interesting narration, loveable characters, a complex plot that is carried out well, and moments that made me genuinely chuckle. Also, this novel centers the story of a young Jewish woman and her family, and the Jewish culture is woven very artfully throughout the story. All in all, a true gem. Especially nice to read in the wintertime when it's cold outside!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse
redpanda_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcoholism and Murder