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shaimanshamoon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Winter's Promise is an enchanting start to The Mirror Visitor Quartet, filled with rich world-building, political intrigue, and a unique magic system. The protagonist, Ophelia, a quiet woman who can read objects and travel through mirrors, is forced into an arranged marriage with the cold and mysterious Thorn. As she navigates the treacherous court of the Pole, the plot unfolds with slow-burning tension, uncovering secrets and hidden agendas.
The intricate universe of floating arks is vividly imagined, and the magic system feels fresh and essential to the story. Ophelia's character development, from shy and awkward to resilient, is a highlight, while Thorn's layers unravel slowly. The pacing is deliberate, and while some may find the action lacking, the novel's focus on political maneuvering and suspense is rewarding.
Though the relationship between Ophelia and Thorn
develops at a glacial pace (wish they'd fall in love!), their
dynamic adds depth. Thorn's frequent scoffing, like the "he growled" in some
books is funny to me
Overall, A Winter's Promise is a beautifully crafted fantasy that will captivate patient readers.
Rating: 4/5
The intricate universe of floating arks is vividly imagined, and the magic system feels fresh and essential to the story. Ophelia's character development, from shy and awkward to resilient, is a highlight, while Thorn's layers unravel slowly. The pacing is deliberate, and while some may find the action lacking, the novel's focus on political maneuvering and suspense is rewarding.
Though the relationship between Ophelia and Thorn
develops at a glacial pace (wish they'd fall in love!), their
dynamic adds depth. Thorn's frequent scoffing, like the "he growled" in some
books is funny to me
Overall, A Winter's Promise is a beautifully crafted fantasy that will captivate patient readers.
Rating: 4/5
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Rape, Suicide, Violence, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Classism
jenny_librarian's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Je ne sais pas trop quoi penser de ce livre. Le côté politique est intéressant, mais comme absolument aucun personnage n’est attachant, ça m’a empêché de ressentir quelque empathie que ce soit pour eux.
J’ai l’impression qu’Ophélie est demi-romantique, et Thorn présente plusieurs traits autiste. Est-ce voulu? Je n’en sais rien, mais c’est ce qui m’a semblé le plus captivant dans ma lecture.
Malheureusement, tous les personnages sont froids et la plupart sont dénués de caractérisation outre des défauts très superficiels qui deviennent leur entière personnalité.
Je ne sais pas non plus si le sous-entendu est intentionnel, mais les “provinciaux” semblent avoir un accent québécois et ça me rend mal à l’aise. Tout comme les références à la religion animiste, qui est fondamentalement liés à l’histoire coloniale et aux peuples africains et autochtones — pour la plupart décimés par les colonies françaises… M’enfin, c’est peut-être seulement mon interprétation de la chose.
Je ne sais pas encore si je vais lire la suite. Ce sont de gros livres avec peu d’action qui demandent beaucoup de travail cérébral pour peu de résultats.
J’ai l’impression qu’Ophélie est demi-romantique, et Thorn présente plusieurs traits autiste. Est-ce voulu? Je n’en sais rien, mais c’est ce qui m’a semblé le plus captivant dans ma lecture.
Malheureusement, tous les personnages sont froids et la plupart sont dénués de caractérisation outre des défauts très superficiels qui deviennent leur entière personnalité.
Je ne sais pas non plus si le sous-entendu est intentionnel, mais les “provinciaux” semblent avoir un accent québécois et ça me rend mal à l’aise. Tout comme les références à la religion animiste, qui est fondamentalement liés à l’histoire coloniale et aux peuples africains et autochtones — pour la plupart décimés par les colonies françaises… M’enfin, c’est peut-être seulement mon interprétation de la chose.
Je ne sais pas encore si je vais lire la suite. Ce sont de gros livres avec peu d’action qui demandent beaucoup de travail cérébral pour peu de résultats.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Miscarriage, Sexism, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
heoleen's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape
customfitbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This was fine. Neither my most favorite nor my least. I wish I could read this in the original language, I do think there were some things that got a bit lost in translation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Rape
There was a lackadaisical mention by a side character about his ability to “deflower” the main character, though he insists she would “want him to” which felt rape-y to me - especially because his specific intention was to do it so her betrothed would no longer want her. Anyways. Her family and fiancée are also terrible and abusive emotionally (and sometimes physically) throughout.erinsbookish's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.0
What. A. Let. Down.
The beginning was promising. Somewhat. Despite the problems with French-English translation, I was hopeful!
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a slow-paced book in my life. I also don’t dole out one star ratings to books very often. This was truly, much to my dismay, deserving of it. It goes without saying that I will not be finishing the series. Not how I wanted to end my 2021 reading journey. UGH
The beginning was promising. Somewhat. Despite the problems with French-English translation, I was hopeful!
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a slow-paced book in my life. I also don’t dole out one star ratings to books very often. This was truly, much to my dismay, deserving of it. It goes without saying that I will not be finishing the series. Not how I wanted to end my 2021 reading journey. UGH
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Rape
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