Reviews

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos

a_chickletz's review against another edition

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4.0

This book ended up being difficult, but by the end, I was surprised on how much I enjoyed it?

So I guess lets talk about the things of why I gave it a star less than 5.


- The characters do strange things/the translation shows strange things. At one point in my updates, I mentioned that the main character did something weird like 'blown her nose and the noise sounded like a foghorn'. I can't tell if Christelle was attempting to achieve humor or that she just thought that the likeness of blowing the nose loudly should be described as a foghorn. There was other strange put downs on the character, that she is constantly clumsy, not very pretty, plain, etc and comparisons akin to that of the foghorn, but I got used to them after a while. Though I do think without them the book will still be good.

- While the characters are interesting and the overall plot has a point, it didn't really seem to get there. Some things are confusing to me, like the focus on Farouk being in love with her fiance's sister, but also, he is after her because she can read objects by touching them. When the main character finds out that that is what the ancestor wants her for, or for the marriage, we never really get any more focus on him or have him show up. In fact, he only makes an appearance once after she realizes that he is in need of her skills and then never again. I just felt like it wasn't quite clear the danger/the character's reason for being in the book was.

Overall, I loved the plot and what was happening and some say the books get stronger while others say they fail. I have started up book two so I'll be sure to make it known what I think. Right now, I rather enjoy the world and the main character and the court intrigue.

ckkurata529's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

lovelywren's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

lyraggs's review against another edition

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4.0

4,3

Voy a tener que darle tiempo para comentarlo bien, pero una cosa, este libro es introductorio, lleno de detalles e intrigas. Donde nos presentan una tierra fragmentada, para imaginar ese mundo y las cosas que son posible se me hizo interesante.

Además de ver el inicio de una chica tranquila, valiente y curiosa a alguien que se vuelve muy perspicaz, astuta y tal vez peligrosa, pero a un precio que duele, pues vemos perder esa inocencia de los primeros capítulos.

Aquí nadie es lo que es, y las mentiras siempre están a toda hora.

julrwagner's review against another edition

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5.0

I’m gonna say it. Whoever said this is like Harry Potter is wrong. If anything I’d attribute it more to Alice in wonderland because of the whimsy and illusions and caricature of the characters. I love plot twisting books like this and trying to figure out characters and you really feel Ophelia’s frustration. The world building is awesome and I think that really aids this book. If you like something a little over the top, this book is it. However, I will warn there is a lot of misogynistic undertones in the way this society lives so that is part of Ophelia’s battle in this new world. This is a book where you don’t want to trust ANYONE so keep that in mind when reading the book. Once the story began to unravel, I really liked it and would recommend but also attach those warnings to it.

mybooksarenovel's review against another edition

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5.0

This book! Maybe my favorite book of the year and I am fully ready to dive headlong into the rest of the series.

I can't even explain WHY I love it so much. It is very slow paced, but the world building, magic system and constant politicking kept me interested the entire time. If there is a romance (which I suspect there is) don't expect to get anywhere near it. All unlikeable characters with hidden motives.

The author leans heavily into wildly exaggerated characterizations. Example: Thorn is so tall he can't pass through doorways without ducking, and Ophelia cannot meet his eyes unless he's sitting down. Ophelia is so mousey and quiet she may as well be invisible.

I thought is was incredibly witty, immersive, gripping, and an all around great time.

Content: servitude and beatings, no sexual or romantic content, any potential profanity went unnoticed

baileybailey's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

jagodasbooks's review

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funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced

2.0

the plot was a hot mess, but I'm so invested in romance, I fear, I'll need to read the whole quartet😩

jsdana's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

crondeau_yvr's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The audio book narrator is excellent I’m just not convinced by the story yet. But of course I have to read book 2 now because I have no idea what’s going to happen next. 

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