Reviews

A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos

yourfav44leo's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

reading_zuzu's review against another edition

adventurous dark inspiring reflective relaxing

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

kleakurti's review against another edition

The beginning of the book grabbed me--the atmosphere in Anima, Ophelia's powers, the whimsical "objects have souls" in Anima. But it was weird that in this supposed "matriarchal society," Ophelia's feelings and wishes were disregarded by the women in charge, and she kept being told to just do what her husband wanted and not resit. Huh? The Pole was interesting initially, but once they got to Archibald's estate, I realized the story was not grabbing me. Almost nothing happened for about 100 pages or so, between Ophelia being at Berenilde's estate and then going to Archibald's. Ophelia was too meek and ALWAYS sick/sneezing. Where tf was Thorn, he just allowed her to go into Arcibald's estate without informing her of anything? Without telling her how dangerous it would be? The world became more and more confusing. Ophelia rarely utilized her reading power. Looking at others' reviews, the books seem to take very convoluted and philosophical turns. Solidified for me that I should stop reading this book. 

katreadsalot's review against another edition

5.0

I found the beginning a little bit tough to follow, but I ended up falling in love with Ophelia and the world of the Arks. I couldn't stop reading. I loved watching Ophelia doggedly unravel the mysteries around her. Incredible world building, but I love how all of the characters were so grounded and realistic - particularly in their motivations. Mostly, I loved seeing Ophelia, quiet, soft-spoken, and yet, strong, speak her mind and make her own choices. I enjoyed the excellent romantic possibilities hinted at in this one, and look forward to reading more about those in future books in the series!

sovexedtofind's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Definitely a slow-burn. Not just in the romance that it's building up to, but in the plot as well. It took over a hundred pages to get the story moving along as a lot of it was about the main character's reflection or assumptions on what was going on around her. Still, what I appreciated is that while it follows some tropes (arranged marriage, slow-burn romance, Cinderella treatment), the main character doesn't have the same annoying traits that American iterations of the genre have: the bookish, quiet girl who's suddenly bratty and confrontational with her handsome, stoic would-be lover. The relationship progress seems believable. I'm going to keep reading the series because of that, but also because the world-building is interesting enough to keep me invested in where the story is going.

niaamore's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

| Favorite Quote | As long as Ophelia had scruples, as long as she acted according to her conscience, as long as she could face up to her reflection every morning, she would belong to no one else but herself. Pg. 490

| My Review | I am at a loss for words. I tried my best not to finish this book in a day, knowing the despair I would feel for having to wait for the second book. I only succeeded in postponing my curiosity for a day longer. I consumed this book, unable to put it down. What can I even say about it?

   The detail, the flow, the characters, and the writing. All so beautifully put together, I felt like I was watching each scene rather than reading words on a page. The last 200 pages were filled with surprises. I felt shock, anger, dread, and delight. I simply cannot describe my experience past this jumble of thoughts. Maybe one day. Till then, I eagerly await the next book. If only the library could hear my pleas. But alas, I must wait.

v_fill's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

maxhasfun's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

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

1.0

quintyquinty's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes

4.25

m’n eerste fantasy boek die ik heb gelezen en het beviel heel goed!! dankzij dit boek is het me gelukt meerdere keren per dag te lezen en werd het nooit saai, ik was steeds benieuwd hoe het verhaal verder zou verlopen. ook heel veel zin om de volgende boeken te lezen!! ophelia is heel cool

strawberryjammed's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.5