A review by jennifermreads
The Winter Duke by Claire Eliza Bartlett

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

3.0

A reluctant young, middle daughter, heiress thrust into the role of Grand Duke of her frozen kingdom? Yes, please! I loved Claire Eliza Bartlett’s We Rule the Night and was excited to read another one of her feminist fantasy novels. Toss in the political intrigue and risk of death by magical curse plus the simply divine hardback cover design and I was ready to be on the edge of my seat because of all the drama. 

While I enjoyed it overall, each evening as I set the book aside, I kept hesitating, thinking “What is missing? Why am I not reading until my eyes droop and racing to grab it first thing each morning? Why am I not on the edge of my seat?” By the end, I decided that what I was missing was more development. I needed a little more background on the frozen world that is Kylma Above and the watery underworld of Kylma Below. I needed some elaboration on the Grand Duke’s ministers, their backgrounds, roles, and relationship with Ekata’s father, the previous grand duke. Other than Prime Minister Eirhan, I had a difficult time keeping the who-is-who of the ministers straight in my head. 

During the first quarter (at least) of 2025, I am reading from-my-shelf with the goal of unhauling the books that I do not see myself ever re-reading. While I do not hesitate in keeping We Rule the Night, I will probably move The Winter Duke into the hands of another reader. I just do not have the shelf space to keep a book because the cover is beautiful, I loved the author’s other work(s), and/or I have a “liked it but” review at the end. 
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