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rike125's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Alcohol
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Child death and Miscarriage
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'A Winter's Promise' by Christelle Dabos is a translated YA fantasy that introduces a whimsical world with darkness just below the surface.
Ophelia is a reader, someone who has the power to read the history of an object with her fingers. Content to work in her family's museum, her life is upended when her family announces that she is to be wed to Thorn, the treasurer of Pole, a distant Ark. Ophelia is whisked away to a world she does not know that is drenched in snow and where she comes to understand that dangerous political plots boil under the surface. As she tries to understand her new home and the family she is joining, she is pulled into the politics of this society while attempting to hide her identity.
Dabos creates a unique world that she populates with a full spectrum of characters. Ophelia is an easy main character to root for, especially considering the other characters she is surrounded by, though she really comes into her own at the end of this first book. Dabos's descriptions create a lush world full of snow, excess, streets inside of buildings, and lots of mirrors. The world was instantly intriguing and one of the pieces that kept me interested throughout the book as we get to know more about Ophelia. Dabos also does a good job of bringing the reader into the same state as Ophelia, questioning the motivations of the characters that surround her as she slowly learns more about the Pole. Though the evocativeness of the writing was a high point, the writing did also wander. Dabos gives a full picture of the world sometimes to the detriment of the plot. Since this is a translated work, it is unclear to me if this is an issue with the translation or if it is true to the story in its original French as well.
I am interested in where the story goes next and will definitely be picking up the next installment. Dabos' worldbuilding is incredibly engaging and she has set up political plots and questions that I think will be explored more fully in the following books.
Ophelia is a reader, someone who has the power to read the history of an object with her fingers. Content to work in her family's museum, her life is upended when her family announces that she is to be wed to Thorn, the treasurer of Pole, a distant Ark. Ophelia is whisked away to a world she does not know that is drenched in snow and where she comes to understand that dangerous political plots boil under the surface. As she tries to understand her new home and the family she is joining, she is pulled into the politics of this society while attempting to hide her identity.
Dabos creates a unique world that she populates with a full spectrum of characters. Ophelia is an easy main character to root for, especially considering the other characters she is surrounded by, though she really comes into her own at the end of this first book. Dabos's descriptions create a lush world full of snow, excess, streets inside of buildings, and lots of mirrors. The world was instantly intriguing and one of the pieces that kept me interested throughout the book as we get to know more about Ophelia. Dabos also does a good job of bringing the reader into the same state as Ophelia, questioning the motivations of the characters that surround her as she slowly learns more about the Pole. Though the evocativeness of the writing was a high point, the writing did also wander. Dabos gives a full picture of the world sometimes to the detriment of the plot. Since this is a translated work, it is unclear to me if this is an issue with the translation or if it is true to the story in its original French as well.
I am interested in where the story goes next and will definitely be picking up the next installment. Dabos' worldbuilding is incredibly engaging and she has set up political plots and questions that I think will be explored more fully in the following books.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol, Bullying, Classism, Grief, Gaslighting, Pregnancy, and Violence
Minor: Suicide, Death, and Child death
chiaraaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
japanasi'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
what started as a “mc is not like other girls” quickly became a page turner (look at me, reading 530 pages in two days!); court intrigues and a fascinating magic system, teenage me would have devoured this book !
there’s little romance but I’m assuming it may follow in the sequels; it’s not exactly enemies to lovers but more like “mutual dislike” or indifference to lovers, probably, it’s a slow burn in any case (and we’re talking slow here)
in some parts it didn’t feel like YA novel while in others it certainly did (yay I’m being vague on purpose)
I very much enjoyed this book, I can’t wait to read the sequel(s)!
there’s little romance but I’m assuming it may follow in the sequels; it’s not exactly enemies to lovers but more like “mutual dislike” or indifference to lovers, probably, it’s a slow burn in any case (and we’re talking slow here)
in some parts it didn’t feel like YA novel while in others it certainly did (yay I’m being vague on purpose)
I very much enjoyed this book, I can’t wait to read the sequel(s)!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Death, and Physical abuse
Minor: Child death, Murder, and Sexual content
grizzlysnack's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, and Incest
Minor: Child death, Drug use, Sexual content, and Suicide
maira_h's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars ✨
This was absolutely charming! This book reminds me so much of Howl's Moving Castle with how the story flows, the writing style, the setting and the fashion.
I was prepared for the story to be just-vibes-and-no-plot where the pacing is slow but wow I was mesmerised by how the story unfolds. Sometimes when you're watching a Studio Ghibli movie, you're just really confused yet charmed by the bizzare things slowly unfolding that you can't help but continue on with the story. That's the feeling I'm getting.
Even though this is a translated work, it doesn't even feel like it. The writing was super addicting and easy to understand.
The setting and fashion itself is really whimsical, atmospheric and just super interesting. Like I said, this book reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle. Even though this book took place after the earth shatters into various pieces, this book felt like it took place in the Edwardian Era with a bit of technological advancement. It felt a bit steampunk-ish and overall super fascinating.
The characters are also absolutely charming. They are all distinct in their own right, not one being a bore at all. I was expecting Ophelia to be this shy girl but she proved to be quite firm when she wants to be. People always commented on how she's small, plain and how she needs to speak up when talking (honestly relatable). Despite that, her strength when dealing with court politics is absolutely charming. Also Thorn (the love interest) is really mysterious. Having finished this book, I honestly don't know whether his feelings for Ophelia is true or not, whether he actually manipulated her or not because he barely talked about himself. But I do believe that he's just misunderstood and I'm waiting for him and Ophelia to just talk it out.
This book exceeded my expectations. Really excited for the next one.
This was absolutely charming! This book reminds me so much of Howl's Moving Castle with how the story flows, the writing style, the setting and the fashion.
I was prepared for the story to be just-vibes-and-no-plot where the pacing is slow but wow I was mesmerised by how the story unfolds. Sometimes when you're watching a Studio Ghibli movie, you're just really confused yet charmed by the bizzare things slowly unfolding that you can't help but continue on with the story. That's the feeling I'm getting.
Even though this is a translated work, it doesn't even feel like it. The writing was super addicting and easy to understand.
The setting and fashion itself is really whimsical, atmospheric and just super interesting. Like I said, this book reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle. Even though this book took place after the earth shatters into various pieces, this book felt like it took place in the Edwardian Era with a bit of technological advancement. It felt a bit steampunk-ish and overall super fascinating.
The characters are also absolutely charming. They are all distinct in their own right, not one being a bore at all. I was expecting Ophelia to be this shy girl but she proved to be quite firm when she wants to be. People always commented on how she's small, plain and how she needs to speak up when talking (honestly relatable). Despite that, her strength when dealing with court politics is absolutely charming. Also Thorn (the love interest) is really mysterious. Having finished this book, I honestly don't know whether his feelings for Ophelia is true or not, whether he actually manipulated her or not because he barely talked about himself. But I do believe that he's just misunderstood and I'm waiting for him and Ophelia to just talk it out.
This book exceeded my expectations. Really excited for the next one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
tooyu's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love court intrigue (the drama! the gossip!) and I love mess so this was truly in my wheelhouse. Ophelia and Thorn’s up and down and up and down and down and DOWN relationship was fascinating and I’m so excited to read more of this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
paduckling's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The main thing that hung me up in this book is the translation. There are quite a few typos and sometimes the word choice just seems off, which I assume is a product of the translation from French to English. I would love to be able to read this book in its native language one day.
As for the content itself, I really like this book. I think I actually enjoyed it more this second time reading it because I was just so lost the first time around. Usually I enjoy not knowing much going into books but it’s a lot of world-building and characterization to handle and it left me kind of lost. I appreciate the nuance of all the main characters - no one is completely good or likable; they all have realistic flaws.
As for the content itself, I really like this book. I think I actually enjoyed it more this second time reading it because I was just so lost the first time around. Usually I enjoy not knowing much going into books but it’s a lot of world-building and characterization to handle and it left me kind of lost. I appreciate the nuance of all the main characters - no one is completely good or likable; they all have realistic flaws.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Physical abuse, Child death, Police brutality, Child abuse, Violence, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Infertility
for content warnings: there is use of the M-word by a particular character to refer to shorter people in a derogatory way. There is also fatphobia in the sense of conflating being overweight with indulging in excess as a commentary on societal structure.annikareads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Death, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Torture
sydapel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Beware, she's a slllooowww burn folks. Requires massive patience and attention, but the way Davis manges to create a staggeringly vast and yet detailed world is incredible to experience. Like Ophelia, you are thrown into this world with no warning or pretext, lost to the alliances and dangers with no life vest. The "weakness" of the main character is frustrating at times, but to see her begin to find her voice and her determination to see her own way in life is wholly satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Physical abuse
Minor: Abortion, Suicide, and Child abuse