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destiel74's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
It was a nice retelling of the Nutcracker, nothing super special. It would give you something to have fun with before Christmas.
rabiacantread's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so even though I did have mixed feelings about this in the beginning, I actually ended up liking it lol. Mainly, I was just very confused about the world-building, the plot and especially the nutcracker??? like what is he?? my guy is breathing and smiling and shit… and can even take off his clothes??? isn’t that part painted and engraved onto the wood?????? and there were some other irregularities with the world-building and the curse and the magic and the politics?? hella confusing. at some point I just gave up trying to figure out the circumstances and decided to roll with it lmao.
(my adhd trying to understand the plot: “this house is a FUCKING NIGHTMARE”)
I gotta admit tho… I appreciate the fact that he looks the way Eric should have looked after he turned back into his human form at the end of the Barbie movie lol. nature is healing (mattel you COWARDS). But then again, I fear once the curse is broken that he will turn back “normal” again as well :(((
Moreover... I am so sorry, but were we supposed to be shocked when the nutcracker revealed himself to be a certain somebody? I mean, I am just gonna pretend to be surprised. AND THEN THAT SLIGHTLY EXPLICIT SCENE AFTER SHE FINDS OUT WHO HE IS like... “heated skin of his back” what do you mean heated?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN????
My reaction while reading that scene:
- my guy is made out of WOOD!!!!
- WHAT IS HAPPENING
- HE IS A KEN DOLL
- THERE IS NOTHING DOWN THERE
Genuinely thought this was going to turn into a “everything can be a dildo if you’re brave enough” scenario. Imagine putting that kinda scene into a NUTCRACKER RETELLING!!! He did break it off tho but then miss clara had the utter NERVE to look disappointed like she was completely ready to do the hanky panky with a wood mannequin!!!!
I gotta admit in the beginning I wasn’t really impressed… but along the way I kinda grew fond of the story and the characters like I genuinely grew attached. Plus I love how Clara matured in the end and was capable of finding her own voice. Her being brave enough to stand up for her own beliefs was the accumulation of everything that happened to her in Winterdream. It all came down to that moment. I truly loved hearing her defend herself and finally say what she always wanted to say.
There were some things I didn't love (which is why I cannot give it 5 stars) like, but altogether, it's a cute little coming-of-age story and I did enjoy it a lot.
(my adhd trying to understand the plot: “this house is a FUCKING NIGHTMARE”)
I gotta admit tho… I appreciate the fact that he looks the way Eric should have looked after he turned back into his human form at the end of the Barbie movie lol. nature is healing (mattel you COWARDS). But then again, I fear once the curse is broken that he will turn back “normal” again as well :(((
Moreover... I am so sorry, but were we supposed to be shocked when the nutcracker revealed himself to be a certain somebody? I mean, I am just gonna pretend to be surprised. AND THEN THAT SLIGHTLY EXPLICIT SCENE AFTER SHE FINDS OUT WHO HE IS like... “heated skin of his back” what do you mean heated?? WHAT DO YOU MEAN????
My reaction while reading that scene:
- my guy is made out of WOOD!!!!
- WHAT IS HAPPENING
- HE IS A KEN DOLL
- THERE IS NOTHING DOWN THERE
Genuinely thought this was going to turn into a “everything can be a dildo if you’re brave enough” scenario. Imagine putting that kinda scene into a NUTCRACKER RETELLING!!! He did break it off tho but then miss clara had the utter NERVE to look disappointed like she was completely ready to do the hanky panky with a wood mannequin!!!!
I gotta admit in the beginning I wasn’t really impressed… but along the way I kinda grew fond of the story and the characters like I genuinely grew attached. Plus I love how Clara matured in the end and was capable of finding her own voice. Her being brave enough to stand up for her own beliefs was the accumulation of everything that happened to her in Winterdream. It all came down to that moment. I truly loved hearing her defend herself and finally say what she always wanted to say.
There were some things I didn't love (which is why I cannot give it 5 stars) like
Spoiler
the insta love and Clara being able to kill the mouse king so easilyvanessapauline's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 rounded up because it was a fun read, just perhaps a little less descriptive than I prefer and with some loose ends that nagged me.
Clara and her venture into Winterdream are a sweet read around the holidays, with charming illustrations that really spark nostalgia. It’s definitely one to read near your Christmas tree with a cup of tea or cocoa nearby.
I appreciated the journey, but some of the conflicts ended up feeling superfluous and resolved anticlimactically. I’m all for a happy ending, but it felt a little too easy that there wasn’t more tension after the Christmas breakfast. All the action took place in Winterdream, so the conflicts in the real world felt like an afterthought and were resolved as such.
Clara and her venture into Winterdream are a sweet read around the holidays, with charming illustrations that really spark nostalgia. It’s definitely one to read near your Christmas tree with a cup of tea or cocoa nearby.
I appreciated the journey, but some of the conflicts ended up feeling superfluous and resolved anticlimactically. I’m all for a happy ending, but it felt a little too easy that there wasn’t more tension after the Christmas breakfast. All the action took place in Winterdream, so the conflicts in the real world felt like an afterthought and were resolved as such.
koekie's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book made me realise i might be too old for YA books now. The story is fun and adventurous but the main character is very immature. Her jealousy made me cringe to the point where I was doubting whether I would finish the book but oh well.
I mostly read this so I would be ready for the nutcracker ballet I would go to during Christmas and it did its job!
Fun read, not amazing,
I mostly read this so I would be ready for the nutcracker ballet I would go to during Christmas and it did its job!
Fun read, not amazing,
booknerd98's review
I liked the winter dream setting but the romance felt kinda icky for some reason, I couldn’t connect enough to the characters, the writing wasn’t that great, the other female characters treating Clara coldly was cliche and the plot just wasn’t holding my interest.
emmirosereads's review against another edition
4.0
Chantal Gadoury is truly magnificent at her fairytale retellings. She truly captures the fairytale tone and feeling perfectly and it really sucks you in. The land of Winter Dream was truly magical and whimsical and I felt like I was just placed right into some of my favorite childhood stories! It felt young and fun in all the best ways while at the same time adding in serious tones and intense storylines which I think is definitely a feat in itself!
I also love our characters, especially our main character Clara. I loved how she was soft and traditionally feminine but she comes into her own and really knows what she wants and fights for it. I always really connect to those characters in stories and this was no different. Our Nutcracker was a dream as well. 😍 Loved reading about him and his interactions with all the characters, especially Clara of course! He was sweet and charming and I love him. Also Clara's Uncle was such an interesting character! I absolutely loved him and always wanted more!
I think my only true complaints are the pacing and character development. I absolutely loved the characters but I do feel like they could have been developed a little bit more for my taste. That could totally just be personal taste though. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the pacing. I thought it was quite slow and it takes awhile for the story to really build up. I also felt like some of the action in the middle felt a little repetitive. Despite that I will say I really, really enjoyed the ending. 😍 The last few chapters we're action packed and enthralled me and the last chapter and Finale made me so freaking happy and just warmed my heart! I almost cried. 😭 I'm a sucker for this sweet romantic endings.
I think Winter Dream is definitely a book worth picking up this holiday season! Especially if you love the Nutcracker or just fairy tales in general. It's beautiful, romantic, whimsical and perfect for the Christmas season. 💗
I also love our characters, especially our main character Clara. I loved how she was soft and traditionally feminine but she comes into her own and really knows what she wants and fights for it. I always really connect to those characters in stories and this was no different. Our Nutcracker was a dream as well. 😍 Loved reading about him and his interactions with all the characters, especially Clara of course! He was sweet and charming and I love him. Also Clara's Uncle was such an interesting character! I absolutely loved him and always wanted more!
I think my only true complaints are the pacing and character development. I absolutely loved the characters but I do feel like they could have been developed a little bit more for my taste. That could totally just be personal taste though. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the pacing. I thought it was quite slow and it takes awhile for the story to really build up. I also felt like some of the action in the middle felt a little repetitive. Despite that I will say I really, really enjoyed the ending. 😍 The last few chapters we're action packed and enthralled me and the last chapter and Finale made me so freaking happy and just warmed my heart! I almost cried. 😭 I'm a sucker for this sweet romantic endings.
I think Winter Dream is definitely a book worth picking up this holiday season! Especially if you love the Nutcracker or just fairy tales in general. It's beautiful, romantic, whimsical and perfect for the Christmas season. 💗
bookandscone's review against another edition
4.0
I couldn't find a single bad review of this book and to be fair this won't be a bad review either.
I really enjoyed reading Winterdream. It was a a good book.
And just to be clear, I'm a huge fan of all things related to the original story of the Nutcracker, the ballet, the Barbie movie... you get it. The point is, I was not disappointed by this retelling, it did the original story justice and if you are looking for a good retelling and some Nutcracker Christmas vibes, this is a good place to start.
That being said I did have some issues with the story. I think part of it comes from the fact that when overally the story is good I tend to be a bit more nitpicky. Oh well...
The Characters
I liked both Nutcracker and Clara. Well I think I liked them best at the beginning. I was sort of tired after all the sugary stuff going on between them. I mean... it was just hard for me to understand their relationship when it was just the same all the time, OK, hear me out.... I feel like the Nutcracker was sweet and caring all the time ... and you may think: wait... that's good right? And well, yes but that's just the thing, it was hard for me to relate to them because there wasn't much to their relationship beyond that. Because being human (or a piece of wood) means we are not always sweet and caring, sometimes we are sad, tired, angry and we act and say some things we might regret but the point is we communicate with each other and sort things out. All I'm trying to say is it's not always rainbows. All in all the characters weren't flat, they just lacked something for me, they were just a tiny bit too sweet.
BUT I know it's not easy to write about all that in a story when you have a Mouse King to deal with.
The Tiny Trope
This is *spoilers* but I couldn't help but notice a tiny trope (I just hope I'm mistaken). But the Girl Hate TM. It might not have been the intention of the author at all but they way I read it, I just noticed it sometimes. So first it's with the daughter of the Ginger Lady, she is (apparently) really jealous of the Nutcracker and his special relationship with Clara. I mean it's just great to help someone and smile but later poke their scalp with pins while working on some really special hairdo. I mean? He was gone for so long and is *spoiler* the Prince and still u got some hopes gurl... I just don't get it ... It might be just my thing but oh well ... sorry, unnecessary.
And then *big spoilers* the bad bad lady is the blonde who, according to Clara, is getting too cosy with the Nutcracker... hmm
The Villain
*spoilers*
Well... I liked Irina, she was interesting. But we didn't get enough of her backstory and then she started talking and revealed her entire meticulously thought out plan (nope) to Clara ... plus she could have just killed them without talking so much. First rule of being a good villain: kill first, talk later (to yourself).
I don't remember anything else....I just mentioned some tiny things I didn't like much.
It was good tho, go and read it!! It's a fast read and I've been looking for a decent Nutcracker retelling for so long.
I really enjoyed reading Winterdream. It was a a good book.
And just to be clear, I'm a huge fan of all things related to the original story of the Nutcracker, the ballet, the Barbie movie... you get it. The point is, I was not disappointed by this retelling, it did the original story justice and if you are looking for a good retelling and some Nutcracker Christmas vibes, this is a good place to start.
That being said I did have some issues with the story. I think part of it comes from the fact that when overally the story is good I tend to be a bit more nitpicky. Oh well...
The Characters
I liked both Nutcracker and Clara. Well I think I liked them best at the beginning. I was sort of tired after all the sugary stuff going on between them. I mean... it was just hard for me to understand their relationship when it was just the same all the time, OK, hear me out.... I feel like the Nutcracker was sweet and caring all the time ... and you may think: wait... that's good right? And well, yes but that's just the thing, it was hard for me to relate to them because there wasn't much to their relationship beyond that. Because being human (or a piece of wood) means we are not always sweet and caring, sometimes we are sad, tired, angry and we act and say some things we might regret but the point is we communicate with each other and sort things out. All I'm trying to say is it's not always rainbows. All in all the characters weren't flat, they just lacked something for me, they were just a tiny bit too sweet.
BUT I know it's not easy to write about all that in a story when you have a Mouse King to deal with.
The Tiny Trope
This is *spoilers* but I couldn't help but notice a tiny trope (I just hope I'm mistaken). But the Girl Hate TM. It might not have been the intention of the author at all but they way I read it, I just noticed it sometimes. So first it's with the daughter of the Ginger Lady, she is (apparently) really jealous of the Nutcracker and his special relationship with Clara. I mean it's just great to help someone and smile but later poke their scalp with pins while working on some really special hairdo. I mean? He was gone for so long and is *spoiler* the Prince and still u got some hopes gurl... I just don't get it ... It might be just my thing but oh well ... sorry, unnecessary.
And then *big spoilers* the bad bad lady is the blonde who, according to Clara, is getting too cosy with the Nutcracker... hmm
The Villain
*spoilers*
Well... I liked Irina, she was interesting. But we didn't get enough of her backstory and then she started talking and revealed her entire meticulously thought out plan (nope) to Clara ... plus she could have just killed them without talking so much. First rule of being a good villain: kill first, talk later (to yourself).
I don't remember anything else....I just mentioned some tiny things I didn't like much.
It was good tho, go and read it!! It's a fast read and I've been looking for a decent Nutcracker retelling for so long.
sorina7's review against another edition
5.0
"Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen."
This book has placed Chantal Gadoury on my top favourites authors list.
This books has everything: a whimsical land, a strong female lead, a charming male counterpart. I simply loved it.
It is the perfect read for this time of year.
This book has placed Chantal Gadoury on my top favourites authors list.
This books has everything: a whimsical land, a strong female lead, a charming male counterpart. I simply loved it.
It is the perfect read for this time of year.
reeminbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 magical stars
Once again I've read another beautiful, magical fairytale by Chantal Gadoury.
WinterDream is the perfect winter/christmas read. It's a retelling of the Nutcracker. It's been a while since I read the original one, but I loved Chantal's version so much. She writes the best kind of fairytales. The ones filled with magic, adventures and true love, and also laced with evil, horrors and cruelty. Just the perfect combination.
As usual her writing is elegant and magical. The world of WinterDream was magical and breathtaking, with lively characters that you'll fall in love with. It was a bit slow-paced for my taste, but that didn't stop me from falling under its spell.
I really liked how everything wasn't easily given away, like some fairytales tend to be. When I began the book, I thought I had everything figured out. But then I kept finding shocking truths and surprises along the way, and while I had strong guesses about the ending, I had no idea how it would happen.
"Magical beings are all around us. Some are more obvious to see than others. But we all have magic living inside of ourselves."
Once again I've read another beautiful, magical fairytale by Chantal Gadoury.
WinterDream is the perfect winter/christmas read. It's a retelling of the Nutcracker. It's been a while since I read the original one, but I loved Chantal's version so much. She writes the best kind of fairytales. The ones filled with magic, adventures and true love, and also laced with evil, horrors and cruelty. Just the perfect combination.
As usual her writing is elegant and magical. The world of WinterDream was magical and breathtaking, with lively characters that you'll fall in love with. It was a bit slow-paced for my taste, but that didn't stop me from falling under its spell.
I really liked how everything wasn't easily given away, like some fairytales tend to be. When I began the book, I thought I had everything figured out. But then I kept finding shocking truths and surprises along the way, and while I had strong guesses about the ending, I had no idea how it would happen.
mystikai's review against another edition
5.0
WinterDream is a retelling of The Nutcracker I have not read the original or really know about the story although I know there is a ballet about it, so I have nothing to compare WinterDream to, however, I can say that I absolutely loved it!
The world that was created was done so perfectly I could imagine it so vividly and the story was oh so magical.
I liked the characters, they were described in a way in which you can imagine every detail of them and as the story develops so do they. Clara was definitely a strong female with her own mind, in times (the 1800’s) when it was frowned upon.
Everything flowed perfectly at an even pace and was enjoyable from start to finish.
The narrator of the audiobook brought it all to life, she was exquisite.
WinterDream is the first book I have listened or even read that was written by Chantal Gadoury, I have seen that she has written several retellings so I will definitely be grabbing them at a later date.
The world that was created was done so perfectly I could imagine it so vividly and the story was oh so magical.
I liked the characters, they were described in a way in which you can imagine every detail of them and as the story develops so do they. Clara was definitely a strong female with her own mind, in times (the 1800’s) when it was frowned upon.
Everything flowed perfectly at an even pace and was enjoyable from start to finish.
The narrator of the audiobook brought it all to life, she was exquisite.
WinterDream is the first book I have listened or even read that was written by Chantal Gadoury, I have seen that she has written several retellings so I will definitely be grabbing them at a later date.