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tessas_books's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
z523's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read. I am not super familiar with The Nutcracker, so it was cool to see the story told like this. Reminded me somewhat of Narnia or Stardust.
I must note, I saw two typos, and I know someone who will be most displeased to discover them.
Overall though, an enjoyable Christmas read.
I must note, I saw two typos, and I know someone who will be most displeased to discover them.
Overall though, an enjoyable Christmas read.
pagesof_inkandmischief's review against another edition
3.0
So...I have mixed feelings about Winterdream. I was instantly hooked on the first page, enjoying how well it immersed me into this world; however, despite the beautiful images, some descriptions felt a bit cliche. And although this isn't a huge issue, it does comes up occasionally throughout the story.
I'm not overly familiar with the story of The Nutcracker, but despite never reading the original story, I've always enjoyed the aesthetic of it (from what I can remember from watching a few versions of the story many years ago). AND I do have to commend Chantal Gadoury on her wonderful storytelling skills--the plot had great pacing and I was really invested in where the story would go. Also, the character of Clara developed really well, becoming more self-confident despite the time period this takes place in.
What bothered me so much about this book were the fighting scenes. Or more specifically, the dialogue during them. A lot of it felt very unnatural and too dramatic in my opinion. issue I had was the constant focus on Nutcracker's blue eyes--and anyone's blue eyes for that matter. (Okay so yes, I know it seems like I'm being nit-picky, but I wouldn't bring this up if it wasn't something that stood out to me while reading.) I understand that it was used as a foreshadowing device, but it became way too redundant and obvious. Along with this, many of the male characters were the typical "blonde hair and blue eyes" stock character. Again, the similarity in two of the characters had a purpose, but the way Clara described them seemed to focus too much on their appearance, obviously attempting to hint at the connection, but proving us with more than we needed.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this story and it's by no means a "bad book", but it just wasn't really for me. Gadoury's book definitely brought me back into the Christmas spirit though, and I liked that the romantic subplot was written quite well, but I think if it had been a bit longer, there would have been room for more development of the plot and characters.
I'm not overly familiar with the story of The Nutcracker, but despite never reading the original story, I've always enjoyed the aesthetic of it (from what I can remember from watching a few versions of the story many years ago). AND I do have to commend Chantal Gadoury on her wonderful storytelling skills--the plot had great pacing and I was really invested in where the story would go. Also, the character of Clara developed really well, becoming more self-confident despite the time period this takes place in.
What bothered me so much about this book were the fighting scenes. Or more specifically, the dialogue during them. A lot of it felt very unnatural and too dramatic in my opinion. issue I had was the constant focus on Nutcracker's blue eyes--and anyone's blue eyes for that matter. (Okay so yes, I know it seems like I'm being nit-picky, but I wouldn't bring this up if it wasn't something that stood out to me while reading.) I understand that it was used as a foreshadowing device, but it became way too redundant and obvious. Along with this, many of the male characters were the typical "blonde hair and blue eyes" stock character. Again, the similarity in two of the characters had a purpose, but the way Clara described them seemed to focus too much on their appearance, obviously attempting to hint at the connection, but proving us with more than we needed.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this story and it's by no means a "bad book", but it just wasn't really for me. Gadoury's book definitely brought me back into the Christmas spirit though, and I liked that the romantic subplot was written quite well, but I think if it had been a bit longer, there would have been room for more development of the plot and characters.
lindsical's review against another edition
3.0
First of all, I just wanted to say that I absolutely loved the idea of a Nutcracker retelling. I love the story and the ballet and never have I even considered it as a book retelling. This was the perfect read during the holidays. I actually felt very much in the Christmas spirit sitting on my couch, reading Winterdream by the light of my Christmas tree.
Winterdream is very much the story of the Nutcracker we know. It follows Clara Stalbaum, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King, and Lady Irina, who is essentially the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara and the Nutcracker journey to Winterdream to fight the Mouse King who is trying to usurp the throne and claim it back for the Nutcracker.
I can't say much for it originality wise. There is a curse, a twist in villains, and a love story. That's about it. Otherwise, she just wrote the story of the Nutcracker. Which is fine, for me. Because I loved and enjoyed her imagery and romance she expounded upon between Clara and the Nutcracker.
This is why it recieved a 3 star rating from me. Liked it. But not head-over-heals-in love.
Winterdream is very much the story of the Nutcracker we know. It follows Clara Stalbaum, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Nutcracker Prince, the Mouse King, and Lady Irina, who is essentially the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara and the Nutcracker journey to Winterdream to fight the Mouse King who is trying to usurp the throne and claim it back for the Nutcracker.
I can't say much for it originality wise. There is a curse, a twist in villains, and a love story. That's about it. Otherwise, she just wrote the story of the Nutcracker. Which is fine, for me. Because I loved and enjoyed her imagery and romance she expounded upon between Clara and the Nutcracker.
This is why it recieved a 3 star rating from me. Liked it. But not head-over-heals-in love.
ylva_chasingbutterflies's review against another edition
3.0
Winter Dream is a nice retelling of the Nutcracker and perfect for the winter season.
In this book, Chantal Gadoury has again chosen a less popular fairytale, but it wasn't as dark as her adaption of Allerleirauh. It was an easy and fast read. Overall, I enjoyed it, however, the mice were a little creepy in my opinion. I really liked the opening part and the setting. Clara was a likeable protagonist. I would have loved to see a little more of the winter kingdom though. I felt like we only saw a very small part and the middle part of the book felt a bit rushed to me. The love story also did not completely convince me.
All in all it's a nice quick read to snuggle up with in the Christmas season.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, Chantal Gadoury has again chosen a less popular fairytale, but it wasn't as dark as her adaption of Allerleirauh. It was an easy and fast read. Overall, I enjoyed it, however, the mice were a little creepy in my opinion. I really liked the opening part and the setting. Clara was a likeable protagonist. I would have loved to see a little more of the winter kingdom though. I felt like we only saw a very small part and the middle part of the book felt a bit rushed to me. The love story also did not completely convince me.
All in all it's a nice quick read to snuggle up with in the Christmas season.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
ashleym10148's review against another edition
3.0
This was such a fun story to read! I absolutely love Clara and the Nutcracker retellings. I enjoyed the world that was created, but I felt like some parts of the story were lacking. This book was a bit to insta-love for me. I like to watch the relationship build and build, but this one was basically love at first sight which I don't enjoy that much. The action scenes were great, but I felt like they could've been flushed out a bit. Overall I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't my favorite Clara and the Nutcracker retelling. I will say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. It fits the book well and it is just beautiful to look at! I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
nxtapipedream's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at about 80%
I had two hours left of this audiobook and then audible decided the file didn't work, so I'm taking that as a sign.
I had two hours left of this audiobook and then audible decided the file didn't work, so I'm taking that as a sign.
elliedom_08's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
The plot was decent. It followed the original story but added new fighting scenes and more chances of Clara and the nutcracker to fall in love. I also like the added touch of setting it in Imperial Russia though, I wish there was more used to it for the overall plot instead of as a stepping stone to explain why she would choose to run off with the nutcracker at the end.
The relationship between Clara and the nutcracker is really sweet and I like the added touch that they met at least once before the actual event. I do wish there was a bit more tension between Clara and the nutcracker that wasn't achieved by outside forces. Despite Clara knowing that she's the only one that can break the nutcracker curse, it doesn't really slow down their relationship. She doesn't feel any form of resentment or awkwardness towards the nutcracker despite coming from a society that fully expects her to marry Yakov. She hates the lack of control in her own world but doesn't mind it in winterdream because of magic? I just wanted to see a little bit of conflict. It would have cemented their relationship.
Overall, it was a fun read. I'll definitely read it again for the winter holidays.
The relationship between Clara and the nutcracker is really sweet and I like the added touch that they met at least once before the actual event. I do wish there was a bit more tension between Clara and the nutcracker that wasn't achieved by outside forces. Despite Clara knowing that she's the only one that can break the nutcracker curse, it doesn't really slow down their relationship. She doesn't feel any form of resentment or awkwardness towards the nutcracker despite coming from a society that fully expects her to marry Yakov. She hates the lack of control in her own world but doesn't mind it in winterdream because of magic? I just wanted to see a little bit of conflict. It would have cemented their relationship.
Overall, it was a fun read. I'll definitely read it again for the winter holidays.
nataliesboooks's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars
An interesting retelling of the Nutcracker, but it was fairly predictable, especially the identity of the villain. There were only a couple of secondary characters, so it was fairly obvious who the villain was. The pacing was slow, but the story was interesting and overall I enjoyed the book.
An interesting retelling of the Nutcracker, but it was fairly predictable, especially the identity of the villain. There were only a couple of secondary characters, so it was fairly obvious who the villain was. The pacing was slow, but the story was interesting and overall I enjoyed the book.