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madelinereadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Wren’s town has been stuck in the dead of winter for the past 300 years; life is difficult and cold. Orphaned a few years ago, Wren bears the responsibility of keeping herself and her twin sister alive. She hunts for food and sells her body, all to save her sister from the same fate. Every thirty years or so, seven suitable women are chosen from the town to offer theirselves to the greatly feared North King. Each time he selects a wife, he takes them away and they are never seen again. This year, Wren’s sister Elora has been selected as one of the seven women to present herself to the North Wind, and Wren will do anything to save her.
The beginning of the book had strong A Court of Thorns and Roses and Hunger Games vibes, and that made so excited to be reading this book. However, I felt let down by the fantasy elements of this book. I felt that there was a lot of focus on the romance, but not a lot of world-building, leaving the fantasy element feeling unfinished. I would recommend this book to Beauty and the Beast lovers (and Hades and Persephone lovers), and to those who prefer the romance element of Romantasy. Please be mindful that this book contains elements that may not be suitable for Young Adult readers.
2.25/5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Kidnapping
saliwali's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Blood, Slavery, Sexual content, Cursing, Murder, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Rape, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
queenie_ofthe_void's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
It felt like a mash up of Uprooted and Spinning Silver, both Naomi Novik books. And because I really loved both of those books, it made it hard for me to enjoy this one. Parts of this book didn't even really make sense. Wren getting the shit beat out of her in the ghost town makes sense, since they hate the king so much. But then less than a few weeks later they go to the mid winter festival. And host a party for them at the Citadel. I would not party with people who almost had me drawn and quartered. More technically, the timline felt inconsistent like the author couldn't keep track of the days. But I likes Wren, and I liked Boreas, so it kept me going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Alcohol, Body horror, Grief, Addiction, and War
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