Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Winter's Orbit

Reviews tagging 'Alcoholism'

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

5 reviews

wilybooklover's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

5.0

This is a tough one to categorise. Ostensibly, it’s sci-fi romance, but it’s a lot heavier on the actual sci-fi than most sci-fi romance is. Or maybe space opera, but it’s a lot heavier on the romance than most space opera. In my opinion, it’s pretty equally space opera/romance/suspense (all three of which are interwoven), but whatever it is I loved it.

The book starts off with our two heroes, Kiem and Jainan, marrying for political alliance reasons. Now, this is how you do a miscommunication trope. It makes sense that Kiem and Jainan would have trouble communicating properly. Not only are they complete strangers, with very different styles of communication, they’re from entirely different cultures and Jainan has been kept isolated and deliberately in the dark about a lot of things. They’re both so considerate of the other that they overthink and misinterpret and get in their own heads about it. It’s kind of endearing, actually, and the slow unfolding of their thoughts and feelings to each other was such a delight to read. They really complemented each other well, despite being charming-extrovert/anxious-introvert opposites.

Besides the romance, which was lovely and gentle and soft, the worldbuilding and plot were complex and interesting. Kiem and Jainan get dragged into a murder conspiracy upon which the fate of the Empire hinges, and it soon becomes apparent that their lives are also at stake. On top of that, you have a potential rebellion brewing back on Jainan’s home world. It’s a lot, and I do think there was maybe a little too much going on at times (or, perhaps, not paced correctly). But I very much enjoyed this story of political intrigue. Once facet of the worldbuilding that I really enjoyed was the queernorm world. It was so refreshing to see queer people of all kinds just existing without being a statement or facing hardship because of it. The secondary characters were all fleshed out and interesting as well, although I did think that one of the antagonists was a bit obvious

(it’s always suspicious when someone is a bit too friendly and helpful).

Ultimately I think this was a well-balanced story of romance and space politics, and would recommend this to people who enjoy both of those things. There are some heavy topics in this, so do check content warnings first.

Content Warnings

beesbeesbeez's review

Go to review page

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

4.25

Content Warnings

water_violin's review

Go to review page

challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

Whew. Check the trigger warnings for this one, folks, but it was really engaging! I was very drawn into the characters and the political intrigue and the mystery of the whole story, but I also appreciated the little things like the banter between the characters and the fascinating ideas about gender and political titles. I would definitely recommend this book, but again... check the warnings.

Content Warnings

entanglednovels's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

What can I say except for queers in space? Political intrigue, arranged marriage, futuristic space empire? Winter's Orbit has it all. This book was a delight to delve into, and considering I read majority of it in one day, I'll definitely be rereading to fully appreciate everything within its pages. God, I just love Kiem and Jainan so much and it feels like a gift to witness them learning to trust each other and themselves. Two opposites who balance each other out so perfectly - Kiem's chaos to Jainan's order - saving the Empire and discovering their love for one another along the way.

Winter's Orbit isn't without difficult topics either. The exploration of trauma and healing from a previous abusive relationship, the guilt one unjustly harbours towards themselves, learning to trust and communicate again - all of it was well done, and the support Kiem provides for Jainan is key in that I think.

The world building was fantastic, although I would love more of an explanation for some things (I'd even be happy to have a whole other book following new characters, this world is so interesting). The slow burn, the pining - *chef's kiss*. Truly fantastic. Without a doubt, Winter's Orbit is a new favourite.

Content Warnings

the_grimdragon's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny 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? It's complicated

5.0

“Pain had its uses, Jainan thought. It put things in perspective. There was something clean about the way it cut through the emotional tangles and reminded you that things could be worse.”

Winter’s Orbit is the debut novel from Everina Maxwell & it is EVERYTHING! I guess I dig romance now? At least when it’s done as gorgeously as this one!

The central story focuses on two princes as they navigate an arranged marriage in space. As one does. The Iskatian representative, Prince Taam, died under strange circumstances after five years of marriage to Count Jainan nav Adessari, the Thean representative. Prince Kiem is contracted out to be married to Jainan, ensuring that the Resolution will remain peaceful & that the treaty will be renewed. They are essentially forced to work together in order to prevent DEATH & DESTRUCTION!

The POV chapters alternate between Jainan & Kiem, which was brilliant in getting to know them both together, yet separately. After the death of his father, Kiem became quite the wild child, a rebellious teenager who made mistakes & is learning from them. He’s grown into a friendly & good-humored human, although he feels in over his head with the upcoming nuptials.

At the age of 27, Jainan has a doctorate in deep-space engineering. He’s brilliant, serious, quiet & composed. Having just lost his partner in a spacecraft crash, there are plenty of conflicting emotions for Jainan. He’s in mourning, but also dealing with the trauma of having been in an abusive relationship. There are few books I can think of that highlights abuse in a queer relationship, like this. It’s obviously a sensative topic, but Maxwell tenderly explores the resulting damage that was caused & how the survivor must heal by learning to love themselves, despite everything.. and because of everything.

I mean, I bloody adore those boys so damn much.. but it was Kiem’s sassy, smart, funny & ridiculously organized assistant Bel that respectfully caught my eye! BE STILL MY DARK, SECRETLY SOFT, HEART! I’m projecting it out into the universe, hoping that a book from Bel’s POV will manifest itself ::fingers firmly crossed::

Along with Kiem, Jainan & Bel, there is a fun group of characters to read about that have their own corner of the story. Ressid, Colonel Lunver, Professor Audel, Gairad, Aren Saffer, Chief Agent Rakal. There is.. a lot going on, especially behind the scenes!

Something I haven’t touched on yet is the worldbuilding. This is a queernormative world, one that is devoid of homophobia. Queer relationships are such a non-issue in this world, AS IT SHOULD BE! Although it’s never stated as such, there are a variety of relationships including polyamorous & pansexual. Genders aren’t immediately known by physical appearance, which was refreshing as fuck. However, there are certain details that Maxwell included that were an interesting choice. For instance, on Iskat, people indicate their gender by wearing tokens. Wooden for men, flint for women & glass for nonbinary. My only complaint was that I wish there was *more* to this. Like, what about people who choose to wear multiple adornments? How did this tradition come to be? I’m not sure if a sequel is planned, but if there is, hopefully the story explores that more.

“You can’t just tinker around the edges and jail some soldiers who worked for him, because none of this works if you keep someone in power who tried to start a war.”

Murder, embezzlement, blackmail, kidnappings, misunderstandings, hallucinations, bear attacks. I read this in two sittings, which doesn’t happen all that often. MY PRECIOUS CINNAMON ROLLS OH HOW I ADORE YOU!!

This queer space opera, heavy on the romance, blew me & my expectations away! Featuring a murder mystery, shady af characters, glorious personal developments & interplanetary political intrigue. It’s such a beautifully impressive story that is beyond five stars for me & a definite new favorite!

CW: Domestic abuse (in a prior relationship), PTSD from said abuse.

(Massive thanks to Tor Books for sending me a copy!)

**The quotes above were taken from an ARC & are subject to change upon publication**

Content Warnings

More...