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sandyfleener's review against another edition
5.0
I thought it was very good 👍 I can't wait to get the next book.
nemerith's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book of the series that I read so I'm not sure which characters we will be seeing later one, well, except Rielle and maybe even Leigh of course :)
It was a great intro and gives us a glimpse of different factions, mages and paladins, and what they each stand for.
On to Blade & Rose!
It was a great intro and gives us a glimpse of different factions, mages and paladins, and what they each stand for.
On to Blade & Rose!
booknookbella's review against another edition
3.0
Winter Wren
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
World: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: (romance mentioned)
Pretty good story in its own right. I enjoyed the characters and their dynamic the most. The prose is a bit repetitive and choppy, and I'm not sure about the magic system (from this novella, it sounds a bit overpowered). But other than that, very clean writing overall, great cover, and intriguing world-building.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
World: ⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: (romance mentioned)
Pretty good story in its own right. I enjoyed the characters and their dynamic the most. The prose is a bit repetitive and choppy, and I'm not sure about the magic system (from this novella, it sounds a bit overpowered). But other than that, very clean writing overall, great cover, and intriguing world-building.
reka111's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
I read it just to meet my goal for the year, otherwise I don't remember anything of it.
angelaann88's review against another edition
4.0
It's a great little story that perfectly introduces us to a fierce heroine.
disneylovingbooknerd's review against another edition
2.0
Not the book for me. Not bad. Just couldn't stay focused on the story.
vivri's review
5.0
Writing prequel novellas and short stories is an art, and Winter Wren absolutely nails it. It drew me into the world and Rielle's internal struggle immediately without getting carried away with exposition or ending on a cliffhanger. I wouldn't have expected such a strong emotional arc from a story under 50 pages, but Winter Wren does a great job setting up stakes for the choices Rielle makes and then paying them off quickly but impactfully. I'm always a sucker for a good fantasy romance, and the way Winter Wren ties the romantic elements and external conflict together got me invested in seeing how Rielle's journey continues in the novels.
slc333's review
3.0
3.5 star Good short story about a mage apprentice earning doing what she knows is right rather than strictly following orders. Obviously an intro to Rielle's adventures presumably after she is no longer an apprentice. I am interested to read more.
michellembruhn's review against another edition
4.0
An action-packed short story prequel. Loved the fast-paced writing and the MC's musings on the importance of one life over another. Which person is more worth saving, and who might deem her worth saving? My only concern is the master-apprentice romantic relationship—there's some potential for ickiness there. Still, I'm definitely interested in trying out the main novels of this series!
emlickliter's review against another edition
5.0
Winter Wren (Blade and Rose, #0.5) by Miranda Honfleur -- Rielle is an apprentice mage out to prove her understanding of the principal "Save one, save many." While her master and secret boyfriend sticks to the plan to save a viscount in the walled city, Rielle throws her powers into saving the townspeople from burning alive and protecting the paladin guards trying to protect them from an invading group of mercenaries. If this is a sample of the kind of woman and mage Rielle intends to become, the rest of her series should be pretty spectacular! Happy Reading!