Reviews

A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

lyndalynx's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful informative lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition

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4.0

It seems like I've read so many of these historical English/Scottish romances that they kind of all seem the same. Nonetheless, I continue to enjoy them. This book had good characters, a good plot, and the conflict between the two main characters wasn't too unbelievable.

felizas's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

bookish_me97's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional informative sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

fainting_couch's review against another edition

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This certainly is an older histrom! With all that entails 😶

taylor394's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy and entirely pleasurable read that left me smiling!

I absolutely loved the character of Royce Westmorland. He was sexy and complex. I'm a fan of a dark characters with a tragic past - especially when in reality they feel things even more deeply than most people. Although his character is a common archetype I still felt his originality and became immensely attached to the character, possibly to the point where I was impervious to his flaws. Which in my opinion means an author has done a great job in creating their character.

I also admired the character of Jennifer at the beginning of the novel, but I found she grew more tiresome towards the end as I found myself liking Royce more. This was perhaps due to the increased level of angst three quarters through the novel where it seemed impossible that Jenny would ever regain her tender feelings.

As an author myself I never want to leave criticism unless it is instructive or helps inform others as to whether they want to read a book or not. So here it is:

I had some problems with Jennifer. She was an incredibly proud character and yet the moment she felt touch from Royce she submits to him. I have a few issues with the notion of a woman submitting to a man due to his touch. With that being said, I believe it is true to her character - being a young girl of seventeen I can see how Jennifer would get lost in lust and the first touch she has ever felt from a man. But that being said she is so defiant in her life, I'm surprised she didn't bite back a little more when it came to the physical aspect of their relationship.

In addition, the scene with William towards the end of the novel was unclear, I had a difficult time following what was supposed to happen, and then all of a sudden it just happened. But for the most part the flow in the novel was very good.

With that being said I still enjoyed this love story immensely. There was a mix of tenderness, longing, the sting of betrayal, and even small moments of joy throughout the pages. Although a romance, this book was well within the historical fiction genre, which is perhaps another reason I enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it.

kathydavie's review against another edition

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4.0

I did enjoy this story. Reminded me of Kathleen Woodiwiss although with less emotional challenge. Stayed close to the history, culture, and mores of the time period...makes it so much more believable!

Nicely-drawn characters and I can definitely see a series in this...hope there is one!

letkris10sing's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

virginiaconaway's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

mrdarcysgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

4.75