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wordsofclover's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Daughter of Winter and Twilight is the spin-off book from Helen Corcoran's debut YA fantasy novel Queen of Coin and Whispers which followed young queen Lia as she had to battle court politics, and a system used to lazy and corrupt sovereigns, while also dealing with growing feelings for her new spymaster Xania. Now almost twenty years later, we follow Emri, Xania and Lia's adopted daughter and heir to the throne of Edar as she struggles with what her future holds, and who will be by her side. But when Emri and her cousin Melisande are kidnapped by the winter goddess Lady Winter, they realise that magic is real and they need to depend on each other to survive.
I loved this so much. I loved Queen of Coin and Whisper for its politics, the elements of spymaster and the romance between Xania and Lia but dare I say I think I enjoyed DOWAT even more. I also don't think you have to read QOCAW before reading this as you can understand what is going on easy enough without knowing the full details of Lia and Xania's story and therefore Emri's. It definitely helps but is not a neccessity.
I love how magic was introduced in this book, especially as it is something like many fantasy books that was just talked about in stories and legends originally. So I loved that Helen Corcoran decided to make it real again, and in the most terrifying way. Lady Winter is not really a goddess you want to be enemies with but also she's not who you want on your side either as she's cruel and ruthless to all. She was honestly terrifying and I loved the thrill of being scared by her.
I enjoyed the bonds being forged in this book from those between Emri and Melisande (that had orignally being broken in childhood due to shared trauma), and then also those between Emri, Gabrielle and Theo. There are hints of romance in this book, mostly Emri still feeling heartbroken by her first love but I loved the gentle beginnings of something between her and Theo - and Theo was the cutest boy/future consort in the world. Someone who will hold your bag on the red carpet while the paps take their pics (in a world of Kens, he's an Alan).
Loved the adventure (as well as the real side of quests such as hygiene, body hair and periods) and the diverseness in this book as well (characters appear to range from bi/pan, ace, sapphic as well as mentions of non-binary rulers. They are also a range of skin types and backgrounds - not everyone is blonde, blue-eyed). There were so many fantastic threads started in this story for something truly epic to happen in the future and I can't wait to see what comes next.
I loved this so much. I loved Queen of Coin and Whisper for its politics, the elements of spymaster and the romance between Xania and Lia but dare I say I think I enjoyed DOWAT even more. I also don't think you have to read QOCAW before reading this as you can understand what is going on easy enough without knowing the full details of Lia and Xania's story and therefore Emri's. It definitely helps but is not a neccessity.
I love how magic was introduced in this book, especially as it is something like many fantasy books that was just talked about in stories and legends originally. So I loved that Helen Corcoran decided to make it real again, and in the most terrifying way. Lady Winter is not really a goddess you want to be enemies with but also she's not who you want on your side either as she's cruel and ruthless to all. She was honestly terrifying and I loved the thrill of being scared by her.
I enjoyed the bonds being forged in this book from those between Emri and Melisande (that had orignally being broken in childhood due to shared trauma), and then also those between Emri, Gabrielle and Theo. There are hints of romance in this book, mostly Emri still feeling heartbroken by her first love but I loved the gentle beginnings of something between her and Theo - and Theo was the cutest boy/future consort in the world. Someone who will hold your bag on the red carpet while the paps take their pics (in a world of Kens, he's an Alan).
Loved the adventure (as well as the real side of quests such as hygiene, body hair and periods) and the diverseness in this book as well (characters appear to range from bi/pan, ace, sapphic as well as mentions of non-binary rulers. They are also a range of skin types and backgrounds - not everyone is blonde, blue-eyed). There were so many fantastic threads started in this story for something truly epic to happen in the future and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
_rowantree_'s review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Confinement
Moderate: Child abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death of parent, Death, and Panic attacks/disorders
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