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heatherllama's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
alykat_reads's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.5
For my Reading the World challenge - this one is for Poland.
I got a few chapters into this and it had major Game of Thrones vibes. But surprise, surprise - Świętosława is a real Polish queen, so this was more historical fiction than fantasy like GoT, which made me enjoy it more. I liked how much actual history was woven into this, and since I like that it didn't feel overwhelming to me. It was also really interesting to read about Pagan and Christian customs during the 10th century and the impact that had on their daily lives.
It does jump around a bit from person to person and until you get the cast of characters figured out (there's a lot of them), it can be a little confusing. There also were a few parts that were a little slower. Overall though, I really enjoyed this.
I got a few chapters into this and it had major Game of Thrones vibes. But surprise, surprise - Świętosława is a real Polish queen, so this was more historical fiction than fantasy like GoT, which made me enjoy it more. I liked how much actual history was woven into this, and since I like that it didn't feel overwhelming to me. It was also really interesting to read about Pagan and Christian customs during the 10th century and the impact that had on their daily lives.
It does jump around a bit from person to person and until you get the cast of characters figured out (there's a lot of them), it can be a little confusing. There also were a few parts that were a little slower. Overall though, I really enjoyed this.
kratos_storm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
disnelyse's review
The pace was just a bit too slow for me, combined with so many other rulers starting to come in and struggling to keep track of them.
herghost's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
viciousfoxglove's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
rtrouwborst's review
adventurous
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? No
3.25
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
2.0
2.5
The primary feeling I felt when I finished this book was overwhelming relief. I had stayed up late so I could finish this book because I did not need it to be hanging over my head like the Sword of Damocles.
First and foremost, the foundation of this story is very good. Elżbieta Cherezińska brings to life Świętosława, the daughter of Mieszko I and sister of Bolesław I the Brave who are two important figures in Polish history. Świętosława herself, however, has been forgotten. There is a very limited historical record of her and various contemporary sources contradict each other. Cherezińska weaves together the available history to create her tale, a Medieval world where territory often changed hands based on political and military power, marriages created alliances between great powers, and power was only held by those who had the strength and cunning to secure it.
The main issue I had with this book was that I found it to be incredibly slow. I was bored for vast portions. I kept reading because I assumed all the drudgery and world-building I was reading would be important later. It does pay off - but by then it is far too late. This whole book felt like an extended prologue, giving the necessary exposition so the reader would understand the action that would occur in the exciting parts of the book. The best analogy I can give is that it felt like watching pieces on a chessboard get set up. All this build-up, anticipation, and organizing happen, and yet, nothing of massive importance happened. This book ends on a cliffhanger so that should tell you all you need to know about the kind of resolution you are going to get in this book.
I also had some confusion over the characterization. I don't consider this to be a massive structural issue but I just found it so odd. I hate to say it, but Świętosława is a Mary Sue. According to the book, her main flaw is that she is "the bold one" which means that she is outspoken in her opinions and prefers to do things her own way regardless of the consequences. Considering that for the most part, her decisions and actions work out, I do not consider her 'boldness' a terrible flaw. When the book got to Man #4 who fell in love with her because of her beauty and boldness, I lost my patience.
Also on the subject of things that bothered me, the fact that Świętosława and her two sisters are all in love with the same bland man???? Why??????? I highly doubt there was historical evidence for this, it was 1000% an authorial choice. It was just one of those details that stuck in my head rent-free.
I haven't decided if I would read the next book in the series. While I didn't exactly enjoy the experience of reading The Widow Queen, I can't escape the feeling that the concluding book of the series is going to be a dramatic, action-packed ride. Or maybe, I am just a glutton for pain.
The primary feeling I felt when I finished this book was overwhelming relief. I had stayed up late so I could finish this book because I did not need it to be hanging over my head like the Sword of Damocles.
First and foremost, the foundation of this story is very good. Elżbieta Cherezińska brings to life Świętosława, the daughter of Mieszko I and sister of Bolesław I the Brave who are two important figures in Polish history. Świętosława herself, however, has been forgotten. There is a very limited historical record of her and various contemporary sources contradict each other. Cherezińska weaves together the available history to create her tale, a Medieval world where territory often changed hands based on political and military power, marriages created alliances between great powers, and power was only held by those who had the strength and cunning to secure it.
The main issue I had with this book was that I found it to be incredibly slow. I was bored for vast portions. I kept reading because I assumed all the drudgery and world-building I was reading would be important later. It does pay off - but by then it is far too late. This whole book felt like an extended prologue, giving the necessary exposition so the reader would understand the action that would occur in the exciting parts of the book. The best analogy I can give is that it felt like watching pieces on a chessboard get set up. All this build-up, anticipation, and organizing happen, and yet, nothing of massive importance happened. This book ends on a cliffhanger so that should tell you all you need to know about the kind of resolution you are going to get in this book.
I also had some confusion over the characterization. I don't consider this to be a massive structural issue but I just found it so odd. I hate to say it, but Świętosława is a Mary Sue. According to the book, her main flaw is that she is "the bold one" which means that she is outspoken in her opinions and prefers to do things her own way regardless of the consequences. Considering that for the most part, her decisions and actions work out, I do not consider her 'boldness' a terrible flaw. When the book got to Man #4 who fell in love with her because of her beauty and boldness, I lost my patience.
Also on the subject of things that bothered me, the fact that Świętosława and her two sisters are all in love with the same bland man???? Why??????? I highly doubt there was historical evidence for this, it was 1000% an authorial choice. It was just one of those details that stuck in my head rent-free.
I haven't decided if I would read the next book in the series. While I didn't exactly enjoy the experience of reading The Widow Queen, I can't escape the feeling that the concluding book of the series is going to be a dramatic, action-packed ride. Or maybe, I am just a glutton for pain.
vicariouskat's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maliffi's review
4.0
It took until page 180 to truly start enjoying it.
The writing was a little choppy at first, probably because of the translations.
I really enjoyed the story although the characters were a little hard to keep track of at times, many of them having the same or similar names.
Lots of political intrigue. Definitely some feminine rage
The writing was a little choppy at first, probably because of the translations.
I really enjoyed the story although the characters were a little hard to keep track of at times, many of them having the same or similar names.
Lots of political intrigue. Definitely some feminine rage