A review by 17mima
A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos

slow-paced

3.5

First of all, this is not a fantasy-romance book and don’t let anyone fool you. It is not a “slow-burn enemies to lovers” etc. It has little-to-none (none, in my opinion) romance or romantic banter. The only point to be made for romance is that the main characters are engaged to be in an arranged marriage. (To be clear, this probably changes in later books in the series.)

With that out of the way, I am truly dumbfounded about what to rate this book.

What I disliked about the book is really about my personal preference, but it consists mainly of the main character - Ophelia, annoying me to no end at times. It took an enormous amount of time for me to feel connected to her, and I feel like the author almost intended that. With her constant mention of her glasses changing color (which I found unnecessary but whatever), sneezing all the time and being cold all the time etc. It just sucked that the book focused so little on characters and relationships vs. the plot, when the plot isn’t that interesting.

I swear I’m not trying to sh*t on the book, it’s just neither good nor bad and it has left me confused lol.

What I liked though, is how the author never allows us to trust a character. They are all very gray, and you never know what the actual truth is. The world-building is good, as well as the magic/powers.

The book is good, I can’t say it isn’t, just be prepared that it is SLOW. I had to claw my way through the first ~100pgs. 

Good luck! ;)