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A review by planetesastraea
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.75
I read this book in two days (and only because I had to sleep)
I haven't felt this enthusiastic about a book in a long time. I came in basically only aware of the arranged-mariage trope and I got my ass kicked.
The writing is incredible. I have fallen in love with both Kiem and Jainan in different ways. The way their points of view alternate and each tell their own story blew me away. I've particularly admired the subtle build up that brings us to the story of Jainan's past.
The world-building is amazing. I've always been shy to read "hard" sci-fi because, well, as Kiem would say I don't really have a brain for politics, but the author introduces us to the inner-workings of this society smoothly.
Needless to say that on top of perfectly hitting both the space-opera and romance categories, this novel also includes a cleverly written investigation because apparently nothing can anything stop Everina Maxwell (I certainly won't)
I've been floored by this book, really. I'll be keeping both eyes open for anything Everina Maxwell will publish in the future, I'm hooked.
I haven't felt this enthusiastic about a book in a long time. I came in basically only aware of the arranged-mariage trope and I got my ass kicked.
The writing is incredible. I have fallen in love with both Kiem and Jainan in different ways. The way their points of view alternate and each tell their own story blew me away. I've particularly admired the subtle build up that brings us to the story of Jainan's past.
The world-building is amazing. I've always been shy to read "hard" sci-fi because, well, as Kiem would say I don't really have a brain for politics, but the author introduces us to the inner-workings of this society smoothly.
Needless to say that on top of perfectly hitting both the space-opera and romance categories, this novel also includes a cleverly written investigation because apparently nothing can anything stop Everina Maxwell (I certainly won't)
I've been floored by this book, really. I'll be keeping both eyes open for anything Everina Maxwell will publish in the future, I'm hooked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Xenophobia, Colonisation, and Death
Minor: Body shaming