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A review by haileylouise
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Edit: I should have read another thirty or so pages when I first picked this up because it really started to get interesting then! I was also wayyyy too harsh on this book taking its time for the plot to begin. There’s a lot of exposition and world building to let you understand how the planets and politics connect in the beginning but it’s necessary to the plot. I love the fact that the mystery and investigation pairs well with the romance subplot. It’s usually one or the other but it’s handled beautifully in this novel. Looking forward to reading the second book in this world!!
This was the book of the month for the reading club I'm in. And while I had high hopes for this book, it's very slow and more political science fiction than queer romance. There were repeating mentions of how important the Thean treaty was important, the symbols for genders, and the thoughts between Kiem and Jainan all within the first 100 pages. Unification Day hadn't even happened yet and yet it's mentioned heavily within the first chapter. I found the miscommunication/assumptions of both characters to be exhausting. It's clear that Kiem was a carefree, partying, mischievous prince who does not pay attention to the empire and royalty duties until his marriage. And it's clear that Jainan is stoic, only talks when spoken to, anxious, and is an overthinker due to how Taam treated him during their marriage. While reading the synopsis of the book, does state that Jainan is a suspect in Taam's death, but even 100 pages in, that suspicion is not stated by the guards or the Resolution. I just kept thinking to myself, "When does it actually start?" Maybe I can try picking up this book again later on... but for now, I think I would rather put it down to read something else.
This was the book of the month for the reading club I'm in. And while I had high hopes for this book, it's very slow and more political science fiction than queer romance. There were repeating mentions of how important the Thean treaty was important, the symbols for genders, and the thoughts between Kiem and Jainan all within the first 100 pages. Unification Day hadn't even happened yet and yet it's mentioned heavily within the first chapter. I found the miscommunication/assumptions of both characters to be exhausting. It's clear that Kiem was a carefree, partying, mischievous prince who does not pay attention to the empire and royalty duties until his marriage. And it's clear that Jainan is stoic, only talks when spoken to, anxious, and is an overthinker due to how Taam treated him during their marriage. While reading the synopsis of the book, does state that Jainan is a suspect in Taam's death, but even 100 pages in, that suspicion is not stated by the guards or the Resolution. I just kept thinking to myself, "When does it actually start?" Maybe I can try picking up this book again later on... but for now, I think I would rather put it down to read something else.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse