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A review by maira_h
A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars ✨
This was absolutely charming! This book reminds me so much of Howl's Moving Castle with how the story flows, the writing style, the setting and the fashion.
I was prepared for the story to be just-vibes-and-no-plot where the pacing is slow but wow I was mesmerised by how the story unfolds. Sometimes when you're watching a Studio Ghibli movie, you're just really confused yet charmed by the bizzare things slowly unfolding that you can't help but continue on with the story. That's the feeling I'm getting.
Even though this is a translated work, it doesn't even feel like it. The writing was super addicting and easy to understand.
The setting and fashion itself is really whimsical, atmospheric and just super interesting. Like I said, this book reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle. Even though this book took place after the earth shatters into various pieces, this book felt like it took place in the Edwardian Era with a bit of technological advancement. It felt a bit steampunk-ish and overall super fascinating.
The characters are also absolutely charming. They are all distinct in their own right, not one being a bore at all. I was expecting Ophelia to be this shy girl but she proved to be quite firm when she wants to be. People always commented on how she's small, plain and how she needs to speak up when talking (honestly relatable). Despite that, her strength when dealing with court politics is absolutely charming. Also Thorn (the love interest) is really mysterious. Having finished this book, I honestly don't know whether his feelings for Ophelia is true or not, whether he actually manipulated her or not because he barely talked about himself. But I do believe that he's just misunderstood and I'm waiting for him and Ophelia to just talk it out.
This book exceeded my expectations. Really excited for the next one.
This was absolutely charming! This book reminds me so much of Howl's Moving Castle with how the story flows, the writing style, the setting and the fashion.
I was prepared for the story to be just-vibes-and-no-plot where the pacing is slow but wow I was mesmerised by how the story unfolds. Sometimes when you're watching a Studio Ghibli movie, you're just really confused yet charmed by the bizzare things slowly unfolding that you can't help but continue on with the story. That's the feeling I'm getting.
Even though this is a translated work, it doesn't even feel like it. The writing was super addicting and easy to understand.
The setting and fashion itself is really whimsical, atmospheric and just super interesting. Like I said, this book reminds me of Howl's Moving Castle. Even though this book took place after the earth shatters into various pieces, this book felt like it took place in the Edwardian Era with a bit of technological advancement. It felt a bit steampunk-ish and overall super fascinating.
The characters are also absolutely charming. They are all distinct in their own right, not one being a bore at all. I was expecting Ophelia to be this shy girl but she proved to be quite firm when she wants to be. People always commented on how she's small, plain and how she needs to speak up when talking (honestly relatable). Despite that, her strength when dealing with court politics is absolutely charming. Also Thorn (the love interest) is really mysterious. Having finished this book, I honestly don't know whether his feelings for Ophelia is true or not, whether he actually manipulated her or not because he barely talked about himself. But I do believe that he's just misunderstood and I'm waiting for him and Ophelia to just talk it out.
This book exceeded my expectations. Really excited for the next one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence