A review by spcandybars
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This book is adventurous and romantic with just the right amount of high stakes intrigue. I could see myself rereading this happy just for the comfort I’ve come to associate with it. On its face, I don’t think the plot of political and military conspiracy is anything too inspired but it’s delivered cleanly and is an suitably interesting backdrop as these two characters who are so immediately lovable to the reader venture to understand each other. I think anyone who’s a character reader will adore Kiem and I feel like the representation of Jainan’s trauma is handled very well. Overall, I can’t pick anything out that actively displeased me so I’m having trouble articulating what keeps it from the realms of memorability that push even lighthearted reads above 4 stars but I do feel like I can strongly recommend this to someone. 

Anyone  who loves the romantic subplot of an adventurous story - sci-fi or fantasy - regardless of the the story containing it would love this. I don’t necessarily think it would land for contemporary romance readers and definitely not for science fictions readers who are interested in the plot and world building of these new worlds to a high degree. But I know a ton of people, myself included, love the backdrop of a wondrous world unlike our own but generally care very little about justifying the rules that govern it. If you’re anything like this, I know you’ll walk away with a good experience. 
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