Winterspell
Author: Claire Legrand
Series: Winterspell #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Retelling
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
Summary:
New York City, 1899. Clara Stole, the mayor’s ever-proper daughter, leads a double life. Since her mother’s murder, she has secretly trained in self-defense with the mysterious Drosselmeyer.
Then, on Christmas Eve, disaster strikes.
Her home is destroyed, her father abducted – by beings distinctly not human. To find him, Clara journeys to the war-ravaged land of Cane. Her only companion is the dethroned prince Nicholas, bound by a wicked curse. If they’re to survive, Clara has no choice but to trust him, but his haunted eyes burn with secrets – and a need she can’t define. With the dangerous, seductive faery queen Anise hunting them, Clara soon realizes she won’t leave Cane unscathed–if she leaves at all.
Inspired by The Nutcracker, Winterspell is a dark, timeless fairy tale about love and war, longing and loneliness, and a girl who must learn to live without fear.
First Sentence: Our stories say that when the human world was first made, not all of it fit.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
My Review:
As soon as I heard about Winterspell and saw its gorgeous cover, I knew I needed it in my life. Add the fact that Winterspell is also a retelling of the Nutcracker and I definitely need the book in my life NOWWWWWWWWW. I sent a desperate I-need-this-book-in-my-life-desperately email to Simon & Schuster, never thinking I’ll actually get an ARC, so imagine my surprise when Winterspell came into the mail. That’s when I started flailing, screaming, stroking, hugging, and typing in all Caps in my excitement. Just ask anyone.
Right from the very start, I really enjoyed reading Winterspell. I felt for Clara and her situation – I just wanted to get rid of all the people out to get her and her family, for them to stop hurting her. I desperately hoped Clara would get her revenge in the end. You could say I automatically and quickly connected with Clara right from the very start.
“Nice smile, Miss Stole, there we are,” said Mr. Wiley. “Nice and bright.”
Yes, a smile.
…
She had to keep smiling, despite the many reasons not to. Concordia grew suspicious otherwise. (ARC 7)
I’ve seen many complaints from the people who’ve already read Winterspell about the main character, Clara, being sexually attracted to a statue, but let me reassure you guys, there’s a very good reason for why it’s happening that I can’t explain because yes, spoilers. I wasn’t bothered by Clara being sexually attracted to a statue because I knew that there would be a good reason on why Clara acts that way and later on, I found out that my instincts was right.
Which leads me to the next topic, Winterspell is so sexual. No, I’m not saying that there are explicit sex scenes in Winterspell, or any sex scenes for the matter. I’m just saying that a big theme in Winterspell is sexuality – there are lots of scenes where Clara is wondering what she’s feeling when she’s around the statue, scenes where Clara is wondering what she’s feeling when she’s around Nicholas, kissing scenes between Clara and Nicholas, and kissing scenes between a girl and another girl (I’m trying to avoid spoilers here, so no, I won’t name who), and there were other parts of the book that just gave out this strong sexual vibe.
One downfall of Winterspell is that it’s a slow book. Winterspell is full of details that enhance your knowledge of Cane and all its characters, but at the same time, that also slows down the book drastically. Winterspell would be a better-paced book if there were more action scenes added into the mix with some details taken out of it to even out the pacing of the book.
Winterspell‘s ultimate downfall for me is a spoiler and since I couldn’t think of a way to describe it without spoiling the book for you guys, I’ll put it all in a spoiler tag below. If you want to see it, just highlight it.
[HUGE] SPOILER: I was liking Nicholas – how he supported Clara and helped her while she was in Cain – but when he betrayed her, there was no going back for me. I just wanted him gone after what he did. Add the fact that Clara easily forgave him for what he’s done, with no actual way of knowing if he will go back on his word, and to trust him again so easily just drives me crazy. GIRL, what happens if he betrays you again?! You do know that there’s no going back if it turns out that he’s betraying you again, right? Ugh, just why are you so gullible Clara?
Overall, I enjoyed reading Winterspell, but it does have its downfalls that I just couldn’t overlook. Without those two main problems, Winterspell would definitely be a solid four star read for sure. I would still recommend Winterspell because with its gorgeous cover, how could you not? Now excuse me while I stroke the book some more…
Beautiful cover. And I’m interested to read it. I like the spot.
I’m excited about this book! It sounds like a great concept. I love retellings, so when I found out it was a retelling of sorts of the nutcracker, I was super excited. I’m a little sad there were things that weren’t enjoyable about this for you. :(
I couldn’t help reading the spoiler. I now need to read this book to know what’s happening. Great review!
Nice review! Sorry you couldn’t rate it as high as you hoped. Once I read the summary I was really interested in reading this book but now I’m kinda having second thoughts. I have a real hard time with slow books and over sexual ones and, while I didn’t read the spoiler, I have a feeling if it was something that noticeable it would probably really irk me….. actually I’m really tempted to read the spoiler. This may be one of those books that I hand to my sister first and see what she think.lol
SarahO. recently posted…The Maze Runner Movie Review (Part 2)
Great review. It’s a beautiful cover but I’m not into books with all that stuff. Lol
Maria Medeiros recently posted…Eclair Goes to Stella’s- Book Review
I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said here! I hated that huge spoiler, and also the pacing of the book was a little off for me. I did like the book, but the fact that I have no idea what the storyline of the Nutcracker probably played a part in me not liking it as much.
Valerie recently posted…The Gif Tag
I want to thank you for the introduction to this book. I will be reading this one. your review was informative and positive.
Terrie Fulk recently posted…Cover Reveal & Giveaway! STARTER WIFE
My eyes can’t help but admire Winderspell’s cover too. Ever since the first time I started hearing about it, I was quickly drawn to the cover. I think it’s a combination of how the model looks fierce and how it’s not too fierce with the light violet color surrounding her. And yes, I haven’t read the book yet, but I still read the spoiler. Don’t worry though! I had no idea what you were talking about so I definitely have to get my hands on this book so I can know what you are talking about. And a Nutcracker retelling?! Count me in! ^_^
The downfall of the book aside, I am so stinking ready to have Winterspell in my hands. I have been since the second I saw the cover. It is absolutely stunning. And the synopsis and the retelling aspect of it had me at hello. It sounds incredibly original, and that in itself makes it even more drool-worthy! I am so glad that you, for the most part, really enjoyed this book. It gives me hope that in the end, once I have turned the last page, that Winterspell will not be a huge disappoint for me!
Jaime Lester recently posted…SPOTLIGHT: Beautifully Unnatural
Would really, really love to read this!!! I’ve been dying for it for a while now!
Jayvee @ Writer For Misfits recently posted…Book Signing Recap: #JennandLissainPH
This cover is gorgeous and I am planning on reading it next year! I don’t usually like slow books, especially if there is a downfall – I did not read the spoiler – but I’m intrigued by the storyline and how Clara is attracted to a statue; I still want to give this book a shot. It’s great that the main character is so likable, as that is a HUGE factor in liking a book in my opinion. Thanks for your review!
That is a really pretty cover. I’m not sure I’ll read the book though. I rarely read historical fiction.
Great review!
Diana Grace recently posted…Re-Release Blast: BET ON US by Rachel Higginson
I really love retellings (Nutcracker!!) which is why I want to give this one a go…buuut, the slowness is the only thing that’s worry me. >.> I can have such a short attention span sometimes. *le sigh* But I do love the cover and I’m intrigued about this statue…
Cait @ Notebook Sisters recently posted…20 Things You Might Not Know About Me
Great review, this book is definitely on my TBR. :)
I was interested in the book in the beginning because of the cover! Haha. But I did see some reviews ending up giving it three stars, and the majority of reviews I’ve seen so far gave it three stars. So I’m not as interested in this as before.
But you know, Nutcracker. Pretty cover. I want it badly.
Shannelle recently posted…ARC Review: Queen of Someday
I am really looking forward to reading this. It sounds great! Thanks for the review. Love the cover too!
Clara sounds great, and I like that the novel explores sexuality (so many books shy away from that). I’ll add this to my library wishlist!
Nice review :D
Lea @ YA Book Queen recently posted…Blog Tour Review: ATLANTIA by Ally Condie
Good review. I like the concept of this story with a twist on the Nutcracker and I want to really read it in December. ;)
I was enraptured by this book’s cover and synopsis (The Nutcracker has always been a story dear to my heart, I’ve performed in a ballet showcase version and watched a professional company perform it as well). However, I’ve been seeing nothing but mediocre or even negative reviews of the book, which is utterly disappointing. I’ve heard weirded-out bloggers complain about the whole statue attraction, and I am very interested to see where that comes from xD Thanks for the review! :)
Connie recently posted…Lailah Book Blitz: Fancast!
So glad you connected with Clara right away! I love it when you instantly click with the main character. Haha I am so tempted to look at that spoiler tag but I shall not b/c I have not read the book. Now that I’ve read your review, I really want to read Winterspell! Lol I wonder why Clara is checking out a statue… I’m so intrigued!
This is a very honest comment. I feel you when I read books. I think I can imagine saying such things when I’ve finished reading a book. Like we always have a say after reading because others don’t , they just accept the fact afters its done. Anyway that made feel more, love making reviews. You inspire me. I though it wasn’t good to make reviews because my friend told me that it wasn’t nice to criticize, well. No! we’re just saying what we felt after reading. I get it now. thanks to you. :))
And this made me wanna read the book!
Arcel recently posted…MARA DYER BOOK SET GIVEAWAY!!!
I love the cover and seen it everywhere when reading your review I didn’t know it was retelling of the Nutcracker and can’t wait for it come at my library.
Sounds like a very interesting read! I might go out and read it and see if I feel the same way. I really like your style if reviewing! I’ll be sure to keep updated on your blog :) (and I totally agree that the cover is gorgeous!)
Hailey C recently posted…What I’m Reading…
I also love the cover of this book, so gorgeous! I love your review, thanks!
Claire recently posted…The Long Way Home
This cover is definitely gorgeous and I actually have this in my good reads to read pile. I always thought this book sounded very interesting and now that I saw this review it really helped me get a better idea. I am going to have to read this to see how I feel about the book. All of your reviews that I have read have been super helpful and I am very grateful that you write them. I will make sure to stay tuned for more updates :)
Madison West recently posted…Four: A Divergent Story Collection (Divergent, #0.1 – 0.4)
Spoiler alert! But anyways, super helpful review! x
Jezreel Nicole Frianeza recently posted…sharhk turned 2 today!
The spoiler tag makes me curious. I don’t think I like the cover. But the retelling is one good idea. Hopeful to read this in the future (with a different cover style).
Great review. I’ll add this on my TBR list, though I hardly do this to books rated with only 3 stars. :)
Anette Fabre recently posted…Wicked Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Awesome review! I want to read this books so bad!
Chelsea Cruickshank recently posted…Book Series Recommendations
I’ve heard a lot of hype around this book, particularly because it’s a retelling of The Nutcracker and has a beautiful cover. Not sure how I feel about the sexual vibe, because I’m seriously awkward and everything makes me uncomfortable, but I think I might give this one a go! Great review.
I was quite excited about this book before it released then got a bit put down by reviews. But now I got so excited again! :)
Cassidie Jhones recently posted…The Countdown Survey
Sounds like a interesting read… I’ve heard mixed reviews on this one :) Wanting to read just because I want to find out why she is attracted to the statue haha
Hailey C recently posted…What I’m Reading…
I’m so curious to see what was so disappointing for you. What a shame that it spoiled the book for you! I’m still very excited for this book and I can only hope it won’t bother me so much.
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Fairytale News 42. Fairytale retellings.
I love retelling stories. I must read this. Thanks for the giveaway.
Even though you didn’t love it, I’m still glad that you can recommend this one, because it is probably my most anticipated release of the year! I’m actually a bit nervous to start reading this one; I’ve never wanted to like a book more.
Monica M recently posted…Review: Gleam by Tom Fletcher
I’m in love with that cover.
I also love retellings, so I got really curious about Winterspell!
thais pampado recently posted…O Aniversário de Anya
I just added it to my TBR yesterday! I LOVED the cover too. It’s just gorgeous. Your review though has me wondering if I should read it or not. A major part of me is yelling READ IT!! So I guess I’ll read it after my exams are over.
P.S. How did you hide the spoiler?
Aarati recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday # : Places Books Have Made Me Want To Visit (whether fictional or real)
A Nutcracker retelling is just begging me to buy it. I love your reviews because they are honest about how this book had some downfalls but it is still a good book.
I have this on my wish list for my birthday, I’m hoping someone gets it for me. I’m super tempted to reveal that spoiler though, my finger is itching! (hahaha) I loved The Nutcracker growing up, so I’m hoping to enjoy this one soon.
“Winterspell” seems like such an awesome book! I am really tempted to highlight that huge spoiler but we all know that I’m going to regret it right away … I read about Winterspell before but never really put it on my must-reads list, it seems interesting though and I just might. Thanks for the review!
Sounds like an interesting read and I’ve heard such mixed reviews on it. I always love Claire’s writing, though, so I’ll have to check it out!
A fabulous cover AND a retelling of the nutcracker!? Yes. I think this is a MUST read! All of the sexuality stuff kind of concerns me, but hey if you say there is a good reason for it all I will take your word for it!
Hahahaha the sexual attraction to a statue just makes me ridiculously curious. That just sounds…. interesting!?
Sad to hear that it’s got some major downfalls. With such a pretty cover and retelling The Nutcracker (which isn’t something I’ve seen a whole lot of), it seemed like a winning combo. The massive details given would probably kick me out of my reading daze. I usually like extra details, but there is definitely a point where it’s overkill. The Grapes of Wrath, great example of that. :P
I have a copy of this and I really hope that I will enjoy reading it. Its a shame about the slow pacing. The cover is gorgeous though. Thanks again for the good review
Dannielle recently posted…Goddess Offerings #37 (Stacking the Shelves , In My Mailbox) 2015 Winter Books of HarperCollins (Preview)
Great review!! I’m particularly interested with how Claire Legrand executed a retelling of Nutcracker. And here I was thinking this would be promising. But no, I’m not paying (much less reading) for weird sexual attractions with the statue. THE STATUE. I thought this book was going to be magical and romantically beautiful, but thank you for the review, the thing with the statue was really nasty, the cover is really beautiful though.
Sounds really good, but I dont like slow books though. I will give it a go anyways and put it on my TBR list! thanks for the review
The cover is gorgeous! I saw this in my store and was instantly drawn to it, but didn’t buy it. I also love that it’s a Nutcracker story. It sounds like it may be worth a read, maybe I’ll borrow it! Great review Kelly!
Jen K recently posted…Review: Even in Paradise