winter’s orbit by Everina Maxwell

54th book of 2021

Reading period: June 24th 2021 – June 16th 2021

Summary

While the Iskat Empire has long dominated the system through treaties and political alliances, several planets, including Thea, have begun to chafe under Iskat’s rule. When tragedy befalls Imperial Prince Taam, his Thean widower, Jainan, is rushed into an arranged marriage with Taam’s cousin, the disreputable Kiem, in a bid to keep the rising hostilities between the two worlds under control.

But when it comes to light that Prince Taam’s death may not have been an accident, and that Jainan himself may be a suspect, the unlikely pair must overcome their misgivings and learn to trust one another as they navigate the perils of the Iskat court, try to solve a murder, and prevent an interplanetary war… all while dealing with their growing feelings for each other.

Rating

Review

This book surprised me a lot as, for me, it is in my out of my comfort zone books list.

First, I was surprised at the beginning by the POV, and then I discover the dual perspective. I was happy because I wanted to know the two main characters to dive into the store.

Even if it’s a sci-fi romance, those parts are not as present as the political side of the story. The political element is the best thing in the book. Since the beginning, you feel that there are problems, and while I was reading, I was doing a lot of theory.
However, it’s kinda predictable as I had the big picture of the mystery.

Even if the world is well-constructed, I was sometimes a little lost as I am not a sci-fi fan. Although I like a lot the ending, I wanted to stay in this world, not close the book.

The romance was there, but I was exasperated by Jainan and Kiem as they weren’t on the same level and, at the same time, yes. Also, I just wanted to hug Jainan as his story is sad.

I will surely read Everina Maxwell’s next book as I really like this one.

Liz.