Stephanie A. Cain

This novella has interesting ideas and characters, a buddying world, but am honestly not sure why the author decided to publish it and call it a book. It felt more like a first rough draft of key-scenes at the end of what could be an amazing book. Even as a novella, it could have used more editing.

I see there are two more books set in this world, so I hope the author has expanded her world and characters and plot-lines in the future books. There is at least a ton of potential.

EDIT: I started reading the 2nd book (now actually book-sized) of the series and felt I maybe need to raise the rating for this novella. I still feel it needs a bit editing and could be more than it is now, it's general direction is a bit all over the place, but it did serve as an appetizer for the book 2, which I'm 40% in and liking very much. So raising the rating from two starts to three.… (més)

I'm not one for romance usually, but I'm a fan of Stephanie A. Cain's style and the way she writes her characters, and in this matter The Midwinter Royal doesn't disappoint. Both the main-character and all side-characters are well developed, each with motivations and wishes of their own, and the interaction between characters feels so natural, and the most important.. the main-character doesn't lose who she is the moment her eyes fall on a handsome male.
Perhaps the story would benefit from being a little longer, at times I felt the scene changes were a little abrupt, especially after the mid-point. Overall though, it was an enjoyable read for me.
If you're looking for a cute read for a winter-evening, then The Midwinter Royal may be just what you're seeking.… (més)