Winter’s Orbit

By. Everina Maxwell

P. 432

Format: Paper

Rating: ****1/2

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Winter’s Orbit is half political science fiction and half romance. Prince Kiem is a playboy prince that has recently tried to change his image by involving himself with charity organizations. Count Jainan represents a distant planet that the empire is trying to keep under control as negotiations for a multi-universe treaty is coming up for renewal. When Count Jainan’s husband unexpectedly dies shortly before the renewal, the Empress commands Kiem to step in and marry.

The marriage starts as a political necessity. Both men bring their assumptions and history, causing a plot mainly driven by miscommunication. Yet, given the circumstances, it works. The first half of the book is entirely character building. You get to know both the Prince and the Count as they dance around each other. However, halfway through, you find that you know nothing. Thankfully the plot kicks in at the right moment. 

Everything that didn’t happen in the first half of the book occurs in the second. The two characters work together to solve the mystery of Count Jainan’s first husband's death, which leads to unexpected consequences and startling realizations. It also puts the couple in intimate situations. By the end, you are left loving the book every bit as much as you wanted to.

I am not much for romance, but this worked for me. I enjoyed that it wasn’t a story of instant love. I also appreciate the depth of the characters. Nothing was forced, and you cannot help but swoon a little. The plot and world were highly political. While nothing in the plot came as a surprise, it was still fun reaching the end. When you analyze the story, it seems so lopsided with so many different pieces coming together. Yet, it all worked to create one fantastic story.