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La Passe-Miroir #2
The Missing of Clairdelune
Book Two in the Internationally Bestselling Mirror Visitor Quartet
When our heroine Ophelia is promoted to Vice-storyteller by Farouk, the ancestral Spirit of Pole, she finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the public spotlight and her special gift is revealed to all. Ophelia knows how to read the secret history of objects and there could be no greater threat to the nefarious denizens of her icy adopted home than this. Beneath the golden rafters of Pole’s capitol, Citaceleste, she discovers that the only person she may be able to trust is Thorn, her enigmatic fiancé. As one after another influential courtier disappears, Ophelia again finds herself unintentionally implicated in an investigation that will lead her to see beyond Pole’s many illusions to the heart of the formidable truth.
When our heroine Ophelia is promoted to Vice-storyteller by Farouk, the ancestral Spirit of Pole, she finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the public spotlight and her special gift is revealed to all. Ophelia knows how to read the secret history of objects and there could be no greater threat to the nefarious denizens of her icy adopted home than this. Beneath the golden rafters of Pole’s capitol, Citaceleste, she discovers that the only person she may be able to trust is Thorn, her enigmatic fiancé. As one after another influential courtier disappears, Ophelia again finds herself unintentionally implicated in an investigation that will lead her to see beyond Pole’s many illusions to the heart of the formidable truth.
540 pages, Hardcover
First published October 29, 2015
2711 people are currently reading
34162 people want to read
About the author
Christelle Dabos
15 books3,666 followersChristelle Dabos was born in 1980 on the French Riviera and grew up in a home filled with classical music and historical puzzles. More imaginative than cerebral, she begins to scribble her first texts on the benches of the faculty. Settled in Belgium, she intends to be a librarian when a disease occurs. Writing then becomes an escape from the medical machinery, then a slow reconstruction and finally second nature. Meanwhile, she enjoys the society of Plume d´Argent, a community of authors on the Internet. It was thanks to their encouragement that she decided to take on her very first literary challenge: to enter the First Youth Novel Contest. Great winner among the three finalists, Christelle Dabos has written 4 books in the "La Passe-Miroir" series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,971 reviews
June 11, 2025
⤷Probably my favorite book so far this year!! 🙂↕️ It was so fun seeing Ophelia in her role as vice-story teller and navigating Farouk, who is very creepy as always... We got a lot more of Thorn's personality and motivations, and his sparse meetings with Ophelia in the treasury got me giggling every time 🤭 Every moment of them together is so so satisfying!! There are some misunderstandings and angst but oh my god the love confession was perfection!! Thorn is really stoic but seeing him reveal his emotions, yearning, and being so willing to sacrifice made me so emo :') I love how funny and lowkey iconic Archibald became, how Fox is a more permanent part of the crew, and Berenilde + Aunt Rosaline's unlikely friendship blooming!! The mystery aspect was really compelling and the reveals connecting to 'God' seems like a lot of good world building is about to come 😌 Ophelia defies so much despite multiple systems being set up against her and she's just iconic for it!! This entire book was just so so good and I couldn't help but soak in every single second!!
[“The first time I saw you, I formed a very poor opinion of you. I thought you had no common sense and no character, and wouldn't make it to the marriage. That would forever remain the biggest mistake of my life.”]
[“The first time I saw you, I formed a very poor opinion of you. I thought you had no common sense and no character, and wouldn't make it to the marriage. That would forever remain the biggest mistake of my life.”]
December 11, 2020
4.5****
I just loved this the second time around as well that I had to round my rating up! I just have so much love for Ophelia and Thorn ❤️
Original review:
I loved this ! This book continued on from the first one and I actually preferred this over the first installment. Here, Ophelia is still trying to understand the Citaceleste and the inhabitants from the Pole. Not only that, she now has to deal with the whole of her charismatic and overbearing family coming to the Pole to keep an eye on her.
Unexpectedly, she is promoted to Vice Story-teller to the ancestral spirit of the Pole, Lord Farouk. This thrusts her directly into the spotlight- tasked to perform in front of courtiers who love nothing more than to tear others down and be snobbish. The only person she feels she can turn to sometimes is her cold, distant and secretive fiance Thorn.
This book answered many questions from the first book and developed the characters we loved so much. We get to learn more from the praised Lord Farouk, more on his obsession with the book, Thorn's past and more development and use of Ophelia's powers. However, with some of the questions answered, we still get more questions and possible theories that will need to be answered (I hope) in future books.
When courtiers keep going missing from Clairdelune, Ophelia is unexpectedly drawn into the detective work of why and where these courtiers keep going. To solve this mystery and the secrets of her future husband, Ophelia must employ her abilities and keen mind to discover the truth. She is weary on who to trust and has to see above the illusions, before she loses herself in them as well.
One thing is for sure- I desperately need the translation of the third book to come out!
I just loved this the second time around as well that I had to round my rating up! I just have so much love for Ophelia and Thorn ❤️
Original review:
I loved this ! This book continued on from the first one and I actually preferred this over the first installment. Here, Ophelia is still trying to understand the Citaceleste and the inhabitants from the Pole. Not only that, she now has to deal with the whole of her charismatic and overbearing family coming to the Pole to keep an eye on her.
Unexpectedly, she is promoted to Vice Story-teller to the ancestral spirit of the Pole, Lord Farouk. This thrusts her directly into the spotlight- tasked to perform in front of courtiers who love nothing more than to tear others down and be snobbish. The only person she feels she can turn to sometimes is her cold, distant and secretive fiance Thorn.
This book answered many questions from the first book and developed the characters we loved so much. We get to learn more from the praised Lord Farouk, more on his obsession with the book, Thorn's past and more development and use of Ophelia's powers. However, with some of the questions answered, we still get more questions and possible theories that will need to be answered (I hope) in future books.
When courtiers keep going missing from Clairdelune, Ophelia is unexpectedly drawn into the detective work of why and where these courtiers keep going. To solve this mystery and the secrets of her future husband, Ophelia must employ her abilities and keen mind to discover the truth. She is weary on who to trust and has to see above the illusions, before she loses herself in them as well.
One thing is for sure- I desperately need the translation of the third book to come out!
June 16, 2016
C'EST FINI. Genre, j'ai tourné la dernière page de ce bouquin. Qu'est-ce que je vais faire de ma vie en ATTENDANT le tome 3. Sans rire ?! Aidez-moi.
Je suis VIDE. au bout de ma vie. Je ne vais pas pouvoir dormir. Je. MAIS.
C'était... Je n'ai même pas les mots. J'aurai voulu ne jamais le finir mais il FALLAIT que je sache la suite.
C'était magnifique, génial, incroyable. J'ai été littéralement transportée. J'étais dedans à 3000%. C'est une pépite et c'est français. C'est merveilleux !
Il était encore mieux que le tome 1 même si le 1 était déjà fabuleux.
Olalala, j'espère que les autres livres que je lirai cet été ne me paraîtront pas trop fades à côté...
Je <3. Voilà.
Je suis VIDE. au bout de ma vie. Je ne vais pas pouvoir dormir. Je. MAIS.
C'était... Je n'ai même pas les mots. J'aurai voulu ne jamais le finir mais il FALLAIT que je sache la suite.
C'était magnifique, génial, incroyable. J'ai été littéralement transportée. J'étais dedans à 3000%. C'est une pépite et c'est français. C'est merveilleux !
Il était encore mieux que le tome 1 même si le 1 était déjà fabuleux.
Olalala, j'espère que les autres livres que je lirai cet été ne me paraîtront pas trop fades à côté...
Je <3. Voilà.
January 2, 2019
Bellissimo! Sono ancora nella fase di delirio più totale e con "delirio totale" intendo dire che sono riuscita a reperire il terzo in francese e io non so NULLA di francese. Comunque a breve uscirà la recensione sul canale dove ve ne parlo per bene e senza spoiler!
March 18, 2022
mi strapperei volentieri un arto per thorn
January 10, 2022
reread 01/10/2022
i almost forgot how much of a Journey the last few chapters were. goodness i really love how big brain this series is. excited to finally pick up where i left off and read the third book!
02/16/2019
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy for an honest review.
It's official: I am now declaring this series as one of my favorites. When I was approved for an eARC of A Winter's Promise last year, I didn't expect it to steal my heart as it did. At first, all the talk of Rupture and the atmospheric writing confused me so much. The protagonists also seemed so unconventional—Ophelia is a clumsy and timid Animist capable of "reading" any object she touches and Thorn is a block of ice brought to life who doesn't seem to show any signs of emotion whatsoever. Now, I AM ABSOLUTELY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY SMITTEN with this world and its protagonists. I have read hundreds of books but this series, by far, is one of the most special because it has captivated me with its elaborate world-building, unique magic system, page-turning court intrigue, and complex characters.
I was so excited to read this sequel and I'm so happy that it met my expectations. The Missing of Clairedelune brought me back to the Pole, where the court of Citaceleste is as chaotic as ever but there's an underlying threat brimming on the surface as some courtiers disappear one after the other without any trace. I loved the mystery subplot in this sequel (allthough I did guess the culprit in the end). This book also gave more depth to the family spirit of the Pole, Farouk, and I was once again amazed by his peculiarity. He's an immortal revered by everyone but he's also gravely imperfect with his forgetful memory.
The slow burn romance between Thorn and Ophelia also kept me on my toes. They make a very... unusual (this is an understatement tbh) couple but I'm drawn to them all the same. I must also admit that I have a soft spot for Thorn. He's as affectionate as a sack of potatoes but his lines always punch me straight in the chest:
The stakes are also higher in this book, as the truth of the Book and God's motives for breaking the world are addressed. The bigger picture is finally starting to unravel and I'm looking forward to the next books to shed some light to all the mysteries remaining to be solved.
The Missing of Clairedelune is a page-turning read with enough action, intrigue, and a bit of romance to spice up your reading experience. I highly recommend this series to everyone as it obviously deserves more recognition and love.
i almost forgot how much of a Journey the last few chapters were. goodness i really love how big brain this series is. excited to finally pick up where i left off and read the third book!
02/16/2019
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for giving me an advanced copy for an honest review.
It's official: I am now declaring this series as one of my favorites. When I was approved for an eARC of A Winter's Promise last year, I didn't expect it to steal my heart as it did. At first, all the talk of Rupture and the atmospheric writing confused me so much. The protagonists also seemed so unconventional—Ophelia is a clumsy and timid Animist capable of "reading" any object she touches and Thorn is a block of ice brought to life who doesn't seem to show any signs of emotion whatsoever. Now, I AM ABSOLUTELY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY SMITTEN with this world and its protagonists. I have read hundreds of books but this series, by far, is one of the most special because it has captivated me with its elaborate world-building, unique magic system, page-turning court intrigue, and complex characters.
I was so excited to read this sequel and I'm so happy that it met my expectations. The Missing of Clairedelune brought me back to the Pole, where the court of Citaceleste is as chaotic as ever but there's an underlying threat brimming on the surface as some courtiers disappear one after the other without any trace. I loved the mystery subplot in this sequel (allthough I did guess the culprit in the end). This book also gave more depth to the family spirit of the Pole, Farouk, and I was once again amazed by his peculiarity. He's an immortal revered by everyone but he's also gravely imperfect with his forgetful memory.
The slow burn romance between Thorn and Ophelia also kept me on my toes. They make a very... unusual (this is an understatement tbh) couple but I'm drawn to them all the same. I must also admit that I have a soft spot for Thorn. He's as affectionate as a sack of potatoes but his lines always punch me straight in the chest:
“You want to solve every problem on your own,” she continued in a choked voice, “even if it means using people like chess pieces, even if it means making yourself hated by the whole world.”
“And you, do you still hate me?”
“I don’t think so. Not anymore.”
“Good,” Thorn grunted between his teeth. “Because I’ve never made such an effort not to be hated by someone.”
“I trust only the science of probabilities. I have studied mathematical statistics, combinatorial analysis, mass function, random variables, and they have never held any surprises for me. You don’t seem fully to grasp the destabilizing effect that someone like you can have on someone like me.”
The stakes are also higher in this book, as the truth of the Book and God's motives for breaking the world are addressed. The bigger picture is finally starting to unravel and I'm looking forward to the next books to shed some light to all the mysteries remaining to be solved.
The Missing of Clairedelune is a page-turning read with enough action, intrigue, and a bit of romance to spice up your reading experience. I highly recommend this series to everyone as it obviously deserves more recognition and love.
March 25, 2021
Ancora meglio del primo. Ora che siamo familiari con le dinamiche del Polo, la dinamica degli avvenimento ci è più chiara.. nulla è come sembra e non ci si può fidare di nessuno, ma in questo libro i colpi di scena sono ancora più inattesi! L'ho letto in 2 giorni e finalmente si vede qualcosina in più di Thorn e Ophelia come coppia Si riconferma un Fantasy che mischia intrecci politici, inganni e colpi di scena, il tutto incorniciato da un contesto assolutamente geniale e originale. FORSE, un pochino più "rosa" del precedente
January 15, 2019
Un degno seguito di uno dei libri più belli letti l’anno scorso.
Questo secondo romanzo è ancora più strano e assurdo del primo, una trama che si fa sempre più fitta di avvenimenti e misteri ma che comunque mi ha lasciato qualche perplessità.
Nonostante abbia apprezzato tantissimo questo seguito mi ritrovo a dargli quattro stelle per delle cose che non mi hanno convinto al 100%.
Il finale ti lascia talmente tanto con il fiato sospeso da voler prendere lezioni di francese per leggere il terzo volume!
Questo secondo romanzo è ancora più strano e assurdo del primo, una trama che si fa sempre più fitta di avvenimenti e misteri ma che comunque mi ha lasciato qualche perplessità.
Nonostante abbia apprezzato tantissimo questo seguito mi ritrovo a dargli quattro stelle per delle cose che non mi hanno convinto al 100%.
Il finale ti lascia talmente tanto con il fiato sospeso da voler prendere lezioni di francese per leggere il terzo volume!
June 11, 2020
Extraordinary storytelling and so full of surprises! Ophélie is a great heroine! Loved this 2nd of 4! The world of the Pôle is one of treachery and hypocrisy (why does that feel so relevant just now?) and Ophélie is working hard to survive and learn as things change and the mystery of Dieu continues to unfold. Archibald is a fantastic character (not just because I named my kid with that same name though!) and we get to hang with Renard and Gaëlle some more as well. And excellent followup to the first book in this quartet!
January 31, 2022
Non toccatemi perché devo piangere
4.5/5
Devo dire che forse l'inizio è un po' lentino, ma sicuramente si riprende quando ci sono tutte le scene Thorn-Ofelia. Io sotto un treno per questi due scemi. Diciamo che in questo libro, sopratutto dalla fine, e da pag 300 in poi, incominciamo a fare 2+2, anche se le sotto-trame di corte si fanno ancora più fitte.
Niente, innamorata anche di questo, la fine è illegale e sento proprio che questa saga mi distruggerà nella maniera più distruttiva di sempre.
Archibald sposami con quello scarpone bucato.
4.5/5
Devo dire che forse l'inizio è un po' lentino, ma sicuramente si riprende quando ci sono tutte le scene Thorn-Ofelia. Io sotto un treno per questi due scemi. Diciamo che in questo libro, sopratutto dalla fine, e da pag 300 in poi, incominciamo a fare 2+2, anche se le sotto-trame di corte si fanno ancora più fitte.
Niente, innamorata anche di questo, la fine è illegale e sento proprio che questa saga mi distruggerà nella maniera più distruttiva di sempre.
Archibald sposami con quello scarpone bucato.
May 11, 2025
overall rating: 4.75 ★
genre/tropes: fantasy, romance, slowburn that cooks so good
i finished this book two days ago, and i’ve been in a bit of a slump ever since. but honestly, the series just keeps getting better and better!
so much was happening in the book yet it all flowed perfectly. and the romance? yeaaaaaaah. incredible. chef's kiss. manifesting my own grumpy fiancé. the slowburn was simmering with tension and thorn yearned so intensely in this one it gave me goosebumps. hello fantasy darcy?
and that cliffhanger? i don’t even know how to process it. i probably need to take a break before diving into the third book because i just know i’ll devour it way too fast.
10000000/10 will recommend (please) i need to drag more people into this series with me! 😿💗
quote drop:
pre-read: cracks fingers. ready to start this book 🤩 i loved the first one so much and now wonder why i held this off for so long? (as i have commitment issues 😭 jk) probably 'cause i'm afraid of finishing the series too quick? i just don't want to say goodbye to the characters too quickly 🥹
genre/tropes: fantasy, romance, slowburn that cooks so good
i finished this book two days ago, and i’ve been in a bit of a slump ever since. but honestly, the series just keeps getting better and better!
so much was happening in the book yet it all flowed perfectly. and the romance? yeaaaaaaah. incredible. chef's kiss. manifesting my own grumpy fiancé. the slowburn was simmering with tension and thorn yearned so intensely in this one it gave me goosebumps. hello fantasy darcy?
and that cliffhanger? i don’t even know how to process it. i probably need to take a break before diving into the third book because i just know i’ll devour it way too fast.
10000000/10 will recommend (please) i need to drag more people into this series with me! 😿💗
quote drop:
— “And you, do you still hate me?”
“I don't think so. Not anymore.”
“Good. Because I've never made such an effort not to be hated by someone before.”
pre-read: cracks fingers. ready to start this book 🤩 i loved the first one so much and now wonder why i held this off for so long? (as i have commitment issues 😭 jk) probably 'cause i'm afraid of finishing the series too quick? i just don't want to say goodbye to the characters too quickly 🥹
November 2, 2019
Ho bisogno di terapia dopo quel finale. Non è legale far finire un libro così, MA.
MA.
La cosa che mi fa soffrire di più è il fatto che il terzo libro esiste, è già uscito. In francese. Unica lingua che non ho mai studiato in vita mia.
*parte Recovery di LP in sottofondo*
Ne farò una recensione seria quando il mio cervello si sarà ripreso.
Edit rilettura 17/10/2019: in ritardo ovviamente perché sono pessima a ricordarmi di usare Goodreads.
Ad una rilettura, ho avuto la riconferma di quanto sia innamorata di questa storia, di questo mondo, di questi personaggi.
La scrittura della Dabos è magia allo stato puro, ti prende per mano e ti accompagna in mondi fenomenali. Non so se sia un paragone corretto, ma i suoi libri mi ricordano molto le ambientazioni dei film dello Studio Ghibli, in particolare di "Il Castello Errante di Howl".
E nonostante sia passato del tempo, il finale di questo libro non ha fatto meno male, anche se stavolta c'era il seguito ad aspettarmi. Thorn, che mi combini?
Nonostante tutte le problematiche che questa saga può avere, non riesco a non amarla. Dabos, ti prego, non mandare tutto in vacca con il quarto volume. Ti prego.
Speravo di farne una recensione seria almeno stavolta, ma vado in brodo di giuggiole per questo libro e il raziocinio vola fuori dalla finestra.
Forse alla terza rilettura andrà meglio? 😂
5 stelle piene riconfermate, per favore scrittori là fuori regalateci più libri come questo.
MA.
La cosa che mi fa soffrire di più è il fatto che il terzo libro esiste, è già uscito. In francese. Unica lingua che non ho mai studiato in vita mia.
*parte Recovery di LP in sottofondo*
Ne farò una recensione seria quando il mio cervello si sarà ripreso.
Edit rilettura 17/10/2019: in ritardo ovviamente perché sono pessima a ricordarmi di usare Goodreads.
Ad una rilettura, ho avuto la riconferma di quanto sia innamorata di questa storia, di questo mondo, di questi personaggi.
La scrittura della Dabos è magia allo stato puro, ti prende per mano e ti accompagna in mondi fenomenali. Non so se sia un paragone corretto, ma i suoi libri mi ricordano molto le ambientazioni dei film dello Studio Ghibli, in particolare di "Il Castello Errante di Howl".
E nonostante sia passato del tempo, il finale di questo libro non ha fatto meno male, anche se stavolta c'era il seguito ad aspettarmi. Thorn, che mi combini?
Nonostante tutte le problematiche che questa saga può avere, non riesco a non amarla. Dabos, ti prego, non mandare tutto in vacca con il quarto volume. Ti prego.
Speravo di farne una recensione seria almeno stavolta, ma vado in brodo di giuggiole per questo libro e il raziocinio vola fuori dalla finestra.
Forse alla terza rilettura andrà meglio? 😂
5 stelle piene riconfermate, per favore scrittori là fuori regalateci più libri come questo.
April 28, 2019
ARGHHHH CLIFFHANGERS *wails piteously*
There’s positives and negatives to getting advance copies for review: you get the story early, yes, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO WAIT LONGER FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭😭😭 why didn’t I study French in school just so I could read this series in its original language fml
I am incredibly enchanted by this series. It’s so different: the worldbuilding is so unique, a blend of beauty and steampunk that’s reminiscent of Ghibli works; the writing is gorgeously translated into illustrious scenes of beauty; the storyline is just so interesting - why did the world break, who is this God figure, what really is the role of the Mirror Visitor; and the characters are such colourful creations that sometimes you hate but then you love. Argh. Not to mention the extreme slow burn romance that’s less like a slow burn and more like a slow glacier, and the Byronic hero capabilities of Mr Thorn.
Though this book did feel a little bit like a filler, the ending set up some questions to leave readers grasping for the next book and UGH I just need it. And filler or no, I found the mystery really interesting and I just love these books so it’s not like I could ever find them boring. Whilst it probably is closer to 4 stars, the way this world and these characters occupy my mind makes me bump it up just that little bit more.
Full review to come soon! Thank you to Europa Editions UK for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
> 4.2 stars
There’s positives and negatives to getting advance copies for review: you get the story early, yes, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO WAIT LONGER FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭😭😭 why didn’t I study French in school just so I could read this series in its original language fml
I am incredibly enchanted by this series. It’s so different: the worldbuilding is so unique, a blend of beauty and steampunk that’s reminiscent of Ghibli works; the writing is gorgeously translated into illustrious scenes of beauty; the storyline is just so interesting - why did the world break, who is this God figure, what really is the role of the Mirror Visitor; and the characters are such colourful creations that sometimes you hate but then you love. Argh. Not to mention the extreme slow burn romance that’s less like a slow burn and more like a slow glacier, and the Byronic hero capabilities of Mr Thorn.
Though this book did feel a little bit like a filler, the ending set up some questions to leave readers grasping for the next book and UGH I just need it. And filler or no, I found the mystery really interesting and I just love these books so it’s not like I could ever find them boring. Whilst it probably is closer to 4 stars, the way this world and these characters occupy my mind makes me bump it up just that little bit more.
Full review to come soon! Thank you to Europa Editions UK for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
> 4.2 stars
February 11, 2017
C'était si bien <3
June 13, 2019
14/6/19
Aaaaah this was everything I wished for and MORE. This was so good!! Dabos did not disappoint, I've got to insta add this to my favourites shelf! A review will be up on my channel soon!!
16/5/19
My copy from Europe Editions came in two days ago and OH MY GOSH. I finished A Winter's Promise today and I can't wait to delve into this one!
19/3/19
I received a copy from Europa Editions, but bought the first book last week so I can read that one first.
You can find me on
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Aaaaah this was everything I wished for and MORE. This was so good!! Dabos did not disappoint, I've got to insta add this to my favourites shelf! A review will be up on my channel soon!!
16/5/19
My copy from Europe Editions came in two days ago and OH MY GOSH. I finished A Winter's Promise today and I can't wait to delve into this one!
19/3/19
I received a copy from Europa Editions, but bought the first book last week so I can read that one first.
You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr
August 5, 2023
So far this series is really fascinating. Dark in an unexpected way with disturbing politics, a mysterious history, an inventive world, and an unexpected heroine determined to survive on her bravery, wits, and compassion. There are moments of incisive commentary on things like negative French attitudes towards immigrants or the ways that uncomfortable history is covered up or glossed over. Thorn is an interesting character and I wonder if he's intended to be autistic coded? He's one of those characters you like more as you get to know him. Ophelia is a wonderful character to experience this complicated and dangerous world through and I'm rooting for her. I would have loved these books as a teenager and I'm enjoying them now too.
February 19, 2019
“Ofelia contemplò l’oscurità calda contro cui stava rannicchiata, e in quell’istante seppe con certezza assoluta quale fosse il suo posto. Non era il Polo né Anima. Era il punto preciso in cui si trovava in quel momento. A fianco di Thorn.”
“Una lacrima le scese sulla gota. Le parole di Thorn le scavavano dentro un vuoto abissale. Sapeva con assoluta certezza che dal momento in cui si fossero separati non avrebbe più conosciuto il calore. Thorn deglutì contro la sua spalla. << A proposito: vi amo.>>
❤️
“Una lacrima le scese sulla gota. Le parole di Thorn le scavavano dentro un vuoto abissale. Sapeva con assoluta certezza che dal momento in cui si fossero separati non avrebbe più conosciuto il calore. Thorn deglutì contro la sua spalla. << A proposito: vi amo.>>
❤️
October 18, 2019
After reading the first book of this saga, I thought the setting was charming, but the plot (which a friend of mine described as a never-ending introduction) scant and scarcely enticing. This second book has had me take such critique back. starting off on the backburner, there was a moment I was about to give it up. Then, something changed and the book turned abruptly into a real page-turner. Now, I’m craving for a film adaptation.
October 12, 2020
4.25 stelle!
Questo libro è decisamente migliore del primo.
E' più movimentato e ci porta direttamente all'interno della storia, che finalmente inizia.
Thorn e Ofelia mi uccideranno con questo slow burn, ma li adoro.
Il finale, che è molto interessante, mi è stato un po' rovinato dal fatto che la trama dietro il libro lo spoilera.
Questo libro è decisamente migliore del primo.
E' più movimentato e ci porta direttamente all'interno della storia, che finalmente inizia.
Thorn e Ofelia mi uccideranno con questo slow burn, ma li adoro.
Il finale, che è molto interessante, mi è stato un po' rovinato dal fatto che la trama dietro il libro lo spoilera.
February 12, 2017
Quel coup de coeur pour ce deuxième tome ! Autant j'avais apprécié le premier mais lui avais trouvé quelques défauts, autant ici je me suis totalement laissée emporter par ma lecture.
L'histoire prend son envol et Christelle Dabos développe ici un univers passionnant mêlant plusieurs éléments mythologiques connus. Tout au long du livre et encore plus pendant la deuxième partie je n'ai pas pu décrocher de ma lecture tellement l'histoire m'intriguait.
J'aime toujours autant le personnage d'Ophélie, qui est tellement à contre courant des autres héroïnes de roman YA et Fantasy ! Je sais que beaucoup la trouve ennuyeuse, ce n'est pas du tout mon cas ! Au contraire je trouve son côté réfléchie et maladroite très rafraîchissant par rapport aux héroïnes "tout terrain" qu'on trouve habituellement. Idem pour Thorn, on en apprend plus sur son histoire et j'ai hâte d'en savoir plus sur les zones d'ombre à son sujet.
Bref, ce tome m'a passionnée de bout en bout et je le conseille en particulier à ceux qui, comme moi, n'avaient pas été convaincus à 100% par Les fiancés de l'hiver !
L'histoire prend son envol et Christelle Dabos développe ici un univers passionnant mêlant plusieurs éléments mythologiques connus. Tout au long du livre et encore plus pendant la deuxième partie je n'ai pas pu décrocher de ma lecture tellement l'histoire m'intriguait.
J'aime toujours autant le personnage d'Ophélie, qui est tellement à contre courant des autres héroïnes de roman YA et Fantasy ! Je sais que beaucoup la trouve ennuyeuse, ce n'est pas du tout mon cas ! Au contraire je trouve son côté réfléchie et maladroite très rafraîchissant par rapport aux héroïnes "tout terrain" qu'on trouve habituellement. Idem pour Thorn, on en apprend plus sur son histoire et j'ai hâte d'en savoir plus sur les zones d'ombre à son sujet.
Bref, ce tome m'a passionnée de bout en bout et je le conseille en particulier à ceux qui, comme moi, n'avaient pas été convaincus à 100% par Les fiancés de l'hiver !
November 6, 2020
I don’t know what it is about this series that keeps me feverishly tearing through pages but it’s working.
I can only describe this series in question form:
-I can muse perhaps that’s it’s akin to Harry Potter without being Harry Potter at all??
-It feels middle grade while not being middle grade at all?
It’s just something. Something of its own. With intriguing characters. It’s not the ✨cruel-boy I enjoy hurting myself on✨ plot that I hoped for but I still love what’s going on between the two in the arranged marriage because it’s not what we all thought it’d be.
And it’s weird. Quirky weird. You’ll either love it or hate it.
And I’m about to spend $12 for a kindle version for book 3. So I guess that means I love it.
I can only describe this series in question form:
-I can muse perhaps that’s it’s akin to Harry Potter without being Harry Potter at all??
-It feels middle grade while not being middle grade at all?
It’s just something. Something of its own. With intriguing characters. It’s not the ✨cruel-boy I enjoy hurting myself on✨ plot that I hoped for but I still love what’s going on between the two in the arranged marriage because it’s not what we all thought it’d be.
And it’s weird. Quirky weird. You’ll either love it or hate it.
And I’m about to spend $12 for a kindle version for book 3. So I guess that means I love it.
July 28, 2024
5⭐️
Confusing? Yeah. Did I love it? Yeah.
IF I DO NOT GET MORE THORN x OPHELIA IN THE NEXT BOOK IDK WHAT IM GONNA DO
Confusing? Yeah. Did I love it? Yeah.
IF I DO NOT GET MORE THORN x OPHELIA IN THE NEXT BOOK IDK WHAT IM GONNA DO
November 16, 2024
JESTEM ZAKOCHANA, OD RAZU ZABIERAM SIĘ ZA 3 TOM, BO CO TO MA BYĆ ZA ZAKOŃCZENIE?
(Kocham Ofelię i Thorna)
(Kocham Ofelię i Thorna)
May 30, 2020
Brillante, bizzarro, sconcertante e mozzafiato. Ma anche un po' problematico. Ve ne parlerò presto sul canale!
March 13, 2025
✩ 4.5 stars ✩
I thought the first book in this series was strange and twisty-turny, but this book was even more so and it was so fun to see even more mystery explored in the sequel to A Winters Promise. The first book barely scratched the surface, and while this book started to drive an ice pick into the mystery, I really feel like we have soooo much more to go before learning the true secrets holding this world together. There were a lot of chapters that hinted at things that I think will be super interesting, especially in the context of the 'world before' all of the islands came to be. The worldbuilding for this series is near impeccable, I just wish there had been a little bit more lead on to some things in this book, but I understand it's to keep people reading.
Lots of the mystery in this book felt like finding dead ends, backtracking, finding hidden doors, and then finding more dead ends. Or slipping down a hidden corridor and not being able to find your way back out. Which was so fun for me, because while there were little crumbs to follow about things that were happening, I still really had no idea about what was happening. I felt as the reader, about as lost as Ophelia did trying to trace things together, which was actually really fun for me. Usually, I am able to predict or come up with ideas about where things in the story will go, but I really had no ideas with this book and it was so enjoyable because of that!
Ophelia is a really fun main character for this series because she's such as juxtaposition to the rest of the people on the islands, especially the pole where Thorn her fiance lives. They're all obnoxious and boisterous but she is quiet, and a bit timid though she definitely found more of her voice in this book. She is also really good at picking up little details that others may not catch, which is a really valuable asset to this story and all the mysteries that exist in this world.
Thorn is a fantastic character but he's so complicated to try to explain to someone who hasn't read the series. He comes off as a quiet and rude man, with no care for anyone but himself and his business or estate, but in reality, that's not the case. The amount of character growth he goes through in this book is astounding, even if it's just him peeling back the layers of himself more and more. I think he's my favorite character so far in the series, and I hope be continues to be that way.
Archibald is one of the characters that is really expanded upon in this book, and it was such a treat because he is so interesting and also so much more than what's on the surface. While he comes off as a flirt and uses people to get what he wants, but there's so much more going on with his family and his powers that make his story so interesting. I loved getting to know him more and seeing how Ophelia and his relationship (friendship?) changed throughout the story.
More characters were introduced in this story but I can't quite remember all their names, but this novel had so much worldbuilding around the pole that I believe was so necessary. Even if I can't remember them all, they all played critical roles in moving the story forward, either to the detriment of the main characters or by helping them.
One of my favorite things about this book, and series so far in general, is the subtle evolution of Ophelia and Thorn's relationship. It's not that obvious if you don't pay attention, because the subtle growth of their relationship is SO subtle it's almost not there. But it felt so realistic in this book that I couldn't complain, and I am completely here for the extra slow burn between them. I hope that it continues to develop and evolve in the later books to come, because their dynamic is so fun to read about and see Ophelia's perspective on.
[TW: gun violence, blood and gore, physical violence and assault, death and murder]
I thought the first book in this series was strange and twisty-turny, but this book was even more so and it was so fun to see even more mystery explored in the sequel to A Winters Promise. The first book barely scratched the surface, and while this book started to drive an ice pick into the mystery, I really feel like we have soooo much more to go before learning the true secrets holding this world together. There were a lot of chapters that hinted at things that I think will be super interesting, especially in the context of the 'world before' all of the islands came to be. The worldbuilding for this series is near impeccable, I just wish there had been a little bit more lead on to some things in this book, but I understand it's to keep people reading.
Lots of the mystery in this book felt like finding dead ends, backtracking, finding hidden doors, and then finding more dead ends. Or slipping down a hidden corridor and not being able to find your way back out. Which was so fun for me, because while there were little crumbs to follow about things that were happening, I still really had no idea about what was happening. I felt as the reader, about as lost as Ophelia did trying to trace things together, which was actually really fun for me. Usually, I am able to predict or come up with ideas about where things in the story will go, but I really had no ideas with this book and it was so enjoyable because of that!
Ophelia is a really fun main character for this series because she's such as juxtaposition to the rest of the people on the islands, especially the pole where Thorn her fiance lives. They're all obnoxious and boisterous but she is quiet, and a bit timid though she definitely found more of her voice in this book. She is also really good at picking up little details that others may not catch, which is a really valuable asset to this story and all the mysteries that exist in this world.
Thorn is a fantastic character but he's so complicated to try to explain to someone who hasn't read the series. He comes off as a quiet and rude man, with no care for anyone but himself and his business or estate, but in reality, that's not the case. The amount of character growth he goes through in this book is astounding, even if it's just him peeling back the layers of himself more and more. I think he's my favorite character so far in the series, and I hope be continues to be that way.
Archibald is one of the characters that is really expanded upon in this book, and it was such a treat because he is so interesting and also so much more than what's on the surface. While he comes off as a flirt and uses people to get what he wants, but there's so much more going on with his family and his powers that make his story so interesting. I loved getting to know him more and seeing how Ophelia and his relationship (friendship?) changed throughout the story.
More characters were introduced in this story but I can't quite remember all their names, but this novel had so much worldbuilding around the pole that I believe was so necessary. Even if I can't remember them all, they all played critical roles in moving the story forward, either to the detriment of the main characters or by helping them.
One of my favorite things about this book, and series so far in general, is the subtle evolution of Ophelia and Thorn's relationship. It's not that obvious if you don't pay attention, because the subtle growth of their relationship is SO subtle it's almost not there. But it felt so realistic in this book that I couldn't complain, and I am completely here for the extra slow burn between them. I hope that it continues to develop and evolve in the later books to come, because their dynamic is so fun to read about and see Ophelia's perspective on.
[TW: gun violence, blood and gore, physical violence and assault, death and murder]
July 3, 2025
Другу частину проковтнула за день😳
Стає все цікавіше і цікавіше
Стає все цікавіше і цікавіше
Read
April 11, 2022Très bien ! Très très bien ! Je suis énervée !
Mieux rythmé, mieux écrit, moins intrigues de cour et plus mystères universels, de vrais liens qui se tissent : c’est oui.
Et voilà bon autant Thorn reste un grand échalas à la capacité de verbalisation émotionnelle similaire à celle d’une petite cuillère, autant j’ai été socialisée comme une femme hétéro alors je reste sensible à cette romance improbable que je ne voudrais pourtant vivre pour rien au monde.
Bravo Mme Dabos, bien joué ! (Faut que j’aille réserver le tome 3 maintenant.)
Mieux rythmé, mieux écrit, moins intrigues de cour et plus mystères universels, de vrais liens qui se tissent : c’est oui.
Et voilà bon autant Thorn reste un grand échalas à la capacité de verbalisation émotionnelle similaire à celle d’une petite cuillère, autant j’ai été socialisée comme une femme hétéro alors je reste sensible à cette romance improbable que je ne voudrais pourtant vivre pour rien au monde.
Bravo Mme Dabos, bien joué ! (Faut que j’aille réserver le tome 3 maintenant.)
September 3, 2025
5/5
Це було дуже вау. Атмосферно, захопливо і непередбачувано. Сторінки буквально летіли одна за одною.
Сказати, що тут цікавий сюжет — це нічого не сказати. Стільки подій, несподіваних поворотів, що мій мозок буквально не встигав то все осмислювати. Ніколи не знаєш, коли все перевернеться з ніг на голову і куди заверне сюжет.
Герої звісно змусили попереживати за них, що Торн, що Офелія, що другорядні персонажі. Але воно було того варте.
Любовна лінія, як і в першій частині дуже повільна, але тут почуття героїв почали глибше проявлятися, так що я кілька разів попискувала від радості😂. Але, очевидно, що авторка не акцентує уваги на любовну лінію, вона займає приблизно 10% екранного часу, решта 90 - розвиток сюжету.
В цілому мені дуже сподобалося. Я отримала багато позитивних вражень і масу емоцій, тому однозначно рекомендую всім, хто ще не читав цю серію. Вона прекрасна ❤️
Це було дуже вау. Атмосферно, захопливо і непередбачувано. Сторінки буквально летіли одна за одною.
Сказати, що тут цікавий сюжет — це нічого не сказати. Стільки подій, несподіваних поворотів, що мій мозок буквально не встигав то все осмислювати. Ніколи не знаєш, коли все перевернеться з ніг на голову і куди заверне сюжет.
Герої звісно змусили попереживати за них, що Торн, що Офелія, що другорядні персонажі. Але воно було того варте.
Любовна лінія, як і в першій частині дуже повільна, але тут почуття героїв почали глибше проявлятися, так що я кілька разів попискувала від радості😂. Але, очевидно, що авторка не акцентує уваги на любовну лінію, вона займає приблизно 10% екранного часу, решта 90 - розвиток сюжету.
В цілому мені дуже сподобалося. Я отримала багато позитивних вражень і масу емоцій, тому однозначно рекомендую всім, хто ще не читав цю серію. Вона прекрасна ❤️
January 7, 2024
Просто прекрасна книжка, я всім задоволена, жодних зауважень. Все-таки не так вже й часто зараз я зустрічаю книжку від якої просто не можу відірватися. А з цією серією це вже друга частина підряд, яка мене буквально засмоктує і не відпускає, бо тут ПОСТІЙНО ЦІКАВО.
У "Викраденні з Місяцесяйва" Офелія потрапляє до двору Фарука - Духа Родини Полюсу- та стає спершу його другою казкаркою, а потім верховною родинною чтицею. Тим часом, з Місяцесяйва починають загадково зникати люди, а сама Офелія отримує листи з погрозами та вимогами розірвати її заручини з Торном. Схожі листи отримували і жертви зникнень і тепер Офелія побоюється, що вона стане наступною. І якщо ви думаєте, що це її найбільша проблема, то до всього, уся розширена родина Офелії прибуває з візитом на Полюс і Торн їм категорично не до вподоби (не те що б він був до вподоби Офелії більшість часу).
Я просто в захваті від того, як авторка постійно надбудовує та розширює мітологію свого загадкового світу. Тут ми по крихітних деталях дізнаємося більше про Бога, який розколов світ, його зв'язок з Духами Родини та дещо про саму Офелію та одну подію в її житті, яка, як виявилося, мала свій вплив на світ.
Помимо світобудовної сюжетної лінії, яка іде наскрізною ниткою крізь усю історію, але розкривається сповна аж наприкінці, ми також маємо захоплюючу детективну лінію, яка займає основну частину історії.
У цій частині Офелія та Торн проводяти набагато більше часу разом, граючись у детективів та розслідуючи зникнення людей. Завдяки цьому, я мала насолоду спостерігати за розвитком їхніх стосунків і це було прекрасно. Я вже казала і повторюся, Крістелль Дабос богиня slow burn і, здається, одна з небагатьох людей, які ще пам'ятають, що це поняття справді має означати. У цій частині я почувалася так, ніби знову читаю "Гордість та упередження", з усіми цими звертаннями на "ви", незграбними намаганнями головного героя проявити свою симпатію та збентеженою головною героїнею, яка не зовсім розуміє, що це все має означати. Офелія ні на секунду не дає Торну спуску. Вона спитає з нього за кожну грубість до її родини та до неї, вимагатиме поважати її та ділитися з нею інформацією, як з рівною. І захищатиме його в найнеочікуваніші для себе моменти. Якщо в першій частині мені знадобився час, щоб вподобати Офелію, то в цій я вже її люблю всім серцем. І саме після прибуття її родини на Полюс, можна побачити, як сильно Офелія змінилася за весь цей час.
Торна в "Зимових заручинах" я практично ненавиділа, хоч під кінець почала відчувати до нього мінімальну симпатію. Яким же було моє здивування, коли в цій частині я закохалася в нього по самі вуха. Він все ще різкий, моментами грубий та не дуже добре всіє висловлювати свої емоції/бажання/почуття. Моментами хотілося мати якогось ломика, щоб трошки припідняти йому верхню частину черепа та дізнатися, що там в нього в голові коїться. Торн не вміє в красиві слова, ніколи не вмів і, напевно, ніколи не навчиться, але він все компенсує своїми вчинками. А оскільки для мене це основна мова любові, то я за ним пропала.
І мова зараз не тільки про вчинки щодо Офелії, а загалом про те наскільки йому не байдуже до справедливості. Він може не любити людей, але як же він про них дбає. Здається, саме оця фраза Офелії найкраще описує сутність Торна.
Цей чоловік - чистісінький мізантроп, але міркує значно ширше, глибше, ніж решта, значно далі своїх особистих інтересів.
і ще оця сценка, на якій я остаточно пропала:
-Але чому ви? - наполягала Офелія. - Чому ви, ви сам мусите владнати цю справу?
...
- Фахова деформація,- зрештою пробубонів він. - Вважайте це за недолуге почуття обов'язку чи невиліковну негнучкість розуму.
Ну просто ВІН! Тепер Торн мою головна книжкова любов.
Ще хочеться додати, що коли головна детективна лінія вже завершилася, до кінця залишалося десь 50 сторінок і тут якраз почалося найцікавіше! Я прям дуже кайфонула від закінчення і з нетерпінням чекаю тепер на продовження.
У "Викраденні з Місяцесяйва" Офелія потрапляє до двору Фарука - Духа Родини Полюсу- та стає спершу його другою казкаркою, а потім верховною родинною чтицею. Тим часом, з Місяцесяйва починають загадково зникати люди, а сама Офелія отримує листи з погрозами та вимогами розірвати її заручини з Торном. Схожі листи отримували і жертви зникнень і тепер Офелія побоюється, що вона стане наступною. І якщо ви думаєте, що це її найбільша проблема, то до всього, уся розширена родина Офелії прибуває з візитом на Полюс і Торн їм категорично не до вподоби (не те що б він був до вподоби Офелії більшість часу).
Я просто в захваті від того, як авторка постійно надбудовує та розширює мітологію свого загадкового світу. Тут ми по крихітних деталях дізнаємося більше про Бога, який розколов світ, його зв'язок з Духами Родини та дещо про саму Офелію та одну подію в її житті, яка, як виявилося, мала свій вплив на світ.
Помимо світобудовної сюжетної лінії, яка іде наскрізною ниткою крізь усю історію, але розкривається сповна аж наприкінці, ми також маємо захоплюючу детективну лінію, яка займає основну частину історії.
У цій частині Офелія та Торн проводяти набагато більше часу разом, граючись у детективів та розслідуючи зникнення людей. Завдяки цьому, я мала насолоду спостерігати за розвитком їхніх стосунків і це було прекрасно. Я вже казала і повторюся, Крістелль Дабос богиня slow burn і, здається, одна з небагатьох людей, які ще пам'ятають, що це поняття справді має означати. У цій частині я почувалася так, ніби знову читаю "Гордість та упередження", з усіми цими звертаннями на "ви", незграбними намаганнями головного героя проявити свою симпатію та збентеженою головною героїнею, яка не зовсім розуміє, що це все має означати. Офелія ні на секунду не дає Торну спуску. Вона спитає з нього за кожну грубість до її родини та до неї, вимагатиме поважати її та ділитися з нею інформацією, як з рівною. І захищатиме його в найнеочікуваніші для себе моменти. Якщо в першій частині мені знадобився час, щоб вподобати Офелію, то в цій я вже її люблю всім серцем. І саме після прибуття її родини на Полюс, можна побачити, як сильно Офелія змінилася за весь цей час.
Торна в "Зимових заручинах" я практично ненавиділа, хоч під кінець почала відчувати до нього мінімальну симпатію. Яким же було моє здивування, коли в цій частині я закохалася в нього по самі вуха. Він все ще різкий, моментами грубий та не дуже добре всіє висловлювати свої емоції/бажання/почуття. Моментами хотілося мати якогось ломика, щоб трошки припідняти йому верхню частину черепа та дізнатися, що там в нього в голові коїться. Торн не вміє в красиві слова, ніколи не вмів і, напевно, ніколи не навчиться, але він все компенсує своїми вчинками. А оскільки для мене це основна мова любові, то я за ним пропала.
І мова зараз не тільки про вчинки щодо Офелії, а загалом про те наскільки йому не байдуже до справедливості. Він може не любити людей, але як же він про них дбає. Здається, саме оця фраза Офелії найкраще описує сутність Торна.
Цей чоловік - чистісінький мізантроп, але міркує значно ширше, глибше, ніж решта, значно далі своїх особистих інтересів.
і ще оця сценка, на якій я остаточно пропала:
-Але чому ви? - наполягала Офелія. - Чому ви, ви сам мусите владнати цю справу?
...
- Фахова деформація,- зрештою пробубонів він. - Вважайте це за недолуге почуття обов'язку чи невиліковну негнучкість розуму.
Ну просто ВІН! Тепер Торн мою головна книжкова любов.
Ще хочеться додати, що коли головна детективна лінія вже завершилася, до кінця залишалося десь 50 сторінок і тут якраз почалося найцікавіше! Я прям дуже кайфонула від закінчення і з нетерпінням чекаю тепер на продовження.
January 3, 2019
Io sono completamente innamorata di questa serie fantasy. Il secondo libro amplia notevolmente le premesse su cui si basa l'intera storia, risponde agli interrogativi lasciati irrisolti e sviluppa in maniera molto più convincente i protagonisti (nonostante alcuni loro problemi che permangono).
L'atmosfera mi ha conquistata, sono stata travolta e catturata irrimediabilmente nella trama vorticosa del romanzo!
L'atmosfera mi ha conquistata, sono stata travolta e catturata irrimediabilmente nella trama vorticosa del romanzo!
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