beta
I like how the problem isn't a complicated, competition of the smartest, or overly political. Yet at the same time it's not some simple meaningngless problem that gets too overcomplicated. Yes, there might be some political factors here and there, but it is not the main issue, rather it's more of the fuel to the fire, or actually the firestarter itself.
The pacing is just right. It is a slowburn, but it is not told in a long unwinded way. They put some time skip here and there to show that the characters spent quite a long time with their problem, but it doesn't drag us readers down with fillers.
For people wishing for Winter's doom or the like, I disagree and hope that you actually read the story to the end. His backstory, though not justifying his actions, makes his behaviors understandable. Even later on, he will say his mistakes out loud and ask for forgiveness (very later on). I could go on about Winter and him as a person and his development, but I digress and implore you to actually read.
I think both of the character development is written so well. How both of them affect each other and how they try to improve and adjust to their partner is very nicely portrayed.
Their development isn't rushed and is actually with a lot of problems. For me, I like it the most how their problems (aside from the tribe and curse) is something happening a lot in real life, but in these days we are just to busy on our own to notice it. Aside, from the body switch and stuff, their way of dealing it is very, human. We can see them being vulnerable, even though they are very powerful people. Very refreshing compared to other characters who just wave their hand and said everything can be solved with money, because in fact, Winter learned that money is almost worth nothing when faced with Violet. We can see them slowly resolving their problems, one stepping stone at a time. We can see even though they are healing, they still are anxious. It's very, non-fantasy of them, and that makes the story very close to my heart.
Overall, I think the story is quite heavy. But not in the sense that you have to think so hard your head will explode. It's more of you having the patience to get to know the character and improve along with them. Because I know I learned a thing or two while suffering with Violet. I know that I can't be so quick to judge, or to loose my temper. I had always known that a story has many sides, but Winter and Violet taught me to actually sit down, listen, and see. They might not be the best at talking but the got there, and they helped me along with them.
I'm so sorry this review had gotten so long but TLDR; Read it, it's definitely worth it (just need better translation on some of the chapters lol)