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** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Description
Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. With her parents gone, it is Wren’s responsibility to ensure she and her sister survive the harsh and endless winter, but if the legends are to be believed, their home may not be safe for much longer.
For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shade’s fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride.
When the North Wind sets his eyes on Wren’s sister, Wren will do anything to save her – even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. But mortal or not, Wren won’t go down without a fight.
Summary
I recently read The North Wind by US fantasy author Alexandria Warwick in a new Fantasy series.
Review
Warwick infuses this dystopian-esque fantasy world with Greek mythology. The world-building is exquisitely detailed with the Shade, a magical barrier safeguarding inhabitants from the perilous Deadlands beyond. In a dystopian-style world where the weakening of the Shade can be remedied by a mortal woman wed to the North Wind or Boreas, a formidable god. The North Wind includes elements reminiscent of the ‘Beauty and the Beast’ fairy tales, the protagonist Wren sacrifices herself in her sister’s place to wed Boreas. Warwick explores Wren’s own journey, exposing her flaws and the consequences of her decisions as she struggles with the emotional toll of her decision.
The North Wind has an interesting and well-crafted world-building in a wintry world. Warwick keeps up the pace in this fantasy romance, and while there is the common romance trope of ‘enemies-to-lovers’, the well-developed tension between Wren and Boreas sees their relationship unfold in an natural manner which avoids the pitfalls of a cliché. The characters are relatable and well-defined and the explorations of Wren’s personal struggles and flaws enhances this novel and its appeal.
Conclusion
A recommended read! This novel is perfect for fans of epic fantasy, mythic reimagining, romantasy and strong Fantasy world-building with a resilient female protagonist.
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 