chrisljm's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Bullying, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Medical content, Miscarriage, War, Murder, Self harm, Terminal illness, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A River Enchanted is the kind of novel to read snuggled up in bed when the rain is pouring and the wind is blowing a gale outside. A steaming cup of your preferred beverage on your bedside table. Disclaimer - you don't have to read it this way, I certainly didn't - but if you're looking for a cozy read, this one will be right up your alley. Lovers of Scottish folklore and Scottish culture will also no doubt find much to enjoy here, as will fans of the Outlander books and tv series.
With her first foray into adult fiction, Rebecca Ross has created a rich, atmospheric world, full of magic, mystery, and a whiff of political intrigue.
The plot hinges on the return of Jack Tamerlaine, a gifted musician from the Isle of Cadence, who is coming home after being away on the mainland for ten years, immersed in his studies at the university. Upon his arrival, he discovers that young girls are being kidnapped - and the spirits of the Isle are being blamed. At the same time, an old, ancient grudge continues to burn between the Tamerlaines of the Isle's East and the Breccans of the West. Jack must work with his childhood enemy, Adaira, heiress to the Laird of the East, to discover the truth of the kidnappings. But those they love carry deep, long-held secrets, and none will be left unchanged by the events to come.
A River Enchanted is beautifully and lyrically written. Although the main plot hinges on a traumatic event - the kidnapping of young children - Ross treats the subject with great delicacy. Care is taken to describe the effects the kidnappings have, not only on the children taken but on their loved ones left behind. There are scenes of violence, as well as scenes of a more sexual nature, but these too are tastefully handled and are not graphic in detail. The tension between the Tamerlaines and the Breccans was also well done - I love political intrigue in fantasy worlds, and this delivered.
Although, for the most part, I enjoyed A River Enchanted, I did have the occasional issue. Sometimes I felt that I wasn't as invested in the as I should have been, and cared more about the political intrigue and the other supporting characters in the novel, such as Torin, Sidra, Frae, and Mirin. I don't know if this was the fault of the writing, or if that was just me. The novel is told from the point of view of five characters, and though for the most part I could tell who was narrating, there were occasional times when I became confused. But those were minor issues.
Overall, I really loved the richness of this novel, and look forward to seeing what happens in the sequel and final book in this duology, A Fire Endless.
With her first foray into adult fiction, Rebecca Ross has created a rich, atmospheric world, full of magic, mystery, and a whiff of political intrigue.
The plot hinges on the return of Jack Tamerlaine, a gifted musician from the Isle of Cadence, who is coming home after being away on the mainland for ten years, immersed in his studies at the university. Upon his arrival, he discovers that young girls are being kidnapped - and the spirits of the Isle are being blamed. At the same time, an old, ancient grudge continues to burn between the Tamerlaines of the Isle's East and the Breccans of the West. Jack must work with his childhood enemy, Adaira, heiress to the Laird of the East, to discover the truth of the kidnappings. But those they love carry deep, long-held secrets, and none will be left unchanged by the events to come.
A River Enchanted is beautifully and lyrically written. Although the main plot hinges on a traumatic event - the kidnapping of young children - Ross treats the subject with great delicacy. Care is taken to describe the effects the kidnappings have, not only on the children taken but on their loved ones left behind. There are scenes of violence, as well as scenes of a more sexual nature, but these too are tastefully handled and are not graphic in detail. The tension between the Tamerlaines and the Breccans was also well done - I love political intrigue in fantasy worlds, and this delivered.
Although, for the most part, I enjoyed A River Enchanted, I did have the occasional issue. Sometimes I felt that I wasn't as invested in the
Spoiler
romance between Jack and AdairaOverall, I really loved the richness of this novel, and look forward to seeing what happens in the sequel and final book in this duology, A Fire Endless.
Graphic: Death, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Moderate: Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Violence, Blood, and Medical content
Minor: Pregnancy
Brief description of a traumatic birth where the child is stillborn. The plot hinges on the kidnapping of young girls, althoughSpoiler
they are told to keep silent about what has happened, they are not described as having suffered any physical, verbal, or mental abuseSpoiler
at a cost to their health and vitality.Spoiler
enchanted, not only injuring the bodies of their victims, but also have other supernatural side effects.beckyg1016's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A great adult fantasy in a world inspired by Scottish culture & lore - there is love and magic, sorrow and joy, secrets and lies and truths that run bone-deep.
This was so good - 450+ pages read in a single week - and my only disappointment is that the 2nd book of the Elements of Cadence Duology isn't due out for nearly a year!!
This was so good - 450+ pages read in a single week - and my only disappointment is that the 2nd book of the Elements of Cadence Duology isn't due out for nearly a year!!
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Blood, Abandonment, and Death
Minor: Infertility, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Child death
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