whatthekatdraggedin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Child death and Violence
Minor: Blood
warlocksarecool21's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
A River Enchanted was absolutely stunning, a perfect mix of coziness, mystery, and folklore. Rebecca Ross’ writing is so beautiful, I found myself so captivated by the magic, the island and the characters. I felt like I was reading an old fairytale, the magic and the lore was so rich and intriguing. I loved the presence of music and poetry in the world as well.
All of the characters in this story were so compelling as well. I adored Sidra and I thought Torin was such an interesting character. Sidra’s struggles with her faith and the journey she went on to heal her grief was so well done and impactful. I also really enjoyed watching grizzly Torin grow and change for the better.
I did love Jack and Adaira but I felt like Sidra and Torin’s relationship had more depth. I did like the juxtaposition of the two relationships, how Sidra and Torin grew to love each other so deeply despite their faults and initial arrangement. Whereas Adaira and Jack were always destined to be together in whatever capacity. I really hope to see Jack and Adaira’s relationship grow more in the next book, despite the challenges that lay before them.
All of the characters in this story were so compelling as well. I adored Sidra and I thought Torin was such an interesting character. Sidra’s struggles with her faith and the journey she went on to heal her grief was so well done and impactful. I also really enjoyed watching grizzly Torin grow and change for the better.
I did love Jack and Adaira but I felt like Sidra and Torin’s relationship had more depth. I did like the juxtaposition of the two relationships, how Sidra and Torin grew to love each other so deeply despite their faults and initial arrangement. Whereas Adaira and Jack were always destined to be together in whatever capacity. I really hope to see Jack and Adaira’s relationship grow more in the next book, despite the challenges that lay before them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief
Minor: Blood, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Death
rayreyes's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Wow wow wow. Killer. I’m so grateful I came across this book because of an instagram post by another favorite author. Truly fantastical and enthralling. I’ll sing this book’s praises all year. Reads like this give new weight to a five star read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death of parent, and Kidnapping
Minor: Stalking, Grief, Torture, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, Child death, Abandonment, War, and Miscarriage
radiantgeode's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed the story, it was a unique concept that is different than other fantasy stories I’ve read. I’m interested to see what happens next.
I gave it 4 stars because I felt as if the dialogue was unnatural. It made the romance and relationships of the characters feel detached. Despite this, I still liked the characters and want to know what will happen to them in future books.
I gave it 4 stars because I felt as if the dialogue was unnatural. It made the romance and relationships of the characters feel detached. Despite this, I still liked the characters and want to know what will happen to them in future books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, War, Murder, Kidnapping, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Blood
cakrolik's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Grief, Blood, and Violence
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Torture, Violence, Sexual content, Child death, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
kjf524's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Minor: Murder, Confinement, Violence, War, Death of parent, Grief, Infertility, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
boba_n_books's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This has to be the most beautiful novel I’ve ever read. Ross’ lyrical prose is unlike any other author, and I absolutely devoured it.
Though the fantasy element is there, Ross slowly builds the world in a way that feels inviting and never leaves you feeling confused. The relationships between Adaira and Jack and Torin and Sidra were so beautifully reminiscent of each other, and they interweaved flawlessly.
This is a novel about belonging and home. Is it your blood that defines you? Or the people you choose?
Though the fantasy element is there, Ross slowly builds the world in a way that feels inviting and never leaves you feeling confused. The relationships between Adaira and Jack and Torin and Sidra were so beautifully reminiscent of each other, and they interweaved flawlessly.
This is a novel about belonging and home. Is it your blood that defines you? Or the people you choose?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent, Miscarriage, and Death
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
alexiatormen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Infertility
Minor: Death of parent
jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
5.0
“Yes, but I once thought home was simply a place. Four walls to hold you at night while you slept. But I was wrong. It’s people. It’s being with the ones that you love, and maybe even the ones that you hate.”
I loved this so much. It was so cozy and comforting to read, but still managed to have high stakes and tense moments. This world is so magical and unpredictable and the world building was written so beautifully. I loved all the characters and how their relationships developed over time. It shows love that is very quiet and simple but still manages to reveal complexities in it’s characters. It’s full of love that sneaks up on you and takes your breath away.
I loved this so much. It was so cozy and comforting to read, but still managed to have high stakes and tense moments. This world is so magical and unpredictable and the world building was written so beautifully. I loved all the characters and how their relationships developed over time. It shows love that is very quiet and simple but still manages to reveal complexities in it’s characters. It’s full of love that sneaks up on you and takes your breath away.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Death of parent, Blood, Death, Kidnapping, and Miscarriage
emmelinemontgomery's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
5.0
A lyrical and cozy romance/mystery but with Scottish folklore/magic. What an absolute dream!
Every character grew and felt real in a way that really drew me into the story. This is slower paced and character driven but I found that I just got lost in the story and never minded that. I felt the character’s emotions so deeply and, I cannot say this enough, the way she describes everything is just beautiful. The plot had real and honestly terrifying stakes of families having their young daughters stolen from them- but nobody knows why. Despite this, it was just extremely lovely to read.
Mild/vague spoilers:
Look, I loved Torin and Sidra’s arc but I wish there had been a bit more conversation about Maisie’s mom. I just ended up feeling weird about it. Maybe it’s something for book two though? This was my one and only “complaint”
Every character grew and felt real in a way that really drew me into the story. This is slower paced and character driven but I found that I just got lost in the story and never minded that. I felt the character’s emotions so deeply and, I cannot say this enough, the way she describes everything is just beautiful. The plot had real and honestly terrifying stakes of families having their young daughters stolen from them- but nobody knows why. Despite this, it was just extremely lovely to read.
Mild/vague spoilers:
Look, I loved Torin and Sidra’s arc but I wish there had been a bit more conversation about Maisie’s mom. I just ended up feeling weird about it. Maybe it’s something for book two though? This was my one and only “complaint”
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping and Blood