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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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
Estuvo bien y me entretuvo. A pesar de que no creo que la historia fuera nada especial, la parete de la historia de amor entre la curandera y su marido que se casaron para que ella cuidara de la hija de él me atrapó una barbaridad. Si continuaba leyendo sin parar era por ellos. El prota también me pareció interesante, pero la madre de este es terrible y la narrativa no lo hace ver así. Con todos los datos del final puedo entender sus motivos pero no los comparto para nada. Como trata a su hijo es horrible, no decirle que tiene una hermana! Y después que tenga las narices de decir que lo quiere mucho y estaba esperando a que regresara a casa. Señora, un poquito de por favor. Lo demás es interesante sin que llegara en ninguna parte a encantarme el mundo y su magia. Puede que continúe con la siguiente parte pero no es una prioridad.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t think I would really like a Scottish inspired fantasy book, but it worked fairly well. Sometimes the prose did cross the line from lyrical to stilted and overdone, but the prose was still important for the atmosphere of the story. Not entirely my taste, hence the semi-conservative rating. Good character dynamics though. This could have been shorter and moved a bit faster, or just been a standalone, which is actually what I expected. It would have been better as a stand-alone in my opinion. Also a lot of the reasoning behind main events was pretty weak, to the point of being plot holes.
But overall I read it quickly and found it engaging.
But overall I read it quickly and found it engaging.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual content
Rebecca Ross's A River Enchanted is a mesmerizing blend of Scottish folklore, lyrical prose, and immersive world-building. From the very first page, I found myself drawn into the enchanting island of Cadence, a land divided by two warring clans and woven with elemental magic. The novel beautifully balances fantasy, mystery, and romance, creating a story that is both atmospheric and emotionally resonant.
A World of Magic and Mystery
The strength of A River Enchanted lies in its evocative setting. The island of Cadence, rich with Scottish cultural influences in its traditions, food, clothing, and language, feels almost tangible. Ross's prose brings to life a world where spirits of earth, water, and wind are deeply entwined with the lives of the islanders. The mystery element-focused on the disappearance of young girls-adds an intriguing layer of suspense, keeping the reader engaged while exploring themes of duty, love, and belonging.
Complex and Compelling Characters
The novel boasts a well-developed cast of characters, each with their own struggles and growth. Jack Tamerlaine, a bard returning home after years on the mainland, is initially reluctant to take up his role in the unfolding events but soon finds himself deeply connected to the island's fate. His character arc-from an outsider to someone who realizes his place and purpose-is handled with nuance. His relationship with Adaira, the heir of the East clan, follows a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers trajectory, subtly woven into the story without overpowering the plot. Their dynamic, marked by Adaira's boldness and Jack's reserved nature, is endearing and well-paced.
However, the true standout characters are Torin and Sidra. Torin, the Captain of the Guard, grapples with the weight of his past and the violent role he has been shaped into. Sidra, his healer wife, embodies compassion, wisdom, and resilience. Their relationship-built on mutual understanding and a deep emotional connection-is arguably the most compelling aspect of the novel. Sidra's ability to see the kindness beneath Torin's hardened exterior, and his realization that he is more than just a soldier, creates some of the most poignant moments in the book.
A Story of Elemental Magic and Emotional Depth
The magic system, centered around elemental spirits, is one of the novel's most fascinating aspects. The spirits are not merely benevolent forces but unpredictable entities with their own motives, adding a layer of uncertainty and tension to the story. The way music, particularly Jack's harp-playing, is used to communicate with these spirits is both unique and thematically rich, reinforcing the novel's emphasis on art as a bridge between worlds.
While the pacing is steady, some readers may find the middle portion slower than expected, particularly if they are looking for fast-paced action. However, the novel's focus on atmosphere and character development makes it a deeply rewarding read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling.
Final Thoughts
A River Enchanted is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant tale that blends fantasy, folklore, and romance in an unforgettable way. Though it has the feel of young adult fiction at times, it is ultimately a mature and introspective story about identity, love, and the power of storytelling. While some plot elements are predictable, the strength of Ross's writing, the depth of her characters, and the immersive setting make this a novel worth savoring. The ending is both heart-wrenching and compelling, leaving me eager to dive into the next installment.
A River Enchanted is a cozy, atmospheric fantasy that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
A World of Magic and Mystery
The strength of A River Enchanted lies in its evocative setting. The island of Cadence, rich with Scottish cultural influences in its traditions, food, clothing, and language, feels almost tangible. Ross's prose brings to life a world where spirits of earth, water, and wind are deeply entwined with the lives of the islanders. The mystery element-focused on the disappearance of young girls-adds an intriguing layer of suspense, keeping the reader engaged while exploring themes of duty, love, and belonging.
Complex and Compelling Characters
The novel boasts a well-developed cast of characters, each with their own struggles and growth. Jack Tamerlaine, a bard returning home after years on the mainland, is initially reluctant to take up his role in the unfolding events but soon finds himself deeply connected to the island's fate. His character arc-from an outsider to someone who realizes his place and purpose-is handled with nuance. His relationship with Adaira, the heir of the East clan, follows a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers trajectory, subtly woven into the story without overpowering the plot. Their dynamic, marked by Adaira's boldness and Jack's reserved nature, is endearing and well-paced.
However, the true standout characters are Torin and Sidra. Torin, the Captain of the Guard, grapples with the weight of his past and the violent role he has been shaped into. Sidra, his healer wife, embodies compassion, wisdom, and resilience. Their relationship-built on mutual understanding and a deep emotional connection-is arguably the most compelling aspect of the novel. Sidra's ability to see the kindness beneath Torin's hardened exterior, and his realization that he is more than just a soldier, creates some of the most poignant moments in the book.
A Story of Elemental Magic and Emotional Depth
The magic system, centered around elemental spirits, is one of the novel's most fascinating aspects. The spirits are not merely benevolent forces but unpredictable entities with their own motives, adding a layer of uncertainty and tension to the story. The way music, particularly Jack's harp-playing, is used to communicate with these spirits is both unique and thematically rich, reinforcing the novel's emphasis on art as a bridge between worlds.
While the pacing is steady, some readers may find the middle portion slower than expected, particularly if they are looking for fast-paced action. However, the novel's focus on atmosphere and character development makes it a deeply rewarding read for those who appreciate lyrical storytelling.
Final Thoughts
A River Enchanted is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant tale that blends fantasy, folklore, and romance in an unforgettable way. Though it has the feel of young adult fiction at times, it is ultimately a mature and introspective story about identity, love, and the power of storytelling. While some plot elements are predictable, the strength of Ross's writing, the depth of her characters, and the immersive setting make this a novel worth savoring. The ending is both heart-wrenching and compelling, leaving me eager to dive into the next installment.
A River Enchanted is a cozy, atmospheric fantasy that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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