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thewildmageslibrary's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this, now I want the sequel! There were more POV characters than I expected, but I ended up loving them. This was really family-oriented, but I did love the romance plotlines too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, Blood, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Death, and Miscarriage
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 theromance between Jack and Adaira 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
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.
Content Warnings
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, althoughchloemakesbooks'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
This was fine. I'm not burning to read the next installment, although the book did end on a cliffhanger of sorts. Probably a good thing because it'll probably be 5 years til the next one publishes.
When I read the description to my husband, he said he tuned out after a single sentence, which cracked me up. A lot of mysterious hinting throughout (sigh), partnerships where one partner can't just say what they want/are thinking (HEAVY sigh), and some basic fantasy conventions. Worldbuilding was minimal and based on Celtic lore. Characterization was a bit ham fisted, but I liked them anyway because that's my thing. Writing was forgettable except for the few places I snorted at cliches. (Do authors know you don't HAVE to write sex scenes?) Just not sure I'll remember this one.
When I read the description to my husband, he said he tuned out after a single sentence, which cracked me up. A lot of mysterious hinting throughout (sigh), partnerships where one partner can't just say what they want/are thinking (HEAVY sigh), and some basic fantasy conventions. Worldbuilding was minimal and based on Celtic lore. Characterization was a bit ham fisted, but I liked them anyway because that's my thing. Writing was forgettable except for the few places I snorted at cliches. (Do authors know you don't HAVE to write sex scenes?) Just not sure I'll remember this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Grief, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Miscarriage, Injury/Injury detail, Chronic illness, and Death of parent
jessiereads98'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? Yes
4.25
A River Enchanted follows bard Jack Tamerlaine’s return to the divided Isle of Cadence, where he has been summoned by Adaira Tamerlaine, heiress of the East, to help her solve the mystery of girls going missing. Rebecca Ross weaves together fantasy, romance, and mystery in this atmospheric novel with lyrical prose.
The setting of the Isle of Cadence and the magic in this book clearly take their inspiration from Scotland. I really enjoyed the world building here. The magic system is well crafted, and I appreciated the way Ross handled the cost of wielding magic. I also really enjoyed the concept of the folk here. It was well done, and the folk felt both mystical and like just another part of nature, as they should. Ross definitely got it right in creating folk who were benevolent, those who were tricksters, and those who were ambivalent. The descriptions of the setting in this book also feel magical. The surroundings are described with reverence, without it feeling overwrought.
Ross also created compelling relationships between her characters.Jack and Adaira’s progression from childhood nemeses to lovers is incredibly sweet. Neither character’s development is sacrificed for the sake of their relationship. We get to see them grow together in such a tender and heartwarming way. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Sidra and Torin. Following a more mature relationship as it changes and grows isn’t something you see often in fantasy romance, and Ross executed it very well. They face real problems, and have real mature conversations about them. Things aren’t perfect, but they’re working on them. This is handled without it ever feeling clunky or like the author is trying to spoon feed a point to the readers without taking previous characterization into account. The characters, and their relationships, felt very real and grounded here.
The mystery of the missing girls is sensical, without being too easy solve. As a reader, I was able to add things up and notice the important details as things progressed, so when we reached the solution it didn’t seem to come out of nowhere. The final twist to the mystery managed to be both predictable in one way, and surprising in another. I was satisfied by the conclusion, and didn’t feel that I had been tricked for the sake of the shock value of a twist. It set up nicely to leave me looking forward to the second book in the duology, without being devastated by the cliffhanger.
A River Enchanted reads like folklore with its lyrical prose and lush setting inhabited by the folk. I can’t wait to return to the Isle of Cadence and its inhabitants in the conclusion to the duology.
The setting of the Isle of Cadence and the magic in this book clearly take their inspiration from Scotland. I really enjoyed the world building here. The magic system is well crafted, and I appreciated the way Ross handled the cost of wielding magic. I also really enjoyed the concept of the folk here. It was well done, and the folk felt both mystical and like just another part of nature, as they should. Ross definitely got it right in creating folk who were benevolent, those who were tricksters, and those who were ambivalent. The descriptions of the setting in this book also feel magical. The surroundings are described with reverence, without it feeling overwrought.
Ross also created compelling relationships between her characters.
The mystery of the missing girls is sensical, without being too easy solve. As a reader, I was able to add things up and notice the important details as things progressed, so when we reached the solution it didn’t seem to come out of nowhere. The final twist to the mystery managed to be both predictable in one way, and surprising in another. I was satisfied by the conclusion, and didn’t feel that I had been tricked for the sake of the shock value of a twist. It set up nicely to leave me looking forward to the second book in the duology, without being devastated by the cliffhanger.
A River Enchanted reads like folklore with its lyrical prose and lush setting inhabited by the folk. I can’t wait to return to the Isle of Cadence and its inhabitants in the conclusion to the duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Grief, Self harm, and Injury/Injury detail
lyss_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Murder, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, and Child death
Minor: Death of parent, Body horror, and Abandonment
lifeonasofa's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
3.25
“The spirits felt his attention shift from them to her. The woman with hair like moonlight, the woman made of sharp beauty” 🌑 Rebecca Ross
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.25 Stars
First of all, the Scottish imagery was so perfect! It gave such depth to the atmosphere and the charming clan. I love how the magic was woven into music, weapons and plaid. I loved the story surrounding the missing girls and family history. 🪄
Personally, I struggle with slower books and this was no exception, with most of the action happening in the last 30% of the book. However, it is well steered by the end and made me immediately start thinking of potential twists in the second book of the duology. 🌪
Whilst I liked the growth of Sidra and Torin as a couple, I just wanted more. I know this book isn’t just about romance but I just didn’t ship anyone, least of all Jack and Adaira. Just felt like a wasted opportunity due to there being some strong characters and magic. 💔
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Violence, and Kidnapping
teri_b's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved reading this book. It took me onto a journey to the island called Cadence where things are slightly different and nature has powers of its own.
We first get to see the island through one of its former inhabitants, Jack Tamerlaine, who has been called back to assist his chieftain in a matter of urgency. His mastery of music, specially playing the harp and composing music, he has in the last ten years attained by studying at the university on the mainland will be very much needed.
Returning to the island opens up to the islanders understanding of their being within this island that is defined and driven by the spirited natural forces of earth, air, water and fire and also by a schism that runs right through the island in form of two clans that have drawn the line and are wary and suspicious of each other.
Jack returning finds things changed, and the chieftain who called him back is his former childhood nemesis Adaira who has taken over the leading of her clan from her father.
Together they have to find a way to get the children that mysteriously disappear back.
Their story is accompanied by another's couple story who have weathered some storms in their relationship, but are fixated in who they are to each other. Recent events break up these old habits and make them query for change and a new understanding of who they are to each other.
I found this book to be an engrossing, immersing read that let me live in Cadence with all its natural magic and the magic humans hold in form of words and song and music and community as they live through challenging times and maybe, just maybe find new answers in relation who they are to each other and their neighbours.
I look forward to see how this story concludes in the sequel that comes out later this year.
We first get to see the island through one of its former inhabitants, Jack Tamerlaine, who has been called back to assist his chieftain in a matter of urgency. His mastery of music, specially playing the harp and composing music, he has in the last ten years attained by studying at the university on the mainland will be very much needed.
Returning to the island opens up to the islanders understanding of their being within this island that is defined and driven by the spirited natural forces of earth, air, water and fire and also by a schism that runs right through the island in form of two clans that have drawn the line and are wary and suspicious of each other.
Jack returning finds things changed, and the chieftain who called him back is his former childhood nemesis Adaira who has taken over the leading of her clan from her father.
Together they have to find a way to get the children that mysteriously disappear back.
I found this book to be an engrossing, immersing read that let me live in Cadence with all its natural magic and the magic humans hold in form of words and song and music and community as they live through challenging times and maybe, just maybe find new answers in relation who they are to each other and their neighbours.
I look forward to see how this story concludes in the sequel that comes out later this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Kidnapping
clarabooksit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, Violence, Grief, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Miscarriage, and Murder
Minor: Torture
forthesanityof1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was sold on this book through online recommendations that included the words "bard" and "magic" and "Scottish-inspired." I didn't need anything more to be convinced to pick this up as soon as possible. It did not disappoint!
I loved the concept and the pacing, this felt slow in the best way without hurrying to reveal its plot and its intent. I loved the nature elements and the time the author took to set the atmosphere of the book. I'm a sucker for good atmosphere and making the most of a setting, and I really think Ross is an exceptional hand at doing just that. I really enjoyed the multiple narrators and the different ways they were utilized. Torin and Sidra were gorgeous narrators, especially Sidra and her role in the plot. Her chapters during the peak conflict with the missing children has stuck with me as I sit on this book and all it brings. I was surprised with how much I liked the romance component with Jack, as I usually don't care for childhood friends/enemies/anything of the sort. However, the humanity of the narrative and the almost vicious understanding of the two characters compelled me. I was left intrigued with the end of the first book and I can't wait for the second in the duology! Also, Ross's lyricism in her prose is one of the other strong points of this book, as I genuinely kept pausing to read over lines again and again. I highly recommend!
I loved the concept and the pacing, this felt slow in the best way without hurrying to reveal its plot and its intent. I loved the nature elements and the time the author took to set the atmosphere of the book. I'm a sucker for good atmosphere and making the most of a setting, and I really think Ross is an exceptional hand at doing just that. I really enjoyed the multiple narrators and the different ways they were utilized. Torin and Sidra were gorgeous narrators, especially Sidra and her role in the plot. Her chapters during the peak conflict with the missing children has stuck with me as I sit on this book and all it brings. I was surprised with how much I liked the romance component with Jack, as I usually don't care for childhood friends/enemies/anything of the sort. However, the humanity of the narrative and the almost vicious understanding of the two characters compelled me. I was left intrigued with the end of the first book and I can't wait for the second in the duology! Also, Ross's lyricism in her prose is one of the other strong points of this book, as I genuinely kept pausing to read over lines again and again. I highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Self harm, Cursing, Grief, and Child death
jessgreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
relaxing
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? No
4.25
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⬜
Title: A River Enchanted (Elements of Cadence #1)
Author: Rebecca Ross
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: The Isle of Cadence
Month Read: February, 2022
Book Type: Hardcover
Publication: 2022
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Pages: 467
TRIGGER WARNING-
Death / Kidnapping / Murder
"We are the earth, the land. The tongue that speaks and trips on the names of the dead as it dares to tell these stories of a woman’s line. Her people and her dirt, her trees,"
No Spoiler Summary:
A River Enchanted is a fantasy novel that takes place on the Isle of Cadence after Jack is called back by the King after leaving the Isle almost a decade before to go to school to be a Bard. He's brought back to help his childhood foe, the Heiress, find village girls who have been going missing without a trace.
Jack and Adaira must appease the spirits (Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth) with his music to try to find out where, and how, the girls went missing. As their partnership continues, they grow closer and start putting their old feelings in the past. Jack is also on a search to figure out who his unknown Father is as secrets and plans begin to unravel the farther, and harder, they search.
Review:
I'm very glad I listened to my gut, and the great reviews, and got this book in my last Book of the Month box! I am not used to reading Adult Fantasy novels, but this book gripped me from the very beginning, and the British Isle location/lore drew me right in!
The stakes are high, you get just enough questions answered to both hold your interest and keep you wanting more, and there is *just* enough romance to not make it seemed super forced. As a musician, I am drawn to Jack and the incredible magic he possesses through his music. Adaira is a fair and just ruler, an Heiress of the People who is kind, but tough, and supposedly beautiful to boot. The side characters (Sidra, Torin, etc) keep the book going with mixed POV's.
If you believe what you read on the internet, we might be getting a sequel this year as well, and let me tell you that this cliffhanger leaves you BEGGING for more. A perfect crescendo of drama, revelations, and high stakes climb until the last sentence of the book. I'm so happy Book of the Month chose such a perfect fantasy novel, because they don't normally offer this genre, and it's definitely one I enjoy quite a bit.
See more reviews at: https://jessgreads.wixsite.com
"These are the incongruities of memory. It is hard to hold on to the entirety of something, but pieces may be held up to light."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Kidnapping
Moderate: Chronic illness, War, Animal death, Grief, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual content