A review by akacya
What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

4.0

2025 reads: 69/300

2025 tbr: 28/111

i received a digital review copy from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.

content warnings: death of parent, body horror, emotional abuse

in the living, breathing city of vaiwyn, mina acts as a keeper to take care of the bells and prevent them from ringing, lest they awaken an evil force. one day, though, her bell rings thirteen times, and no one knows what kind of danger this will entail. the soul of a power-hungry saint has been let loose and hides behind the face of a citizen. mina works to find and destroy the saint’s host to save her city.

i’ve been so excited to read this book since hearing about it! i enjoy reading books inspired by central and eastern european cultures, and this book was based on a legend from prague. i really liked how the setting played into this story!

i loved the main character, mina. she had to step into this position a bit abruptly after losing her father, who had the job before her. the relationship between mina and her boyfriend, max, was explored so well. oftentimes, when the mc starts the book in a relationship, their partner sucks and they eventually break up. however, i really liked max and how their relationship grew throughout the book.

i’d recommend this to anyone looking for a YA fantasy with a unique setting. i can’t wait for whatever’s next from elle tesch!