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A review by ashleysills
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
4.5
What a beautiful story! This was my first Nadine Brandes book and Iβm excited to read more of her work. I was also pleasantly surprised that my local library had it!
This story is about Myrthe, a teenage girl who has the power to grant a wish with every tear she cries. After making a grave mistake with a wish and being cursed to die by her next tear, Myrthe must journey to the Well of Talents to try and fix everything.
Even though the pacing in the first half of the book was slow, I was constantly compelled to keep reading and flew through the second half. I loved that I got to know the characters really well and that it made me self-reflect.
What I loved:
π Very well-developed characters; heroes you get attached to and villains you love to hate
π Relatable internal conflict
π A little bit of sweet romance
π Themes of sacrifice, self-worth, redemption/forgiveness, and true love vs. fake love
π The writing was beautiful and I felt like I was there with the characters
π The plot twists had me on edge!
π Chronic pain/illness rep
What I didnβt love:
π€·π»ββοΈ The first part of the book was pretty slow-paced
π€·π»ββοΈ I liked the Christian themes/metaphors but I felt like they could have been woven more seamlessly into the story
π€·π»ββοΈ Chapter 63? I felt like it was unnecessary (but maybe itβs just me? π)
π€·π»ββοΈ There were a few minor plot holes
π€·π»ββοΈ The very end was a little infuriating (but if you like cliffhangers, youβll be good π)
Overall Iβd definitely recommend this one! Brandes is a great writer and I fell in love with her characters/this story. Iβm seriously hoping there will be a sequelβ¦ π
This story is about Myrthe, a teenage girl who has the power to grant a wish with every tear she cries. After making a grave mistake with a wish and being cursed to die by her next tear, Myrthe must journey to the Well of Talents to try and fix everything.
Even though the pacing in the first half of the book was slow, I was constantly compelled to keep reading and flew through the second half. I loved that I got to know the characters really well and that it made me self-reflect.
What I loved:
π Very well-developed characters; heroes you get attached to and villains you love to hate
π Relatable internal conflict
π A little bit of sweet romance
π Themes of sacrifice, self-worth, redemption/forgiveness, and true love vs. fake love
π The writing was beautiful and I felt like I was there with the characters
π The plot twists had me on edge!
π Chronic pain/illness rep
What I didnβt love:
π€·π»ββοΈ The first part of the book was pretty slow-paced
π€·π»ββοΈ I liked the Christian themes/metaphors but I felt like they could have been woven more seamlessly into the story
π€·π»ββοΈ Chapter 63? I felt like it was unnecessary (but maybe itβs just me? π)
π€·π»ββοΈ There were a few minor plot holes
π€·π»ββοΈ The very end was a little infuriating (but if you like cliffhangers, youβll be good π)
Overall Iβd definitely recommend this one! Brandes is a great writer and I fell in love with her characters/this story. Iβm seriously hoping there will be a sequelβ¦ π
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Death
πΆοΈ just kisses