My first introduction to books by Rebecca Ross was back in 2019, when I was allowed to read the Dutch edition of The Queen’s Rising for a young adult blog on a Dutch bookish platform. I vividly remember I was struggling with it at the time and couldn’t join the hype train. In hindsight I was not alone, because this author remains much popular internationally than in my country. When Divine Rivals was translated, they hoped to turn that tide, but again, this duology was much less visible and popular here than internationally. I read this as well, and quite struggled yet again. However, A River Enchanted already caught my eye years before. Due to these quite disappointing reading experience, I was very reluctant to pick this one up. A few months ago I just decided to take the plunge as I had a leftover Audible credit. I went into this reading experience with the lowest expectations as I was certain to be left disappointed again. But boy was I wrong. And not even just a little, absolutely wrong.
About the book
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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross Series: Elements of Cadence #1
Published by Harper Voyager on February 15, 2022
Pages: 467
ISBN: 9780063055988
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
At the age of ten, Jack Tamerlaine left his home, the Isle of Cadence, to pursue studying music at the mainland’s conservatory and earn his money as a bard after. He swore to never set foot on the island with its clans, magic and ever changing landscape again. He was able to stick to this for ten years, until he got a letter summoning his return and to bring his harp. After debating, he reluctantly agrees. Young girls keep going missing on the island and Jack’s help is needed in figuring out what’s going on and returning them home. Little did he know he has to work closely together with his old malice. Did Jack made the right decision or was he better off staying on the mainland?
My review
This book turns out to be unexpectedly refreshing. Not in the first place for having a male lead, Jack. This is not unusual within the fantasy genre, but has been pushed to the background some more due to the rise of the popularity of romantasy. Moreover, he is written well. In the opening chapter of the book you’re already confronted with his indecisiveness on what to do with the letter he received. Should he follow up on it or simply ignore it? He finally decides to return home, but when shore comes closer, doubts are creeping in once again. He never felt at ease around the people of his clan, and his connection to his mom isn’t what it used to be either. The journey isn’t running that smoothly, this might be an omen. Gradually, we witness his character growing. His interactions with his clan, and especially with his old malice Adera, are helping in this. Ross provides her, together with a few other secondary characters, an own point of view. This way, we get to know them as well. Finally, we see them shift from secondary characters into important key characters, to even main characters who carry the plot as a result.
This plot evolves around the missing girls and the will to return them home safely. The hope of finding them alive and well is strong, what kept me intrigued to keep listening. This audiobook is narrated by Ruth Urquhart who really brings the story to life by narrating it with a Scottish accent. The world of this novel is strongly inspired by Scottish landscape and folklore, and the performance with this particular accent only confirms that feeling. This world building is crafted in such a way that it is easy to get lost in this world and empathize with the characters’ struggles. The isle of Cadence is ever changing and has its own will: a path that is there one day, might be relocated or completely vanished the next. This adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the book.
Besides the mystery of the disappearing girls and the rich world building, politics play an important role as well. This is more noticeable with the further unfolding of the story. Cadence is divided into two parts: the east and the west. Both parts are governed by their respective clans, who have a centuries long feud, to the extend of citizens being prohibited from crossing to the other clans’ territory. If they are caught doing so, they might never be able to tell their friends and family about that adventure as they most likely end up death. However, this doesn’t sit right anymore with some of our characters, there is a desire for piece and laying this feud to rest. Towards the end, the importance of these politics becomes even clearer with the occurrence of certain events. Whereas politics are a usual subject to be addressed in fantasy, the storyline of the missing girls is still the main one here. However, everything is connected and these intrigues pique my interest to continue reading and finding out what will happen next in the sequel. Despite the heavy politics and aforementioned mystery, this book is not action-packed. In fact, it’s slow-paced, and the story meanders like a river through everything that is going on. This makes this book not suitable for every reader. However, it offers a breath of frsh air in the oversaturated market of heavily action-packed romantasy, which makes this novel stand out.
Even though I was incredibly sceptic at first, A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross totally caught me by surprise. This is an adult fantasy and therefore stays far away from the smut, rapid action and formula we currently see a lot due to the rising popularity of romantasy. This story meanders like a river through mystery and folklore, and therefore creates a much needed calm and breath of fresh air within the fantasy genre. Yes, I know that this book already got published in 2022, but this still is true nonetheless. Besides the aforementioned mystery there is a lot going on regarding politics. However, it never feels too heavy. Even more so, it makes this book really intriguing. Add a refreshing male lead and an audiobook being brought to live by the narrator to the mix and you indeed find a hidden gem. I’m really curious for the events following this book’s ending and am therefore very eager to pick up A Fire Endless, which is both the sequel and sereis finale..