A River Enchanted
Books | Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy
4.3
(572)
Rebecca Ross
“Exquisitely written with compelling characters and romance . . . I was swept away by the enchanting and magical world Rebecca Ross crafted, and loved every moment of it.” — Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon GoddessEnter the isle of Cadence in this novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals—a Scottish-inspired fantasy brimming with enemies-to-lovers romance, magic and spirits, and a captivating mysteryIt starts with a letter and an ominous journey across dark waters. Ten years after being sent away to the mainland to become a bard, Jack Tamerlaine is summoned home to Cadence. Girls are going missing from the island, and Adaira, his childhood nemesis and the future leader of the clan, believes Jack is the only one who can find them.The elemental spirits that dwell in every breath of air, splash of water, blade of grass, and flicker of fire find mirth in the lives of the humans, and a bard’s music is the only way to summon them and ask that the girls be returned. Yet as Jack and Adaira get closer to solving the mystery, it becomes apparent that an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, and no harp song may be strong enough to stop it.With unforgettable characters, a thrilling plot, and a lush folklore-infused world, A River Enchanted is a stirring story of duty, love, and creating harmony between opposing forces. This first book in the Elements of Cadence duology marks Rebecca Ross’s brilliant entry on the adult fantasy stage.
Fantasy
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Author
Rebecca Ross
Pages
496
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published Date
2022-02-15
ISBN
0063056003 9780063056008
Community ReviewsSee all
"Really enjoyed this leisurely paced fantasy set on a magical island with Scottish influences. If you like atmospheric world-building, marriages of convince, and complicated family relationships, give this one a try!"
Emily Calkins
"A good story - it was a slowww read, though"
Brenna Luevano
"Picture Outlander with magic. If you enjoy reading about the Scottish folk, you are in for a treat. I highly recommend.
Jack Tamberlain is summoned back to Cadence. 11 years ago he was sent to the main land to train as a bard. "He was a wanderer who had just returned home struggling to put the pieces of the isle together." There is the magic, the relationship with his old nemesis, the sister he didn't know he had, the feud with the Breccans who inhabit the other half of Cadence, learning that the town he thought eager to be rid of him was actually happy to have him back, and the disappearance of girls.
The River Enchanted is a complex tale with multiple narrators. Despite its complexity, it is easy to follow. The world building is fantastic- you can easily picture yourself walking the hills knowing that the folk favored you and made 5 hills into 1. The characters are multidimensional. There is growth as each of the narrators struggle with their own secrets.
The ending was not at all expected. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
"
Brandi Always Reading
"I am unsure of how I feel about this one. In some ways I liked the idea of the story line and I did read it relatively quickly. There were many ways it failed for me, though. I never truly felt connected to the characters like I wanted to. The dramatic parts never got my heart racing. The second half got a little stronger than the first half, which kept me going. I am completely undecided as to whether I’ll read the second book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 "
Katie Harrison
"It took me a few chapters to really get into this book. The aspect that kept me reading was the beauty in which Ross writes. The way she describes the nature around the characters make you feel as if you are walking right beside them. The beauty of the world building allowed me to stay invested. The storyline throughout the book was average and it’s hard not to compare the book to “Divine Rivals”, the latter being a the more stellar book. There were many heartfelt and wholesome moments in the book between various characters, my favorite being between Jack and Frae. I will probably listen to the second book out of curiosity for the ending. 3.5/5"
Olivia Denning
"Not what I was expecting. Things got dark, and it felt more like Scottish lore than fantasy. Still worth the read. 6/10."
Rachel Temp
"It was difficult to get into but the characters kept me going when the plot was slow. I was impressed on how well written the marriage between the two characters with a child was written. There were many heavy topics that were handled well. That being said, the plot was sometimes put on hold for a chapter of the characters just feeling it out. A touch of spice. Tw: child kidnapping and endangerment. The author has a good list of tw on goodreads and her website."
T
Tori
"Lets just say that I started out with a synopsis that I wasn't really into only to get lost hours later in another world. Rebecca Ross has such a beautiful writing style. I got so caught up in the emotion and characters that I didn't know where I was from time to time.<br/><br/>I have read two YA fantasy by Ross so I was intrigued when she came out with an adult fantasy. I quite enjoyed the map and how Rebecca wove a rich tapestry of Celtic lore. Each spirit whether aiding or opposing had many unique magics. Sometimes the land would fold in on itself or the winds would torrent in anger.<br/><br/>The subtle romances is what hooked me I will admit. There were beginnings of love admits an old marrage. Torino and Sidra complexity was breathtaking and the honesty brought forth, staggering. There was sacrifice, heartache, and truthfulness. It all had my throat closing up with grief.<br/><br/>The division between the East and the West was very interesting and balanced. Though I will complain about how we never got to see into the West. Still there was probably a reason for that and I'm positive it will get cleared up in book 2. So I was completely shocked how fast I fell for this unique story and I'm very much looking forward to the next one.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Quotes:<br/><br/>If we must drown, let us do so entwined.<br/><br/>"It doesn't sound as if I am asking you to change, but that your own blood and bones are aching for it.""
Ashley
"4 stars for me! So beautifully, lyrically written. It was a slower read, with light fantasy but kept me intrigued the whole way through. Rebecca Ross’ writing really makes you feel like you’re there in her world! FYI, this book is not heavy on the romance, but moments were there is, it’s beautiful. Really connected to the characters, but hoping to see more depth from Adaira and Jack in the next book. A shocking ending, and I can’t wait to read the sequel!"
Taylor Nagy
"Scottish isle folklore VIBES. This was the perfect atmospheric, low-key read that I wanted this fall. The story is heavily rooted in nature, magic, and community. It’s not all that gripping or groundbreaking but the prose was beautiful and I loved reading this book."
Emma V.
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