Really an enchanting, cozy story with Scottish folklore perfect for the rainy months to come. Its a slower read and felt more on the YA side of things but I didn’t mind. And with any setting on a Scottish isle, or anything seaside related I am happily along for the ride. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of everything, the characters, and am really interested to see how the series will continue.

*Thank you NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing a copy of the book*

I just finished reading this book and I am in shock! What an incredible story! Everything about this book is excellent from the pros, eloquent writing, exceptional world building and heart warming characters. I can’t say enough good things. This book is enchanting and reads like a fairytale with spirit magic and Scottish influences. The magic of the island of Cadence leaps of the page and feels so real. And the descriptions of the folk and their presence on the island was just beautiful to read. The mystery within the story is also well done and balances so well with the setting and character development.

This is a new favorite book for me and I’m so glad I’ve read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

When Jack returns home to the island of Cadence after a decade of studying music on the mainland, he finds himself thrust into the middle of a search for a spirit who's been kidnapping the island's girls.

If I had to describe A River Enchanted in three words, it would be "atmospheric" and "aggressively Scottish." Really, how can you go wrong with that? The writing was lyrical, dark, and enchanting; the world-building and fantasy elements are well-crafted, interesting, and easy to follow. The lore behind the spirits and the split between how magic works on the east and west sides of the island made an interesting setting.

The plot is, admittedly, a bit slow and a bit simple. If you're looking for an action-packed fantasy novel, this would not be it. But I love atmospheric stories and character-driven plots; even if the underlying plot was essentially a standard mystery story, I was still drawn in and invested. My only personal complaint with this is that the slower pace makes the book a bit harder to get through, but I nonetheless enjoyed it.

Jack and Adaira's relationship was a particular strong point to me. The slow build from strangers with a childhood history to reluctant partners to friends with mutual respect to married to lovers was endearing and well-done. I love the enemies to lovers relationship trope (which this isn't), but I love the "I expected you to be my enemy but you never really were" version of enemies to lovers even more (which this was). Their childhood animosity isn't immediately ignored, but the progression as they realize how much they've grown in their decade apart was just, chefs kiss.

There weren't too many big, stand-out negatives in this book; Mirin probably was the biggest one. She infuriated me, with how she thought she could justify all of her shitty decisions because she was just sad or had a hard life. Everyone forgave her far too easily for all the negative impacts of all of her selfish lies, choices, and secrets. On the other hand, though, I didn't necessarily feel like the author wanted me to love her, so there's that. The very ending felt pretty out of the blue and I must admit, I don't like how Jack and Adaira end the book at all. Honestly, I'm annoyed enough to drop my star rating to 3.5/5--but given that this is merely the first in a duology, I know that the second book will deal with it, and so I am definitely rounding up.

Like the enchanted Orenna flower, I melted into the magical and lyrical prose found within A River Enchanted; simultaneously aware of the world around me and also enamored by the Isle of Cadence, the characters, and the whimsical story that has stole the breath from my lungs. Making her adult fantasy debut, Rebecca Ross has not just taken the genre by storm, she has invoked passion found within the flames of fire, the devastation and heartbreak made by an earthquake, and the serenity of the sea under a midnight moon.

As a reader and huge fan of Becca’s novels, I have to say that, in my opinion, this is her best book yet! A River Enchanted is one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking stories I have ever read. Based on Scottish folklore and mythology, A River Enchanted is set on the Isle of Cadence, split by two warring clans: the Tamerlaines and the Breccans. Told from multiple perspectives, the story begins with a grumpy and resentful bard named Jack Tamerlaine, who has been sent to the mainland to study music and master the harp. Jack has been summoned home to Cadence to assist in the search of the East’s lasses mysterious disappearances. Jack must play for the elemental spirits on the island in the hopes they may reveal the location of the missing girls.

The story of Sidra and Torin is a tender love story that embodies hardship and struggles, and how love can either endure or it can crumble into irreparable shards of glass. Through it all, the elemental spirits of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth live in tandem with the humans and have sprinkled their magic on both the East and West, watching them ruin it all over their greed and power. The ancestors of the Tamerlaine and Breccan clans once sought peace, and a hand-fast was struck between the heir and heiress of both the east and west to quench the feud. Because of treachery and broken promises, the marriage was broken and a curse was placed on the clans: the West would have access to all magic without repercussions but their land would be barren, and the East would have magic but at a horrible cost and their land would be fruitful.

Tensions between the two clans are high after centuries of raids, bloodshed, and hatred. It will take courage and perseverance to achieve peace amount the clans.

Through achingly gorgeous and lyrical prose, A River Enchanted is a heartbreaking story of faith and what happens when our faith is shaken, asking the difficult question of how we can obtain it once it has been lost. It is a ballad to a broken homeland. And a cautionary tale of the crucial choices and decisions that pave the way for a future of redemption and prosperity. It is a love story to an island of people who can’t seem to see that they are stronger united than they are apart.

My heart is broken over experiencing the ending of A River Enchanted and I ache with every inch of my heart to read the second book in the Elements of Cadence duology as soon as humanly possible.

Wild fae in Scotland with an enemies-to-lovers trope? Sign me up!! This book was gorgeously written, whisking you away to the hills and rivers of an untamed island crawling with mischief and danger. The story unfolds slowly but captivatingly, and the mystery reveal is so satisfying. I do wish more books were standalones rather than leading into an obvious sequel, so don't expect a perfect resolution! This book needs to be on everyone's radar for 2022.

This was quite the disappointment. I was really going to try to power my way through the rest of this but I just couldn’t do it. I was super excited for this because I have loved Ross’ previous books but this one just completely missed the mark for me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style, the plot was slow and the worldbuilding was weak. The main romance is sold as a love to hate but I didn’t see that at all; the previous setup of their relationship prior to Jack leaving the island seemed meaningless and I didn’t even get a sense of Jack hating Adaira much at all once he returned. Overall just really not jiving with this one.

A River Enchanted is the first book in a duology. It’s rooted in Scottish lore. I’ve read and loved all of Rebecca’s other books, and was super excited to get my hands on her first adult book.

This story is atmospheric and I loved the hints of magic rooted in Scottish superstition and lore. The prose is rich with narrative and worldbuilding, and told from multiple perspectives. I loved the slow burn enemies to lovers in the story. I’m excited to see how the story progresses in the second half of the duology.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for sending me a galley of A River Enchanted in exchange for an honest review!

I’m honestly impressed that I finished this one.

Jack didn’t expect to be summoned back to his island; he had plans to stay on the mainland and become a professor at the local university. But back home, young girls were going missing and Jack was the only bard who had the power to ask the spirits for help.

A River Enchanted was a lyrical fantasy about a magical island, missing girls, and a lasting feud. If you’re looking for a slow-paced fantasy with a focus on the everyday lives of people, A River Enchanted is right up your alley. However, other readers may struggle to give this book their full attention and that was the camp that I landed in. The writing never conveyed emotions. I didn’t feel urgency when girls went missing and I didn’t feel an inkling of chemistry when Jack and his childhood rival spent any time together. Ross excelled in unraveling the mystery, but the book could have been much shorter given the lack of action.

A River Enchanted is not for readers looking for a fast-paced mystery. Readers with an interest in Scottish traditions may have more luck.

I started this not knowing what to expect, I almost wanted to steer clear of this because of the book comparisons in the blurb, but after reading I realized they were far from accurate (as most of them are anyway which was why I decided to give this a shot). I was surprised at the lyrical prose, the (almost) even pace, the setting, and the atmosphere. The book didn’t waste time and started by introducing the island of Cadence and the magic. I thought it started well and introduced the characters in a way that you would remember throughout the story. POV characters are given enough depth to let the reader know their fears, their interests, etc. but despite that I found myself still somewhat indifferent for some reason. Take the romance for example, I didn’t hate it but was very indifferent. Aside from that, I didn’t like the dialogue, it could be unnecessarily long; sure the prose was good, but it did have the tendency to purple or exaggerate.

This book isn’t exactly what you’d call fun or action-packed, it’s more on the quiet, calm side but I was still very much engrossed with the mystery and the atmosphere. I’d call the pace even until it reached the last few chapters. After some revelations, it began to feel rushed; everything suddenly progressed quickly. I wasn’t really a fan of the ending, though it wasn’t bad, considering that this is just a first in a series.

I enjoyed the setting, writing, and atmosphere of this book and am still looking forward to the next. I have no idea the direction things are going and I’d really like to know!

This book was so fun and I eagerly await the sequel. I docked a star because this felt like a YA read when it is supposed to be adult; I feel this could have gone just a bit deeper with detail and plot. I still thoroughly enjoyed this and there is room for growth with the second installment.

A River Enchanted was an atmospheric and beautiful tale. It starts off relatively slow but peaks toward the end, making me long for book two. I felt fully immersed in this world and interested in all the characters. The language and setting are Scottish inspired, but I didn’t feel the need to read/hear it in that accent. It was very much it’s own thing. It was like a slow reveal while we learn about the characters, and I can’t wait to find out what happens.

I freaking clawed my way through this one, okay? I wanted to love it so badly that I broke all my usual rules for it: I didn’t cut it off at 20%, the way I should have done – I made it all the way to 66%. Two-thirds of the book.

But I can’t keep making excuses when, at 66%, I still don’t care about how the book is going to end. Not because I could predict the ending – I absolutely can’t, I have a few theories but this is not a case of a book telegraphing the ending so loudly and obviously that it’s just not fun anymore.

Nope.

I just. Didn’t. Care.

Ross has created a lovely little island here, with enchanted plaids and spirits in the water, earth, and air. The various magics manage to feel both magical and homey; not mundane, not boring, but sort of quietly normalised into the setting.

The prose jerks back and forth between poetic and blunt, in a way that just did not work for me: every time I started to be hypnotised by the rhythym of the writing, I was slapped out of it – usually by dialogue, where everyone is constantly using the name of the person they’re talking to, even though real people don’t talk like that. There is a surprising amount of clumsy into-dumping, Ross telling us things about the characters rather than showing them through the actions of said characters. And the characters in question didn’t impress me; Sidra, the healer with a non-traditional marriage, is definitely the most interesting, but her parts had a weird childish aspect to then that I didn’t understand at all. I didn’t buy into the romance plotline, nor the ancestral enemy who we never actually see do anything but make a bid for peace – another plotline I didn’t care about, since there was no tension or build-up, no reason for me to not like or distrust the Enemy. If you want me to hate them, and thus have some kind of feelings about an alliance, you kind of need to give me a reason. Just telling me they’re bad ain’t gonna cut it. Show me!

And the writing, even when it is pretty, is not pretty enough to distract from the fact that in the first two thirds of the book, almost nothing happens. There are brief spikes of action separated by long plateaus of rambling introspection. Which I can definitely enjoy when you’ve got really gorgeous, decadent prose for me, but without that?

Nope.

I suspect a lot of people are going to love this, but for me, it doesn’t quite achieve what it’s trying to, and the effect is reminiscent of the Uncanny Valley; the closer you get without managing it, the worse the sense of Nope!!!

*4.5 stars rounded up
I had heard a lot of positive things about this book, especially since it's a book box pick, and it truly delivered. I didn't even know much about the plot, so I was going in with more of a vibe and a hope that it would be that good.
This book is about Jack and Adaira, childhood enemies separated after Jack left their island, Cadence, to study to become a bard. Years later, he's called back to solve the disappearance of two young girls, presumably taken by spirits, but the truth is much more complex. In a way, I think this book was predictable, but in a good way. The Tamerlaines, the people who occupy the western side of Cadence, have abundant resources, but the magic they use drains them, while the Breccans, the western people, are the opposite. Like you'd expect, there's a lot of rivalry in the story itself because of this. The actual plot of the book is so intriguing because it follows a few of the Tamerlaines: Jack, Adaira, Sidra, Torin, and Frae. My favorites were Sidra and Torin, but I actually can't think of a single character I didn't like, which is great!
In terms of worldbuilding, this book was so inventive. There were so many legends and fairytales about Cadence, and the author's magic system was really intriguing. The price of the magic in A River Enchanted makes you reevaluate what's truly important in the novel and how much the characters care for each other to make the decisions they do. There are elemental spirits, stories passed down throughout generations, and magic that gives you chills.
Romance isn't a huge focus in this book, but it was such a good romance that I had to mention it. The main couples are Jack and Adaira and Sidra and Torin. As I mentioned earlier, jack and Sidra hate each other, but they have to make a number of decisions for their own safety and the safety of the girls taken that bring them together in a way that's literally forced, but feels natural. Meanwhile, Torin married Sidra mainly because he needed someone good to help with his daughter after his wife's death, but the two really balance each other out, and despite what it seems like at the beginning, their relationship is one of mutual respect, not just her being a housewife because he needed it. (Side note, I love that this book has a village setting and yet so few of the "men do the fighting >:(" moments.)
In conclusion, y'all should ABSOLUTELY read this book. It's great for people who want a mysterious, mystical fantasy novel with characters that are easy to love and a plot that reels you in from the first chapter. I can't wait to get my physical copy!

Ross sweeps readers away to the magical Scottish hillside where spirits roam free, music weaves enchantments, clans clash with feuding beliefs, and loyalties run deep.

Growing up on the isle, Jack has always been an outsider, never claimed or recognized. After a decade of making a life for himself on the mainland as a musician, he’s back on his home shores, where he finds not only his childhood rival grown up but that she needs his help in restoring their clan.

Ross once again immerses you so effortlessly in her enchanting tale and into the hearts and minds of these tender-hearted characters. She brings the lore and ballads of the isles to life in such a creative way through a story about secrets, loyalty, love, and hope.

I loved that this was a story of opposites with feuding clans and two ways of life, shown through the different colors of plaid they wear proudly. There were even polarizing personalities in our couples, a healer and a soldier, and a leader and an outsider. And through those contradictions, Ross made room for beautiful character development to grow, secrets to be laid bare, and the story itself to stay with readers.

If you are in the mood for a lush fantasy of a whimsical and romantic nature, be sure to add this magical tale to your list!

4.5/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

It's much easier to review a book I don't like. I'm simply stumped on how to express the beauty of this novel in coherent words.
The writing in, A River Enchanted, was absolutely breathtaking. I have a personal problem with other books forcing the magical effect of pretty writing. However, Rebecca Ross just glides you along this story with deep history and beauty that is enchanting.
A slower paced book is never something I find myself disliking when the story in itself is keeping me intrigued. I can understand how people could drift interest if they expect an intense high fantasy read. The only word that comes to mind after reading this is 'mature.' There is appreciation for nature entwined through this entire book that isn't something of a light read.
The only fault I can come to after finishing this is the fact it is a series. The story had me captured from the start to the finish, but after putting it down the plot and mystery was not enough to have me wanting to come back for more. The range of characters were great if this was a standalone, but to many people to follow for longer than a few hundred pages.
In conclusion A River Enchanted is a dive into the beauty and consequences of nature. I recommend everyone to check this out. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book I have read by this author, and that one was also a 5 star read for me. In fact I think I love this one even more, and will definitely be reading Rebeca Ross' other books. ASAP.

This story pulled me from the very first page when we meet Jack, he is reminicing about how he came to the mainland years ago. He had been sent there so he could go to school to become a bard. Now he is on his way back home, somewhere he thought he would never see again.

When Jack returns home its to find that girls have been going missing.. As there was no trace left behind the residents feel like the spirits must be behind it. Angry at them for something they have done. Jack is the only one who can help talk to them.. he must play the music that brings them forth.

He begins working with Adira, the lairds daughter and childhood nemisis. At first they are both hesitant around each other, both remembering what they were like to each other as children.. But the more time they spend together, they realize that they actually do like each other, and those feelings begin to grow into something beautiful. Not only are their feelings for each other growing but Jack begins to feel as if Cadence is once again his home.

We do follow muliple POVs and they each blend seemlessly. This book is full of twists and turns, and red herrings. When I thought it was going to go one way all of a sudden it would flip and something completely unexpected would be revealed. The characters and the relationships were all soo good. Torin and Sidra are such a great couple and I really found myself rooting for them as much as Jack and Adira.

At the end of the story our main mystery has been resolved, but we learn of something that happened in the past, that is going to definitely come into play into the next book. The ending left me both satisfied and heart broken, and I really want the next book to come out yesterday so I can see whats going to happen next!

I really like going into books lately having absolutely no idea what they're about other than vague references, having no expectations because of hype.. and just being pleasantly surprised.

A River Enchanted captivated me from the first chapter. The writing is beautiful and alluring.. it just draws you in with just the right amount of prose and description without being too heavy. It straddles the line between Adult and YA, much like Daughter of the Moon Goddess did for me. There are no explicit spice scenes, just some fade to blacks, but explorations into morals and faith. I'm loving this in between and there really just needs to be a whole new genre for it.

The character relationships are what really pulled me in. Torin and Sidra.. ugh. They have my heart in such a way. There are some parts that I felt were underdeveloped: Jack's decision to stay permanently on the island.. and as much as I enjoyed.. his relationship with Adaira. In both instances a few extra scenes to develop his relationships would've been perfect.. but its a small thing and honestly did not bother me much.

The overall mystery to the missing girls, the magic system and everything else is well done. The ending.. ugh prepare yourselves for the ending. I was saddened the book had ended. I almost wish I could read the second one now to ease the ache in my heart.

Thank you Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the e-ARC. I had a wonderful time reading this book.

P.S.. I have not read The Witch's Heart, but the comparison to House of Earth and Blood has me scratching my head. I feel like the two books are completely different.

"Whatever comes in the days ahead, I am with you, he said. "If you want to go to the mainland, I will take you there. If you want to remain in the east, so will I. And if you want to venture into the west, let me be at your side."

"Welcome home, my old menace." Childhood enemies team up to solve the mystery of the missing lasses. Rebecca Ross is magical. She has a talent for telling vivid stories! Readers will be turning the pages, seeking answers! I adore grumpy Jack! He's so swoony! And bonus Jonas! There are TWO OTPs: Torin x Sidra and Jack x Adaira. I was tap, tap, tapping on my kindle to see if the two halves (clans) of the isle were going to be united. A LOT of intrigue throughout the novel! I may or may not have gotten a TEENY TINY bit weepy at the end (my heart!) and I am going to say, I NEED book two!

"If you seek a portal, a passage that will lead you into the spirits' realm, Graeme began, "you need one of two things: an invitation, or your eyes opened."

READ IF YOU LIKE:
-rich world building: the mortal world & the domain of spirits
-solving mysteries
-childhood friends
-enemies to lovers
-stoic hero
-enchanted items
-celtic lore
-TWO love stories
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 18+ but pg-13 content. "A taunting kiss." "She seemed to burn with endless energy, while he was utterly zapped and frozen, as if drunk from their kiss."

Thank you Harper Voyager for my advanced copy!

Song: Are You With Me by nilu

Perfect! Rebecca Ross is such a talented writer and her artistry envious.

The isle of Cadence is mysterious and eerie from the moment Jack falls into the water in we aren't sure if our main character will make it to shore because of what he sees... not that things get better once he does hit land.
And so, the perfect setting of political intrigue, enchanting tales and lush landscape is set.
I feared the last page (and rightly so considering that cliffhanger) and went back through some of my favourite parts before finally reaching the end. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to the next installment!

Wow, what a beautiful mysterious world! I loved this book and didn't put it down from the moment I started, crossing the ocean at night with one of the main characters as he goes back home for the first time in a decade. In fact, the whole book felt like coming home-- each character both rediscovers and redefines family over the course of the book. I can't wait to see how the author continues to develop these characters and her magic system as the novels progress. A captivating first start!