"Oma held the bottle aloft and a small tear bounced around the bottom of the jar like a trapped guppy, flickering silver and white and magic."

I'm so glad I got to read this arc, it ended up being even better than I expected!

Wishtress is a young adult fantasy set in a world where a magical well grants people talents. But only to those it chooses. And to even get to the Well, one must get through a set of trials, which only a handful of people succeeded.

We follow a powerful Talented, the Wishtress, cursed to not be able to use her powers. She is desperately trying to get to the Well, hoping it might have answers for her. But to get there, she will need to put her trust in others - something she's learned not to do long time ago.

I loved all the layers this story had, from political situation all the way to a dash of romance. This story was whimsical and wholesome, fairytale-like. A perfect choice when you want an interesting, captivating, but lighter fantasy read, without too much gore and darkness.

If you want to see my more in depth review, you can check it out on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Wishtress by Nadine Brandes in exchange for an honest review.

Reading the premise of this book i was really good excited to start it but Unfortunately I have to say I was nothing but disappointed by this book, it starts with a very bad prologue, the grandmother’s reaction was extremely weird. I’m moving forward the writing style kept on bugging me and i just couldn’t bring my self to finish it , so i Dnfed it

My daughter loves Nadine and her writing so I had to give this lovely novel a try. I'm so grateful me daughter encouraged me.

Imagine being cursed in a way that you are unable to use your talent, thus the life of our main character, the Wishtress.

I enjoyed my time in Nadine Brandes world with the Wishtress and am curious if she will make this into a series.

I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the dual POV and I liked the idea of talents and banes and the choice people have to make to choose one over the other. I enjoyed the growth that occurred for both Myrthe and Bastiaan. They were acted selfishly for different reasons and over the course of the novel realized the consequences of some of their decisions. They both have really kind hearts and the best of intentions, but don't always go about them in the best way. I loved the ending. It's a happy-ish ending. It works really well for how the story plays out.

Nadine Brandes did an amazing job with this book. She created a world that I could visualize and be apart of.
I loved that Myrthe had a chronic illness. Having one myself I could relate to her which made me cheer for her all the more.
Ms. Brandes’s note at the end of the book brought tears to my eyes.
Not sure how I feel about the ending. I hope she writes a sequel.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did purchase a copy.

Anything Nadine writes, I love no matter what. She made me feel all the emotions. I would recommend this book to anyone. The main character was my favorite hands down.

Wishtress is an incredibly unique fairy-tale-inspired story centred around Myrthe. Myrthe is an incredibly likeable character who begins her life trapped in servitude by her grandmother who exploits her wish talent. Her origin story gives off Cinderella vibes but she certainly does not need a fairy godmother to rescue her. Myrthe finally stands up her herself and escapes her Grandmother’s confines to be able to explore her talent as she sees fit. Ironically, this is the very moment she is also cursed, if she creates a wish using her tears she will die. The rest of the novel sees Myrthe fighting to free herself from her curse by journeying to the well of talents to see if the well can reverse it. I loved the mythology of the two wells that are central to worldbuilding. There is a well of talents that can grant the worthy magical powers and a well of banes that can grant people darker magical powers. The premise of the two wells is unique and the powers they can bestow are unique to every person.

Myrthe meets Bastiaan on her quest to the well, who has spent his entire life in study of its properties. Bastiaan himself already has a talent from the well which enables him to stop time and live in the stillness. A romance blossoms between the two characters which is slow-burn and heartfelt, each finding in the other understanding of the traumas they’ve been through. My favourite characters were Runt, Bastiaan’s mini sidekick and Anouk, Myrthe’s cousin turned queen. Runt’s humour and quick-wittedness are amusing to read and his boundless bravery makes your heart warm to him. Anouk spends the novel searching for her long-lost son and as a mother, this tore at my heartstrings. Motherhood is a common theme with Myrthe too searching for her lost mother and Bastiaan being humbled by his mother. The strong bonds between mother and child are explored beautifully and how the bonds are never broken or weakened just because they may be separated.

The book surprised me with its length, I kept thinking ‘this must be the end’ and then another twist would occur and the book just kept on going! But in a good way – no stone is left unturned when it comes to the plot, everything is explored and tied up meticulously, an incredibly well-thought-out adventure. Behind the adventure story is also a metaphorical layer. The water from the well cannot be taken away from its biblical connotations, water is always symbolic of cleansing or baptism of some kind. When the well bestows powers onto the people it seems to be granting powers to people who will bring about good for the kingdom, and who would be willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. The fact that the well of talents fights against the well of night sees the typical good vs evil trope turned on its head as good disciples battle evil disciples for control of the kingdom. If you think the biblical undertones might put you off the book, don’t be, they are so subtle and sophisticated, you wouldn’t notice if you choose not to.

Overall, this is a engaging, unique spiritual fantasy adventure.

Thank you Thomas Nelson publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was a part of the Nadine Brandes street team and I enjoyed promoting this wonderful book. I really liked the magic and the very slow burn romance. It did take me a bit to get through though but it was worth finishing.

4 stars

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book.***

Oh my goodness you guys!! This book made me SOB!!! Myrthe may not be allowed to cry… but you sure will!!!

This book certainly lived up to the hype!!! If I’m being honest, it wasn’t exactly like what I expected it to be from the blurb, but it was heart-wrenchingly, heartbreakingly better!! So many feels!!

Both Myrthe and Bastiaan are such beautifully broken characters, and Nadine has done such a wonderful job of capturing the hope in a whole lot of pain!!

Not only is it incredibly beautiful and heart touching, it’s also an incredibly unique concept and extremely fast paced. Myrthe and Bastiaan’s gifts are fascinating and original, and - fair warning - their story will keep you up, turning pages, late into the night!! I saw someone describe it as ‘if she cries, she dies’ and that sums it up pretty well! The tension that that creates is palpable and will keep you madly completing ‘just one more chapter’ after another!

Loved every second of it!!! Highly recommend!

Thank you so much to @nadinebrandes and @tnzfiction for the ARC and for having me on the street team for this one! All thoughts expressed are my own honest opinion.

This story sets such a vivid scene that it was hard to put down. I loved the writing and flow of the book. It wasn't a fast paced book but the way the writing flowed it was easy to just keep reading. I loved the characters in this world and the magic system was fascinating. I think anyone looking for a lovely clean YA fantasy will love this one.

Nadine Brandes managed to touch my heart with "Fawkes". That beautiful story is riddled with history, magic, allegory, hope, faith, and even a touch of romance.
You know what? "Wishtress" rivals "Fawkes".
Strike that. "Wishtress" soars above and beyond "Fawkes".
Yes, "Wishtress" rewards us with a carefully-crafted world complete with a unique magic system.
Yes, inside we meet gloriously flawed characters - where the "goods" are not perfect and the "bads" actually have depth.
Yes, the writing flows almost lyrically, full of lovely descriptions - a smattering of witty asides - and, if you allow it, life-changing thoughts.
Beyond all that, however, is light. This story holds hope -- and reminds us of the great Gifts available to us.
Yes, the story is Christian. Unapologetically, unwaveringly, faith-based -- Christian.
While this is an allegorical fantasy - again, similar to "Fawkes" - the allegory runs deep. I honestly didn't pick up on its earliest threads until its tapestry began to take shape -- but then it all made sense. And now, at the end of the book, all I can do is sit back in silence, and consider. I look with renewed hope to the future, and also look inside to the great Gift in my heart.
So, friends, that is why, even though Nadine has again left us with a parting, bittersweet, heart-full moment ... I am - and always will be - here for Nadine's stories. Because they are life-changing ... if allowed.

A thoroughly enjoyable novel with great world building, characters and their histories, and a plot that made me want to read this in one sitting. It was nicely written and had some underlying points that I enjoyed as well.

Myrthe is an easily likable protagonist and her interactions and relationships feel natural as we follow the story. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs which gave the reader a nice insight into that storyline as a whole.

I would happily read this again and would recommend to a friend as well!

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion.

This was such a creative novel! Myrthe is a young, common girl with the power to grant wishes simply with her tears. But she's been at the mercy of her Oma for her entire life; not able to use her own wishes or choose who to give them too. Instead, her Oma saves her tears and sells them to those she deems worthy. Myrthe was kept compliant through her Oma's promise to teach her how to wield her Talent when she was of age. But, when Myrthe reaches the promised age; Oma still refuses to teach her.

A wish gone wrong, a secret revealed to the wrong sort, and a curse that ends all wishes has Myrthe fleeing her home and all she knows on a dangerous quest to not only redeem herself, but to maybe find herself too. This is a story about found family, learning to trust others, and the meaning of true selflessness.

The world Nadine Brandes created was fresh, yet still filled with the ever present battle of good vs evil, dark vs light, and even intention vs necessity. Woven amongst the strands of magic is the thread of redemption, forgiveness, and ultimately sacrifice. Love, loss, courtly intrigue, and fierce battles are all wrapped up on the pages of Wishtress.

The story ends on a note that sounds like a second book just might be beyond the Stillness.

Myrthe’s tears can grant wishes. Bastiaan can stop time with a snap of his fingers. A cruel curse, a power-hungry king and a journey to the source of magic make this story a very intriguing YA fantasy adventure.

Overall I enjoyed these characters and the conflicts they endured separately and together, but I also wanted just a little more of everything. More world-building, more demonstrations of magic, more development of the romance. I also felt like Myrthe and Bastiaan could never catch a break - so many things are thrown in their way as they are fighting for what they want, and I just wish there was a little more resolution.

I don’t know if this is a planned series, but the ending is somewhat vague and open-ended, so I can see how some readers might be very frustrated with the lack of complete closure.

I do think that this is a unique story with strong themes of good vs. evil, the power of choice, and the strength of family bonds, and I would definitely recommend fans of YA Fantasy give this one a try.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: Young Adult
Content: None

Another masterful tale full of heart and genuine characters. I don't usually cry with books...but man, this one really struck a chord. It's incredible to be fully known and fully loved, and to experience grace with that love, and Brandes reflects that with the most beautiful allegory. Well worth the read.

Young Adult Fantasy isn't my usual go to genre, but look at that title and then look at that cover! That and the blurb had me curious. Y'all this is a long book, but the writing is so well done. I think anyone who loves y/a fantasy will absolutely devour this book. The author weaved a tale with wonderful characters and a great story line. I recommend to all y/a lovers.
*I was given a copy of this book by the Thomas Nelson publishers and this is my honest opinion.

The aspect that most impressed me about The Wishtress is that it really excels at world building. Right from the beginning, the author establishes how the kingdom runs, the lay of the land, and political conflicts between past and present leaders. The magic system is well-defined (pun intended). As the plot progresses, these details become increasingly important and fleshed out. This provides a good strong foundation for the characters to progress with and react against. Runt was my favorite character. As far as constructive criticism, I sometimes found the pacing to be a bit uneven.
Thank you very much to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read an ARC.

Although it's not a short book, I breezed through the story in a couple of days, that's how fast it flows. And no, it's not fast-paced; it's quite the contrary, slow and parsimonious. A bit hard to explain this convergence of slow plot with quick reading, it probably has to do with the writing, because it flows without bumps, neither flowery nor overwrought but smooth.

It's easier to say what I liked about this book: the girl protagonist and the magic system. Myrthe has a certain Cinderella aura about her, being exploited by her selfish grandmother for her tears with the ability to grant wishes; but she also has a bit of a Toads & Diamonds sprinkling, and a curse that could well fit in any mainstream fairy tale. But this is pretty much its own story that doesn't follow a specific tale, with a world and a magic system of its own, and a setting that looks like The Netherlands for the most part. She's not a character you'd call flawless, but she sure is someone you can understand.

I can't say the same for Bastiaan, the male lead, who failed to impress me. Runt, his sidekick, had more personality and charisma, and if he'd been the protagonist instead, I'd not have complained. He was funnier, more lovable, and definitely had far more pluck! The rest of the characters in general are a bit one-note.

The worldbuilding is where the book started to lose points with me. I don't think it's all that clear whether the author made up her mind on whether this world was Dutch or German because she mixes both in a confusing way. It's mostly Dutch, except when it isn't. I disliked this indecisiveness; it's one thing to want to merge several countries into one and it's another to throw everything into the blender and serve us whatever weird smoothie comes out of it. There's also the fact that, for a German-Dutch blend, the characters sometimes slip into using American idioms that'd be out of place in pre-Industrial Europe.

Then there's the POV switch, going from 1st person for Myrthe to 3rd person for Bastiaan and the other POV. If you want to use both first person and third person, it'd be better to use Third Person Limited because it allows for both an omniscient narrator and getting inside a character's head simultaneously. It's less grating than switching writing styles every chapter. This is also part of why I couldn't care for Bastiaan as I did for Myrthe, seeing things from her perspective, feeling her feelings, sharing her experiences, and then being forced into his more detached and less relatable POV.

So 3.5 stars rounded up it is, for the writing, imaginative magic, and overall plotline. The ending could've been less abrupt, too, because I was expecting another chapter to wrap it up and then... it just ended. Will there be a sequel? I don't know, but to fix this "there's a missing chapter" feel, at least a little complementary short story or novelette wouldn't be a bad idea.