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.

I can't even describe how much I loved this book. Myrthe and Bastiaan were such complex characters. They were characters with depth. They had weaknesses and strengths that came from their experiences. The side characters were just as complex and interesting. I loved Runt and Anouk. This is a book of choices, forgiveness, love and what one can accomplish with the power of hope and faith. I would highly recommend this book.

Nice story, though I wasn't aware it was a Christisn fantasy, so I didn't connect as much with it as I thought I would. Its well written and the characters are interesting. However I found myself skimming a lot and wondering how much I had left at times.

Blurb:
Myrthe has the power to grant wishes with her tears. But when an unfortunate series of events ends with her being cursed to die at the drop of her next tear, she must learn to become emotionally stone-cold. In order to break the curse before it claims her life, Myrthe must take a treacherous journey to the Well of Talents.

Bastiaan can stop time with a snap of his fingers. When ordered by the king to capture the Wishtress, Bastiaan sees this as an opportunity to get the wish he desires. But will his growing feelings for her compromise his end-goal?

Review:
WOW!! What a fantastic tale of good vs evil!! I absolutely loved the parallel between the Well vs. the Nightwell and God vs. satan. You could definitely sense the faith content present in this book even though it was never explicitly stated.

Nadine Brandes has such a talent for creating realms and dreaming up magical powers. And her character-building was phenomenal! There wasn’t a single character I wasn’t completely invested in. Yes, even Sven and Coralythe!!

Myrthe was such an inspirational character. She endured so much pain and oppression at such a young age that my heart ached deeply for her. But seeing her step into her role as Wishtress and embrace her duty to protect the people of Winterune was absolutely beautiful.

And Bastiaan. Sweet, sweet, Bastian. Seeing Bastiaan learn to accept forgiveness for his mistakes and choose to pursue the Good within him was super inspiring. And his relationship with Myrthe was also pretty cute too🥹

Last, but certainly not least, RUNT!! Although he’s only 10 years-old, Runt brought much-needed comedic relief throughout the whole story. I absolutely LOVED his character and sincerely hope we get a continuation of his story in a sequel.

Overall, a solid 5🌟. I plan to read more from this author in the near future!!

Wishtress, by Nadine Brandes, is an absolutely beautiful story that demonstrates the gospel message in a unique and fascinating way. As with all of Nadine’s books, I read about three pages and think, “How does she do it?” Her characters and plots are intricate and imaginative, and I love stepping into each of her story worlds. The romance part of the story was sweet, full of a love that put the other person first, and never wavered even when the worst of each other was revealed. It’s a book I will be reading again. Highly recommend Wishtress, and all of Nadine’s books.

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The premise of this book hooked my interest immediately. The writing did not disappoint. I fell in love with the details and the rich imagery. I was so happy to have a physical copy.

Myrthe is a Wishtress. Her tears can become wishes, a fact she tries to keep hidden. She is then cursed for a wish gone wrong, never to shed a tear again or else she will die. To the Well, she must travel, to rid herself of the curse. Bastiaan, with his rare talent, has been tasked by the king to find her. He also requires a wish of his own. They need each other to get what they want, even though all paths seem to lead to Myrthe's death.

There is a melancholy to the endearing narrative, an undercurrent of power threading its length. Beautiful in its readability, there are sparks of creative ingenuity in the descriptions and figurative speech, tugging at heartstrings, making imagination roar. The jaw-drops come early, making this already captivating story even more enticing. Presenting a mythology that is inspired, I enjoyed how it was woven into the storytelling.

There are 2 compelling main POVs, each with their own distinct voice, that further the story quite nicely. They dip into the characters' emotions, successfully sharing their personality with us and helping those protagonists steal a place in our hearts. You enjoy their interactions from the beginning, even though they aren't being honest with each other, and you anticipate the moment of truth. You will love the evolution of both characters and their relationship. There is a tantalizing honesty to it.

And let us not forget Runt. You will adore him. There is also a 3rd unexpected POV, a character you are supposed to hate but you search for their redemption. If they are worth it, you shall see. Redemption serves as a main ingredient here.

IMO there were much-needed details missing ins some of the action scenes to make things clearer. I believe it is only a misstep of the writer's (or editor's) excitement. Also, there is a jaw-dropping reveal that was a little too convenient during some intense skating (you'll know where I mean when you read it). To me, it was not possible to have happened as it did and was it necessary? It seems like a delay tactic for that POV but I think it throws off the continuity. Thankfully, things do get back on track quickly.

Choice is a wonderful, powerful, sometimes difficult thing. There is light and darkness in all of us. The book shows us the beauty of everyone's uniqueness and that we should let people be who they are. Inner strength does not mean squashing your humanity, losing your compassion, losing yourself. It also shows how dangerous power can be and corruptive. This story makes you think of the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".

A wondrous adventure full of twists and turns, hope and betrayal, and utterly compelling storytelling. It is heart-wrenching, and heart-tugging and heart everything.

Are you a ‘giver’ or a ‘taker’?

It’s frustrating when we realize that someone is being nice to us because of something we can give them, not for who we are. The protagonist of this story is sought out for her gift, not for who she really is as a person. Because she finds it difficult to sense who’s authentically wanting a connection, she doesn’t trust anyone. This would disappoint any of us; it hardens Myrthe because she needs to separate herself from others to survive. One slip-up could cost her a life - her own!

Come escape to the magical world of Winterune where, as the result of a curse, Myrthe’s next tear will kill her.

As you enter this magical world you’ll notice that the story is character-driven instead of plot-driven, so patience is needed as readers wait for Myrthe’s backstory. Another thing you’ll notice (and I loved) is that each chapter ends in a cliffhanger, propelling you forward in the narrative. It won’t take long for you to be emotionally involved and love the characters. There’s definitely magic between the pages of this fantastic book!

As you’d expect in a fantasy world, there are quests, trials and powerful abilities. The Christian thread is clearly visible and the trope of good versus evil is highlighted well. No pun intended. You’ll read about two wells and the powers of each. The Well of Talents and the Trials needed to approach it were intriguing and Myrtle’s manner in dealing with them made me smile.

The ending, while I understand why it was plotted this way, leaves it open for a sequel.

Thank you for the effort you went to get this into my hands post-publication, Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I appreciated the opportunity to read my first YA Christian Fantasy novel as an adult. It was magical.

I was under no obligation to provide a review.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I would have liked to. It was just to decent. I kept skimming and wanting it to end. Because of this I didn't connect to the characters. I loved Romanov But sadly I could get into this book. It has a beautiful cover though.

2.5 🌟 would have given this 3 stars because I like Nadine Brandes' writing (I gave Romanov 5 stars last year).. but the ending was really corny and just not for me. If you're a Christian, you might appreciate this. However, I am not religious but am no stranger to Bible tales. That is what this felt like. It was going so well and it was so interesting but it took such a sharp turn into *maybe this is a spoiler idk* a deus ex machina ending and it just completely ruined it for me.
As much as I love Nadine Brandes, this was just not for me.
<b> that being said, thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for my honest review </b>

WOW!! What a wonderful book!! It's a beautifully written story that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. The author brings this book to life with her words, and you hate to see it end. Loved it!!
I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I remember that I really enjoyed ROMANOV by Nadine Brandes, so when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I wanted to read it. I really liked the way that she incorporated magic into her version of the story about Anastasia Romanov and her family.

The magic system and its origins also proved to be something I enjoyed in WISHTRESS. Basically, there are two possible sources of magic in the book. The Well can only be approached through completing four dangerous trials and may or may not grant a Talent or magical ability. And the Nightwell can be much more easily approached. Submerging oneself in the Nightwell guarantees that you’ll receive a Bane, a destructive magical ability such as poisonous blood or the ability to curse others.

The initial idea was that the trials would protect the Well from access by unworthy applicants, but in reality, it keeps the poor from accessing it. The rich hire warriors to complete the trials so they may approach the Well. Rather than truly being a test of character, the trials become a test of wealth. That metaphor certainly resonated– there are lots of systems touted as being meant to bring fairness but which really only amount to controlling access. And money buys access to a lot of things.

At any rate, some of the tension in the story comes from characters deciding whether they should attempt the trials even with the odds stacked against them or whether they should take a “shortcut” to accessing magic and visit the Nightwell. I liked that dynamic and the way different characters made those decisions and how that worked.

If there’s a place the story was a little thin for me, it was the character relationships. I didn’t understand Myrthe’s interest in Sven. Even to some degree her awe of Bastiaan didn’t resonate with me. Yeah, I liked him, too, but there seemed to be a kind of awe that felt… off? I don’t know if it was that it didn’t feel anchored in her body? Like, I don’t know if I was looking for more reactions to him being close or more of a spark between them? I’m not sure. I guess I didn’t sense a chemistry between them, and I wanted that.

Despite that, I loved the ending, and I want to see where the story goes. I will be on the lookout for the sequel.

Readers who enjoyed MERLIN’S BLADE by Robert Treskillard or UNBREAKABLE by Sara Ella will enjoy this book. I think the story is a little bit more like Brandes’s debut, A TIME TO DIE, so if you’re familiar with that one and liked it, definitely check out WISHTRESS.

Posted 9/24/22.

This book blew me away! From strong world building to lovable characters, this book had everything that makes up a wonderfully engaging YA stand-alone.

The world building started strong right from the beginning with characters that jump right into their given roles within the world. This was a bit jarring at first, but after just a few pages, the flow really started to fall into place and allowed for the world to grow around the characters naturally. This book did a brilliant job with the concept of “showing, rather than telling” providing a way for world building to happen without the info dumps that would bog down a stand-alone.

After the world building, the most fascinating part of the book was the magic system. It was detailed, fascinating, but more interestingly, it was unique. The magic flows from one of two magical wells, one that gives out Talents, and one that gives out Banes. Only one person is born with a Talent, the Wishtress, who can grant wishes with her tears. Watching the Wishtress, Myrthe, go through seemingly insurmountable challenges was inspiring.

Myrthe had been put down and used all of her life and it is only after being cursed that she can find the strength to use her ability in the way that it was truly intended. Having both Banes and Talents provided ways to showcase both strengths and weaknesses, giving the characters a well-rounded feel.

There are so many characters that really bring the book to life that it would be hard, and probably spoilery (thats a word, right?) to explain them all. So, I’ll just say that I was sad when the book ended because it meant not seeing more of my favorite characters.

I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone looking to get lost in another world for a while.

Don’t forget to check for trigger warnings, as this book does deal with some heavier topics.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to netgalley and Thomas Nelson–Fiction for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this! (Despite that ending - I need a sequel soon!) Wishtress is a very well-structured fantasy with solid world-building, especially around how magic integrated into the world.

The magical distribution system via Talents was such a fun concept, and the Wishtress's Talent in and of itself was such a fascinating premise.

I also enjoyed the writing style. The story felt like it was written in a very unhurried way, which I normally don't like, but I didn't mind it here, probably because of how much I liked the characters and world-building. I found the time jumps a bit confusing, but they didn't happen frequently enough to detract from the story.

I did find the age difference between Myrthe and Bastiaan to be a bit questionable. It didn't really feel like the age difference was addressed beyond "magic makes this okay", but I didn't buy-in to that explanation , so I pretty much just pretended that wasn't part of the story.

The story is full of subtle Christian themes, which I enjoyed reading. The story is clean, but it does deal with some fairly dark and heavy content at times.

**I received a copy from netgalley/ the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

I’m sad to say this but this book was just not for me. I thought the premise sounded really good but unfortunately there was just so much going on at all times. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters. Some of them seemed like characters I would like but I just didn’t seem to care about them at all. In my opinion this book had potential but unfortunately was not executed properly

This book. THIS BOOK. WOW. Nadine Brandes absolutely crushed it. As someone who has a hard time getting into fantasy, this book was it. I completely devoured this book in two days! There were times where my jaw was wide open , times where I sat their bawling, times where I was smiling , times where I was rejoicing. Nadine, you have the gift of storytelling. There are not a lot of books where I would recommend to everyone. This book I will. Everything about this book was amazing; the plot was amazing, the characters was amazing, the romance was amazing, the world building was amazing , the relationships were amazing, basically everything was amazing. What made this book more special was the themes that it portrayed. Themes of forgiveness, compassion, love, hope, fear, all that have an impact in life today. This book was magical and I hope you pick it up!

I was really excited to read this book however the NetGalley copy I received has the “Thomas Nelson Since 1798” on every single page. The text was off or spaced wrong. Terrible formatting of body of work. I tried to read it but it was unbearable and I got confused because it felt things were cut.

I attempt to read again when I get the actually physical copy.

Wishtress is a wholesome, heartwarming (and sometimes heartbreaking) YA book. I liked our characters, especially the side characters, Anouk and Runt, though I will say that I didn't necessarily connect with Myrthe that much. I really loved this what this story did, the conclusions, and the growth our characters went through. I was not a huge fan of the pacing or the romance, but those were minor quibbles. This is a good, clean, inspiring YA to pick up if you want a slower story and characters wrestling with good and evil.

Wishtress was about 3.5 stars for me, rounded up to 4, but I'm looking forward to reading more books by Nadine since some of those premises call to me more.

Thanks to Nadine Brandes, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the giveaway eARC!

Wishtress captured my attention early and kept it throughout the whole story. I found Myrthe and Bastiaan very compelling, and I especially loved the way Bastiaan thought. I thought the themes of this story were really well constructed, which is exactly what I'd expect from Nadine Brandes. Definitely a worthwhile read!