A great retelling of Greek mythology, with lots a little references and tidbits to pick up on if you enjoy the myths.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Penny and her mother. Their relationship was interesting, strained at times and believable. Penny wants freedom and her mother wants to shield her.

There’s a slow, very slow burn romance. I hope it continues in book 2, because the characters are my favorite in Greek mythology and I’m curious to see how their dynamic is written.

I adored how Penny’s powers worked. How connected she is the the earth and all things that grow. Very well done!

Just a warning, there is a very dramatic cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

"The Spring Maiden" by Allison Anderson is a mesmerizing debut in the fantasy genre, deserving of a 5-star rating. This tale introduces us to Penny Barclay, a powerful plant mage and heir to the Duchy of Eleusion. With a noble quest and a rebellion at its core, this book keeps you engrossed throughout.

Penny's relatable character faces the challenge of balancing her family's expectations with her longing for freedom. When Lou, a skilled spy, enters the picture, their partnership adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot as they work together to uncover the rebellion's leader.

Allison Anderson’s writing draws you into a richly imagined world filled with magic and intrigue. “The Spring Maiden” promises an exciting start to “The Cartographer’s War” series, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us next!

Three words: I WANT MORE!

This book took me on an incredible adventure following Penny Barclay, a plant mage who lives under her mother’s control on their family farm. With the threat of rebels that want to turn her world upside down and hurt those she loves, Penny learns to take control of her life and will do anything to protect those she cares about.

Penny is an amazing character who I became very fond of! I liked getting to see her develop from this innocent and seemly dismissive young girl into a complete badass by facing her fears and conquering so many adversities!

There were many references to this greater world of fae which I am desperate to hear more of! As a devoted ACOTAR enthusiast, the mere mention of different courts (Winter, Spring, Summer, etc.) and magical abilities had me eager to devour the rest of the book and discover more.
I feel like I just scratched the surface on this story and will definitely be reading the next instalment!

A sigh enduring retelling of one of my favorite myths.

“The Spring Maiden” has protagonist Penny working her hardest to maneuver her overbearing mother and the rebels closing in at the gates of her home where she uses her magic to keep the fields over flowing and upon meeting a new worker she gets entangled in a world of the Fae and the fight to rule all.

I fully understand this is YA however it seemed to lean a bit too much into the younger side of that audience impacting my enthusiasm or even willingness to power through and finish.

Our main character is very naive and while I could get behind that if we were building her up and out of that as she spent more time away from her mothers will I might have felt differently about things but unfortunately she starts and ends the story pretty much the same person. Her relationships leave much to be desired and while I waited for any of the, for lack of a better word, magic to spark between anyone I found myself wondering if the Hades to her Persephone was even a character in this book or if he was coming later.

The plot itself moves rather slowly as we unravel the political unrest and as fun as it was to try and see which myths and Gods were playing a part here I couldn’t tell you really what the conflict was about and who is on which side for it. This may be ironed out in sequels but for now it’s just a question mark I’m not really interested in learning the answer to.

I think if you were just dipping your feet into mythology retelling this isn’t a bad start but there are better versions of this pairing across the age group spectrum that I can see this being lost along the way.

*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

I absolutely love mythology retellings and Hades and Persephone are always my favorite.
This book pulls you in right from the start with its amazing world building, intriguing magic system and well written characters.
I couldn’t put it down

This was an intriguing story, well-balanced between the fantasy elements (magic system/world building) and mystery on one end and coming of age/self-actualization and romance on the other. Although there is obviously more needed to come for the story to feel full, the author gave us enough to want to continue with the series. The pace was a little slow but the end felt full and packed a lot of concentred revelations and new questions to wakes us up and get us ready for book 2. Loved the MMC and ready to know more about him... also want to see how our girl will develop in this next phase of her story.

I really enjoyed this book! It is Greek mythology meets Downton Abbey. The twists and turns in the plot were captivating and the cliffhanger will definitely being me back for the next installment.

The only qualm I have is that the characters were surface level and I would have liked to have gotten to know them on a deaper level. But hopefully that will come as the series develops.

This is a great book and I look forward to the rest of the series to come!

The Spring Maiden by was AMAZING. For a debut novel the author knocked it out of the park. I was hooked before chapter 5 and I FINALLY was able to have some good reading time today and binged it because once I hit the 50% mark I knew I couldn't put it down. It was just ✨🤯😍🥰🤯🤯🤯🤯

📖Penny Barclay has magic that lets her work with plants and growing things. When she discovered rumors of a rebellion among her people she's determined to prove her worth to her mother, and save her people. When she discovers Lou, a spy working for the prince disguised as a farm hand, she is determined that he will train her and let her help with the cause. As Penny goes throughout her adventure she gets letters from her best friend Angelica encouraging her along the way and giving insight into the world around her. Suddenly, she realizes she doesn't know much about the world and not everything is as it seems. Can she rise to the occasion and save her people?

✍️I was hooked very early on. The magic system is AWESOME, world building was perfectly paced, and I loved the variety of how the world was built. The romance *SWOON* y'all there's a HAND FLEX MOMENT and the author's ability to write swoony one liners was just 👌*chef's kiss*. Not to mention the intrigue, the rebellion, how I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out everything and wondering what was going to happen next. It was 👌. I loved the development of Penny and how she became an awesome character who I was cheering and crying with. Ugh the feels too y'all were REAL. Like ooofff but in the best way.

💋Flirting only
⚠️ kidnapping & PTSD for victim, fantasy violence (limited descriptions), probs with parents, and rebellion

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy which I was absolutely dying for and so happy to read!

I liked this a lot, I love fantasy so this was like a rush of fresh air.
thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review

Unfortunately I had to DNF this, it just was not the book for me. I was super stoked to read it, as I love a good Persephone and Hades retelling. I think the overall premise was interesting but there were a lot of pieces missing for me.

Persephone and Hades is such an over saturated storyline, so I think it’s hard to get something unique. I was not a fan of Penny (Persephone). I adore YA books so I understand characters are meant to have a younger mindset. However, there is a fine line between a character who is confident but still developing and learning and a character who is a know it all but is immature/insecure about getting help/advice.

I tried to power through this book but only made it 38%. I wanted to like it but again there was just something missing for me.

I struggled with this novel, there was something about the pacing and all the internal dialogue that just kept tripping me up. It required a lot more effort on my part to finish.

Entertaining in a way, needs some more polishing, but overall has some compelling scenes and potential.

Fresh take on the Hades/Persephone myth with emphasis on Demeter. Penny (short for Penelope) is our lovably smart heroine. Lou is our Hades in fae form. While the romance is there, this book is more about Mothers and Daughters. Demeter is depicted as overbearing and a bit of a helicopter parent. Where the book shines is showing Penny’s growth into her own person and adult. Loved the book for this!

“You’re a light in the dark, Penelope. I’ll always see you through the shadows.”

Firstly, thank you to NetGallery, the author and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC of The Spring Maiden in exchange for an honest review.

I will start by saying there may be some triggering content throughout this book regarding death, controlling behaviours and domestic abuse. So be wary if these may be triggering topics for you.

I must say that I didn’t have many expectations for this book when I first picked it. As a mythology lover (especially Greek Mythology), the synopsis was intriguing, and the cover was pretty, but I didn’t see much more. But let me just say this was a soul-wrenching read.

The Spring Maiden is set in 19th-century Olympia; throughout the novel, we follow the main female lead, Lady Penelope (Penny) Barclay, who is the daughter of the overprotective Duchess of Eleusion. Penny comes from a long line of mages (with her mother being a mage herself), those gifted magical powers by the Goddess/Gaia. Penny and her mother are full-time residents at their Barclay Manor in the country, where they use their mage gifts of instilling life to help grow crops on their farm, bringing in work, wealth and security for all of their Duchy. And since the King of Olympia died, replaced by the Crown Princes, their land has been ever prosperous and in peace. But when a new group of rebels form right under their noses and start to threaten all that Penny and her mother have built and cherish, will Penny find her voice to stand up and fight against them, or will they take the rule of her and her Duchy?

Throughout my time reading The Spring Maiden, I was constantly in awe, always wanting to read one more chapter to discover what had happened next in Penny’s adventures! Anderson’s writing style was engrossing. I enjoyed the formality of it. It flowed well and created a cozy, homely feeling, keeping me engaged. I also loved the Hades and Persephone Greek mythology twist previewed throughout this book. It was a perfect read for October.

The characters were beautiful. Penny was a solid female lead written with passion and good morals. She reminded me a little of Jude Duarte in her determination and sharp mind. Like in the tales of Hades and Perephones, her mother had a character arc similar to Dementer, always controlling. Her friends, especially her best friend Angelica and handmaiden Sissy, subtly tested Penny, helping her to grow and develop nicely. The male lead assisted Penny in discovering herself, providing her with the freedom she sought and giving her a safe space to confide in. He is truly a work of art; he stole my soul! I grew very fond of these characters. They were very comforting and left me craving for more. It was like drinking a warm hot chocolate with a giant, fluffy toasted marshmallow.

The plot twists throughout The Spring Maiden shocked me, with many twists catching me off guard. The story ended on a cliffhanger, making my theories list ever-growing. When I read the last line of the epilogue, I was begging for the second novel to be released! I even enjoyed the addition of the letters written between Penny and Angelica, which were previewed at the start of most of the chapters, setting them up well and creating some interest!

The Spring Maiden was a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that twisted in the tale of Hades and Persephone. The world-building wasn’t overwhelming, and the two leads’ romantic friendship didn’t feel forced. Every chapter fit perfectly into the plot and left no stone untouched.

I encourage anyone interested in reading this novel to give it a go! It has been a beautiful addition to my mythology-inspired bookish recommendations! (Even if you’re not fond of mythology, I highly recommend this one!)

“No words could break through the crash of pleasure his words gave her.”

This book puts a vivacious twist on what is usually the overused mythology trope of Persephone and Hades. Setting the plot on that foundation Ms. Anderson develops a uniquely interesting story, complete with magic, intrigue and a dash of romance!

Penny (Penelope) Barclay is a 17-year-old heir-apparent to the prosperous Duchy of Eleusion. Her mother, the duchess, is determined to raise her as a strong, magical woman who has no need for men, but Penny is frustrated at her mother’s lack of confidence and her strong-arm tactics. This sets the stage as an underground rebel organization comes to light and determines to destroy all magic users - and that includes Penny and everything within their estate.

The story is engaging but there are some noticeable discrepancies that prevent it from achieving 5 star status. First and foremost is the lack of real depth within the characters. Each one stays decidedly on the surface, never allowing readers to really mine the emotions and motives of the players. Penny’s character is also frustratingly inconsistent. She is said to be a strong, capable young woman and shows it in the way she rises to her tasks. Yet at the same time, she freezes in terror and cries whenever danger hits, ultimately and repeatedly requiring rescue. And, even though she has absolutely no training or world experience, she demands, and is given, placement in the royal spy ring? In this capacity, she is consistently placed in the very situations she cannot handle and falls apart in! While furthering the story, it falls frustratingly short of the common sense mark.

The romantic relationship, however, is a lovely one! Although the “secret” concerning Lou is apparent very quickly, it is still a fun and lovely ride. Penny’s relationship with her mother is assuredly the best written in the book, however. In this, the author does a masterful job of creating the tensions, as well as the concerns and love, between the two. The question of the mother’s loyalties never quite made sense, however. There just isn’t enough reasons given to jump the chasm of guilt and Penny doing so doesn’t seem authentic.

So, the story overall is absorbing and pleasurable to read, there are just a few growing pains that will hopefully be smoothed out as the series continues and the author develops.

Firstly, happy pub day to this exciting debut from Allison Anderson! This book is complete with a revamping of a few different tropes, from the bones of a Hades/Persephone retelling spliced with a heavy Persephone/Demeter dynamic, to a hidden/double identity trope, and a spy training arc (which is always fun). Though not actively taking place within a pantheon setting, those who enjoy Greek mythology will likely see some parallels that are easy to enjoy here.

Notably, some of the tropes the author utilizes are a bit frustrating to read through, such as a heroine who is rather naive, but stubborn about not taking outside criticism—even when her naivety is actively and explicitly pointed out to her. The plot twists, including one side character’s death, also seem extremely telegraphed, and I guessed all of them long before they happened, because they aren’t hidden well. For at least one of these twists (about the big villain’s identity), I am unsure if that is intentional so as to pin one character as the obvious villain and introduce someone new in the sequel(s). For now, however, the writing of the Cartographer villain just reads as heavy-handed to me.

Some other pluses include a lovable MMC, extremely accurate depictions of PTSD and the healing and traumatic responses after trauma, periodic epistolary chapters, and a fun magical system and worldbuilding. I am looking forward to the sequel, but hope the author reels in some of the more cliche and predictable aspects of the construction in future books. 3.5 ⭐

*Thank you again to NetGalley and Xpresso Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

PRINCE AIDEN??? PRINCE??? AIDEN???? how did my boy not have an identity crisis after all of that???? Cardan Greenbriar, you finally have some competition!!! This book's absolutely incredible! The world-building is so vivid, and the characters are so captivating. The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn't put it down! 📚✨

Spring Maiden was a breath of fresh air after everything I’ve been reading here recently. I’ve been in my mystety/horror/thriller era and ir was nice to dip my toes into something different. It took me a while to get through it, but I don’t think it was the book’s fault, it was more so me dragging my feet.

Overall, it isn’t the most original thing I’ve ever read, but it definitely scratches that fantasy itch. I’ve never read anything by this author before and I was really pleasantly surprised. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to the ARC! I will be posting something a little more detailed when I’m not in the middle of midterms :)

The Spring Maiden by Allison Anderson is a series I’m going to be keeping an eye on.
A phenomenal YA Fantasy that took me on an amazing journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new magical world, the writing, the characters and the wonderful world building.
This was a solid debut and I look forward to seeing what else Allison Anderson has in store for readers.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

#TheSpringMaiden #NetGalley #YAFantasy

**Disclaimer: I read this book on NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review**
**Reclaimer: I have liked this book enough that I am buying a copy**

This is a coming-of-age book. The girl protagonist always tries to do the right thing, even though the right thing isn't always obvious. Sometimes she makes mistakes, but she does her best. There are tough choices... It is fun to see h0w she interacts with her peers and how she handles setbacks, while growing into her own as an adult.

I enjoyed this author's writing style, which kept me engaged and interested. The fantasy world magic was a little different; (what other book do you know of that people can grow plants or "ungrow" them?) but the author let us learn from her writing rather than stopping to explain to us how Penny can grow wheat, and her mom can get trees to physically relocate!

A quick word about the book: This is YA and is therefore clean (no sex). I only add this because it seems like in today's world, there are people who really read for the sex. This author is able to have an engaging book without the sex scenes!

Initially thought this was going to give me Persephone/Hades vibes, but for some reason I always imagined Persephone as smarter than this main character behaved. I also was not prepared for the main focus of the FMC's relationship with her mother - which was too much of a main focus for me to enjoy the story and FMC/MMC dynamic. All in all, this book read a touch "too" YA for me and I do not plan on continuing with the series.