Okay so I really wanted to like this because the blurb seemed really interesting. However, there were so many things that didn’t make sense to me. There is a paradox in which storytellers are at once the most powerful people in this book yet they are treated like the weakest?? They can do x y and z but they choose to be weak? It’s just really hard when an author says “oh this is the most powerful type of person” yet they do everything to show that they’re not. Also, just a little side note that personally bothered me, holy hell does the author spend time describing every little thing. Like the setting of each chapter takes 5-8 paragraphs to describe which I found reductive.

2.5 Stars

While this book’s prose isn’t bad, this story is in desperate need of some tightening. I found myself coming away with questions I felt I shouldn’t have in the very beginning.

Audra is a Storyteller – a person with the ability to craft very engaging stories. Some years ago before the opening of the story, Storytellers lost their ability to complete stories. This caused them to fall quite drastically within society as their magic gave them power to help with crops, invent things (as in literally invent new contraptions in their stories and make them real), and even change landscape. Basically, talented Storytellers could alter the very fabric of reality. While this premise is intriguing in theory, the execution is extremely sloppy to me.

I’ll list some of my early issues within bullet points for brevity's sake.

• Why do Storytellers even bother to tell stories in the first place if they know they will be: 1.) ostracized within society and 2.) be unable to finish their stories to begin with? There doesn’t seem to be some uncontrollable compulsion to tell stories; they have a choice. So why would they do that to themselves?
• Why aren’t Storytellers the leaders of their society to begin with? This just seems strange to me considering the untold amounts of powers talented people hold. I mean, we’re even told at one point that Storytellers could carve rivers into the earth.
• Why isn’t the country as a whole more concerned with why Storytellers have lost their ability to complete stories? It seems like their society has become so reliant on their powers that many people are starving across the kingdom. They have a vested interest in attempting to find a solution more than anyone.
• Why doesn’t Audra hide her cloak? Again, this isn’t a world where she must identify herself as a Storyteller. I just don’t understand the motivation at all from her end to continue storytelling.
• Why do people bother to even engage with Storytellers or listen to their stories, especially when seeing Audra’s gray cloak? They should know she’s a weak Storyteller who can’t finish a story at the very least due to the color she’s wearing.

The first 10% of this story entirely drags. We spend the majority of the time within Audra’s head as she travels from Rothmere to Krylan while the author repeatedly hammers home that 1.) Audra cannot finish telling a story and 2.) she was abandoned by her parents at a young age. Character interactions and plot progression are virtually nonexistent. I don’t understand why we even have a scene where Audra sits in a tavern and tries to forcibly finish a story. She’s known for years now that her ability is ruined/cursed. We as the audience know this fact as well by then. All these beginning chapters feel like a crude way to fill up a word count. I think opening up the story after Audra has found her footing within Krylan would probably significantly help the initial pacing and overall feeling of the story, especially when it all comes crashing down. At the very least, we should open up with her entering the city for the first time as Rothmere and her journey down the Spine can barely be justified with the page time those scenes take up.

Chapters open and end in bizarre places. We’re told “And then it happened” at the end of chapter 7; this “it” isn’t shown until the very end of chapter 10. Chapter endings should leave you hooked enough to eagerly enter into the next chapter, but nothing really made me feel as though I should keep turning the page to get more answers. Audra and Jaik’s first conversation and interaction feels bizarre. The prose is serviceable, but completely drowned out by how excruciating the story and dialogue are to get through.

Imagine being an author of storyteller who CANNOT FINISH a story!! My heart broke for Audra at the end of that first chapter.
world and magic system unlike any I have read before. A Story Spun in Scarlet is a story about a storyteller, Audra, who can no longer finish her stories until she encounters a farmer, Jaik acts as a human amplifier whose presence allows Audra to finish her stories. Together, they go on a grand scale adventure.
A bit of slow burn romantasy but definitely worth the read.

I received a free digital ARC of this title for my honest review and opinion.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale full of adventure, rich writing, romance and a unique magic system.

In a world that has lost its ability to end stories, Audra is forced to leave the life she once loved and embark on a journey she never saw coming.

What I love about this book is that it feels like something I haven't read before. The magic is wrapped up in the ability to weave a good story. Its one of those books that feels like a book within a book and I think those are my favorite.

I really enjoy Renees writing, its beautiful and feels like she's really mastered her own unique style. I love Audra as a main character and seeing her navigate each trial on their journey to unlock the mysteries of the past. The best part of the book is her relationship to Jaik. The connection between the them is wonderful and believable and made of slow burn romantic dreams.

This book has such a whimsical vibe thats perfect for a fall or winter day and I cannot wait to see how it ends!

A world and magic system unlike any I have read before. A Story Spun in Scarlet is a beautifully written story about a storyteller, Audra, who can no longer finish her stories until she encounters a farmer, Jaik. Jaik acts as a human amplifier whose presence allows Audra to finish her stories. Together, they go on great adventures in order to get the answers they both crave.

I really loved Audra and Jaik as individuals and together. They are so endearing and have you rooting for them the whole time. In addition, I loved that luck is so important that it becomes a character itself. While the story did feel too long at times, the amazing world building and the love I had for the characters helped combat ever being disinterested in the story. I will definitely be checking out other work by R. Dugan.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own.

"A Story Spun in Scarlet," the inaugural installment in the "Tales of Wonder and Woe" series by R. Dugan, weaves a mesmerizing narrative that blends the enchantment of storytelling with the allure of unexpected adventures. Dugan's tale unfolds in the captivating land of Mithra-Sha, where stories have lost their conclusions, leaving behind a tapestry of incomplete narratives.

At the heart of this captivating tale is Audra Jashowin, a gifted storyteller adrift in a purposeless existence. Fleeing from familial rejection and a home where tales have lost their closure, Audra arrives in a city promising fresh starts and second chances. Here, she encounters Jaik Grissom, a seemingly ordinary farmhand whose extraordinary ability to amplify tales might hold the key to restoring the power of storytelling in Mithra-Sha.

The chemistry between Audra and Jaik sparks a journey fraught with danger, taking them through the wilderness and over turbulent seas. As they unravel the mystery beneath the broken tales, a profound bond forms between them. Dugan skillfully navigates the complexities of their pasts, revealing layers of bravery, brilliance, loyalty, and love that lie at the core of their individual stories.

The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of adventure, mystery, and romance, keeping readers engaged as Audra and Jaik confront a truth that could reshape history and alter the destiny of their tale. Dugan's prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid landscapes and breathing life into characters that resonate with authenticity.

"A Story Spun in Scarlet" not only explores the power of storytelling within the narrative but also invites readers to reflect on the bravery, loyalty, and love that define their own stories. As Audra and Jaik navigate their quests, readers are drawn into a world where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this enchanting series.

In conclusion, R. Dugan's "A Story Spun in Scarlet" is a masterfully crafted tale that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance. It is a tapestry of wonder and woe that captivates the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on the reader's heart. Fans of fantasy literature will undoubtedly find themselves enchanted by the magic woven into every page of this captivating debut.

4.5 stars
🌟🌟🌟🌟⛅️

Slow burn, fantasy, romantic fantasy, adventure, gore, blood, dark, imaginative abd so much more.

A whole country and its contents, inventions etc created by storytelling, literally. Storytelling has a power that through telling a story, well, and tge better a job you do, the better the creations, you can make things, do things, protect oland destroy things and so on. As much as your imagination can stretch. All is great until one day, before the book begins, tge dtories all of a sudfen gave no ending, cannot be complleted, the magic, inspiration whatever you want to call it runs out. No more help with crops, no more helping the royal family. Being unused to this state peopld begin to suffer, starve, creating mistrust and people blame ex storytellers. The main protagonists Addie and Jaik, have lost memories and its all so good trying to put it all back together whilst watching their relationship flourish from the strangest of beginnings.
I cannotbgush enough about this book, I ended it onba squeal!
The problem is the red in the title and the book cover, it creates an expectation that it us leading to a specific answer so maybe it should be grey maybe.
Thankyou netgalley and I'm not going to ruin your reading experience anymore!
Get started on this majestic magical read!

Take all of the emotion you felt while reading your favorite fantasy trilogy and combine it into one book. This story had me tearing up throughout the entire final chapters and I'm not mad about it. It was heartbreaking and overwhelming and inspiring and way too relatable than I expected it'd be when I started reading. I personally found it a bit difficult to get used to the author's more literary and metaphorical writing style, which could sometimes pull me out of the story entirely due to my utter confusion regarding what was actually going on in a scene, as the colorful phrases (especially during the chase scene on the Isle) were too complicated for me to understand. I'm so glad I pushed through the complicated (to me, at least) first few chapters, because the beautiful and honest story of Jaik and Audra finding their own ways to connect with each other, coupled with extravagant twists in the plot and a perfect amount of foreshadowing to keep me playing detective, made this a book I will recommend to anyone who will listen.

The choice to use only 2 major main characters allowed the plot to really expand and explore many different dimensions and environments, teaching us about these characters in an encompassing and intimate way. We also get to see these characters come together in a purely beautiful and human way that doesn't rely on romance or sex but instead on trust and friendship, and the establishment of that between the two of them (a bond that they both desperately need) is so meaningful. Their "ending" is absolutely heartbreaking but also so crucial and functionally perfect in order to tell the story that is their love.

Also, to the author, I give my genuine praise, as I’ve never related so much to a character. Addie's desperate need to be important and wanted, coupled with her need to be selfless and help others, while also having so little love or support that she feels the need to apologize for every small thing, who is also incredibly honest and doesn’t filter out her own dark past and emotions but is simultaneously terrified that people she wants to stay will leave, who gets irrationally angry when people can't read her mind (even though she can simultaneously logically address that that is an unfair thing to be mad about, but is still mad anyways), who gets overly emotional at the littlest kindness someone shows her (even though she had a relatively supportive childhood and family life growing up), altogether forms a person I've never seen described on paper before and one so specifically relatable to me that I couldn't help but be grateful for your ability to put words to the clashing turmoil I feel in my own life. It so deeply validates my feelings that I am still allowed to feel unworthy and guilt-ridden even if, on paper, my life story says I shouldn't need to feel these things because I've been so blessed. So in the future, if I ever need to explain my thought processes or why I do certain things, I will bring out this book and point to Audra as the most accurate funnel of my own personality and struggles that I've ever seen.

Below are my thoughts that I jotted down haphazardly while reading that I hope are helpful!
- chapter titles feel a bit juvenile and i never read them, but maybe they just aren't for me
- love the personification of luck as though it’s a character
- the big literary words and philosophical phrases made me stagger when i was reading and made it not read very smoothly
- the lack of the word “that” in connecting phrases made me confused quite often as to what the author was saying (toward the beginning)
- prose takes some time to get used to
- really good at describing geography in a way that makes a map unnecessary
- i enjoy getting to know them at a reasonable pace during traveling
- i love their friendship so much at the start of their journey. i love how it’s not romance or sexual out of the gate but more an understanding and kinness
- we love a one bed troupe
- the scene in the inn is so sweet and charming i was blushing
- this self sabotaging , victim mindset hits too close to home
- the first letter in chapters being large is a bit confusing on a kindle
- her anger that others don’t know what she’s thinking is too relatable and hurts like a splintered mirror facing back at me
- this book is reaching me emotionally in places i’ve never been happy to acknowledge and it makes my throat close up
- the focus isn’t on romantic relationship, but on connection and trust with another person when she doesn’t know what to do with it when she finally has it, and it’s so important to establish a friendship here rather than one built on sex or romance so i’m so glad the author did that
- i really like the logical, utilitarian approach the author makes the characters go by instead of the usual “we have bleeding hearts and will help anyone on our journey”
- at 65%_ it’s getting a bit long, at this point there’s been very little action or steps actually taken due to all the traveling, all scenes were very detailed and dragged out, making it feel like we haven’t done much at this point
- over description of unnecessary scenes of snow village made the celebration go on for what felt like a while, i think
- semi serpent and dove vibes
- very metaphorical to a point that i get a bit lost (especially during the chase scene on the isle...i barely understand what’s going on)
- it’s interesting bc as much as i hate being told instead of shown, being told this recounting of their past is the only way to do it if you want the story to stay the way it is, with them going in truly blind from the beginning
- lots of the elements give me “3rd book of the series vibes” but i don’t mind it, it’s interesting
- chapter where she decides to let go and her and jaik break down made me tear up
- cried throughout the entire epilogue
- i feel like i just went thru all the emotions of reading an entire series, but in a good way, somehow the small amt of characters (i think) made it work

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

The story and read were very exciting and I loved all the stories. The magic system was very fun and this was a cozy book for the season.

Thank you NetGalley and Renee Dugan for this e-arc.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, the stories within the story, the magic system unique to this series and the magical way the story is presented. I am excited to watch the series unfold!

If you enjoy long walks in the park, a book you can't put down and magic that captures your soul, this book is for you!

A Story Spun in Scarlet follows the journey of Audra, a skilled storyteller in a world where tales remain incomplete, causing the gradual disappearance of magic. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Jaik, a farmhand, enters the bar where Audra works, enabling her to finally conclude a story. Little does Audra know that this marks the beginning of an adventure fraught with danger and the revelation of a terrible truth.

Captivated from the very first page, I found myself immersed in the delightful blend of banter, humor, mystery, and action that unfolds throughout the book. The main characters, Audra and Jaik, are endearing, and a sense of connection with them is established right from the start.

The author's skill in world-building, storytelling, and writing style is evident, contributing to a well-developed narrative. As the story progresses, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, leading to a satisfying and smile-inducing conclusion. A tale worth revisiting, A Story Spun in Scarlet has left me eager to delve into its pages again in the future."

Thank you so much to NetGalley for giving me early access to A Story Spun in Scarlet. It was an absolute pleasure to read.

This might be one of my favourite reads of the year. The emotionally fuelled story telling constantly kept me on my toes and I absolutely adored the characters. There was so much heart in this book.

“Let me tell you a story”

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a powerful tale about how words hold power and meaning, have the ability to change the world, but also have the power to break it. Our protagonist Adura is a storyteller, however she has been recently suffering from being unable to finish her stories, there are no endings - only stories that pause with no conclusion.

During her quest to find out why she can’t finish her stories she meets jaik, a farmhand who seems to have developed a unique ability to amplify storytellers powers. Unbeknownst to him, he has no answers to why he is able to do this. Adura and Jaik end up making a pact - she wants to find out why storytellers can’t create endings and breathe life into the world around them, and Jaik wants to know who gave him his power. A power that every storyteller craves.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a beautiful, emotionally driven narrative. It touches on what it means to tell a story, what the consequences of a story can be, and what it means to tell yourself a story to protect yourself from the harsh realities of your own mind.

I absolutely adored this tale from start to finish. The character development, plot, and world building was all fantastic. The relatability of the FMC and the MMC was a beautiful balance and all the relationships within the story developed authentically which I loved.

I would recommend this book to anyone, and will keep talking about it for months to come!

I wanted to read this book for the beautiful cover alone and I'm glad it didn't disappoint! I really liked the writing style of the author, which I'm new to. What really stood out to me was the world-building. It was very well done and it felt like I was right there with the characters. Speaking of those, I really liked them as well! I liked how they interacted with each other and the plot was great!

"A Story Spun in Scarlet" is an enthralling tale, yet a couple of aspects warrant a closer look. While the slow-burn romance between Audra and Jaik was endearing, a touch more depth and intensity in their interactions could have elevated their relationship further.

Additionally, the religious undertones, while essential to the author's perspective, might not resonate equally with all readers. For some, it might slightly detract from the overall experience and I am one of those. However, it's worth noting that these elements, though slightly less appealing to certain tastes, don't significantly detract from the overall narrative.

Considering these points, I'd give this 4.5 out of 5 for "A Story Spun in Scarlet." Despite these minor reservations, the book remains a captivating, beautifully crafted journey into a world teeming with mystery, magic, and unforgettable characters. Its unique storytelling and adventurous spirit definitely set it apart in the romantasy genre, making it a remarkable and engaging read worthy of attention.

This is a captivating and beautifully crafted fantasy novel that will take readers on a journey through a world of broken tales and lost endings. The story follows the main character Audra, who flees from her home and family after the stories in her land lose their endings. With a sense of danger lurking behind her, Audra arrives in a city of fresh starts and second chances, where she finds an adventure greater than she ever imagined.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is the world-building. Dugan has created a rich and detailed world filled with magic, mystery, and danger. From the vivid descriptions of the city to the wild and untamed wilderness, every setting is brought to life in a way that immerses the reader in the story. The concept of lost endings and the importance of storytelling in this world is also incredibly intriguing and adds depth to the plot.

The characters in this novel are also well-developed and memorable. Audra is a strong and determined protagonist, who is not afraid to take risks and fight for what she believes in. Her journey of self-discovery and growth throughout the book is inspiring and relatable. Jaik, the male lead, is a charming and complex character with a talent for amplifying stories. The chemistry between Audra and Jaik is palpable, and their relationship adds an extra layer of emotion to the story.

The plot of A Story Spun in Scarlet is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. From the very beginning, the reader is thrown into a thrilling adventure that keeps them on the edge of their seat. As Audra and Jaik journey to uncover the mystery behind the lost endings, they face challenges and dangers that test their courage and their bond. The writing is smooth and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down.
This book is an absolute must read for fantasy lovers!

Audra Jashowin is a storyteller with a past full of secrets. The country she lives in is in a state of disarray: the magic of Storycrafting has disappeared mysteriously, leaving all Storycrafters without endings for their Stories. The country’s soldiers are on the hunt for rogue Storycrafters who use illegal amplifiers to finish their Stories, and its people have been sent into poverty and starvation.

I don’t know where to start with this book other than saying it was incredible. Audra’s adventures kept me glued to the page and the mystery surrounding her past had me scrambling my brain to figure out what exactly happened before it was revealed.

The book was written so well and some descriptions were just so elegantly phrased that I found myself highlighting so much on my Kindle. Audra’s Story excerpts were a great addition, and the characters were flawed and complex, which gave their actions more meaning. I enjoyed the slow burn romance aspect, and was rooting for Audra and Jaik all the way! What I also appreciated was that the ending was not everything you’d expect!

I only have 2 half critiques about the book, adding up to a total of 1 full critique (I know that’s very specific, don’t come at me). The first half being that I thought it could use a bit more spice between Audra and Jaik. The spice score I’d give this book is a 0/5 (because there was actually zero included). And for a romantasy novel, I usually expect there to be at least a little bit (although if this is considered YA?, I guess you should fully ignore this part of my review HAHA…I did say half critique…).

My other half critique is that I didn’t love the religious undertones throughout the novel. The author is very religious so I can’t really fault her for including something so important to her within her stories. This is also definitely a me problem, and not a story problem, so other readers may not find any fault at all with this, which is why I consider it only a half critique.

Regardless of the above, I still would give this book a 5/5. It was engaging, adventurous, beautifully written, and just unique in general compared to the other popular romantasy novels out there right now. It was definitely a story worth telling, as well as a story worth reading! I hope that once this book is released to the public, it gets the recognition it deserves!

Thank you to NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for the eARC. All opinions are uniquely my own.

A Story Spun in Scarlet is a mesmerizing and enchanting tale full of adventure, rich writing, romance and a unique magic system.
In a world that has lost its ability to end stories, Audra is forced to leave the life she once loved and embark on a journey she never saw coming.
What I love about this book is that it feels like something I haven't read before. The magic is wrapped up in the ability to weave a good story. Its one of those books that feels like a book within a book and I think those are my favorite.
T really enjoy Renees writing, its beautiful and feels like she's really mastered her own unique style. I love Audra as a main character and seeing her navigate each trial on their journey to unlock the mysteries of the past. The best part of the book is her relationship to Jaik. The connection between the them is wonderful and believable and made of slow burn romantic dreams.
This book has such a whimsical vibe thats perfect for a fall or winter day and I cannot wait to see how it ends!

This book felt incredibly confusing from start to finish. The main plot line was definitely gripping and intriguing, but I didn’t care for how it played out. I feel like the action scenes were misplaced and there wasn’t much that made me want to keep reading. I also could have used some more world building to help me understand why the characters were doing what they were doing.

Let me tell you a story...

Overall, I loved A Story Spun in Scarlet! It felt like an ode to all of us readers with stories in our hearts. There was a great balance of adventure and action, and I felt drawn into the world very quickly into the story. I was rooting for Jaik and Audra the whole way, and was sad to let them go when the book ended.

It did leave me wishing for more in ways, but that is only because I loved the world and characters. While the incredibly descriptive, artful language felt intentional since we were in Audra's POV and she is after all a Storycrafter, it also took me out of the story sometimes= instead of losing myself in the story and the action happening, I was having to reread paragraphs to sort through what had just happened through the abundance of descriptive words. I wanted more character development and to get to know Audra, Jaik, and their friends better- again, it could have been intentional with all that is revealed towards the end of the book, but even more dialogue between Jaik and Audra as they traveled rather than descriptions of their travel would have made my heart so happy. I felt like with the development and dialogue we did get, both Jaik and Audra seemed much younger than we learn they are- so again it left me wanting more depth to their relationship and story.

I will definitely be reading the rest of the series as it comes out, and I can't wait to learn what comes next for Jaik an Audra!

Thank you Wave Walker Press and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

A story spun in scarlet is about a storyteller Audra who lives in a world where storytellers can’t finish they’re stories and magic because of that disappeared. Until, one day a farmhand Jaik arrives in the bar where she works, and she is able to finish a story. But, this is where the adventure, danger and terrible truth begins..

This story drew me in from the first page and I loved the banter, humor, mystery and action that takes place in this book. Both main characters are lovely and I can feel a connection with them from the start.

The world building, the story and the writing style are nice and well developed. The ending left me with a smile on my face. This is definitely a story that I want to reread again in the future.