This book wasn't for me. I read it, hoping I would start enjoying it, but it never happened. I found Wren to be very unlikeable, she makes a lot of ignorant decisions and seems to put hard/abrasive for hardly any reason. The premise of the book was good, but the execution just wasn't there. It feels like it's trying to be ACOTAR but replacing fae for gods.

I don't like leaving harsh reviews, but this book was a real disappointment.

This is a strong fantasy novel that reads like a stand-alone, although it’s framed in a way that could well mean it’s part of a longer series. It’s an enjoyable read, with strong characters and enough new ideas to spark a reader’s interest.

Wren and her twin Elora live in Edgewood. As the name suggests, the small, impoverished town sits on the edge of the Gray. The Gray is an area of devastation, slowly encroaching across the land. Where it spreads, an endless winter settles in. The land and its’ people are slowly starving.

The winter is sent at the behest of the North Wind, a brutal and uncaring God. At irregular intervals, Edgewood sacrifices one of its’ women to the North Wind, but it seems to make little difference to the winter creeping across the land.

Wren finds herself carried away as the North Wind’s sacrifice. She intends to escape before she dies, and to find a way to end the winter. But things don’t go as she planned, and she slowly begins to realise that her understanding of the situation has been poor and incomplete.

If you’ve read a lot of fantasy – or even a little – you’ll probably see traces here of other novels, TV shows, and legends. I saw those, but felt that they were only a jumping off point. There’s a fair bit of originality here, and I was left with the satisfying feeling of having read a new story.

Wren is a character who grows a lot during the course of the story, not only finding her strengths but coming to a fuller recognition of her own faults and weaknesses. Both were equally important to this story, and she ends a highly sympathetic character who feels very real.

Similarly, the North Wind is gradually revealed to be more than the simple monster that Wren initially believes him to be. This gradual revelation is one of the strongest elements of the novel, given that it slowly changes our perspective not only on him, but also on events past and present. His character is absolutely crucial to the success of the novel.

Despite the fantastical elements, I found this a very believable story. Characters behaved in ways that were credible, and both the world and the small part of it that Wren and the North Wind inhabit were strongly drawn. It was easy to suspend my disbelief and become drawn in.

The plot is interesting too, though in retrospect it’s truly the characters that stand out more than the plot.

This was a good reading experience: well written and absorbing, with elements I wasn’t expecting.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a great fantasty world with a good plot and character development. Looking forward to the next one in the series

Thanks to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster and Alexandria Warwick for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved The North Wind. It had everything I love in a good fantasy. Suspense, humour, romance and action.
I really liked the storyline. The characters were interesting and complex, with amazing chemistry.
Wren was a great leading lady. She was strong, determined, funny and charismatic. Boreas was the perfect match for her.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down, I read it in a day. I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book in this fabulous series.

I highly recommend. 4 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I, too, know what it’s like to be alone. Maybe we can be alone together."

Rating: 3.5/5

- NA fantasy
- Forced marriage
- Hate to love
- One bed (and one horse)
- Slow burn
- Single POV

The North Wind didn’t quite meet my expectations. I only started getting into the book about the last 20 per cent or so.

Now, Wren is what I expect in a fantasy FMC – strong-willed, determined, and a little bit sassy. A socially awkward god spending his days sentencing people to different deaths, I have to admit that Boreas wasn’t really a memorable MMC until the end.

I think the burn was just *too* slow, and there weren't enough gripping (tender or tension-filled) moments between the two of them leading up to it that made me believe in their romance, if that makes sense.

This love confession didn't match what I read, but I still adored it: "You are the most important person in my life. There is nothing I would not do for you. I would conquer cities in your name. I would lay waste to the world and place its greatest treasures at your feet. I would cross realms, topple empires, and alter time, all for the promise of an eternity spent by your side."

I also have come to expect more twists and turns in a fantasy book, and unfortunately, this was just lacking in that instance.

4 1/2 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes; enemies to lovers, one bed, arranged marriage; he falls first

I loved this book! Boreas is the cold and cruel, frost king and North wind. Wren a skilled hunter, trying to survive the harsh never ending winter and providing for her twin sister.
I don’t want to say too much to spoil it apart from buy it and read it now!

I adored Wren standing up for herself and the hard conversation between Wren and her sister. Watching Wren struggle with her addiction and her new place in the world tore on my heart strings.

Boreas backstory made him all the more endearing, however typically morally grey male.

Greatly anticipating the next instalment- The West Wind!

Thank you for allowing me to review this title.
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
I felt like it was just another Hades and Persephone retelling, and I didn’t really find too much different from others.
It felt a bit dull, and uninspired to me.
Thanks once again for allowing me to review this title, I hope to work together again in the future.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this Beaty and the Beast retelling. I was immediately drawn into the world, and though it was a slow burn, I loved how the relationship between Wren and Boreas was written. The world was well written, with the descriptions helping to really imagine what things looked like and how scents, integral to the story at times, would smell.

I will be eagerly awaiting more from Alexandria Warwick and can't wait to read what happens next in the series.

ACOTAR meets beauty and the beast with icy tension, enemies to lovers, witty banter & “I’d burn the world for you” 🔥

Grab a jumper, let me set the scene… ❄️

The north wind god selects a human wife every few decades in order to maintain the strength of a magical barrier that prevents darkling creatures from entering.

“It’s your blood I need, not your death. Your oath, not your lies. In one day’s time, we will be wed.” 💍

Our sassy & cake loving FMC Wren won’t go down without a fight, we have multiple knife to throat moments however as the days pass Wren realises her captor isn’t as cold hearted as she originally believed.

“I, too, know what it’s like to be alone…maybe we can be alone together”

The story also explores the complexities of grief, alcoholism, self worth & love.

“You did not shy away from my scars. Why should I shy away from yours”

This book is for you if you love:

>Enemies to lovers / Captor vs captive
>Arranged marriage
>Icy atmosphere
>One bed
>Banter
>”My wife”
>Burn the world for you

I was living for the tension and banter, you can’t tell me that the “bone broth soup” scene didnt have you on the edge of your seat? Im UNWELL 🫠

The one bed trope mixed with the comments about sleeping on the floor and having back pain will live in my head rent free forever.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an eARC copy for review.

The North Wind is a Beauty and the Beast and Hades and Persephone retelling.

The beginning of The North Wind had me worried that I wasn't going to like the book, I'm not sure if it was the vibe or that the story starts off with Wren (the FMC) in the woods, hunting to get food to help her sister survive, which transported me straight back to the beginning of ACOTAR.

Regardless, my opinion on the book changed quite quickly as I kept reading. The writing was magical and lyrical at times, the story flowed seamlessly and the plot kept me interested to find out what would happen next and when the North Wind's heart would thaw and give in to Wrens chaotic personality.

There relationship was so beautiful to watch transform. It was magical, raw, emotional and vulnerable.

This was a true enemies to lovers, one bed and would you call it grumpy x sunshine, when they were both a little grumpy?

The spice was amazing, I'm not always a big fan of spice but this was perfection.

Other than that Wrens alcoholism was a little of a struggle for me to read having a family member who has passed from the same condition However, while frustrating at times I really enjoyed seeing her strength as she struggled with the disease, her true feelings and her rose shaded glasses be removed regarding her sister and learned to love herself and others again.

Highly recommend everyone give this book a go and I cant wait to read book 2 and to find more about The North Winds trickster brother!

I love a good fantasy set in snowy climes. Especially when the leading lady is so lovely and there's a focus on her relationship with her family. An easy read with a good flow that should suit any romantasy fan.

As soon as I read inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone I was in. It is stated to be a stand-alone, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn fantasy romance - the first in a series with some Greek mythology influence. Sadly, for me, I found the slow burn to be more of the slow and less of the burn. I wished there to be more world building (it is rather underdeveloped) so as to have a clear understanding of this world. I found it to be more YA, which is fine if I knew that going in my expectations are aligned. The ideas are there but it was just lacking a bit in execution.

Thank you for letting me read this book.

I tried to like it, but it ended up not being the book for me. I couldn’t connect to the characters, I found the FMC extremely annoying and frustrating, her personality seemed all over the place. The North Wind himself was not an easy character to comprehend.

I enjoy Beauty & The Beast retellings but there’s so many of them out now that unfortunately for me this one didn’t stand out. 2.5 stars. But I’m sure someone else will like it.

*Light spoilers in this review, proceed with caution*

Wren of Edgewood is everything I hoped for and more. Wren is a total badass, doing whatever it takes to protect her sister in a land where winter never ends. The twist? The only way to keep their world from falling apart is for a mortal woman to marry the North Wind, an immortal with a heart as cold as ice.

When the North Wind sets his sights on Wren’s sister, Wren steps up, willing to sacrifice herself. From the get-go, the sparks fly between Wren and the North Wind. Their chemistry is off the charts! The tension, the banter, the slow unraveling of their feelings – it's all so well done. Watching the North Wind's icy exterior melt because of Wren is incredibly satisfying.

If you love a good enemies-to-lovers story with a magical twist, "Wren of Edgewood" is a must-read. It's packed with action, romance, and just the right amount of fantasy. Trust me, you won't be able to put it down!

It’s been a while since I’ve been enthralled by a good fantasy, but this one had me hooked. I love a good slow burn romance, and this was certainly that. The tension was intense throughout, and when they finally admitted how they felt, it was so satisfying.

We have a few tropes in this one and they happen to be some of my faves. I love the enemies to lovers trope and I think it was done so well in this book because it was done in a believable way. I loved the way Wren stood up to Boreas and challenged him at every turn.
The one bed trope is always a good one, and this one had me chuckling. Loved it.

I did find the epilogue a little random, but it was cute.

All in all, if you enjoy Beauty and the Beast retellings, slow burn with spice, enemies to lovers and one bed, then this is the one for you.

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick is a masterfully crafted fantasy novel that truly shines in its traditional publication. Originally self-published, this enchanting tale has captivated readers once again with its richly imagined world and deeply compelling characters. Warwick's prose is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into a realm where the icy grip of the North Wind holds sway. The protagonist's journey is fraught with danger, magic, and a stirring romance that blossoms against all odds. The emotional depth and intricate world-building are beautifully balanced, making it impossible to put down. Re-reading this novel has only deepened my appreciation for Warwick's storytelling prowess. The North Wind is a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars, a testament to Warwick's talent and the timeless allure of her enchanting narrative.

I struggled to read more then 40% of this book and will not be reviewing on other platforms as was a DNF for myself

The North Wind by Alexandria Warwick ❄️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Firstly, this cover is STUNNING!! ✨
Secondly, I received the ARC of this and within the first 50 pages ran to preorder myself a physical copy 🫣
This is an enemies to lovers Beauty & the Beast/Hades & Persephone retelling and I was obsessed 🙌 this book reminded me of my first time reading ACOTAR in the best way (Wren 100% gave me Feyre vibes).

I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book 👀 in the meantime definitely give this one a try if your a fan of enemies to lovers, slow burn, badass fmc 😉

Thank you so much @alexandriawarwick @simonschusterau for the ARC (& sorry for the late review)

The North Wind was a Beauty and the Beast meets Hades and Persephone retelling full of heart.
When Wren gives herself to the Frost King, lord of the dead, in place of her sister, she thought it was to sacrifice her life. She never imagined that she would become the wife of the surly immortal.

I really enjoyed the slow enemies to friends to lovers of Wren and Boreas. I liked that they both had demons to overcome. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book!

The North Wind reminds me of Beauty and the Beast mixed with the myth of Hades and Persephone added for inspiration. An enjoyable read that will tick off almost every fantasy trope on your bingo board, this will be popular with the book-tok crowd.