This was beautiful, I’m speechless honestly I don’t know what to say besides the fact that this was amazing.

This is my pick for my bookstore’s romance book club that I co-run. After loving the North Wind I was especially excited for Zephyrus’s story. I will admit, I enjoyed the North Wind a lot more, though this was still enjoyable enough.
We follow Brielle, who is essentially a nun in training who gets swept up in the West Wind’s antics after saving him from death (or close enough.) Brielle was an interesting main character - she’s large and strong, working a masculine job at the abbey as a blacksmith. Her struggles with her faith were what kept me reading.
I felt that the pacing of the story was all over the place. It felt like something significant happened on every page with no time to comprehend or sit with it. As such I struggled with the first half, though I very much enjoyed the latter half.
I am very interested to hear what my book club will say about it, and I hope to encourage them to pick up the North Wind.

“It takes courage to walk a new path.”

Following Brielle on her journey was both intriguing and enjoyable. Having already met Zephyrus in the North Wind I went in with a preconceived notion of who I thought he was. Understanding the complexity of his character completely changed my perception of him.

There were moments where I audibly gasped and shook my kindle and moments where I cheered. Overall I really enjoyed The West Wind and can’t wait for more of the series.

I went into this book with a large dislike for Zephyrus after reading The North Wind... And I'm leaving it absolutely loving him.

The character growth for him in this story is incredible. As well as for Brielle as she struggles between her faith and following her heart.

I was pleasantly surprised at how different this story was to the first book despite being set in the same world. I loved the journey Brielle went on.

The epilogue for this book is just as perfect as the one from the first book. Sure to make you laugh.

The west wind is an Enemies to lovers slow burn romance, the perfect book for romantasy fans. Well written.

I came for Zephyrus and what I got was a whole lot of boring, annoying Brielle and wayyyy too much religion for my liking. That's definitely a "me" problem, but I assumed that the religion would be a cover for something more sinister and a way of manipulating and controlling Brielle, and she would realise this and leave that life. But nope. Religion the whole way through.

I don't mind a slow burn but I didn't really get the chemistry between our two main characters and I was honestly bored and didn't even care if they ended up together.

I loved Zephyrus in the first book and was looking forward to his redemption story, but even he was pretty boring. We didn't get much of the devious, charismatic trickster vibe, just a lot of self-pity.

I really enjoyed this first book, but sadly, this one was not for me.

To be completely honest, I didn't like Zephyrus from his appearance in The North Wind so I was skeptical going into this story. The world building was solid - easy to visualize the abbey and its surrounds, Under was well thought through. But that's where the enjoyment ended for me. I struggled to find common ground with Brielle and her plight. <spoiler>Basically wanted to murder Harper from the get go. I'm all for an antagonist to push others to be better but what a biiiiiiitch. The pacing was all over the place as well and I suffered whiplash from Brielle and Zephyrus' interactions. I know she was struggling with her vows and her faith but it was unbelievable. And the ending.. well I guess they got a happy ending but Zephyrus didnt deserve one.</spoiler> The story held my interest enough that I wanted to see where it went. Not sure if I will go on to read a third in the series though

After reading the first book the north wind I was so pumped to read this one!

And I wasn’t disappointed i loved the characters development from the first book they grew a lot I can’t wait for this to continue

The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick
3.5⭐️
1 🌶

Thankyou Netgalley for this ARC.

After reading The North Wind, I had to get my hands on this. The MMC was introduced as the villain in the first book, so I was intrigued to see how this book would play out. Zephyrus definitely redeemed himself.
I admit, at the start, I was worried I wouldn't get into it. It starts with a lot of religion, which isn't my thing. I pushed through and am glad I did. It was a bit slow throughout by I enjoyed the world building of "Under" and all the mythical creatures. I look forward to the next brother, the South Wind.

Thank you to Netgalley, Alexandria Warwick, and Simon & Schuster for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review

Brielle has been raised in the Thornbrook Abbey since the age of 11, and works as the resident bladesmith. For ten years she has strived to become an acolyte so that she may deepen her relationship with The Father and work to spread his word to others. However, when she comes across the broken body of a man in the forest, she smuggles him into her room to help him recover - despite males being prohibited from setting foot on the abbey premises. Little does Brielle know that this is no man, but a god, and Zephyrus, The West Wind is as manipulative, selfish, and tricksy as they come.

I loved the parts of the story that took place in Under! I was enchanted by the eerie environment, the strange and magical fair folk, and the rules that mortals must abide by to remain as safe as possible during their time below. The characters we meet in Under, most notably the Orchid King, are really interesting and unique, and I love how the villain ties into Zephyrus’ backstory and shapes the person he has become.

However, the parts of the story that take place in the Abbey didn’t hold my attention as well. I found Brielle’s constant inner thoughts about faith and The Father and becoming an acolyte to be rather tedious after a while. I understand this is important context for her character development but it felt a little over the top in places. I do love that she learns to practice her faith in a way that is balanced with the other joys life has to offer, as opposed to all encompassing devotion to The Father and The Text.

While I thought the first half of this book was rather slow, once the pace picked up in the second part it was really good! Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m looking forward to the next one, I’m hoping to learn more of Notus!

Starting with an intriguing premise and a world rich in folktale and church dynamics, I enjoyed the prospect of seeing both characters' quests to the end. I was, however, horrified with the way the story was chosen to go.
With an underworld that is practically a 24/7 orgy, and a church that drains blood from their young woman to appease a bargain with said underworld, I was utterly revolted. And instead of choosing a compelling and dynamic aspiration for our protagonist, who is a worthy blacksmith and was striving to become a nun, it seems the point of her journey was to believe the church was refusing her the right to have sex, and the cure was to do whatever she wanted, and with whoever she wanted. Um, what about devotion? Purity? Striving to become a servant for something that you believe in? Nope.
Perhaps more permissible if she had desired romance, or family, or saw value in a life outside the church-- I could get behind that. But every time these two characters met it seemed like nothing but lustful desire, a gross prelude to what they wanted to do to each other, and never *with*.
I was so uncomfortable that I could not finish, and honestly, I had no desire to. There once was a time where stories could stand on their own, with merits and values, but this work clearly shows that the book industry has chosen to substitute compelling plot and morals with grossly graphic, immediate gratification. It breaks my heart that this is the state of fiction these days, and that authors are either using their works as an outlet for dark desires, or believe that it will be the only thing that will get them sold. This story would have had value and strength without it.
As it is, I'm afraid I could never recommend this to anyone.

The West Wind follows the story of a self-serving immortal god and a devout Daughter of Thornbrook who seeks only to please the Father by upholding her vows and strives to become an acolyte. This is a story about forgiveness, love and understanding, about being seen. It encourages us to actually look within and question what we want from life. Alexandria Warwick takes you on a journey through the Under where you will meet all manner of fair folk.
"It takes courage to walk a new path."
This book will have a special place in my heart.

“A man lies prone on the ground at my feet, and if I am not mistaken, he is dead.”

Coming off the back of the first book in the Four Winds series, The North Wind, the second story, The West Wind follows Zephyrus, the West Wind or the Bringer of Spring, introduced as a villain/antagonist in the first one, and Brielle, a Daughter of Thornbrook, a deeply religious abbey of women who dedicate their lives to the service of the Father and the community around them. They live very strict lives and one big rule is to not have any contact with men, or Fae Folk.

I have to say that I found it hard to connect with Brielle throughout the story. Her intense level of piety was difficult for me to connect with and I did struggle a little. Obviously, her commitment is commendable but a little ‘in your face’. I loved that she progressed so much throughout the story and finally came to a realisation that she could love her god from anywhere and in different ways, allowing her to accept and love Zephyrus… and herself, most importantly.

I loved Zephyrus - he’s definitely on the ‘morally grey’ scale… heading to the darkest end. I’m a sucker for a reformed villain and he fit that so well.

The story itself was a fun and eventful adventure through the human and fae worlds, and godly realms. I loved the introduction of some characters I hope we see or hear about in future books, and seeing another of the ‘Winds’... I’m presuming his book might be next as Zephyrus was introduced in the North Wind. It had some slow parts, and parts I couldn’t connect with but all in all I thought it was a really great read and I can’t wait for more from this world!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Australia and NetGalley for this title.

I throughly enjoyed this romantasy! A number of times I put it down, but had to pick it back up ASAP to find out what was happening. I loved the enemies-to-lovers, slow burn romance. I thought the protagonist, Brielle's story, had an interesting discussion of faith, devotion and what it means to be loyal.

So glad I read this one and very much looking forward to the next one!

Another beautifully written novel from Alexandria Warwick.
The West Wind has a strong religious element expertly intertwining with the Greek mythology vibe.

This novel is the sequel to the incredible book "The North Wind", however both can be standalones.

We have great insight into our FMC, Brielle, from everything she does throughout the novel described in perfect detail, to the words she wants to say (but doesn't), the thoughts she thinks to the actions she wants to take. All creating a wonderfully complete picture of who she is - and how/why she develops throughout the novel.
Beginning as a faithful servant to her lord and saviour, "The Father" living within a church like compound know as "Thornbrook", she defied one of their vows to help a man (or so she thought) in desperate need of help. In the events after, she is forced to prove her faith in a quest to become the next acolyte. And well wouldn't you know it...Zephyrus is there to tag along.

Picking up where we left off with Zephyrus, our MMC, he is immediately described as being deceitful and Brielle is warned not to trust him...well ever. But his situation is not as we once thought. He is a tortured soul and is literally on a leash held by the "Orchid King" - a nasty God who's goal in life is to gain power at the hands of The West Winds suffering, and our villain of the novel. Zephyrus' actions throughout this novel are rash because of this arrangement, and he wants out. However, the more time spent in Brielles company, the more his outlook is changing as she is as selfless as they come, a concept Zephyrus is baffled to understand.
Yes! We do get answers from events that occurred in "The North Wind". Love that!
With his fear of abandonment and her fear of loneliness, they come to depend on one another for an epic love story.

Our side characters fit in perfectly.
Harper, our #1 enemy, is a woman scorned right from the start - and she has some serious anger issues. Her audacity puts me on edge and I question what her real motives are for joining the church. Honestly, she is a down right bitch. Her redemption story was poor. But I must admit, I loved hating her!
Our sprite bestie, Lissi, is a pinch of brightness in an otherwise pretty dark place, let's be honest. She is helpful and selfless as Brielle, and I believe they see each other within. I do wish we saw more of her thoughtout the novel.
And of course, Mother Mabel, our badass and fearless leader. She is the mother figure to Brielle and the women of Thornbrook, but she carries secrets non of whom would even guess at. Skilled with a sword and a hard stare, she is an integral part of our villain story, and becomes somewhat of a villain herself.

After meeting "The South Wind" in this story, I sincerely hope he is the next MMC!! He sounds like a God who says little, knows much and holds secrets.

3.5/5 stars 🌟

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The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick is a captivating fantasy novel that shines through its intricate world-building and vivid descriptions, drawing readers into a mystical realm of elemental magic and ancient powers. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, filled with tension and slow-burn romance that builds steadily throughout the story.

Warwick’s writing style is lyrical and immersive, blending rich details with emotional depth, while the pacing remains steady, though some parts feel slower as the world is carefully unveiled.

The balance between action and introspection keeps the narrative engaging, and the character development adds to the overall depth of the plot.

A standout quote, "The wind speaks to those who listen, and in its whispers, we find our strength," perfectly encapsulates the themes of power and self-discovery that run through the book. Overall,

The West Wind is a beautifully written, enchanting read that lingers long after the final page.