I’ll start with Julie builds an incredible world and backstory as to why all the fae are being hunted and killed. She is very descriptive of the scenes and you can easily imagine the landscapes.

This is heavy on the fantasy. I don’t know if I’d call this Romantasy. It is an absolute slow burn (like 80% in to figure out what is actually going on between the FMC and MMC; are they actually enemies to lovers? Is there an invisible string theory here?). I couldn’t get into their “banter” and how Penn treats Rhya like a child, when he himself has little self control of his temper. I do not think there is a clear moment or even building of moments that made me think they’d end up together. The whole romance fell flat.

There isn’t strong character development. Maybe it’s because this is the first in a series, and that’s to come. But when someone finds out they have powers and are part of a prophecy, I would think there would be more backstory and focus on them - not the landscapes, tablescapes, clothing… we know more about dressmaking than we do about Rhya’s powers, how she develops them, any actual training.

There are a lot of side plots that become the main plot. It was a long book, with a wonky plot, a poorly represented FMC, and I am left asking myself if I truly enjoyed this book and want to read the rest of the series when it comes out… I can’t tell if this book took place over 3 weeks or 3 years.

Random thoughts:

Mandolorian vibes from Scythe/Penn and the helmet he never seems to remove in the presence of others… until 27% in.

The dialogue is inconsistent; at times they’re speaking in olde English, and other times it’s more modern.

Ray from Star Wars vibes with the whole don’t know my parents bit but I’m powerful.

2.5 ⭐️
.25 🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC.

I was lucky enough to win an eARC of THE WIND WEAVER by Julie Johnson through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson is a captivating blend of high-stakes adventure and emotional depth, set in a richly imagined world of elemental magic. Johnson’s vivid prose pulls you into a story brimming with danger, resilience, and the fragile bonds between characters grappling with their destinies. The protagonist’s journey is both harrowing and inspiring, though some plot points feel slightly rushed, leaving a few threads underexplored. Nevertheless, the lyrical writing and compelling character dynamics more than make up for it, making this a must-read for fantasy lovers seeking a fresh take on elemental power and personal growth. Four stars for a spellbinding ride that leaves you eager for more.

The Wind Weaver was intriguing to read. It has danger, and self-discovery, making this fantasy novel a compelling read that doesn't shy away from exploring themes of fear, identity, and the complexity of human emotions.
Rhya is a relatable protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and survival forms the heart of the story. Her initial dire situation—facing execution at the hands of her would-be killers—serves as a gripping hook that draws readers into her plight. Just as she is about to meet her end, she is saved by the enigmatic Commander Scythe, a man whose mere presence radiates both danger and allure. The dynamic between Rhya and Scythe is electric, marked by a tension that is palpable throughout the novel.
The world-building in The Wind Weaver is particularly noteworthy. Johnson paints a vivid picture of Anwyvn, a land marred by fear of magic and swept by war. The Northlands, depicted as barren and unforgiving, become a character of their own, shaping Rhya's journey and forcing her to confront not only external adversities but also the tempest within. The concept of the “Remnants,” beings marked by destiny and power, is fascinating and adds layers to the plot.
Overall, this book is a spellbinding tale of courage, self-discovery, and romance, set against a backdrop of magic and war. Its a must read for fans of fantasy steeped in rich world-building and complex characters.

“you are the sentinel at the threshold of chaos.
you will not yield.
you will not fall.”

in a divided world, where a blight is weakening magic, Rhya learns there’s a lot more to her than she ever thought.

I really enjoyed the story itself. it was exciting to learn about the world through Rhya’s eyes and watch her accept her fate and who she is. I also really loved the variety of characters; it has one of the best found family tropes I’ve ever read!

I really struggled with the pacing though. it’s very much a slow burn, but there were many moments where things were getting over explained and I just wanted to move on. I definitely would have considered a higher rating if it was shorter or at least faster paced.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️

big thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson follows a halfling yanked from execution by a mysterious commander due to her ties to an ancient prophecy that claims she will help restore maegic to her dying realm.

This book started with a bang and didn't let up! I actually was planning on reading a different book, got distracted by the pretty cover, and decided to read the first few chapters to see the vibe. Fast forward a couple of hours and I had completely binge read it! I couldn't put it down! I loved the elemental maegic, our FMC's relationships with the crew of soldiers and local dressmaker, and the nonstop action. The pace never slowed which I think was the main reason I couldn't put it down--I had to know what was going to happen next!

Overall, I gave this five stars because I thought it was well-written, had good pace, and had many unique elements that will make it stand out in the romantasy genre. As a romantasy girlie it was definitely in my wheelhouse, but I also think it would be a good intro to the genre if you haven't read much romantasy.

4.5⭐️
I have been a huge JJ fan so needless to say I could not wait to dive into this book and let me just say- it did not disappoint.
Many fantasy books I find hard to get into until the 20% mark but this story captivates you right from the beginning - there is world building but it’s done so subtly you are just turning pages to figure out what is going on and figure out what’s happening next. The story is so lyrically written- the characters.. chefs kiss. We’re not only given incredible main characters but Penn’s Guild/friends?! Can I be the wind weaver please and thank you because they seem like an incredible time.
You go from mystery with a quest to learning more about the characters to a full blown plot which keeps you as a reader entertained.
Oh and let’s not forget about the chemistry, tension and holy lord the slow burn between our main characters.
If you want a top tier fantasy read- THIS is the book!

This book started with a bang and ended with a bang. The fast pace continues for most of the book, with only a brief slow down towards the two-thirds mark. (I think characters and readers needed to catch their breaths!)

I am also very glad that, unlike a lot of books I have read recently, this one does not end on a cliffhanger. While there is definitely more to the story, this one feels complete.

I actually suspect and hope that the next book features a different MC so that we can see more from a certain side character.

My biggest and only real quibble was the silly spelling of the word "maegic".

Recommended.

3.5/5

This is a very solid fantasy debut, but I found it to be far too slow in pacing to make up for its hefty length. There is a lot of what felt like filler scenes that I wish we had spent instead learning more about the world. At the end of this book, I’m still very unclear as to what the plot will be moving forward because the villains seemed to be very 2-D with the politics of the world very surface level.
Rhya was an okay main character, I felt like she had very little personality.
The magic system was pretty light and not fully developed at this point.
The romance was awful in my opinion. Penn was boring as ash and very controlling. I felt like it was unbelievable that they had feelings for each other based on their interactions.
Soren, on the other hand? My man! Loved him from his first appearance and I pray that he is endgame. He was funny, snarky, intriguing, and I may read the sequel just for him. That is how you write a character.
The side characters as a whole were overwhelming because of how many there were and how similar they all were.
All this being said, I feel that the series has potential, especially if we see more of Soren! ❤️

Mystery, magic, and slow-burn romance!!

Magic is outlawed in Anwyvn, and halflings like Rhya Fleetwood have it worst of all—they’re basically public enemy number one! But just as Rhya’s about to be executed, she’s rescued (or maybe captured?) by the absolutely terrifying Commander Scythe.

Turns out, Rhya isn’t just any halfling. With her strange birthmark and power to call up winds, she’s one of the fabled Remnants, chosen to bring magic back to the world…if she can survive long enough to figure out how.

From page one, this book had me hooked! It’s an amazing start to a new trilogy, and I’m already counting down for the next one.

The world-building is full of surprises that kept me on my toes.

Rhya’s journey is paced perfectly, with one thrilling moment after another. Her growth? So satisfying to watch. And don’t even get me started on the romance—this is slow burn at its finest!

If you love a mix of mystery, magic, and a sizzling but complicated romance, pick this one up!

Thank you Berkley for this free ARC!

This book was so good! I have no doubt that this will be the next viral romantasy and I am so excited to see what the next book brings.

The book is very action packed and we hit the ground running from the beginning. There is a lull in the action at about the 60% mark but it doesn't last too long and helps to expand our characters stories. The elemental magic is interesting and not something I've seen a lot. I do enjoy the main and side character, but wish there had been more female characters.

The romance was not my favorite and I feel like it might be following other romantasy books but time will tell.

Rated 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

An epic romantic fantasy that will scorch your heart and leave you gasping for air! I loved every moment with Rhea, the journey to the fae lands, the found family she encounters along the way, and the swoon-worthy fae lords circling her orbit.

Fae Rhea is thrust into a world she doesn’t understand, into a land where everyone knows who she is and what she is destined for— but Rhea? She’s clueless. As things progress and the lies and world unweave we find ourselves clinging to each twist— to the prophecy and to the fae she can’t escape.

I loved this one so much! For fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer Armentrout, you'll love the excitement, the drama, and the romance. I am HOOKED on this series: the adventure and the romance! Bring on more Julie Johnson!

Thank you Ace & Berkley for the early copy! I loved it so, so much! :)

I really enjoyed the romance fantasy element in this universe, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the world that was created. The characters had that overall concept and was invested in what was happening to them. Julie Johnson has a great writing style and was enjoying read this overall and the characters were wonderfully done.

Fantasy for 2025 is hitting HARD.

The pacing, incredible. The world-building, exciting. The magic, insanely fun.

The romance, slow burn and rage-inducing but ultimately solid. I was frustrated a few times but dumb behavior but it’s only because I cared so much (which means you know it’s an amazing one).

I’m all in on our wind weaver, Rhya! Highly recommend!

If netgalley did .5 ratings, I would rated this as 4.5🌟
“You are the storm, Rhya Fleetwood”
Absolutely loved this quote. The start of this book was very grim but it went straight to the point. When the mysterious commander scythe comes for Rhya and actually saves her, toms of questions emerge for the reader. The only downside I saw here was how slow it was to read about Rhya and Scythe travelling through the lands. I was low key losing interest. But the moment they both cross to the northlands and it is revealed that Scythe’s name is actually Penn, that intrigue came immediately for me.

After that point, this book became action packed which I absolutely loved. We find out more about Rhya and that she is not just a wind weaver but THE wind weaver. And this is what I found very original, each element has its own person called remnant and when one dies another is born with that power. It was interesting to know about Enid nd how Rhya is so different from her.

Rhya’s character development here is the real star. We see her go through all these hurdles and she still stands up. From being kidnapped, to learning she has magic, to her chemistry with Penn, finally making friends and trying to control her powers. We definitely have a different Rhya at the end of this book from that start Rhya.

I am confident that this book (series?) will be one of the best big things to come for the booktok/bookstagram people. I really think they will love it.

Talk about starting off with a BANG! I loved that this book griped me from the start with action-packed scenes, lush imagery and beautiful prose. I am a HUGE fan of books that don’t give you all the details up front so it was a lot of fun to have that mystery/unknown aspect, as our FMC learns more about herself and her world. This was such an epic start to a new trilogy and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.

ps if totally gave me the same epic feeling I had when I was reading TOG. This is the start of something great…

What I loved…
- action-packed, fast-paced, and great overall pacing
- lush imagery that made you feel like you were right there in the thick of it with the characters
- mystery/intrigue, single POV so you learn about the world as the FMC does
- the plot REVEALS and twists were heart pounding and epic!
- crazy beasts and magical creatures
- thorough world building with minimal info-dumps
- the romantic sub-plot was top notch, SLOW burn & high tension 10/10
- Found family, the side characters were A++
- Grade A++ banter (not just with the MMC, but with the side characters too!)
- elemental magic, chosen one, and an ancient prophecy

What I didn’t love…
- longer chapters (look I’m just not a fan ok)
- at times the romance veered a tiny itty bitty bit into the cheesy lane - but most will probably love it
- while the overall pacing was excellent there was a bit of a lull around the 60-80% mark - the longer chapters combined with the super fast paced beginning made the slow down (to do important things like finish fleshing out the world and character development) a bit more noticeable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review!
I’m not happy with this rating for an ARC and know that I don’t give this rating easily but I need to be honest.
Sadly, this is a DNF for me at 60% as this 1) despicably failed the Bechdel Test and 2) had no plot whatsoever.

This is a 500 pages book. Meaning I’ve read a little over 300 pages. The plot should’ve already been mentioned and moving by now. It would’ve benefited being cut from at least 150 pages.

I’m actually a whole lot tired of having fierce/snarky personality 20yo FMC who are painted as ignorant. The ignorance made her seem naive and completely unintelligent. And BTW - the FMC is the only woman focus for 53% of the book !!! And then we FINALLY meet another woman but she’s a complete mean girl and refers to the FMC as ‘whore’… I thought we were over this. It despicably failed the Bechdel Test and I wish it was marketed as having only one woman because this isn’t enough. I’m sure other readers will feel the same way I did ; I need female friendships. She’s kind of painted as one of the guys at some point and I guess that’s what the author wanted to focus on but Adult women friendships are absolutely necessary. It feels useless for me to read a book that doesn’t have them. It’s always disappointing for me because I always feel like those types of books are a setback in the Adult genre.

There’s a gigantic info dump at 40% in form of conversations and it doesn’t move us anywhere along a plot of some kind.

There is a random display of jealousy at the 44% mark that rubbed me the wrong way. Especially considering the romance in this Romantasy lacked chemistry on whole new levels.

In conclusion, I do think this needs adjustment to appeal to Adult readers. This might be more suitable for 12-13yo. I was rather enjoying the first 12% but then it got tedious and repetitive and mixed with all that is mentioned ; just felt like a big fiasco.

Wow! Truly a remarkable beginning to what I hope will be a great trilogy. This sucked me in from the get go and I am honestly pretty shocked but thrilled at how much I enjoyed this.

I really enjoyed this first book in the series and am looking forward to reading the next book. The world building was detailed and really worth knowing.

"The Wind Weaver" sucked me in from the very beginning! This is a big book (500+ pages) but the author is an amazing storyteller; she set the perfect pace and kept me hooked the entire time. There are soooo many elements that I absolutely loved: enemies (maybe?) to more, epic adventures, new friends/found family, crazy battles, testing the limits, self discovery, and the perfect slow burn! Thankfully this is only book one in the Reign of Remnants series because as long as this book was it still wasn't enough! I need more!!!! If you love fantasy, romance, romantasy, medieval vibe, or a good slow burn then I highly recommend you check out this book!