This book was SUCH a ride!

I wasn't sure if I was going to love it as much as the first one, but I did and it actually exceeded my expectations. Sometimes second books in series suffer the dreaded "sophomore slump."

The world building in this novel was well-established and we got to know the characters more intimately, which is my favorite component of the series. The action was also done so well and I am a sucker for battle scenes in fantasy. Salvatore is a master at the craft of combat scenes!

Initially, I was frustrated. I'd gotten attached to the characters from Pinquickle's Folly, and expected to pick up with them again here. We don't get to see those characters until the very very end of this book. You have to go through character backstories, world building, and very little felt connected from book 1. RA Salvatore takes his time setting up thie books, and they always feel like a 3 star until the last third or so, where I become 110% invested with the story. I love the strong, badass FMC characters, the interesting types of magic, and the adventure type of fantasy we get. I will be continuing this series, and I think I'll enjoy the next book the most because I'll know where to set my expectations.

This book was SUCH a ride! I wasn't sure if I was going to love it as much as the first one, but I totally did! The world building was more established and the character development seemed to flow in a way that made it seem like each character was growing and coming into their own self. The action was done so well. And while I am not necessarily someone who loves action in such an intense way, it was very appropriate for the story. I really enjoyed this story and haven't read anything quite like it before.

This was amazing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free e-copy in exchange for a fair an honest review. I've been a big RA Salvatore fan for years, and have enjoyed this world, which is different from his Drizzt/DnD series, quite a bit. The books set in this world tend to have a bit more adult themes, will include more sex, though not be obscene, and spends time delving into what I think really intrigues the author and sets the author's work apart from others in the genre, where you get a sense of characters being introspective. There are big bad antagonists and conflict to drive the plot and the story was thrilling as always. I don't think this is best book with which to enter this world, though the first in the series could serve that purpose. Fans of the genre, Delilah Dawson fans, Paolini fans etc, will all like this series

When I started reading this book, I was looking forward to a sequel to Pinquickle’s Folly. And it was that, sort of… where PF was a tight stand alone, telling only enough of the history of the world as was necessary to establish the new characters all of which are set in Salvatore’s Demon Wars universe, The Witch of Whispervale is a linchpin novel. Much of the book ties into the “universe” and tells the story of previously established characters that had been “retired” or in some other way grew and evolved over the years as the events of the previous story and the fall out from the previous stories have played out. It took over twenty chapters before we even hear of a single character from Pinquickle’s Folly, but don’t let that stop you. They show up right when they need to and there is a satisfying scene and the stage is set for a proper combination of old cast and new in this epic tale of a land on the verge of being conquered.
I congratulate R.A. Salvatore for taking the time to knit these stories together in a manner that does justice to both sets of characters as well as the world you’ve detailed so well. Once again, I find myself looking forward to your next installment.

R.A. Salvatore has been writing long enough that he has a distinctive feel for his books, and this was a nice return to that. I hadn't read a Salvatore book in at least six months and I'd forgotten how much I like his worlds and his characters. The action, like always, is top-notch.

All in all, this was a fun, fast read from an author I grew up loving. Excited for more!

Unfortunately, The Witch of Whispervale didn’t quite work for me, and I ultimately decided not to finish it. While the premise was intriguing, I found the pacing slow and the narrative difficult to engage with. There were numerous character and place names introduced early on, which, without prior familiarity with the series, made it challenging to stay immersed in the story.

I recognize that this book is part of a larger interconnected series, and I believe that a more defined reading order could help clarify some of the complexities early on. A bit more guidance on how this installment fits into the broader narrative might enhance the overall reader experience. Readers already invested in the series may have a much smoother experience than I did. While this one wasn’t for me, I can see it finding an audience among those who enjoy deeply interconnected fantasy worlds.

As of right now, I won't be continuing the series. If in the future my thoughts on book one changes and I want to give it another try I will come back. As of right now this series simply is not for me.

The biggest takeaway from this book is the incredibly descriptive world that was built as I progressed through the story. The characters were so well written, and the plot line flowed effortlessly.

The Witch of Whispervale is well written and the characters relatable. I felt a big disconnect but as I’ve read other reviews this is book two in a series that has fairly large crossover in other books within this works so I really feel finding a reading order and sticking to that to get the most enjoyment out of this book and the series in general. As I said I snatched up this book thinking I’d only missed book one and felt I could blend right into the storyline. And you can but it would be a little less confusing up front not to do what I did lol. Setting all that aside it has an exciting world, original magic system and well developed characters.definitely worth the read and I do recommend it!

I really love reading books by this author and this has been just another time that I have enjoyed reading one of his books. I did read the previous book Pinquickle's Folly and enjoyed that one as well but didn't realize that I had books in this world of Corona before. This story takes after so history in this world and the ongoing story in this world. That's why some things felt like I was a little disconnected in way with what was going on in the first book and this one. I will be reading those at books at some point. The Witch of Whispervale is a proper good story that is bringing together so many elements of action, intrigue and just great storytelling. The characters have depth and are very likable for the most part. The ones you are supposed to like you like them and the ones you are supposed to hate you hate. I would say that I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and reading the books that preceded this one. Thanks again to Netgalley, the publishers and R. A. Salvatore for his continual great writing.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
Once again a winner! War returns to Corna- a last stand needs the most powerful witch. A hunter named Coyote is sent to find her as the new war begins!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Very slow, failed to keep my attention. Normally, with this writer I cannot put the book down. In this one, I struggled to finish it. I like the story, although it is a bit dark, but it seems to be dragging along.

The Witch of Whispervale is a gripping fantasy with vivid world-building, strong characters and an engaging plot. Salvatore expertly weaves action, depth and political intrigue, making it feel fresh despite its traditional fantasy elements. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.

Review: This installment went off the rails from Pinqwickles Folly which was a novel built on strong characters derived from a quest built story line. Whispervale was a slog through pages and pages of emotive drivel. There were so many confusing place/person names with a coupling of forced evil / good interactions that dragging your bleeding eyes from page to page became an exercise in page flipping to ease the pain.

We have genres for a reason. You like this and I like that. Easy? Nope. The granted ability to parse genres and focus our interests saves us a lot of time and subsequent frustration. This should have been labeled LBGTQETC. The wittle kids were all cutesy and sweet and skip around amidst the horror perpetrated against them. The boys are wiser than their years and stalwart in presentation. Yawn. Another big fail was Aoelyn and her constant self-pity parade and reluctant hero shtick.

The first novel was fantastic so I think perhaps the author tried too hard after the initial success. Every interaction seemed contrived and forced. The emotive embellishments were not needed as actions can speak volumes. The ending moves back towards the original story line of Pinquickles Folly which was good. I forced myself through this long-winded show but it was not easy.

I received this ARC for an honest review

2.4/5

Introduction

"The Witch of Whispervale" by R. A. Salvatore is not just a novel; it's an immersive journey into the depths of an enchanting, yet perilous world. Known for his epic storytelling and intricate world-building, Salvatore delivers another masterpiece with this addition to his bibliography. As a fan of one of my favorite authors, Brandon Sanderson, known for his complex cosmere, I can confidently say that Salvatore's new creation, Corona, rivals even the most detailed fantasy settings. Sanderson, Salvatore, and Abercrombie operate on a level distinctly above other fantasy authors.

Epic World-Building

R. A. Salvatore has long been celebrated for his ability to craft universes that feel both vast and intimately detailed. With "The Witch of Whispervale," he introduces us to Corona, a realm where magic and mystery intertwine with the everyday lives of its inhabitants. The world of Corona is a tapestry of diverse cultures, each with its own history, legends, and magic systems.

Geography:

Corona is described with breathtaking landscapes from the icy Whispervale to the fiery mountains of Draconia. Each locale not only serves as a backdrop but actively influences the plot and character development.
Magic and Myth: Magic in Corona isn't just a tool; it's a living force with its own rules and consequences. The witch of the title, Elara, navigates this world where magic can be as much a curse as a blessing, showcasing Salvatore's knack for creating nuanced magical systems.
Culture and Politics: The societies within Corona are rich with conflict and alliances, where political intrigue plays as significant a role as the battles fought with swords or spells. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, making every decision and alliance fraught with tension.

Characters and Plot

The story follows Elara, the titular witch, who is not only a figure of awe but also of deep vulnerability. Salvatore's character development here is exemplary, giving us a protagonist whose journey through personal and magical trials is compelling. The supporting cast, from the wise old mage Faren to the brash warrior Kael, each brings a unique perspective and depth to the narrative, enhancing the epic feel of the tale.

The plot weaves through themes of power, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness. Salvatore's narrative style keeps you on the edge, with twists that are both surprising and yet, in hindsight, inevitable given the rich setup of his world.

Ratings Breakdown

World-Building: 5/5 - Salvatore's Corona is as detailed and engaging as any world he has created, with its own mythology and magical lore that captivates from the first page.
Characters: 5/5 - Deep, flawed, and relatable, the characters drive the narrative with their personal journeys and interactions, much like the heroes in Brandon Sanderson's novels.
Plot: 5/5 - The storyline is intricate with a satisfying pace that balances action, introspection, and political maneuvering.
Writing Style: 5/5 - Salvatore's prose is both grand in scale and intimate in detail, making every scene vivid and every emotion palpable.
Originality: 5/5 - While drawing from traditional fantasy elements, Salvatore adds enough unique twists to make Corona feel fresh and exciting.

Conclusion

"The Witch of Whispervale" is not just another entry in R. A. Salvatore's prolific career; it's a testament to his mastery over the fantasy genre. Fans of epic tales, those who revel in the works of authors like Brandon Sanderson, will find much to love in this novel. Corona is a world of wonders, dangers, and deep stories, making this book a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast. Salvatore has once again proven why he is celebrated as one of the greats in fantasy literature, delivering a narrative that is both a thrilling adventure and a profound exploration of its characters and their world.

I've known about this author for decades but never read him before. What a mistake I made. This novel is a fantastic example of the fantasy genre. The world is well defined, the characters feel real in their drive and passion. The struggles in the book are real. You don't actually have to have read any prior books to understand and sink into this one. I'm sure it helps but for a new reader such as me, it is unnecessary. the novel opens with a hero, pregnant and alone running from the world on the brink of collapse. All that she worked for seems to be failing and all she wants is peace to raise her child. The Xoncai are invading in full and their supremacist's views mean all the other peoples in these lands are in grave danger. They seek an end to all gem-wielders and have the forces to enforce it with blood and war. Between an embattled church, a torn and powerless ranger and a mother seeking only peace will there be anyone with the power to challenge the golden warriors of the Xoncai? A fantastic read for all lovers of the genre and fans of the series. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ability to read this novel in advance.