4.5 Stars
When a forgotten ring reveals Mevlida Brennan’s true heritage as the long-lost princess of Aetheria, a kingdom of immortals and magic, her world is turned upside down. Thrust into a realm on the brink of war, Mev is caught between her newfound legacy and a dangerous political game. A powerful king holds the key to restoring the ancient portal that connects their realms, but his son, Kael, stands in her way. Brooding, relentless, and dangerously irresistible, Kael is sworn to protect his people—even if it means kidnapping Mev to keep her from uncovering the truth.
A new series & a genre I don’t usually read but I love the author’s books so gave it a try & I wasn’t disappointed. Well written with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Mev & Kael, the chemistry between them sizzled even though they should be sworn enemies. I was drawn in from the start when Mev travelled to York to try to find out what had happened to her mother – she certainly got more than she bargained for! I’m now eagerly awaiting the next instalment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

It was okay. But it didn’t feel very romantasy for most of the book. It felt like it was written for a younger reader (except for the last 25%). The last part of the book is basically when everything happened, I wish it had been spread throughout so that the first 75% would’ve been more interesting.

Whisper of War and Storms is the first book that I have read by this author. I loved getting to know Mev and Kael and their friends/ acquaintances. I liked witnessing the chemistry between Kael and Mev grow and watching friendships develop along the way as well. I love the overall storyline and the characters, but the execution is a bit lacking. I would love to read what happens next. I just wish the writing was on par with the great storyline and memorable characters, so that we all could have read a great story instead of just a good one. The pieces are there for a great fantasy, it just needs a little more help crafting it into one.

i was at an event with my local library, and CL was there and started talking about this book. i knew it sounded like it was right up my alley and i was right. i loved that it was a fully developed fantasy book with good world building, but it was short and SO EASY TO FOLLOW. i loved the blend of modern world and slang and how that was incorporated into the world in a way that made sense. i liked how CL was able to bring some of her medieval and romance styles to the book as well. the story was so captivating, easy to follow (i know i already said that), and complete without dragging on and excessively long. i cannot wait to see how the rest of the series develops!!

Really enjoyed this. Really liked the different kingdoms and the separate realms. Characters were easy to love which I found made it more gripping.

Thank you C. L. Mecca, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

A cozy fantasy that would make a good in between book.
I feel that with a little more character development and making it more challenging for the main character would make this book one to remember.
The world building takes up majority so you have a great context of the world and its history I just wish it had more connected to her coming into her powers instead of almost instantly getting it.
Ultimately wonderful building blocks, it just needed more pages.

Whisper of War and Storms is a new portal romantasy, setting out as a book with vibes similar to those of Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses, with a fresh, original take on the genre.

Before i get into a detailed review, I will say I hate giving low ratings to books, because I know how much work lies in not just the writing, but also the publishing process.
However, in giving an honest review I have to be, well, honest. And the matter of fact is that this book was extremely poorly written.

But let me point out the good things first.
I really like the premise of this book. The idea is original, and with so many similar romantasy storylines out there, a portal romantasy like this feels like a fresh take. I think Elydor is an interesting world, and I like the idea of it and the magic system as well as the political intrigues.
In fact, I really like the overall idea of the book, and that’s the reason I requested it to start with.
A good idea alone, however, doesn’t make a good book. The writing is just as important - if not more. So let’s delve into the writing style, shall we?

Overall, the writing style of this book is sloppy. It is telling and the language is extremely passive, to the point where the book gets confusing time and time again, despite the fact that nothing is left for the reader to reflect upon themself.
Descriptions are minimal and it is difficult to get an idea of what is happening in the scenes, as most actions aren’t described. Time and time again Kael or Mev will say something and we’ll hear the other’s thoughts pointing out the exact thing every reader should be able to pick up between the lines. Sometimes the characters will be in the middle of a conversation and suddenly a character will think and ponder about something completely unrelated and then they’re on a horse.
I did like the fact, that the characters needed to relieve themselves from time to time. We don’t see that much in books. Though, if I’m being honest, maybe this book reached the ‘too much’ mark for mentioning pee-breaks.

In general, the book reads like a messy first draft, which is sad, because a thorough round of edits to make the writing more active and more showing, and this story would really be something up there!
The potential is there, but the writing style drags it down to a point where I really struggled to get through the book.

Overall 1/5. If you want to compare your book to bestsellers such as Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, you should have a product that can handle that comparison. And given the writing style in this book, that’s not the case here.

With that out of the way, I’ll say this. The idea is there. The world is there. The characters are there. I hope the author realizes that, and then takes the time to practice and improve her writing, because an idea as good as this one deserves a book worthy of it.

A solid fats paced fantasy read!

Thank you netgallery, Boldwood Books and C.L. Mecca for an e arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.

This book was compared to some pretty heavy hitters but I went into this with zero expectations and came out pleasantly surprised had I maybe gone into it as a comp to the other big romantasy names the rating would have changed.

Though the story is quick to jump into the action and plot I found myself hunting for just a little more. More from the characters and more from the world building. I love the idea of elemental magic and she did a great job of guiding us through clearly and at no point was I confused with the with the worldbuilding.

I loved Kael and Mev's relationship and am a sucker for a dual POV! Their banter had me giggling and I found myself wishing the tension was drawn out a bit longer I am a sucker for a slow burn and it seemed like they fell pretty fast. The ending though sets the stage for the next book and excited to see where this one goes. Over all a very solid start to this series!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in February. If branded as spicy, I'm expecting spice not just some salt and pepper. Otherwise it was really good! It has some really nice build up romance story and I enjoyed the world building. Not too complicated and easy to visualise. Very nice easy read.

This has become one of my top reads of this year already! Everything I crave in a fantasy romance, I can't wait for the next book, like seriously I can't I need it now! The characters were *chefs kiss*

A lost princess. A forbidden love. A destiny she never knew awaited her. This author’s books have the ability to simultaneously make you unable to stop reading while wishing you could bury the book somewhere deep underground where it can't be found. Compelling and didn’t want it to end!

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege to read an ARC for this book!

I honestly don't know what to say, I dont think I can truly convey how much I fell in love with this book. I was not expecting to fall for this like I did but oh boy did! I laughed, I worried and I loved! Yes things happen very very fast in this book (including all relationships) but it's a rush, a breathe of fresh air from somethings I've been reading lately! There is a great story here, great and really interesting characters, so much love, and a dual pov that actually works! Both sides were don't fantastically! I have never once ever said this in my long time of reading but Kael is book boyfriend material most definitely!!

I have honestly not felt as happy and light as I felt reading this in a very long while. I know I make it sound like this is some silly read, it's really not. It is serious it makes you feel like you're right there along with them. You will fall in love with the description of this world, you will love all of these characters, laugh with them and you will want them safe and happy!

I can't wait until this releases so I can bring it home! This is a forever book for me, and there better be more because I need so much more from these characters and this world!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to read this book! I really needed it this in my life!

I so enjoyed this book! I am looking forward to owning a hard copy of this to have on my shelf. The entire book I was rooting for Kael to make the right choice. I’m sad I have to wait to see what comes next in the story but I will be waiting with anticipation!

This was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from the fantasy romance perfectly, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I was invested in what was happening with the characters and what was going on in this world. C.L. Mecca wrote this perfectly and thought the overall feel worked together in this. I hope there is more in this series as this was really well done.

Magical Realms, Family History, Imagination Abound:
This story is a new genre for me, and I was tempted to try something different which this story is very different.
The story is quite involved with Mev searching for her past without much information to go on
The large cast of characters who have many different magical abilities is quite interesting with beings from different clans, no humans allowed. What did you say? How could that be?
To me it is what I would call a time travel fantasy where Mev the heroine discovers who she really is and falls for Prince Kael.
It took me to different realms filled with magic and creatures beyond my imagination for sure.
The romance is sweet with some budding desire a long with some turmoil they needed to overcome
Definitely a fantasy. I enjoyed the imagination it takes to write something like this story.
Book Rating 3.8 rounded up to 4 stars.

The writing was great! I love when authors give you the background to the characters. Dual POV which is always nice to get to see into both the FMC and MMC minds, and I love the relationship between the two. Mev does seem to be a little too trusting very quickly though, and Kael seemed to fall very hard very fast.The world building was great and their magic system is unique which is refreshing as well. This does end in a cliffhanger which definitely has me excited for the next book!

Whisper of War and Storms
C.L. Mecca

Mevlida Brennan decides to take a trip with her friend bringing along an old photo. A picture of Mev's Mother when pregnant with Mev in front of an unknown Pub in the UK. Her mother has no memories of that time so can't tell her anything, but when a forgotten sapphire ring unlocks a long ago closed portal to another existence she finds out that she is Princess Mevlida of Aetheria. This is a kingdom of immortals and magic. There is only one problem -Mev has no idea she was missing.

Kael also a prince happens to be there when Mev comes through the portal and immediately kidnaps her as it's his father who sealed the portal after sending the pregnant Queen through the portal against her wishes.
As time goes on Kael starts to realize that he is developing strong feelings for Mev, and he realizes that all he wants is to get her to her father the king safely.

C.L. Mecca just took my world and dumped it upside down. I should have realized that this author could write in any genre she chooses. This book just blew my mind and left me feeling like I'm soaring through the air with happiness. This is one gifted author. This book took me through a gauntlet of emotions. And the secrets, wow! I didn't even see these coming. There are secrets everywhere in this book. The magic was unparalleled. I was so amazed at the magic powers everyone seemed to have and they were so perfectly different for them all. All in all of you enjoy magic, fantasy, romance, paranormal things, immortals, humans, and all with a nod to long ago times then this is the book for you. Well done Ms. Mecca, I tilt my head in appreciation to you.

Magic and romance blend into amazing world building by this new fantasy romance by CL Mecca! I found it to be a quicker read, but still packing an amazing story within. I felt a connection most to Mev and watching her find her path in a brand new world to find her true path. Interested in seeing more from this author!

Whispers of War and Storms is an enchanting tale of elemental magic, political intrigue, and a reluctant heroine thrust into a world of immortals and secrets. Mevlida Brennan’s discovery of her true heritage as the long-lost princess of Aetheria sets the stage for a story filled with twists, danger, and the weight of destiny.

Kael, the brooding and relentless protector of his people, brings a delicious mix of tension and complexity to the story. His chemistry with Mev is laced with distrust and undeniable attraction, making their dynamic a highlight of the book.

While the world-building was intriguing, it felt a bit underdeveloped in places, leaving me wanting more depth and exploration of Aetheria and its magic. However, this lighter approach to fantasy makes it a great introduction for readers new to the genre or those seeking an easy, enjoyable read. I definitely can't wait to read more.

This was a pretty fast-paced romantasy read. I feel it is perfect for readers who want a lighter shorter read. I really enjoyed how clear the world-building was and the explanations of elemental magic. The FMC Mev and the MMC Kael were both pretty likeable. Though they were likeable, I didn't feel the ‘pull’ to them as much but it could have been the slight insta-love/insta-lust. There is political drama and at points if felt rushed. It probably has to do with being under 300 pages.

Regardless, the story was pretty entertaining.

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.