I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was an really good read. I enjoyed the story and am hoping for more. This was a good read with really well written characters and good world building.

This book had a unique take on magic, amazing world-building and a fantastic plot. when it said perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Callie Hart, Rebecca Yarros and Jennifer L Armentrout., it was spot on.

"Whisper of War and Storms" by C.L. Mecca offers an engaging fantasy adventure filled with intrigue and magic. The novel's rich world-building and complex plotlines draw readers into a realm where conflicts brew and alliances are tested.

Mecca's strength lies in her ability to craft compelling characters and weave intricate relationships that add depth to the story. The narrative is well-paced, though occasionally predictable, and the blend of action and emotional stakes keeps the reader invested.

While some elements may feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, "Whisper of War and Storms" stands out with its vivid setting and strong character arcs.

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

Your destiny is waiting. Mevlida & her best friend Clara are visiting York to find out what happened to her mother all those years ago. She has tried talking to her mother but it never ends well. Will she be able to find out the truth? She doesn’t really believe the pub owner but she takes the chance and steps through the door.
Prince Karl can’t believe that someone has come through the gate after all this time and he knows that the person will be in danger. He wasn’t expecting Mev to step through. She knows that she has to pretend to be someone else as she fears this man that has taken her.
Kael realises that he needs to stay away from her as she is the lost princess and they are sworn enemies.
But can they fight this attraction or is it too late?
Great characters and storyline. The main characters Mev & Kael suit each other as they are both fiercely protective of the ones that they love & they will fight to be together.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.

The reader follows Mev who is a long lost princess of another world and she's trying to find her footing in this new world after falling through a portal. She encounters friends, foes and even love throughout this book.

I personally felt like this book had a lot of potential in terms of the world building, plot and even characters because the world building was beautiful, the plot was understandable and the characters were very likeable. I enjoyed reading about the differences between Earth and the other world which makes it interesting.

However, the romance in this book felt very rushed. I didn't feel any chemistry with the fmc and mmc and I do admit that the pacing of this book was rather slow. I grew rather bored when the 60% mark had hit and nothing much was happening and even when things were happening, it resolved so quickly that it didn't seem to be a problem or an issue. There wasn't any climax in this book, nothing that makes me want to read it faster.

It's an enjoyable read if you want something light and a story that is short and kind of instalove between the characters.

C.L. Mecca’s Whisper of War and Storms is a riveting tale of love, loyalty, and the devastating cost of war, set in a richly woven fantasy world brimming with intrigue. Demonstrating a clear flair for character-driven narratives, Mecca delivers a story that kept me turning the pages long into the night (I was definitely still gripped at 3am)!

The novel introduces us to Elena, a fierce warrior haunted by a dark prophecy, and Kael, a brooding mage struggling with the limits of his power. Together, they form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind an ancient war threatening to resurface. The chemistry between them is electric, their banter sharp and laced with hidden vulnerability. As they navigate political betrayals, battles against otherworldly creatures, and their own inner demons, the stakes grow impossibly high.

Mecca’s world-building shines, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into storm-ravaged cities and enchanted forests. The pacing is dynamic, with moments of introspection balancing the pulse-pounding action. One of the book’s highlights is its exploration of moral ambiguity - heroes and villains blur, leaving you questioning what "victory" truly means.

One of the standout moments occurs during the climactic battle, as Elena reflects “We were not born for peace, nor forged in it. War is the storm that shapes us, the fire that burns away what we were too afraid to let go.” This line encapsulates the book’s somber tone and its meditation on sacrifice and resilience.

The only drawback is that some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, leaving a few subplots unresolved. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from the story’s impact overall.

Whisper of War and Storms is a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy and poignant romance. It’s a tale that lingers, and has left me eager for the next instalment in what is sure to be a gripping saga!

This was a really good start to a series. Lots of world building and background of political landscapes. Good character development and introductions on the group dynamics. I loved that even though Mev is completely out of her familiar element, she's just embracing everything and going with it to learn as much as she can.

Kael is an interesting character. We don't know his motivations right away and then when we think we do theres a twist! The two of them being together though and learning about each other and how they work was a really great thing to see unfold.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Seeing that this was on the shorter side resolved some of the issues I struggled with. I think this would probably be a great fit for someone who wants a lighter fantasy. The magic system was pretty cool and I would have loved to have seen more from it. It felt a little instalove to me and I would have liked to see their relationship build up more.

Step into a dual-perspective tale where an immortal prince from a magic-infused alternate world crosses paths with a determined woman from Earth, both searching for answers in their intertwined destinies. This elemental fantasy romance offers a light, entertaining read, earning a 3.2/5 ⭐️ from me.

While the dialogue occasionally veers into cheesy territory, pulling readers out of the immersion, the story’s foundation holds promise. The world-building teases an intriguing backdrop, though it could benefit from more depth and subtlety to truly captivate. There’s a tendency to “tell” rather than let the narrative organically unfold, which might leave some readers wanting more vivid descriptions.

The characters are likable enough to root for, but their development feels underexplored. More inner dialogue and richer relationship-building would elevate their arcs and deepen emotional connections.

Overall, this is a light, enjoyable read for fantasy romance fans seeking a casual escape. If you enjoy worlds filled with magic and budding romance, this one’s worth a look—keep in mind it’s more of a snack than a full-course meal.

This was an honest review, sponsored advanced reader copy through NetGalley.

A great introduction to a series. World building is great but not overly complicated and the characters have room to grow and I love the dual POV

I really liked the flow of this book. I haven’t read many with dual POV like that. It made me feel like I could really get to know the characters. The world building was great and I really liked the elemental magic system. While there was tension and build up between the two main characters, I wish it was a little more intense and drawn out. She was certain he was going to kill her, but easily fell asleep at night in the same camp/room, etc. She just accepted her fate of not getting away and that was that. I mean it’s smart, I wouldn’t wanna push my luck if that was real life, but since this is a story, I would have liked her to maybe try to escape at least once. And the ending did seem a bit rushed as well.

HOWEVER, I really liked the story and I am excited to read the next one. Kael character arc was really great, I think he is so great. I feel this story can go in many different directions. This was a very fun read and I am thankful I got to be an arc!

The only clue that Mevlinda has as to who her father is is a photo of her mother outside an English pub. When she goes looking for answers, she finds that she is a missing princess in another world on the brink of civil war.

I have read a lot of romantasy recently with incredibly complex worlds, and I really appreciate how clear Mecca made the world of Elydor and its elemental magic. At no time was I lost about where we were and what the stakes were for Mevlinda and Kael.

I also really enjoyed Kael's journey as a character - someone who unthinkingly holds prejudices and acts on them to someone who is more thoughtful about how he relates to others. Often MCs in fantasy books are guiding others to believe in equality, and I really appreciated that Kael did have some learning and growing to do and we were able to see that journey on page.

Finally, this book has great side characters: the bond of Lyra as Mevlinda's mentor, the mysterious human Rowan and the complicated relationship of Kael and his brother (twin?) Terran really drew me in and I'm excited to see more in the next book in the series. I will definitely be reading the next book.

A good start to what is set to be a epic romantsy series. I enjoyed the mediaeval aspect but feel like the plot was missing something. The characters were interesting and I feel like I need to know more about them to get the full picture.

Whisper of War and Storms is a quick read - I read it in a few hours.

Our two main characters are engaging and quite fun, but because the story is so quick, some of the elements of their developing relationship are far too rushed. The enemies-to-lover element is never fully developed. Maybe they don't like each other, or maybe they do - the depths of the potential hatred aren't fully explored and the story really does rely on both of them being far from honest with one another. In that, it feels quite like a Regency Romance.

That said, the storyline and backstory have a lovely Narnia feel, and I very much enjoyed the world-building and how the author has set up the story for subsequent books in what I assume will be a long-running series.

A fun and engaging read.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

Review: Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca
Rating: 3.5/5

Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca is a solid start to what feels like an epic romantasy series. The story drops us into the magical kingdom of Aetheria, where Mevlida Brennan, a seemingly ordinary woman, learns she’s actually a long-lost princess. From there, we’re swept into a world of political intrigue, elemental magic, and a sizzling (if a little rushed) romance with Kael, the brooding son of a powerful king.

The world-building is lush, and the premise is intriguing. There’s so much potential here for a story full of epic twists and turns. Mevlida and Kael’s dynamic has some great moments—there’s humor, chemistry, and a bit of edge that romantasy fans will enjoy.

That said, the pacing is where I struggled a bit. The romance, while enjoyable, develops way too fast. One moment Mevlida knows nothing about Aetheria or her place in it, and the next, she and Kael are flirting and joking about their future. Given the captive-captor setup, the “I love yous” and marriage talk came way too quickly. I would’ve loved to see their relationship evolve more naturally.

Additionally, the book doesn’t quite have a big, climactic moment—it feels like it’s setting the stage for something grander in book two. That’s not necessarily bad, but if you’re looking for major twists or epic battles right away, you might feel a little let down.

Overall, Whisper of War and Storms has a lot to offer for fans of romantasy who enjoy steamy tension and intricate world-building. While it didn’t completely hit the mark for me, I’m curious to see where the series goes next!

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC.

This was an interesting first novel for a saga, but unfortunately did not draw me in as much as I had hoped. I wish the magic system had been more fleshed out as this is always the most fascinating part of any fantasy novel for me!
I enjoyed the inclusion of York and the interwoven medieval history.