I really wanted to like this book, but I have to DNF at 27%. When I read the description, saw that this was an indie author who loves historical fiction, I was sold! Unfortunately, I ultimately couldn’t follow along with the story..

Without Words is a historical fantasy about woman named Cassandra who loses her hearing after a man touches her.

The narrative felt abrupt and confusing. After Cassandra loses her hearing she travels to a coastal town with her aunt to heal. Within the first 25% of this book, the MMC falls for her (with very little dialogue to explain why?), her aunt suddenly passes under suspicious circumstances , she realizes she can detect witches and she makes the decision to team up with a witch hunter.

The story was so confusing when Cassandra woke to a knock at the door and respond “I hear you!” Didn’t Cassandra lose her hearing?

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to provide this honest review. I really wish I could have gotten though this one.

I adored this book and was bowled over when I read that the author used this novel to help her come to terms with her own hearing loss. Mae Thorn’s Without Words is a captivating and emotionally charged fantasy romance that explores themes of trust, identity, and the power of love in a world where magic and morality collide. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, this novel is a compelling journey of self-discovery and the choices that define us.

The story follows Cassandra Poole, a young woman who loses her hearing after an encounter with an alluring stranger in her family’s apothecary. Along with her hearing loss, Cassandra gains the ability to detect witches—a gift that comes with a heavy price. Desperate to find a cure, Cassandra turns to the witch hunter, Lord Lyme, even if it means betraying her own kind.

Niko Moore, the stranger with powerful empathic abilities, is determined to protect witches and their freedom. As he falls for Cassandra, he must confront the difficult choice of standing against her or betraying his fellow witches. Their growing attraction and conflicting loyalties create a tension-filled dynamic, forcing both characters to question their beliefs and the lengths they are willing to go for love and justice.

Thorn’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, capturing the emotional depth and moral complexity of Cassandra and Niko’s journey. The novel’s exploration of themes like trust, identity, and the cost of power is both poignant and thought-provoking. Cassandra’s struggle with her newfound abilities and her desire for a cure makes her a relatable and compelling protagonist, while Niko’s empathy and determination add depth to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Lord Lyme and the various witches Cassandra encounters, adds richness and tension to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, with each twist and turn heightening the emotional stakes and keeping readers engaged. Thorn’s prose is elegant and immersive, capturing the beauty and danger of the world with equal skill.

Without Words is a story of love and sacrifice, of the choices that define us and the power of trust. It’s a tale that will resonate with fans of fantasy romance and leave them reflecting on the true cost of power and the bonds that unite us. A perfect read for enjoyers of fantasy romance, stories of magic and morality, and narratives that explore themes of trust and identity.