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hanarama's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book at a Glance:
• Scottish-inspired setting
• Clan fueds
• Artisanal magic
• Elemental spirits
• CWs: kidnapping, death of a parent, chronic illness, injury detail, assault
It's been a decade since Jack Tamerlain left the island of Cadence to study music on the mainland. He's built a life in academia, working towards a professorship, when he's called home with an urgent message for help. Young girls are being kidnapped and Jack's music may be the key to finding them.
Returning to Cadence, he must work with his childhood rival and heiress of the Clan: Adaira. Now a steadfast leader, she will stop at nothing to protect her people. She hopes to establish peace with the Clan's ancestral rivals, but first must save the missing girls. Together, Jack and Adaira seek out the spirits of the island for guidance.
The overall mystery of what happened to the girls is fairly obvious from the get go. As is the mystery of Jack's father. However, this story is primarily character driven, and so the joy of this book comes primarily through the interactions between characters.
The narrative follows four main characters: Jack, Adaira, Torino (captain of the guard and Aidaira's cousin), and Sidra (Torin's wife). The interactions between these characters are full of emotion, joyous and painful. In particular, Torin and Sidra have a powerful relationship that is tested through the story, and they are forced into vulnerability. For the reader, Ross lays her characters bare and builds them up stronger. While there's no spice, Ross captures the complexities of relationships in a very adult way, making human connection feel as powerful as the island's magic.
The world building isn't particularly complex. I didn't realize that this wasn't a historical fantasy for a while. Places outside of Cadence are not really defined or named. And the island itself felt very small. With only a handful of side characters, and only one city marked on the map, the world can feel a bit empty at times.
However, Ross manages to establish a magic system that feels woven into everyday life. There is a marked effect on the people of Cadence, and the spirits are a part of everyone's lives. Ross' prose is rich and atmospheric, capturing the magic of the island and weaving in the emotions of her characters like an enchanted plaid.
• Scottish-inspired setting
• Clan fueds
• Artisanal magic
• Elemental spirits
• CWs: kidnapping, death of a parent, chronic illness, injury detail, assault
It's been a decade since Jack Tamerlain left the island of Cadence to study music on the mainland. He's built a life in academia, working towards a professorship, when he's called home with an urgent message for help. Young girls are being kidnapped and Jack's music may be the key to finding them.
Returning to Cadence, he must work with his childhood rival and heiress of the Clan: Adaira. Now a steadfast leader, she will stop at nothing to protect her people. She hopes to establish peace with the Clan's ancestral rivals, but first must save the missing girls. Together, Jack and Adaira seek out the spirits of the island for guidance.
The overall mystery of what happened to the girls is fairly obvious from the get go. As is the mystery of Jack's father. However, this story is primarily character driven, and so the joy of this book comes primarily through the interactions between characters.
The narrative follows four main characters: Jack, Adaira, Torino (captain of the guard and Aidaira's cousin), and Sidra (Torin's wife). The interactions between these characters are full of emotion, joyous and painful. In particular, Torin and Sidra have a powerful relationship that is tested through the story, and they are forced into vulnerability. For the reader, Ross lays her characters bare and builds them up stronger. While there's no spice, Ross captures the complexities of relationships in a very adult way, making human connection feel as powerful as the island's magic.
The world building isn't particularly complex. I didn't realize that this wasn't a historical fantasy for a while. Places outside of Cadence are not really defined or named. And the island itself felt very small. With only a handful of side characters, and only one city marked on the map, the world can feel a bit empty at times.
However, Ross manages to establish a magic system that feels woven into everyday life. There is a marked effect on the people of Cadence, and the spirits are a part of everyone's lives. Ross' prose is rich and atmospheric, capturing the magic of the island and weaving in the emotions of her characters like an enchanted plaid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, and Mental illness
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