The writing and pacing were not holding my attention very well. I felt I had to force myself to get through this guy.

This is the second book in The Four Winds series and I enjoyed this even more than the first one. The characters were even more flawed and interesting than in The North Wind. Brielle was such an interesting character dealing with the equivalent of catholic guilt while being curious and wanting to know more of the world outside of the abbey.

The character growth seen in both Brielle and Zephyrus was very well done. There is a lot of gradual growth, some backsliding that felt natural, and then a resurgence of growth. The plot line of how the Under was powered and how involved both the abbey and Zephyrus were involved certainly gets pretty dark and I love that despite that, the overall vibes of the book were not so dark.

If you love mythology retellings and romantasy, you’ll want to pick this one up! It can be read as a standalone, but does feature mentions of characters from The North Wind and an appearance from the brother in the next book, The South Wind.

Thank you to @sagapressbooks for the ARC and finished copies. All thoughts are my own.

I debated giving this four stars instead of five, but after marinating on the story, I ultimately decided it was worth the extra star.

The story started off well enough, mysterious stranger in need of help, but then it lagged for a good chuck, maybe about 25%. The plot for this section (at the abbey) was unbalanced pace-wise compared to the rest of the story. It was really difficult to want to continue reading. It’s like the reluctance and stubbornness was a little too prominent.

Once they started on their quest, the character development of all the characters was amazing. That’s my favorite part of a story, seeing characters realistically change and grow. Fantastic. The relationships were so organic and believable. I genuinely cared about them. Slow burn romance at its finest.

While I knew this was loosely based on current mythology (if mythology can ever be called current) it was so well done that I didn’t ever feel like I was reading a retelling. The names of the wind brothers felt familiar, but that was it, the rest of the story never seemed regurgitated or refurbished, it seemed like a wholly original tale.

I haven’t read the other books in the series yet, but now I can say I am definitely looking forward to it.

The West Wind:⁣
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Thank you so much @sagapressbooks #SagaSaysCrew @simon.audio #simonaudio for my gifted copy!⁣
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Me after reading The North Wind: “There’s no way Alexandria Warwick is going to make me like Zephyrus” ⁣
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Me after reading The West Wind: “I love you Zephyrus!” ⁣
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Honestly, he turned it around in the second book and had me really rooting for him. I really was intrigued my Brielle. Yeah, she was kind of bland, but she was so heavily rooted in her religion, I was fascinated by her ideology and how she was going transform into this love interest.⁣
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Audio is amazing. Carlotta Brentan can do no wrong. I really enjoyed her interpretation. I felt like I wouldn’t have gotten through it without her narration and storytelling. She always captures me and I remember looking up and realizing, “wow I listened to this for 4 hours already?” ⁣
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Anywho, books can be read as stand-alone, but where’s the fun in that? North & West are out, but South releases this month!

A dark, reimagined tale of forbidden love, inspired by the Greek myth of Hero and Leander and the Scottish ballad, Tam Lin. (Tam Lin… 👀 May or may not have sold me! 🤣)

This gave everything a fantasy romance is meant to.
Sign me up for all four!

West Wind by Alexandria Warwick

If you love a fantasy romance with a heroine who does not wait around for someone to rescue her, let me introduce you to Brielle. She’s tough, no-nonsense, and perfectly capable of saving herself, and that alone had me hooked. This book had some great world-building, a smoldering undercurrent of romance between Brielle and Zephyur, and enough emotional stakes to keep me turning the pages. I did find the pacing to challenge me...it felt a bit disjointed at times, but it didn't impact my overall enjoyment of the book, I used it as an opportunity to take reading breaks.

Did this book blow my mind? No.
Did I enjoy the journey and root hard for Brielle? Absolutely.
Sometimes a solid, satisfying fantasy romance with a strong heroine is exactly what I need.

Vibes:

Strong, independent FMC
Elemental magic vibes
Enemies to reluctant allies (you know the type...)
Slow-burning tension
Dark, slightly haunting fantasy world

Would I recommend it?
Yep! Especially to readers who love character-driven fantasy romance with capable leads and emotional grit. It’s not super spicy or overly complex, but it delivers where it counts. Brielle is a standout, and I’ll absolutely keep reading on to South Wind.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster, Saga Press, and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review.

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.

I actually loved the North Wind, but the sequel wasn't really for me. I loved aspects of it, but the religion overhead, pacing issues, and a really lackluster ending kind of overshadowed the cool worldbuilding and mythology.

I loved The North Wind and was so excited to receive the second book in this series! It is a beautifully crafted fantasy romance that pulls you into a world of Greek mythology and breathtaking landscapes. The story follows Brielle, a dedicated novitiate, and Zephyrus, the mysterious West Wind, as they embark on a journey through a new realm.

Warwick’s world building is nothing short of immersive. The descriptions of the realms are so vivid, you can almost feel the wind on your face and hear the whispers of the gods. The characters, particularly Brielle and Zephyrus, are well developed and relatable, making their journey feel personal and engaging. The slow burn romance between them is filled with tension and heartfelt moments that kept me hooked throughout.

Though the pacing can be a bit slow at times, the emotional depth and the rich world building more than make up for it. The West Wind is a perfect pick for anyone who loves a good blend of romance and fantasy, with a plot that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Much like the first book in the series, despite it's length, the way the chapters are paced makes it an utterly addictive read.

In one sitting I hit the 25% of the way through mark without ever feeling a touch of boredom. Warwick is one of the best romantasy writers I have encountered when it comes to pacing and moving along a narrative.

It's core relationship dynamic makes the more intimate scenes have plot and character relevance so they feel not like an interruption from the plot but rather integral to it.

This is a must read for any romantasy enjoyers who prefer worldbuilding and love a good forbidden dynamic.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

The West Wind is a beautiful work of romantasy, perfectly blending the love story of a romance with the world building of a fantasy. Brielle works tirelessly in the service of her faith,devoted to the holy order that took her in when she was abandoned by her mother. Zephyrus, one of the immortal Four Winds, has lived only for himself. Together, they could be stronger than either alone….or they could destroy each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC!

Couple of focusing facts. While I do own 'The North Wind' (Book One), I have not read it. So my review is based upon the understanding that I am aware that more of Zephyrus' past is described in Boreas' tale and I went in blind. In truth, I find myself questioning how Boreas' story ends given the ending for Zephyrus and Brielle. That was an unexpected surprise and truthfully Zephryus was shortchanged. Maybe a more in-depth epilogue to assuage his change in circumstances would not have gone amiss.

I was apprehensive about this story given Brielle's occupation (?). Having been raised within the Christian religion, I have fought quite often to undo the stigma organized religion has placed on romantic relationships. I was excited to see how the author handled these more delicate elements. I loved the author's prioritization of Brielle' growth in her relationship with herself. This seems to have been the main vehicle to overcome the stigma. However, I will say sexual tension might have had more of an impact on this reconciliation. Brielle does learn to recognize her boundaries and to question if they were her limits or limits set upon her by others.

As I mentioned, this story had a more sensitive storyline given it's a romance between the faithful and the god of another realm. I was looking for a more outright discussion regarding the hypocrisy the deeply faithful have to navigate. There is a scene where Zephyrus is explaining the Fair Folks' Gods and Brielle lashes out: "The thought of offering anything to a god other than the Father sits like an abrasion upon my skin". I was prepared for a conflict around the small mindedness of organized religion or even a narrative on how to broaden one's view to understand people seek comfort and faith in what is around them, and that act is what unifies them. Instead, it felt quickly brushed over. This pestered me, as Brielle's faith and her relationship with the abbey and the Father are steadfast themes in the book. I felt the story owed the reader a more candid discussion and resolution.

Overall, I did enjoy the book and I felt like it sucked me in. Whether that was because of the expectations I had for the story or from the story itself -- I'll need a reread to decide. The book has very mild spicy scenes leading up to a more intentional encounter...which was shrouded in cliche... Nonetheless, the bad boy redemption trope calls to us all.

First, a big thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC of Alexandria Warwick’s novel “West Wind" – “From the author of The North Wind comes a darkly reimagined tale of forbidden love, inspired by the Greek myth of hero and Leander and the Scottish ballad Tam Lin.”

I have been looking forward to this book since I read The North Wind and I was excited to give it a go. The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick is a dark and enchanting tale that transports readers to the world of the Under where our main character Brielle of Thornbrook risks everything to save a god, Zephyrus, the West Wind, Bringer of Spring.

After reading The North Wind, I was eager to learn more about Zephyrus' story and if there was any hope for his redemption - I love a solid redemption arc. I thoroughly enjoyed all the twists and turns that kept the plot moving. I felt the author did a wonderful job weaving together elements of fantasy, adventure, and several moments of romance. Warwick's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Under bring the setting to life, making it easy to get lost in the story.

Each character is well developed and had a unique voice. I did find myself struggling with Brielle's character a bit at times. She has dedicated her life to the abbey and her faith, yet her heart is being pulled towards Zephyrus, leading her to question all she's known. So many times throughout the story, Brielle reminded me of the type of friend who keeps returning to the guy who can't be trusted. She continues to risk everything for him and do everything for him, knowing his past and present proves he's wrong for her. That doesn't usually work out well for women in the real world. But that is who Brielle is for everyone at the abbey as well. She gives and gives. And yet they have also mistreated her over the years. This is definitely one of those things that annoyed me a bit about this story and felt it could have been done slightly differently.

With that being said, the protagonist's journey in The West Wind is thrilling, emotionally resonant, and transformative, keeping me engaged from start to finish with only very few moments where it feels a little slow. Warwick keeps Brielle's heart kind while transforming her into a formidable woman who is capable of standing independently and making her choices. Which I absolutely adore.
This book does have several references to The North Wind, and can be read as a stand-alone. Warwick also introduces the third brother, Notus, the South Wind.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's about growth, sacrifice for others, having faith in something greater than yourself while not losing yourself, and understanding that you are not the sum of your past. I definitely appreciate this story and am so happy to have gotten the chance to read it.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to SAGA press and NetGalley for this ARC. When I cracked open The West Wind, I was NOT in the mood to continue this series. The first book? In a word: Painful. But then came this little redemption arc of Zephyrus, and let me tell you—it pleasantly surprised me. Zephyrus, our delightful hot mess of a wind god, had "giant redemption arc" written all over him from the start. Out of his brothers, he’s the classic screw-up, and I was a little interested in how Warwick was going to save him, considering he was The Worst!

Warwick, being Warwick, stayed true to her vibe of weaving old myths into her stories. This time, she utilized the heartbreak of Hero and Leander, sprinkled with a touch of Tam Lin. And then, we meet Brielle. Ah, sweet, faith-holding Brielle! She was as refreshing pure hearted character, that did not throw judgements in people's faces and held her faith close. What's even better is she had also had an arc into a badass!

Now, don’t get me wrong—there were moments I wanted to scream, “Girl, get a backbone!” because there's nothing I hate more than a spineless character. But just like Zephyrus, our girl evolved, and by the end, she was shining.

Did the story drag a little? Sure. But compared to the first book, this one was a breeze. Pro tip: You can totally read these as standalones, so maybe skip The North Wind and head straight here.

Final thoughts? Zephyrus and Brielle earn a solid 3 stars.

This was an incredible fantasy read!! I loved the continuation of the series and being back in the world

Initial thoughts having just finished this book - wow, that was some tidy ending. I almost didn't expect things to end so neatly. I really expected the West Wind as a man to have the least satisfying ending given what a despicable person he is throughout books 1 and 2. I think she went on a tangent in a very OUABH way with the ending and I wish it had been executed differently but ended with the same epilogue..

The journey is windy, unsettling, familiar, wound opening for me. Let's break this book down to give you readers an idea of what to expect and see if you'll enjoy the ride as much as I did.

Alexandra writes stories based strongly on Ancient Greek Mythology. There will be direct parallels and sometimes divergences from the ancient stories but more or less these are retellings in a romantic(ish) fantasy setting. In this particular book, the romance is the subplot. if you are looking for the romantic subplot I will summarize below under the [SPOILER] section. The primary plot and story is Brielle finding her true calling is the main plot and finding love along the way is the secondary plot. That’s the summary of the book as it’s told.

The first part of the book Brielle challenges herself to find out why she is always passed up to ascend to acolyte. Rather than ask Mother Mabel she allows this dude she finds in the woods one breaths away from death to take her to Under while he takes care of an errand. While there she encounters things that challenge the very essence of everything she lived and believed in. Thus we segue into the challenges of the book.

Alexandra is going to challenge you, the reader on a few different fronts:
- Challenges inflexibility with respect to Brielle and her spectrum coded behaviors and thoughts
-- Under is the rule less place to challenge Brielle and her regulated, rule based life.
- Challenges faith and faith based thinking with the Brielle/Harper relationship, and Mother Mabel
- Challenges boundaries in that Brielle has her own way of expressing her boundaries that rubs against the West Wind's need for clarity
- Challenges insularity/faith based ignorance via the whole Abbey/cloister and Brielle's ignorance to the outside world/thoughts/history

If you're from a Catholic, Mormon, JW or similar background there may be some somatic responses to reading parts I+II. I know for me there were. Alexandra places a big focus on her character's somatic response aka their body's reaction to emotion. Her description of Harper or perhaps a metaphor for Harpies, was interesting. Very rarely have I related to but also disliked a character so much. Harper's role as Brielle's devil's advocate was clever but done so well that man I just wanted to rip out every page with her name and shred them. Moving onto the romantic subplot as the main plot below

[SPOILERS] But the book with the romance as the primary plot is such:
Thornbrook has had a contract with Under where they paid a blood tithe to the Orchid King because he was using the Under’s power. West wind and Brielle work together to undo that in order to find peace for all of Caterhaugh and for themselves.
Also can we talk about how Alexandra murders us with the last chapter and then revives us with the epilogue. 💀😮[SPOILER END]

Overall yes I would recommend this but with trauma wound trigger warnings. This book REALLY dives into some therapy topics and it's not for everyone. Brielle is also strongly autism spectrum coded will bother a lot you and make you realize just how many of us are in plain sight. West Wind is also painfully similar to Jacks but perhaps even worse and if you've gone through the emotional horror story that is the OUBH trilogy then get ready to read it ALL OVER AGAIN even with APOLLO but in one short 400 page book. I mean there is so much going against this book and yet here I am 2 days later, panting, and telling you to be prepared. There was also the adorable Lissi, the raspberry tarts, the rose orb, the oasis. So many sweet memories from this book. It's so sweet once you embrace the vulnerability

3⭐/ 2.5🌶️

After Zephyrus got his butt kicked at the end of The North Wind, I was very excited to see what happened to him and learn a bit more of his story and motivations.

As much as I enjoyed book one, this one was not as enjoyable for me. I can fully admit that this was definitely a "It was me, not you" situation though. I had a hard time relating to or empathizing with Brielle's character because of her meekness and blind religious following. However, I can appreciate her growth by the end and turning toward a path that was more in line with her beliefs as she experienced new things and knowledge.

The overall story was good. The Mother Mabel was a great 2nd villain in her twisted view on protection and revenge. Zephyrus's back story coming to light was nice and his change and growth despite the "gods don't change" mentality was fun to watch.

One issue that I had (once again this is a "it's me, not you" thing) was the constant piousness toward the Father and the vows. I'm not a religious person and for the first 50% of the book I was wondering if I tumbled into an alt-Christian story which was a completely different vibe from the first book.

It was a good read, but not one I'm going to be thinking about for months to come.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley but this review reflects my honest opinion.

I generally give 2 stars minimum for a book I didn't abandon mid-page, more if it's well- written. The descriptions are excellent and I also appreciated that the main character isn't the waif most romantasy authors tend to write. This book actually has 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

But story wise, I hated this book. Men are given redemption for the worst of sins because they feel bad, and women are (as usual) held to impossible standards. I know people like their morally gray heroes but I felt as if every chapter had me hating the main character more. There was no redemption arc because he's a man and they get forgiven when they show up with flowers. Ugh- people bash CoHo but this book basically says you're the problem if you can't let past abuse go once the abuser says "my bad."

I also found this book much too slow and repetitive. It took me way too long to finish it. I don't mind a slow trek through the underworld but if you're not invested in the characters and don't care if they make it, the stakes are too low for the effort. And too much of the book felt like the same thing was happening over and over, just with a different character.

All in all, I'll try another book by this author but if it's more of this apologizing for bad men, I'll move on to authors who demand better.

I was so excited to get this arc after loving the first book by this author! The only criticism I would have is the slow storyline. I loved that there was a quest and we are able to see the character development. I wish there was more tension between the two main characters to make it be more thrilling once they did get together.

Being raised in the abbey and told the world only works in one manner, this is the absolute truth, Brielle accepts it for what it is a face value. Continuing her studies to become an acolyte, fashioning weapons to help protect the village. Until she knows that she cannot let a man go uninjured, and seeks to help him. Helping him sends her down a rabbit hole of sorts, and he shows her Under, and asks her to keep an open mind and open eyes.

Can her blind faith in the lessons she's learned since she was eleven prepare her for what she's about to see? Or should she trust her heart and her gut about the man who is leading her through Under?