I liked the overall story. I liked the magic system, the world, and some of the side characters. Rhya's ability to manipulate wind is nice. I even like how it developments by the end of the book. With that being said, I wasn't particularly drawn to Rhya herself, or Scythe. I wasn't into the romance either, unfortunately. For maybe half of the book, she thinks she's in the hands of an enemy. I would think so, too, because Scythe didn't seem to care much about her well-being unless it suited him. I didn't think they had much chemistry. I felt like Rhya had more chemistry with the characters accompanying Scythe. Not to mention, there was more telling instead of showing when it came to how good of a guy he is. The side characters were vouching for Scythe, but it seemed like he couldn't, and wouldn't, show Rhya his better qualities until late in the book. I honestly felt like he didn't have much of a personality. By the time the two started sharing real romantic interest, Scythe's interactions with Rhya just didn't feel great to me. I am interested enough in the story to read the next book.

The Wind Weaver swept me away from the very first page and didn’t let go until the final breathless chapter. As someone who’s always drawn to stories with strong, emotionally complex heroines and rich, immersive fantasy worlds, this book was everything I hoped it would be—and more.

Julie Johnson’s writing is stunning. The way she builds tension, atmosphere, and character relationships had me fully invested in every twist, betrayal, and spark of romance. The world-building was lush without being overwhelming, and the pacing struck a perfect balance between action, political intrigue, and personal growth.

The protagonist is fierce yet vulnerable, navigating power, destiny, and identity in a world that constantly underestimates her. I found myself rooting for her not just in battle, but in every moment of self-discovery and defiance. Her journey felt personal—like something I could feel in my bones—and I loved watching her come into her own.

The magic system was unique and seamlessly integrated into the world, and the romantic elements were chef’s kiss—angsty, slow-burn, and absolutely worth the wait. The emotional depth between the characters made their bonds feel real and earned.

This book is perfect for fans of romantic fantasy who crave high stakes, rich lore, and heroines who rise from the ashes stronger than before. I was already impressed by the first book in the series, but The Wind Weaver has solidified Julie Johnson as an auto-buy author for me.

4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this enemies to lovers fantasy! I loved the magic and romance. It's also such a pretty book!

A book cover can definitely influence me into purchasing a book, which was the case when it came to The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson. Just look at it! Isn’t it gorgeous? The next thing that grabbed my attention was the synopsis, which made me realize this book is right up my alley since I’m in my Fantasy Era for 2025. I also enjoy discovering new authors, and Julie Johnson is a New-To-Me Author.

The second I started reading The Wind Weaver, I was captivated by the story and its characters, especially in the beginning. The story is told solely from the perspective of the FMC, Rhya Fleetwood. Right from her introduction, she is in danger, with people attempting to kill her because she is a halfling. Fortunately, someone comes to her rescue just in time; however, her savior soon becomes her captor, and their relationship is anything but friendly at first. Throughout her journey, she finds herself in danger multiple times, but it’s her captor who ultimately comes to her rescue. Along the way, she meets and befriends many people and begins to uncover the truth about her identity, realizing that she is part of a prophecy that could save the realm. The challenge is that she has no knowledge of how to use her magic, and it will take her captor, along with another ally, to help her learn how to harness her powers.

I really enjoyed getting to know the FMC, Rhya, and the MMC, Pendefyre, as well as the magic system in this book when it came to the Remnants. It differs from others I’ve read in this subgenre. The story started strong, but unfortunately, it began to drag in the middle, and the pacing slowed down for me as I struggled to keep up with everything being introduced. I found myself setting the book down several times. At times, it felt overwhelming to follow along with what was happening with the characters.

Don’t get me wrong; I loved learning about Rhya and her powers when Pendefyre wasn’t trying to hold her back from learning how to harness them. There is someone else who actually helps Rhya more in finding out more about the prophecy and herself. He’s a character I hope plays an even bigger role in the next book.

When it comes to the romance between Rhya and Pendefyre, it’s a slow burn, and there isn’t much but kissing in this book and potentially one steamy scene that is interrupted. I’m not entirely convinced that the romantic relationship between Rhya and Pendefyre is strong, mainly because of how Pendefyre treats her. He is often absent and seems to view her as fragile. Rhya herself is unsure about her feelings for him, and the same goes for his feelings for her, even though others seem to notice a connection. I’m not sure what they see that I may have missed in the book, but perhaps things will change in the next installment of the series.

I’m actually more leaning for her to have a relationship with another character, especially with how the book ended. This character is more there for her than Pendeyre, especially when they are in a battle with the Reavers and Ice Giants. Yes, this potentially means a love triangle, but Julie Johnson may be playing with my feelings a bit.

Although I found myself putting down the book several times, I remain invested in the story and the characters, particularly with the way it ended. I need to know what happens next. I hope the next book is more gripping and filled with action-packed scenes, along with a deeper romantic connection for Rhya. Perhaps Pendefyre will pay more attention to her and trust her abilities more in the upcoming installment. Here’s hoping!

Overall, it was a decent read, and I would rate this book 3.25 stars. Although it didn’t completely capture my attention, I believe other readers might find it more enjoyable. Therefore, I recommend it to those who are in their Romantasy era, just like I am.

Audiobook Recommendation: I listened to the audiobook of this book (thanks to Libby) more than I read the physical copy, and I really enjoyed the narrator. Billie Fulford-Brown did a fantastic job narrating the story. If you enjoy listening to your books, I highly recommend the audiobook of The Wind Weaver.

What to Expect:
✔️Fae & Maegic
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Touch Her and I’ll ☠️ You
✔️Found Family
✔️Slow Burn

Ancient prophecies, a realm in doom, enemies to lovers… yes please!
I think this book is a well-executed epic fantasy with a higher-than-average romantic subplot. The book starts out with a bang and keeps you interested while providing in-depth worldbuilding and a magic system that will keep you surprised. Rhya was a halfling orphan in a world that hates faeries. She was raised by a kind soul, but when danger comes to her hometown she is forced on the run. Escaping a near death situation leads her into the arm of strong and silent, Scythe. He has her prisoner and takes her north, but enemies are on their tail and danger is around every bend. As their time together continues, she begins to feel like less of a prisoner and more of an equal. Rhya is a strong and dynamic female lead that can dish the witty banter as well as she shoots her arrows. Scythe may be of imposing physical stature but beneath his muscular form beats a heart of gold. The dialogue between the two is top notch, even if their communication skills leave a bit more to be desired. The world that Johnson has created is vibrant and is a place you want to get lost in for as long as possible. The side characters will easily win your hearts and leave you feeling invested in the outcome of this series. I know this book has just come out, but I am already eagerly waiting for book two. This was an action-packed fantasy with an enemy to lover’s romance and hints of epic love triangle in its future. Fans of romantasy will enjoy this book but it is more tension than release. I see bright things for the future of this series.

Julie Johnson starts a tale about a world falling apart after the death of the king of elves. Halflings like Rhya Fleetwood are hunted to death, but Rhya bears a birthmark making her the Remnant of Air. There are four remnants and if all come together, they can restore peace and tranquility to Anwyvn. In this first part of the tale, Rhya has to learn to become The Wind Weaver (hard from Ace) She has to work with the remnant of Fire, Penn, who had loved the previous remnant of air, and Soren, the remnant of water. Sequels will bring the remnant of Earth. The romance is hot and heavy, and unrealized so far. Lots of fun.

3.75 stars - This was a lot of fun! It was a quick read that hooked me immediately and I'm so intrigued by the magic system, the political intrigue, and the potential this series has. While it wasn't the most original story, I still thought it was well written, the pacing was decent and it was such a fast and easily digestible fantasy. I did think that the relationship between Rhya and Penn (his full name being Pendefyre is a true ridiculous tragedy) felt a bit surface level, I wasn't totally sure why they liked each other beyond trauma bonding and a magic elemental pull but I'm curious what will happen next. I also cannot wait for more of Soren - he was such a dynamic character and I immediately fell for him. The delicious tension between him, Rhya, and Penn is going to excellent.

Overall, would absolutely recommend this one - thank you so much to Berkley and Ace Books for the eARC, all opinions are my own!

The Wind Weaver is the first book in the Reign of Remnants fantasy series, and what an incredible introduction it is! The story follows Rhya, a fae halfling on the run who is saved from execution by a mysterious mercenary, Penn. She discovers that Penn is determined to deliver her to safety because she is one of the four elemental remnants destined to restore magic to their dying world.

This gripping tale masterfully blends magic, mythology, adventure, and slow-burn romance. The rich world-building and unique elemental magic system were exceptionally well done. Not only do we have compelling main characters but the side characters are unforgettable and bring the most heartwarming touch of found family to the story. The angst, banter, and longing between the two MCs was swoon-inducing and Johnson had me kicking my feet with hints of a potential love triangle. I adored every minute of this one and I’m eagerly awaiting the second book in the series! Highly recommend for the romantasy babes.

Just finished The Wind Weaver and I'm OBSESSED with this explosive fantasy debut that had me in its clutches from page one. Following Rhya, a halfling with mysterious powers, as she's captured by the enigmatic Commander Scythe, the story had EVERYTHING that I love: phenomenal, vivid worldbuilding that felt shown rather than told, BANTER that I was addicted to, and a slowburn romance with that fantastic tension. The elemental magic system felt unique, and I definitely hope we get more of it.

I just have the TEENIEST of complaints that I was so hooked and then we had a huge slow down around 1/2-3/4 mark that felt like it dragged in comparison. OTHER THAN THAT, I loved this so much. Definitely here for more.

I think this has so much of what readers love in romantasy books. Our FMC has the coolest powers, a prophecy, slow burn enemies to lovers.
But I struggled to connect with the FMC and also with the romance. Maybe it was just me. But overall this series has a lot of promise!

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing Group for my ARC!

3.5/5

A lush, emotional fantasy perfect for fans of fierce heroines, found family, and slow-burn tension — The Wind Weaver will leave you absolutely hooked.

I’m beyond thankful to have received an ARC of The Wind Weaver! Even though I didn’t finish it before the official release, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to experience this breathtaking story early — and I absolutely adored it.

The Wind Weaver gave me major Plated Prisoner vibes in all the best ways — especially with a main male character who felt very reminiscent of Slade. I also have a strong feeling we’re being set up for a second male character to appear later in the series, and I’m already dreaming of a Rhys-like redemption arc!

The FMC completely stole my heart. Watching her grow into her powers — with the perfect mix of sass, strength, and vulnerability — was captivating. I also loved how the found family element was already beautifully woven into the story, adding even more emotional weight and connection. Julie Johnson has built a world that hooked me from the very first page, and I can already tell this is going to be a series I completely obsess over. I’m counting down the days until I can add a book trophy to my shelves!

If you love lush fantasy worlds, fierce heroines, slow-burn tension, strong found family vibes, and a touch of wild, delicious chaos, this one is an absolute must-read.

Thanks @berkleyromance & @acebookspub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley #BerkleyBookstagram

I love when a fantasy book has easy-to-understand world building! That, plus a side character that you just connect with (I’m talking about you, Jac). Veryyyyy slow burn romance.

🚨 Spoiler 🚨 I didn’t feel any connection between the FMC and MMC. They disliked each other from the beginning and then suddenly were in love (besides the connection from the bond). I’m predicting a Tamlin/Rhysand situation here!

Wow! I loved this so much. I’m dying for book 2! This book will grip you from the opening scene and never let go. The pacing is flawless. Julie Johnson has weaved a fascinating world with an intriguing magic system complete with dynamic characters.

I love the heroine, Rhya, and I can’t wait to discover her potential as she continues to explore her power. We also meet a broody, tortured, protective MMC in Penn, and then we meet Soren who has so much charisma he leaps off the page in every scene. That’s just scratching the surface, as each additional character’s personality, and the found family that develops between them, only further enriches the story.

I both didn’t want to stop reading, and wanted to draw it out as long as possible. As of now this is one of my top reads of 2025! I’m a big fan.

**Thank you to Berkley Publishing for providing me an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.**

The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson is book one in the Reign of Remnants series and if you haven't picked this one up yet and you enjoy a good Fantasy, I think you should.

Rhya is our fmc and when halflings like her are killed on sight, she has been trying to stay alive but when she is captured and being prepared for execution, the mysterious Commander Scythe shows up in the camp and after realizing she has a mark on her chest...something he has been looking for for a while. As Rhya finds herself now in the hands of someone she fears even more and has no idea what he wants from her, she has to figure out how to get away from him and survive.

As Rhya learns more about what the mark on her chest means as well as just who Commander Scythe is, she also finds out more about herself and the blight ravaging the realm. She needs to learn how to use the power inside of her but it isn't easy and at the same time, with everyone having their own agendas, Rhya has to figure out who she can trust and whether it's her or her power that is important to them.

I enjoyed this book and thought Johnson did a great job of developing the story. The relationship between Rhya and the Commander was done well and comes across as an enemies-to-lovers type trope based on how it begins. I didn't really love how he treated Rhya because he could have changed his approach sooner but it will be interesting to see where this goes in the next book.

There is plenty of action in this book as well. Rhya is on the run, the group is fighting monsters at every turn, and of course there is magic so things move along at a good pace. I also thought the secondary characters added to the story and helped move things along as well.

All that to say, I enjoyed this book and will be picking up the next book when I can. If you are looking for a new fantasy romance to dive into, consider picking this one up.

The Wind Weaver by Julie Johnson ⭐⭐⭐

Vibes:
Worn torn world 
Captured by the enemy 
Chosen one 
Fae vs. humans
Creative and terrifying creatures 
Protective MMC 
Slow burn

I struggled to be invested with the story in the first 40 percent. That's a lot of the book! The last ten percent hooked me and made me want to read the next book to see what happens with certain characters.

The author really spent time with a lot of aspects of the story instead of rushing through the plot. I enjoyed the way she described magic and how it felt and how to use it.

If you are a person who likes a trickle of world building at a time, this will be for you. Many people like learning a little bit at a time with the main characters, but I'm learning that I'm not that person. Give it all to me in chapter one.

There is a lot of adventure, politics and a found family element that was really nice. There is a certain side character that seems way more interesting than the rest of the main characters. I didn't connect with the main female character for half of the book and the narrator made her sound really whiny in some parts.

This book reminded me a lot of A Court of Thorns and Roses - not the whole series, just the first book. Which makes me wonder if book two is going to be incredible like that series.

Thank you to Berkley for the advanced ebook. It is available now!

If you’re craving a fantasy that feels like stepping into an epic saga with enemies-to-lovers angst, elemental magic, and a found family that sneaks up on you, The Wind Weaver delivers on all fronts—and then some.

From page one, we’re thrown into a brutal world where halflings like Rhya are hated simply for existing. Set to be executed, she’s yanked from the noose by a brooding stranger named Scythe, who clearly didn’t get the memo that rescuing someone usually comes with basic kindness. Instead, he’s all silence, scowls, and vaguely threatening vibes. Naturally, I was immediately invested.

As Rhya’s forced into a journey she doesn’t understand (with a man who won’t give her any answers), she starts to uncover her own power—turns out that mark she always thought was a birthmark? Yeah, it’s a magical brand tied to a prophecy, ancient elemental powers, and the fate of the world. No big deal.

What really works in this story is the slow unraveling of both the world and the characters. The elemental magic system is fascinating—tied to remnants, chosen individuals with immense power—and the political tension and supernatural threats around them feel high-stakes and immersive. You can tell we’ve only just scratched the surface of what this world has to offer, which makes the series potential seriously exciting.

Rhya is fierce, stubborn, and just vulnerable enough to make you want to protect her while also cheering as she takes back her power—literally and figuratively. Her character development is one of the best parts of the book, especially as she starts to bond with the gruff, morally gray Scythe. Their romance? It simmers. It’s slow-burn, tension-filled, and toeing the line between “I might stab you” and “I’ll die for you.” (Also, there may or may not be a mysterious other male character creeping in with strong love triangle energy—and I’m not mad about it.)

I also loved the messy, endearing found family vibe that starts to form as more characters join Rhya’s journey. It brings warmth and humor to balance out the darker moments, and gives the story a bigger emotional core than just the romance.

If I had one small gripe, it’s that the book does feel long—like we got a trilogy’s worth of story packed into one installment. The pacing could’ve been a bit tighter in places, and I wouldn’t have minded more time deepening the romantic development instead of racing from one magical reveal to another.

Still, this was a fantastic start to the Reign of Remnants series. With everything from prophecies to one-bed tropes, blights to banter, this story grabbed me from the first chapter and didn’t let go. I’m already counting down the days for the next one.

I don't know why I do this to myself, start a romantasy series that I just know I'm going to love without the whole series being released. Now that I've read The Wind Weaver, I need the next installment ASAP. I loved, loved, loved this book so much. It had all the pieces it needed, and Julie Johnson made me actually feel like I was right alongside Penn and Rhya. The earth, wind, fire, and air elements made it all the more intriguing, and I'm now completely invested in knowing what happens next. All the stars.

I may be at the point where I’ve read too many romantasy books this year. They all seem to be blurring together. I swear I read the blurb before I grabbed the ARC for review, but for some reason I thought there would be dragons in this book. Maybe because of the cover? I don’t know.

ANYWAY, The Wind Weaver doesn’t have dragons, but it does have elemental powers, magic, and the fae. There are also complicated court politics and an enemies to lovers storyline. I will admit to being a little taken aback at the beginning of the book, because the FMC, Rhya Fleetwood, is basically being tortured and is mentally preparing for her death at the hands of soldiers whose orders are to kill all halflings. Enter in the mysterious Commander Scythe, who upon seeing a birthmark on her chest kills all the soldiers and spirits her away. I won’t call it a rescue, because this man is not helping her out of the goodness of his heart, and he isn’t kind to her either. I won’t say the reasons why he takes her with him, because that would spoil so many plot points, just suffice it to say that he has REASONS.

For the most part this book is a fantasy adventure with the two main characters evading the enemy, meeting up with allies, and trying to make it to the safety of Commander Scythe’s (who by this time is revealed to be someone else altogether) home. I’m pretty sure readers don’t glimpse another female character until at least past the 50% mark. I wasn’t sure if this was an actual romance because when I say this is an enemies to lovers storyline the emphasis should definitely be on enemies. These two are adversaries to their cores. And to be honest despite Scythe’s gaslighting from the middle to the latter part of the book, he really gives Rhea no reason to believe he’s on her side or trying to help her in any way.

Despite that, I was glued to the page because the world-building is well done. I liked the history and aspects of the elemental magic and their users. The secondary characters are fleshed out and interesting. I especially liked one particular secondary character (I won’t mention names, you’ll know if you read the book) and was almost hoping that I was mistaken and HE would actually be the love interest. But alas, no. All signs point to Commander Scythe, now revealed as Penn, as being who Rhea is destined for.

If you are hoping for spice, you’ll need to keep that hope alive for book two. This is not an especially sexy romance. Once Penn and Rhea arrive at their destination there is some relationship building, but mostly just misunderstandings and Penn treating Rhea like a child who needs to be protected for her own good. It was frustrating.

Will I read the next book in the series? Probably. The ending was left in such a way that I really need to find out what happens next and if the earth elemental will be found and how will they fit in with the three already revealed. I’m such a sucker for a cliffhanger.

I had the best time reading this book and couldn’t put it down. As a huge Fleetwood Mac fan I knew from the dedication that this was going to be a fun read. I gave this book 4.75 stars. I clearly enjoyed it but adding a bit more complexity would have made this even better for me. I’m looking forward to the next book! Thank you Net Galley ❤️

I left this off my review but I found one copy edit on page 274/424 it reads “he may across” it should be “he may come across”

My username for StoryGraph and Fable is neens_kozlowski

This was a true romantasy and I loved every second of it. This book was a true enemies to lovers with so much chemistry and tension between the MMC and FMC. I thought the magic system was so interesting and loved the elemental magic that was incorporated into the story. The story has even pacing and flowed very well. The character development that we see I. Rhya was just so beautiful. She comes such a long way in this story. I loved this so much! Beautifully written story. The cover is also very designed and looks gorgeous!