I had high hopes for The Wind Weaver, but I found some aspects of the book didn't resonate with me. While the premise is intriguing, I felt that the plot struggled to maintain momentum throughout, and the development of both the female main character (FMC) and the male main character (MMC) could have been improved. The MMC, in particular, seemed underdeveloped and didn't make a strong impact on the story.

The romance between Rhya and Penn lacked the chemistry I was hoping for, which ultimately affected my connection to the characters. I found it challenging to relate to Rhya, as her character came across as a bit childish.

Additionally, with over 500 pages to explore the world, I felt there was an opportunity for more detailed worldbuilding to enrich the story. A stronger narrative flow could have helped keep readers engaged.

All and all, while The Wind Weaver has potential, it may benefit from further character development and plot enhancement. I think younger readers might find some enjoyment in it, but it may not fully engage an adult audience.

3.5 STARS

Ryha Fleetwood has lived in fear most of her life as a reviled halfling. She is saved from execution by the brutal Captain Scythe who turns out to be someone other than she first thought. Ryha bears an unusual mark which she discovers is called a Remnant; it appears to be part of a prophecy for the land of Anwyvn where she has known nothing but war. They embark on an epic journey to his homeland; Ryha realizes the Commander, also eventually known to her as Penn, is important to her unknown history and leashed powers.

Ryha has much to learn about her heritage and the man who believes she is the answer to his prayers for reclaiming the magical heritage and kingdom of his fae people. Rhya has a big learning curve mastering her own powers as well since they might just tear her apart. Ryha’s feelings are very complicated for the Commander who seems to be her captor but also something entirely else.

This story has potential but is too lengthy and drawn out. The characters are well done and the writer is clearly talented; however, the narrative goes on for much too long before anything of importance happens. This seems to be the current style for Romantasy, in part due to the massive popularity of ACOTAR, to write very wordy lengthy books. At 544 pages, it could have been a lot shorter and be much more engaging. That being said, fans of this genre and style of writing will enjoy this first in a series for the most part.

Thrilled to have received an ARC from NetGalley. Although the pacing was slower than I could have handled, I really enjoyed the book. Rhya, orphaned and hunted halfling, made for an emotional and compelling FMC. I very much enjoyed every time she ran away or disobeyed orders. On the other hand, Penn was far too controlled. Trying to keep his maegic on a tight leash and his emotions numbed, I felt left wanting. However…in walks Soren. Is this a Tamlin/Rhysand switcheroo moment for book 2? Can’t wait for the next book to be released!

This book was so good. The first line on of the book “The noose chafes, a necklace of death”. Are you kidding me if that line doesn’t grab your attention nothing will. The world building is fantastic. This was a long book as with most fantasy a lot of the story was just setting up the world for the series. Sometimes this made it feel a bit clunky but I read a lot of fantasy and that’s kind of the norm. I’m a sucker for an interesting magic system but I felt like this one could have been better developed through the book. With it being the first in a series I always go into it expecting to see details ironed out over the following books.

The FMC was ok, I found myself feeling a little meh about her. There were moments when I loved her but a lot more where I was annoyed that she was running away, again… The slow burn was very slow. Penn was interesting to me in the beginning and I loved the banter. I loved Soren from the moment he was introduced and the side characters were made this book for me.

Overall even though it felt a little heavy at times and the plot kind of got lost toward the end I enjoyed this book and definitely will read the next. I know the first book in a series always involves a lot of setup and I’m hopeful that book 2 will have better pacing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Whirlwind of Magic and Emotion: "The Wind Weaver" is a Phenomenon!

Five Stars (and then some!)

"The Wind Weaver" isn't just a book; it's an experience. It's a tempestuous journey into a world brimming with elemental magic, political intrigue, and heart-stopping romance. From the moment I turned the first page, I was utterly captivated, swept away by Julie Johnson's masterful storytelling and the sheer brilliance of this fantastical world. This book is a force of nature, and it has absolutely stolen my heart.

Rhya Fleetwood is a heroine for the ages. A halfling hunted for her very existence, she's thrust into a world of danger and discovery, where her hidden powers and a long-forgotten prophecy collide. Johnson crafts her with such depth and complexity, making her relatable, fierce, and utterly compelling. Her journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with her newfound abilities and the weight of her destiny, is nothing short of breathtaking.

And then there's Commander Scythe, or should I say Penn. The enigmatic, morally grey mercenary who both terrifies and fascinates Rhya. Their dynamic is electric, a slow-burn tension that crackles with every interaction. Johnson expertly weaves a web of secrets, connections, and desires, leaving you breathless with anticipation. The question of trust, of whether to surrender to the flames of passion or extinguish them, burns as brightly as the magic Rhya is learning to control.

The world-building is exquisite, painting a vivid picture of Anwyvn, a realm torn apart by war and prejudice. The intricate system of elemental magic, the clash between fae and humans, and the looming threat of the blight create a rich and immersive backdrop for Rhya's journey. The pacing is perfect, seamlessly blending action, intrigue, and romance, ensuring that you're constantly on the edge of your seat.

Dare I say, this book surpasses even the heights of my beloved ACOTAR? Johnson has crafted a story that is both familiar and refreshingly original, with a depth of emotion and complexity that will leave you reeling. The found family trope is beautifully executed, adding layers of warmth and loyalty to the story. Please Julie Johnson, do not let that death be true! Scythe aka Penn, with his brooding intensity, hidden depths, and fierce protectiveness, gave me serious Tamlin vibes (and I mean that in the best, most intriguing way!), and I'm absolutely dying to see where his story goes. The potential love triangle, with its tantalizing hints and unspoken desires, has me absolutely desperate for the sequel. Team Fire? Team Water? I have no idea, and I'm loving every minute of the delicious uncertainty!

"The Wind Weaver" is a masterpiece of fantasy romance. It's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, leaving you breathless and yearning for more. This book grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go, keeping me breathless until the very last, devastating page. I have a strong feeling that this is going to be the next big thing, a phenomenon that will captivate readers worldwide. Julie Johnson, you have created something truly extraordinary.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to advance read this incredible book. I am forever grateful.

Cool premise but poor execution. This book was just lacking everywhere. It needed more world building, character development, romantic development and plot. It’s 500+ pages with no clear narrative. Rhya is a fae halfing with newly discovered powers and that’s it. That’s the plot. This is marketed as enemies to lovers but it makes zero sense, according to the books own lore, that they would be enemies. There’s potential here with the series but I’m hesitant to pick up book 2 when it releases.

So refreshing to read a book with a very unique magic system while still the traditional mortals bs. Fae conflict. I liked being thrown right into the conflict with Rhya being a prisoner. The first person narrative actually works really well here as the reader feels her turmoil and confusion as the man who is supposed to kill her actually rescues but also kidnaps her. I liked the suspense of trying to figure out who she is, why she’s important, and the idea of the four elemental powers. I felt like this was a very engaging read for that reason. The only negative for me was I felt like her captor switched to being. a caring, protective love interest way too quickly.

Unfortunately this novel was not my cup of tea and I ended up DNFing. The writing was fine, just not for me.

I flew through this! I love this author and this was EVERYTHING I want in a fantasy/romantasy, the pacing, tension and dialogue was *chefs kiss* the plot was engaging and kept me hooked, adored it, such an intricate world and magic system also, cannot wait for the next book and this isn't even released yet 😔!

I was completely sucked into this story from the very beginning! Mesmerizing, addictive, and everything I could ever want in a romantic fantasy, this book consumed me from start to finish. The pacing? Impeccable. The tension? Unreal. The romance? A perfect slow burn that had me on edge the entire time.

Julie Johnson has been a favorite author of mine for years—her contemporary witchy rom-com series is a comfort reread—so when I heard she was diving into romantasy, my expectations were sky high. And somehow, she still managed to exceed every single one of them.

This book starts with a bang and never really lets up. Action, adventure, secrets, and tension—it’s all here. We’re thrown right into the story, following an FMC who’s lived her whole life believing her fae heritage makes her lesser. That is, until she’s captured and sentenced to execution, only to be rescued by a mysterious, brooding man with secrets of his own. Their dynamic? Volatile and so much fun to read. The yearning. The tension. The push and pull. The “I want you, but I can’t have you” moments that just about destroy you. Every interaction between them had me hooked.

One of the things I loved was how the world-building wasn’t just dumped on us in the beginning but revealed naturally throughout the book. It made for some frustrating moments—only because I needed answers—but it kept me so engaged. The magic system, the class struggles, and the overall conflict were woven into the story in a way that felt effortless.

The full cast of characters is just as compelling, bringing that perfect touch of found family that I love in fantasy. There are moments of lightheartedness that provide relief between the high-stakes intensity, and it balances out so well.

If this book is any indication of what’s to come in the trilogy, then I need the next one immediately. We’ve been given just enough to sink our teeth into—the groundwork is laid, the stakes are high, and the romance is smoldering. Romantasy lovers, mark your calendars—this is a series you won’t want to miss!

The Wind Weaver is immensely readable and great for romantsy readers of Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros. The writing is easy to get into, our main character's situation is immediately sympathetic and interesting, and we have an exciting, on initial showing, premise and what could possibly be a great set up for the next ACOTAR like series.

HOWEVER, much like ACOTAR this starter book has some issues that I am hoping get cleared up in the future books. The main one being: the MMC is a dud and their wasn't really a conflict until the end. The conflict thing is obviously on its way to working itself out with the finale of this story amping things up. The world has established itself, the magic is being established, and the plot on the horizon looks interesting enough for me to pick up the sequel.

BUT PLEASE for the love of everything: let this be like ACOTAR in one of its big main plot points for the rest of the series. You all know what I am talking about.

Our MMC is for the first forty percent SUPER interesting because we know nothing about him. Once we learn things about him? Dud. I headcannoned that he was actually kind of an idiot because its the only way to make him make any sense.

There is a side character who appears very intriguing and not like an idiot that I very much want to know more of and hope the story can switch over to have him more in a main perspective.

So overall, a fun romantasy with a lot of potential for the future that I'm hopeful for!

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙡 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙮𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡.”

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗:
Rhya has been captured & is about to be executed. Her crime? Being born half-fae. However at the last moment she is rescued by a surly warrior with his own agenda, who takes her away to lands she never knew existed.

𝙼𝚢 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎:
What a way to start a series!!

I absolutely loved the world created here. It’s easy to understand and yet the elemental magic is so cool.

I loved that while Rhya is powerful, she doesn’t know it yet. Her growth over this book is incredible as she comes into her own, & I can’t wait to see her storyline over the rest of the series!

While Ryha is easy to love, Penn’s character is a bit tougher. He is very closed off - he withholds information from Rhya nearly the entire book, which drove me absolutely bonkers. I can understand his reasons, but it still really drove me nuts.

The end of the book takes your breath away with the battle and the danger. I’m not sure how I feel about Soren’s character yet & the hint of a love triangle is not appealing to me in the least. I absolutely hate love triangles, so I will be cautiously optimistic about the future of this series!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗴𝗲𝘁:
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Easy world building
✨Elemental magic
✨One horse
✨One bed
✨Found family
✨Slow as a snail burn
✨Potential love triangle (PLZ DON’T DO IT)

*Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own*

I devoured this one in two days.
I enjoyed the elemental magic aspect within this Romantasy! It does take a bit with the world building, but I’m fully confident that the stage has been set for an amazing trilogy. I am INVESTED to see what happens next and what the rest of the world thinks if they are team Soren or team Penn…

I wanted to love this book. I love elemental stories and I thought the beginning was super interesting. Rhya is about to be killed and is saved by a mysterious man who take her with him. Unfortunately, Penn is one of the major reasons I really disliked this book. The first halfish of this book is Rhya’s journey to the north with Penn and then with his guild. It takes so long to get anywhere and no one is telling Rhya anything at all, which makes no sense. They hit pretty much every setback imaginable, which got exhausting when it takes up almost half the book. Penn is very unpleasant to her for most of the journey, which also makes no sense because if he wants her help with the prophecy, you wouldn’t think he would treat her like either a sack of potatoes or a child. Him treating her like a child happens throughout the book. He never wants to tell her anything and will physically grab her or move her like a toddler.

Rhya is incredibly generic. She’s sort of perfect at everything (except in her knowledge of the world, which comes and goes depending on plot convenience) and everyone loves her. In fact, it was super easy to pick out the bad people because they just didn’t like Rhya. It was also extremely easy to spot who was going to die because it was also the most obvious answer.

I really dislike Penn. The writing tries to explain why he’s so bad tempered, but it feels more like an excuse than anything. He would constantly jump to conclusions, especially in jealousy, especially when another specific character showed up and he wouldn’t give Rhya ten seconds to explain what the heck happened. Rhya does stand up for herself sometimes, but he never really gets better about leaving her in the dark or reacting negatively.

The second half of the book is almost slice of life, if slice of life included kidnapping attempts, but it means there is no central point for the story to build up to. Rhya is trying to master her wind powers and also be fawned over by literally every person in the story that isn’t evil. Even if you are here mostly for the romance, it keeps stopping and starting in a way I think is supposed to be slow burn, but instead just comes off as tedious. Penn and Rhya take turns avoiding each other for large swaths of the book.

The romance just doesn’t feel natural. Other than their powers kind of calling to each other, I have no idea why Rhya likes Penn. He basically never stops acting like she’s an idiot. Which, she kind of is, but everyone in this book isn’t super smart.

There was also small things like Penn saying his sister is a good ruler, when we’ve actively been shown that all she cares about is her own court and Penn literally does everything else and the citizens seem to want him as king. Maybe I missed that this was supposed to be written as him doing some kind of lip service or that he believes it but its wrong, but that didn’t feel like how it was written to me. Another thing was that someone who is pregnant lived “within a half day’s riding distance to several midwives” which kind of feels wild when you live in the capital city? I feel like a midwife would be closer than that and they would likely know the woman is super close to giving birth and be ready, but it had to be a moment that showed Rhya being a saint.

I’m sorry, I just didn’t like this book. It was a struggle to finish. I’m happy for anyone who liked it, but I would not recommend it and I won’t be picking up the next one.

3.75 Stars



Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

The first 60% of this book was incredible. I was immediately engrossed in the book, the opening of the book was incredibly unique and really gets you invested in the story. I love the heroine Rhya and the hero “Scythe”. Their journey, their banter, their chemistry and development over this portion of the book was superb. I loved the world as well and the descriptions, I was fully expecting this to be a 5+ star read.

Then around the 70% mark things took a turn. Shortly after they reach their destination, it almost feels like i began reading a different book. I had no idea what the plot was, the timelines didn’t make sense and the book just stopped flowing. It is almost like every chapter was separate. it really bummed me out as the first part was so so so good.

The other thing that i love and hate is the cover of the book. It is stunning…absolutely beautiful, and will definitely catch people’s attention. That being said the bird on the cover has zero relation to this book. I went in fully expecting a magical phoenix-like mythical creature to play a role in the book, but there is nothing.

Thank you for the free book, Berkley Romance.

Alexa, play Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac. In this new romantasy series, Rhya is about to be executed for the crime of being a halfling when she is saved by the mysterious Commander Scythe. He sets off with Rhya on a new journey and she is now his prisoner. She learns that she is one of four beings with a special connection to the earthly elements- she is known as the wind weaver.

I absolutely loved this book- couldn’t put it down, basically wanted to eat, sleep, and breathe in this world until I could finish this book. How am I going to wait for book two? The writing and storyline were so addictive and page turning, reminiscent of other romantasy books I’ve enjoyed but yet still unique. I loved some of the mystery that’s left to be uncovered, the early romance, the possibility of a love triangle (maybe? We’ll see?) and so much action and adventure. No notes, I loved it, and I can’t wait for more!

-4.5 stars rounded up-
The Wind Weaver is a romantic fantasy that centers around a girl with one of a kind magic in a dying kingdom. In order to restore life and balance to the kingdom, she must reunite with the others to reunite power with the lands. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to. The characters were so relatable and I loved Rhya’s fire. As for the magic system, it was unique and unlike any magic system I’ve ever read before. Another thing about this book that immediately caught my eye is the cover, which is really gorgeous. Right now, this is one of my top reads this year. Overall, The Wind Weaver is a romantasy with lovable characters that will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Features-
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn
- Romantasy
- Unique magic system
- Touch her and die
- Adventure
- Found family
- Prophecies

I felt that despite the length and promising summary, this was not a hit for me. The politics were very underwhelming. The story was very slow paced. It didn't keep me intrigued.

The writing in this book is just beautiful. The pacing is superb. This book had me HOOKED. The found family in this is 10/10. The banter ia excellent all around. And the plot twists. Omg.

Wow what a beautiful Romantasy! This is going to be a hit with booktok! I can already see it. What a breath of fresh air!