Rebecca Ross is one of the BookTok author success stories, but not for this book – A River Enchanted is one of her earlier works, and part of a “duology” set in the mythical world of Cadence, a fictional isle full of celtic history, mythology and magic.
The author’s love and meticulous knowledge of celtic mythlogy and culture shines through; elements of various stories, characters and magicks are instantly recognisable. The time and place are fascinating.
The two main characters set out on some sort of enemies to lovers journey, although they seem a bit hazy on why they’re enemies, let alone why they’re lovers; it’s the secondary characters here who steal the show. Relationships between step-mothers and step-daughters, second wives, parents-in-law, found families, these are the substance that really drives the emotional heart of the novel.
Some might see this novel as chock-full of indicators of future literary greatness; others might see it as a creditable first attempt into the world of historical fantasy romance. Either way, A River Enchanted is not quite your ordinary fantasy fare.