This is my first in the Four Winds series and I’m not sure what to think. I chose to read them chronologically and begin with The North Wind, but I’m not sure if that was the right choice. Keep reading this book review of The North Wind for my full thoughts.
Summary
Wren of Edgewood is no stranger to suffering. With her parents gone, it’s Wren’s responsibility to ensure she and her sister survive the harsh and endless winter, but if the legends are to be believed, their home may not be safe for much longer.
For three hundred years, the land surrounding Edgewood has been encased in ice as the Shade, a magical barrier that protects the townsfolk from the Deadlands beyond, weakens. Only one thing can stop the Shade’s fall: the blood of a mortal woman bound in wedlock to the North Wind, a dangerous immortal whose heart is said to be as frigid as the land he rules. And the time has come to choose his bride.
When the North Wind sets his eyes on Wren’s sister, Wren will do anything to save her—even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. But mortal or not, Wren won’t go down without a fight…
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I am so intrigued by this mixture of re-imaginings of fairy tales and Greek mythology in this series based on the Four Winds. This one is certainly a Beauty and the Beast meets Hades and Persephone. While I really love Hades and Persephone, I rarely read a Beauty and the Beast re-imagining I like. And that kind of sums up my feelings about The North Wind. I feel like while I’m glad I’m reading chronologically, this wasn’t my exact right mix of tropes. We have this monster versus someone trying to escape from B&B and then the enemies to lovers vibes. While their relationship has plenty of sparks and fire, defiance and a battle of wills, I wasn’t sure honestly if I was rooting for them.
I love the series concept, especially as we get to know other Winds, but for the longest time I was not rooting for our main characters. There’s this battle of wills, but I wasn’t really sure if they should be together. Eventually the tides start turning especially as they start to get to know each other – begrudgingly. But their hatred is a burning fire. I’m not sure their experiences were enough, in my opinion, for them to get together. When I suspended by disbelief, I ended up enjoying The North Wind. I also liked the representation and struggle with alcohol combined with the sister relationship. In this regards, I liked Wren the best as she navigates these feelings of having to always be the protector. It’s certainly a solid start and for fans of Beauty and the Beast I think this is great!
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Find The North Wind on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.