The North Wind (The Four Winds, Book 1)

This review copy was gifted to me by Saga Press #SagaSaysCrew through NetGalley. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Title: The North Wind	Author: Alexandria Warwick
Series: The Four Winds	Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Retelling
Publisher: Saga Press	Page Count: 448

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: sexual content

• Moderate: alcoholism, violence

• Minor: child death, death, death of parent, domestic abuse, grief, infidelity, injury/injury details, murder, rape, suicidal thoughts, vomit

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast and the myth of Hades and Persephone, this lush and enchanting enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair. 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… The North Wind is a stand-alone, enemies-to-lovers slow-burn fantasy romance, the first in a series sprinkled with Greek mythology.

This story left me absolutely stunned! It was an emotional rollercoaster that was beautifully constructed and executed. I was entirely captivated by the unique and seamless blend of a classic fairytale with Greek mythology that Warwick achieved. The story draws inspiration from The Beauty and the Beast, which is already a retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone. However, Warwick managed to bring these two stories together in a way that was utterly magnificent and breathtaking.

From the very beginning, I found myself unable to put this book down. The narrative was so compelling and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I am more than eager to continue on with the series. Warwick's writing style is beautiful. The way she weaves together a dark, glorious, and deeply emotional story left me utterly blown away. I am definitely obsessed with this story.

The lead character, Wren, was truly a standout. Her struggle with alcoholism and her despair at being alone was so heartrending that it brought me to tears. She was such a strong yet broken character, a paradox that made her all the more relatable and real. I felt my heart ache for her throughout the story, and I was constantly rooting for her to overcome her struggles and find happiness.

The antagonist, Boreas, was a textbook villain, albeit one with a unique twist. He was callous and cruel, yet Warwick managed to imbue him with such depth and brokenness that he was easily redeemable. This added a layer of complexity to his character that was fascinating to explore.

What touched me most was the selfless sacrifices made by both Wren and Boreas. The lengths they went to, not only for each other but for those they cared about, were incredibly powerful. The way they helped each other heal and find their way back from their respective darkness was inspirational and deeply moving. It was a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this book was a masterpiece, a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and heartache. It's a tale that will stay with me long after I've finished reading, and I can't wait to delve further into the series.