Firstly an eye catching cover and the story… well I was blown away.

The mystery of the missing girls provides the driving force to the plot, creating a sense of tension and unease, as well as allowing the characters to develop.

The narrative grabs the reader by the throat and doesn't let you breathe until the end… I read this book in one sitting. I stayed up until midnight devouring the action in this unique story.

Good for people who like: nature and folklore inspired fantasy, rugged island settings, stories of rival clans and tested loyalties.

A River Enchanted is an atmospheric fantasy based on Scottish folklore. The island setting is wild, with its mythology strongly rooted in nature. The writing is welcoming and flows to make it easy to become lost in the world and characters.

Jack Tamerlain was sent to the mainland as a boy to learn music, and as an adult now teaches at the university there. He has been called home to Cadence, the magical island of his birth. He cannot refuse the call of the Laird, his leader, and so he reluctantly sets off across the stormy sea with the intention of returning to the mainland as soon as possible. Cadence has been divided for centuries by a clan line, and the Breccans of the West are bitter and violent rivals to the Tamerlains of the East. Fear on the island is even higher now that young girls are mysteriously missing without a trace. Adaira is the Laird’s daughter, Tamerlain heiress, and Jack’s childhood rival. Torin is Captain of the Guard, in charge of protecting the East from invasion at any cost, while his wife Sidra is the clan’s healer. These four very different characters all have a stake in finding the missing girls before anyone else disappears.

This is a light fantasy read, with grounding in the real world and the familiar, while creating a completely believable magic based on folklore and infused so deeply through every part of the story that it feels real. This mythical element is simply gorgeous, and it’s a world I want to return to. It provides an escape as good fiction should, but also a sense of the ancient and wild places of the real world. This book works well as a standalone, but the sequel will provide deeper insight into some of the characters, and a much awaited exploration of the western side of the island and the harsh life of those who live there.

The story takes its time to open up, but is breathtaking when it does, and orientating in the world and lives of the characters is a beautiful experience in itself. The slower pace allows for natural character growth and a closeness with them which makes the turns in their lives all the more emotional, the tension of the dark moments and twists to be all the more intense, and there is breathing space to absorb everything the book has to offer. The descriptions of nature and the magic system which weaves in with the landscape are stunning. The sense of place is strong and integral to the story and characters. The wildness of the island, the forces of nature and spirits who may choose to help or hinder, adds a dynamic which works perfectly with the other elements of this book.

Different types of romance, friendship, and family love are portrayed deeply. Some might find Adaira and Jack’s relationship a bit immature earlier on, but they are young characters, and they mature as the story develops. Torin and Sidra provide a more grown up contrast with their relationship and character arcs. Reading from the viewpoint of all four of these characters gives different insight to the story and island through their very different priorities, beliefs and wants. All four face personal and external battles which they must grow through. The story deepens and adds layers of complexity as the characters grow and change. These changes feel natural, both from the events the characters go through, and as a result of their inner conflicts. Though animosity with the West and the missing girls keeps the plot driving forward, this book is heavily character driven.

A captivating story and world based on Scottish and Gaelic mythology with themes of identity and trust, finding peace, processing trauma, and finding faith. While the mystery of the missing girls is a main plot point, it feels like it comes second to the folklore fantasy elements of the story, and the relationships between different characters. Someone looking for a pure high fantasy, mystery, or strong romance book might be disappointed, but these elements combine here to create a beautiful hybrid read.

This book was reviewed by Cathy.

With thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Shelves: General Fiction (Adult); New Adult; Fantasy; February 2022

A beautifully written and richly detailed fantasy from acclaimed author Rebecca Rossabout magical island where malevolent spirits are beginning to abduct girls and the two childhood rivals who must work together to find them. But Adaira (the island’s heiress) and Jack (the recently returned bard and long-standing rival of Adaira) discover something far more sinister—an older, darker secret that lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all. Perfect for fans of Sistersong.

This was a wonderfully detailed and I have to say, utterly enchanting fantasy. I loved the mesmerisingly magical island setting and the political intrigue between Clans Breccan and Tamerlaine really grounded and brought the lore surrounding the Isle (and the various sprints who reside there) to life. Reading this felt very much like being ensnared in an ancient folk ballad and with such vividly detailed prose and undeniably compelling characters I didn’t want to leave.

I really enjoyed to use of multiple POVs which I found really helped to gain insight into the residents and the clan’s hierarchy as a whole. Jack, the first PoV we encounter is a bard who has lived on the mainland far from the isle he used to call home for over 10 years. Initially he starts off reluctant to leave his new life behind when suddenly called home but as he meets new and old friends his opinion begins to thaw, as we learn about his childhood experiences in this magical place.

Likewise, the other characters give us a chance to explore all the goings on that Jack missed whilst he was away through the residents’ nostalgia laden flackbacks of good (and bad) times past. I especially enjoyed getting to know Adaira, Sidra and Torin as this devastating mystery plagues their small island community.


The slowburn, relationship that simmers between Jack and Adaira was good but I was most impressed with the relationship development/ dynamics between Sidra and Torin. I found their relationship was richer and far more complex than any other relationship we’re introduced to—it was utterly compelling and far too difficult not to feel all the emotions when it came to these two. I loved them soo much.

I must confess the pacing was slower than I had anticipated and though I did really enjoy it (the lush, evocative storytelling more than made up for it) it’s something to take into consideration if you’re not keen on slower paced fiction. The plot did also veer in a direction I was not expecting and the ending though well written, did leave me with a lot of questions and emotions over certain characters (and their choice of actions.) I also definitely need the sequel for this ASAP!

Overall, this is a beautifully written story that’s perfect for lovers of historical fantasy or folklore inspired fiction.

Also thanks to HarperVoyager and Netgalley for the e-arc.

This book was such a pleasure to read, such a beautifully written, atmospheric book , everything about this book is just so perfect and beautiful, the writing, the characters, the world building and the story. I was so ecstatic at how good a read this was and it completely blew me away. Thoroughly, highly and wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone , can’t wait for more.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I have literally no complaints about this wonderful story. It just was beautiful and I loved it.
I do however have to say that the other book titles it is being pitched as similar to are a bit misleading. It's definitely not a smutty romance novel, so SJM and Uprooted comparisons will only raise false expectations. It's more like reading a mature classic.
I'd rather compare to something like an adult version of The Folk of the Air series with a whimsical, slightly historic feel of more folkloric inspired books like The Bear and the Nightingale.

The scottish inspired folktale fantasy setting was so charming and atmospheric. I was intrigued from the first page and couldn't get enough of it. The writing was gorgeous. The characters were complex and convincing and I looked forward to each of their multiple POVs. The story was structured really well, I was looking forward to every chapter, while the plot just kept me guessing and on edge.

A truly enchanting story that I look forward to being continued and can recommend to everyone. So far my favorite book for this year
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher HarperCollins UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was granted this book as a wish by the publisher. And let me tell you; This book was amazing. The story feels like a beautifully woven plaid and it flows like a song. The story is set in a fantasy world but it is inspired and influenced by Scottish lore. This is the third book by @rebeccaross and I can say: It's truly brilliant. It's a tale of family, friendship, loss, marriage and sadness. The characters Adaira, Jack, Torin and Sidra are nuanced and lovable. You, as a reader, can relate to their struggles and hopes. The story is full of twists and turns and I can't wait to read the second book. The ending makes me want to read more.

There is always a certain worry when going in to a highly anticipated book that it will fail to live up to your expectations. Luckily, A RIVER ENCHANTED did not.

It is a stunning book, gorgeously written and full of little details about the plants and food that really bring the Scottish-inspired world to life. It has a slow, stately feel to it as well as making it feel like you're watching events on an island that doesn't quite exist - but instead lurks behind a veil of magic.

I loved the magic system. Secrets can be woven into cloth to make it into armour. Blades that cut you might steal or voice or force you to speak truth until the wound heals. And each act of creating something magical comes with a deep cost to the user, stealing health and vitality from them.

There are also legends and superstitions woven into daily life, and it's the details like that which really make a world feel real, seeing how the magic around them affects every day life. Leaving plates of food out, closing doors so the wind that carries words can't hear. The role of the wind in communication is so fun!

The main character of this book is Jack. The bulk of the narration, especially in the first section, is from him as he returns to the isle and begins to settle in to life there. Adaira doesn't actually narrate until section two - until then, she's seen through the eyes of Jack, Torin, and Sidra. It meant that you already had an opinion of her that her chapters challenge, revealing the person underneath the walls erected.

Sidra is a healer, and married to Torin, who's a guard. While Jack and Adaira are childhood enemies to lovers, Sidra and Torin are a couple who married mostly for convenience to raise Torin's child from his previous marriage. I loved seeing that relationship develop as they come from such different mindsets, and have to find a place to meet and understand the other before they can be open enough about feelings.

While the ending isn't really a cliff-hanger, it's certainly a "I need the next book!" ending. The isle's been turned on its head in many ways, forcing the characters into roles and events they would not have chosen. There are a lot of interesting promises about what will come in the next instalment.

Whimsical and intriguing are the main words I would use to describe this book.

A good fantasy that is easy and enjoyable to read, with interesting characters that keep you hooked and interested.

Having read Ross’ previous series, I was excited to read River Enchanted and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing is beautiful and engrossing, creates beautiful imagery and really situates you in the narrative.

My only downside for the book is that it was very predictable, and the ending was slightly anticlimactic!

I’m going to be completely honest with you; I don’t remember the last time I got to the end of a book and felt so unsatisfied.

I enjoy the idea behind this book, and I was on board with the plot for the most part. It was very predictable, but I did enjoy the actual story. I feel like the missing girls element added a really interesting layer. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and the Island itself. As someone from Scotland, it felt pretty realistic. I also enjoyed that there were a few stories sprinkled in about the spirits.

However, a lot of the elements in this book just didn’t work for me. The writing was incredibly dry and flat. I’ve heard some people describe it as lyrical but I was super confused by this because it was just super plain. The dialogue felt disjointed and every POV character felt exactly the same, to the point I often forgot who the narrator was.

The magic system was incredibly vague. There’s this huge focus on the magic having consequences but it’s never really explained where it comes from or why only some people are using magic.

There was absolutely no chemistry between our couple. They were supposed to be enemies to lovers but it’s never really explained why they were enemies, and the lovers element just wasn’t there for me. I honestly think the book would have been better if they had just been friends (something I’m pretty sure I’ve never said before.)

The Scottish elements were okay. I’m not the best judge as, despite being Scottish and living here my whole life, I’m not particularly involved in traditional Scottish culture. It did, at times, feel a little stereotypical, especially with some of the names and the constant mentions of oatcakes and porridge (and, of course, the one mention of haggis.) I don’t think you’d noticed it, though, unless you’ve spent a lot of time in Scotland so it didn’t really affect my overall feelings.

Lastly, the ending was incredibly frustrating. It was the kind of ending that made me not want to pick up the next book because it was so predictable. I’ve come away from this book feeling like I didn’t get anything out of the reading experience, and that’s incredibly disappointing.

I would recommend this to people who enjoy Scottish Historical fiction with a slight fantasy vibe, but I wouldn’t personally recommend it to high fantasy or fantasy romance readers.

A very cosy and warm book sadly ruined by poor writting skills. One was never sure whether something happened in the past or not. The different points of view were not managed well. The relationships were not written well. The emotions lacked conviction. But, I think it makes a fine one time read.

This is an excellent book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is full of myth and magic. It covers friendship and romance. It shows how good relationships are based on mutual respect and how friendship can turn into love, sometimes without notice.

The story is set on an island that is home to two clans. Neither of them is allowed to set foot on the home turf of the other. We are shown life in the East of Cadence and how, for all its problems, it is a good life.

it is strongly hinted that life in the West is much more of a struggle on a day to day basis. I'm looking forward to the sequel and hoping it gives more insight into life on the other half of the island.

Okay, this book has everything you could possibly want from a book - fantasy, magic, love, family and friends, fighting, action, comedy, music, passion.

One concern with fantasy books is that because it doesn’t have to follow real-world rules or conventions, it can become lost and unruly. But this has one foot in reality and one foot in fantasy, and they complement each other perfectly.

It’s not one of those ‘happily-ever-after’ rom-com books I often find it easy to curl up with, but it produces the same sentiment. It draws you in and you become part of their clan, perfectly safe and cosy. Once you’ve started this, there’s no putting it down until you’ve finished it.

It is so atmospheric and magical but tangible. It’s written so well that you can see yourself climbing the hills, swimming the river, touching the spirits.

It’s so delicious and whilst it’s written in the 21st century, it has the feel of a classical novel about it, one that will inspire audiences to come, and hopefully sit on the shelves next to the likes of C.S Lewis. There’s nothing negative I can say about it, and on a selfish note (because I don’t want to leave the world) I hope there’s more of this story to come.

https://lynns-books.com/2022/01/24/a-river-enchanted-elements-of-cadence-1-by-rebecca-ross/
3.5 of 5 stars
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Beautifully told, atmospheric, pacing slow

I enjoyed A River Enchanted, it’s beautifully written, full of atmosphere, the setting is lovely and the mythical elements woven into the fabric of the island are interesting. I would at the same time point out though that the story moves quite slowly and although this focuses on two separate couples and their relationships I wouldn’t say the chemistry sizzles for either.

As the story begins we meet Jack Tamerlaine. Jack has been absent from his home on the island of Cadence for many years. He was sent away to study music and his success and career at the university prevented his return (although lets just say he wasn’t particularly anxious to visit). He has now been summoned back, he presumes by his Laird, and reluctantly returns to discover that young girls from the clan are mysteriously disappearing.

I think firstly I should set the scene. Cadence has two rival clans. One of these prospers due to the homage they pay the spirits and the other takes what they need during night time raids. The island has a rich history and is magical in more ways than one. The spirits play a part in the story, being charmed by the music provided by Jack. The island itself is enchanted and the landscape can change at a glance with mountains and locks mysteriously forming or disappearing. The two clans are separated by an enchanted river which doesn’t so much stop them from crossing as acts as an alert to the presence of others and on top of this one only has to whisper into the wind for it to be carried to the ears of those across the island.

The main characters here are Jack and his childhood nemesis Adaira who is the heiress to the clan and Torin and his wife Sidra (the captain of the guard and island healer respectively). Both these relationships are different in style. The first is an enemy to lovers style romance, the second a marriage that is floundering a little primarily due to lack of communication. I actually liked the characters well enough but I wouldn’t say that I was enamoured with either relationship. For me they both lacked that certain something that makes me interested in the romance. As it is that side of the story fell flat for me and left me more interested in the island itself and the mystery of the disappearing girls.

In terms of the plot I think there were intriguing elements here – I certainly didn’t see the eventual twist although I did pick up certain elements along the way that I won’t discuss here. I do find myself perplexed by certain issues though which I would love to talk about more but can’t do so here due to spoilers.

My main criticisms are the pacing – which definitely slowed my reading down considerably, and I’m torn between the writing, which I very much enjoyed and my desire to actually feel like the story was moving forward. There’s also the fact that this feels like a romantic fantasy and the two relationships involved are very much central to the overall focus, sometimes to the detriment of the mystery of the disappearing girls which resulted in a certain lack of tension or any sort of urgency with regards to their safety, coupled with the fact that I found the romance elements to be a little lacking in chemistry. I think, for me, this read a little more like YA although it is marketed as an adult fantasy.

That being said, I think this is a stress free read, easy to get along with and enjoyable in many respects.

I received a copy through Netgalley courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

My rating 3.5 of 5 stars

Such a beautifully written, atmospheric book - A River Enchanted completely blew me away and I couldn't put it down. Definitely one to recommend to everyone I know!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in order to provide an honest review

A River Enchanted was a mystical, sublime blend of fantasy, romance and mystery.

A major part of what I loved about this book was the sheer atmosphere Ross created. This was like being whisked off into another land just for a little while. It’s completely immersive and captivating, allowing you to visualise Cadence and just surrender yourself to Ross’ prose. Her writing was almost melodic and languid in its beauty. I really enjoyed the slower pace of the story and how Ross allowed for moments for the story to just breathe. Her writing was just so delicate, soft and wondrous to behold, though the elements of darkness and horror were still vividly felt. This is a story that balances between light and shade, with plenty of intriguing twists and turns. They’re made all the more devastating precisely because the pacing also allowed for a lot of character work, fleshing out their backstories and romances in a way that felt like they built naturally. You come to hold these characters in your heart, only to be destroyed by the way fate intervenes and forces them apart.

The central mystery of the missing girls is crafted into this tricksy political tale of family and the burden of ruling. I liked all the discussion and strategic manoeuvres, adding that hint of something darker brewing in the future. There’s also a really interesting exploration of grief and guilt that made me stop and think, particularly when reconsidering previous choices made by certain characters. Above all, I would say this book is about different forms of love from blood family, found family, platonic relationships and romantic relationships. It’s about trust and identity in a way that I really enjoyed. I also really, really loved the way Ross wove in elements of Scottish and Gaelic mythology. It was truly sublime and felt natural, with those aspects feeling like the whispers of magic just beyond mortal eyes.

A River Enchanted is a wondrous adult fantasy that beautifully plays with atmosphere and an exploration of family in all its forms.

This book was a joy to read, everything about it was beautiful, the writing, the setting and the main characters. I feel bereft that it has finished and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

The story is based on an island, Cadence, that is inhabited by two clans who have been at war for many years, one clan inhabits the east and one the west. The island is full of magic, enchantment and nature and if it wasn't for the tensions between east and west would be idyllic, until girls start going missing from the east. This is the mystery that runs through the book, but is not the only thing to hold the reader's interest, the magic and enchantments and their place in nature is very well handled by the author, and the various, often troubled, relationships are very well developed.

It is a wonderful read, I was able to lose myself in the narrative, I became completely engrossed in the characters and I really couldn't put it down. The sense of place created by the author is stunning, and the depictions of nature and its interactions with the characters was joyful.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for Jack and Adair, Torin and Sidra (my favourite character) and look forward to the next instalments.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Jack has spent the majority of his life on the mainland, studying and teaching music. When a letter reaches him and commands him to the east, back to his hometown and his family, he anxiously takes the trip to face whatever awaits him there. There he has to become the bard of the east and to solve the mystery of the little girls, who are missing. In the midst of searching for the girls, Jack has to encounter spirits, old enemies and the truth about his heritage.

A river enchanted is a story full of magic, family and a war between the east and the west.
I adored the writing that made you feel as if you were right there exploring the island with Jack. My favorite parts of the book were the family moments. Despite the mystery part being the main focus of the book, it somehow couldn't catch my full interest. The story was a little too long, it dragged in the middle and would have benefitted from being shorter. My favorite character was Sidra, she started out as an insecure and feeling like she was just fulfilling a role, but evolved into a strong-willed and fierce woman. I wasn't a big fan of the romantic relationships, I preferred the fairytale-esque atmosphere that was created throughout the story and the scenery that I could see right in front of my eyes. All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical stories with a touch of magic.

Jack Tamerlaine is summoned back to Cadence, the island of his birth, by a message from his laird with an order: bring your harp. When he arrives there, the island looks the same, but something has changed. Fear is running rampant now that young girls have gone missing, and nobody can seem to find them. When he discovers that the person who summoned him home isn't the laird but his daughter Adaira, his childhood nemesis, Jack must find a way to set aside his lingering resentment to help her find the missing girls.

While this was a near perfect reading experience for me, it's not for everyone. This is a slow paced story with a slow burn romance, and if you aren't into the vibes that this book is trying to sell you, I can absolutely understand that you might be bored. I really loved the vibes, however, and despite the slow pacing of it all, I had trouble putting this book down.

It helps that I find Rebecca Ross's writing absolutely beautiful. Her descriptions of Cadence, the spirits/fae, the people and the food are all stunning. They also made me hungry, so be prepared for that. The only (minor) quibble I have, which is something I noticed in [book:Dreams Lie Beneath|54557816] as well, is her tendency to use names often in dialog, even when it's just two people conversing. But other than that, everything flows beautifully.

I found all the characters interesting and sometimes relatable in different ways. Jack's insecurities, Adaira's need to present a strong front, Torin and Sidra and their struggle to make their relationship stronger--I loved reading about it all. The way the characters reacted emotionally to different situations felt realistic for the most part. Jack and Adaira's relationship undergoes quite a few developments over the course of the story. We see glimpses of them as children, and how the feelings of resentment between them still linger even after they grew up. But there is respect and a hint of affection beneath that, and we get to watch as that grows into something more. Adaira affectionately calls Jack her "old menace", and I think it's a very cute nickname.

The relationship between Torin and Sidra on the other hand is more complex, but just as fascinating. Married for the sake of Torin's child after the death of her mother, theirs is a marriage of convenience and not love, but it is still strong. But when their bond is put to the test, we begin to see fractures as their fears are pushed to the forefront, and watching them work through that felt very satisfying.

The author has an interesting explanation of how and why this book transitioned from YA to adult, and a lot of it has to do with the relationships. I highly recommend reading that for the context it provides.

The setting of Cadence and the magic are what really provide the vibes. It feels very much like somewhere out of an older fantasy. Maybe that's just because of the recent trend to make fae sexy, but I have to say I much prefer this version; otherworldly, based on nature and not at all inclined to be nice to humans.

In short, much like the titular river, I, too, was enchanted by this book.

Absolutely beautiful book the lore and the details truly make this book a stunning read! I would highly recommend this book to my friends and fellow book enthusiasts! Can’t wait for my special editions to come in! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this beautiful book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Based on a mysterious, enchanted isle divided by two feuding clans and a historical Scottish setting, this story sees childhood rivals, Jack and Adaira work together to uncover the mysterious disappearance of several young girls.

Themes: faith, spirituality, kidnapping, violence, parental issues, romance, conflict.

The story is told in multiple POV’s, (primarily Jack and Adaira’s), however, due to editing or perhaps due to this being an ARC, the jump from one character to another without any paragraph/chapter break or any character heading felt jarring, and sometime it took me a moment to gather that I was in another character’s POV.

I liked the authors exploration of the magic ruling over the island, with a strong focus on nature and the elements, with the Celtic references and paganistic style of belief, which lent a very atmospheric, mystical and sweeping style to the writing, as though this was a story that would be sung by bards or told over bonfires and passed down through the centuries. I also enjoyed the idea that all things must come with a cost, and so the use of magic was not done so lightly, but carefully wielded with consequences for the user.

There were strong themes of faith and exploration of loss of faith and PTSD following violence or strife and the re-discovery of personal faith by several characters which was well written and considered.

The relationship between the childhood enemies was far less believable as it almost seemed as though the author had to keep reminding us that they had been “enemies” as children. I found myself becoming more and more irritated by the overuse of the phrase “my Old Menace” – it felt unnatural and slightly forced as a nickname, whereas Heiress is similar to “Princess” so that I could get on board with.

The relationship between these two seemed to quickly change from initial irritation to attraction, and despite the flashbacks scenes, the alleged enmity between the two never felt entirely believable, especially as we are told how much of their respective childhoods were spent together.

I preferred the more mature themes of the Captain of the Guard and his wife’s relationship as it felt much more realistic/natural. The dynamic between these two was a little cliché (a kind, soft wife and a stoic, angry, emotionally stunted husband) but I enjoyed the slow unfurling and understanding between the characters, which was tested by various hurdles in which the characters would have to decide whether to persevere or part ways.

Whilst this book started a little slowly, and much of it was rather predictable, the last quarter of the story started moving a little faster and the ending left the story open to a potentially compelling sequel. Whilst perhaps not as strong as I was hoping./expecting, there was plenty to enjoy in this book, and I would recommend to those looking for a slower-paced, soft, enchanting read.

The novel is currently billed as Adult, but felt very much more YA to me. Although this was not my favourite novel, I am intrigued enough that I would likely pick up the sequel (even if only to borrow from the library). I would give this a 3.5* rating!

The comparisons to House of Earth and Blood were completely baffling. This was much more in line with Erin Morgenstern, Katherine Arden, Adrienne Young, Elizabeth Lim, Naomi Novik styles of writing.