“But sometimes, love simply wasn’t enough.”

“Whisper of War and Storms,” by C. L. Mecca

I loved this book. Solid plot with tons of good tropes and themes like portal fantasy, fae/ elves, magic, hidden identity, enemy to lover, forbidden love, insta lust, slow burn, etc. The characters were perfect, and I was glued to the pages to see what would happen next. Portal fantasies aren’t always my thing based on how the author writes them, but this book was done so perfectly that I need to find more portal fantasies that are like this one.

I’m definitely going to be reading more books by C. L. Mecca. This book was so good, 5 out of 5 stars, wouldn’t change a thing.

-Portal Fantasy
-Fae/ Elves
-Magic
-Hidden Identity
-Enemy To Lover
-Forbidden Love
-Insta Lust
-Multi POV
-Slow Burn

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

This is a new romantasy series by an author that I have read in multiple genres. Like all of her works, this is well written with interesting characters. It is not a high epic. There is just enough detail and world building to let you know you are not on Earth but not enough to distract you from the story. There is no cliffhanger but it is also not the end of the story. I was rapidly pulled into the story, read it quickly and am now eagerly waiting for the next book.

When you compare a book to the likes of the biggest names in fantasy at the moment, you better be ready to deliver on the same scale. Unfortunately this one doesn't. The concept is great and there are some good bones here, but they are picked clean of any meat. To me this story just kind of meandered and didn't have a ton of direction or urgency/purpose. I appreciate the author's effort here but it failed to give me the same feeling as the books it is referred to.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ 1 Star

I wanted to love this book—the premise had so much potential. A portal romantasy with political intrigue and a unique magic system? Sounds great. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.

The writing was simplistic and clunky, with a lot of telling instead of showing. Scenes lacked depth, transitions were abrupt, and dialogue often felt unnatural. The plot was predictable, which wouldn’t have been an issue if the storytelling had been more engaging. Instead, I found myself struggling to stay invested. Oddly, mundane details were over-explained, while world-building and character development felt undercooked.

With more editing, this could have been something special. As it stands, it just didn’t work for me.

Mev is searching for her past because
she doesn't know her father. While visiting York, she finds herself accidentally stumbling through a gate to a different world. Kael, who is a Prince, finds her and has to decide whether he helps Mev or takes her back
to his clan where his Father will make the decision on her fate.
This book is a very fast-paced romantasy with enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity.
Not only is the world.building very easy to understand, but the plot is super interesting too!
The romance is pretty fast and I usually prefer a slow burn romance, but I still really liked it.
Overall a very cozy and cute romantasy and I would definitely recommend! ☺️

This book combines a fairy world with the normal world. When Mev lands in the fairy world, I really liked that she had to find out evrythign on her own, because Kael was no help at all.

This was a good slow burn, because Kael kept her at arm's length even though he felt strong feelings for her.

I'm excited to read the rest of the series, especially to see what the deal is with Rowan. He acts really weird.

This was an intriguing romantasy. Nice and short. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

4.5 Stars
When a forgotten ring reveals Mevlida Brennan’s true heritage as the long-lost princess of Aetheria, a kingdom of immortals and magic, her world is turned upside down. Thrust into a realm on the brink of war, Mev is caught between her newfound legacy and a dangerous political game. A powerful king holds the key to restoring the ancient portal that connects their realms, but his son, Kael, stands in her way. Brooding, relentless, and dangerously irresistible, Kael is sworn to protect his people—even if it means kidnapping Mev to keep her from uncovering the truth.
A new series & a genre I don’t usually read but I love the author’s books so gave it a try & I wasn’t disappointed. Well written with strong characters & a well paced story. I loved both Mev & Kael, the chemistry between them sizzled even though they should be sworn enemies. I was drawn in from the start when Mev travelled to York to try to find out what had happened to her mother – she certainly got more than she bargained for! I’m now eagerly awaiting the next instalment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

It was okay. But it didn’t feel very romantasy for most of the book. It felt like it was written for a younger reader (except for the last 25%). The last part of the book is basically when everything happened, I wish it had been spread throughout so that the first 75% would’ve been more interesting.

Whisper of War and Storms is the first book that I have read by this author. I loved getting to know Mev and Kael and their friends/ acquaintances. I liked witnessing the chemistry between Kael and Mev grow and watching friendships develop along the way as well. I love the overall storyline and the characters, but the execution is a bit lacking. I would love to read what happens next. I just wish the writing was on par with the great storyline and memorable characters, so that we all could have read a great story instead of just a good one. The pieces are there for a great fantasy, it just needs a little more help crafting it into one.

i was at an event with my local library, and CL was there and started talking about this book. i knew it sounded like it was right up my alley and i was right. i loved that it was a fully developed fantasy book with good world building, but it was short and SO EASY TO FOLLOW. i loved the blend of modern world and slang and how that was incorporated into the world in a way that made sense. i liked how CL was able to bring some of her medieval and romance styles to the book as well. the story was so captivating, easy to follow (i know i already said that), and complete without dragging on and excessively long. i cannot wait to see how the rest of the series develops!!

Really enjoyed this. Really liked the different kingdoms and the separate realms. Characters were easy to love which I found made it more gripping.

Thank you C. L. Mecca, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC

A cozy fantasy that would make a good in between book.
I feel that with a little more character development and making it more challenging for the main character would make this book one to remember.
The world building takes up majority so you have a great context of the world and its history I just wish it had more connected to her coming into her powers instead of almost instantly getting it.
Ultimately wonderful building blocks, it just needed more pages.

Whisper of War and Storms is a new portal romantasy, setting out as a book with vibes similar to those of Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses, with a fresh, original take on the genre.

Before i get into a detailed review, I will say I hate giving low ratings to books, because I know how much work lies in not just the writing, but also the publishing process.
However, in giving an honest review I have to be, well, honest. And the matter of fact is that this book was extremely poorly written.

But let me point out the good things first.
I really like the premise of this book. The idea is original, and with so many similar romantasy storylines out there, a portal romantasy like this feels like a fresh take. I think Elydor is an interesting world, and I like the idea of it and the magic system as well as the political intrigues.
In fact, I really like the overall idea of the book, and that’s the reason I requested it to start with.
A good idea alone, however, doesn’t make a good book. The writing is just as important - if not more. So let’s delve into the writing style, shall we?

Overall, the writing style of this book is sloppy. It is telling and the language is extremely passive, to the point where the book gets confusing time and time again, despite the fact that nothing is left for the reader to reflect upon themself.
Descriptions are minimal and it is difficult to get an idea of what is happening in the scenes, as most actions aren’t described. Time and time again Kael or Mev will say something and we’ll hear the other’s thoughts pointing out the exact thing every reader should be able to pick up between the lines. Sometimes the characters will be in the middle of a conversation and suddenly a character will think and ponder about something completely unrelated and then they’re on a horse.
I did like the fact, that the characters needed to relieve themselves from time to time. We don’t see that much in books. Though, if I’m being honest, maybe this book reached the ‘too much’ mark for mentioning pee-breaks.

In general, the book reads like a messy first draft, which is sad, because a thorough round of edits to make the writing more active and more showing, and this story would really be something up there!
The potential is there, but the writing style drags it down to a point where I really struggled to get through the book.

Overall 1/5. If you want to compare your book to bestsellers such as Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, you should have a product that can handle that comparison. And given the writing style in this book, that’s not the case here.

With that out of the way, I’ll say this. The idea is there. The world is there. The characters are there. I hope the author realizes that, and then takes the time to practice and improve her writing, because an idea as good as this one deserves a book worthy of it.

A solid fats paced fantasy read!

Thank you netgallery, Boldwood Books and C.L. Mecca for an e arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.

This book was compared to some pretty heavy hitters but I went into this with zero expectations and came out pleasantly surprised had I maybe gone into it as a comp to the other big romantasy names the rating would have changed.

Though the story is quick to jump into the action and plot I found myself hunting for just a little more. More from the characters and more from the world building. I love the idea of elemental magic and she did a great job of guiding us through clearly and at no point was I confused with the with the worldbuilding.

I loved Kael and Mev's relationship and am a sucker for a dual POV! Their banter had me giggling and I found myself wishing the tension was drawn out a bit longer I am a sucker for a slow burn and it seemed like they fell pretty fast. The ending though sets the stage for the next book and excited to see where this one goes. Over all a very solid start to this series!

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in February. If branded as spicy, I'm expecting spice not just some salt and pepper. Otherwise it was really good! It has some really nice build up romance story and I enjoyed the world building. Not too complicated and easy to visualise. Very nice easy read.

This has become one of my top reads of this year already! Everything I crave in a fantasy romance, I can't wait for the next book, like seriously I can't I need it now! The characters were *chefs kiss*

A lost princess. A forbidden love. A destiny she never knew awaited her. This author’s books have the ability to simultaneously make you unable to stop reading while wishing you could bury the book somewhere deep underground where it can't be found. Compelling and didn’t want it to end!

I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me the privilege to read an ARC for this book!

I honestly don't know what to say, I dont think I can truly convey how much I fell in love with this book. I was not expecting to fall for this like I did but oh boy did! I laughed, I worried and I loved! Yes things happen very very fast in this book (including all relationships) but it's a rush, a breathe of fresh air from somethings I've been reading lately! There is a great story here, great and really interesting characters, so much love, and a dual pov that actually works! Both sides were don't fantastically! I have never once ever said this in my long time of reading but Kael is book boyfriend material most definitely!!

I have honestly not felt as happy and light as I felt reading this in a very long while. I know I make it sound like this is some silly read, it's really not. It is serious it makes you feel like you're right there along with them. You will fall in love with the description of this world, you will love all of these characters, laugh with them and you will want them safe and happy!

I can't wait until this releases so I can bring it home! This is a forever book for me, and there better be more because I need so much more from these characters and this world!

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to read this book! I really needed it this in my life!

I so enjoyed this book! I am looking forward to owning a hard copy of this to have on my shelf. The entire book I was rooting for Kael to make the right choice. I’m sad I have to wait to see what comes next in the story but I will be waiting with anticipation!