Series: The Withering Saga #1
Publisher: Independently published
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
About the Book:
Publisher: Independently published
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
About the Book:
Only she can sense the tree’s magic. Unfortunately, the tree’s not hers. It's his.In the famine-stricken kingdom of Ittora, Ayse discovers a magical birch that might hold the power to save everyone. If only Aiden, the tree’s grumpy, annoyingly hot guardian would get over himself and let her investigate it.Despite dark secrets and growing desire, Ayse is determined to see if the tree can reverse the Withering.Meanwhile, Prince Seok is pushing for war against the Fey in a last ditch attempt to quell the famine, while also uncovering something amiss with the rations keeping everyone alive.With the Withering closing in and time running out, they must hurry to save Ittora—before hunger consumes them all.This epic romantasy novel is the first in a slow-burn trilogy where the stakes—and the spice—rise with each sequel. This series will appeal to fans of immersive, romantic high fantasy such as A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, and Kingdom of the Wicked.
Rating:
This book is a fantastic mix of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, delivering a gripping story set in the famine-ridden kingdom of Ittora. The first half of the novel follows Ayse as she discovers a magical birch tree that could hold the key to saving the kingdom. She also meets Aiden, the tree’s grumpy yet captivating guardian. Their slow-burning dynamic hints at secrets lurking beneath Aiden’s distant exterior, making for an intriguing buildup. The pacing here is slower, more deliberate, as Ayse tries to understand the magic surrounding the tree and her feelings for Aiden.
At the halfway mark, the story shifts drastically. With the Withering curse seeming spreading and starvation gripping the kingdom, Ayse heads to court, where Prince Seok—the dark and calculating second prince—is investigating the truth behind the kingdom’s dwindling rations. Their paths intertwine as court politics spiral into chaos. The pace picks up significantly here, almost feeling rushed compared to the first half. It also gets a bit more steamy with Ayse and Soek. Meanwhile, the Queen emerges as a ruthless, Fey-hating villain… yet she and her sons are Fey themselves, correct? Is there more to this contradiction, or is it an oversight?
While the book delivers plenty of intrigue, the magical elements feel somewhat underdeveloped. The enchanted birch tree plays a key role early on but fades into the background later, and the magical flowers—another seemingly important element in the 2nd half—aren’t fully explored. Perhaps future installments will delve deeper into these mysteries.
Ayse is a compelling protagonist—resilient and determined, with a strong sense of agency. She makes intelligent choices, even if she does fall for the male leads a bit too easily. However, her decisions always propel the plot forward, making her journey engaging to follow.
Overall, this was an exciting read with political tension, a fascinating and buildable magic system, and intriguing characters. Though some elements could have used more development, it kept me hooked until the end.
Mariah L. Rosewood is a creative soul from the Midwest with a love for family, reading, art, music, and the intricacies of human emotion.
Her writing adventures began in middle school, where she dabbled in fanfiction inspired by Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. Now, she’s moved on to crafting her own original stories, fully embracing her passion for storytelling.
As an author, she loves characters that are multifaceted, imperfect, and relatable. The kind you root for, swoon over, and sometimes want to smack upside the head. Characters you're on the journey with. So step into the world of Rosewood—where magic meets the heart, and every story leaves a mark.
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