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A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
Fantasy

A River Enchanted

by Rebecca Ross

Quick take

Unexplained disappearances draw a reluctant hero back to his island home to confront spirits in this spellbinding tale.

Good to know

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_400

    400+ pages

  • Illustrated icon, Icon_SlowRead

    Slow build

  • Illustrated icon, Icons_Series

    First in series

  • Illustrated icon, Icons_Quest

    Quest

Synopsis

Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.

With unforgettable characters, a fast-paced plot, and compelling world building, A River Enchanted is a stirring story of duty, love, and the power of true partnership, and marks Rebecca Ross’s brilliant entry on the adult fantasy stage.

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Free sample

Get an early look from the first pages of A River Enchanted.

Why I love it

A River Enchanted is an exhilarating journey into a richly realized world of myth, magic, and alliances—old and new—forged for good (and sometimes ill). It imaginatively explores classic themes of duty, honor, and going home again. Its characters are fully realized and you will find yourself willingly—nay, eagerly—following them through dark, unsettling forests, and into the midst of those who may be friend or foe.

When Jack Tamerlaine is summoned to the magical isle of Cadence, he returns to the island home he was forced to leave when he was just eleven years old. Now a scholar and teacher, he takes leave from his job to make the journey home to Cadence, crossing the treacherous, malevolent waters. But it’s only then that he learns the true reason for his return. Drawn again into a world of enemies, dark spirits, and truths hidden behind magic, lies, and old family secrets, he must join forces with a former childhood rival to solve the mysterious disappearance of young girls on the island.

With her adult debut, Rebecca Ross proves herself one of our master world builders and storytellers. This book is a delightful, perfectly-paced read, and will easily become a favorite for readers of fantasy.

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Member ratings (17,543)

  • Kerri M.

    Walpole, MA

    OMG, this book was STUNNING! The writing, the characters, the intrigue… it was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all around! This is a beautiful, lyrical tale that transports you to this world filled with magic and fae.

  • emily w.

    Gilroy, CA

    I was between “loved” and “liked” for this one. Well done, but wanted just a tiny bit more as the end was a little choppy for first in series. Chose “love” because I would ultimately read the sequel!

  • Jade R.

    Coeur d Alene, ID

    A little slow to start, but captivating nonetheless. Ross’s world-building is beautiful and her characters relatable. Can’t wait for the second book! Loved the ending and it’s set ups. Solid 4/5 stars

  • Brittany R.

    Millington , IL

    A long book that feels short bc it’s so good. I love the story, the characters, the writing. It transports me in the best possible way. I can’t wait for the sequel - I’ve marked my calendar for 12/6!

  • Nikki R.

    New York, NY

    I’m not a big fantasy fan, but this enchanted me. Ross’ prose is lyrical, ethereal and transportive. I felt the wind, smelled the land and ached for the characters. I’m so glad it’ll be a series!