Book: Waking the Echoes of Fate by A. Elliot
Reviewed by Weird | weird.reads.books
Rating: 4.5/5
A romantasy that actually feels new? Yes, please. No element-bending or overloaded magic systems that have become saturated in the genre. Just a raw, wind-bitten world that feels lived in. Elliot gives you only what you need, when you need it, so the setting unfolds naturally instead of dumping lore in your lap.
Told in first person, we follow Thyrvi, who accepts an arranged marriage to a Kanaz prince to serve her kingdom, which she does with clear-eyed maturity. Once she handfasts with Prince Gaelen, the attraction is instant, but the love is a true slow burn (at least on her part). Both of them have secrets, and when those cards hit the table (fairly early), they choose trust. An actual partnership. The book looks at the usual romantasy tropes and basically says, “Not today.” I loved that.
My favorite section hits around the 80% mark, when we meet fantasy races you rarely see in romantasy but that absolutely belong in a Nordic setting. They’re a delight, and I’m crossing my fingers we see much more of them in book two. (Pleeeeeeease!)
About that…this one ends on a cliffhanger. As someone who’s all for suffering and tragedy, I wouldn’t mind the sequel leaning darker. But that’s just my little dark-fantasy heart talking, so feel free to flick that wish away.
Tiny craft note: Those first flirt scenes would hit harder with a few physical cues—a touch, a look—to ground the spark.
Pacing-wise, this moves fast (around 350 pages), and conflicts tend to resolve quickly. It’s the kind of book I would’ve read in a day if life didn’t get the way. If you want a fresh-feeling romantasy with Norse mythology, a mature central couple, slow-burn romance, and light heat, this is an easy recommend.
Thank you to Tales and Teacups and A. Elliot for the ARC! All opinions are my own.