Book: Of Withering Dreams by Rowyn Adelaide
Reviewed by kats_reads_books
Rating: 5/5
Of Withering Dreams is a dark fantasy, the first instalment in the Fate of the Embered Series. Seemingly abandoned by the Ancients, the realm is controlled by the Elders, one Scion from each of the five ancestral houses. But resources are limited so with the Autumn Equinox all citizens are required to enter magical stasis pods for the Dormancy to ration resources. When they awake they have no memories of the time that has passed. The story follows Seryn, a young woman who is discovering her magical abilities, her best friend Kaden and his broody brother Gavrel, as they learn what really happens during Dormancy and find themselves fighting to protect their realm.
OWD is beautifully written, descriptive and immersive without being overwhelming. You can expect wonderful world building to unfold throughout the story, friends you'll love, villains you love to hate, magical mysteries, deadly quests and trials, romance, secrets, betrayal and heartbreak.
It's one of those books that has stuck with me after reading, as I think about the mysteries and betrayals, what signs I surely missed along the way, theories about what has happened and what will happen. I'm blown away that this is Rowyn's debut novel. I'm already looking forward to rereading and eagerly await book 2! Thank you so much Rowyn for the ARC 🖤🖤🖤