The West Wind by Alexandria Warwick

Genre: Fantasy, Romance | Release Date: November 12, 2024

Thank you Saga Press #SagaSaysCrew and NetGalley for the free book!

☕ Quick Take:

A dark and poetic retelling of Tam Lin, where faith clashes with forbidden love and the Four Winds come alive.

📖 Plot Overview:

Brielle of Thornbrook has lived a life of devotion, forging iron and studying sacred texts in preparation to become an acolyte of the Father. Her vow is absolute—she shall never touch a man. But when a chance encounter with Zephyrus, the West Wind, drags her into the rotting, mysterious world of Under, her faith is tested in ways she never imagined.

Zephyrus is alluring, dangerous, and untrustworthy. As Brielle navigates the darkness of Under, she’s forced to confront her desires, her faith, and the unraveling of her most sacred beliefs. Will she be able to resist the magnetic pull of Zephyrus, or will she forsake everything she’s known for a forbidden love?

💭 My Thoughts:

The West Wind takes a different tone from its predecessor, The North Wind, leaning heavily into poetic prose and slower pacing. While the atmospheric writing was undeniably beautiful, the story’s rhythm felt uneven, with moments that dragged and an ending that seemed to stretch into multiple conclusions.

The connection between Brielle and Zephyrus didn’t quite spark the way I hoped. Their dynamic lacked the emotional depth and tension needed to make their love story compelling. Even moments of jealousy, like Zephyrus’s interactions with Harper, fell flat. The scene with The South Wind also felt shoehorned in—more like a teaser for the next book than a meaningful addition to this story.

After loving The North Wind, I found this installment to be a letdown. While The West Wind delivers on atmosphere and mythology, it missed the mark emotionally, leaving me less invested in the characters and their journey.

🌙 Standout Moments:

The exploration of faith and Brielle’s internal conflict was thought-provoking. The vivid descriptions of Under were haunting and added a compelling layer of darkness to the story.

🌱 Who Should Read This?

If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy romance with lush, poetic prose and a dark, mythological edge, you may find The West Wind appealing. Perfect for fans of A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair and From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

📚 Final Thoughts:

The West Wind offers a unique, atmospheric take on forbidden love and mythology but doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor. While it sets up intriguing threads for the next installment, it left me wanting more from the main romance and pacing.