The Wyndshaper: Review and Exclusive Q&A with Kate Argus
I'm back again with a pretty new release that I just know you'll all love! The Wyndshaper by Kate Argus was published on 20th July 2021, however, I was lucky enough to review an early copy before release! This book really resonated with me so I'm so so excited to share my thoughts and interview Kate for a little peek into the Wyndshaping world!
First of all, here is the synopsis from Kate's website:
"A forgotten history. A kingdom in peril. And a king and a Forester fighting for both.
Having witnessed their fathers’ deaths when they were mere children, Fletch Wyndshaper and Dreythan Corwynter are no strangers to peril or loss. Dreythan has since borne the impossible weight of his sire’s crown, while Fletch has sworn herself as a Forester in the service of the kingdom. But when Fletch saves Dreythan from certain death at the hands of demonic assassins, they’re drawn into a conspiracy that threatens everything they care about; their fathers’ legacies, their kingdom, even the world itself."
My Review:
This book absolutely blew my mind (pun intended). Just wow!! The Wyndshaper is a high fantasy epic book that had me hooked from the prologue 🍃 we dove straight into the action with no long tedious build-up! As somebody who sometimes struggles with getting into a book, I was so pleasantly surprised by how quickly things began to happen!! That said, the book also did not feel rushed or lacking in detail; the balance was just right! 🌬
The magic system in this book was spectacular with just enough magic that it felt fantastical but not too much that it was overbearing ✨ I love the idea of elemental power in books and this book did it so well! It also didn't reveal too much about the magic yet - rather the plot was established and the pathway to more discovery in the series was started.
I don’t want to say too much about the evil presence as to not spoil anything but...this book gave me slight From Blood and Ash vibes with the new spin on a typical paranormal existence 🖤 Although I’ve compared it to another series, the evil characters we very unique and mysterious that I just need to know more about them!
I adored the main characters and towards to end of the book they began to feel like my friends! They were just developed that well! As the book reached its climax I was holding my breath for the characters and even shed a tear or two! The romance element was so subtle that it felt like a breath of fresh air to have a fantasy book with a plot other than romance! ❤️ That said, I squealed for joy at the romantic scenes that played out 😂 Whilst on the topic of characters, I'd like to highlight the amazing diversity Kate captures in this book! Characters are carefully identified and gendered in a completely informed and respectful way. This made the book shine and it felt so so organic and even more of a pleasure to read!
I feel so incredibly lucky to have been chosen to review this book! Easily one of the best books I’ve read this year and a definite 5/5 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m already impatient for book two!!! I genuinely cannot believe that this is Kate’s debut novel 💨🌪
As is clear by now, I loved reading this book, so I had a million questions to ask about the book! I have condensed these questions down and Kate has answered them all! You guys are going to love this!
Hi Kate, thank you for joining me for a Q&A about The Wyndshaper!
Q: So, first and foremost, how does it feel to be a published author?
Kate: Hi, Sophie! Thank you so much for asking! It feels surreal. There’s so much going on in my life that I haven’t had a moment to stop and absorb the reality. But mostly, I feel overwhelmingly thankful.
Q: There’s a prominent vampire-ish vibe in the Unbreathing. Are you a vampire-fiction fan and if so, where did the idea for your unique take on vampires come for?
Kate: I’ve always loved the classic Dracula by Bram Stoker! But a lot of the Unbreathing’s inspiration came from the video game and tv series Castlevania. I love the deep lore and history behind the monsters, and I wanted to explore that in my own way in The Ivenhence Chronicles.
Q: The diversity in characters captured in The Wyndshaper is stunning. How important is it that authors strive to include a diverse array of ethnicities, genders, sexualities and other beautiful and unique characteristics in their work?
Kate: Thank you. That truly means a lot to me as a bisexual demigirl. Representation is vital. Not just for authors, but for all creatives and artists. How can we expect our art to imitate life if we don’t acknowledge and value the unique existence and experiences of every person?
Q: Will we get to see more romantic exchanges between Fletch and Dreythan in book two? Can we expect some passionate scenes?
Kate: I’ve been getting this question a lot! Each progressive book in The Ivenhence Chronicles will feature the next generation in the royal bloodline of Ivenhence. Although book 2 takes place 25-30 years after The Wyndshaper, Fletch and Dreythan will still have important roles to play! They won’t be the main characters, though, so you won’t see anything steamy.
Q: The Wyndshaper has definitely left readers wanting more! How long will we have to wait for book two?
Kate: The rough draft is already done! I’m hoping to publish around the same time next year (mid-summer).
Q: Throughout The Wyndshaper, we saw Fletch come to terms with the extent of using her powers but is there more to come?
Kate: Yes, absolutely, but not specifically with Fletch. In each new installment of The Ivenhence Chronicles, we’ll see new Wyndshaping abilities from different characters. We’ll also explore the powers Ivere and Ohnaedris have granted to humankind. (You might have already seen a glimpse of one in The Wyndshaper!)
Q: Thank you, Kate, I truly cannot wait to continue discovering Wyndshaping in The Invenhence Chronicles!
Kate: Thank you again so much for interviewing me! I am so glad you enjoyed The Wyndshaper, and I can’t wait to share more of the world and its characters with you.
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