Elisabeth Wheatley's Reviews > Winds of Fate

I struggled with what I would rate this book. On one hand, it had as many typos and word misuse as my brother's homework, but at the same time, I really feel the writer is talented! Why do I say that? Because I couldn't get the story out of my head, I kept wondering "what will happen next?" This story reminds me of why I fell so madly in love with true fantasy to begin with.

One thing I really struggled with is how blurry the line between good and evil is. In the first half, it was really hard to discern who I should be rooting for with all the shifting perspectives. The shifts weren't distracting, they just showed all sides of the story, which I think was the author's intent.

Alina, the main character, is alright. She's not my favorite heroine ever, but she still had some of those little quirks that make you worry about her. There were a few parts where I wanted to slap her and ask her what the $&@#! are you doing?!" but it was because I was worried about her. I particularly don't understand why she would (view spoiler)[be silly enough as to incite a one-night stand with a traveling companion and thus create completely unnecessary complications (hide spoiler)].

Arn, her sort-of love interest, was a mysterious and fascinating character. He was probably my favorite character, mainly because he was so dedicated to honor and to me that is a very endearing trait for characters to have. He also seems to care for Alina a bit more than he lets on, but I think I've figured out why he isn't pursuing her. (YOU will have to read the book, ha-ha!)

Now let's talk about Liane, the newly-made king who travels with Alina and Arn for most of the latter portion of the book. He's a creep. And I think I'm being generous. He holds very little/no respect for women in that he uses and loses them like toys, but I could forgive that if it weren't for him slaughtering the old king's rightful heir and supporters to claim the throne and then taking the heir's betrothed into his bed and essentially raping her. There were parts where it was easy to forget Liane's rather icky background, but he's more the kind of guy to beat up than hang out with. That sounded mean. I'm sorry, I just...ugh!

Overall, this book did had some redeemable qualities--intrigue, action, mystery, magic, a dash of almost-romance. It was enjoyable and I do want to read the sequel. I hope that the author keeps writing. She's got talent!