Title: Wandfasted
Author: Laurie Forest
First published July 1, 2017
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.25
Overview
Experience the captivating tale of WANDFASTED, the enchanting prequel to THE BLACK WITCH. Embark on a thrilling journey filled with magic, danger, and love.
As the Realm War tears through Erthia, Tessla Harrow finds herself thrust into a world of power and uncertainty. With her home destroyed and her people scattered, Tessla’s hidden abilities are awakened, revealing a strength she never knew she possessed.
Drawn to Vale Gardner, the son of the most powerful mage in the land, Tessla must navigate the treacherous landscape of war and politics while confronting her growing feelings for Vale. Don’t miss out on this epic adventure that will leave you breathless and eager for more.
About the Author
Meet Laurie Forest, a bestselling author known for her enchanting tales of dryads, dragons, and wands. She resides in the serene backwoods of Vermont, where she spends her days crafting stories by a warm wood stove and sipping on strong tea.
Her captivating works, including “The Black Witch,” “The Rebel Mages,” “The Shadow Wand,” and “The Demon Tide,” have earned her acclaim from the New York Times, USA Today, and international audiences. Currently, she is hard at work writing “The Dryad Storm,” the fifth book in her beloved series, “The Black Witch Chronicles.”
Editoral Review
Wandfasted, the prequel to The Black Witch, by Laurie Forest is a captivating novel with a richly developed world and characters. The book was first published on July 1, 2017, and falls under the young adult fantasy genre.
Wandfasted tells the story of the early life of Elloren Gardner’s grandmother, Sage Fowler, and the events that led to her fateful love match. Laurie Forest skillfully brings out themes of identity, love, loyalty, and prejudice, woven around an intriguing plotline.
The narrative follows young Sage Fowler, a talented and fiercely independent young woman, set in a magical medieval-like world known as Erthia. The plot begins when Sage is sent to a far-off land to apprentice under a healer, her father’s friend, for ten years.
There, she meets the charming and rebellious wizard, Alexei. Despite their different backgrounds, Sage and Alexei find that they share a deep connection, and their love grows amidst the political tensions and conflicts stirring in Erthia.
Laurie Forest, the author, evokes a world filled with magic, both dark and light, and deadly creatures lurking in the woods. Her writing style is vivid, poetic, and descriptive, bringing to life every character and their surroundings in brilliant detail.
Forest uses the narrative to shine a light on the prejudices and biases that plague the magical society of Erthia, mirroring contemporary issues of intolerance in today’s world. The strengths of Wandfasted lie in its rich characterization, world-building, and exploration of multi-layered themes.
Sage’s character is relatable, as she faces oppression and struggles to find her identity and voice, making her a captivating protagonist to follow. The book also depicts the struggles faced by minorities in the magical society of Erthia, allowing readers to reflect on how prejudice operates in our world.
The plot keeps you engaged throughout, with twists and turns that keep you guessing. Yet, there are limitations to the book which need some constructive criticism.
The pacing is slow at times, and the side characters are not as well-developed as the protagonist, making it hard to empathize with their stories. A sense of predictability can also drag you down in parts of the plot, making it hard to maintain the suspense and tension.
In conclusion, Wandfasted is highly recommended for young adults and fantasy enthusiasts who enjoy a rich and detailed world filled with magical creatures and compelling characters. The book is a great exploration of contemporary society’s issues, like intolerance and identity, through a mystical lens.
Overall, I rate the book 8/10 for its remarkable storytelling, world-building, and characterization, despite its predictable plot and slow pacing in some parts. Wandfasted is a remarkable story and is highly recommended to explore the tumultuous world of Erthia with Sage and Alexei’s passionate journey.