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Book Series: Sweet Black Waves Book 1

Rating: 5/5

Publication Date: June 5, 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

Recommended Age: 16+ (slight gore, war, witchcraft, sex, and love. I also can’t remember if it’s in book one or two but there is a little cutting scene)

Publisher: Imprint

Synopsis: Not you without me, not me without you.

Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them.

As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what's right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she's ever loved.

Inspired by the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Eseult, this is the story of the legend’s true heroine: Branwen. For fans of Graceling and The Mists of Avalon, this is the first book of a lush fantasy trilogy about warring countries, family secrets, and forbidden romance.

Review: Holy cow this book was so good. The writing was near poetic and the world building was fantastic. I loved seeing this classic tale told through the eyes of someone not in the original tale and I loved how the author filled in the details left behind in the tale!

However, the book is really slow. It’s really good, but really slow. You’re also going to be confused if you’ve never read the original tale, so Wikipedia it.

Verdict: It’s worth the read!