The Thousand Eyes is an extremely strong and compelling sequel. In some ways, I actually preferred it over The Unspoken Name. The Serpent’s Gate duology deals with a complex, at times convoluted, cast of characters and world-building rules. With all of this established in The Unspoken Name, The Thousand Eyes felt free to soar. 

A.K. Larkwood’s writing style is very witty, crafting lightning-quick remarks and jokes that you’ll miss if you blink. The characters remain lovable as ever, with Tal fighting his demons and Cswore and Shuthmili fighting for their love. Along with these familiar characters, Tsreg is a fantastic new addition to the quest to save the world. I loved the queer found family!! 

One of my favorite things about this duology is the intricately crafted mythology. However, the gods are fickle and they can never be trusted. From Iriskavaal to The Unspoken One, there is a wide range of rich storytelling to discover. Tal and Shuthmili were two of my favorite characters. However, A.K. Larkwood’s writing is such that even when you loathe the characters and their choices, there is something fascinating about them. 

The Serpent’s Gate duology is filled with morally gray characters, queer found family, and rich high fantasy world-building. I would recommend this duology for fans of Tamysn Muir and Jenn Lyons. Since The Thousand Eyes concludes The Serpent’s Gate duology for now, I can’t wait to see what A.K. Larkwood writes next! Thank you so much to A.K. Larkwood, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

 When musician Jack is summoned home to his childhood home by his laird, he assumes he will shortly return to the mainland university. But the island holds a tragic secret: young girls are going missing. Every effort to find them has failed. Can Jack somehow help with his musical prowess?  Deciding to stay until the dark mystery can be solved, Jack opens himself up to an island that he was once exiled from. He must work together with the other islanders to discover the secrets of this dangerous and magical island. 

 

A River Enchanted is an immersive and melodic tale. This book will completely sweep you away to Scotland, where the fae/spirits are real and magic always comes with a price. The world-building delicately unveils itself piece by piece. The characters are very endearing, making it impossible to look away until the epic conclusion. As for that ending, I can’t wait for the sequel!! Seriously, I need to find out what happens next for Jack and the entire cast of characters. 

 

One of my favorite parts was how the fae/elemental spirits were depicted and the rituals used to communicate with them. Meticulous care is placed on all the superstitions and beliefs that the islanders hold regarding the fae. Sidra was a particularly interesting character, always holding true to her beliefs while supporting her family. 

 

Rebecca Ross is one of my favorite fantasy writers and I absolutely loved A River Enchanted. I would highly recommend it, especially for fans of Juliet Marillier, Adrienne Young, and The Scorpio Races. This is a wonderful book to get lost in, slipping away to the mists of Scotland for a time. If you enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric, and magical reads then you need to read A River Enchanted! 

 

Thank you so much to Rebecca Ross, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.