5 stars for The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker #romantasy #medievalpnr #historicalfantasy #99cents #ku #bookreview
- N. N. Light
- May 20
- 3 min read
Title: The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
Author: Jennifer Ivy Walker
Genre: Historical fantasy, Medieval paranormal romance, Romantasy
Book Blurb:
In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from the ruthless Black Widow Queen.
Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.
Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.
Can their passion and power prevail?
My Review:
Fleeing her wicked stepmother, Issylte finds solace as a healer, but will she lead the fight with her beloved to save her kingdom? When her father remarries, Issylte shivers with fear upon meeting her cold, unfeeling stepmother. She’s only the princess but with her father, the king, under the queen’s spell, she’s never felt so alone. She flees for her life and takes refuge in the forest. She studies magic under the guidance of a fairy witch. Letting fate guide her, she enters an ethereal realm and practices healing. She meets and falls in love with Tristan. Their love binds them together but there are some who wish to tear them asunder. She must choose between her healing life and staking her birthright to save her kingdom. Fate unites them but will they succeed and defeat their enemies, or will their alliance be their death knell?
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a compelling medieval fantasy romance I couldn’t put down. From the first page until the last, I was under its spell. I thought about the characters morning, noon, and night. Both the heroine and hero burrowed their way into my heart. I hate the wicked stepmother with a white-hot passion.
Jennifer Ivy Walker weaves a story that is immersive and emotional, like all fairy tales should. The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is based on a French fairy tale along with Arthurian legends. You may not be familiar with the French fairy tale, but you will know some of the themes.
The plot moves at a terrific pace with intricate descriptive narration, emotional tension, a full cast of characters, sensational world-building, and an unforgettable romance.
The world-building is second to none and pulls the reader into the story. I must warn you…this is not a fluffy medieval fantasy romance. There is a clear dark tone to the story which, after reading it, fits perfectly.
The writing is crisp, flawless, and expertly executed. Jennifer Ivy Walker is a prolific romance author and one to have on your radar.
If you’re looking for an unputdownable read, pick up The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven.
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Grab your copy for only 99 cents!
Author Biography:
Jennifer Ivy Walker is a former high school teacher and professor of French at a state college in Florida. She writes paranormal fantasy, medieval romance, Viking historical romance, myth retellings, and historical fiction, inspired by her travels to France and her MA in French literature.
Her novels have won numerous awards, including the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal 2023 in Mythology for her debut novel, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers’ Choice Award 2023 in the Historical Fantasy/Myth genre for The Lady of the Mirrored Lake, and the American Fiction Awards Best Historical Romance Winner 2024 for Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle.
She also designs Renaissance Denim Couture, creates bohemian jewelry, and walks miles along the Florida beach where she lives with her family and golden retriever, Ziggy.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/
Reviewed by: Nancy
