Title: The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
Author: Jennifer Ivy Walker
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling, Fantasy Romance, Medieval Paranormal Romance
Book Blurb:
In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom. Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks. Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail?
Readers Favorite Editorial Reviews:
Reviewed by Teresa Syms for Readers' Favorite
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a captivating paranormal romance tale. The reader will absolutely become enthralled by this fascinating, exciting, and action-packed story. Walker created three plots that merged together easily. Each plot was intertwined with the others so intricately and seamlessly that the reader will be caught up completely within the pages. As each character is introduced, the author gives a solid enough portrayal to be able to visualize the character as they come to life on the pages of this book. The reader will fall in love with Issylte as she navigates her fate, beginning from her homeland of Ireland to England and then on the island of Avalon.
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers’ Favorite
Jennifer Ivy Walker creates a magical fantasy story in The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. This beautiful fantasy novel captured my full attention from start to finish. Jennifer Ivy Walker infuses espionage, betrayal, love, magic, and danger throughout the story. The transitions were flawless. The end of the story left me yearning to read the sequel. I recommend The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven to readers who enjoy fantasy romances full of magic and strengthened by well-developed characters.
Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=126xd1Lcmz4
A note from the author:
This is my debut novel, a paranormal romance, dark fantasy retelling of the medieval French legend of “Tristan et Yseult” (Tristan and Isolde in English), blended with Arthurian myth, Druids, Avalonian Elves, forest fairies, magic, and enchanted tales from the mystical Forest of Brocéliande, birthplace of Merlin, Lancelot, and Viviane, the Lady of the Lake.
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 debut novelist and one to have on your radar. If you’re looking for an unputdownable read, pick up The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Buy it Now:
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wild-rose-and-the-sea-raven-jennifer-ivy-walker/1141977954?ean=2940186736387
Giveaway:
I’m one of the authors participating in the Read a Book a Month Book Giveaway and you can win one of two $25 Amazon gift cards generously donated by Jennifer Ivy Walker.
Runs September 1 - 30 and is open internationally for many prizes.
Winners will be drawn on October 3, 2022.
Author Biography:
Enthralled with legends of medieval knights and ladies, dark fairy tales and fantasies about Druids, wizards and magic, Jennifer Ivy Walker always dreamed of becoming a writer. She fell in love with French in junior high school, continuing her study of the language throughout college, eventually becoming a high school teacher and college professor of French.
As a high school teacher, she took her students every year to the annual French competition, where they performed a play she had written, "Yseult la Belle et Tristan la Bête"--an imaginative blend of the medieval French legend of "Tristan et Yseult" and the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast", enhanced with fantasy elements of a Celtic fairy and a wicked witch.
Her debut novel, "The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven"--the first of a trilogy-- is a blend of her love for medieval legends, the romantic French language, and paranormal fantasy. It is a retelling of the medieval French romance of "Tristan et Yseult", interwoven with Arthurian myth, dark fairy tales from the enchanted Forest of Brocéliande, and otherworldly elements such as Avalonian Elves, Druids, forest fairies and magic.
Explore her realm of Medieval French Fantasy. She hopes her novels will enchant you.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://jenniferivywalker.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bohemienneivy
Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0B91R2MJZ
Reviewed by: Mrs. N