Rebecca Ross

House of Earth and Blood meets The Witch's Heart in Rebecca Ross’s brilliant first adult fantasy, set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan.

Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.

With unforgettable characters, a fast-paced plot, and compelling world building, A River Enchanted is a stirring story of duty, love, and the power of true partnership, and marks Rebecca Ross’s brilliant entry on the adult fantasy stage.

Elements of Cadence #1

A River Enchanted

"With lush world building and lyrical prose, A River Enchanted feels like the echo of a folktale from a world right next to our own." --Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For the Wolf House of Earth and Blood meets The Witch's Heart in Rebecca Ross's brilliant first adult fantasy, set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan. Jack Tamerlaine hasn't stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack's childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard's music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls. As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all. With unforgettable characters, a fast-paced plot, and compelling world building, A River Enchanted is a stirring story of duty, love, and the power of true partnership, and marks Rebecca Ross's brilliant entry on the adult fantasy stage.

Jillian Roberts

"There is no failure in love," she said and covered the furrows. The soil was rich; it swallowed a portion of her grief. "And I have loved without measure."

Valentina Williams

“I am but a verse inspired by your chorus, and I will follow you until the end, when the isle takes my bones and my name is nothing more than a remembrance on a headstone, next to yours”

ausra

They drank to their wounds, their regrets, and their hopes, to the past, to how the choices each had made had unknowingly brought them back together. 

"I am but a verse inspired by your chorus, and I will follow you until the end, when the isle takes my bones and my name is nothing more than a remembrance on a headstone, next to yours." 

"But alas, hearts are meant to be broken, aren t they, bard?"

"If they must break," Jack said, "then they break and remake themselves into stronger vessels."

I once thought home was simply a place. Four walls to hold you at night while you slept. But I was wrong. It's people. It's being with the ones you love, and maybe even the ones you hate.

Heather Harrington

Libby G

Sarah J Maas's Crescent City meets Uprooted in acclaimed YA author Rebecca Ross's brilliant first adult fantasy.

joy-lynn

House of Earth and Blood meets The Witch's Heart in Rebecca Ross’s brilliant first adult fantasy, set on the magical isle of Cadence where two childhood enemies must team up to discover why girls are going missing from their clan. Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls. As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all. With unforgettable characters, a fast-paced plot, and compelling world building, A River Enchanted is a stirring story of duty, love, and the power of true partnership, and marks Rebecca Ross’s brilliant entry on the adult fantasy stage.

A Novel

Liz Griffin

Jennifer Gosnell

Such an interesting magic system. Really intrigued by this story and excited to see where the next book takes us!

I'll preface this by saying I'm not USUALLY a fantasy reader where everything is entirely fantasy, I tend to lean more towards books with worlds grounded in reality and magic as part of our pre-existing world. That being said, I quite enjoyed the beginnings of Ross's fantasy world-building in this book. It feels like a fairytale, and the added mystery of young girls going missing lends itself to this, albeit in a darker way. It did start out a little slowly, and I found myself desperate for something more substantial to happen, but just as I was wanting that, the story really kicked in and I felt like I couldn't even put it down. I had a few minor qualms—namely Adaira ALWAYS calling Jack her old menace, which was endearing at times and made me roll my eyes at others, and Jack's reconciliation with the isle coming far too quickly considering how much of a point he made to mention that he felt as if it wasn't home and never was. But overall, I really enjoyed this and looking forward to reading the sequel.

Heather Margaret

I would like to roll around in the heather and be Celtic after reading this. The grumpy/sunshine trope always wins, I love Sidra and Torin endlessly.

Chloé

Okay so I loved this, like truly loved it.
The characters are so fleshed out normally when books are from multiple POVs I always have a POV I prefer and think through the others 'Come on I wanna read this one', however in this book I loved and cared about all the characters.

The beginning was slow, but then it really picked up. This book read like a poem...absolutely beautiful. 

Loved the prose, the world and the interactions between characters.  Plot was a bit slow, and the ending annoyed me.  Though, I will read the second book.

Jenny Engel

Mel 

Beautifully written and deliciously atmospheric.
I really enjoyed this story.
The characters were really distinct and unique.
My one issue is Adaira and Jack’s relationship is very meh to me. I like them as individuals but romantically I don’t buy it.
Everything else was just *chefs kiss*

Yaffa

After a slow start, which is immediately forgiven after a few chapters in, the book just keeps slamming me with some of the most beautiful prose I've laid my eyes on. I had low expectations and then the engaging story yanked me to the end of the book in just a few days. Just beautiful.

Keira Ostrosser

marta 

Wow I loved this story. Rebecca Ross has such a way with words: it’s descriptive, it’s lush, but it’s never overwrought. She combines that with a compelling plot entangled in Scottish folklore and characters that are extremely lovable. The quiet romances are beautiful and I’m convinced I will love anything by Ross. She is just as adept at adult fantasy as she is YA. I cannot wait to read the sequel. 

Katie Allard

The novel is not without its merits even though it was ultimately a little boring and overlong and I could not wait for it to be finished.

On one side, the novel is atmospheric, with an interesting and enchanting (pun not intended) setting - it might well be the current storm but there is something very cosy about the novel. There are some really good and interesting elements to the world-building that could make for an excellent novel. 

However, the novel never quite expands on these elements. Instead it focuses on inter-personal drama, some of which drags on for an unnecessarily long time. It also introduces multiple POV's, some of which it could have well done without. The result is a meandering novel that seems to aim to build up its characters but never actually manages to entice with any of them. It puts the excellent concept on the backburner, ending up feeling unfocused. 

The novel is not without its merits even though it was ultimately a little boring and overlong and I could not wait for it to be finished.

On one side, the novel is atmospheric, with an interesting and enchanting (pun not intended) setting - it might well be the current storm but there is something very cosy about the novel. There are some really good and interesting elements to the world-building that could make for an excellent novel. 

However, the novel never quite expands on these elements. Instead it focuses on inter-personal drama, some of which drags on for an unnecessarily long time. It also introduces multiple POV's, some of which it could have well done without. The result is a meandering novel that seems to aim to build up its characters but never actually manages to entice with any of them. It puts the excellent concept on the backburner, ending up feeling unfocused. 

The writing was so beautiful, but the story fell flat and it dragged on too long :( I really wanted to like this. 

Wow. What a book. I love Fantasy but this felt so different. Probably because the world was so calm. This book was so Well written. It felt Like the words were enchanted. I loved all the characters And there was a plottwist I did not see coming at all. The Back of the book does not descripe what this is about at all. Dual pov from 4 persons. Everyone of them has a different purpose and they are all so well chosen. The isle was so imagible And i love that all of it felt so folkloreish. The vibes of the book were Just 5/5. Cant wait for the Second one.

Celina Irena Kuhn

Kendi Dockum

Captivating, indeed! The story contained all of my favorite genres weaved together in one neat package: romance, fantasy, and a hint of mystery, and even holds tales of folklore for your reading pleasure. The characters were amazing in their own unique ways. I am so hoping that there will be a sequel in the works! 🤞

This book came highly recommended from people who like similar books.

I unfortunately didn’t share their passion for this book.

The book drags a lot and the pacing is so slow. The worldbuilding is very clear, but too detailed. It also has a fair amount of repetition.

Most of the characters are sympathetic, except for Torren.

I alternated listening to this book and reading the ebook.

I thought it was a missed chance to have a book about a bard, and including zero songs. The audiobook could’ve included harp music to elevate it.

And a personal pet peeve, that in this fantastical stories with spirits and magic, there is still loads of sexism, misogyny etc.

All in all, parts were beautiful, parts dragged.

Suzanne

This book came highly recommended from people who like similar books.

I unfortunately didn’t share their passion for this book.

The book drags a lot and the pacing is so slow. The worldbuilding is very clear, but too detailed. It also has a fair amount of repetition.

Most of the characters are sympathetic, except for Torren.

I alternated listening to this book and reading the ebook.

I thought it was a missed chance to have a book about a bard, and including zero songs. The audiobook could’ve included harp music to elevate it.

And a personal pet peeve, that in this fantastical stories with spirits and magic, there is still loads of sexism, misogyny etc.

All in all, parts were beautiful, parts dragged.

The story moved a bit slow but I cared a lot about the characters. I’m too invested in finding out what happens next to not pick up A Fire Endless next. 

Courtney

SO MUCH BETTER THAN I EXPECTEDDD I’m obsessed with Adaira, and the ending made me mad enough to pick the next book right up!

Shai

Descriptive world building…without being too much so. Decent character development even with so many points of view. Truly enjoyed it.

Missie Burdick

Vilandra

I felt the author is very talented with her descriptions. This book felt a bit slow in parts, and I think the author struggled with the romance, especially between the main characters. I did enjoy it and want to find out what happens in the next book!

Kristen Claiborn

I’m not a big fan of fantasy, I usually actively avoid it. I’m the outlier in my family there, all the readers in my family enjoy fantasy and have tried to find books that I might enjoy, but I just don’t love it. I find them to be unnecessarily complicated, with intricate storylines, elaborate and foreign worlds, characters with weird names, and fantastical creatures. It’s just not my thing (I’m also not a fan of sci-fi for those exact same reasons). I read the George R. R. Martin books, but found I didn’t love having to keep notes on the characters: who is related to who, who hates who, who wants to kill who, who actually did get killed…it was exhausting. Every now and then I’ll encounter a fantasy that I enjoy, like the Harry Potter books. The thing about the Harry Potter books, though, is that they are based in a reality I know. The good thing here is that I don’t have to like them, I can read whatever the hell I want. 
	This book reads more like historical fiction than fantasy, with a little magic sprinkled in. It’s not even a lot of magic. The characters are doing things that seem pretty normal, except for that whole magic part…and playing a harp to summon spirits for guidance. There is family drama, secrets, some romance, all things that normal people in not fantasy books go through, so it didn’t feel like a fantasy. It’s also a pretty simple read, it feels a lot like a young adult novel. I didn’t know anything about the author prior to reading this one, so when I found out she is well-known for her young adult books, I wasn’t at all surprised. The areas concerning sexy time aren’t very steamy, the areas about fighting don’t really include much gore. Ross is definitely used to writing for a younger audience, and that’s ok. 
	Kudos to Ross, for writing one of the first fantasy novels I have enjoyed in an absurdly long time. I’m even looking forward to the next one in the series!

A key strength of this book is how atmospheric and picturesque it is. Think 

 intertwined with Scottish and Celtic lore.

This will take time to get into, and I was vaguely confused on the location placements which impacted my understanding of the timeline and pace of the book. As such some quests to me were accomplished too fast and some confessions told too late.

But that did not take away the cozy escapist enjoyment of the book, despite having a kidnapping plot. I cannot wait to pick up book two!

 Only read it during the gray winter days with the rain spattering outside your window, it is perfect.

Jawahir M

A key strength of this book is how atmospheric and picturesque it is. Think Outlander, Quest of Camelot intertwined with Scottish and Celtic lore.

This will take time to get into, and I was vaguely confused on the location placements which impacted my understanding of the timeline and pace of the book. As such some quests to me were accomplished too fast and some confessions told too late.

But that did not take away the cozy escapist enjoyment of the book, despite having a kidnapping plot. I cannot wait to pick up book two!

Do I recommend? Only read it during the gray winter days with the rain spattering outside your window, it is perfect.

 is lovely fantasy brimming with Celtic-inspired lore. I felt utterly transported by it. The setting was lush, a balance of both familiar and fresh. The cast was varied, with some very interesting characters; some were even lovable. The magic was wild and enchanting and costly, and fascinatingly different across the island. The plot and the mystery element were intriguing enough to keep me invested while letting the setting and lore and characters be the true stars of the show. And the romance was beautifully balanced, core to the story without ever overwhelming the plot. There were multiple slow-burn relationships in these pages that didn’t capture me at first, but my investment in them grew as the story progressed. While it did take me a while to warm up to various aspects of this book, I grew to love it.

Our story follows Jack, a Tamerlaine of Cadence who was sent to the mainland to become a bard. His laird has called him home, in need of his musical talents. But Jack’s parentage, with his single mother and unknown father, made him feel judged and found wanting in the land of his birth, so he is hesitant to return. But the draw of duty is too much to ignore, so he leaves the life he has made for himself for the home where he never felt accepted. Once there, Jack finds himself face to face with the heiress of his side of the divided isle, a woman who, as a girl, was his nemesis. While the two might not see eye to eye, they are bound by a shared purpose: find the girls who are being kidnapped from their homes. It is this mystery, of who is taking the girls and why, that drives the story. But romance and magic, politics and a history fraught with division, are equally important tot the tale being spun.

The isle of Cadence is fascinating, with its multi-layered division between the east in the west; politics and ideology and history all divide them, but that division is also seen in tangible, and magical, ways. In the distant past, when a potential alliance between the Tamerlaines (of the east) and the Breccans (of the west) ended in tragedy and war, the island was divided by magic. One side would be lush and fertile, but the cost of magic would be steep. The other side could practice magical crafts with ease, but would strive against the land itself to no avail, never able to grow enough food to feed their people through winter. And the divide between the two is something of a magical leyline; any crossing of it immediately alerts the watchers of the boundary. Both sides have things the other needs, but neither is willing to enact a treaty, as neither feels they can trust the other to honor it. 

Outside of the division, the half of the Cadence where we spend our story is just exceptionally lovely. I was very much reminded of Scotland. As I was meant to be. The magic was wonderful, if devastating it its cost: enchanted blades whose wounds could inflict fear or truth, and plaids woven with secrets that acted as armor or kept one warmer than it should. Magic here wasn’t a spell, but an enchantment entwined with the very best of a craft. I loved the work and artistry required, and also the passion and talent that made these items their most powerful. But then there was the music, which was absolutely my favorite part. The idea of music calling to the various types of elemental spirits was exceptionally lovely, and I was utterly captivated by both premise and execution.

It took a little time for the characters to grow on me, but grow on me they absolutely did. By the end of the novel, I was very fond of captain of the guard Torin, his healer wife Sidra, Jack’s weaver mother Mirin and his little sister Frae. But the obvious stars of the show were future Laird of the East Adaira and our bard main character, Jack. I have a weakness for bards as main characters, especially when their music is a large part of the plot. That’s exactly what was promised here, and Ross delivered on that promise with great aplomb. 

 was just as enchanting as the title lead me to hope. The balance of cozy vibes and stakes with some weight and resonance was pretty impeccable, and the setting and lore were wonderfully lush. I’m so glad that music was actually a focus here, and I can’t wait to see how the 

Celeste Richardson

A River Enchanted is lovely fantasy brimming with Celtic-inspired lore. I felt utterly transported by it. The setting was lush, a balance of both familiar and fresh. The cast was varied, with some very interesting characters; some were even lovable. The magic was wild and enchanting and costly, and fascinatingly different across the island. The plot and the mystery element were intriguing enough to keep me invested while letting the setting and lore and characters be the true stars of the show. And the romance was beautifully balanced, core to the story without ever overwhelming the plot. There were multiple slow-burn relationships in these pages that didn’t capture me at first, but my investment in them grew as the story progressed. While it did take me a while to warm up to various aspects of this book, I grew to love it.

Our story follows Jack, a Tamerlaine of Cadence who was sent to the mainland to become a bard. His laird has called him home, in need of his musical talents. But Jack’s parentage, with his single mother and unknown father, made him feel judged and found wanting in the land of his birth, so he is hesitant to return. But the draw of duty is too much to ignore, so he leaves the life he has made for himself for the home where he never felt accepted. Once there, Jack finds himself face to face with the heiress of his side of the divided isle, a woman who, as a girl, was his nemesis. While the two might not see eye to eye, they are bound by a shared purpose: find the girls who are being kidnapped from their homes. It is this mystery, of who is taking the girls and why, that drives the story. But romance and magic, politics and a history fraught with division, are equally important tot the tale being spun.

The isle of Cadence is fascinating, with its multi-layered division between the east in the west; politics and ideology and history all divide them, but that division is also seen in tangible, and magical, ways. In the distant past, when a potential alliance between the Tamerlaines (of the east) and the Breccans (of the west) ended in tragedy and war, the island was divided by magic. One side would be lush and fertile, but the cost of magic would be steep. The other side could practice magical crafts with ease, but would strive against the land itself to no avail, never able to grow enough food to feed their people through winter. And the divide between the two is something of a magical leyline; any crossing of it immediately alerts the watchers of the boundary. Both sides have things the other needs, but neither is willing to enact a treaty, as neither feels they can trust the other to honor it. 

Outside of the division, the half of the Cadence where we spend our story is just exceptionally lovely. I was very much reminded of Scotland. As I was meant to be. The magic was wonderful, if devastating it its cost: enchanted blades whose wounds could inflict fear or truth, and plaids woven with secrets that acted as armor or kept one warmer than it should. Magic here wasn’t a spell, but an enchantment entwined with the very best of a craft. I loved the work and artistry required, and also the passion and talent that made these items their most powerful. But then there was the music, which was absolutely my favorite part. The idea of music calling to the various types of elemental spirits was exceptionally lovely, and I was utterly captivated by both premise and execution.

It took a little time for the characters to grow on me, but grow on me they absolutely did. By the end of the novel, I was very fond of captain of the guard Torin, his healer wife Sidra, Jack’s weaver mother Mirin and his little sister Frae. But the obvious stars of the show were future Laird of the East Adaira and our bard main character, Jack. I have a weakness for bards as main characters, especially when their music is a large part of the plot. That’s exactly what was promised here, and Ross delivered on that promise with great aplomb. 

I thought A River Enchanted was just as enchanting as the title lead me to hope. The balance of cozy vibes and stakes with some weight and resonance was pretty impeccable, and the setting and lore were wonderfully lush. I’m so glad that music was actually a focus here, and I can’t wait to see how the Elements of Cadence duology wraps up in A Fire Endless.

Christine Bruce

Gossip travels with the wind, protection is woven into plaids, and girls are going missing on the island home Jack Tamerlaine left 10 years ago. Now a talented classical musician with a life on the mainland, Jack is asked by the Laird to help them solve this mystery. It was Adaira, jack’s childhood rival, who had the idea to find answers from the spirits using bard’s music and so she called the only hard she knew. Together, they call the spirits that truly rule the island, and take mirth in the daily lives of humans: water, air, earth. They eventually unravel and dark and hidden secret that will destroy everything they know to be true. 

This was one of my favorite books of May, and a favorite of the year. The cast was extensive but all throughly fleshed out and intriguing. Every action had me on the edge of my seat with worry or elation. 

The beautiful tapestry that Ross weaved of the subtle magic, the relationships, and the landscape made for such a beautiful read. A Scotland adjacent imagery that made me wish to go back, and a deep seated familial love that made me want to go home. She really did that. 

More than anything, though, is the sad I’m so impressed by the magic system. It’s all so subtle and everyday, it’s little things that allow it to feel real. Like you could really stumble upon this island and hear the gossip on the wind. But then there’s also the fae magic, which was frustrating in the best way. Just stunning. 

Finally, the mystery of the missing girls. I won’t spoil anything, but nothing bad happens to them, if you’re concerned about triggering content involving young girls. It was scary when the narrative delves into the POV of a few of the girls which was an excellent touch. 

💭 
10/10
Scotland
Subtle magic 
Great mystery
Shocking turn of events
Childhood enemies to lovers 
Well paced romance

A River Enchanted Elements of Cadence #1

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