Darkwind by Renee Dugan

Darkwind (The Starchaser Saga, #1)

by Renee Dugan

The Middle Kingdom of Talheim has enjoyed peace for decades. But with the threat of war rising from the ruthless South, the dream of a quiet life is fading. And for the noble but naïve Princess Cistine, that means embarking on a dangerous quest to the Northern Kingdom, where she hopes to forge an alliance against their southern foes and save her people.

But when Cistine is captured by an outlaw and his band of cutthroat warriors, she finds a more deadly adventure than she bargained for - and a greater power within herself than she ever knew.

Swept up in the unpredictable tide of a tenuous and shadowy political climate, a ruthless land governed by the stars, and the unexpected revelations that come from her mysterious new companions, Cistine must learn how to fight, how to lead...and above all, how to trust herself. 

If the young princess can't be forged into a fighter, then her kingdom will fall.

Reviewed by writehollydavis on

4 of 5 stars

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I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Darkwind kicks off as a promising start to a sweeping fantasy series! With rich worldbuilding, multi-layered and diverse characters, action, and heart, this story is one I found myself more and more invested in the more I kept reading. I love how Cistine starts off as a princess who simply loves books and wants nothing to do with being Queen or fighting, yet grows not just in combat skills but her own confidence and assertiveness. I enjoyed seeing the unique personalities and dynamics of each member of Thorne's group. I love the enemies-to-lovers trope but I never realized just how enjoyable enemies-to-friends could be too! ha ha. The ending left me at a cliffhanger, which is a good thing because that means I can return to this world and characters again. :)

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 16 October, 2019: Finished reading
  • 16 October, 2019: Reviewed