April Book Spotlight for New Romantasy Perfect for Horse Lovers

 

Image Provided by Publisher

I'm thrilled to share this spotlight for the first book in a new romantasy trilogy that will appeal to horse lovers as well was readers. 

About this Book Per the Publisher Ace Books:

In Daughter of the Wind, Nora Carmody delivers an immersive fantasy filled with elemental magic, soul-bound horses, and a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a looming war.
  A princess without the magic she was meant to inherit, Zara has always felt like an outsider among her people - until a dangerous wind power awakens within her, strong enough to change the course of a war. But that power comes at a devastating cost: the bond with her beloved horse begins to unravel. When a political marriage sends her into enemy territory, Zara finds herself caught between duty and desire—especially when her sworn protector, Commander Talon, becomes something far more dangerous.
   Perfect for readers craving epic romance, political intrigue, and magical creatures with heart, DAUGHTER OF THE WIND is the start of an unforgettable new trilogy.

My Thoughts:

There were many things for me to love about this book. First, the animal-human bonding connections were wonderful! I loved that the FMC Zara has a heart sister in her horse Shazeera. I also could appreciate that the horses are modeled after Arabians. As someone who had an Arabian mare growing up, I loved the details and descriptions of the horses in this book and could recognize them and relate to them so easily. I also enjoyed discovering, along with Zara, her unique magical abilities and why as First Daughter she didn't inherit her mother's Earth Mother magic. It gave the story real stakes for Zara and made me want to keep reading to find out more. The matriarchal society for her kingdom was also interesting and very well developed.
The overarching plot of the story was compelling as well. So, many questions arise as Zara learns she may not have powers similar to her mother’s. But she does have power derived from a different element that is equally powerful. It brings about peace between Zara and the Empire her people have been at war with for centuries. It also forces Zara to agree to an arranged marriage with the rival kingdom’s emperor. Her only ally, the captain of the Eagle Riders for the Emperor, Talon. But when Zara arrives at court in her new kingdom, she realizes there is a darkness present that is controlling the Emperor.

The tension escalates as Zara and Talon unravel the mystery and the intrigue at court and though the novel ends with a cliffhanger, it is still a satisfying conclusion for this first installment in the series. I am looking forward to reading the next one!