An elegant fantasy novel of homecoming and mystery. With its lyrical prose and tight world building, this story is both modern and timeless ... Ross has created a world both rich and wonderful ... The island is full of so much magic, so many feuds and stories—enough that capturing them all in one novel,...seems a difficult task. But somehow Ross succeeds, guiding readers through the intricate warp and weft of the island and its traditions and creating a brilliant tapestry full of mystery and wonder. And while Ross does revel in world building, she doesn’t tell her story at a remove. The four characters that the book centers on...are vibrant and fully realized, keeping the myth-making quality of the book at bay and instead grounding the story in these characters’ heartaches and fears, their desires and attractions. A sublime mix of romance, intrigue and myth, A River Enchanted is a stunning addition to the canon of Celtic-inspired fantasy.
The land is lovingly and enchantingly described from the moment Jack first sets eyes on it ... The world feels busy and lived-in. There is a strong cast of supporting characters with enough backstory and presence to feel real ... If there is one thing the book struggles with, it’s Jack’s character development ... Rather than grapple with the events that force Jack to reevaluate his beliefs and life, the narrative simply skips the pesky self-reflection stage in favor of moving forward with the plot ... Nevertheless, A River Enchanted is a charming adult debut full of magic, intrigue, and romance that is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy folkloric fantasy and myths. Rebecca Ross succeeds in weaving together themes of family, loyalty, and betrayal to create a believable world where fairies exist, ghosts occasionally offer parenting advice, and music has the power to reach the spirits.
A tale that blends political intrigue with elements of a fantasy thriller ... A rich fantasy of bards and bairns in which the magical island setting becomes the main character.
[A] vividly imagined, Scottish-inspired mythic fantasy ... Ross puts a faith-based spin on the familiar elemental magic system and infuses her richly drawn world with dangerous spirits, while raising thoughtful questions about spirituality, morality, man’s relationship with nature, and the meaning of home. This will appeal to lovers of fantasy.
