The Sibyl of the Wind

The Serenfawr Saga #1

by Kristen Kandibo

Aura Banuette has lost her husband and now only has two options: go to the city and find a new match deemed appropriate by the kingdom, or take the widow’s potion and join him in death. With three little ones, as well as her younger sister, to look after, the decision isn’t an easy one to make. The woods to the west are filled with beasts who have been known to tear the king’s men limb from limb, though, there have been rumors that safe passage will be provided to those seeking asylum with the mysterious Witch Queen.

The poison crafter, Scorpio, spends his nights doing dark deals in the kingdom’s shadiest places. An incident in a seedy pub results in him being brought to a mysterious fortress in the middle of no man’s land, where an ancient Widow collects people living outside of the strict rules of marriage, magic and control. As a lone wolf, who avoids the royal guard’s attention at all costs, being stuck on an island with a group of people who are illegally single makes him nervous to say the least; however, the more time he spends with the mismatched group of outcasts the more he realizes that it may be time to finally settle down and find his pack.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance

485 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book! It’s not often that I can’t put a book down and boy did this one deliver! I devoured it and couldn’t wait to keep reading every time life had the audacity to interrupt. Kristen draws you into Aura’s world with her beautiful descriptions and scenery. It’s like you’re right there in the middle of the story with all of the characters you’re quickly falling in love with. If you love fantasy you will love this book! I can’t wait to get my hands on the hard copy and read more from her in the future!

[JEANNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Kristen Kandibo climbed inside my daydreams and brought them to life with her fantasy world filled with magical characters and quirky creatures. The main character and all of the people secured within her protective and supportive rhelm have a relateability that drew me in and held my interest completely. Her tale weaves an intricate path, both literally and figuratively, that captures the reality of a mature woman placed in a position to make the ultimate choice for herself, her family, and ultimately a new community based on encouraging the unique qualities of each individual that can be woven together for a common good. I hope you enjoy my favorite stop along Aura's path as much as I did...

[Morgan Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about this book is the world building. It is rare to enter a fantasy world without a full info dump for the first 100 or so pages, but it is seamlessly integrated here. I entered the world Kristen Kandibo created & was able to understand what was going on without feeling like I was drowning in information (cough Crescent City cough). Without giving too much away, I am OBSESSED with the magic system, especially the way she plays with elemental magic.

The characters are vibrant and engaging, and I can’t help but root for them all, even the glum Scorpio. While I love a good romance, my favorite relationship was between Aura and her sister Odessa. I absolutely love the descriptions of food and the landscape and plant life; it brought the book to life in such a tangible way. Rarely do I find a book that makes me want to experiment in the kitchen like this one. But it’s not just the descriptions that kept me engaged — the way the plot dives deeper and deeper, as well as the twists along the way, not just ones delivered at the end, kept me wanting to know MORE.

I am anxiously awaiting the sequel to see what happens next! This books is such a great escape and perfect for those who love the romantasy genre.

[Carolyn M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

While The Sibyl of the Wind by Kristen Kandibo is a fantasy novel, to me, it is a beautifully-written love story. The well-developed magical characters are each connected to a specific element; this is highlighted in their clothing and their roles in this fictitious world. I appreciated the rich sensory details throughout the story as well as the author's deep understanding and connection to tarot, the old gods and goddesses, and the gorgeous settings. I could connect with the references to motherhood; it is apparent Kandibo embraces and celebrates motherhood in her writing. I laughed, smiled, and cried reading and cheering Kandibo's characters on and I look forward to reading the sequel.

[Francesca L B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the very first chapter I was hooked in. I adored all of the characters in this superbly crafted world. I could see and smell all of the flowers and herbs, and fell in love with the intricacies of each place they moved through. Please read this book, you will not regret it!

[Mimí Folco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about how much I loved this book! From the first page, I was completely immersed in the vivid, magical world that Kristen crafted. The level of detail in her writing is absolutely stunning—every description was so rich that I felt like I could actually smell the herbs brewing in the air and taste the food the characters were savoring. It’s rare to find such a tangible reading experience, but this book delivers that in spades.

The characters were incredibly well-developed, and I found myself caring deeply for each of them. The strong female leads were powerful, relatable, and complex, making it easy to root for them throughout their journeys. I especially loved the element of magical powers running through the families—it added such a captivating layer to the story. The magic system was unique and seamlessly woven into the plot, making every moment feel magical yet grounded.

The pacing was perfect, and I never felt bogged down with unnecessary exposition, which can sometimes be an issue for me in fantasy novels. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment—I’ll be eagerly awaiting the sequel! If you’re a fan of fantasy with strong female characters, lush world-building, and an exciting magic system, this book is an absolute must-read!

[Vivi the reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I know we often contain echoes of those who came before us, but the strongest, loudest voice is always our own."

4.5 ⭐️
I hate that I'm an ARC reader for this book.
Because I have to wait longer than any other reader to read the next one!
I honestly couldn't believe that it's a debut novel because it's so well written.
And I usually hate multiple POVs, but I ate this book up, for real.
I loved how the found family trope came about, because they're all so precious and I just wanna put them in my pocket and protect them from the world.

Part 1 felt a little slow, with the world building and stuff, but hey! It's fantasy!
I'm a patient girl. And it paid off, because everything went to shit from part 2 and I was enjoying the fuck out of the book.
The time skips were AGONISING because I wanted to know what happened in the past, but I also wanted to skip ahead and find out what happens next SO BADLY!

The slowest of slow burns where they don't get together until the end and I FUCKING CHEERED when they did because my babies deserve the whole fucking world. The ending was so fucked up!
Because WHAT?!?! The cliffhanger?!? JAIL!!!!
I got chills...in a good way!
It was one of the most badass, but also anxiety inducing endings.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book the author creates a beautiful fantasy world with many rich layers. Her exquisite writing makes it easy for the reader to imagine experiencing this world with descriptions of the flowers, herbs and spices that evoke all of the senses, but the best aspect in my opinion is the character development. They are interesting, fun, quirky and magical beings and it is easy to get absorbed in their relationships and adventures. The added details about their elemental abilities and references to mythology and tarot richens the reader’s experience. I also really enjoyed the strong female protagonist who is fearless yet also maternal and her rejection of the patriarchy of the world she inhabits. I look forward to the sequel to follow the continuing adventures.

[Ciera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy adventure with strong female characters and a male character that loves reading romance novels? Sign me UP!
I absolutely loved The Sibyl of the Wind and the way in which the author sucked us into this magical landscape. There was a great balance of adventure and everyday life that took place in a type of society I had never read about before.
The elemental magic was well flushed out, but more than anything I was transported into the story through the descriptions of the food, herbs…everything my senses normally couldn’t pick up from a book!
I loved the relationship between the two sisters and how each of them has their own unique way of being fierce character. While I am invested in Aura’s romance, I can’t WAIT for more of Odessa’s story that we will hopefully get in the next book!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

～"That first day we met all those years ago, I thought for a moment that I was afraid of you, and then I realized that I was only afraid that you would never be mine."～

🥀elemental magic
🥀found family
🥀fmc is a strong mother
🥀trans representation
🥀slow burn romance
🥀fated mates
🥀deep but cozy
🥀Multiple POVs

This book was my companion during the holidays and it was a treat! The Sibyl of the wind is a very delicate story about two sisters, wanting to live a better life, far away from the misogynistic rules of the kingdom. It's about creating a home by inviting people who make it one, and choosing your own family.

There were plenty of aspects that I loved. The use of Tarot Cards was well incorporated into the story, the elemental magic was interesting to see - in the trials as well as when they used it for making fun things like soap or oils. The romance was adorable and really took it's time. Their chemistry was through the roof as well. 🔥 For a new "fields of mistria" player, this kinda felt like home. I was like:"yesss, go to the market! Search for pretty stones! Make some coins". lol. 🧡

However, there was also depth and darkness in this story. Seeing how the Kingdom is ruled and what the king might do to people just because he can was frightening. Thus, the balance of coziness and thrill was just done right so that the book kept me on my toes.

This was woven together well, as we do not learn everything about the story and it's characters right away. The story grows delicately over several years and slowly opens up like a flower in spring. I was a little confused by the time jumps at first, especially as we had new POVs all of a sudden. But that made it interesting, too.

As mentioned, there were time jumps AND several POVs. This can be confusing as new story paths opened up with them, but all will come together later and will be explained. 🤝

As all characters were interesting, I would have loved to see more of their connections and motivations as well. No character truly felt like "only a side character" so I just wanted "more" sometimes! Another thing that was unfortunate was that the relationship between Eryx and Odessa was brushed over a little. I feel like there was huge potential there, and I'd have loved to see them as a unit more. Eryx sometimes came across like a moody teenager without too much substance, even though I knew he's multifaceted. But we didn't get enough evidence of why he acts the way he does. But this shows that I was really invested into the characters. I would have loved to spend more time with them. 🫂 (maybe in a sequel? hehe).

Another character I'd have loved to see more of was Oliver. I'm a sucker for morally grey characters and he was the perfect candidate for that! Someone that might have a good heart but grew up with a dangerous and morally questionable father. I want to read more about him and want to see whether this dark aspects rooted in his upbringing or the lightheartedness of his childhood would win the fight. Seriously, a book with Oliver in the center? I'd EAT IT UP. 🍽

[Alyssa Estep · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kingdom controlled by a king who decided that the outcome of a trial would arrange marriage. The trial was a way to test the magic and fighting skills of the teens required to compete. If a female lost to a male and then the male failed to a higher tier female, the losing female from the previous match and the male would be set for marriage. If a male failed in the first round he was sent to work in the castle and was given the chance to try again the following year.

Aura has 3 children she takes care of while her husband is away fighting for the King against the Witch Queen. On one particular morning, a soldier came to visit her giving her the news that her husband was lost, and his body was not recovered. A widow is required to compete in a trial a couple of weeks after her husband is gone, or she can take the widow's potion and join him in the afterlife. Deciding not to leave her children behind, her sister, her friend's son, and herself decide to run away to escape the fate that awaits her. Her sister had a vision, and the path was laid out before them to take once they ran from the village and their old lives.

This book contains 4 parts and 97 chapters. I was shocked at the extensive details the author put into writing this story. While at times the story was slow, it was required to get the full picture the author was trying to create. When the puzzle pieces started connecting, the story changed from a slow burn to a fast-paced, action-packed, romantic whirlwind rooting the reader in place until the story was finished. There were things I didn't see coming and was shocked when it finally clicked into place. While the story is long don't let that deter you from adventuring into the world of Aura, Odessa, Barrett, Echo, Callen, Hopscotch, Scorpio, Heren, Lavender, Yakev, and Eryx.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lumie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Sirens and Kristen Kandibo for the ARC.

Plot 3/5

Characters 3/5

Ending 3.5/5
Interest 2.5/5


Overall 3/5

-I’m sorry to say but I just didn’t connect with this book at all. There were some elements that I thought were really good, hence the alright rating, and the overall book had lots of potential. But I just don’t think it was the right book for me. Not sure whether it’s the writing style or just the plot itself but I couldn’t fall into this book like I could others. Since I didn’t connect at the start, I couldn’t catch on later in the book.

-Similar to the plot line, I couldn’t connect with the characters. I found them alright from what I could get from them but I couldn’t really say anything more because I don’t feel like I know them at all.

-The ending is where I fully disconnected from the story. From what I could tell there was a promising intrigue and it set the scene quite well for a sequel but as I barely paid attention to the story, I don’t understand where things are coming from and could not predict where they could go. I don’t think I’ll be reading any sequels at least not until I push myself to maybe give this book another try.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF about 50% of the way through.

I tried, I really did. The concept was interesting, and since I KNOW this is a selfpublished work I wanted to cut the author some slack, but I had to give up. This book REALLY needed an editor - and not the kind to dot I's and cross T's, I mean the kind who will force authors to cut scenes, rework whole sections, rip down and rebuild characters, and constantly write questions like "what does this character WANT and how are they gonna GET IT" on every. Single. Page.

Again, the premise was solid! I really wanted to like it! But one doesn't have to read very far into into it to see the execution was just not there.

Final note, to this author and all others writing in their spare time: Remember that your characters do not know they are in a book, much less what kind of book they're in (unless of course you have a Deadpool style character who breaks the fourth wall, OR have a first-person unreliable narrator, but those are whole other things that do not apply here).
If all they know is their oppressive patriarchal society, they might be able to see enough to know it is wrong or that they don't like it, but they will NOT know enough to be able to call it out directly, not without some serious outside intervention. Oppresive patriarchal societies are as such because they don't give victims that kind of language to use against them. All one has to do to see that is look what American conservatives are trying to do in public schools.

[Cailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book!

I loved how the story was told and it had an easy to follow/learn the world building. The book had a unique story telling but still had your royals and "lesser people."

The storyline seemed to flow and was great because you could easily understand the characters and their choices. The book is told from a third person POV and had multiple characters POV which I personally loved! I loved learning about Auras trial in the beginning and then you learn so much more about it a little later on in the story. The Sibyl of the Wind had SO MANY plot twists I was pleasantly surprised with! I fell in love with the characters and their stories!

Overall this book had me hooked and was such a great read! I really hope there is a book #2!

[Liz | ᥫ᭡reakawayreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! It’s a rare gem that I couldn’t put down, and I devoured it in one sitting, despite life's interruptions. Kristen's vivid descriptions pull you straight into Aura’s enchanting world.

The characters are relatable and engaging, drawing you into their lives as they navigate the challenges of community and self-discovery. Aura’s journey—balancing her own desires with the needs of her family and a new community—is both poignant and inspiring.

You’ll feel like you’re right there alongside them, falling in love with each character. If you’re a fantasy fan, this book is a must-read! I can’t wait to grab a hard copy and dive into more of her work in the future!

[Kaley Haldeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written book that draws people in the second they read it. The way that the author Kristen writes helps visualize the world to its full potential. With Aura learning to balance her own desires and needs for the community and her family it really pulls you in a sense of what will she decide. It really makes you feel like you're in the book itself and you can't pull away from it. The characters are engaging and feel sort of relatable in a sense of learning about yourself and the community around you.

[Ragnhild Hynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot in this novel was so different and soooo good!

And then everything else was so perfect that I was blown away. Language, world-building, character depth, relationships, supporting characters, pace - it was all so perfect!

One of the biggest book hangovers ever. I did not want to go back to my world afterwards.

Please give us the next book sooner than as soon as possible! :D

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lauren Gianni · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible storytelling

This story is so well written and I can’t wait for the continuation. It has transported me to this world and I cannot wait for the conclusion. The author has many more stories to tell and I am deeply moved by the visualization and depth that went into this storytelling. This is an author to follow and look out for in the coming conclusion and forthcoming novels. Don’t let this one pass you by.

[Esther Cespedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world built in this story is amazing. It captures you and doesn’t let you put it down. I can’t wait for the next part to come out.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzette Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuinely, a great read. I am very much looking forward to more! I really enjoyed this book.

[Essra Paddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Grabbed me right from the beginning. Loved the characters. Couldn’t wait to find out who was who and how they were connected. I was not disappointed! The last page 💖😢

[Mabel Kerchmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know how badly I needed a mom FMC until I read this. This story was beautiful and emotional in every good way. I loved it