Ladies certainly don’t admit some taint of the fae has touched their souls—unless they wish to find themselves confined to an Institution.
Gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell is trying to be a lady. She conceals her true nature amongst her plants and her sketches—where she can almost shut out the whispers she alone hears. But a threat to her beloved aunt forces her from the comfort of home to a town perilously near an Otherworldly Crossing, with its ever-present risk of fae incursions.
To protect her aunt and the townsfolk she comes to care for, she must uncover the individual responsible for a series of increasingly dangerous attacks—but to find this saboteur will require embracing the part of herself she fears most, an act that could cost her dearly. In a world where Vigilists lock up fae-touched mortals, Jessa must decide if she’s willing to risk exposing her true nature to obtain the truth and protect those she loves.
Sarah Chislon lives in Virginia with her husband and three daughters. When she’s not writing, she’s homeschooling her children and running a web development business with her husband. As an avid reader and a lifelong story-weaver, she delights in creating fantastic worlds and exploring them alongside her characters.
The tale follows Jessa Caldwell, a young lady who far prefers spending time with plants than society, except she can hear the plants whisper, can feel things that are far too Otherworldly, and admitting to such abilities could cause her to be hauled away by the dreaded Vigil. But when her aunt becomes entangled in threats and dangers involving mysterious happenings at an old mill, Jessa has to step out of her comfort zone and face her worst fears to protect her aunt and save a family from ruin.
This was such a cozy read. It's fairly quiet and thoughtful, but I came to love Jessa and her deep loyalty, love for others, and willingness to face her greatest fears at immense danger to herself. She was an admirable and relatable character, and I enjoyed following her along as she took action to solve the mystery at the mill.
The story was a mix of mystery, Regency fiction, with a delightful dose of fantasy all intertwined. I loved the seamless way the Otherworldly aspects were weaved into the Regency setting, and I am very excited to explore more of the dangerous fae world and continue following along dear Jessa's story.
Oh, also. There was a cat. And if you know me at all, you know a story with a cat is a HUGE selling point.
A mysterious letter arrives and a young lady’s visit to a border town near an entrance to faerie brings a mystery and earth-shattering revelations to her. Sarah Chislon is a new to me author, but I love Gaslamp fantasy so I was eager to take the plunge into her books with Whispers in the Waters
Whispers in the Waters is listed as a prequel to the series, but based on my completion of it, I don’t think it should be skipped before heading into the rest of the series. This was a complete story introducing the world of the series, the characters, and, particularly, the main characters discoveries about herself and the real state of the world she lives in.
And, so, to the story. Whispers in the Waters introduces sweet youngest of three daughters, Jessa Caldwell, who lives with her unmarried aunt who acted in their mother’s place after she died, and Jessa’s father who buried himself in his mathematical calculations after his wife’s death. Jessa’s mother was the light and adventurous parent who even bought an estate near a faerie border crossing even though most people fear the fae and live far from them. The fae are dark and dangerous and there is even a policing agency who institutionalize and hide away any humans who show a trace of magic proving they have some fae blood.
Which leads to Jessa’s secret. Jessa’s father told her long ago when she was very little to hide the fact that she heard voices and thought plants sang. Actually, he told her she made up an imaginary world to compensate for her mother’s death and, until the moment she entered the borderlands to help her aunt, she believed him.
Jessa’s Aunt Caris hears from an old friend. Her aunt’s response to the letter is out of character – usually she prides herself in gentility and lady-like behavior insisting on it with Jessa and her sisters- and from then on she is obviously keeping secrets and trying to hide her fear about something. She has to go to help an old friend and Jessa, out of great concern and curiosity, insists she go along because ladies of even their lower level of the upper classes, didn’t travel unchaperoned or without companions. Mishaps are occurring at Messe’s mill to the point she is being forced out and insists Caris find her something new. Caris doesn’t have the money to set her up again. Jessa doesn’t think the person the whole town blames for it was responsible and starts quietly investigating.
Jessa’s investigations reveal a great deal and not just the solution to the mystery happening at the mill. She discovers something inside herself that scares her, but her secret ability makes her the only one able to deal with the growing danger at the mill. Somehow, she has to hide what she can do so she doesn’t get turned in for being tainted by fae blood, but still rouse the locals to understand that other than human influence is going on.
Whispers in the Waters is obviously an intro book and left many little details to be fleshed out later, but it does offer a completion of the issue that brought Jessa to the borderland mill issue. The intro to the world of the story, the development of the characters, and the intriguing plot left me intrigued and eagerly wanting more of the Blood of the Fae Gaslamp fantasy series.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.21.25 #ThriftyThursday
This book is a great start to a wonderfully written mystery that involves the fae which are written in the more folk tale style. I liked the characters especially Jessa she cares for her family and wants to protect them while also helping people while being very self sacrificing to herself. There are many interesting characters in this story like Jessa's Aunt with her many secrets the people at the mill it makes for a great book. The plot was really interesting Jessa and her Aunt go someplace trouble happens a child is saved more things begin to happen there are secrets and Jessa has to uncover them to save people many things happen the day is saved but not without repercussions. I loved this start to this story will continue the series soon.
This book was a surprise. It took me a bit to get the hang of the traditional style of the writing and fit it together with the fantasy elements, but by the end I wanted more. I enjoyed the mystery that was the core of this prequel novella, and I think it set up nicely the main plot for the upcoming series.
I enjoyed Jessa’s internal conflict with societal norms and it reminded me a little of Alice in Wonderland. The atmosphere and the setting was very Wonderlandish, and I can’t complain about that.
If you enjoy a traditional style, historical fiction with a dash of magic, a smart leading lady, and a protective cat, this is a book for you.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good read! It was a very descriptive book, especially for being as short as it was. While I enjoyed the descriptions, sometimes they were a bit much though and it made this story feel longer than it was. This book had a historical and fantasy feel, made more so by the formal language and wording used. This was a good prequel though and makes me excited to read the next book!
This book was a medium pace book. There were lovable characters and the scenes were beautifully described. My favorite character was Jade. I can't wait to see what is ahead for Jessa. I hope great things come for the family in this series.
This started out fairly strong but the pacing seemed glacial and I was ultimately bored and couldn't wait to be done with this novella length mystery. I think something in the writing style might have rubbed me the wrong way, or else there were too many places where I thought the wrong word was being used or words were skipped. And that all ended up irritating me more and more.
The setting is actually quite well drawn and atmospheric, the fae elements adding a sinister tinge to everything. The mystery could have been fine, but it actually was a case of randomly walking around and stumbling upon things, while everybody is keeping secrets and oh the authority figure who's supposed to be investigating things randomly accusing one young woman with what seems like no evidence. Gah. Anyway, yes, I'm probably unreasonably vexed by this story.
I actually have the next book in the series which is the first full length novel and this is the prequel, but I have no idea if I'll read it.
I enjoyed how the book felt like a classic fiction. The beginning was interesting, the mystery of what’s is going on at the mill. The sinkhole was great because just how could it have just randomly appeared? After that things slowed down. Nothing much happened until about 80% through the book. Readers who enjoyed The Age of Witches by Louisa Morgan will enjoy this book as they share a similar style and characters.
A wonderful magical mystery of manners with lashings of fae-lore and Very Improper Behaviour For A Lady. A prequel novella that tells it's own story while teasing at a wider world, both in terms of the setting and of the characters themselves, this one checks all the boxes that color me intrigued. Fans of Emma Newman and Olivia Atwater rejoice; there's a new and less romance-inclined voice in town.
Miss Jessa Caldwell is a Lady of High Standing... Well, sort of. She likes to dabble in botany, though at least that can be a lady-like pursuit. Her difficulty comes in being able to hear plants, and that is a Very Bad Thing. She might even be fae-touched, and that way madness lies, quite literally. Any hint of fae-taint and she'd be whisked off by the notorious Vigil to be locked in an Institution never to be seen again. Yet when her Aunt Caris finds herself in difficulty trying to aid an old friend, it may be Jessa's fae-touch that could save the day. Either she must use it to find out who is committing crimes against the people of Milward, or she must condemn a likely innocent woman to the hands of the Vigil.
The tone of the book is pitch-perfect. It takes that very formal narration style but keeps it engagingly fresh as we get drip-fed details about Jessa's life, her history, and the weird alternate magical historical world she inhabits. It's so vibrant and original, what with it's own lore of Crossings and edgetowns (places, presumably, where the fae realm and mortal realms are linked directly) combined with more familiar tales of sylphs and kelpies. I especially loved the inclusion of Jade the cat as her companion. Jessa's such a relatable and realistic character, neither overly bold nor cowering with self-doubts.
It is quite a slow read, and while the to-ing and fro-ing didn't always hold my attention (Jessa would decide upon a course of action, then not follow through until much later because of random events getting in the way) there's more to everyone and everything here then meets the eye, and it makes for a fine magical investigation. A habit of fragmented "And" and "But" sentences could jar a little, but otherwise the writing flows well and paints vivid pictures
It's the sort of good story but great teaser that makes you want to know more and follow up with there Jessa will go next... and discover her family secrets. Definitely a series to keep an eye on.
-I received a free copy of this e-book from a giveaway. This does not influence my review-
Jessa Caldwell is a young woman with a secret, she belongs to a loving family, but she is nothing like her other two sisters who are made for society and are the proper young ladies her aunt prefers and who Jessa is trying to emulate, but Jessa is more outspoken and arty in nature, she prefers to spend her time sketching and tending her plants, while learning about their herbal uses. One day her aunt receives some troubling correspondence and decides to undertake a journey because of this, Jessa is suspicious, as it is completely out of character, but her aunt will not open up to her and as her sisters are not available to go with her, so Jessa insists on accompanying her aunt on the journey, despite her protestations.
While they travel, the whispers that Jessa hears on a day to day basis become louder and more insistent, but she keeps this hidden from her aunt, as such a thing is frowned upon in society and anyone who is considered “fae-touched” is reported to the Vigilists, a group of people who lock those who can hear the fae whispers, like Jessa, locked up. This is the reason that the destination is dangerous for both Jessa and her aunt, as it is near an Otherworldly Crossing, a place where the fae are more prevalent and anyone fae-touched is more at risk of discovery. Jessa uses her coping mechanisms to ignore the whispers and when they eventually arrive at their destination, she is exhausted, as is her aunt, so they decide to stay at an inn for the evening, but there is a commotion there when they arrive and they learn about just how dangerous this town near a crossing can be.
As the days pass, a series of dangerous attacks occur around the town and Jessa has to make a decision which could change her life forever, someone is guilty of sabotage and she is the only one who can solve the mystery, but if she does, then she risks being reported to the Vigilists. Will Jessa risk everything to solve the mystery, or will all her efforts be in vain? This is a fast paces fantasy novel containing mythical elements, as well as a mystery which will hook you in and leave you wanting to know how the story ends.
I was given an ARC of this novella in return for an honest review.
As a fan of Gaslamp Fantasy, this book didn't disappoint; I also like a good mystery and could visualise the heroine, Jessa, as a female Sherlock Holmes, especially with her otherwordly talent of hearing plants sing and whisper.
I enjoyed the first-person narrative which gave an insight into how it felt to live in a social system where men hold the majority of power and privilege and are considered superior to women. Sarah Chislon's carefully crafted characters felt real and well-rounded and the addition of Jade the cat was genius; it left me wanting to discover more about the bond between Jessa and Jade.
Themes of overcoming adversity, friendship, acceptance and justice are woven throughout the pages. Justice was the most prominent for me, as it was good to read of females raising each other up in a patriarchal society. Also, Jessa's acceptance that her fae-touch could be a gift rather than a curse and her bold approach to delving into the unknown. The choice of vocabulary and writing style were a welcome surprise and showed dedication to the genre. The pace moved along in a timely fashion with the narrative never feeling rushed or pushed to speedy resolutions.
For me to have given this novella an extra star, I would've liked more descriptive worldbuilding and a little more background on the fae and the world in general. Knowing more about the Vigil, would have been a bonus too. I'm aware this is a novella but a little insight would have been beneficial for the first novel in a series as I felt I was missing something important. That said, I was invested enough in Jessa as a character, to read more about her in the future and would happily read the second book in the series. Nicely done Sarah Chislon you took me back to my childhood love of reading historical fiction and fantasy.
Jessa tries hard to fit in to what society expects of her. A proper lady shouldn’t have secrets but her father has taught her how to keep her peculiar quality hidden. Being fae-touched comes with consequences and she only hears the whispers when she is having an extreme emotional response to something so she obviously isn’t fae-touched. Being curious is also frowned upon but she is able to follow this passion due to her artistic talents and reading. When her Aunt Caris receives a letter that makes her act unusual, she knows that something is amiss. She is able to use her intellect to convince her aunt she should accompany her to a town close to a Crossing where she would be close to the Otherworld. Yes, she is worried about the whispers but she has those under control and wants to give back to the person who helped raise her. Her aunt agrees but hides information from Jessa which makes her personal objective hard to accomplish. Once in Milburn, she learns about the troubles of Melle and the odd happenings at her mill. When more and more odd things keep happening and the person being accused doesn’t seem to fit the bill, she is even more determined to discover what is happening. But doing so may cause her to follow the whispers and realize a hard truth she has ignored for a very long time.
Victorian era values and technology but set in a slightly different world than our own, Jessa is somewhat of an outcast that we can connect with. She is someone who tries to fit with the values she knows she has to display but deep down doesn’t sit well with. She has struggles but ultimately wants to help. Jessa is a strong willed, intelligent, but quiet person I can easily find myself getting lost with. This story helped to get me out of my reading slump, it was quick and kept me engaged and I am eagerly awaiting to read the next installment.
If you're looking for light academia vibes, this book is for you. Looking for cats and herbalists going on adventures together? This book is for you. Looking for Fae curses and Otherworldly influences? This book is still for you!
I am surprised that I'm only discovering this series now. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into it, but it mentioned Fae curses and had a cat on the cover, so obviously I had to give it a try.
This short and wonderful introduction/prequel to the series has me hooked.
Jessa Caldwell grew up in a seemingly normal, gentle household. While she showed great and somewhat unusual interest in herbalism, especially after her mother's death, her life and that of her sisters were idealistic.
Until one day when her aunt receives a letter from a 'friend' living in a town that was near to an Otherworldly Crossing. Deciding to join her aunt on the journey to provide both company and support, her life is turned upside down as she discovers more about the town as well as learns more about herself.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding here. Despite being an introduction novella, what we've seen of the worldbuilding, the Vigilists, Fae curses and others is done very well. The characters are well-developed and fleshed out. Their motives and their progression make sense.
The overall aesthetic is very beautiful. I found it reminiscent of L. M. Montgomery's descriptions of nature which I've always adored. But there's always an added edge to it due to the Otherworldly influences.
There's a cat! And no, it's not just there on the cover with barely any involvement in the story like some other books. We were not cat-baited!
Overall, this is a wonderful read! And I am excited to read the next books in this series.
Finally, I wanted to say thank you to Booksiren and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This delightful story introduces us to the kingdom of Byren, a gaslamp fantasy world where mischievous and malevolent fae threaten the borderlands, and anyone touched by faery magic is seen as dangerous.
Jessa Caldwell is a clever and compassionate young woman who guards a powerful secret. She is able to hear the voices of plants, and feels a connection to the energy of the earth. I loved how this relationship was woven throughout the story, and the plants themselves have distinct emotions and personalities. The author's evocative writing further emphasizes this, using similies and descriptions related to plants throughout the story.
I fell in love with Sarah Chislon's prose just as much as the story and characters. She creates such a vivid atmosphere and setting. I loved the Gaelic words like "sonsy" and "chancy" that were sprinkled throughout as well as the antiquated words such as "fulsome" and "imprecations." I felt like I was reading a classic but still able to easily understand the language and meanings.
Honestly I'm surprised that this series isn't more well known, because it has so many incredible elements: a charming and courageous heroine on a journey to understand and accept herself, intriguing secondary characters, a lush and magical world, and a dash of mystery and danger. Not to mention a protective black cat!
I'm so grateful to have discovered Sarah's writing, and am eager to continue reading the Blood of the Fae series. I will absolutely be recommending it to others!
I received a review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Whispers in the Waters is a prequel to the Blood of the Fae series, and it's a short mystery story following a young woman named Jessa as she investigates a series of odd occurrences at a mill. This book is a prequel, and I believe it's set up specifically to introduce the reader to a certain aspect of Jessa's backstory that is necessary for the actual books in the series. However, I'm not sure how important the entire story is for the remainder of the series. I requested ARCs of the prequel and the first book, but only my request for the prequel was granted. Therefore, I don't know how much the entire book relates to the rest of the series, but based on my guesses, this prequel could probably skipped. My main issue was that it didn't hook me in. I didn't care much for Jessa because I wasn't given much time to get to know her, nor were the rest of the characters dynamic enough to catch my interest. There were a few interesting plot points, but it was ultimately too short to create a deep care for the characters or the world. This could be due to its status as a prequel. I wish that my request for the first actual book in the series had been granted because usually prequels are read after after the first book or the whole series, and I feel that it would've made the prequel more interesting. Whispers in the Waters is an interesting introduction to the world of the Blood of the Fae series, but ultimately I don't know that it is required to read the rest of the books and I did not find it incredibly enticing. 3.25/5
Whispers in the Water had an intriguing setup with the cursed mill and Victorian society's element knowing about the fey.
The main heroine's secret added a layer of suspense to the situation leaving me as the reader biting my nails whenever there was a chance of the truth coming out. It also added a reasonable explanation of how the Heroine had to tread delicately in her task of saving the Mill.
While I was delighted with the ending and think it's a good introduction as the first book in the series. I do think there is some room for improvement for an otherwise fun read.
the only problem was it felt as if there wasn't much in the way of solving a mystery. Even though I did enjoy the female heroine's quick thinking and ability to navigate her situation
She didn't really investigate so much as have answers dumped into her head via supernatural power and that really did take away from the female sleuth appeal slightly.
But otherwise, I really didn't mind this book and I'd be willing to read the second book to see how things develop further on.
Since the first book set up some shady characters and a situation that will most cause problems in the future.
But I'd still recommend this book for those who enjoy faerie stories, suspense, Victorian Era-inspired stories, and capable heroines.
Alora, Pendragon
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jessa lives with her father, two sisters and her Aunt Carisa in Avons. After her mothers death Jessa begins to hear whispers which points to what Avons refers to as ‘The Fae Touch’ now trying to avoid being sent away her father and aunt advise her to control her emotions and thus, control the whispers.
Jessa is able to keep control for a while until she goes to the lands near the world of the Others at which the Whispers she has kept hold of she will have to open herself to in order to protect her family and the ones she loves. What will she do? And can she do it while trying to remain a lady?
This book was really good! Honestly, I knew I would love it from the synopsis. Everything about it pointed to something that would interest me and this author delivered. I loved the way Jessa’s character was developed and her heart of trying to do right by her family and be a lady but also keep them safe as well. For a shorter book it delivered with much descriptiveness and an intriguing storyline. Can’t wait to see more from this author and read more from this world.
I would give this a 4 out of 5 stars. If you like fae and fantasy, otherworldly threats this book would be perfect for you. It is written in a more traditional style and I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy that but honestly it really made the book stand out to me.
This is the first book in the Book Of Fae series. It was a really entertaining story and a great start to the series. I love how the author wrote the story in the same way that the people of that era would talk and how the customs and peoples perceptions of magic and things they don't understand is portrayed along with historical references. This story has it all from danger and intrigue, to mystery and magic there is something for everyone. Jessa is a young woman who is trying her hardest to fit into the accepted role of Lady in her society. However she is far from a normal Lady. She has a secret and it is one she needs to keep locked away unless she wants to end up in an institution. When she joins her aunt on a journey to help a friend in need she gets more than she was expecting. There are secrets to uncover, a mystery to solve and someone out to cause harm to her aunt and the town she has come to care for. Can she discover this person's identity before its too late? Can she keep her own secret intact to protect herself? And what happens when secrets she didn't know existed start to reveal themselves.
I enjoyed this story and I can't wait to see where the series will go next.
Jessa Caldwell comes from a proper family. One where the ladies are all proper and timid. She may try her hardest to become a proper lady but she has always known that she is different from her sisters.
Her aunt got called to help a friend in another town and Jessa offered to accompany her. What was waiting for them was not what Jessa was expecting. The friend owned a mill that had bad things happen to it over and over. Jessa takes it upon herself to find out why the mill is being targeted and by whom.
In order to do this, she must embrace her differences which makes her scared. Any woman who shows differences are considered to be fae-touched and taken away by the vigil. Jessa will do anything to restore the mill and go back home safely with her aunt.
This book was nice and slow paced, letting you get to know the main character better. There are hints of magic throughout the book. There was a lot of vocabulary about plants that I had to look up. Which was understandable considering Jessa was considered a herbalist.
This book is a prequel to another book in the series called Tattoo of Crimson. The books ends with a nice plot hook for the following book.
The journey that the Victorian lady Jessa takes with her Guardian to the town of Middlebury under the mysterious favor called in by her Aunts friend makes the reader curious to see what happens. The mystery continues when they arrive and a dramatic scene unfolds that doesn't make Jessa any less suspicious of her Aunt's past and secrets. Ladies are supposed to be demure and uncurious, and Jessa is finding it hard to live by tenants of being a lady if saving her loved one is on the line!
This story is really well written and the imagery put forth by the author is phenomenal! I enjoyed the Fae Lore that went into this novel and not just the bits and pieces that get placed in the genre. It was very refreshing. The novel is short and to the point, but feel that there could've been more movement in the story than increased imagery for the character. It felt like walking into a movie that already started and you were picking pieces along the way. (This makes sense as it is a prequel to the series.) I am intrigued by the Blood of the Fae series and seeing what the main saga contains for me, just so I see why the build-up.
This is an enjoyable and engaging novella, in which Jessa Caldwell is a gently-bred herbalist, who is trying to be a lady whilst concealing her true nature. Jessa spends her days with her plants doing sketches, but only she knows that she hears whispers. When her beloved aunt is threatened, Jessa travels to a town which is dangerously close to an Otherworldly Crossing, where there is an ever-present risk of fae incursions. In order for her aunt to be protected, Jessa must find the individual who is responsible for a series of dangerous attacks. However, it means embracing the part of herself that she keeps hidden out of fear of her true nature being exposed. Jessa lives in a world where Vigilists lock up fae-touched mortals, but if she’s to discover the truth and protect her love ones she will have to take that risk. This short read is a prequel to a new series, and it sets up the storyline and characters well. I enjoyed the mystery element which kept me hooked, and the setting was brought to life by the descriptive narrative. Jessa is a great heroine and I look forward to reading about more of her adventures.
Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson 3 Stars
Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about this book. On one hand, the author did a wonderful job world building. The story takes place in a Victorian era. It showed the restrictions and standards that women had to live by very well. The writing and speech fit in with the era. The cursed mill was an interesting mystery to be solved and I enjoyed the paranormal aspect especially the fact that the author used the lesser Fae in her story.
On the other hand, I found the story slow. It failed to grip my attention and keep it. I prefer stories with strong female leads. Although Jessa has certain strengths, I found that she was too scared most of the time and she constantly questioned herself. Seeing as this is a prequel, I believe that she will gain confidence and become stronger as the series progresses. I found it sad that my favourite character was the cat. I believe that there are a lot of readers who will enjoy this book but for me I prefer a little more action and intensity.
I love this fantasy series, and have read all the three of the main books, and a fourth is soon to be published (I am so excited waiting to read this). But then I found this 0/0.5 book (I have seen both numbers) in the series. Read it before or after the other books, I think it works both ways. If you have read the main books, then you are in for a treat. Snap it up, as it’s fun as ever and gives some interesting back detail. If on the other hand you are a new comer to this fantasy series, Blood of the Fae, then I’m sure you will love it too. Just be prepared having had your curiosity peaked to arrange reading time because you will immediately want to find out more about Jessa Caldwell and her future interactions with fae and the troubled adventures that await her and her family. Also be sure to get the free bonus scene from the author that goes along with book 0.5 - it is the icing on the cake. Thank you to Sarah Chislon and BookSirens for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Jessa, a lady in current society lives with her father sisters and Aunt. After her mothers death she begins to hear whispering and plants talk to her , a sign in her society of "the Fae touch" which will send you straight to an asylum if someone finds out. So Jessa represses these whispers and ignores them as if they aren't there... That is until her Aunt has to travel to a border town near the Fae to deal with an old friend and Jessa will have to confront these lingering whispers head on in order to save a town and friends she comes to care a great deal about while traveling with her Aunt. Is she willing to expose what she can hear and that she may be "fae touched" in order to save others or can she find a way to save others and herself? This was a fun read Jessa is a quick thinking puzzle enthusiast. The book is also written with dialog reflecting a different time period which really captured my attention. Definitely worth a download!
I was looking forward to reading this book as it combined one of my favorite time periods with fantasy, fae to be exact. This book was well written and edited perfectly, but frankly it was a bit boring and unfortunately didn't entice me to read the next book. The main character, Jessa, was the only decent character, well, except for Jade, the "cat". I couldn't stand most of the other characters. The main problem is we were inside Jessa's head for the majority of the book dealing with one consistent fear over and over, all while she tried to help her aunt Caris and the others. The other characters basically dismissed Jessa non-stop, making me dislike them intensely. Jessa was a doormat for them to tread upon. This is a series prequel which can be more about backstory, so it's possible the next book could be better. I did enjoy the story I was just expecting more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book since I find it suitable for teenagers and young adults. The way the story develops is somehow alright for me. I liked a lot how it is developed grammatically and orthographically.
On the other hand, I liked a lot the main character specially by her sensitive towards nature. Besides, the cat was placed in an important way to even tell its temperament and behavior by the owner's reaction she understood while getting to know her.
Though I sometimes felt the chapters too long, I was able to keep on with the pace. Even though I think the story developed a bit slow, it was the right way in the end due to the details it required to understand the story and what it is about.
Hence, I think this is a book that opened the portal of its majestic world that can be discovered in other books. That's is really exciting!
(Please note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Never pass up travel opportunities, even if you are not an herbalist. The world has so much to offer in the way of landscapes, climates, foods, cultures…it would be a shame to miss out. Staycations are wonderful – learn about local lore. Even “traveling” by research such as books & magazines, cooking & restaurants, movies & videos, is better than experiencing nothing (also saves on money and jet lag).
It’s a sad commentary that women who speak out are condemned – even more so when they have no man to shield them: ‘If Father hadn’t protected me from speaking of what I sensed to the wrong people, hadn’t warned me to lock my peculiarities away, would I have found myself like Nelda, alone and condemned by society?’
Will Jessa unearth more secrets in ‘Tattoo of Crimson’?
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. This is a well written story that brings fae, magic and mystery into a combined engaging story to read. The characters are relatable and truly brought the story to life. They pulled me into their world with ease and had me coming back for more just to see what would happen next. I found them to be creative and unique and just added to the story’s plot. Jessa made such a great, strong, supportive character that she is my favorite of the story. Will she be able to expose truths and protect those that she holds dear? You don’t want to miss what happens with her. This is a great story to read that has great growth throughout which makes it easy to read. I highly recommend this book.
3.5 stars Whispers in the Waters is a Gaslamp fantasy novella and is the prequel to her new series the Blood of the Fae. It is an interesting premise and introduction to new worlds set in Victorian times and Otherworldly creatures. It is a short story and a slow story but I found it even slower going at times due to the formality of the writing and felt it was overly detailed. This could be because it is the setting up for what’s to come. Whispers in the Waters introduces us to Jessa who has abilities she has hidden away for fear of what would happen if they were revealed. What is the price you would be willing to pay? The ending was a little predictable but left questions which I’m sure will be revealed in future books. I am interested in seeing how things develop in the series and particular the first book Tattoo of Crimson
If you are looking for a mystery with some fantasy, then this quick read is for you.
Whispers in the Water by Sarah Chislon tells the story of gently-bred herbalist Jessa Caldwell as she goes on a journey to help her aunt. This seemingly secret journey her aunt is taking her on takes her away from home to a town near an Otherworldly Crossing, which runs the risk of having dangerous interactions with fae. Will Jessa be able to help her aunts friend and townsfolk by solving a mystery that can expose her own secret?
This slow burn was extremely well written and full of well thought out characters. Even though the book was short in length, it was full of descriptions and story building. I look forward to continuing Jessa's story and can't wait to see what mysteries she will be solving next.