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Wild Heart #1

Wild Heart of the Storm

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When her magic brings assassins to her door, the mysterious metalsmith might be her only escape.

Secreted away nine years ago, Ffion Ainsley now leads a quiet life, hidden away in the mortal realm. Until her dormant magic begins to manifest.

When a charming and persistent shop owner tempts her from her solitude on the very day a hunter drags a dead wolf into town, Ffion’s magic erupts. With a brush of her fingers, the wolf awakens amid a crowd of villagers. Drawing the attention of assassins, Ffion narrowly escapes with a mysterious man who knows her true identity. Together they flee, returning to the Fae kingdom of Tremaene across the sea.

But her home isn’t as she remembers. The once lush land is barren. An army of rebels resides in a mountain stronghold. And a young high-priestess wields the crown. But things are far worse than they appear, and the truth will force Ffion to confront the past she’s long hidden from.

Will her untamed magic protect her? Does she have the courage to claim what’s rightfully hers? And will it be enough to save those she left behind nine years ago?

____

Wild Heart of the Storm is the first book in the Wild Heart fantasy series, though it can be read on its own. Perfect for fans of Samantha Shannon, Naomi Novik, Shannon A. Chakraborty, Victoria Aveyard, and Sarah J. Maas.

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

67 people are currently reading
291 people want to read

About the author

Erica Sebree

4 books112 followers
Erica lives in Austin, Texas, where she works in public service as a graphic designer. She reads too much romance and drinks too much tea—usually at the same time. She makes frequent attempts at gardening, and will happily talk to any animal who crosses her path. She believes lists should be written in colorful ink, and dreams of one day having a farm sanctuary with dozens of adorable cows. When she escapes into fantasy worlds, it’s to places where magic is vital, animals are guardians, and a stubborn bodyguard’s only weakness is the fierce, reluctant heroine he’s sworn to protect.

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5 stars
65 (49%)
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39 (29%)
3 stars
21 (16%)
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4 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for JenTheNoobishGeek.
29 reviews
October 4, 2022
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC! This fantasy adventure is full of suspense and action and magic! I loved the way the world and magic system develop as we follow our MC on her journey of discovering her magic, the secrets of her past, and what her future holds. Amazballz!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,078 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2023
I loved this adventure with a strong woman returning to her homeland. Magic, fae, secrets, and a band of loyal friends. I was so engrossed in this book, I finished it in 2 days. I need more Tearlach???
Profile Image for Stephanie Mast.
43 reviews10 followers
April 10, 2023
This book was fantastic and magical and I give it 4.5 stars!

For nine years Ffion Ainsley has lived a quiet life of solitude with just her apple orchard and her thoughts to keep her company in the mortal realm. But once her magic begins to manifest within her, her quiet secret life rapidly changes.

Ffion's only friend in the mortal realm is a shop owner who is very enamored with her and is quite persistent with his advances, and on the very day that he finally encourages her to go on a date with him, a hunter drags a dead wolf into town. But one touch from Ffion's hand and the wolf comes back to life in front of all of the village. Finding that assassins have also learned of Ffion's awakening magic and are after her, she has no choice but to accept the help of the mysterious shop owner who has always kept his distance, but seems to know Ffion's true identity. Together they return across the sea to the Fae Kingdom of Tremaene where Ffion learns that a lot has changed in the nine years that she has been away.

Now the fate of her realm lies within her hands and the hands of those who have sworn to protect her and help her learn to wield her newly awakened magic.

I loved this book, it was full of magic, fantasy, an ancient immortal faerie realm that exists unbeknownst to the humans on the other side of the sea, and wonderful characters who are willing to risk their lives for those that they love and even those that they do not know. I loved the budding relationship between Esme and Killian. And how the relationship between Esme and Tearlach changed from him risking his life to protect her because he was sworn to do so, to him staying to protect her because he wanted to and he had grown to respect her.

I can't wait to see the direction that the rest of this series goes in! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy novels and a strong female lead who finds herself along the way.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Gale Schwark.
5 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2023
Erica Sebree has done an outstanding job of grabbing a readers attention and creating a world to immerse into! I could see the book unfolding before me and it was done brilliantly! I could not put this book down! We’ll done Erica!!
3 reviews
May 2, 2023
Fun and exciting!

This is an incredibly fun book. It consistently subverted my expectations and kept me on my toes. The autumnal world immersed me in chilling rain, cozy hearth, and boreal forests. The characters are full of steamy hot snark and touching human moments. I loved the magic. It had an incredible personality that wandered between tender and fierce. The journey took me through misty dreams and prophesy, harrowing escapes, and heated close combat. I plan on reading it again.
Profile Image for Deborah Hayes.
1 review5 followers
October 7, 2022
Loved this book!! The attention to detail made me feel like I could fully immerse myself in her world. I look forward to reading the next book!
Profile Image for Michelle Stewart.
545 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2024
Found family and hidden identity

We start with Ffion in a non descript village that could be anywhere. Living her life alone. We are soon introduced to Tearlach and then things start happening.
We learn there is more to our sweet fmc than meets the eye and off she goes on a quest to save her world.
I love the magic system where you don't come into your powers until your 20 and as her powers grow we see her also grow in confidence and strength.
She isn't perfect and her lack of confidence is just being chipped away when this book ends.
We have found family, hidden identity and more in this perfect start to the series.
Cannot wait to see what happens next.
4 reviews
October 10, 2022
Not usually a fantasy reader, this book grabbed me from the start and wouldn’t let go. I had to find out what was coining up next and discipline myself to maintaining my strict reading schedule of only reading in bed for an hour or so. I must admit I upped my bedtime in order to get back to it! Buy it now and see if you don’t feel the same.
2 reviews
October 11, 2022
Really enjoyed this read. The characters were wonderful,and the details made the story explode off the page. The protagonist was heartfelt,brave,and just exciting to follow thru her adventure.I recommend the book and hope everyone enjoys it.
Profile Image for Anns Bibliotherapy.
460 reviews20 followers
May 4, 2023
If you're looking for a  fantastic tale of magic, fae, politics, intrigue, and everything that in my opinion makes a story good this one is for you.

Ffion is that rare blend of character that's coming into her own, learning who she is, and what she wants, and isn't afraid to admit she doesn't know it all. She's willing to trust her instincts and they save her and others more than once all while not being afraid to test herself and what she's capable of.

She never thought she'd be going "home" and assumed that someone else would
take over for her and that she could be who and what she wanted, then the nightmares start, she really should have known what was coming but when you're in a routine it's easy to overlook little things here and there.

Finding out you really don't know who you can trust, where you're going, what's going to happen, or.... well you'll just have to read the book to find out that last question and even some of the answers.

Let me just take a moment to thank the author, the map, and the pronunciation guide, I feel downright spoiled with this one.

Thank you to Erica Sebree for providing a copy of this ebook, I can't wait to start the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Kara Kunselman.
89 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2023
Esme, a Fae princess from the land of Tremaene, was forced to start new whether she liked it or not. After her parent's deaths, she had been forced to leave her home. While unclear how it all happened, she washed up on shore of a strange land, floating on the remnants of a ship she once sailed on. No memory of the voyage, nobody left that she cared about, she realizes she's in the land of humans now. After a year of failed attempts to reach her homeland again, she settles in the new land she calls home. Keeping her distance from most, she lives a slow and secluded life as the woman now known as Ffion. Four years late, she finally comes into her magic, and the adventure truly begins. Now being hunted by Fae assassins sent by the false queen from her former land, she realized another Fae has been in the same town the entire time she's been there - sent to protect her from the start. Making it back to her homeland, and working tirelessly to learn her magic, her and her new found friends/soldiers set out on a mission to save the dying lands and get her on the Throne as the rightful heir of Tremaene. This was a thrilling story filled with adventure, magic, overcoming doubts, and survival. I love it, and I can't wait for the next book!
83 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this story. I felt that the writing was wonderful and I absolutely loved Ffion. I love who she is and what she stands for.

The journey following Ffion as her powers grow and she learns about who she is, is endearing. I do feel that the final “boss battle” could have been a little more drawn out, but leaving the story on a cliffhanger fixes that.

I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one!

*slight spoiler* (I have to say I’m an Esme/Tearlach stan but I’m okay with Killian)
Profile Image for Marie.
253 reviews13 followers
Read
May 29, 2023
This is exactly the sort of book I like to read! I love fantasy and romance. There's one pairing in the book that I have to assume is the endgame, and I always prefer a slow burn to instant love, so they worked for me as a couple. Absolutely loved the book. Enjoyed reading it so much, very well written, and the plot was great. Looking forward to reading book 2! This was a delightful read that kept me guessing and I found it hard to put down.
Profile Image for Sarah.
94 reviews
May 31, 2023
Beautiful and Captivating

From the first page, I felt encapsulated by Esme's world. The whole book is beautifully written, and every detail fits perfectly to immerse you from beginning to end. The pacing was good, and all of the characters felt like real people. I really enjoyed seeing how Esme grew into herself and her magic, as well as the friendships that developed over the course of the novel. I LOVED it and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Autumn James.
57 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
So Good!

I was hooked from the very beginning! The book was so good! I need to read the second book immediately! I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the book, as I don’t read a ton of fantasy, but it surpassed anything I would have expected. I loved how the story didn’t focus so much on the looks of the fae and descriptions (gave what was needed), rather than their magic. As the magic made the story what it is. Magical. Okay, I have to go read the next book.
1 review1 follower
March 28, 2023
The Queen in waiting.

I liked the opening of the book , describing a young woman how was private with no friends save one who was also her love interest. Until the mysterious Smith started to appear around her. His acquaintance was to lead her on a journey of danger and self discovery.
Profile Image for Gail Williams.
433 reviews19 followers
May 5, 2023
Wow, what a book. The story caught me in the first chapter, and got even better with every word written. Really enjoyed this story. The characters and story were all described beautifully. On to the second book
Profile Image for Kellie Patnella.
610 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2023
Captivating Read

Wild Heart of the Storm is a fantasy book full or magic, action, Fae and twists that made this book hard to put down. I enjoyed Ffion’s journey and the world Erica Sebree created. Excited to dive into book two.
Profile Image for Amanda Gregory.
501 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2023
loved

I really enjoyed reading this story. I can’t wait to read book 2 to find out what happens next. I love the growth in the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next
32 reviews
May 28, 2023
What a great book

Absolutely loved the book. Enjoyed reading it so much. Very well written. The plot was great. Looking forward to reading book 2! The characters were engaging and pulled you in. Honestly did not want to put it down the night I started reading, but I had to work the next day, so I had to sleep.
Profile Image for Beth Adman.
127 reviews15 followers
June 1, 2023
Such a good book, definitely worth a read! I received an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review so here are my thoughts…
I’m personally not someone who enjoys books written in 3rd person, HOWEVER, this was not the case for this book. I genuinely could not put this down and felt so attached to the characters, especially from about the mid way mark. I loved how genuine Esme was - showing the fears as well as the power in her character. Can’t wait to read book 2
20 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
Although it had a slow start, Wild Heart of the Storm is definitely a book you want to stick with. The FMC is loveable and has a very realistic character arc that will have you following along in anticipation as she comes into her own amongst a rag tag group of friends that grow into family.
Profile Image for Jessica Roberts-Tivey.
32 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2023
I loved this book and I loved ffion! The magic this book hold is incredible, read it! You won’t be disappointed!!
Profile Image for Deborah Lea.
41 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2024
Wonderful read

Action but not too much. Deep relationships with great characters that are believable. Will keep reading the series to see which love will blossom.
Profile Image for Lise.
174 reviews
July 6, 2023
Forest Fantasy

While this book treads ground that has been laid down before, it picks up to become its own sweeping adventure while leaving room for the next installment. I'm excited to find out what happens next and learn more about the characters.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this text.
Profile Image for Jaime.
109 reviews11 followers
March 26, 2024
I enjoyed Erica Sebree's Wild Heart of the Storm and I can't wait to head into books 2 and 3 of this series.

I'm giving this book a 3.75, which is an odd decimal point rating for me to give. I wanted to give it more than a 3.5, but it's not quite 4 full stars for me. A lot of that is admittedly due to my own conditioning - I knew where I wanted some of these relationships to go, and they didn't go there, but that's just different, not bad.

I love the life that Ffion has built for herself. The description of the village, her cottage and orchard ... like, when can I move in??

I love Tearlach as an MMC. I'm a sucker for a big broody enigma of a man. I needed more of him, and I longed for more of a relationship/more chemistry between him and Esme. I'm honestly dying for this to magically develop for me in book 2.

Killian ... I'll admit, I expected him to turn out to be a bad guy the entire book, lol. Again, conditioning. He's funny and sweet and, like, when is that going to fall apart? Because it has to, right...? I lived for that up-against-the-wall scene at the end, though.

Esme - Oh, how many times did I shake my fist at the heavens because of her. Many. Many times. I love the strength it took for her to end up where she did at such a young age and build a life for herself all alone. I wanted more of her learning and honing her magical abilities, I wanted more from her when it came to her triumph over Orianna. I wanted more, and I believe she can give it to me.

This was book one, and it was a great start to this series. We're coming up on the release of book 3 and it says a lot that I'm dying to see how these characters and this story develop through books 2 and 3.

Overall, I enjoyed the world, the magic system, and the characters - I just wanted more! I'm excited to see if book 2 can give that to me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
55 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2023

Blurb: Ffion lives a secluded life in a village. Until, one day her dormant magic begins to manifest. with no way of knowing how to control it. Assassins are now out to get her. With the help of a stranger who knows what she is and can help her, she returns to her home Tremaene. With the help of her friends in her homeland, she learns that things are not what she remembers and she has to fight for her home. Will she be able to save her home with her new abilities?

Review: At the beginning, I was drawn in. I enjoyed this very much. the author does a good job with details and describing things and events. there were only a couple of things I struggled with. In the middle, it got slow, but that could be because I was reading from my phone instead of my Kindle. It was left at a hotel. The second thing, for me, the love interest wasn't clicking like I think the author wanted. I almost got a schoolgirl vibe with the love interest. Or like the main character was trying too hard, I'm not sure. Everything else was good. The author did a good job of having some twists and turns, which I like.
484 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2024
If you enjoy swords and sorcery

Esme was hidden in another land, or so she thought. A guardian was lurking in the shadows. So were forces of the forest that would follow Esme to the throne. But will she be able to kill the person who killed her parents and many others. Will she be able to save the people and the land?
Profile Image for books_with_sass.
402 reviews30 followers
August 16, 2023
Wild Heart of the Storm by Erica Sebree is a young adult fantasy series set in the world of Tremaene and the surrounding areas.

After the King and Queen of Tremaene were murdered, their teenage daughter Esme, Princess of Tremaene, was sent away to save herself and their country. Esme has been living a secret life in Debarrow for years. As Ffion, she lived a normal life in a small town, growing apples and keeping to herself. Now that her magic has finally appeared, it is time to return to Tremaene and take her rightful place on the throne. Unbeknownst to her, a protector was sent to watch over her in case she was ever found out, and he's going to escort her back whether she wants him to or not. Tearlach has made a Blood Oath to protect Esme at all costs, and he takes this oath very seriously. Too bad Esme wants nothing to do with it.

For the last nine years, neither of them has had any word about what is happening in Tremaene, so they have no idea what they're going back to. The people of Tremaene don't know what happened to Esme, as she disappeared, and they assume she was also murdered like her parents. With no other heirs to the Tremaene throne, Esme and Tearlach don't know who would have taken over running the country.

When they get there, they are greeted by Tearlach's band of warriors and told that things have not been great since they left. Killian, Armel, and Hazel are now not part of the army, but part of a faction of rebels doing what they can to keep the people of Tremaene safe from harm. Orianna, one of the goddesses that kept nature alive and thriving, has forcibly taken over control of Tremaene and things are not going well. She's been collecting magic and powers for the last nine years, in preparation for Esme to return. Now, Esme has to take on one of the most powerful people alive when she doesn't even know how to control what little bit of power she has. Esme can only hope that she can figure out how to use her magic before the big showdown. Will she be able to take back her crown, or will she die trying?

All in all, a great beginning to the Wild Heart series. There is good world-building, well-developed characters, magic, fighting, and romance...everything you want in a fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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