Pages: 392
Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy Romance, Young Adult
ASIN: B08BKM1391
Source: ARC, BooksproutA girl with a morbid ability...
In the middle of a centuries-fought war, teenager Zaya Wayward is sentenced to the filthy coal mines of Gosheniene. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, the true identity of the killer must remain secret, the black-veined woman, a cursed, sadistic wraith fuelled by violence and rage.
When Zaya is conscripted into service life at the Tarahik Military base, the ghost is waiting. Zaya's ability to see the dead is the key that could annihilate human existence, and sinister forces will go to unstoppable lengths to get it.
Determined to find the link between her past and a puzzle that threatens the world, Zaya joins forces with Captain Jad Arden, the pair propelled into a breakneck chase across haunted wastelands, desolate ruins, and ravaged cities. But Jad has secrets of his own, and Zaya's feelings for him could be her undoing.
One thing the wraith does ensure-the wrong choice will cost Zaya her life.
“Polished and sharply written, The Wayward Haunt grabs readers’ attention from the opening line of its prologue (“Ghosts haunt dreams”) and doesn’t let go until its thrilling conclusion.” - BookLife Review
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Tropes:
- Slow-Burn Romance
- Reluctant Allies-to-Lovers
- Secret Identity / Hidden Powers
- The Chosen One
- Strong, Sassy Heroine
- Brooding Love Interest
- Magic School / Military Academy
- Dystopian World
- Forbidden Magic
- Found Family
- Gothic Atmosphere
- Haunted Ruins
- Wrongly Accused
- Political Intrigue
- Lies and Betrayal
- Survival Quest
My Review
I absolutely loved this story, I was hooked from the very start.. There are some very intense themes at play here. The theme had a Star wars rebel type vibe. Nothing is at it seems, the novel crams mystery, intrigue, fantasy and thrilling storytelling into new levels. I thoroughly enjoyed the the MC journey from Prisoner to strong sassy heroine.
There were so many plot twists on my journey with this book, it felt rather fitting, as I’ve been very poorly the last few months and unable to read, so EVERYTIME I picked up to read, something new was happening, I felt like I was reading some deeply gripping TV soap. This could be a little overwhelming for some, but I loved it!
I really do love a book that keeps me guessing.
This book helped to keep my spirits up when I was unwell, it was fast paced and delightfully slowburny in all the right ways. I’m left frustrated and flabbergasted at the books conclusion because I have questions and I need answers, leaving me on a cliffhanger after such a rollercoaster journey is like -whatttt.
Plus that big reveal at the end, and we still don’t know who the bloody rebel spy is. I’m happy and angry and relieved but also mad that I have to wait for the next book for resolution.
The world building here was phenomenal, we have a dystopian future, that has divided the populus into either caster or human, casters are deemed superior because they have magic, but are treated like swine among humans and serve them. It’s very complex and thoroughly interesting.
I’m so very glad I had a chance to read this, it’s a slower than slowburny book, basically feelings are noticed by the villain, never actually expressed amongst the characters, but I hope that all changes in book 2.
it’s delightfully PG, unless you count all the war, death and dead body mentions throughout, there’s alot, so I’d recommend this to young adult range readers or mature adolescents who can handle such topics.
I’m really looking forward to reading the revenants. I bet it’s going to be an epic follow up. 4 well deserved stars for a wonderful book.
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