Whisper of Weapons by Savannah J. Goins
Series: Castors of Wrynford #1

If she succeeds, the life of her dreams is within reach. If she fails, she loses everything.
Sixteen-year-old Mella’s future among the aristocracy of her medieval city rests on a single test to produce a strong and beautiful animal familiar. However, when she fails to produce any creature at all, she loses everything in one crushing blow.
But then she gets a second chance.
Working with teenagers from the lowliest of places, Mella begins to learn that status isn’t everything. With their help, she trains an impressive avian in the shadows and passes her off as her familiar.
She’s constantly terrified someone might realize the creature isn’t what she seems.
If they’re caught, the avian’s life will be forfeit and Mella will lose her new friends and the last hope of a future she has left.

If you like cutthroat competitions, medieval settings, and found family, you’ll love Whisper of Weapons!

Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Clean Read
Pages: 380
ISBN: 9781964144023
ASIN: B0DM4CR7P4
Format: ARC, eBook
on 16/07/2024
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My Thoughts

This book is a clean YA read that I’d recommend for all YA fans.

The story is based around a group of teenagers who all have a misfit personality, and all just secretly want to fit in.
It’s full of unique magic systems, animal companions and deep hidden meaning.
I loved the characters Mella, Dane & Acre. They were written beautifully.

The world building was very intricate and unique.
I’m not usually a fan of historical themes in fantasy, but this book portrayed a slight medieval environment, to the best of my knowledge anyway (kinda wish i’d learned more in school so I could recall my teachers words).

I’ve been unwell recently, and unable to read as much, so diving into something like this was a much needed respite for me. It was easy to read, mostly.
I was both impressed and confused by certain elements, but that soon cleared up with later chapters.
The story moved at a fair pace. Keeping me on my toes while I waited for vital info on characters.

I wasn’t entirely sure about the multi POV to begin with, it was hard to identify who was who with no indication on each chapter start. I think that is an essential marker that needs to be given, as trying to wrack my brain playing guess who, was kind of exhausting. It took a while to work out the characters tone, but luckily this is less of a problem later in the book.

The journey the characters face throughout the story was deep and held my attention.
We learn so much about the characters and see how they open up and learn to trust.

This is a very key note here, because the MC is faced with an uncertain future after her rejection and failure to fulfil her long awaited reason for being here.
I think this is an important element amongst YA novels, the coming of age i guess would be the right term. Growing into themselves and finding a different path forward than they expected. changing and understanding things people of an older age have yet to experience themselves.

I still dislike certain characters, but I think that’s because I had ‘friends’ like them in school.
I’m a little sensitive with unintentionally mean girls. 😂 I like to believe personally, that they lash out for fear of their own shortcomings. Sometimes not intentional, just out of frustration with themselves and not knowing how to express themselves. Like with music, the MC choice of outlet, it’s her passion, and from her heart, she creates something amazing and frightening at the same time.

Final Thoughts

The overall story here was lovely, and I really do recommend it.
Particularly for young adult readers who are looking for a smutless story.
I think I would have given it 5 stars, if it hadn’t been for the confusing chapters in multiple POV like I mentioned above.

So give it a read, this saga is a must for YA fantasy fans. I look forward to further installments to see how characters develop further.