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The Whisperer in White
When the Whisperer speaks, the universe listens.
Growing up, Talia had never given much thought to the gray-robed Whisperers and their powers over reality. Their business was protecting the world; hers was hunting in the forest around her village and trying to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately for Tal, one Whisperer in particular becomes her business when she accidentally injures his companion, a talking cat-shaped creature named Morel.
As punishment, she becomes the Whisperer’s prisoner, whisked away to his island home for a year and a day of servitude. There is much to do — for both the Whisperer and for Tal — as he prepares for the ritual that must be completed every hundred years to ensure the safety of the world. Tal does as she is told; her priority is to simply finish out her sentence and return home to her family.
Yet there are many secrets on the island, many oddities, and they tug at Tal like an itch. As the year goes on, she learns more of the Whisperer, his duties, and the horrifying evils that he and the other Whisperers keep at bay. But secrets still a room that is always locked, a stone monument in the woods, crimson flowers whose very name causes the Whisperer to storm away.
Unbeknownst to Tal, something is watching her, and what she does now may alter the fate of the world.
Growing up, Talia had never given much thought to the gray-robed Whisperers and their powers over reality. Their business was protecting the world; hers was hunting in the forest around her village and trying to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately for Tal, one Whisperer in particular becomes her business when she accidentally injures his companion, a talking cat-shaped creature named Morel.
As punishment, she becomes the Whisperer’s prisoner, whisked away to his island home for a year and a day of servitude. There is much to do — for both the Whisperer and for Tal — as he prepares for the ritual that must be completed every hundred years to ensure the safety of the world. Tal does as she is told; her priority is to simply finish out her sentence and return home to her family.
Yet there are many secrets on the island, many oddities, and they tug at Tal like an itch. As the year goes on, she learns more of the Whisperer, his duties, and the horrifying evils that he and the other Whisperers keep at bay. But secrets still a room that is always locked, a stone monument in the woods, crimson flowers whose very name causes the Whisperer to storm away.
Unbeknownst to Tal, something is watching her, and what she does now may alter the fate of the world.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 4, 2026
This novel really took me by surprise because I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it but I ended up loving it and didn’t want it to end! I was drawn in right from the start as soon as the reader meets Tal who goes hunting before the Whisperer Festival and accidentally shoots a white cat who turns out to be a Whisperer’s Voice. Tal is then sent to live with the Whisperer for a year as punishment and what follows is a novel full of heart and soul as Tal learns new things and surprisingly enjoys the company of a thousand year old Whisperer.
Tal is a great character and while I thought at times her character read younger than 17 due to some childish moments, she is feisty, always sticks up for what she believes in and protects those who are unable to protect themselves and I loved watching her character grow throughout the story. The Whisperer who takes her captive, also known as Rowan or Four, was also a complex character and at first I thought he was going to be strict but he turned out to be so caring and kind and I loved how their friendship developed.
The Whisperers also have a Voice companion and Rowan’s is in the form of a sarcastic talking cat named Morel who was a brilliant, funny character that added some humour to the novel. The novel flowed beautifully as Tal adapts to her new home and explores the island. Rowan even takes her on some missions to save villages and I loved these action filled chapters that really show off Tal’s strength and her resolve to do everything she can to save people. I felt a very strong attachment to both Tal and Rowan and even Morel and thought that every character was perfectly created and given so much depth to ensure the reader loved each and every one.
This novel uses a unique form of magic which I enjoyed learning about, from the wardstones and the seals to the Whisperers powers which were fascinating and the author creates an intriguing world that makes the story even more interesting. There was even some horror to excite the reader as Tal faces monsters called corruptants who can bend reality and I loved the way this was described in the novel.
There were definitely some emotional parts towards the end and my jaw dropped at a plot twist that I never saw coming making this an exciting read that I couldn’t put down! Everything comes together to create this stunning novel that I wish there was more of. This is a standout fantasy novel filled with heart and loveable characters and readers will surely fall in love with this world and the story.
Tal is a great character and while I thought at times her character read younger than 17 due to some childish moments, she is feisty, always sticks up for what she believes in and protects those who are unable to protect themselves and I loved watching her character grow throughout the story. The Whisperer who takes her captive, also known as Rowan or Four, was also a complex character and at first I thought he was going to be strict but he turned out to be so caring and kind and I loved how their friendship developed.
The Whisperers also have a Voice companion and Rowan’s is in the form of a sarcastic talking cat named Morel who was a brilliant, funny character that added some humour to the novel. The novel flowed beautifully as Tal adapts to her new home and explores the island. Rowan even takes her on some missions to save villages and I loved these action filled chapters that really show off Tal’s strength and her resolve to do everything she can to save people. I felt a very strong attachment to both Tal and Rowan and even Morel and thought that every character was perfectly created and given so much depth to ensure the reader loved each and every one.
This novel uses a unique form of magic which I enjoyed learning about, from the wardstones and the seals to the Whisperers powers which were fascinating and the author creates an intriguing world that makes the story even more interesting. There was even some horror to excite the reader as Tal faces monsters called corruptants who can bend reality and I loved the way this was described in the novel.
There were definitely some emotional parts towards the end and my jaw dropped at a plot twist that I never saw coming making this an exciting read that I couldn’t put down! Everything comes together to create this stunning novel that I wish there was more of. This is a standout fantasy novel filled with heart and loveable characters and readers will surely fall in love with this world and the story.
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March 25, 2026Read for SPFBO11 - Team Before We Go Blog
1st Round Review
RTC
1st Round Review
RTC
May 5, 2026
This novel was way more powerful with a lot more heart than I was expecting. When Tal accidentally shoots a whisperer (in the form of a white cat) she is sent to live with the cat for a year. What follows is a great story centred around their developing friendship.
Both Tal and Rowan are great characters, Tal in particular is well fleshed out. If arguably a little Mary Sue. And their adventures are engaging. Shout out to the magical system, and whisperers in particular and also the world building and fast paced writing style too. 4 stars for me and a nod to the BBNYA judges for choosing it as a finalist in their contest
Both Tal and Rowan are great characters, Tal in particular is well fleshed out. If arguably a little Mary Sue. And their adventures are engaging. Shout out to the magical system, and whisperers in particular and also the world building and fast paced writing style too. 4 stars for me and a nod to the BBNYA judges for choosing it as a finalist in their contest
May 4, 2026
This book deserves way more exposure!! I have only ever seen it anywhere due to it doing well in the BBNYA - the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award. It was a finalist in the 2025 contest. And deservedly so. It really deserves more exposure as it is an excellent indie fantasy.
What really made me fall in love with the book was the main character, Talia. The author does a tremendous job of developing her character. She is feisty, impulsive, protective and has a strong moral core, making her easy to get behind. I also loved the writing which was both witty and immersive without being too overblown.
Also its got a talking cat!!
What really made me fall in love with the book was the main character, Talia. The author does a tremendous job of developing her character. She is feisty, impulsive, protective and has a strong moral core, making her easy to get behind. I also loved the writing which was both witty and immersive without being too overblown.
Also its got a talking cat!!
July 31, 2024
This book made me cry, and now I need everyone to read it.
The Whisperer in White pulled me in from the start with interesting worldbuilding and intriguing characters. I’ve never read anything like it before, and loved the splash of reality-bending horror.
If nothing else, you should definitely read it just to experience Morel the cat!
The Whisperer in White pulled me in from the start with interesting worldbuilding and intriguing characters. I’ve never read anything like it before, and loved the splash of reality-bending horror.
If nothing else, you should definitely read it just to experience Morel the cat!
May 7, 2026
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Talia is impulsive and reckless. After she’s grounded from hunting because she shot her cousin’s pet bird, she's finally allowed to go hunting again, but only under the supervision of her older brother. So what does she do? She sneaks away and shoots the Whisperer’s Voice who is in the shape of a white cat. All because she didn’t take a moment to make sure what she was aiming her arrow at was actually game. Again. I have to tell you, not feeling any liking for Talia at this point. When the Whisperer declares he is taking her prisoner for a year and a day I feel Tal is getting off lucky though she doesn’t feel that way. Too bad.
Tal’s life as the Whisperer’s prisoner is hardly torture. She has chores to do, but they aren’t anything onerous and then she can spend the rest of the time doing whatever she wants. I wish I was a prisoner of the Whisperer. With all his books I’d never be bored. Plus, an island to wander on? Oh, yeah! Sign me up. *sigh* Anyway, life (and the year) goes on and as the 100 year ritual approaches, more and more tears in reality happen as seals start to fail. All 13 Whisperers are working hard to make sure the monsters don’t cross over into their reality. But that’s not the worst thing happening. There’s something else, something the Whisperers thought they’d contained. And Tal is about to do something stupid. Yet again.
This is an entertaining fantasy with an interesting world. The monsters are creepy and Tal can be an impetuous idiot at times, but her heart is in the right place. The ending seems a bit rushed, but there’s obviously more to come. I’m invested enough to read Book 2.
Talia is impulsive and reckless. After she’s grounded from hunting because she shot her cousin’s pet bird, she's finally allowed to go hunting again, but only under the supervision of her older brother. So what does she do? She sneaks away and shoots the Whisperer’s Voice who is in the shape of a white cat. All because she didn’t take a moment to make sure what she was aiming her arrow at was actually game. Again. I have to tell you, not feeling any liking for Talia at this point. When the Whisperer declares he is taking her prisoner for a year and a day I feel Tal is getting off lucky though she doesn’t feel that way. Too bad.
Tal’s life as the Whisperer’s prisoner is hardly torture. She has chores to do, but they aren’t anything onerous and then she can spend the rest of the time doing whatever she wants. I wish I was a prisoner of the Whisperer. With all his books I’d never be bored. Plus, an island to wander on? Oh, yeah! Sign me up. *sigh* Anyway, life (and the year) goes on and as the 100 year ritual approaches, more and more tears in reality happen as seals start to fail. All 13 Whisperers are working hard to make sure the monsters don’t cross over into their reality. But that’s not the worst thing happening. There’s something else, something the Whisperers thought they’d contained. And Tal is about to do something stupid. Yet again.
This is an entertaining fantasy with an interesting world. The monsters are creepy and Tal can be an impetuous idiot at times, but her heart is in the right place. The ending seems a bit rushed, but there’s obviously more to come. I’m invested enough to read Book 2.
May 8, 2026
This book honestly had me hooked from the first page to the last.
The concept was brilliant and one that felt original. Whilst I was reading, I was trying to soak up all the information I could about the mysterious Whisperers. I was fascinated. I loved the magic in this book and what it revealed about why it is necessary; it was very well crafted.
The characters are fantastic, I adored them, and the relationship between the Whisperer, Talia, and Morel made the book for me. The mystery of the Whisperers and the action at the end of the book were great, but it’s the characters that are the heart of this story.
Tal is sassy and inquisitive, and I loved the relationship that develops between her and the Whisperer, even though he seems gruff and absent. I especially loved the relationship between her and Morel. Being a Voice (Whisperer’s companion) was kind of fascinating anyway, but they had such a fun attitude, and I liked the banter between them and Tal.
I did get very invested in this story. I won’t lie, I was crying my eyes out at one point. There were certainly some surprises that really got to me. As I said, there is a bit more action towards the end of the story, but I also found it a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, I think, because of how much I loved the characters.
The Whisperer in White is a book I would highly recommend.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
The concept was brilliant and one that felt original. Whilst I was reading, I was trying to soak up all the information I could about the mysterious Whisperers. I was fascinated. I loved the magic in this book and what it revealed about why it is necessary; it was very well crafted.
The characters are fantastic, I adored them, and the relationship between the Whisperer, Talia, and Morel made the book for me. The mystery of the Whisperers and the action at the end of the book were great, but it’s the characters that are the heart of this story.
Tal is sassy and inquisitive, and I loved the relationship that develops between her and the Whisperer, even though he seems gruff and absent. I especially loved the relationship between her and Morel. Being a Voice (Whisperer’s companion) was kind of fascinating anyway, but they had such a fun attitude, and I liked the banter between them and Tal.
I did get very invested in this story. I won’t lie, I was crying my eyes out at one point. There were certainly some surprises that really got to me. As I said, there is a bit more action towards the end of the story, but I also found it a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, I think, because of how much I loved the characters.
The Whisperer in White is a book I would highly recommend.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
February 4, 2025
A beautiful younger end of young adult fantasy story. Something for Sabriel fans looking for a light read of dark magic and mystery without any romance.
I'd expected something a little different from the blurb, older and darker perhaps. The character is listed as being seventeen but I could easily believe Tal to be 5 years younger. That's purely personal preference though; for the age range it's geared towards it's an engaging, fast paced, small scale fantasy coming of age tale with heart and soul as well as supernatural scares (though nothing too scary). Like many young fantasy books, modern speech styles are used. Eerie lore and original twists give this one it's sense of atmosphere.
Plus it's got a slightly sarcastic talking cat as our heroine's main conversation partner. How could I not recommend this? For the right audience, it'd be quick read catnip.
I'd expected something a little different from the blurb, older and darker perhaps. The character is listed as being seventeen but I could easily believe Tal to be 5 years younger. That's purely personal preference though; for the age range it's geared towards it's an engaging, fast paced, small scale fantasy coming of age tale with heart and soul as well as supernatural scares (though nothing too scary). Like many young fantasy books, modern speech styles are used. Eerie lore and original twists give this one it's sense of atmosphere.
Plus it's got a slightly sarcastic talking cat as our heroine's main conversation partner. How could I not recommend this? For the right audience, it'd be quick read catnip.
May 9, 2025
Fun read
This was a very fun fantasy story! The characters are well written and the magic system is fun. Great work!
This was a very fun fantasy story! The characters are well written and the magic system is fun. Great work!
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April 3, 2026Read for SPFBO, review to come!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews