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Whispers of water, book one
In the heart of Eden, Elara, a refugee, spends two decades building a life with her guardian, Gran. Together, they thrive in the delicate balance between working in a bakery and Elara’s studies.
When the military presence encroaches on Eden, Elara faces a choice – join the Resistance or heed Gran’s warnings.
To her shock and despair, Elara unveils hidden powers during a military test, becoming a target. Step by step Elara uncovers a past shrouded in secrecy. Attempting to escape the draft, she sets off a chain of events that will challenge her resilience and reveal unexpected truths.
In a world of magic, intrigue, and danger, Elara’s journey is just beginning.
When the military presence encroaches on Eden, Elara faces a choice – join the Resistance or heed Gran’s warnings.
To her shock and despair, Elara unveils hidden powers during a military test, becoming a target. Step by step Elara uncovers a past shrouded in secrecy. Attempting to escape the draft, she sets off a chain of events that will challenge her resilience and reveal unexpected truths.
In a world of magic, intrigue, and danger, Elara’s journey is just beginning.
416 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 4, 2024
(4.6✨) GUYSSSS THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!!! Do you know how rare it is I get a dream about a book while reading it and not afterwards?? RARE THIS IS HOW YOU KNOW ITS BRILLIANT!! I loved the magic I LOVEDDDD Elara she’s actually so relatable, I absolutely adored the pacing, just under half the book took place in Eden really us getting to know the characters and then just over half was Elara in the military training and I LOVEDDDD the training they showed! I did get grossed out with them using water to heal some wounds but that’s because I am a wimp shaha!
If you like political fantasy’s involving military power and the introduction of a resistance this is defo the book for you!
If you like political fantasy’s involving military power and the introduction of a resistance this is defo the book for you!
March 24, 2024
This is a great fantasy novel by a debut author. Elara lives with her Gran and her dog Momo. They run a bakery in Eden far from the military and chaos until the military discovers Elara has a special gift of healing and she is strong-armed into joining the military, but her heart is with the resistance. The world building is great as it slowly builds. There is a little bit of Spice too. The ending will get you and will make you want to read book 2. If you like a slow build, magic, political intrigue, romantasy and n ending that takes the FMC down a new path, read this book.
June 19, 2024
Finally finished this book while on holiday and can’t wait to read the next one.
I have to admit it took me a while to really get into it, as with every book that’s not a romantic new adult story.
But once the story captured me, it was hard to let go and I was fully committed to finding out the secrets and powers still in hiding. I couldn’t put down my kindle and read every available minute I had.
The ending caught me by surprise so I really look forward to reading more in part 2! 👀
I have to admit it took me a while to really get into it, as with every book that’s not a romantic new adult story.
But once the story captured me, it was hard to let go and I was fully committed to finding out the secrets and powers still in hiding. I couldn’t put down my kindle and read every available minute I had.
The ending caught me by surprise so I really look forward to reading more in part 2! 👀
October 11, 2024
‼️ Received reading copy from the author
I want to start with what I liked. I liked the concept of the magic system and the part of Elara going to the military, which isn't as good as it seems. I also liked the relationship between Elara and Gran.
Now to the negative parts. My main issue is the language. The pace felt a bit "staccato", to use a musical therm. It lacked the flow and rhythm in the transitions from sentence to sentence, chapter to chapter.
I also felt like the characters were a bit random and I found it hard to place them. Suddenly there was a s*x scene that just happened, and not in a good way.
Thirdly, the magic system should have had more space in my opinion. I wanted more of that because that was cool.
And lastly; I couldn't quite get the hang of the worldbuilding. It seemed like a modern time with cars and stuff, but at other times it felt more medieval. Confusing.
Overall I would have DNF'ed if I wasn't going to write a review. I believe there's a cool concept and storyline here, but it needs way more editing, both with the language and precisement of the story.
I want to start with what I liked. I liked the concept of the magic system and the part of Elara going to the military, which isn't as good as it seems. I also liked the relationship between Elara and Gran.
Now to the negative parts. My main issue is the language. The pace felt a bit "staccato", to use a musical therm. It lacked the flow and rhythm in the transitions from sentence to sentence, chapter to chapter.
I also felt like the characters were a bit random and I found it hard to place them. Suddenly there was a s*x scene that just happened, and not in a good way.
Thirdly, the magic system should have had more space in my opinion. I wanted more of that because that was cool.
And lastly; I couldn't quite get the hang of the worldbuilding. It seemed like a modern time with cars and stuff, but at other times it felt more medieval. Confusing.
Overall I would have DNF'ed if I wasn't going to write a review. I believe there's a cool concept and storyline here, but it needs way more editing, both with the language and precisement of the story.
July 23, 2024
"Whispers of Water is an engaging book filled with loss, love, trauma, strength, and new beginnings. A great opening title that captures the reader's attention while making room for the series to continue." ~nerdywordyreviews
Elara and Gran (her grandmother) moved to the small village of Eden when Elara was a small child. The horrors and turmoil caused by the rising of a new militant leader in the big city made them refugees. Elara's mother and father did not survive the city during take over.
Gran and Elara created a new life in Eden where they run a bakery, and Elara studies nursing. All is well in their small town, surrounded by friends and wonderful townsfolk until the military arrives.
The military is eager to have new healers recruited and forces all students to take part in a round of tests. Tests that reveal Elara and a couple of others have some hidden, magical talents that she wasn't even aware existed within her.
Every time Elara comes into contact with one of her direct superiors, there is a sense of comfort, familiarity, and calm. For reasons unbeknownst to her.
Forced to enlist in the military, Elara sets off on this forced path, leaving the world she knew behind, all while keeping the thought of finding the resistance in the back of her mind.
Will Elara find the resistance in the big city? What secrets will she uncover from her family's past?
Whispers of Water is book one of this series. I am not sure how many books there will be, but the ending of book one leaves you wanting to see what happens next.
There are magical elements throughout the story, as well as some eye-opening, war style scenes.
The book includes some romantic, semi-spicy scenes, as well as some tension between two characters which I can't wait to see unfold.
Book one reveals some secrets, however, I expect that there will be more in the following book.
I read this book at a medium speed and I found it grasped my attention while the story flowed nicely from scene to scene.
Elara and Gran (her grandmother) moved to the small village of Eden when Elara was a small child. The horrors and turmoil caused by the rising of a new militant leader in the big city made them refugees. Elara's mother and father did not survive the city during take over.
Gran and Elara created a new life in Eden where they run a bakery, and Elara studies nursing. All is well in their small town, surrounded by friends and wonderful townsfolk until the military arrives.
The military is eager to have new healers recruited and forces all students to take part in a round of tests. Tests that reveal Elara and a couple of others have some hidden, magical talents that she wasn't even aware existed within her.
Every time Elara comes into contact with one of her direct superiors, there is a sense of comfort, familiarity, and calm. For reasons unbeknownst to her.
Forced to enlist in the military, Elara sets off on this forced path, leaving the world she knew behind, all while keeping the thought of finding the resistance in the back of her mind.
Will Elara find the resistance in the big city? What secrets will she uncover from her family's past?
Whispers of Water is book one of this series. I am not sure how many books there will be, but the ending of book one leaves you wanting to see what happens next.
There are magical elements throughout the story, as well as some eye-opening, war style scenes.
The book includes some romantic, semi-spicy scenes, as well as some tension between two characters which I can't wait to see unfold.
Book one reveals some secrets, however, I expect that there will be more in the following book.
I read this book at a medium speed and I found it grasped my attention while the story flowed nicely from scene to scene.
August 2, 2024
If you like poppy wars/avatar the last airbender/shadow and bone and maybe some dystopian energy then maybe this book is for you. It’s an amazing star to the series with solid world building and the characters.
I feel like this book will be a good start for people not truly familiar with fantasy because everything is introduced pretty slow and it’s not super complicated.
My only problem is that the speed of the story picks up pretty late in the book which left me with a big cliffhanger which made me want to yearn for the next book which is not yet out at this point.
I feel like this book will be a good start for people not truly familiar with fantasy because everything is introduced pretty slow and it’s not super complicated.
My only problem is that the speed of the story picks up pretty late in the book which left me with a big cliffhanger which made me want to yearn for the next book which is not yet out at this point.
July 11, 2024
Leuk boek wat langzaam begint waardoor je de personages goed leert kennen. Het is niet te langzaam en niet te snel. Ik kon mijn boek niet meer wegleggen!
Er zit niet veel romantiek in, wel een klein beetje maar dat maakt het juist leuk omdat het het spannend houdt. Ook staat daardoor de romantiek niet voorop wat ook leuk is.
Het boek leest verder ook makkelijk weg, het is een fijne aangename schrijfstijl.
Ik kijk nu al uit naar deel 2!!
Er zit niet veel romantiek in, wel een klein beetje maar dat maakt het juist leuk omdat het het spannend houdt. Ook staat daardoor de romantiek niet voorop wat ook leuk is.
Het boek leest verder ook makkelijk weg, het is een fijne aangename schrijfstijl.
Ik kijk nu al uit naar deel 2!!
September 7, 2024
I loved this book and I really enjoyed the overall story.
It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I was in, it was really good.
While reading I could feel this is the first book of more to come. I really liked the build up in the story and the characters as well.
You just feel that the characters have so much more to tell and their story is far from ending at the end of this first book, so I cannot wait to get my hands on book two once it’s out!
And I really really love the book cover so much 😍
It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I was in, it was really good.
While reading I could feel this is the first book of more to come. I really liked the build up in the story and the characters as well.
You just feel that the characters have so much more to tell and their story is far from ending at the end of this first book, so I cannot wait to get my hands on book two once it’s out!
And I really really love the book cover so much 😍
March 31, 2024
I love the characters and the world built in this story. I love Elara and her many friends, but some of the characters were so hateful that they made me rage. Throughout the story I could see as if it was a movie and I wanted it to be so much. Thank you Fleur, I’m so excited for book 2. There’s magic and fantasy in this book. I really enjoyed it.
April 8, 2025
Really enjoyed this book!
August 22, 2024
I really like the slow start of the story. The first third or so is mostly dedicated to getting to know the main characters , and it feels a lot like reading a cozy fantasy. The characters feel very real and somehow I'm interested in a fantasy character baking bread. But what was even more amazing to me was how this style continued as the story picked up; Fleur Balm is very talented in describing mundane activities in a very engaging way.
There are the characters; though everything is written from Elara's point of view you also get a real good feel for the other characters. Story wise I really like that coming into this world the reader doesn't really know who the good guys are and apparently neither does Elara, which keeps the story interesting.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I really want to read the next book (not out yet)
Overall the book was a bit of a mixed bag for me, I think it's a fun story and especially the characters are really good. But unfortunately there were quite a few continuity errors which took me out of the story ("did I miss something?", go back a few chapters, nopes I didn't). It doesn't really matter for the plot, but to me it was a shame as the story itself is quite good.
There are the characters; though everything is written from Elara's point of view you also get a real good feel for the other characters. Story wise I really like that coming into this world the reader doesn't really know who the good guys are and apparently neither does Elara, which keeps the story interesting.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I really want to read the next book (not out yet)
Overall the book was a bit of a mixed bag for me, I think it's a fun story and especially the characters are really good. But unfortunately there were quite a few continuity errors which took me out of the story ("did I miss something?", go back a few chapters, nopes I didn't). It doesn't really matter for the plot, but to me it was a shame as the story itself is quite good.
July 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
If you like magic, political intrigue and fantasy/romantasy then this book is for you.
A brilliant debut by Fleur Bronke. Even though it took me a while to go through the slow build in the first few chapters once I was past that I couldn’t put the book down wanting to find out more. Elara lives with her grandma, who owns a small bakery in Eden, and Monster (Momo), a stray dog she found injured as a puppy. The story is during a period of war and Elara soon discovers she has healing powers and wants to join the resistance.
The end took me by surprise and is making me really looking forward for book 2.
If you like magic, political intrigue and fantasy/romantasy then this book is for you.
A brilliant debut by Fleur Bronke. Even though it took me a while to go through the slow build in the first few chapters once I was past that I couldn’t put the book down wanting to find out more. Elara lives with her grandma, who owns a small bakery in Eden, and Monster (Momo), a stray dog she found injured as a puppy. The story is during a period of war and Elara soon discovers she has healing powers and wants to join the resistance.
The end took me by surprise and is making me really looking forward for book 2.
April 7, 2024
I signed up to be an ARC reader for this book.
What appealed to me about the premise of this story was the mix of magic with political intrigue. Elara and her grandmother have lived as political refugees in a small town called Eden ever since fleeing the war that killed her parents two decades earlier. Elara is trying to have as normal a life as possible - she splits her time between working in her gran's bakery, her classes, and her best friend.
Everything changes when the military comes to town to recruit those with magic abilities, specifically those who can manipulate the power of water. Elara's parents were part of the resistance and fought against this very type of take over, so Elara refers to the soldiers as "dogs".
They are informed that the military will be setting up a test during their classes, and Elara has the misfortune of revealing her powers during the test. The mandatory service letter she receives after goes against everything she believes in, but a series of events prevent her from escaping and she has no choice but to obey and enlist. She is forced to become the very "dog" she hates.
Up until this point the story has a slow and steady pacing as we get to know the characters and their backstory. Once Elara arrives at the big city and begins her training, the pacing of the story picks up rapidly, and Elara's energy shifts from a girl just trying to live her life, to a secret rebel trying to take down the very organization she is serving.
Her time there does help her develop her magic skills as a healer, she gets to have a spicy scene with one of the guys, and she starts to uncover secrets about the very top that could bring everything down. The end of the book literally ends with a bang, and I had a total book hangover after finishing it. It does leave off on a cliffhanger, and I definitely want to read book two!
What appealed to me about the premise of this story was the mix of magic with political intrigue. Elara and her grandmother have lived as political refugees in a small town called Eden ever since fleeing the war that killed her parents two decades earlier. Elara is trying to have as normal a life as possible - she splits her time between working in her gran's bakery, her classes, and her best friend.
Everything changes when the military comes to town to recruit those with magic abilities, specifically those who can manipulate the power of water. Elara's parents were part of the resistance and fought against this very type of take over, so Elara refers to the soldiers as "dogs".
They are informed that the military will be setting up a test during their classes, and Elara has the misfortune of revealing her powers during the test. The mandatory service letter she receives after goes against everything she believes in, but a series of events prevent her from escaping and she has no choice but to obey and enlist. She is forced to become the very "dog" she hates.
Up until this point the story has a slow and steady pacing as we get to know the characters and their backstory. Once Elara arrives at the big city and begins her training, the pacing of the story picks up rapidly, and Elara's energy shifts from a girl just trying to live her life, to a secret rebel trying to take down the very organization she is serving.
Her time there does help her develop her magic skills as a healer, she gets to have a spicy scene with one of the guys, and she starts to uncover secrets about the very top that could bring everything down. The end of the book literally ends with a bang, and I had a total book hangover after finishing it. It does leave off on a cliffhanger, and I definitely want to read book two!
December 3, 2024
Book Review: Whispers of water
I was so lucky to get a arc of whispers of water by Fleur Balm, and I really enjoyed it! The premise immediately hooked me. As a huge fan of elemental magic, I couldn’t resist when I heard it compared to Avatar: The Last Airbender! The magic system was creative and well-developed, and I loved how it tied into the story. The tension and pacing kept me hooked, especially as Elara uncovered secrets about her past and grappled with tough choices.
The characters were compelling, and I found myself rooting for Elara as she navigated a world full of magic, danger, and intrigue. Overall, it was an exciting and enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so lucky to get a arc of whispers of water by Fleur Balm, and I really enjoyed it! The premise immediately hooked me. As a huge fan of elemental magic, I couldn’t resist when I heard it compared to Avatar: The Last Airbender! The magic system was creative and well-developed, and I loved how it tied into the story. The tension and pacing kept me hooked, especially as Elara uncovered secrets about her past and grappled with tough choices.
The characters were compelling, and I found myself rooting for Elara as she navigated a world full of magic, danger, and intrigue. Overall, it was an exciting and enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in this story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 13, 2025
I really liked this debut novel! I was immersed from the beginning. I'm anxious to know what happens to Elara after the cliffhanger ending of the book. The cast of characters was great, with lovely friendships and fear-inducing enemies. The semi-dystopian setting makes sure the tension is always somewhere in the back of your head.
August 23, 2025
Whispers of Water has so so much promise. There’s a genuinely unique magic system here, rooted in water and crystals and healing from trauma and unlike any magic system I've seen before. It is original and I wish there had been more focus on it. In terms of the immediate world building in the first third or so, I loved how Fleur trusted the reader and didn't over explain every detail.
Unfortunately, that same trust didn’t carry over into the writing. So much of the book is told rather than shown, with every thought or feeling spelled out to the point that there’s no room for interpretation. I found the pacing slow, especially in the middle, and the writing awkward in places. There were moments that pulled me out of the story, especially when real-world sayings were used in a world that otherwise felt distinct. It also tries to explore a lot of emotional and thematic ground, but those ideas end up underdeveloped because there seems to be too many things going on. The romance didn't land for me or quite make sense, but perhaps that is something that will make more sense in future books?
There are glimmers of a really really strong project here, and I’d love to see what this could become with a bit more editing. It is really a 2.5/5 for me.
Unfortunately, that same trust didn’t carry over into the writing. So much of the book is told rather than shown, with every thought or feeling spelled out to the point that there’s no room for interpretation. I found the pacing slow, especially in the middle, and the writing awkward in places. There were moments that pulled me out of the story, especially when real-world sayings were used in a world that otherwise felt distinct. It also tries to explore a lot of emotional and thematic ground, but those ideas end up underdeveloped because there seems to be too many things going on. The romance didn't land for me or quite make sense, but perhaps that is something that will make more sense in future books?
There are glimmers of a really really strong project here, and I’d love to see what this could become with a bit more editing. It is really a 2.5/5 for me.
October 25, 2025
Whispers of Water delivers a compelling mix of heartache, hidden magic, and the spark of rebellion. The writing flows smoothly, creating a story that’s easy to sink into and tough to put down. I really enjoyed how the book balances emotional stakes with moments of warmth and community, especially in the early chapters.
Elara makes for a relatable main character, caught between a quiet life she loves and a future she never asked for. The magical discoveries, military tension, and hints of romance keep things exciting without revealing everything at once. There are a few semi spicy moments and a delicious thread of romantic tension that clearly has more to unravel in the next book.
This is a strong first installment that sets up a bigger story still to come. The ending leaves plenty of questions hanging in the best way, making you eager to follow Elara into the next chapter of her journey. If you enjoy fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of slow-burn romance, this is definitely one to add to your list.
A solid 4 star read that took a little while to get going, then swept me up into Elara's world.
Elara makes for a relatable main character, caught between a quiet life she loves and a future she never asked for. The magical discoveries, military tension, and hints of romance keep things exciting without revealing everything at once. There are a few semi spicy moments and a delicious thread of romantic tension that clearly has more to unravel in the next book.
This is a strong first installment that sets up a bigger story still to come. The ending leaves plenty of questions hanging in the best way, making you eager to follow Elara into the next chapter of her journey. If you enjoy fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of slow-burn romance, this is definitely one to add to your list.
A solid 4 star read that took a little while to get going, then swept me up into Elara's world.
August 10, 2025
The world building is a little slow but it also feels fast paced. It is an easy read. It's one of the books you don't want to put down because you want to know what happens next. I would have wanted to see more of Elara's powers and of the powers of the other elementalist's powers in the book.
The ending leaves us with a cliffhanger and questions that will hopefully be answered in the second book. Can't wait to read the second one of the series! A debut novel definitely worth reading!
The ending leaves us with a cliffhanger and questions that will hopefully be answered in the second book. Can't wait to read the second one of the series! A debut novel definitely worth reading!
October 4, 2024
I did not read much fantasy lately ,but after few pages I was already captivated .
It is intriguing, and the way that she is telling the story makes it easy for me to visualize the characters and the action.
I love it and can’t wait for the second book, I really have to know what is going to happen next!
It is intriguing, and the way that she is telling the story makes it easy for me to visualize the characters and the action.
I love it and can’t wait for the second book, I really have to know what is going to happen next!
June 9, 2025
Very exciting book by this new author. She sets up a world that is both mysterious and familiar at the same time. The main and side characters are all quite engaging and their relationships range from fun and lighthearted to complex. Very much looking forward to the next book in this series!
July 31, 2024
A very fun debut book by Fleur! Finished it in no time and can't wait to see how Elara's story continues in part two!
August 2, 2025
I really enjoyed the book and couldn’t put it down!
August 21, 2025
Ik heb genoten van dit boek.
Vind de verhaallijn erg leuk.
magie, politiek, liefde goed ingrediënten.
Ik wil zeker deel twee ook lezen.
Vind de verhaallijn erg leuk.
magie, politiek, liefde goed ingrediënten.
Ik wil zeker deel twee ook lezen.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews