A sentient curse must choose. Discover how to stop death… …or bring down a nation?
In a country where combining magic is forbidden, sorcerers dedicate themselves to protecting everyone from the mindless monsters that kill thousands this crime creates: curses.
But Whisper is different.
Whisper, a self-aware curse who inhabits the bodies of different hosts to interact with the world, witnesses death as its first experience of existence.
A death it caused.
Traumatized by this encounter, Whisper seeks to infiltrate the humans in power to find how to eradicate death entirely. Making new hosts and allies into friends, it begins to learn more about the world and its unique nature.
But powerful sorcerers threaten Whisper and its allies, and a conspiracy looms that could topple the entire realm. Whisper needs to protect those it has come to cherish. But no matter what it chooses, someone will have to die.
Whisper’s creation may have been an accident, but its destiny will not be.
Discover a rich new perspective full of twisting adventure in this unconventional fantasy!
When not at work, Kay Ross is finding new stories, discussing old stories, or writing her own. If she's not thinking about stories, she's either trying not to be too invested in sports or climbing up a mountain so she can run down it. She lives in Utah but considers any open space with a view home.
To receive a free short story (a standalone prequel to my fantasy, Whisper) sign up for my newsletter at authorkayross.com!
5 stars Unconventional indeed. Weird and fascinating, you bet. Quirky and unique, YES. Sign me up. You had me at sentient curse. I must say I have never read anything quite like this. The premise is brilliant! It is an original, and remarkable tale. I was determined to see where it would go. I love when I come across something new, fresh, and intriguing and that is what Kay has done. A sentient curse. This complex yet simple tale has thrown the normal fantasy genres out the window and twisted them to create its own. Whisper is young, naïve, and growing but which way will it truly go? The character development was spot on. The story is set in one day, so the pace was quick but definitely never lacking. I cannot recommend this book enough. With curses, conspiracies, sorcerers, death, hope, there is much to discover but I will not be sharing in any spoilers. It is that good that you need to find all that there is for yourself.
Whisper by Kay Ross is an unforgettable read! This book delivers a completely unique twist on the fantasy genre, with a protagonist like no other. Whisper, a sentient curse, is fascinating, providing a perspective that's as introspective as it is entertaining, and yes, sometimes even funny. Despite a large cast of characters, following the story through Whisper’s view makes everything easy to keep track of. The plot keeps you hooked, with plenty of twists and a deeper exploration of magic, mortality, and loyalty that leaves you thinking long after the last page.
The world-building is exceptional, pulling you into a realm where combining magic is forbidden, and curses are feared. Watching Whisper navigate this society, grappling with its own dark beginnings and the moral dilemmas it faces, is incredibly compelling. Ross has created a one-of-a-kind story that I couldn't put down, filled with memorable characters, an engaging storyline, and a protagonist with both humor and heart. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh and captivating fantasy read!
Whisper by Kay Ross has the most unique plot I have ever read. I know I have said things like, "This story is unique, this plot is unique" in my reviews of other books. But let me tell you, none of the books I have read is as bizarre as this book.
The protagonist in this unconventional fantasy novel is a sentient curse. First of all, isn't that idea just amazing? The book has different POVs, but they were all executed through the curse as it possessed people. Unlike many curses that were killing monsters, this curse is so good that it wants to stop death. Calling it a curse feels almost insulting because it’s that remarkable.
Ethene became possessed by the curse, discovered its true nature, and named it Whisper. The story takes place in Entia, where a sorcerer used cross-magic (banned) to create a spell that, much to his surprise, turned into a sentient curse. He wanted to use it for his selfish needs, while the other sorceresses wanted to destroy it as they didn't know the real nature of Whisper.
Whisper imprinted on Ethene, so we travel most of the story with Ethene. I never thought I would say this, but the relationship between Whisper(the curse) and Ethene was so beautifully expressed that it warms my heart. They were like best friends at first sight.
I loved how every character was given importance. It was good to read other main characters's POVs, like Ront and Jaim, through Whisper. Usually, I love conversations in books. The conversation between the four of them was one of my favorite scenes.
The action scenes were so well described. I felt as though I was right there, tucked in the corner of the room, watching Ront battle the guards. The author's writing style was so phenomenal that I loved it so much. I could read this book again and again and wouldn't get bored because of the writing style, and of course, Whisper is also the main reason.
The found family trope has been executed excellently in a very short period. The entire story unfolds in a single day, yet it never feels rushed; only the thrill remains till the end. The political dynamics played a very important role in the plot which made the story more interesting.
The evolution of Whisper was so smooth that I didn't even notice it until a character in the book pointed it out. I was so in awe of the characteristics of Whisper that I didn't see the twist. Simply put, I am just in love with Whisper. Now that I finished the book, I really miss it so much.
The climax was complex, heartbreaking, thrilling, and sadly satisfying. In conclusion, Whisper by Kay Ross is a truly one-of-a-kind fantasy that captivated me from start to finish. The connection between Whisper and Ethene, along with the exceptional writing and gripping plot, makes this story truly remarkable.
In Whisper, Kay Ross presents an imaginative and thought-provoking dark fantasy that explores the boundaries between life and death, magic and morality. The novel introduces us to Whisper, a sentient curse whose consciousness was born in a tragic moment—the first thing it experiences is death, one that it caused. This traumatic start sets the stage for a captivating journey as Whisper seeks to understand its own nature, the mystery of mortality, and the complexities of human emotions and alliances.
Ross masterfully crafts a world where magic is both revered and feared, with strict laws prohibiting the combination of different types of magic. This world-building is one of the novel’s strongest aspects, establishing a setting where sorcerers serve as both protectors and enforcers against the cursed abominations they inadvertently create. The concept of Whisper—a curse that has somehow gained self-awareness and a moral compass—sets it apart from the typical fantasy creature. Whisper’s desire to eradicate death itself adds a unique philosophical depth to the narrative, as it grapples with the cost of life and the inevitability of loss.
The character of Whisper is particularly compelling because it constantly shifts between different hosts, giving readers a glimpse into various perspectives and experiences. This adds an intriguing layer to Whisper’s identity, as it must navigate human emotions, friendships, and political intrigue while never fully being one of them. The emotional stakes are high as Whisper grows attached to its allies, yet knows that its very existence brings danger to those it cares about.
The tension escalates when powerful sorcerers begin to perceive Whisper as a threat, and a larger conspiracy emerges that could threaten the entire nation. The plot keeps readers on edge, filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and questions about power and responsibility. Whisper’s internal conflict—whether to continue its quest to end death or protect its newfound friends from certain destruction—forms the heart of the novel. Ross does an excellent job balancing these personal struggles with larger, world-altering stakes, creating a richly layered narrative that pulls readers in.
What makes Whisper stand out is its ability to combine traditional fantasy elements with deep existential questions. Through Whisper, Ross explores the value of life, the inevitability of death, and the ethical consequences of wielding immense power. Whisper’s journey is both an external adventure and an internal exploration of identity, morality, and destiny.
However, the book’s complexity might feel overwhelming at times. With a dense magical system, multiple characters to follow, and a multi-layered plot, some readers may struggle to keep track of all the moving parts. But for those who enjoy intricate fantasy worlds and characters with complex motivations, this novel offers a rewarding experience.
In conclusion, Whisper is a compelling and inventive addition to the fantasy genre. Kay Ross weaves an intricate tale of power, morality, and identity, with a protagonist unlike any other—a curse seeking to understand life while being tied to death. It’s a book that challenges the reader to think about the nature of existence while delivering an exciting and emotionally rich narrative. Fans of dark fantasy with philosophical depth will find Whisper a gripping and memorable read.
Kay Ross has written a truly original book in Whisper and I have to say that I am envious of her for having the idea in the first place.
The book is set in a fictional fantasy world and we arrive in it at a time of great unrest. The king is dead and what is worse, it looks like he has been killed by a curse. In Ross' world, a curse is something which can be expelled from a person, much like an exorcism, with dire consequences for the person in whom the curse is contained. And there is no doubt that the curse must die, whatever the cost.
But who was responsible for creating it? This is where the book's action starts as the suspicion about the curse begins in the inner chambers of the palace between the queen and her advisors. Is it an internal enemy or an attack from a rival kingdom? That is what we are here to find out.
What is different is that the book is from the perspective of the curse and we find ourselves following it as it evolves into something more than just some misplaced magic. It can pass from person to person and in this way, it is like an infection or a parasite, hitching a ride as it enters someone's consciousness and soaking up information while it is there.
With the ability of the curse to move around, we observe its journey as it explores its own origin and purpose and how it tries to come to terms with the fact that it might die. There is a game of political power in which it has been chosen as a tool but this is mixed with magic and myth to create a tense pursuit of cat and mouse where even we're not sure who to trust.
Ross is a competent writer and the text flows in terms of the way that it moves from character to character and through the different tensions of the story. In some ways, I feel like the book is more allegory than action in its ultimate message and the way it ends and that the curse is used as a vehicle to present this view. Dialogue is really well evoked and there is a lot to be got from the interaction between characters and this devising of Ross' vivid imagination.
An interesting read.
This review was first published on Reedsy Discovery where I was privileged to read this book as an ARC. This is a true representation of my view of the book.
Whisper is a standalone, unconventional Fantasy book. It focusses on a Whisper, a sentient curse, and its journey to stop all death.
This is something the likes of which I have never before read. A curse, a spell… something inside your head that isn't you, but can read your mind, can control you… and wants to stop death from existing. Whisper is sentient and so loveable, so pure... Seeing the world through its eyes is a unique experience. It could be your imaginary friend, but that imaginary friend became sentient and can connect with other people and even plants.
I don't understand why anyone wouldn't love and cherish a being that wants to stop death, wants to stop killing, but unfortunately not everyone likes whisper as much as I do. In a way I felt maternal towards Whisper, it behaves so much as a child, experiencing things for the first time, getting to know smells and emotions, trying to understand everything and trying to get a grasp of the world.
"Whats is so fragile that saying its name breaks it?"
There were alot of moments that were immersive and showing evolution and growth of , not only Whisper, but also the other characters. And sometimes Whisper was totally funny without knowing or intending to be, which made me giggle while reading.
Along with the evolution of a sentient curse, people evolving their thoughts and emotions, both discovering sides to themselves they didn’t know existed or had hidden and ignored for an extended amount of time, there is also quite alot of political intrigue. Not my regular reading choice, but it did deepen the storyline and felt in place.
Whisper is a story that sparks curiosity, determination and acceptance. It is a clever blend of unconventional fantasy, found family and friends, mages and even a bit of the chosen one. It is immersive and has switching pov's. The ending was… hopeful, but also painful. Insightful and inspiring. Loved reading this unique story, and I heartily recommend it.
The main character is a sentient curse? WHAT?! I'm IN!
This book has such a creative premise. I couldn't help but put it on my TBR, and I was thrilled when the author offered me an ARC (in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are my own.) Overall, I really enjoyed it. The "curse," called Whisper, inhabits various living things during its journey, and the reader is pulled right along with it as it tries to piece together the happenings in the world around it. I love books that put me right there next to the main character and we get to figure it all out together.
The book takes place within one day, which makes the style fast and to the point. Overall, I thought the pacing was good. I normally struggle with naive main characters, but Ross made it work because the curse had only just "woken up," so it knows nothing more about the world than the reader does. What an artful way of helping the reader understand the world!
That said, if it loses any points at all in my book, I'll dock them because sometimes I was a liiittle confused about the world. Again, I'm giving it a pass because the character is basically a newborn (with a fully developed mind and powers of speech), but that's my only real complaint.
Ross's dialogue was great, the witty, poignant, and often pointed observations that Whisper makes about human society are relatable in very real ways, and the ending ... well, let's just say she got me. There's a twist that's quite beautiful in a melancholy way. Whisper's voice and character development are wonderful, and I thought all the side characters were well-developed and thought out.
Overall, a really fun twist on a court intrigue, with great character development and a fresh, intriguing premise. 4.5/5, and rounding up to 5! Well worth a read!
Oh, wow what a ride. This is the first book I have read by Kay Ross and my oh my it was a spectacular ride. In a world where magic is known but forbidden to combine the outcome giving birth to “curses” this book gives an original take on discovering what it is to be alive. Whisper is a disembodied spirit with knowledge, but no memories. While this might sound like a good thing, Whisper’s first experience of existence is fear, panic, and coldness. Finding compassion in a young woman named Ethene, this instantly becomes her favorite connection. All too quickly the joy of learning how to control “her” body and move, and talk she is faced with what death means. Death is an ending. Her goal quickly becomes that of staying alive and keeping others from being ended because of them. Whisper wants to make death, killing and ending outlawed. They want fear to be eradicated so that no one will ever feel it again. Will Whisper succeed in protecting all from death and fear? Can she keep Ethene safe to achieve her goals? Or will Whisper slip back into the trees, and vines to live out their days? Being inside Whisper’s mind gave me Host feelings but at the same time so much more. Whisper isn’t a preexisting being they are a newborn and while they have no memories, they have knowledge they can pull on to quickly understand basic information. Only their first feeling of existence is nearly their ending. Ending another is quickly understood to be wrong by them and the journey they go on to try and abolish it will take you on an adventure with twists, turns, and revelations you may have never thought about before opening this book and diving in headfirst. Highly recommend. I will diffidently be keeping my eyes out for book two, to see what happens next in this amazing new and original series.
This was my first venture into this author’s work, but the cover art grabbed my attention right away. As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I had to dive in. I was taken aback by how much I loved this book. It has been one of the top reads for the entire year! This is a captivating fantasy novel that explores profound themes of existence, choice, and the morality of power through the lens of a sentient curse. The story begins with Whisper’s harrowing first experience, causing a death that haunts it throughout the narrative. The complexity of Whisper’s character is compelling and the relationships it builds with its allies are touching, revealing its desire to protect those it comes to cherish.
The world-building is rich and immersive, and the tenion escalates beautifully leading to a moral quandary that asks readers to ponder the cost of eradicating death: who must die for the sake of a greater good? The prose is lyrical and thoughtful, blending action with philosophical reflection, allowing readers to engage deeply with the characters' motivations. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of introspection interspersed with thrilling encounters, ensuring the narrative never loses momentum. The author fit plenty of humor in as well. This book truly has it all!
Ultimately, this is a poignant exploration of sacrifice and the nature of existence. It will have a significant impact on you and leave you to reflect long after the final pages. This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys complex characters and thought-provoking narratives in their fantasy literature. It’s a fresh take on the genre that lingers in the mind, challenging our understanding of life, death, and what it truly means to be human.
Whisper: The Entian Curse is a captivating and thought-provoking fantasy novel that explores the complex nature of existence, morality, and the consequences of our actions. The story follows Whisper, a sentient curse that inhabits the bodies of different hosts to interact with the world, as it grapples with its own identity and purpose.
The author skillfully crafts a rich and imaginative world, where magic is a powerful force that can be both destructive and beneficial. The concept of sentient curses, beings born from the forbidden practice of combining magic, is intriguing and adds a unique element to the narrative.
Whisper's journey is one of self-discovery and growth. As it encounters different hosts and experiences the world through their eyes, it begins to develop a sense of empathy and compassion. The author's exploration of Whisper's internal struggle to reconcile its nature as a curse with its desire to do good is both compelling and thought-provoking.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and invested in Whisper's fate. The author's ability to balance character development with exciting action sequences is a strength of the novel. The climax of the story is particularly satisfying, with a heart-pounding confrontation that tests Whisper's resolve and morality.
Whisper: The Entian Curse is a well-crafted fantasy novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and imaginative world-building. The author's exploration of the nature of existence and the consequences of our actions is both profound and inspiring.
Whisper becomes aware of their own existence entombed with fear, not their own fear, but the fear of someone else, fear of death, but they realise that they can move somewhere else which doesn't feel like that and that somewhere is another person. This is where they experience death for the first time through another's eyes, they are sentient, but the fear they are feeling is because they are a curse, but a curse which has decided they hate death and want to stop it.
Fortunately for Whisper, they find someone else with less fear and nicer emotions and through this person they find out the names for the things they are experiencing and with the realisation that they can communicate with the person they are in contact with, learns about the world around them and the cruelty which lies within it. Unfortunately for Whisper, eradicating death is not as simple as they first believed, it comes with complications and more uncomfortable emotions.
These complications include magic, its users and the rules they have to adhere to, especially mixing magic and the subsequent creation of curses because of it and the more Whisper learns, the more they realise that death might be the only way forward, but what are they willing to sacrifice to eradicate death, the ones they have formed connections with, or the others surrounding them? This is a fantasy with a twist where fresh perspectives are surrounded by bias, secrets, lies and deception, but not everything is black and white, the grey areas are filled with twists, turns and nothing is straightforward as you immerse yourself in this magical world from an interesting point of view.
When I heard about Whisper--a sentient curse with plans for stopping death in a world where curses and everyone they touch are systematically annihilated--I was curious and asked if I could read an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The book did not disappoint. Whisper, eponymous main character, is a curse unlike its world has seen before. Not only can it think, but it communicate with its host. When it discovers its actions have led to a man's death, the revulsion Whisper feels causes it to make two rule: no death for itself, and no death for anyone else. Almost as soon as it decides those rules, it finds reasons to question them as circumstances change and allies shift at a rate that Whisper finds difficult to keep up with. How Whisper ultimately resolves its moral dilemmas as well as its political and physical ones is both true to character and very clever, showing Whisper's growth over the course of the book. Although the beginning of the book took a little to get into, by the end I was racing through pages. The slow beginning was my only complaint. Everything else was a delight. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships, the world building and the magic system (oh the magic system!), and the political system at play in the world. All in all, definitely worth a read.
Whisper is a sentient curse. Being the cause of someone's death causes Whisper to hate death and want to stop it from happening again. Whisper has the ability of connecting with humans by touch, they then have access to the person's thoughts and memories. The sorcerer who has created Whisper, wants to team up together to try to access a tree that has different countries' sources of magic pouring into it.
Whisper doesn’t want to cause any harm and it has actually formed a relationship with a couple of its hosts. Unfortunately, not everyone sees Whisper as a good thing and they want to eradicate it. Whisper has to make choices, some good, some bad, some that might result in the very thing they want to stop. Can death be stopped is the question..
The premise of this book was so unique and weird that I could not put it down once I started it. A sentient curse who is good hearted and quirky. A small girl, barely 18, who almost instantly becomes Whisper's best friend and mentor. A battle hungry barbarian of a man. The relationships are so different from each person but still so wholesome in their own ways. I thought the relationship between Whisper and Ethene was cute. You could tell that the author put in a lot of thought and time into the creation of all who is mentioned in the book.
This is the first book in The Entian Curse series. I really enjoyed this story. It is a fantasy adventure with plenty of twists and turns. There is action, danger, magic, secrets and so much more mixed together to create a story that is reallt unique. Whisper is our main character and very unique this character isn't a person but a sentient curse. Whisper uses the people around them to see and interact with the world. However to do this they have to enter the hosts which to the outside world makes them looked cursed. And the price of being cursed is death. Whisper doesn't want to be responsible for people dying and they want to show the world how wrong it is to destroy a life, even to destroy the life of a curse. Now with the help of the host Ethene Whisper goes on a journey to find a way to end death, all the way trying to protect herself and the hosts she encounters. What I found beautiful about this story was the character growth of Whisper and the relationship with Ethene. They were like best friends through it all. Together they work to understand the origin of Whisper. Who created it and why? Why do some people want Whisper to die? And what are the consequences of their being a curse that has the ability to think freely and feel and make their own decision. This was a very unique fantasy adventure that I lost myself in from beginning to end.
I'm not a bad...Curse Cute, thought-provoking, and surprising fantasy.
The story begins as a curse gains sentience, feeling fear then pain as one of its hosts is killed. This quickly leads it to establish a rule: don't die.
With Whisper's goal about stopping death, there's a heavy theme on reasons why someone might end a life (their own or someone else's). It pairs with a repeated question: do you risk one life to save the many? There's also a reoccurring idea of fear and how individuals react to it (fight it, use it, or run from it).
Though the plot and setting are fully-fleshed elements, "Whisper" felt more like a character story as we literally got into their heads. I enjoyed Whisper's child-like innocence, Ethene's thoughtfulness toward others, and Roth's loyalty (not just to duty, but to those he deems family). There are a few other fun characters I'd mention in a spoiler review. Even though this story's not my usual (I prefer some elements of romance), I enjoyed the story and characters enough to want book 2. Yes, this is the beginning of an on-going series, but this first book nicely resolves itself. I'm curious to see more of the world and what the characters do next.
Minimal swearing, no sexual content, lots of violence.
This had such an unusual start, with an extremely unique narrator and narrative arc. I wasn't sure about it at first, the narrator/ MC was unintelligent and ineffective which was just annoying, and there was very little plot. However, it got a lot better. As all the politics came out, motivations rose, alliances formed, enemies were marked and a goal appeared, it became an engaging, still unusual tale. The reader grew alongside the MC, learning details of the world, its lore and its political system.
I like all the characters, after a while. They were unique and complex, I enjoyed watching the MC attempt to figure them out, seeing memories revealed, motives questioned and the future hanging in the balance. There was a realism to the way these unlikely friends were brought together, even if it was done by a spell that had gained awareness, they didn't just gel instantly, nor did they accept a need to work together until forced. Each character is one I would love to see more of, even the 'villain'. Really well done.
Takes a while to get there, but a truly enjoyable read!
To think, what was created as a curse that can travel person to person with just the touch of skin against skin, could in its travel into minds it does not quite understand find a helper a like soul and become a Whisper. The death of a King, then a trusted man servant of the king is killed, rumored to have 'The Curse'. Was this Curse, Spell, Gift created for good or for evil? Traveling from one person to another through meant or accidental touch, Whisper learns that Dead, Death, killing is not the answer to everything. Whisper wants to help wise men to understand and to teach this truth. With every skip into a different person Whisper is learning more and more. Though Whispers love of plants, flowers, any natural growth of nature is what he prefers, but he wants to teach them that important thought or lesson that death is not the answer to everything. I was not quite sure when starting my reading of this book, I fell in love with it within just pages of reading. I am definitely going to be following Author Kay Ross and reading every one of her books.
Finding a new author can be a fun endeavor. Finding one who delivers a unique story with skill is like discovering a gem. I am so glad I read this book. It was such a treat on so many levels.
The premise of the book is that a magical curse becomes sentient with free will to act and engage with other forms of life. This alone interested me. When I read the first sentence, I knew I was hooked and was in for a great ride. After this, I was treated with a newborn's perspective anxiously trying to come to terms the meaning of its very existence and the impact this has had on the kingdom in which it was born. This was done masterfully. As a reader, these emotions connected and helped me relate to the quandaries presented. As the story progressed to its climax, I was held spellbound. It was brought to an interesting conclusion and I'm glad I was there for the experience.
Kay Ross provides so much humor in a story packed full of emotion that ends with a dramatic twist. I highly recommend this story.
Whisper is the first book in The Entian Curse series by Kay Ross. I was drawn to this book by the fascinating cover, and then got hooked the moment I read the blurb. This is definitely a very original premise…. Ms. Ross had me at ‘sentient curse’…. but the story proved to be even more creative than I had even imagined, in a good way. This story is brimming with imagination and creativity- pulling me into an interesting fantasy full of adventure, drama, emotion, sorcerers, magic, and complex characters, who continued to develop and grow over the course of the story. Whisper is a sentient curse- who interacts with the world through inhabiting ‘hosts’…. But Whisper is so much more than a ‘simple’ curse- and as the story evolved, I couldn’t help but become fully invested in ‘it’ and all the developments. Happy Reading…
This book is quite the ride! Definitely a much different feel and genre than what I am used to reading, but something that captured my attention and held me through the entire book. This story gives personality and connectivity to “curses”, humanizing something so many overlook as silly nonsense. The author gives the reader a glimpse into life and what we so often take for granted. Our main character, Whisper, comes into this “life” experiencing fear, panic, anxiousness, and bitter cold feeling surrounding them. As Whisper learns what it is like to experience life and feel love, their new purpose is to outlaw the death and killing of others, making endings a thing of the past. Whisper has seen so much fear that the world does not deserve, and wants to rid the world of it entirely. Holding my breath for book 2!
WOW what an incredible page turner of a book, I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to know how this story was going to go. This book had so much, and it was hard not to find something I didn’t like about it, it was filled with suspense, love, fantasy, mystery, twists and turns, related characters, action and so much more. Whisper had to learn so much and figure things out, and what to do that it was easy to understand where they were coming from and what they were going thou. The growth with the character thou the book was very well done that it was hard not to feel like you were right there holding their hand thou it all. This is a highly recommendable book that I don’t think you will be disappointed by.
Whisper by Kay Ross is an inventive and immersive fantasy that turns the concept of a curse on its head, giving it personality, consciousness, and moral complexity. Following Whisper’s journey as it navigates a dangerous world of magic, political intrigue, and human frailty is both original and compelling.
Kay Ross masterfully blends suspense, philosophy, and rich world-building, making this story stand out in the fantasy genre. The perspective of a sentient curse provides a fresh lens on morality, consequence, and the value of life. With targeted visibility strategies on Goodreads and other platforms, this unique story could reach a wide audience of fantasy enthusiasts. Highly recommended for readers seeking unconventional, thought-provoking fantasy.
I really enjoyed this book. In a world where there's magic and conflict among the elite across many borders and provinces, curses can become a very real, deadly and very hard to kill before scores of casualties. So when a spell creates a curse that becomes sentient and believes that she can stop death from happening to anyone and everyone, people have no idea how to believe or help in this worthy cause. As for the curse, how can she convince anyone that death is wrong and help her banish it. A really touching story that questions beliefs long held and encourages a new way of thinking. Well worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really enjoyed this unique take on curses. A sentient curse who wants to save everyone and end death isn't your typical fantasy story. I loved how naive and childlike Whisper is because they're essentially a newborn. Watching them grow and help their friends defeat the evil is almost like watching your child grow. I definitely recommend reading this and giving it a try. It does start off a little slow, but not so slow you're taken out of the story. And even with the little bit of a slow start, almost the entire story takes place within a single day.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As someone who is more than likely to pass most fantasy books, I have to say that I glad that I took a chance with this book. Kay Ross has given us an amazing read, with twists and turns, action, and SO much intrigue that you CAN NOT put the book down. The author truly gives us a whole new look and view into curses. Whisper grows, Whisper feels, Whisper has emotions and the plot twists and ending truly is what MAKES THIS book. Not many books can make me emotional, but this one did. I TRULY loved this read and was able to get it read in one sitting. I can not wait to read more by this author. She truly created a world in this book with her words and my emotions.
I am someone who reads a lot. At least fifty books a year, to over 100 books in a year. I love those Hallmark romance stories, I love magical, paranormal, thriller, crime, young adult, etc. You name it, and I love it. Even if I read stories that are pretty similar in plot, I still enjoy reading them. Having said that, there is something so amazing about finding a story that is so incredibly unique, you're absolutely captivated. This is one of those stories. I don't come across them too often, even with the amount of books I read. This story is funny, dramatic, emotional, and over all just a fantastic read. I can't wait to read more in the series in the future.
Absolutely phenomenal! I've never read a story like this, written from the perspective of the curse. The characters are compelling, realistic, and diverse. The plot is hopeful, scary, mysterious, and short - the whole book takes place in one day. The author carefully reminds the reader of that, which is great; because of the length of the story, it's easy to forget just how brief the time period is. I highly recommend this book; whether you like sci-fi, fantasy, or historical-type books (like, no cars, phones, television, etc.), I think you'll like it.
This book was a breath of fresh air--an original story idea these days is hard to come by but this was definitely one. A curse created by a sorcerer to eavesdrop on the king becomes sentient and is quickly faced with an existential crisis. The author turns a whispered spell into Whisper, a being who has to quickly learn what it means to be alive...and to die.
I read this as an ARC for an honest review and I can honestly encourage you to read this book when it comes out on 7.9.24! You won't be sorry!
NO SPOILERS...I devoured this book in a day and would definitely read it again. Both charming and complex, this story will take you for a ride right to the end. Whisper is such a fun character (I mean, it's a sentient spell for crying out loud), and the author does an amazing job of expanding the world around it as it learns more and more. I'm not a fan of unhappy endings, so believe me when I say this book's ending was beautiful, a little bittersweet, but ultimately perfect. Praise to the author for a job well done! Go read this book!
Whisper is book 1 of the Entian Curse series by Kay Ross. This is the first book I've read by this author. I was originally drawn to the book because of the lovely cover art. It seemed like the type of vibe I like. Whisper is a curse who has free will and can interact with other beings. It takes you on twists and turns, and you're not quite sure what to expect. The book really was so much more than I could have anticipated, in a good way! It was definitely unlike anything I've read before. It drew me in and held me captive for the entire ride.