Arica Preandre has wanted nothing more in her life. She has trained for years to become a member of Haella's Imperial Army, and the day has finally arrived where she will partake in the traditional test of wills, the Trial. But things do not go as planned, and without warning, Arica is thrust into a world of magic that she thought could only exist in her dreams. Now, after discovering that the world she thought she knew is not what is seems, she is left to fight battles against evils that have been around for decades. Will she come out victorious? What else will Arica discover on her journey to save her home, people, and the world?
Wolf Blessed is an amazing world building fantasy novel which will take you on a breathtaking journey through bright blue waters & amazing magical buildings.
Join Arica as she stumbles through a new world, through awakened eyes, will she be able to save the world she is growing to love?
John O'Donnell writes in a way that draws you in, I am new to the fantasy world and this novel allowed me to imagine all the realms and characters so well. I may just be a fantasy convert!
From cover to cover I could visualise the story beautifully due to the incredible descriptive writing. The story was engaging and exciting and I loved the varied characters as you journey across the land of Divinios. Very hopeful for a sequel!
⚫️Wolf-Blessed by John O’Donnell is a captivating fantasy novel that immerses readers in a world full of intrigue, magic, and self-discovery. From the very first page, O’Donnell introduces Arica Preandre, a determined young woman who has trained for years to join Haella's Imperial Army. Her dream is realized when she faces the traditional Trial, a test of strength and will. However, as with many great fantasy stories, things quickly take an unexpected turn, leading Arica into a world of magic and dangers she never imagined.
⚫️What makes Wolf-Blessed stand out is its rich world-building and the depth of its protagonist, Arica. O'Donell skillfully weaves a narrative that explores Arica’s growth from a disciplined soldier to someone grappling with a new and powerful understanding of magic and her place in the world. As she uncovers long-hidden truths, she is forced to confront not just external enemies, but her own identity and the fate of those she loves.
⚫️The pacing of the book is excellent, with a steady build-up of tension and action that keeps the reader engaged. O’Donnell writing is descriptive without being overwhelming, making the world feel immersive yet easy to follow. The magic system introduced in the story is fascinating, and the author does a great job of showing how it impacts not only the characters but the world at large. There are layers of political intrigue and ancient prophecies that make Arica’s journey even more compelling as she navigates a path fraught with danger, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.
⚫️The supporting characters are well-developed, each bringing something unique to the table, whether it’s wisdom, strength, or mystery. Arica’s relationships with those around her add emotional depth to the narrative, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces each challenge head-on.
⚫️Ultimately, Wolf-Blessed is an exciting and thought-provoking tale of destiny, resilience, and the power of magic. John O’Donnell has created a story that not only satisfies fans of epic fantasy but also delivers a powerful message about personal growth and the courage to confront the unknown. Arica’s journey is one of self-discovery, and it’s a ride worth taking. If you love fantasy novels with strong, complex characters, intricate world-building, and a plot full of twists, Wolf-Blessed is definitely a book to add to your list.
Firstly thank you to the author @johnodonnell_author For kindly gifting me a copy of this book and for writing such a fantastic fantasy book. I loved this one and I'm hopeful the series will continue as I would love to read more of Arica's story.
Wolf Blessed tells the story of Arica Preandre, a normal teenager or so she thinks, who wants to become a member of Haella's imperial army - a huge honor. At the beginning, we see the test of will day arrive for Arica which is a set of tests to determine who can become a member of Haella's imperial army or what role in society they will take. When the trial day arrives, it does not go as planned and Arica finds herself thrust into a world of magic she didn't know existed and her world turns upside down. Wolf Blessed then tells the story of Arica as she uncovers this world of magic, secrets and her role in saving her home and her people.
I loved so many elements of this book! It's a fast paced fantasy book with a really enjoyable main character, Arica. She's fiercely independent & loyal not only to her family but also to her friends. She definitely has a strong sense of values especially of loyalty in this which is shown by the way in which she stands up for her friends and family especially in their moments of need. We also see the importance of community and kindness through Arica, and also through some of the more minor characters. I loved the world building & magic in this, it was easy to follow while still being unique. The magical world was so interesting & I loved how different characters had different elements of magic.
One thing that really shines through the book is the brilliant descriptive writing! I felt myself totally immersed in the world of Divinios. Overall, I loved this one and can't wait to read more of John's work and would definitely recommend it.
Favourite quotes: "Her eyes began to close slowly, the tiredness washing over her like a hungry wave at the shoreline." "A calmness veiled the land."
Absolutely loved this book. 10/10 for O'Donnells debut novel.
The world was insanely descriptive, transporting me to whatever beautiful setting the story was taking place in.
I really got into each of the characters and could really tell their intentions from the writing. Arica is an amazing hero and there's depths to her character that I discovered along the way which I love.
There are beautiful slower paced chapters that give you a sense of the world, as well as fast paced moments that have you on the edge of your seat. (Without giving spoilers my favourite shock/could-not-put-down moment is in Chapter 33 - IYKYK) I also absolutely loved the build up in Chapter 32!
The magic in this book is so interesting. Its fun how we get to learn alongside Arica as she discovers the wonders of the world she lives in, after being shielded from it for most of her life along with the rest of Haella.
The place-names and names of everything in general gives a lovely nod to O'Donnells home of Ireland which I think is such a beautiful touch. 🇮🇪
The ending has me so excited for the sequel - We need one! I feel like there's so much more we need to learn about this world and these characters. I NEED TO KNOW WHO THE GUEST IS (Again, IYKYK)
This book follows Arica who on her 17th year begins to possess powers which she could only have dreamt of. Due to this she sets out on a journey and ends up discovering things she could have never imagined and realises her world is a lot bigger than she thought it was. This book is a great fantasy, I’m not the greatest with the world building so having the map in the cover really helped when I got confused. It also ends on a cliffhanger which sets up well for a second book in the series which I’m hoping there is! The reason for the 3.5 star rating is due to it being the first book in a intricate fantasy novel and I feel like it laid a foundation to build on in the next book which I am really excited to see!
This is my first book by John but I have to say this one blew me away. The blurb really is what originally hooked me as well as the stunning cover. I wanted to know more about Arica and about her journey to save her people. Be prepared to be swept into the life of our fmc and the vivd world that surrounds her. I felt instantly connected to this character, I rooted for her from the start. O'donnel does an amazing job of portraying the emotions Arica feels during this adventure, from her loneliness to confusion and disbelief when all is revelled.
Packed with a unique magical system that's easy to understand but intriguing as well as a story line that keeps you hooked from the start this is a book you need on your TBR if you like fantasy novels with fun twists and turns. I easily devoured this novel and couldn't look away for even a second. Cant wait to see what this author comes up with next.
Wolf-Blessed is a fast paced fantasy that has a character who didn’t know she could use magic, hidden royalty, found family, strong sibling relationships, a bit of LGBTQ rep, a bit of romance, war, and elemental magic. Arica is a strong willed, brave, confident seventeen year old who makes for a great FMC! I loved seeing her relationship with her brother, Malin, and how close they are. I really like her friendship with the twins ,Tamar and Alys, and how it develops into a more sisterly bond as the book progresses. While I appreciate that her romance with Ryger doesn’t define her as a character or change her in any way really, it would have been nice to see some more development in that area as I feel like that would have made the ending of this book a bit more, for me, impactful. I enjoyed the world building, it was well paced so didn’t feel overwhelming. The introduction of the characters was well done. Some of the parts were a bit too fast paced and therefore came across a bit confusing, but as the story continued it was easy enough to figure out what was happening. I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here and see how Arica continues to grow and adapt to everything thrown at her!
A fantastic debut novel for John O'Donnell. Wolf-blessed has all of the ingredients for a great YA fantasy - fast-paced action, meaningful character-building, gut-wrenching twists and turns, and lots and lots of magic!✨ Where John really shines is in his ability to write beautifully descriptive prose that transports you right to the mythical land of Divinios and into the action. I can't wait for the sequel!
Here is my review for Wolf Blessed by John O’Donnell
This book was a very interesting read and I really started to enjoy it once I was a few pages into it. The day of the trial was when it really started to get interesting for me. The rules had been changed on the trial this year but the entrants didn’t know until they were on the start line. Arica is one of the first back to the finish line but without the treasure she should have brought back with her. She tried to explain what happened and could feel that she was getting a headache again plus she felt her anger raising again. Before she knew it, the same thing happened at the finish line, that had happened before at the mountain top. There is a lot of commotion from the families in the stand. Malin comes to his sister’s side and helps her calm down so they can get home. The family realise she can no longer stay with them, it wouldn’t be safe so they pack up bags for Malin and Arica to take with them. Arica says her goodbyes to everyone and then they ride off out of sight of the village. Malin and Arica go to their Aunt’s pub the Black Rose which is a three day ride away. Their Aunt is happy to help and puts them to work in the pub which is work they enjoy but is long hours. After a few days, they go for a walk in the evening after work, where they are attacked and kidnapped. Who has kidnapped them? Is it Lord Valkor’s men? This was a fantastic story that included a lot of magic and we learnt how Arica leant how to master her skills. The stories have been well thought out and terrifically transferred to paper. Arica is the main character of this story and a lot happens to her in this book that means she learns a lot magically that she thought only existed in children’s fairy tales. I like Arica, she’s a strong character. She deals with everything that is thrown at her and she works hard at her training. It’s a very intriguing read and I was enraptured by it. The story writing is great and I got drawn into the story. I’m hoping there is another book to follow with more details to this story.
Blurb :
Arica Preandre has wanted nothing more in her life. She has trained for years to become a member of Haella's Imperial Army, and the day has finally arrived where she will partake in the traditional test of wills, the Trial. But things do not go as planned, and without warning, Arica is thrust into a world of magic that she thought could only exist in her dreams. Now, after discovering that the world she thought she knew is not what is seems, she is left to fight battles against evils that have been around for decades. Will she come out victorious? What else will Arica discover on her journey to save her home, people, and the world?
Wolf-Blessed is a captivating tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy and adventure. Arica Preandre, a character forged in discipline and ambition, is a compelling protagonist whose journey is as much an internal exploration as it is a quest for external victory.
The novel's initial premise, a world on the precipice of unveiling its magical truths, is executed with precision. The stark contrast between Arica's meticulously planned life and the chaotic reality that unfolds is a powerful narrative device. The author skillfully builds suspense as Arica navigates this newly discovered world, her resilience and determination serving as beacons in the face of overwhelming odds.
The world-building is commendable. The author creates a rich tapestry of lore, weaving together elements of magic, history, and culture. The concept of the Trial as a rite of passage is intriguing, and its subversion adds an unexpected layer of depth to Arica's character arc.
While the plot is driven by external conflicts and the battle against ancient evils, the novel's true strength lies in its exploration of Arica's internal transformation. Her journey from a disciplined soldier to a reluctant savior is both relatable and inspiring. The author's portrayal of her growth, her doubts, and her ultimate acceptance of her destiny is nuanced and authentic.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, character-driven scenes. The world-building is detailed enough to immerse the reader without overwhelming the narrative. The ending, while providing a sense of closure, also leaves room for further exploration, hinting at the potential for a rich and expansive series.
Overall, Wolf-Blessed is a promising debut that showcases the author's talent for world-building, character development, and storytelling. It is a novel that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy and those who appreciate strong female protagonists.
The book leaves the reader eager to accompany Arica on her future adventures, as she continues to unravel the mysteries of her world and discover the true extent of her powers.
First a word on the cover. I love the deep red used ( red is my favourite colour ). It gives a great contrast against the gold of the wolf and the white of the bold title text. All in all, a good looking cover for me. Next a little on the story. We follow our main character, Arica, who's only ambition is to join the Imperial Army. But on the day of her initiation into the army, tragedy strikes and she finds herself in a world where magic rules and she must battle evil in order to save the world. Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up. For a debut novel, I found the writing on display here to be quite brilliant. It's descriptive and thorough and you really feel as though you are right there with Arica on her adventures. The world building is decent and the storyline is engaging and fun, with some nice twists and turns. The characters are varied, well fleshed out and believable, and I read this in two sittings. 4 stars from me.
This was my first time reading a fantasy novel so I was little apprehensive getting started as I can be slow to get into things, but was told by a friend it was a MUST-READ so said I’d give it a go! I was hooked from the beginning and found myself having to stop myself from reading on to ensure I could fully enjoy Arica’s adventures. I loved the twists and turns as the story develops and detailed descriptions throughout. I really feel I can see Divinios in my mind (which is also helped by the lovely map at the beginning). I also loved the little nods to the Irish language and culture throughout. If I had to pick a fault in the book, it would be that we don’t have the sequel already, as I’m only dying to get it started! 😋
I was initially drawn to the beautiful cover on this book, which reminded me of the much loved War Bunny Chronicles. The blurb just drew me in even more.
What I found was a really fun story. The initial few chapters really made me think of the Hunger Games, mainly because there was a girl out hunting in the forest, and 'trial day' made me thinking of 'reaping day'. I'll be honest, I was worried initially that it would just be a poor imitation. But I quickly came to realise that it was an entirely new story, and the similarities ended in the forest.
I'm a massive fan of strong female leads, and that's definitely what we get with Arica.
Okay, first of all, the cover and map are absolutely gorgeousss!! The writing is vivid and the action scenes are also so well written. Arica herself is such a badass, and I especially enjoyed the moment on page 56 when she says, “I do not want to be special; I want to be ordinary!” and her grandmother replies, “Why be ordinary? There is enough ordinary in this world that we could choke on it.” That exchange perfectly shows how sweet and wise her grandmother is (,: The family dynamic and overall aesthetic of the fantasy world make it such a cozy read. I would definitely recommend it!
This was a fantastic read. John has created a world with such detail that it is easy to visualise exactly what is happening. I really enjoyed the magic aspect of the book and it was an interesting take on elemental magic. The book is full of twists and turns which leaves the reader wanting to know more. I can’t wait to read more books from John. It is a must read!!!!!
This book was super fun.. fast paced and action packed it keeps the reader entertained throughout the journeys of the various characters.. the writing is beautifully descriptive and really helps your imagination capture the world in which is written.. I really hope there's a second book!!
Arica is a strong-willed, independent character. I really liked her!! This novel has a full-bodied plot that is fast-paced, and it is wonderfully descriptive. It contains all the elements of a fantasy novel - mythical creatures, battles, good vs. evil. It also looks at developing friendships (that I always enjoy). I want to know if there will be a sequel?? What's in store for Arica's future!
Read this if you like The Hunger Games or Shadow and Bone.
Huge thanks to @johnodonnell_author for kindly sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.