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Riverwing
He believes magic corrupts everyone. She’ll stop at nothing to prove him wrong.
The day Hayden Briston watched her best friend transition into a cursed jacobeast, her entire world fell apart. As she struggles to hold together the shattered pieces of her life, she comes to learn more dread occurred on that unforgettable day than she had initially believed. A new danger is threatening Whitetail’s life, and if she is to help her friend overcome it, she must seek the help of an unlikely stranger—a man who seems intent on punishing those who sold their soul and gained the gift of magic. If Hayden can convince him not everyone wielding magic is as evil as he believes it might be the key to the salvation she's seeking. It could also be an impossible task. In exchange for his aid, he is asking her to destroy the last remaining piece of her heart. Now, she must choose between a life without her heart or one without her soul. No matter what she decides, it could leave her even more broken than she already is.
- GenresFantasy
Paperback
Published March 8, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
A.R. Stonecypher
2 books9 followersA. R. Stonecypher is a swords and sorcery fantasy writer. She spent nearly a decade building the world for the Wish Wielder Bonds duology. She loves stories with unique magic systems, deep character development, and a nice slow burn romance.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 24, 2025
The second book in the Wish Wielder Bonds series and, from what I can tell, the last one planned at the moment. If the first book revolved around Whitetail and Gage, then the plot of "Riverwing" mainly revolves around Whitetail's best friend, Hayden, as well as a new character who has a completely different view of wish wielders and their bondmates.
The storyline itself sees Hayden trying to deal with the aftermath of the end of the first book. She is struggling with her own grief and emotions around everything that happened (no specific spoilers though) as well as trying to find a way to help Whitetail whose new condition is becoming increasingly more problematic. Her efforts lead her to a new contact who has a potential solution for her, which comes at a terribly hard personal cost.
Without delving into too many details and spoilers, this book definitely seemed to focus more on the personal side of things than the first one. While there is still action to be found here, the core of the book is the personal growth that Hayden goes through and we see a similar storyline told through the POV of the new character. Speaking of, something I really liked about the new character was how his perspective and experiences also provided additional world building here, expanding on the lore and the magic system introduced in the first book. But I won't spoil exactly what I mean by that.
With "Scalechaser", I mentioned liking the nostalgic fantasy vibes I got from it through elements like the world and its creatures. That feeling wasn't as strong for me in "Riverwing", but it was still there as we get to see some new creatures of this world and, of course, there are still bits of Solenvian used by Jacovan's heirs throughout the book (with translations provided in a separate section at the end of the book).
Oh, and as with the first book, this one also has a (slow burn) romance storyline. I wouldn't call it a romantasy book though, but rather fantasy romance. So know to expect that from this series as a whole.
"Riverwing" was a fun and easy fantasy read that was a little different from what I've mostly been reading recently, so if you're looking to change things up a bit but keep it in the fantasy genre, then consider picking up the Wish Wielder Bonds series.
Thank you Book Sirens and A. R. Stonecypher for the ARC in return for my honest review.
The storyline itself sees Hayden trying to deal with the aftermath of the end of the first book. She is struggling with her own grief and emotions around everything that happened (no specific spoilers though) as well as trying to find a way to help Whitetail whose new condition is becoming increasingly more problematic. Her efforts lead her to a new contact who has a potential solution for her, which comes at a terribly hard personal cost.
Without delving into too many details and spoilers, this book definitely seemed to focus more on the personal side of things than the first one. While there is still action to be found here, the core of the book is the personal growth that Hayden goes through and we see a similar storyline told through the POV of the new character. Speaking of, something I really liked about the new character was how his perspective and experiences also provided additional world building here, expanding on the lore and the magic system introduced in the first book. But I won't spoil exactly what I mean by that.
With "Scalechaser", I mentioned liking the nostalgic fantasy vibes I got from it through elements like the world and its creatures. That feeling wasn't as strong for me in "Riverwing", but it was still there as we get to see some new creatures of this world and, of course, there are still bits of Solenvian used by Jacovan's heirs throughout the book (with translations provided in a separate section at the end of the book).
Oh, and as with the first book, this one also has a (slow burn) romance storyline. I wouldn't call it a romantasy book though, but rather fantasy romance. So know to expect that from this series as a whole.
"Riverwing" was a fun and easy fantasy read that was a little different from what I've mostly been reading recently, so if you're looking to change things up a bit but keep it in the fantasy genre, then consider picking up the Wish Wielder Bonds series.
Thank you Book Sirens and A. R. Stonecypher for the ARC in return for my honest review.
March 26, 2025
In the first book, Scalechaser, we're introduced to wish wielders and their bonded. For the ones with a wish, they must travel to Solenvale and make their wish. If accepted, they bond with one of Jacovan's descendants, and gain magic related to their wish. The wish wielder is also in charge of controlling their bonded's Jacobeast - the curse of Jacovan's descendants, and something they can't come back from without their bonded.
In Riverwing, after the death of Jaxlin, Hayden and Whitetail are supposed to be slowly making their way through the mainland, to meet up with Gabe and Whitetail's brother. Hayden is dealing with her grief, and Whitetail doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave Doranvan and reach the bigger cities beyond.
There are rumors of ones who know how to completely control the jacobeast, something Whitetail is desperate for after her first transformation. But Saizen's Court, which is said to hold these secrets, also has cruel fight rings, and tales of wish wielder's horribly abusing their bondeds. Hayden and Whitetail have always been close, closer than sisters, and while Hayden wants to find an answer for Whitetail, she's not willing to risk her.
But Hayden's curiosity has drawn the attention of a crystal breaker. If their crystal is broken, the crystal that confirms the bond between Hayden and Whitetail, Hayden will be without her magic, and Whitetail will have no one to call her back if she transforms. The father's council sends crystal breakers after those who abuse their magic, and force their bonded to transform against their will. Hayden would never do that, but in her grief, could she have pushed Whitetail?
It's a slightly complex magic system, and obviously the book explains it so much better. I'd say reading Scalechaser is a must before finishing their journey. At times, I would say there was a bit of a stalemate, and things seemed to be at a standstill. Also, while I understand this was Hayden's story, I would have liked a little more involvement from Whitetail.
As it was, I truly enjoyed this one. I would be happy to read more books in this world, or see what AR has to offer in a new world and magic system!
In Riverwing, after the death of Jaxlin, Hayden and Whitetail are supposed to be slowly making their way through the mainland, to meet up with Gabe and Whitetail's brother. Hayden is dealing with her grief, and Whitetail doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave Doranvan and reach the bigger cities beyond.
There are rumors of ones who know how to completely control the jacobeast, something Whitetail is desperate for after her first transformation. But Saizen's Court, which is said to hold these secrets, also has cruel fight rings, and tales of wish wielder's horribly abusing their bondeds. Hayden and Whitetail have always been close, closer than sisters, and while Hayden wants to find an answer for Whitetail, she's not willing to risk her.
But Hayden's curiosity has drawn the attention of a crystal breaker. If their crystal is broken, the crystal that confirms the bond between Hayden and Whitetail, Hayden will be without her magic, and Whitetail will have no one to call her back if she transforms. The father's council sends crystal breakers after those who abuse their magic, and force their bonded to transform against their will. Hayden would never do that, but in her grief, could she have pushed Whitetail?
It's a slightly complex magic system, and obviously the book explains it so much better. I'd say reading Scalechaser is a must before finishing their journey. At times, I would say there was a bit of a stalemate, and things seemed to be at a standstill. Also, while I understand this was Hayden's story, I would have liked a little more involvement from Whitetail.
As it was, I truly enjoyed this one. I would be happy to read more books in this world, or see what AR has to offer in a new world and magic system!
March 5, 2025
This book focuses on Hayden, who is Whitetail’s best friend, who is trying to help Whitetail find a solution to assist her with the increasingly problematic power that Whitetail has. Hayden meets Reave who has a very different look and view on magic and bondmates, but could help her get what she needs to help Whitetail…however, the cost may be too high, even for Hayden.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one! I really enjoyed the story and the romance a lot more.
This really showed us Hayden’s perspective of being Whitetail’s bondmate and their connection as bondmates, but also as friends.
The story talked about friendship, grief, forgiveness, and trauma. There was a lot packed into this book along with the story and romance. Hayden is dealing with a lot and it shows with how she displays her emotions throughout this book. I love that she found someone who sees past that and doesn’t fall for her flirty charm immediately, and instead reaches the real person inside.
The romance is a wonderful slow burn that I always love. An enemies to lovers, if you will. They definitely butt heads, but I love when they finally see past their differences and see that they want the same thing.
I always loved Whitetail and Hayden’s friendship. They’ve always had each other and looked out for each other and I think their bond was tested quite a bit in this story, but came out stronger in the end.
I truly enjoyed this duology! I wish Hayden was more respectful of boundaries and someone’s wishes when they asked NOT to have their mind or memories looked at, that crossed a line for me, but aside from that, wonderful story!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. Allie thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one! I really enjoyed the story and the romance a lot more.
This really showed us Hayden’s perspective of being Whitetail’s bondmate and their connection as bondmates, but also as friends.
The story talked about friendship, grief, forgiveness, and trauma. There was a lot packed into this book along with the story and romance. Hayden is dealing with a lot and it shows with how she displays her emotions throughout this book. I love that she found someone who sees past that and doesn’t fall for her flirty charm immediately, and instead reaches the real person inside.
The romance is a wonderful slow burn that I always love. An enemies to lovers, if you will. They definitely butt heads, but I love when they finally see past their differences and see that they want the same thing.
I always loved Whitetail and Hayden’s friendship. They’ve always had each other and looked out for each other and I think their bond was tested quite a bit in this story, but came out stronger in the end.
I truly enjoyed this duology! I wish Hayden was more respectful of boundaries and someone’s wishes when they asked NOT to have their mind or memories looked at, that crossed a line for me, but aside from that, wonderful story!
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the e-ARC. Allie thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
This is the second book in a series. I was told I could read this as a standalone but I definitely would have benefited more from reading the first one, because there was a lot that confused me right from the start. However, once I got the gist of what was happening I could really start to enjoy the story a lot more.
Our two main characters, Hayden and Reave both have very complicated pasts that they need to come to terms with. They must overcome their differences and learn to work together or else things will go very wrong very quickly.
The idea of having a bond-mate is very intriguing and I enjoyed reading about the friendship the two girls shared as well as the struggles as they tried to help each other through the hard times.
The jacobeasts were interesting creatures and it was so neat to read about them and how they would switch from human to beast so easily.
I liked the romance plot between Hayden and Reave. There was one closed door/fade-to-black scene but nothing too descriptive.
I was given an arc for my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Our two main characters, Hayden and Reave both have very complicated pasts that they need to come to terms with. They must overcome their differences and learn to work together or else things will go very wrong very quickly.
The idea of having a bond-mate is very intriguing and I enjoyed reading about the friendship the two girls shared as well as the struggles as they tried to help each other through the hard times.
The jacobeasts were interesting creatures and it was so neat to read about them and how they would switch from human to beast so easily.
I liked the romance plot between Hayden and Reave. There was one closed door/fade-to-black scene but nothing too descriptive.
I was given an arc for my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
December 15, 2024
Thank you to Book Sirens and A.R. Stonecypher for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-As a whole I preferred this book to the first one. I think knowing some of the characters and the world a little before having read it helped as I didn’t start from scratch again. The plot was definitely a bit more intriguing to me even I still feel like these books are very character driven rather than plot driven. I still wish I had more explanation of the magic system though it was better.
-I quite liked these characters. I preferred this relationship although I wish it were more slow burn like the first book. But overall I liked both of the characters quite a bit and it was nice still seeing Whitetail but I felt like Gage was barely mentioned at all.
-The ending was nice enough. There’s still that sort of me who wants a bittersweet ending rather than a happily ever after. And I felt like this would be a happily ever after quite early on so I guess I wasn’t disappointed but it was nice seeing the characters where they were at the end.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-As a whole I preferred this book to the first one. I think knowing some of the characters and the world a little before having read it helped as I didn’t start from scratch again. The plot was definitely a bit more intriguing to me even I still feel like these books are very character driven rather than plot driven. I still wish I had more explanation of the magic system though it was better.
-I quite liked these characters. I preferred this relationship although I wish it were more slow burn like the first book. But overall I liked both of the characters quite a bit and it was nice still seeing Whitetail but I felt like Gage was barely mentioned at all.
-The ending was nice enough. There’s still that sort of me who wants a bittersweet ending rather than a happily ever after. And I felt like this would be a happily ever after quite early on so I guess I wasn’t disappointed but it was nice seeing the characters where they were at the end.
February 25, 2025
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.***
While it took me a few chapters to familiarise the characters and world (I even reread a few chapters of Scalechaser), it didn't take long to be drawn into the story. And I finished the book in about three days.
I did miss Whitetail (and Gage) a little, but I enjoyed getting to know Hayden more, and Reave as well. Reave is a fascinating character, Their story was interesting, and I loved their early interactions, especially Hayden trying to get Reave's attention and help.
Once again, I'd love to see concept art for all the beasts shown and some character art.
I recommend giving both books a read.
While it took me a few chapters to familiarise the characters and world (I even reread a few chapters of Scalechaser), it didn't take long to be drawn into the story. And I finished the book in about three days.
I did miss Whitetail (and Gage) a little, but I enjoyed getting to know Hayden more, and Reave as well. Reave is a fascinating character, Their story was interesting, and I loved their early interactions, especially Hayden trying to get Reave's attention and help.
Once again, I'd love to see concept art for all the beasts shown and some character art.
I recommend giving both books a read.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was well thought out, and brought a sense of fulfillment and closure for me at the end. The main characters were delightful, while the villain, while being mostly a background character, was believably deplorable. I could tell the world the story is set in was well thought out with history and lore. I read this book without knowing it was a sequel, so I think it was a little harder for me to get into at first, but after a while once I started putting the pieces together, I really enjoyed this fantasy novel. It was a mostly clean read, suitable for upper teens and adults alike. If you haven’t read the first book, I recommend reading it before this one! ;P.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2024
I had enjoyed the previous book Scalechaser and was excited to read the next book in the series. It worked with what I was looking for from the description. It had that fantasy romance element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the world. I thought the plot had that element that worked with the first book and continued the story perfectly. A. R. Stonecypher was able to weave a great tale and make characters that I was hoping for.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2025
I already enjoyed reading "Scalechaser" quite a bit and this second book in the "Wish Wielder Bonds" series did not disappoint as well. While I'm not quite sure which one I liked more, it was a bit easier to get into this one, as I was already familiar with the world itself. The story is more character than story driven, but I must say that I don't mind.
"Riverwing" is definitely a recommended read for those who love romantic fantasy stories with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"Riverwing" is definitely a recommended read for those who love romantic fantasy stories with a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2025
This is book two in the series and I absolutely loved how it tied in seamlessly with book one. The character development is great, especially our FMC’s. The plot is refreshing and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! I highly recommend.
February 8, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews