What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mistral
Not yet published
Expected 28 May 26A DYING MAGIC.
A SLAUGHTERED QUEEN.
A WORLD ON THE BRINK OF WAR.
The Mistral - a divine, ancient wind - has long swept over the realm, bestowing magical abilities on those destined to shape the future.
But The Mistral is dying.
As it falters, and fear of all-out war consumes the kingdom, a peace delegation sets out from the land of Terrius to the city of Lurella.
At the delegation’s heart is Swan, daughter of an assassinated queen, who holds a powerful and rare ability. She must seek answers - both to her mother’s murder and her own inability to master her powers. Before it's too late.
Meanwhile, in Lurella's duelling pit - The Iron Circuit - Fenne, a feared fighter, comes to the attention of one city ruler, who sees in her an opportunity . . .
As the Peace Pledge begins, Swan and Fenne are thrown together by a dark conspiracy – one that could forever alter not just their fate, but that of The Mistral.
And the fragile balance holding the realm together . . .
The Mistral begins an epic new fantasy trilogy – a sweeping tale of high magic. Of dangerous powers and deadly ambition. And a world on the precipice of the darkest of wars . . .
Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynne.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 28, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 20, 2026
Imagine a melting pot of; Mistborn Era 1, Words of Radiance, Fallen Gods, and more.
This is such a good story and a fantastical world that Felix Mosse is building.
He’s done suuuuuch a good job of creating an interesting world that I completely and utterly want to immerse myself further in.
A world where two coalescing Mists grant people powers, some revere it as a god, others want to weaponise it and craft technology from it to being a world of power to the masses instead of the chosen few.
Mistral felt so familiar, and I’m not mad at that. Because it didn’t feel like a rip off, it felt nostalgic and home. It reminded me of an introduction to multiple worlds I’ve come to love before.
This was an ARC though, and although I really fucked with the story and characters, I think it needs a bit more editing before release as words/phrases/grammar at points had me stopping in my tracks.
Honestly, cool concept. I do want to see some more uniqueness in the sequel, but secret orders, political instability and rival wars, secret powers and prophecies, it ticks a lot of boxes.
4.0/5.0
Thank you to netgally, penguin random house and Felix Mosse for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
This is such a good story and a fantastical world that Felix Mosse is building.
He’s done suuuuuch a good job of creating an interesting world that I completely and utterly want to immerse myself further in.
A world where two coalescing Mists grant people powers, some revere it as a god, others want to weaponise it and craft technology from it to being a world of power to the masses instead of the chosen few.
Mistral felt so familiar, and I’m not mad at that. Because it didn’t feel like a rip off, it felt nostalgic and home. It reminded me of an introduction to multiple worlds I’ve come to love before.
This was an ARC though, and although I really fucked with the story and characters, I think it needs a bit more editing before release as words/phrases/grammar at points had me stopping in my tracks.
Honestly, cool concept. I do want to see some more uniqueness in the sequel, but secret orders, political instability and rival wars, secret powers and prophecies, it ticks a lot of boxes.
4.0/5.0
Thank you to netgally, penguin random house and Felix Mosse for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
Want to Read
February 13, 2026the cover heavily reminds me of silvercloak — need this in my hands asap🙂↕️
April 16, 2026
it felt like a fight for my life… or maybe just a fight to stay focused on what I was reading
info-dumping in the first half was so overwhelming that I could barely see the actual plot (I say this as someone who loves rich descriptions and world building, but please, give me something to hold onto, some kind of anchor to keep my attention in place)
not exactly a flaw, but I do have to mention it, it’s a lack of proper editing in the ARC. it made my experience even harder. I didn’t realize how much a clean, well-structured text affects the reading experience until now.
at this point, I can’t force myself to keep going. maybe one day I’ll pick up the final version and give this story another chance.
so, for now, it’s a DNF
unfortunately, this one didn’t meet my expectations.
many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC🤍
all opinions are entirely my own
info-dumping in the first half was so overwhelming that I could barely see the actual plot (I say this as someone who loves rich descriptions and world building, but please, give me something to hold onto, some kind of anchor to keep my attention in place)
not exactly a flaw, but I do have to mention it, it’s a lack of proper editing in the ARC. it made my experience even harder. I didn’t realize how much a clean, well-structured text affects the reading experience until now.
at this point, I can’t force myself to keep going. maybe one day I’ll pick up the final version and give this story another chance.
so, for now, it’s a DNF
unfortunately, this one didn’t meet my expectations.
many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC🤍
all opinions are entirely my own
March 27, 2026
Felix Mosse’s The Mistral feels like stepping into a rich fantasy perfect for fans of Brandon Sandersons Mistborn and Stormlight archives series, whilst still carving out a distinct identity of its own. This familiarity is part of its charm as something warmly nostalgic, like returning to worlds you’ve loved before while discovering something entirely new.
At the heart of the story is the Mistral itself a force born of two coalescing World Winds that suffuses the land of Mycenia with aether. This creates a vivid, unique and dynamic magical system, but one that is far from equally shared amongst the characters we have the pleasure of walking with on their journey. As with any powerful resource, questions of access, control, and exploitation drive tension throughout the narrative. Some worship the Mistral as divine, while others seek to harness and weaponise it, pushing toward a future where power might belong to the many rather than the chosen few.
Mosse excels at building a world that feels both expansive and immersive, one that invites you to lose yourself in its complexities. The ideological divide between the Terrius and Eronese factions is particularly compelling, visually and thematically striking in their contrasts with harsh blacks and reds versus vibrant blues and golds. Yet beneath these differences lies a shared truth: both societies are shaped by the corrupting influence of power, resulting in systems marked by cruelty, subjugation, and the expendability of their own people.
Ultimately, The Mistral stands as a sprawling, engaging fantasy with a deeply intriguing premise and a world that begs further exploration. It’s a story that feels at once comfortingly familiar and excitingly original, leaving a strong desire to delve deeper and leaves me looking forward to the next books of the trilogy amongst the rest of the work of Felix Mosse. Definitely not one to sleep on if you’re looking for your next fix after Mistborn, Stormlight Archives and Godkiller alike!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for Sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
At the heart of the story is the Mistral itself a force born of two coalescing World Winds that suffuses the land of Mycenia with aether. This creates a vivid, unique and dynamic magical system, but one that is far from equally shared amongst the characters we have the pleasure of walking with on their journey. As with any powerful resource, questions of access, control, and exploitation drive tension throughout the narrative. Some worship the Mistral as divine, while others seek to harness and weaponise it, pushing toward a future where power might belong to the many rather than the chosen few.
Mosse excels at building a world that feels both expansive and immersive, one that invites you to lose yourself in its complexities. The ideological divide between the Terrius and Eronese factions is particularly compelling, visually and thematically striking in their contrasts with harsh blacks and reds versus vibrant blues and golds. Yet beneath these differences lies a shared truth: both societies are shaped by the corrupting influence of power, resulting in systems marked by cruelty, subjugation, and the expendability of their own people.
Ultimately, The Mistral stands as a sprawling, engaging fantasy with a deeply intriguing premise and a world that begs further exploration. It’s a story that feels at once comfortingly familiar and excitingly original, leaving a strong desire to delve deeper and leaves me looking forward to the next books of the trilogy amongst the rest of the work of Felix Mosse. Definitely not one to sleep on if you’re looking for your next fix after Mistborn, Stormlight Archives and Godkiller alike!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for Sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 30, 2026
The Mistral is an amalgamation of a mixture of well loved fantasy authors.
This book is the first few steps on, what I can tell, is going to be an amazing journey. I loved the world building throughout this book and the different POVs from different characters really helps you connect and actually live in this world
The Mistral is 2 rivers of power that flow throughout the world, each branching a religion where The Mistral gifts certain few with powers or Root. We look to a world of territories on the verge of war, old powers resurfacing, people trying to harness The Mistral to use for technological advancement, a new life and vengeance.
All these stories run along the same track creating a world, where throughout it focus a lot on world and character building, that creatives an addictive read. From the very start we can tell we are leading up to a big plot, and you can feel the tension throughout.
This book is the very beginning of a massive story and I was loving every page.
This book is the first few steps on, what I can tell, is going to be an amazing journey. I loved the world building throughout this book and the different POVs from different characters really helps you connect and actually live in this world
The Mistral is 2 rivers of power that flow throughout the world, each branching a religion where The Mistral gifts certain few with powers or Root. We look to a world of territories on the verge of war, old powers resurfacing, people trying to harness The Mistral to use for technological advancement, a new life and vengeance.
All these stories run along the same track creating a world, where throughout it focus a lot on world and character building, that creatives an addictive read. From the very start we can tell we are leading up to a big plot, and you can feel the tension throughout.
This book is the very beginning of a massive story and I was loving every page.
April 9, 2026
High fantasy, unique systems and all characters had a genuine purpose and depth to them. I thought this book was a very easy five star read for me. The author is very descriptive which I found it easy to understand the flow of the book and there’s a good mix of text and speech which makes it flow well.
I would strongly recommend for anyone who is a fan of Brandon Sanderson.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I would strongly recommend for anyone who is a fan of Brandon Sanderson.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Born of two coalescing World Winds, the Mistral is an ethereal phenomenon that endows the world of Mycenia with aether. This resulting in a uniquely vibrant world of magic; though one that is far from equally distributed amongst its people. And like all natural resources, issues of supply and demand creates its own tension.
The Mistral is a sprawling epic fantasy reminiscent of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive , but also distinctly original in its world-building, histories and a very intriguing central plot premise.
Mosse paints striking contrasts between the Terrius and Eronese ideologies; the sharp, austere blacks and reds against the flamboyant cerulean blues and gold. Yet ultimately reveals how fundamentally similar they both are. Both shaped by powers corrupting hand, giving rise to cruelty and subtle subjugation and the expendability of its own people.
This book is a twisting and weaving narrative of hidden motivations, manipulation and betrayals; resulting in an explosive finale. Mosse’s writing style is dynamic and engaging; the fight scenes are nail biting, action packed and very entertaining. In some ways The Mistral reminds me of Tite Kubo’s Bleach , so if you liked Bleach, you’ll definately enjoy this.
I loved all the characters; the good, the nefarious, the morally ambiguous and flawed. The main protagonists Fenne and Swan were likeable and fleshed out, making their motivations and fears feel grounded and relatable. Likewise, supporting characters were also great. Some allowing for moments of levity, whilst others driving the plot forward and deepening the feeling of mystery. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed Eli, Thom and Virel’s scenes.
Overall, Mosse succeeds in building a mounting anticipation of change throughout the novel, which culminates to a shocking conclusion. The Mistral is a strong and well written opening instalment and I undoubtedly look forward to reading more of Mycenia.
As this is an eARC there were some minor formatting and editing issues which will likely be resolved on release and did not impact the enjoyment of the story itself. Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advance copy; I look forward to seeing the finished product in future and definitely recommend it!
The Mistral is a sprawling epic fantasy reminiscent of Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive , but also distinctly original in its world-building, histories and a very intriguing central plot premise.
Mosse paints striking contrasts between the Terrius and Eronese ideologies; the sharp, austere blacks and reds against the flamboyant cerulean blues and gold. Yet ultimately reveals how fundamentally similar they both are. Both shaped by powers corrupting hand, giving rise to cruelty and subtle subjugation and the expendability of its own people.
This book is a twisting and weaving narrative of hidden motivations, manipulation and betrayals; resulting in an explosive finale. Mosse’s writing style is dynamic and engaging; the fight scenes are nail biting, action packed and very entertaining. In some ways The Mistral reminds me of Tite Kubo’s Bleach , so if you liked Bleach, you’ll definately enjoy this.
I loved all the characters; the good, the nefarious, the morally ambiguous and flawed. The main protagonists Fenne and Swan were likeable and fleshed out, making their motivations and fears feel grounded and relatable. Likewise, supporting characters were also great. Some allowing for moments of levity, whilst others driving the plot forward and deepening the feeling of mystery. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed Eli, Thom and Virel’s scenes.
Overall, Mosse succeeds in building a mounting anticipation of change throughout the novel, which culminates to a shocking conclusion. The Mistral is a strong and well written opening instalment and I undoubtedly look forward to reading more of Mycenia.
As this is an eARC there were some minor formatting and editing issues which will likely be resolved on release and did not impact the enjoyment of the story itself. Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advance copy; I look forward to seeing the finished product in future and definitely recommend it!
March 30, 2026
“No backward step!”
A masterclass in fantasy writing !!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know where to start, I'm a massive fan of old school fantasy storytelling, Ray Feist and David Eddings are my favourites, this usually means most new fantasy's just don't quite hit the spot for me but The Mistral absolutely delivered, I loved every glorious minute off it. Quite often I find myself rushing through books but with this one I completely immersed myself into the universe @felixcmosse created.
The World building and story setting was amazing, the scenes atmospheric and the characters full of depth, the story builds slowly introducing you to a wide range of characters and the background of the world without feeling "wordy". Like all the best fantasy's you find yourself championing the underdogs, waiting for the prophecy's to unveil themselves and trying to work out who the bad guys are going to be. The last 20% of the book was so fast paced and written in a way that I couldn't put it down, paragraphs interchanged between characters so that you could see the action from everyone's point of view, I've never read writing like that and it worked so well,! felt like I was right there. The ending has left me needing the next book.
This is a book that I'm going to be talking about for a long time !!
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
The Mistral - a divine, ancient wind - has long swept over the realm, bestowing magical abilities on those destined to shape the future.
But The Mistral is dying.
As it falters, and fear of all-out war consumes the kingdom, a peace delegation sets out from the land of Terrius to the city of Lurella.
At the delegation’s heart is Swan, daughter of an assassinated queen, who holds a powerful and rare ability. She must seek answers - both to her mother’s murder and her own inability to master her powers. Before it's too late.
Meanwhile, in Lurella's duelling pit - The Iron Circuit - Fenne, a feared fighter, comes to the attention of one city ruler, who sees in her an opportunity . . .
As the Peace Pledge begins, Swan and Fenne are thrown together by a dark conspiracy – one that could forever alter not just their fate, but that of The Mistral.
And the fragile balance holding the realm together . . .
A masterclass in fantasy writing !!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't know where to start, I'm a massive fan of old school fantasy storytelling, Ray Feist and David Eddings are my favourites, this usually means most new fantasy's just don't quite hit the spot for me but The Mistral absolutely delivered, I loved every glorious minute off it. Quite often I find myself rushing through books but with this one I completely immersed myself into the universe @felixcmosse created.
The World building and story setting was amazing, the scenes atmospheric and the characters full of depth, the story builds slowly introducing you to a wide range of characters and the background of the world without feeling "wordy". Like all the best fantasy's you find yourself championing the underdogs, waiting for the prophecy's to unveil themselves and trying to work out who the bad guys are going to be. The last 20% of the book was so fast paced and written in a way that I couldn't put it down, paragraphs interchanged between characters so that you could see the action from everyone's point of view, I've never read writing like that and it worked so well,! felt like I was right there. The ending has left me needing the next book.
This is a book that I'm going to be talking about for a long time !!
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
The Mistral - a divine, ancient wind - has long swept over the realm, bestowing magical abilities on those destined to shape the future.
But The Mistral is dying.
As it falters, and fear of all-out war consumes the kingdom, a peace delegation sets out from the land of Terrius to the city of Lurella.
At the delegation’s heart is Swan, daughter of an assassinated queen, who holds a powerful and rare ability. She must seek answers - both to her mother’s murder and her own inability to master her powers. Before it's too late.
Meanwhile, in Lurella's duelling pit - The Iron Circuit - Fenne, a feared fighter, comes to the attention of one city ruler, who sees in her an opportunity . . .
As the Peace Pledge begins, Swan and Fenne are thrown together by a dark conspiracy – one that could forever alter not just their fate, but that of The Mistral.
And the fragile balance holding the realm together . . .
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall thoughts
The Mistral, the God of this land, is dying. And it’s lashing out as it does so, destroying the land with storms. Yet nobody can agree the best way to heal the Mistral…
This epic fantasy has such an incredibly detailed, well thought out world that’s a brilliant set up for the rest of the trilogy. It builds slowly and steadily, giving you full immersion and teasing you with the character stories. I can already feel this is going to be an incredible series!
Characters and world
First of all, I want to commend Felix for passing the Bechdel test with flying colours. Often with epic fantasy, female characters can take a back seat. But women are absolutely central to this story and it’s beautifully done even from the prologue.
The characters themselves are really interesting, with their back stories slowly teased over the course of the book. I loved Fenne and Thom in particular, who they are, how they ended up where they are, their teasing friendship. Looking forward to seeing where their stories go! It’s a third person multiple PoV book which keeps it fresh and really helps build the stories of all the key players.
World building and pacing
The world building like I said earlier is absolutely immense. I’m only just moving into reading more epic fantasy, and so I did find the world building a little overwhelming at first. The first 30% or so is very strong on the world building and lower on the plot, the next 40% starts to tease the storyline and intrigue, and the final 30% it really takes off and grips you. The slow build is definitely worth the payoff here!
The world itself is so fantastically done with every detail thought out - the religion and politics, the history, the clashing opinions in the Mistral, the overall magic system and the Mythic Roots - once you settle in and start to understand the world it’s truly breathtaking.
Really glad I read this book and looking forward to reading more from Felix 🙌
Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall thoughts
The Mistral, the God of this land, is dying. And it’s lashing out as it does so, destroying the land with storms. Yet nobody can agree the best way to heal the Mistral…
This epic fantasy has such an incredibly detailed, well thought out world that’s a brilliant set up for the rest of the trilogy. It builds slowly and steadily, giving you full immersion and teasing you with the character stories. I can already feel this is going to be an incredible series!
Characters and world
First of all, I want to commend Felix for passing the Bechdel test with flying colours. Often with epic fantasy, female characters can take a back seat. But women are absolutely central to this story and it’s beautifully done even from the prologue.
The characters themselves are really interesting, with their back stories slowly teased over the course of the book. I loved Fenne and Thom in particular, who they are, how they ended up where they are, their teasing friendship. Looking forward to seeing where their stories go! It’s a third person multiple PoV book which keeps it fresh and really helps build the stories of all the key players.
World building and pacing
The world building like I said earlier is absolutely immense. I’m only just moving into reading more epic fantasy, and so I did find the world building a little overwhelming at first. The first 30% or so is very strong on the world building and lower on the plot, the next 40% starts to tease the storyline and intrigue, and the final 30% it really takes off and grips you. The slow build is definitely worth the payoff here!
The world itself is so fantastically done with every detail thought out - the religion and politics, the history, the clashing opinions in the Mistral, the overall magic system and the Mythic Roots - once you settle in and start to understand the world it’s truly breathtaking.
Really glad I read this book and looking forward to reading more from Felix 🙌
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mistral is the first book in a new fantasy trilogy set in a world where the divine ancient wind that bestows magical powers is dying. As a peace delegation attempts to halt the battles between two warring nations, a secret third faction has a terrible plan to save the Mistral. The book is mainly told from three points of view: Fenne, a former pit fighter trying to stay in the city of Lurella; Swan, a princess trying to find her mother’s murderer; and Thom, a duellist from an elite family serving penance.
The world-building is rich and it’s clear that an incredible amount of time went into constructing this world and its magic system. The detail is quite dense in the first half of the book, but that wasn’t really a drawback for me as you need to understand the world to understand what happens later. The characters are diverse and flawed, each fighting with their own demons. Swan and Fenne have some great character development, and I really enjoyed Fenne’s story arc.
Unfortunately, there were many errors in the ARC copy: incorrect grammar and punctuation, spelling mistakes and repeated sentences, and continuity errors like Eli’s dress changing colour mid-way through Thom’s pit fight scene. Hopefully these will be corrected in the final proof before the publish date.
The main drawback of the book for me was that it felt more like it was setting up the next two books rather than being an entire book on its own. There was some action but most of it was right at the end and felt like the beginning of the actual story. There is a lot to enjoy in this book, but for me it slightly missed the mark of what I expected. It’s definitely worth a read though, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The world-building is rich and it’s clear that an incredible amount of time went into constructing this world and its magic system. The detail is quite dense in the first half of the book, but that wasn’t really a drawback for me as you need to understand the world to understand what happens later. The characters are diverse and flawed, each fighting with their own demons. Swan and Fenne have some great character development, and I really enjoyed Fenne’s story arc.
Unfortunately, there were many errors in the ARC copy: incorrect grammar and punctuation, spelling mistakes and repeated sentences, and continuity errors like Eli’s dress changing colour mid-way through Thom’s pit fight scene. Hopefully these will be corrected in the final proof before the publish date.
The main drawback of the book for me was that it felt more like it was setting up the next two books rather than being an entire book on its own. There was some action but most of it was right at the end and felt like the beginning of the actual story. There is a lot to enjoy in this book, but for me it slightly missed the mark of what I expected. It’s definitely worth a read though, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 6, 2026
Thank you to Penguin Random House, Michael Joseph and NetGalley for this ARC.
Having been disappointed with some new and upcoming fantasy authors, finding that they often revisit the same tropes and popular styles of other brilliant authors, this book has been a delight to discover.
Michael Joseph has created a fantastic world, it feels fresh and original in its world building, which is no easy task, and displays systems of magic and warfare that are original and inventive. Whilst at times, the Roots seemed to be never ending in their creation, it seemed every page had a new style of root and no one seemed to have the same, they all locked into place throughout the course of the book. Any that didn’t, I have no doubt will be brought up in future ones to link to why they’ve been placed so. This felt a world that was exciting yet familiar, not too in the style of anyone else but deeply their own.
It took a few chapters for us to discover which POV we would mainly be settling with, which then led, to when other POVs came through a more intriguing reason as to why. Hedger was a heartbreaking delight, so bittersweet and beautifully written.
For people who are fans of deeply rooted Fantasy, this a sure fire please. Whilst I would comment on some grammar and sentence anomalies, in terms of structure, phrasing and spelling, these are quick fixes that I am sure will have been commented and edited on well before publication.
I look forward to purchasing a physical copy, and to see what else this author brings to life!
Having been disappointed with some new and upcoming fantasy authors, finding that they often revisit the same tropes and popular styles of other brilliant authors, this book has been a delight to discover.
Michael Joseph has created a fantastic world, it feels fresh and original in its world building, which is no easy task, and displays systems of magic and warfare that are original and inventive. Whilst at times, the Roots seemed to be never ending in their creation, it seemed every page had a new style of root and no one seemed to have the same, they all locked into place throughout the course of the book. Any that didn’t, I have no doubt will be brought up in future ones to link to why they’ve been placed so. This felt a world that was exciting yet familiar, not too in the style of anyone else but deeply their own.
It took a few chapters for us to discover which POV we would mainly be settling with, which then led, to when other POVs came through a more intriguing reason as to why. Hedger was a heartbreaking delight, so bittersweet and beautifully written.
For people who are fans of deeply rooted Fantasy, this a sure fire please. Whilst I would comment on some grammar and sentence anomalies, in terms of structure, phrasing and spelling, these are quick fixes that I am sure will have been commented and edited on well before publication.
I look forward to purchasing a physical copy, and to see what else this author brings to life!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Welcome to the world of Mycenia, the setting of Mosse's first instalment in this new High Fantasy trilogy. We are immersed in two realms within Mycenia and discover a host of characters and the looming jeopardy of a waning magic system (the titular, Mistral).
The first chapter is a strong opener, acting as the catalyst for how the events of The Mistral ultimately unfold. As with many High Fantasy series, Mosse's story requires intense world building, which may make the pace of the first half of the book feel slow, but ultimately pay off in the later stages of the story as plot points and characters converge on an action-packed and satisfying conclusion.
I'm very much excited for the official publication of this book, and to see other readers discuss some of the themes that are explored throughout The Mistral, especially aspects that feel like they offer a commentary on real-world issues (for example the impact of technological advancement on the environment - "we have entered a time where commerce is tied into the fabric of society and how we live...changed the world so swiftly with his machines, I worry we act without considering the consequences of discarding so much history behind us").
Recommended for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Mosse delivers sophisticated world building that encompasses politics, religion, geography and history that prepares you to return to the world of Mycenia for whatever comes next.
Welcome to the world of Mycenia, the setting of Mosse's first instalment in this new High Fantasy trilogy. We are immersed in two realms within Mycenia and discover a host of characters and the looming jeopardy of a waning magic system (the titular, Mistral).
The first chapter is a strong opener, acting as the catalyst for how the events of The Mistral ultimately unfold. As with many High Fantasy series, Mosse's story requires intense world building, which may make the pace of the first half of the book feel slow, but ultimately pay off in the later stages of the story as plot points and characters converge on an action-packed and satisfying conclusion.
I'm very much excited for the official publication of this book, and to see other readers discuss some of the themes that are explored throughout The Mistral, especially aspects that feel like they offer a commentary on real-world issues (for example the impact of technological advancement on the environment - "we have entered a time where commerce is tied into the fabric of society and how we live...changed the world so swiftly with his machines, I worry we act without considering the consequences of discarding so much history behind us").
Recommended for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Mosse delivers sophisticated world building that encompasses politics, religion, geography and history that prepares you to return to the world of Mycenia for whatever comes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Copy from NetGalley 5 ⭐
Absolutely loved starting this trilogy. What an incredible Story!
I was immediately drawn to this fantasy after seeing it recommended for fans of Brandon Sanderson. While I haven’t yet read his work, several of his books are on my TBR, so I was excited to dive into something with a similar appeal and it did not disappoint.
From the very first pages, I was completely immersed in the world of Mycenia. The exploration of its religions , Constantism and Zephyrism and peoples points of View to what the Mistral means to them, especially as both are tied so closely to the fate of the dying mistral and the fading magic system. What really stood out is how each faction has its own vision for preserving that magic, creating a strong sense of tension throughout the story.
I found myself comparing the overproduction of Machinery in our current world! And what that will mean for us as a whole long term.
The story itself is fantastic, and the magic system is equally engaging and unique.
The world building is exceptional, rich, detailed, and thoughtfully layered. I especially appreciated the multiple points of view, which allowed the story to unfold gradually while deepening my understanding of each character. The slow introduction of the main Characters and Mythic Roots worked! The last 30% of the Book was so fast paced and quite frankly I didn’t want it to stop!
This is a book I’ll be recommending to anyone who loves immersive fantasy, really enjoyed
Absolutely loved starting this trilogy. What an incredible Story!
I was immediately drawn to this fantasy after seeing it recommended for fans of Brandon Sanderson. While I haven’t yet read his work, several of his books are on my TBR, so I was excited to dive into something with a similar appeal and it did not disappoint.
From the very first pages, I was completely immersed in the world of Mycenia. The exploration of its religions , Constantism and Zephyrism and peoples points of View to what the Mistral means to them, especially as both are tied so closely to the fate of the dying mistral and the fading magic system. What really stood out is how each faction has its own vision for preserving that magic, creating a strong sense of tension throughout the story.
I found myself comparing the overproduction of Machinery in our current world! And what that will mean for us as a whole long term.
The story itself is fantastic, and the magic system is equally engaging and unique.
The world building is exceptional, rich, detailed, and thoughtfully layered. I especially appreciated the multiple points of view, which allowed the story to unfold gradually while deepening my understanding of each character. The slow introduction of the main Characters and Mythic Roots worked! The last 30% of the Book was so fast paced and quite frankly I didn’t want it to stop!
This is a book I’ll be recommending to anyone who loves immersive fantasy, really enjoyed
May 2, 2026
Thank you Felix Mosse, Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this book, forever grateful.
5⭐️
Wow. Excellent. Give me more!
“Schemes within plots, hidden within ideas, concealed by lies”
The Mistral is dying, the aetherical powers that maintain the balance of life and powers “Roots” within people. It’s dying because someone is choosing to harness the power, trapping it in devices to make it available to everyone, not just the chosen ones.
Sounds great….right?
But with the Mistral weakening, powerful storms are raging, and the danger is serious.
A Queen murdered and old alliances are on the brink of crumbling. A daughter trying to remember the face of the killer.
We have political chess playing, back stabbing, secrets and lies. A recipe for a great book backed up with immersive writing and great characters, all with a great story to tell and an important role in the plot.
There are ancient stories, myths and legends surrounding 4 Mythic Roots, which foretell the coming of change, when the world is at the precipice of ruin.
One of my favourite scenes was a fight pit scene, the writing of that scene was fantastic, with the drums “BOOM BOOM”, building the tension. I felt like I was there.
Some of my favourite quotes of the book-
“But while you live, there is always a chance, while breath fills your lungs, you can keep trying”
“We grow in hardship, to better know serenity in peace”
Fantastic, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
5⭐️
Wow. Excellent. Give me more!
“Schemes within plots, hidden within ideas, concealed by lies”
The Mistral is dying, the aetherical powers that maintain the balance of life and powers “Roots” within people. It’s dying because someone is choosing to harness the power, trapping it in devices to make it available to everyone, not just the chosen ones.
Sounds great….right?
But with the Mistral weakening, powerful storms are raging, and the danger is serious.
A Queen murdered and old alliances are on the brink of crumbling. A daughter trying to remember the face of the killer.
We have political chess playing, back stabbing, secrets and lies. A recipe for a great book backed up with immersive writing and great characters, all with a great story to tell and an important role in the plot.
There are ancient stories, myths and legends surrounding 4 Mythic Roots, which foretell the coming of change, when the world is at the precipice of ruin.
One of my favourite scenes was a fight pit scene, the writing of that scene was fantastic, with the drums “BOOM BOOM”, building the tension. I felt like I was there.
Some of my favourite quotes of the book-
“But while you live, there is always a chance, while breath fills your lungs, you can keep trying”
“We grow in hardship, to better know serenity in peace”
Fantastic, I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don’t DNF books lightly, especially ARCs, so I want to acknowledge that I gave The Minstral a fair try, reaching around 55% before deciding to stop.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I found the writing style difficult to settle into - it felt a little clunky and, at times, disjointed, which made it hard to stay fully immersed. By the halfway point, I was also hoping to feel more connected to the characters, but I struggled to form that emotional investment.
The plot seemed to shift quite quickly from one idea to another without much transition, which left me feeling a bit lost. At 55%, I still wasn’t sure where the story was heading, and it felt like not a great deal had happened to anchor me. There’s also a strong emphasis on description; while this may work well for some readers, I personally found it a bit overwhelming, particularly when it focused on details that didn’t feel central to the story.
That said, there were elements I did enjoy. The relationships between characters stood out - especially Thom and Fenne. Whenever the narrative focused on them, I found myself more engaged and interested in what was unfolding.
Overall, I do think there’s clear potential here, and this may simply be a case of the book not aligning with my personal reading preferences at this time. I’d be open to revisiting it in the future to see if my experience changes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t quite work for me. I found the writing style difficult to settle into - it felt a little clunky and, at times, disjointed, which made it hard to stay fully immersed. By the halfway point, I was also hoping to feel more connected to the characters, but I struggled to form that emotional investment.
The plot seemed to shift quite quickly from one idea to another without much transition, which left me feeling a bit lost. At 55%, I still wasn’t sure where the story was heading, and it felt like not a great deal had happened to anchor me. There’s also a strong emphasis on description; while this may work well for some readers, I personally found it a bit overwhelming, particularly when it focused on details that didn’t feel central to the story.
That said, there were elements I did enjoy. The relationships between characters stood out - especially Thom and Fenne. Whenever the narrative focused on them, I found myself more engaged and interested in what was unfolding.
Overall, I do think there’s clear potential here, and this may simply be a case of the book not aligning with my personal reading preferences at this time. I’d be open to revisiting it in the future to see if my experience changes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fabulous read, mixing factions, mystery, and fantasy, and it is wrapped up in a world that completely hooked me from the very start.
This is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I really enjoyed how the author laid out the basics and then expanded on the land, history and characters. The Mistral is a force that can be used; it is a magical wind that some have harnessed. It was self-perpetuating, but it is gradually losing its strength. This is leading to severe storms.
There are several characters in this book, and that helps to focus the reader and get to know them and some of their traits. The main ones are Swan and Fenne; they are unknown to each other and live very different lifestyles. Swan is the daughter of the assassinated Queen, and Fenne fights in the duelling pits. What draws them together is a Peace Pledge, which is something that could potentially bring the two factions together and, in doing so, bolster their place against others.
I adored how the author brought the world, characters and history together. This is a brilliant start to a trilogy. I liked how the author finished this one. Adding some essential details to leave you wanting more and setting the seed for the next book. There is the sense that there is going to be a whole lot of trouble, and I cannot wait to see where the author takes this story.
This is one for fans of epic fantasy, trilogies, and I just adored it and would definitely recommend it.
This is the first book in a planned trilogy, and I really enjoyed how the author laid out the basics and then expanded on the land, history and characters. The Mistral is a force that can be used; it is a magical wind that some have harnessed. It was self-perpetuating, but it is gradually losing its strength. This is leading to severe storms.
There are several characters in this book, and that helps to focus the reader and get to know them and some of their traits. The main ones are Swan and Fenne; they are unknown to each other and live very different lifestyles. Swan is the daughter of the assassinated Queen, and Fenne fights in the duelling pits. What draws them together is a Peace Pledge, which is something that could potentially bring the two factions together and, in doing so, bolster their place against others.
I adored how the author brought the world, characters and history together. This is a brilliant start to a trilogy. I liked how the author finished this one. Adding some essential details to leave you wanting more and setting the seed for the next book. There is the sense that there is going to be a whole lot of trouble, and I cannot wait to see where the author takes this story.
This is one for fans of epic fantasy, trilogies, and I just adored it and would definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received an ARC via Netgalley*
I won't lie, this was one of the times where I looked at the cover and thought 'I have got to have that'. And like many other times, being taken in by a stunning cover paid off. The Mistral is an incredible political epic fantasy, with intense world building and interesting characters.
The opening chapter captivated me, I actually abandoned two other books that I was reading so that I could continue with this.
I loved the amount of characters within this book. I instantly clicked with Swan and was eager to read chapters involving her. It took me a little bit longer to become invested in Fenne, but her chapters were very important when it comes to world building and I loved learning with her.
The first 30% of the story is mostly world building, but it's so interesting it makes the book difficult to put down. The plot really starts to progress after that, and the last 20% had me on the edge of my seat. I try not to talk about sequels in ARC reviews because of the importance of talking about the ARC, but in this case I really am desperate for the sequel. I'm so excited to discuss The Mistral and it's explosive ending with other readers. This was an incredible start to the trilogy and I'm excited to see how the story expands even further in the next book.
Thank you so much to Penguin for giving me this eARC!
I won't lie, this was one of the times where I looked at the cover and thought 'I have got to have that'. And like many other times, being taken in by a stunning cover paid off. The Mistral is an incredible political epic fantasy, with intense world building and interesting characters.
The opening chapter captivated me, I actually abandoned two other books that I was reading so that I could continue with this.
I loved the amount of characters within this book. I instantly clicked with Swan and was eager to read chapters involving her. It took me a little bit longer to become invested in Fenne, but her chapters were very important when it comes to world building and I loved learning with her.
The first 30% of the story is mostly world building, but it's so interesting it makes the book difficult to put down. The plot really starts to progress after that, and the last 20% had me on the edge of my seat. I try not to talk about sequels in ARC reviews because of the importance of talking about the ARC, but in this case I really am desperate for the sequel. I'm so excited to discuss The Mistral and it's explosive ending with other readers. This was an incredible start to the trilogy and I'm excited to see how the story expands even further in the next book.
Thank you so much to Penguin for giving me this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mistral, an ancient wind that grants magic, is dying, and the world’s existing power dynamics are beginning to fracture along with it. As old rivals attempt to unite and agree on a way forward, a peace delegation travelling from Terrius to Lurella brings together a whole cast of characters, each with their own agendas and secrets. The fate of the lands hangs in the balance as a chosen few navigate dangerous powers, misplaced loyalties, and deadly ambitions.
This was such a great read! It feels like a really strong start to an epic fantasy trilogy. It leans heavily into political intrigue, lore-building and prophecy, with a wide scope revealed through multiple POVs. The magic system is distinctive and clearly explained and the world feels rich and well established without becoming too dense.
The characters are quite flawed, and very much at the start of their journeys which makes them all the more intriguing. I’m especially interested to see how Virel’s arc develops!
Overall a really engaging and promising opener that sets the stage well for what’s to come. If you enjoy James Islington, this is well worth picking up, I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
With thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC.
This was such a great read! It feels like a really strong start to an epic fantasy trilogy. It leans heavily into political intrigue, lore-building and prophecy, with a wide scope revealed through multiple POVs. The magic system is distinctive and clearly explained and the world feels rich and well established without becoming too dense.
The characters are quite flawed, and very much at the start of their journeys which makes them all the more intriguing. I’m especially interested to see how Virel’s arc develops!
Overall a really engaging and promising opener that sets the stage well for what’s to come. If you enjoy James Islington, this is well worth picking up, I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
With thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC.
April 12, 2026
The Mistral by Felix Mosse is clearly an ambitious fantasy with a detailed and carefully constructed world, but unfortunately it wasn't the right fit for me as a reader.
One of the book's biggest strengths is the depth of its setting and characters. There is a strong sense that a complex magic system and wider story are being built with long-term potential in mind, and I can see how readers who enjoy dense, layered fantasy worlds would find a lot to appreciate here. The level of detail shows real care and imagination.
However, I personally struggled with the amount of information introduced in the first third of the novel. The world-building felt very heavy early on, and I found it difficult to fully settle into the story or keep track of everything that was happening. Because of this, it took me quite a while to feel engaged with the plot and characters.
That said, the writing itself is descriptive and thoughtful, and I think readers who enjoy slower-paced fantasy with intricate lore and deep world-building will likely have a very different experience to me.
Overall, while this one wasn't for me, I can definitely see its appeal for dedicated epic fantasy readers.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
One of the book's biggest strengths is the depth of its setting and characters. There is a strong sense that a complex magic system and wider story are being built with long-term potential in mind, and I can see how readers who enjoy dense, layered fantasy worlds would find a lot to appreciate here. The level of detail shows real care and imagination.
However, I personally struggled with the amount of information introduced in the first third of the novel. The world-building felt very heavy early on, and I found it difficult to fully settle into the story or keep track of everything that was happening. Because of this, it took me quite a while to feel engaged with the plot and characters.
That said, the writing itself is descriptive and thoughtful, and I think readers who enjoy slower-paced fantasy with intricate lore and deep world-building will likely have a very different experience to me.
Overall, while this one wasn't for me, I can definitely see its appeal for dedicated epic fantasy readers.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a mixed one for me! There’s definitely a lot to like here- the world itself was really interesting, and I thought the magic system had some cool and unique elements that made it stand out. The characters were also decent and easy enough to follow, which helped keep me engaged.
However, I did struggle quite a bit at the beginning. There was a lot of info-dumping early on, which made it harder to fully get into the story straight away. I think once things settled, it improved, but that initial barrier did affect my overall enjoyment.
I also have to mention that the ARC had quite a few grammatical errors and a noticeable amount of repetition in wording (especially certain adjectives and phrases), which unfortunately pulled me out of the story more than once. I’m assuming this will be cleaned up in the final version, but it did make it harder to fully enjoy while reading.
Overall, I still think there’s a solid and interesting story here, and I did enjoy parts of it, but it didn’t quite hit as strongly as I’d hoped.
Rating: 3.5/5
This was a mixed one for me! There’s definitely a lot to like here- the world itself was really interesting, and I thought the magic system had some cool and unique elements that made it stand out. The characters were also decent and easy enough to follow, which helped keep me engaged.
However, I did struggle quite a bit at the beginning. There was a lot of info-dumping early on, which made it harder to fully get into the story straight away. I think once things settled, it improved, but that initial barrier did affect my overall enjoyment.
I also have to mention that the ARC had quite a few grammatical errors and a noticeable amount of repetition in wording (especially certain adjectives and phrases), which unfortunately pulled me out of the story more than once. I’m assuming this will be cleaned up in the final version, but it did make it harder to fully enjoy while reading.
Overall, I still think there’s a solid and interesting story here, and I did enjoy parts of it, but it didn’t quite hit as strongly as I’d hoped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is a lot of potential in this series and the world that has been setup by Mosse, I enjoyed the last 30%, and it would be interesting to see where this series goes next. I am sure there will be a lot of readers who will enjoy this book as the magic system is interesting and the world is epic in scope.
I was immediately hooked, as this book started off very interesting with a bang but then it slowed right down, lost momentum and my interest in this story with it.
The pacing felt slow throughout and I didn't feel the book took off with the main plot until we were 70% in.
The world building is very dense in the first 30%, the way it was delivered felt like reading a text book with a lot of info dumping which made me really struggle engaging with the story and as I did not feel invested into any of the character's at this point.
The ARC had a lot of grammatical errors and repetition but hopefully this will be all solved in the published version.
Unfortunately this one did not meet the expectations for me, 2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I was immediately hooked, as this book started off very interesting with a bang but then it slowed right down, lost momentum and my interest in this story with it.
The pacing felt slow throughout and I didn't feel the book took off with the main plot until we were 70% in.
The world building is very dense in the first 30%, the way it was delivered felt like reading a text book with a lot of info dumping which made me really struggle engaging with the story and as I did not feel invested into any of the character's at this point.
The ARC had a lot of grammatical errors and repetition but hopefully this will be all solved in the published version.
Unfortunately this one did not meet the expectations for me, 2.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5⭐️
The mistral is an intricate fantasy world that has a lot of depth, lore and character from the get go ! I do think that the heavy amount of info dumping in the first 40% did take a while to get to grips with especially being introduced into this world and its unique magic system and political intrigue ! I do definitely think the characters were what shone through for me and allowed me to stick through it , with fenne and Thom being stand out characters for me. I would have liked to have seen more of swan as I do feel like she took a bit of a backseat in the storyline! I will say that the pacing for this also was a little clunky espeically as the book didn’t pick up till the last 70%. I do think after all the info and dialogue this series has such strong potential , especially with how invested I became in the last quarter ! And I absolutely loved the magic in this , it was extremely unique and I absolutely want to learn more about it. Overall i definitely think for anyone who loves heavily intricate world building and magic systems would absolutely love this !
The mistral is an intricate fantasy world that has a lot of depth, lore and character from the get go ! I do think that the heavy amount of info dumping in the first 40% did take a while to get to grips with especially being introduced into this world and its unique magic system and political intrigue ! I do definitely think the characters were what shone through for me and allowed me to stick through it , with fenne and Thom being stand out characters for me. I would have liked to have seen more of swan as I do feel like she took a bit of a backseat in the storyline! I will say that the pacing for this also was a little clunky espeically as the book didn’t pick up till the last 70%. I do think after all the info and dialogue this series has such strong potential , especially with how invested I became in the last quarter ! And I absolutely loved the magic in this , it was extremely unique and I absolutely want to learn more about it. Overall i definitely think for anyone who loves heavily intricate world building and magic systems would absolutely love this !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was great. The chapters were nice and short, so it was easy to get sucked into the "I'll just read one more chapter" cycle.
The world building was brilliant. The main character, Fenne, coming into the city as a newcomer and learning all about the culture and religion alongside the reader was a great way to maintain the pace without slowing down to explain things. The language is so descriptive and vivid, it was easy to picture everything. Almost felt like watching a film.
The plot was also great. About 20% in, I was spiraling with theories, trying to predict all the twists and who could or couldn't be trusted.
I'm sad I started this on such a busy week because I could have easily locked in and devoured this in one or two sittings. I can't wait for the next books in this series!
The world building was brilliant. The main character, Fenne, coming into the city as a newcomer and learning all about the culture and religion alongside the reader was a great way to maintain the pace without slowing down to explain things. The language is so descriptive and vivid, it was easy to picture everything. Almost felt like watching a film.
The plot was also great. About 20% in, I was spiraling with theories, trying to predict all the twists and who could or couldn't be trusted.
I'm sad I started this on such a busy week because I could have easily locked in and devoured this in one or two sittings. I can't wait for the next books in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A first in solid world building for me!
I found the beginning to be a slow burn due to the amount of information, but it did lead to a strong ending where all came together.
I enjoyed the second half of the book immensely as it concentrated more on the characters who although flawed were believable. I thoroughly enjoyed Fenne but am intrigued by Swan and Virel. I wonder what will become of Constantine...
Interestingly the four roots are listed as:
Desecration
Revelation
Adamant and
Belief
all of which spell Drab using the first letter of each word. I wondered if there was anything in that as once I saw it I couldn't unsee it....was this a reflection of this world with a weak god?
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for sharing this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #PenguinRandomHouse
I found the beginning to be a slow burn due to the amount of information, but it did lead to a strong ending where all came together.
I enjoyed the second half of the book immensely as it concentrated more on the characters who although flawed were believable. I thoroughly enjoyed Fenne but am intrigued by Swan and Virel. I wonder what will become of Constantine...
Interestingly the four roots are listed as:
Desecration
Revelation
Adamant and
Belief
all of which spell Drab using the first letter of each word. I wondered if there was anything in that as once I saw it I couldn't unsee it....was this a reflection of this world with a weak god?
My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for sharing this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #PenguinRandomHouse
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of The Mistral
I very nearly DNF'd this in the first 40%, and I'm so glad I didn't! This was an absolutely fantasy masterpiece - the way it was written through different POVs, and how delicately written the world building was was an absolute pleasure to devour.
The first 40(ish)% is a lot of information, it is a lot to process but VERY necessary for the story. It's a lot to take on, almost like reading a fact finding encyclopedia but about halfway through the story really comes into its own.
The magic and religious aspect is very unique and really well done, the characters relationships are intertwined with the story so effectively, it flowed with ease. I cannot wait for this story to continue, I eagerly await the second instalment (Long live The Mistral)
I very nearly DNF'd this in the first 40%, and I'm so glad I didn't! This was an absolutely fantasy masterpiece - the way it was written through different POVs, and how delicately written the world building was was an absolute pleasure to devour.
The first 40(ish)% is a lot of information, it is a lot to process but VERY necessary for the story. It's a lot to take on, almost like reading a fact finding encyclopedia but about halfway through the story really comes into its own.
The magic and religious aspect is very unique and really well done, the characters relationships are intertwined with the story so effectively, it flowed with ease. I cannot wait for this story to continue, I eagerly await the second instalment (Long live The Mistral)
April 19, 2026
Mistral is a well written, atmospheric fantasy with really clean, elegant prose.
The scale of world building is epic. There are different factions, systems, and political structures are introduced fairly early on, along with a large amount of terminology. It feels dense at the start and takes a bit of time to get one’s bearings. I have seen other readers mention the same thing, so I am glad I am not the only one who struggled initially!
Once things settle, it becomes easier to follow and you become attached to the characters amidst the political machinations.
Overall, the writing holds everything together well and there are echoes of authors like Brandon Sanderson in the emphasis on structured systems and detailed worldbuilding, though Mistral has its own style. It will be interesting to see how the series develops.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The scale of world building is epic. There are different factions, systems, and political structures are introduced fairly early on, along with a large amount of terminology. It feels dense at the start and takes a bit of time to get one’s bearings. I have seen other readers mention the same thing, so I am glad I am not the only one who struggled initially!
Once things settle, it becomes easier to follow and you become attached to the characters amidst the political machinations.
Overall, the writing holds everything together well and there are echoes of authors like Brandon Sanderson in the emphasis on structured systems and detailed worldbuilding, though Mistral has its own style. It will be interesting to see how the series develops.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book in a new fantasy trilogy, a genre which I always enjoy. I was drawn to this one initially by the cover which really caught my eye, and then I really liked the sound of the story. It follows the story of Swan and Fenne, two likeable characters from very different backgrounds who find themselves thrown together against the backdrop of high fantasy, magic and danger.
It was well written and descriptive, and shows great imagination. I could easily picture the scenes in my mind, and I especially liked the descriptions of the city of Lurella. I was invested in the story and there was a good cast of characters. I will definitely be interested in reading the next two books, and I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and escapism.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
It was well written and descriptive, and shows great imagination. I could easily picture the scenes in my mind, and I especially liked the descriptions of the city of Lurella. I was invested in the story and there was a good cast of characters. I will definitely be interested in reading the next two books, and I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and escapism.
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a struggle for me. I pounced on it from NetGalley as it sounded right up my street. I love layered world-building and intricately plotted fantasy, magic systems and a really good story I can immerse myself in. And yet I struggled so much with this book. The first 60% is dense info-dumping and to read it is like wading through treacle to try to get to the characters and the plot. It really kicks in around the 70-80% mark but by then I was too far gone to care about any of the characters or what happened to them.
It could really do with being half the length, it is crying out for a really good edit to cut out a lot of the info-dump or to nuance it and weave it through the story.
There were chapters entitled 'at the same time' or '2 minutes earlier' which a really good writer would show the reader, not inform them. There were some lines that got a nod, yup, great sentence, but also some that did not.
I've seen it compared to Brandon Sanderson's work and for the record I love Brandon Sanderson, the man is a born storyteller and a genius of his craft.
Frustrating because at its core it's a great idea for a fantastic story, but it just didn't hit the mark for me in its delivery.
It could really do with being half the length, it is crying out for a really good edit to cut out a lot of the info-dump or to nuance it and weave it through the story.
There were chapters entitled 'at the same time' or '2 minutes earlier' which a really good writer would show the reader, not inform them. There were some lines that got a nod, yup, great sentence, but also some that did not.
I've seen it compared to Brandon Sanderson's work and for the record I love Brandon Sanderson, the man is a born storyteller and a genius of his craft.
Frustrating because at its core it's a great idea for a fantastic story, but it just didn't hit the mark for me in its delivery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Dying Magic. A slaughtered Queen. A world on the brink of war.
This is an epic, high fantasy with character driven chapters. The characters are great, flaws, and all. Virel's character was standout for me. Hopefully, he'll get a bigger part in the next book.
I found it a slow burner until around 40%, and then it really gets going. There's a lot going on, jeezo, that ending.
There's political intrigue, corruption, cruelty, and betrayals. This is a really strong first book that's been likened to Brandon Sanderson, and yes, I can see that.
I'm looking forward to the next books and will definitely be recommending this.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
This is an epic, high fantasy with character driven chapters. The characters are great, flaws, and all. Virel's character was standout for me. Hopefully, he'll get a bigger part in the next book.
I found it a slow burner until around 40%, and then it really gets going. There's a lot going on, jeezo, that ending.
There's political intrigue, corruption, cruelty, and betrayals. This is a really strong first book that's been likened to Brandon Sanderson, and yes, I can see that.
I'm looking forward to the next books and will definitely be recommending this.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
www.instagram.com/novelswithnick
3.5
Comparisons such as Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynne had me instantly intrigued and I actually thought these were quite accurate.
The world that has been created was interesting and detailed, lots of depth and lore, the magic system was also a highlight. It all felt very Cosmere like, but not in a copy and paste sort of way. The characters were also enjoyable to follow, I like a story where you’re equally invested in all the POVs.
However, the first half of the book suffered from info dumping and I thought the pacing throughout was relatively slow, which did impact my enjoyment!
3.5
Comparisons such as Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynne had me instantly intrigued and I actually thought these were quite accurate.
The world that has been created was interesting and detailed, lots of depth and lore, the magic system was also a highlight. It all felt very Cosmere like, but not in a copy and paste sort of way. The characters were also enjoyable to follow, I like a story where you’re equally invested in all the POVs.
However, the first half of the book suffered from info dumping and I thought the pacing throughout was relatively slow, which did impact my enjoyment!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews