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The Last Swiftwind : (Book One: A Swiftwind Vendetta Novel)
The Last Swiftwind
They made her into a monster. A weapon. And now, they’re paying the price.
They thought they could control her. Erase her. But they made the mistake of going after the only person Bronwyn has left.
When the hunters become the hunted, it leads to something far worse than she ever imagined.
Something ancient.
Something that refuses to stay buried.
Oaklen is a Shadowborne who specializes in things that won’t stay dead.
Silver-tongued, sharp-eyed, and always two steps too close.
When fate throws them together again, he offers an alliance.
For him, it’s strategy.
For Bronwyn, it’s a problem.
She doesn’t trust easily—especially not the man who keeps looking at her like she’s more than the weapon she was turned into. Like she’s something worth protecting.
As monsters rise, conspiracies unravel, and old magic stirs, Bronwyn’s patience runs out.
She doesn’t need saving.
She isn’t meant to survive this.
She was made to end it.
They made her into a monster. A weapon. And now, they’re paying the price.
They thought they could control her. Erase her. But they made the mistake of going after the only person Bronwyn has left.
When the hunters become the hunted, it leads to something far worse than she ever imagined.
Something ancient.
Something that refuses to stay buried.
Oaklen is a Shadowborne who specializes in things that won’t stay dead.
Silver-tongued, sharp-eyed, and always two steps too close.
When fate throws them together again, he offers an alliance.
For him, it’s strategy.
For Bronwyn, it’s a problem.
She doesn’t trust easily—especially not the man who keeps looking at her like she’s more than the weapon she was turned into. Like she’s something worth protecting.
As monsters rise, conspiracies unravel, and old magic stirs, Bronwyn’s patience runs out.
She doesn’t need saving.
She isn’t meant to survive this.
She was made to end it.
614 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 23, 2025
I picked up ‘The Last Swiftwind’ (TLS) unsure of any specifics and without reading the blurb. I wanted to experience it with a blank slate only. In my review, I’ll break down the various aspects I enjoyed. All things considered, my view is positive. Aspen Quinn is a first-time published author, and this outstanding debut novel impressed me! I recommend checking it out!
This novel introduces us to the world of monsters, magic, and fast-paced hunts with a spicy romantic arc sprinkled on. We’re beginning a journey that will encompass multiple books and take us through a rollercoaster of emotions and colorful ideas that the characters take us. On the topic of characters, Quinn employs a first-person limited perspective that switches between multiple protagonists, something you don’t see often. First comes Bronwyn Swiftwind, our powerhouse heroine known by many names and feared by those who only know her by reputation. It’s natural to fear what one doesn’t understand, especially when lacking the facts. The townspeople know one thing: whenever trouble brews, Bronwyn shows up, and chaos follows in her wake. That’s why they associate her name with chaos. Next comes Finnegan Swiftwind, Bronwyn’s cousin and the last direct descendant of the legendary Swiftwind line. Finn and Bronwyn are an inseparable duo that scour the countryside to fight the darkness using their Kaos, which is akin to magic. With no other family, Finn takes it upon himself to support her through thick and thin and watch each other’s backs. The third and final perspective is Oaklen Beaumont’s, the Shadowborne prince with the power to manipulate Kaos. He must ensure stability throughout the empire by quelling dissidence. Bronwyn and Finn stand in his way of accomplishing said task. He swallows his tongue and falls head over heels for Bronwyn in a romance that might change his life’s trajectory. The three form an improbable alliance against forces that threaten to shatter the empire’s peace.
In first-person narratives, the point-of-view individual(s) dictates the story, arguably more than the plot itself. The connection readers build is direct since they’re in the POV character’s head from the opening page to the last. Readers know what the protagonist thinks, sees and does—the story literally emanates from the protagonist’s mind. If the link wavers, the story crumbles. And the task becomes daunting with multiple perspectives added to the mix. In TLS, each character is well-developed and provides a charming presence through their virtues and deficiencies. Their diverse backgrounds and varied personalities hold our attention. One thing I grappled with was the point of view changes that happened after each chapter. It took me a while to adjust to the style, especially because it’s written in first-person. Change of POV in most novels creates a temporary interruption to narrative flow & pacing, and it could become hefty to become re-acquainted with another character after brief chapters of narration.
After minor hiccups, I found the story’s overall pace and the deep but accessible prose to be enjoyable. The descriptive action scenes are fast-paced, well-written and include interesting tidbits. Intricate depth, description, sensory details, and subtlety keep the story flowing. Adjectives and word choice are superb! The immersive text evokes plenty of emotions and feelings that allow us to feel present in the scenes. The dialogue’s nuance varies, reflecting each protagonist’s voice, scenic atmosphere, and subtext beneath the lines. I think it conveys the message, even though certain dialogue lines could be condensed and sped up by telling more instead of showing.
I wanted to post one snippet of the writing. Quinn is skilled at opening chapters using descriptive settings, which are exquisitely written. As you can see below from Chapter 88, the vivid descriptions set the scene and visualize the estate.
I very much enjoyed the ending! The story comes to a head, and momentum pushes the climax forward into a page-turner. The final ~120 pages go by in a breeze. While the pace drives those scenes, the actions themselves are a lot of fun to read. And the conclusion arrives with you wanting answers, which you must stay tuned for in future books!
Overall, Quinn does an excellent job of placing us in the universe, as if we’re there witnessing the events unfold. The story becomes a joy to read once you empathize with the main characters, and it has drawn you in. It feels like one of those Final Fantasy game melded together with The Witcher. If you’re a fan of both, you will appreciate this! Remember to check the codex and bestiary at the end as you come across terms you don’t recognize, such as vesper or netherkin. I didn’t realize there was a codex and bestiary section until I was near the end of the novel (my mistake). If this first part foreshadows what’s ahead, I can’t wait for the rest of the journey to unfold for our beloved characters. I look forward to watching Quinn grow as an author in the coming years. She is a gifted writer filled with immense potential!
This novel introduces us to the world of monsters, magic, and fast-paced hunts with a spicy romantic arc sprinkled on. We’re beginning a journey that will encompass multiple books and take us through a rollercoaster of emotions and colorful ideas that the characters take us. On the topic of characters, Quinn employs a first-person limited perspective that switches between multiple protagonists, something you don’t see often. First comes Bronwyn Swiftwind, our powerhouse heroine known by many names and feared by those who only know her by reputation. It’s natural to fear what one doesn’t understand, especially when lacking the facts. The townspeople know one thing: whenever trouble brews, Bronwyn shows up, and chaos follows in her wake. That’s why they associate her name with chaos. Next comes Finnegan Swiftwind, Bronwyn’s cousin and the last direct descendant of the legendary Swiftwind line. Finn and Bronwyn are an inseparable duo that scour the countryside to fight the darkness using their Kaos, which is akin to magic. With no other family, Finn takes it upon himself to support her through thick and thin and watch each other’s backs. The third and final perspective is Oaklen Beaumont’s, the Shadowborne prince with the power to manipulate Kaos. He must ensure stability throughout the empire by quelling dissidence. Bronwyn and Finn stand in his way of accomplishing said task. He swallows his tongue and falls head over heels for Bronwyn in a romance that might change his life’s trajectory. The three form an improbable alliance against forces that threaten to shatter the empire’s peace.
In first-person narratives, the point-of-view individual(s) dictates the story, arguably more than the plot itself. The connection readers build is direct since they’re in the POV character’s head from the opening page to the last. Readers know what the protagonist thinks, sees and does—the story literally emanates from the protagonist’s mind. If the link wavers, the story crumbles. And the task becomes daunting with multiple perspectives added to the mix. In TLS, each character is well-developed and provides a charming presence through their virtues and deficiencies. Their diverse backgrounds and varied personalities hold our attention. One thing I grappled with was the point of view changes that happened after each chapter. It took me a while to adjust to the style, especially because it’s written in first-person. Change of POV in most novels creates a temporary interruption to narrative flow & pacing, and it could become hefty to become re-acquainted with another character after brief chapters of narration.
After minor hiccups, I found the story’s overall pace and the deep but accessible prose to be enjoyable. The descriptive action scenes are fast-paced, well-written and include interesting tidbits. Intricate depth, description, sensory details, and subtlety keep the story flowing. Adjectives and word choice are superb! The immersive text evokes plenty of emotions and feelings that allow us to feel present in the scenes. The dialogue’s nuance varies, reflecting each protagonist’s voice, scenic atmosphere, and subtext beneath the lines. I think it conveys the message, even though certain dialogue lines could be condensed and sped up by telling more instead of showing.
I wanted to post one snippet of the writing. Quinn is skilled at opening chapters using descriptive settings, which are exquisitely written. As you can see below from Chapter 88, the vivid descriptions set the scene and visualize the estate.
The shift from the serene villa in Gallionne to the brooding estate in Eirmere was jarring. Tibor and I apparated just outside the wrought-iron gate, its twisted design hinting at secrets long buried. Beyond it, the estate stood like a silent sentinel—an old castle carved from weathered stone, its spires clawing at the overcast sky. Dense woods framed the grounds, casting long shadows that seemed to be watching us.
The place unfolded piece by piece as we passed through the gate. A sanctuary nestled between the trees on the left—a quiet, sacred thing dwarfed by the estate’s grandeur. Flowering trees ringed a stone courtyard, softening the estate’s harsh silhouette. The path curved past a crystalline pool where a tiki hut stood like a joke no one was brave enough to explain. A patio followed, scattered with plush seating and anchored by a wide hearth—inviting, if slightly at charming odds with the massive estate behind it. (p.384)
I very much enjoyed the ending! The story comes to a head, and momentum pushes the climax forward into a page-turner. The final ~120 pages go by in a breeze. While the pace drives those scenes, the actions themselves are a lot of fun to read. And the conclusion arrives with you wanting answers, which you must stay tuned for in future books!
Overall, Quinn does an excellent job of placing us in the universe, as if we’re there witnessing the events unfold. The story becomes a joy to read once you empathize with the main characters, and it has drawn you in. It feels like one of those Final Fantasy game melded together with The Witcher. If you’re a fan of both, you will appreciate this! Remember to check the codex and bestiary at the end as you come across terms you don’t recognize, such as vesper or netherkin. I didn’t realize there was a codex and bestiary section until I was near the end of the novel (my mistake). If this first part foreshadows what’s ahead, I can’t wait for the rest of the journey to unfold for our beloved characters. I look forward to watching Quinn grow as an author in the coming years. She is a gifted writer filled with immense potential!
September 19, 2025
A brilliant story full of fast paced action, hilarious banter, and monsters that will make you question what's going bump in the night.
Aspen- good god. What a beautifully funny and you debut novel. This was written with care and all the depth, world building, cast, and action sequence of an author already well into her publishing journey. The Main three POVs are so wildly different in voice, it's wonderful. The cast of side characters feel like family with their own mannerism, and quirks.
I went into this book already withe xpectations- but you blew them out of the water. 10/10. Give me book two now ♥️
Aspen- good god. What a beautifully funny and you debut novel. This was written with care and all the depth, world building, cast, and action sequence of an author already well into her publishing journey. The Main three POVs are so wildly different in voice, it's wonderful. The cast of side characters feel like family with their own mannerism, and quirks.
I went into this book already withe xpectations- but you blew them out of the water. 10/10. Give me book two now ♥️
August 30, 2025
O M G
Ten stars
Slooooow burn ✅
BA sassy take charge FMC ✅
Relentless, sweet, shadow Daddy MMC ✅
Amazing supporting cast ✅
Monsters , lore, creatures, zombies? , vampires, gods, magic and MORE ✅✅and ✅
An ending that will have you gasping for more ✅
I mean what more could you ask for. I had the best time reading this book. I felt all the feels. Hitting all the emotions is something I yearn for when reading and this hit all of them . It’s by far the best most memorable fantasy I’ve read in years. It kept me on my toes, it kept me yearning, it kept me interested in the world, the system, the characters and their dynamics. It was funny, serious, heartfelt, and cute , yes cute too! I’ll definitely be rereading this one too, and that says A LOT .
Never Lost
Always Found
🖤
Ten stars
Slooooow burn ✅
BA sassy take charge FMC ✅
Relentless, sweet, shadow Daddy MMC ✅
Amazing supporting cast ✅
Monsters , lore, creatures, zombies? , vampires, gods, magic and MORE ✅✅and ✅
An ending that will have you gasping for more ✅
I mean what more could you ask for. I had the best time reading this book. I felt all the feels. Hitting all the emotions is something I yearn for when reading and this hit all of them . It’s by far the best most memorable fantasy I’ve read in years. It kept me on my toes, it kept me yearning, it kept me interested in the world, the system, the characters and their dynamics. It was funny, serious, heartfelt, and cute , yes cute too! I’ll definitely be rereading this one too, and that says A LOT .
Never Lost
Always Found
🖤
September 6, 2025
This gave major Witcher vibes. Took a bit to get into the story but once I did, it was smooth sailing. The banter between the characters had me laughing the whole read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews