Winds and Whispers

by Rina Thorne

A lonely princess. A rebel leader she never knew existed. A kingdom built on lies.

Princess Alina Everglen has spent her life perfect, obedient, and alone. Until rebels storm the palace and drag her into a world she had been oblivious of—straight into the hands of Kael Stormborne, their dangerous leader.

Hidden among the rebels, Alina discovers forbidden magic within herself… and a truth that changes everything.

As slow-burning trust turns into something far more dangerous, tensions among the rebels rise and Alina must fight for her place in her new world. Will she have the power to save herself—and the man she loves?

An emotional, character-driven romantasy featuring slow burn romance, found family, enemies to lovers, and a heroine discovering her own power.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2026

About the author

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Fantasy romance author | reading addict | wife and mother of two grown sons | mad cat lady | tea, no coffee; milk, no sugar. Icecream is my downfall.

Reviews

[Sinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from the author.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I really enjoyed the story and following Alinas journey. The author writes in a really beautiful and descriptive way.

The story started out quite exciting, then slowed down a bit, and the last 30% I just didn’t put it down at all. Even if it was slow at some parts, it didn’t make me bored or not wanting to read on. I loved the small glimpses of happiness and normalcy occasionally throughout the story, showing that people can find those moments even in the hardest of times.

Looking forwards to reading how the his story will evolve in the next book. Also liked that the book wasn’t too focused on the romance and spice, even when there is a romance and steamy moments.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rina Thorne gifted me this absolutely magical book in exchange for an honest review, and let me tell you—I devoured it! I’m actually quite proud of myself for forcing a few breaks instead of falling into my usual “just one more chapter” trap.. 12 chapters later.

Run, don’t walk, to grab this book before Book #2 is released!

Winds and Whispers (Gifted Series Book 1) by Rina Thorne can be compared to a thousand other fantasy novels, yet somehow stands completely on its own. The story keeps you captivated with unexpected twists, turns, and revelations that make it impossible to put down.

Rina even managed to get an audible “Oh, come on!” out of me during one particularly frustrating interruption (you’ll know exactly what I mean when you get there). My husband looked over like, “What did I do?”

Watching Alina’s journey unfold was one of my favorite parts of the story. She evolves from pampered and sheltered, to feeling like she belongs nowhere, to embracing a determined “I’ve got this” attitude facing whatever this is. She’s a fierce, resilient woman I would be proud to call both friend and ally.

So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and settle in for an exciting journey filled with magic and adventure. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Gifted in the books to come!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I I'm so happy I picked this up I loved following Alina on her journey finding out who she is, who she wants to be and her gift she possesses and how to control it! I loved that you got to know all the characters even if you liked more then others but it set up a fabulous plot for the story.

There is some romance not to steamy at all but such perfect timing for it in the story when it does come up. Highly recommend checking this one out I can not wait to see how alinas and kael's story continues.

[Brittany Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

A wild ride with the journey of Princess Alina from caged royal to rebel leader fighting for justice. Holy cow. Very intense. I love the pieces about accepting and finding yourself even when the world is cruel.

[Monica Metzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter a world of magic and war

This story is riveting and keeps you on your toes. Just when you think you have it figured out in come a curve ball to make you doubt everything. Can't wait for the next book!

[rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

cozy read

I really enjoyed this book once I got into it! It was definitely a slow start at first however, truck on because the FMC develops so well! Beautiful character and world building! The banter was really fun and I love the FMC and MMC together. I think it works very well and I love them!

[Cherie Deck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true enemies to lovers story Alina a princess who wants more love from her parents, but her life is traditional. As a people pleaser she wishes to rebel secretly. So when she meets Kael a rebel and is spirited away to a cold dark place instead of her palace. while here she meets more characters with gifts. She doubts herself and also learns the rebels are homeless and starving not what she has always believed or what her parents told her . she goes on a journey of self discovery, and then a romance begins with Kael. I really enjoyed the story especially the cliff hanger ending. Can’t wait to read book two!

[Julie Petre · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS AN ARC REVIEW Of AN ADVANCE COPY

Well, where to start, probably with a synopsis of the plot. Our heroine is a princess living a luxury lifestyle in the palace, though all is not what it seems and we come to understand that her life is not her own. That her life is tightly bound to order, tradition, dictated by her parents whom she wishes would show more love and affection towards her. She tries to please everyone but a small part of her also wishes to rebel against the dictates of palace life.
She gets her wish when she is abducted by a mysterious group led by a rebel named Kael Stormborne and whisked away to a place the opposite of the gilded palace, cold and foreboding.
From here the plot develops slowly and in some places grindingly slowly. There is a lot of deep narrative in the first few chapters that I quite struggled with, although I do get that the author is trying to give us an understanding of the place and the people that our heroine, Alina is now among - rebels, some of whom have ‘a Gift’.
She is told she also has one and various methods are used to try and bring it forth with varying success rates, leading to Alina questioning her worth among the rebels, especially as whisperings against her have begun, including the accusation that she is a palace spy! She learns that what she knew of her previous life in the palace was built on lies and that the people she is with now are starving and homeless. How does she relate to her situation and what’s going on around her and the people that she interacts with? Are they family? Is she worthy of being among them? Does she have enough regard for herself to feel that she should belong in their world and can she play a useful role?

The story really picked up for me when Alina reaches rock bottom and goes on her journey of self discovery.
Her courage and fortitude is in direct contrast to the thoughts going on around her head at this time and I guess, maybe some of us have been in a similar situation at one time or another, so will relate to this part of her journey.
The romance with Kael is slow-burn and he holds back a lot at first. The dialogue between them came across as forced in places which was frustrating and when she returned after her journey of self-discovery I found it difficult to relate that she would just forgive instantly, after his last parting words to her! I might have been inclined to give him a sore cheek on my return!
However, let me finish by saying that I really enjoyed this book, the story has caught me, the characters have grown on me and I am looking forward to seeing how their fight for a normal life for they and their family progresses. Winds and Whispers, blow strong and shout loud in book 2!!

[Kim Heilijgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leaving us on a cliffhanger? I need to know what happens!

Alina is a young princess who is raised very strictly with harsh judgments from her parents.
Until someone makes a massive change in her life. She finds herself looking for the truth, discovering who she is and fighting for what is right. Despite all the hate she receives and the difficulties along the way, Alina keeps her head up and keeps trying.
Along the way she meets enemies, friends, love, hate and loneliness.
But will she succeed in her battle for what is right?

This book is really good. The world building begins really heavily, and then focuses more on the storyline. I love that however it takes a bit more time to get in to the book. But from moment one I was intrigued by Alina, Kael and many more characters in this book.
Rina writes a story that you can read easily but still have to pay attention.
And I felt so many emotions from about page 250 onward they went all places.

Thank you Rina for sending me the arc of your book!

If you like:
- enemies to lovers
- fighting for what is right
- an intriguing magic system
And an strong female main character?

Read this book!

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a nutshell, be ready for a slower, meaningful, story driven narrative. A journey of self and inner learning and discovery. “Who are you? Where do you belong? Who do you choose to have as family? Who do you choose to love”?. Most of us can relate to that journey.

MFC- Alina -loneliness was mostly what she had ever felt, and it was palpable (and relatable). Her journey was illuminating. It was a real “hero’s journey” and a very challenging one, most of it done by herself. She had friends assisting her. Kael was a solid pillar of support with what he could do at those moments, with how he knew to be and act at those moments (which changed).
 Alina underwent an inner journey of self discovery and I believe that many people will relate to it. It was beautiful, it was lonely, it had much confusion related to feelings, suffering, letting those inner dark voices tell you all of the things you think you are not. When she finally left for her “final journey” was when the final transformation took place. The joinery of finding out who she really was, and coming back the person she had chosen to be; be with the people she chose to stay with, and love. A journey of acceptance that we are all broken and flawed, but that we can be broken together and that makes us stronger.

MMC- Kael: a broken man, but with a good heart. His journey has been a very demanding and difficult one until the very end of what we see in this book. He was a true support for Alina, giving her what she needed to grow and not just tucking her away in protection, decreasing her power. He pushed her to become her own self, within her own power. He started to become complete when Alina was back at his side.

THAT ending… omg!! What a backstab to come!

ARC reader- thank you for this wonderful author for letting me ARC review this beautiful work. In return I'm leaving a free honest feedback..

[Chloe Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW

Winds and Whispers is a book centred around Alina, a princess who once kidnapped, realises the extent of the hurt her family has caused the citizens of the realm. A lot of the story is surrounded by loneliness and longing to fit in and find out the truth.


I wanted to love this so badly. I'm at the 45% mark and I don't think I want to continue.

There are a few plot holes I personally found really hard to look past, there are scenes that are similar to what I've read in other romantasy novels.

I am really sad that this wasn't for me but I really hope this is wonderful for others.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to savor, not rush through. What a wonderful start to what I hope will be a multiple book series.

I enjoyed the characters tremendously. They weren't one dimensional or shallow, instead they were well fleshed out and experienced tremendous growth and maturity. It helped the reading experience, enough so that you felt you were along for the journey.

Nice plot and storyline to escape into. Pacing was well done also.
Many thanks to the author, Rina Thorne, for providing an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
I can't wait for the next book!
Highly recommend!

[Barbara Bibiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for my honest review - and here it is:


I loved this book!!

I very much enjoyed the pace of the book -
It starts off slowly but then really picks up pace and becomes quite intense at times.

What excites me the most are the characters and their development – their growth, doubts, emotions, and thoughts, all within a story that is very thrilling and set in a world that completely drew me in.

I cant wait to read the next book of the series!

Highly recommended!!

[CdnMom35 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found that even though the story took a bit of time to get going, it was worth it. The characters were well thought out and grew along with the story. I enjoyed being able to see the depth of the changes within them. I'm not usually one for a steamy read but the scenes added dimension to the overall story development and didn't feel like they were added just to draw readers.

It was well written both with regards to the characters and the world building. I would recommend it to anyone who leans in the direction of romance but needs more substance.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ARC COPY

This book was so good, it had a slow start but it showed how laborious Alinas life was at the beginning, it obviously picked up as the story went on. I enjoyed the storyline and especially enjoyed Alina finding herself and her gift, not with the people you expect, but with others entirely.
I actually guessed the ending in this book and now cannot wait to read the rest!!
Such an exciting story with great characters!

[Wendy Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy direct from the author.

I enjoyed this book the characters are complex and the plot building was a slow burn which made the story more interesting and built the different characters into the storyline nicely.

If you’re looking for spice this would not be the book for you.

Would definitely read another book written by Rina

Highly recommend

[Lily Arc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in expecting a solid fantasy romance and came out still thinking about it days later. Alina feels immediate and real, and the book gives her just enough quiet defiance to make every choice land.
What really makes it work is the patience of it all. Kael’s reveal is handled beautifully, the rebel stronghold feels lived-in, and the Festival of Lights sequence sounds like the emotional heart of the book. It’s the kind of slow burn that pays off because the story earns every moment.

[Lisa Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced copy from the Author


Beautiful story and a journey of self discovery. This ruined me and brought me back, so well written and the best thing I have read this year by far. With an FMC that sets off on a journey to find herself and an MMC that is willing to wait for her to choose. Loved it 🥰

[Nora S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winds and Whispers is the first book in The Gifted Series. It is an emotional fantasy romance about a lonely girl, forbidden magic, friendship that becomes like family, political secrets, broken trust, and a magical bond that changes everything. Slightly slow but overall a good read

[Marilyn Formosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Political intrigue, corruption, fight for power and fight for survival. The struggle to find oneself, find your place, the people you fit with and those willing to do anything to stay on top.

[Lucy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a bit heavy on narration rather than the story flowing through the characters. It is also prose heavy.
I really struggled with the narrative writing style, but im used to reading from a person perspective rather than 3rd person, so im not sure if it's just my personal preference.

At the start, alina is presented as the perfect proper princess, always needing to be poised and not show a hint of humanity. But she struggles with that, wanting to break out of perfection. her character was thoughtful and has huge empathy for others despite her lonely upbringing. the characters she meets each are indevidual and have their own unique personalities that give a wholesome and loyal feeling.

The plot was strong, but it just fell flat for me with interaction. I found myself scimming through it to get to the interactions and diologue to see the progression.

Unfortunately, this did end up being a dnf for me around halfway. However, what i did read was promising. It just didn't grip me with the writing style. That is, no way, a bad thing, just my own reading preference.

[Hazel F.]

Wow! One of the best reads so far this year.

If you are reading only for the spice and a superficial story, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a story where you have to go on an emotional journey of self awareness, revolution and found family then this IS the book for you!

The growth of the FMC is really the heart of this book. She starts as a pampered and isolated princess and ends up as so much more.

Kael is one of my favorite MMC’s because he is certainly not perfect and he has his own growth arc and many more secrets to be revealed.

I liked the banter and chemistry between the FMC and MMC. I felt their connection right away and got emotionally connected with the characters early on.

Once the story got going I couldn’t put it down and I am about to start a re-read. I know I missed things the first time through because I was reading quickly and wanted to see where the story went.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. For me - this book was a winner and I can’t wait for the next installment!