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Winds and Whispers
Not yet published
Expected 1 May 26In a kingdom where magic means death, Princess Alina Everglen has spent her life behind gilded walls—safe, privileged, and deeply alone. When a violent storm and a daring rebel raid tear her from the palace, she is thrust into the hidden world of the Gifted, people with elemental magic who have been hunted for generations.
Among the rebels, Alina begins to uncover her own suppressed power—and the unsettling truth behind her family’s reign. Drawn to their charismatic leader, Kael Stormborne, she hopes to find belonging for the first time in her life. Instead, she finds secrets, fractured loyalties, and a group that never fully lets her in.
As tension within the rebellion grows and trust begins to fracture, Alina is forced to confront a painful truth: neither love nor power can come from others. To survive, she must learn who she is when she stands alone—and what she is willing to risk for the people she cares about.
Winds and Whispers is a slow-burn romantasy about loneliness, found family, and the strength it takes to claim your own place in a world determined to cast you out.
Among the rebels, Alina begins to uncover her own suppressed power—and the unsettling truth behind her family’s reign. Drawn to their charismatic leader, Kael Stormborne, she hopes to find belonging for the first time in her life. Instead, she finds secrets, fractured loyalties, and a group that never fully lets her in.
As tension within the rebellion grows and trust begins to fracture, Alina is forced to confront a painful truth: neither love nor power can come from others. To survive, she must learn who she is when she stands alone—and what she is willing to risk for the people she cares about.
Winds and Whispers is a slow-burn romantasy about loneliness, found family, and the strength it takes to claim your own place in a world determined to cast you out.
1 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 1, 2026
10 people want to read
About the author
Rina Thorne
1 book6 followersRina Thorne is author of The Gifted Series, including her debut novel Winds and Whispers.
Find a free reading sample here: https://www.rinathorne.com/text-sample
When Rina is not writing she is usually reading, preferrably with a cat on her lap.
Find a free reading sample here: https://www.rinathorne.com/text-sample
When Rina is not writing she is usually reading, preferrably with a cat on her lap.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
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!!
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!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
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..
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..
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!!
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!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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
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
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews