The air thickens. The threads of fate extend unnaturally. "You cannot create something from nothing"... You are the sole survivors of Marrow's first battalion, defeated by Morgheris's army of necromancers in the last battle, but determined to use the clues from your dreams to solve the mystery of Marrow's locket and save your homeland. The country of Wistana was originally designed for a D&D campaign, and reads as such as it follows Marrow's Bones through a series of adventures, in both the waking world and in the world of dreams... Restoring Wistana balances the tension between the stakes of war and the human moments of mischief, warmth and vulnerability that lie between each battle with a poetic cadence. Join the journey for this heart-stopping, action packed Romantasy that celebrates camaraderie and reveres the magic of nature.
I would first like to preface my review with openness and clarity. I did receive an ARC edition of "Restoring Wistana" from the author. She generously sent her debut work in progress to me. Hoping I would enjoy and be willing to review. I did, I am, and the following is of my own volition and in my words.
Restoring Wistana was a wonderful read. It is full of heart and character. Even the villian has motivations that make sense, that started from a love that became twisted. Through the eyes of Gwin, this story is told from a second person point of view, her actions becoming yours. This made me feel like I was very much on the same journey as Marrow's Bones. It is almost LitRPG like, but balanced enough it still felt like a romantic fantasy. Bending of genres, if you will.
Marrow's Bones btw, is a found family. What was left after a battle that destroyed the world's last magical hope, the goddess that created everything known. In turn, becoming the last real chance to defeat the evil that plagues Wistana.
Each character, beyond their upfront talents, is there for a reason. A past that pushed them to pick up the fight. Slowly revealed in time, carefully grabbing at your heart as the group faces their doubts and fears, monsters, to restore magic.
I obviously loved the characters and became quite attached. Easily rooted for them, even before all was revealed. This was an excellent story with plenty of Lore and harrowing set up for a grand adventure. I hope May continues writing, and I would definitely love to see even this story in different perspectives. Her characters, no matter the side, were that compelling. The magic, fun, interesting and full of consequences.
Whimsical, dreamy, and poetic are a few words I’d use to describe Restoring Wistana. From the very first page you’re swept into a world that is enchanting as it is immersive with fey, magic, alchemists, and romance. It felt like I was living through our protagonist’s experiences and heartbreaks, her sadness and joy. The more pages I turned the more I adored Gwin. She’s not just a healer, she’s kind and poetic, relatable and strong. She doesn’t carry a shield or a bow, but this doesn’t make her any less a warrior at heart and I loved learning about her talents, how she drew magic from nature, and in a way, it was like watching a dancer memorize each step and movement with elegance and grace to protect the people she loves.
We have Ildrith who is Gwin’s dearest friend and Garen who is an alchemist. We also have Belvor who might be the sweetest love interest I’ve read. The banter between them is so lovely and endearing, I won’t spoil anything, but there’s a scene of them playing a game during dinner and seeing their friendship slowly bloom into something more felt like a soft breeze.
Every page is so lush and vivid you can smell the lavender and wisteria as we learn about the history of Wistana, Marrow, the fey, a mysterious locket as they try to save their homeland. There’s twists and turns I didn’t see coming, but when you discover the secrets sprinkled across the lands, everything comes together so seamlessly like the last piece of a puzzle and you can see the beautiful portrait for what it’s always been. A story of love, courage, friendship, and what it means to be human.
My heart ached for everything these characters had to go through, physically and emotionally, life doesn’t leave us untouched with scars, but this book also reminds me that there is love and healing, that life is a song more beautiful when sung together, and that love is immortality.
If you enjoy a story with political intrigue, beautiful world building, magic, and the most cutest animal companion ever, then I would highly recommend Restoring Wistana. It is so lovely and enchanting. 🌷✨🌳
This a a gorgeous fantasy book that features magic, love, found family, and villains that are so well written. All of the characters on thos book were so believable and grounded that they reminded me of people that I know. The overall story is action packed and heartstopping. I loved the love stories throughout. This felt like I was watching a movie that kept me riveted the entire time!
Restoring Wistana felt like stepping into a quiet, magical world hiding just beneath the surface. May Seelight creates an atmosphere that’s equal parts mysterious and emotional, with a story that slowly pulls you deeper the more time you spend in it.
What stood out most to me was the feeling woven through the book — loss, healing, identity, and the weight of trying to fix things that may already be falling apart. The writing has a dreamy quality to it that fits the fantasy setting perfectly, and the world itself feels ancient and lived in.
If you enjoy fantasy that leans more atmospheric and reflective rather than nonstop action, this is definitely worth checking out.
LSS Romantasy fans will dig Restoring Wistana and down it in a day. Action, spice, and found family.
WOW review. @mayseelight.author tells us this book was inspired by a DND campaign she was writing. This inspiration is evident in the well crafted magical world of mixed mythologies that is the setting of Restoring Wistana. The plot moves via quests our band of found family warriors complete. The action does leave room for warm moments of bonding time and even warmer, read spicy, times between love interests. Written in multiple POVs in second person truly immerses the reader. It also allows for hits of deep insight that are both unexpected and welcome. This is an incredibly solid debut from Seelight. I'm glad to know, via her IG, that it's not a one off and her WIP is a prequel
this was my first 2nd POV fantasy book and it was SO intriguing. you follow the harrowing journey of four people trying to find their way back home after war. you will be swept away into a world filled with devastation, battles, and beauty. the author utilizes lyrical prose to sweep you away into the dream world.
such a heartfelt, captivating, powerful book!
I can’t wait to read the prequel to learn more about this intricate world!
Right from the first page you are pulled in and taken on an epic adventure through Wistana. You can't help but say, "one more chapter" because you literally need to know what happens next! The characters are unique and loveable, but my favourite are Belvor and Gwin. Scenes with those two made me giddy:) Super cute.
Do not sit on this one. Pick it up and give it a read. You'll thank me later.
A quick, easy read of an epic adventure. Cool magic system, tense action scenes counterbalanced with soft romance, and wholesome companionship. The author makes great use of a 2nd person POV and draws you into the characters. Definitely recommend
I was gifted a physical copy by the author. I was amazed at the writing. It kept my attention also this story was my first ever 2nd narrative type story.
This was based of DND which shocked me a bit. I hope May writes more books. She has an amazing imagination.
A fantastical novel with vivid dream sequences and masterful transitions between character perspectives. You, the reader, are taken on this journey through second person point of view. Read and feel the magic!
I found this novel captivating from the start! The world building and magic elements are fantastic. I love the characters and how they interact. Definitely recommend!
As the author of Restoring Wistana, I want to thank you for checking out the goodreads page! I hope you enjoy following the survivors of Marrow's Bones on their quest to save Wistana and would love to hear your honest thoughts if you do end up giving it a read!