The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven #1

by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Readers' Favorites Gold Medal 2023 Winner Fantasy/Mythology
Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers' Choice Award First Place 2022 and 2023
American Fiction Awards Winner 2023 Romance: Paranormal
Indies Today Award Winner Best Paranormal 2023
IAN Book of the Year 2023 Romance: Paranormal

In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom against a Viking invasion. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Retellings, Fantasy Romance, Fairy Tales, Historical

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fiction, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.


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List of Books by Jennifer Ivy Walker

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
The Lady of the Mirrored Lake
The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight
Winter Solstice in the Crystal Castle
A Celtic Yuletide Carol
Flames of Flamenco
Amour in Avignon
Dragon of Denmark

Reviews

[Jessica (Odd and Bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for free for promotional purposes.

This book took me by surprise (in a good way)! It’s a retelling of the Tristan and Issylte tale. I first became acquainted with this tale from another series and immediately became a fan of their story, so I was very excited to see it redone by another author. Not only is this book a Tristan and Issyle retelling, but it also weaves in Arthurian myth and has everything you want in a fairy tale: an evil stepmother, a princess in disguise, lots of magic, and a plethora of fantasy creatures.

I loved how fast paced the book was. There was never a dull moment. Sometimes fantasy books can take a while to get into the story, but this book dove right in. I was flipping through the pages just wanting to know what would happen next.

I was also impressed with how easy the book was to follow. The book does not have a map, glossary, or a list of characters that you sometimes see in fantasy books. I was able to understand everything that was happening and the world effortlessly.

Lastly, this book is written in dual POVs (Issylte and Tristan), which was the perfect choice. I loved knowing what both of them were thinking and the dual POVs helped illustrate their development well.

Overall, this was an amazing start to the trilogy. I cannot wait to read the next book. If you’re looking for an easy fantasy read, check this book out!

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 5 out of 5]

To retell a well-known legend in a manner that is both original and engaging despite its familiarity is always a challenging task. However, author Jennifer Ivy Walker has done an outstanding job of meeting this challenge head-on. Beautifully written, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a retelling of the Celtic tale of Tristan and Iseult that gained popularity in the 12th century through French medieval poetry. This gripping story brings to life the characters of Tristan and Iseult, as well as their conflicting backgrounds, the people they allied with, and the love they shared.

The plot centers on Issylte, a beautiful young Irish princess. Issylte is terrified by her ice-cold, emotionless stepmother when she first meets her after her father has remarried. She receives brutal treatment at the hands of her ruthless stepmother and the queen, Morag of Scotland. Princess she may be, but Issylte has never felt more alone than when her father, the king, fell under the queen's influence.

Issylte seeks refuge from her evil stepmother with Maiwenn, a fairy witch of Hazelwood Forest. Maiwenn takes Issylte under her wing and teaches her the magical powers of the forest. Under the fairy witch's tutelage, Issylte explores various techniques of magic. Taking the reins from chance, she enters a mystical realm to hone her abilities. When she finally meets Tristan, she immediately falls in love with him. They adore each other and their shared love keeps them together, yet others want to break them apart. She is forced to make a choice between continuing her healing life and putting her birthright at risk in order to protect her kingdom. They are brought together by destiny, but will their union bring about their downfall, or will they emerge victorious and vanquish their foes?

While their fates are decided by circumstance, their hearts are free. This is a wonderful tale; it is dramatic, exciting, and deeply touching. Best of all, the sensory descriptions create such a rounded experience that you emerge blinking and dazed, as if you’ve just travelled back in time to another world. This is a gripping and complex story that weaves together the political and theological conflicts of the sixth century, which was a time when the ancient Druidic religion was still exerting a significant influence. One of the most romantic of the Celtic stories is given a new life and a sense of wonder by author Jennifer's vivid writing. The narrative is told in a mesmerizing voice that is almost a whisper, and there is not a single dull moment throughout the whole thing. I was captivated from the very beginning to the very end.

Jennifer's The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a stunning rendition of the Celtic legend, with an all-encompassing sense of mood and place. The precarious nature of life in ancient Cornwall is vividly realised, as are the territorial politics. Through the perspective of the two characters, the reader experiences all of the cruel realities of war as well as the agonies of falling in love. A retelling of a famous story runs the risk of becoming a pale imitation of the original, but Jennifer Ivy Walker has developed a moving and beautiful adaptation in its own right. She has a manner of presenting the story that evokes genuine feelings of compassion and sympathy in the reader for each and every character who is involved.

[Khushbu Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker is an absolutely stunning combination of historical romance with the fantastical elements of folklore. It is a magnificent tale that has been conveyed in an outstandingly effective manner. Jennifer gives both Tristan and Issylte a voice, and allows their stories to dance tantalisingly close, till you almost believe the legend might be allowed to end differently. The love between Issylte and Tristan is not the kind of love they are willing to die for; it is love they simply cannot live without.

The plot is mostly a love story that comes into conflict with the key tenets of knighthood and nobility, including romance, devotion to a beloved, and the relationship between liege and vassal. This incredible work of literature expands the narrative of the drama and creates a complex web of backstory. In addition to having a tale that stands the test of time, the novel also has admirable protagonists and antagonists. As the plot unfolds, you will find yourself immersed in a tale of treachery, commitments, and principles.

This one-of-a-kind and forward-thinking interpretation describes all of the political maneuverings and intrigue that took place in the kingdom known as Camelot through writing that is both beautiful and creative. The story's unexpected twists and turns make it engaging and seem as new as falling in love. This one is perfect for you if you're looking for a classic story set in the medieval era.

[Lunatic Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is the tale of a heroic knight from fabled Lyonesse who falls madly in love with the king's daughter. The story of Tristan and Issylte is rife with so many themes like honor, betrayal, forbidden love, magic, royal families, and political intrigue that it reads like a fairy tale. It has all of the elements that are necessary to produce a story that is timeless and unforgettable.

This tale, in my opinion, encapsulates the essence of what it is to love someone. And it's a great example of how the foundations of our society are not set up to allow for the free expression of love or the pursuit of happiness in its purest forms, but rather are structured to serve the needs of the ruling classes and their vested interests. Despite the tragic undertones, I think this tale is a call to love with all our might and to fight for our lives, since fighting against our own hearts can be quite dangerous.

This is a brilliant reinterpretation that breathes fresh life into all of the familiar characters. Jennifer has a captivating way with words, which adds to the allure of her storytelling. If you are at all interested in mythology, especially that of Arthurian themes or Medieval literature, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker is the one for you.

[Krinal Savaliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tale of Tristan and Iseult is one of the most breathtaking and charming love stories that has survived the test of time, making it among the most famous love stories in history. There have been many different versions of this tale retold, and The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker is a recent adaptation of the story with a few twists.

Jennifer recounts the spectacular but gloomy narrative of two lovers, one of whom is Tristan, a great warrior, hero, and nephew to the Cornish king, and the other is Issylte, a beautiful lady, chattel, and daughter of an Irish monarch. This is a great example of a retelling of French literature, and Jennifer Ivy Walker does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the original work.

Jennifer has a sweeping command of the history she presents and an undeniably smooth and fresh writing style that puts you right there in the history, sharing the moment. She has, as well, a deep understanding of what it is to be both human and exceptional, and we understand Issylte and Tristan on both levels. The book is written in a way that is highly accessible to modern readers without losing the magic, mystery, and awe.

[sonali| reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer's The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a debut novel, is a dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and retelling of a Celtic tale of Tristian and Iseult that gained popularity in the twelfth century through French medieval poetry, weaved with Arthurian myth, fairy tale and folklore from the enchanted forest of Brocèliande with an all-encompassing sense of different moods, themes, and places, it is a beautiful combination of historical romance with fantastical elements of folklore. 

 It is a sensational, well-written, romantic fantasy with action-packed battle scenes that are realistic and bloody as in Knight's tale, the plot was fast-paced. Despite retelling a well-known legend, it was original and engaging. The book doesn't have a map, glossaries, or terminologies that we generally see in fantasy novels but it had a heartwarming dedication and clear and complex worldbuilding. It is written in the third pov with dual pov each, which was perfect to showcase the character's growth and thoughts. As the plot unfolds, a new tale of treachery, commitments, and principles, also the book has admirable protagonists and antagonists. 

• About the Plot: The plot centers on Issylte, a beautiful young Irish princess. Issylte is terrified by her ice-cold, emotionless stepmother when she first meets her after her father has remarried. She receives brutal treatment at the hands of her ruthless stepmother and the queen, Morag of Scotland. Princess she may be, but Issylte has never felt more alone than when her father, the king, fell under the queen's influence.

Issylte seeks refuge from her evil stepmother with Maiwenn, a fairy witch of Hazelwood Forest. Maiwenn takes Issylte under her wing and teaches her the magical powers of the forest. Under the fairy witch's tutelage, Issylte explores various techniques of magic. Taking the reins from chance, she enters a mystical realm to hone her abilities. When she finally meets Tristan, she immediately falls in love with him. They adore each other and their shared love keeps them together, yet others want to break them apart. She is forced to choose between continuing her healing life and putting her birthright at risk to protect her kingdom. They are brought together by destiny, but will their union bring about their downfall, or will they emerge victorious and vanquish their foes?

While their fates are decided by circumstance, their hearts are free. This is a wonderful tale; it is dramatic, exciting, and deeply touching. Best of all, the sensory descriptions create such a rounded experience that you emerge blinking and dazed as if you've just traveled back in time to another world. This is a gripping and complex story that weaves together the political and theological conflicts of the sixth century, which was a time when the ancient Druidic religion.

While their fates are decided by circumstance, their hearts are free. This is a wonderful tale; it is dramatic, exciting, and deeply touching. Best of all, the sensory descriptions create such a rounded experience that you emerge blinking and dazed as if you've just traveled back in time to another world. This is a gripping and complex story that weaves together the political and theological conflicts of the sixth century, which was a time when the ancient Druidic religion was still exerting a significant influence. One of the most romantic of the Celtic stories is given a new life and a sense of wonder by author Jennifer's vivid writing. The narrative is told in a mesmerizing voice that is almost a whisper, and there is not a single dull moment throughout the whole thing. I was captivated from the very beginning to the very end.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am writing this review, having just finished the story, sitting in pleasant shock.
When I started this book, I was told it had a "Snow White" and "Game Of Thrones" feel to it, with a light amount of smut. That was all true. What I hadn't been told was that there would be fae creatures, and herbalism in it as well! Which was a welcome and interesting surprise.
I immediately liked that the story was a medium sized book. Which allowed Walker to add detail to the characters and places that a smaller book would not have had. While also allowing her to leave openings for us to discover other things, and paint our own picture. She never gives us too much detail, just enough to get us going.
The story is actually a telling of two different storylines. Normally I do find the two storylines difficult to read. But Walker has shown us her ability to blend them together well, while also keeping the two stories apart. Making this an easy yet fun read.
I really bonded with The Emerald Princess. The amount of loss, growth, and strength this character shows, made me interested to see what she would face next. Even “The Knight” , who was the MC in the other story, faced many great challenges. The thing I liked most about him was that even when he felt anger, hate, sorrow, ect. He didn’t lose control. He grew, and got where he needed to be. Even if that wasn’t always where he wanted to be.
Now onto the fun part, the villains!! Of course we have the Evil Queen. Who honestly even though she didn’t really do much. I think wins the “Most Evil, Evil Queen” award. Her choices and actions in this story had me reading with an open mouth at some points. I had to double back wondering if I had read some of the things right. At first I liked her, that is until I read the third paragraph.
She doesn’t just stop at trying to kill “The Emerald Princess”. This “Evil Queen” takes it MANY step farther than that. Honestly she is part of the reason the book was so interesting. This character went past just a queen. She brought people and things together. She also had gone through love and loss. Walker’s “Evil Queen” was a character you loved to hate. And weirdly I think I may have bonded with that character?
Another side of the story is the fighting and training. This is set in old Ireland and as such, there are small villages, war, etc. Walker took the story a level up, by adding what these people would have done in their normal everyday lives. Or fighting for their country and families. This is where a lot of the side characters came in. Just doing normal things. Which was nice, this gave us more of the story instead of taking away from it.
By the time I was finished with “The Wild Rose and The Sea Raven”, I had to sit for a moment and breathe. It was so difficult not to have book two in my hands immediately. The cliffhanger was enough that I have to know what happens next. I definitely had mixed feelings about ending this book. But they were all good feelings. Something I look forward to feeling again in Walker’s next book “The Lady Of The Mirrored Lake”.
#haveyoureadreviews

[Muskan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.


The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a testament to a well-written and extensively explored paranormal fantasy/historical fiction with vivid themes of boldness, magic, druids, wizards and anticipated suspense. This dark fairytale is the first book in the trilogy.


This story follows Issylte, a princess of Ireland who has a long held wish. Her stepmother, Morag is a evil and harbinger of all things dark and dangerous. No one seems to notice this darkly aura radiating of her certainly not the king.


Morag has ulterior motives, she habours a great deal of magic dark and corrupted, and would do anything to the one only to be sitting on the throne. As things begin to turn chaotic, perils follow around with its might. But fates has other plans for all of them.


We also follow Tristan of Lyoness who has the nightmarish childhood. He is the heir to King Marke of Cornwall. Although their journey had different beginning will their paths cross and reach the ultimate destination? Filled with extreme dangers, passion, betrayal, evil and magic, are you ready to take your first step in this adventurous story?


Let me just say, the author has all my respect and admiration for creating such an extraordinary masterpiece.

The unique storytelling skill is what drew me to the book in the first place. The interweaving threads of legends of myths such Celtic, Arthurian, the medieval French romance completely transport the readers to this enchanted world. The fabric of creative imagination was amplified by strong characterization and powerful world building. 


I'm sure this will be greatly appreciated by all those who have a knack for exhilarating exploits of the fantasy world.

[Khushi Gadhiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Issylte, alternatively known as Tristan and Isolde, is a heroic romance retold in numerous variations since the 12th century. The story is a tragedy about the adulterous love between the Cornish knight Tristan and the Irish princess Issylte (Isolde, Iseult, Yseult, etc.). The story and character of Tristan and Iseult vary from author to author; even the spelling of their names varies a great deal. While the details differ from one author to another, the overall plot structure remains much the same.

Jennifer Ivy Walker's The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a vivid mix of medieval and magical elements, all stitched together to provide a beautiful mosaic of the human experience. Jennifer narrates a story that is both wonderful and tragic about a renowned warrior and a beautiful woman who fell in love. It is a classic example of retelling a medieval French legend.

Undoubtedly, Jennifer is a master storyteller. She weaves together the threads of history and mythology in such an exquisite fashion that this book should interest a broad range of readers. It never felt dated; rather, it seemed timeless. You do not need to be a fantasy buff by any means to read this book. If you enjoy a great historical piece with well-developed characters, effortless pacing, and vivid descriptions, then this book is for you.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 magic stars

Beautiful, bewitching, bold.

This book is all of these and more.

Far from a classical fairytale retelling, this fantastic debut novel is a dark fairy tale adaptation of Tristan and Isolde's legend, in the truest sense of the word.

It gives us a unique take on the well known tale of love and betrayal by blending the legend with equal parts of myth and folklore and giving it all a fascinating fairytale twist.

In this tale of Issylte, the Emerald Princess of Ireland, and Tristan of Lyonesse, a Knight of the Round Table, the author somehow manages to weave together Arthurian legends, Celtic and medieval history, Vikings and Druids, Elves and Little Folks, and magic of course. And she wraps everything up in a quirky fairytale package that brings to mind Snow White and Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and more.
Does it work?
Hell yeah. And then some.

It is a testament to the author's skill that everything seamlessly combines into an absolutely beautiful tale with an almost ethereal feel. Not only enchanting, but also nicely layered.

The prose is beautiful, with that irresistibly charming feel of the tales of old. The wordbuilding is superb and the plot very well thought out in an incredibly creative manner. Hat's off for the impressive complexity of it all!
The characters are wonderful - protagonist and antagonist alike and the twists and originality of the tale don't fail at keeping you on your toes till the very end.

The book is not perfect. What book ever is? But for a debut novel... it's fantastic.

A tale in a class by itself that I highly recommend.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by Voracious Readers Only

Perfect for fans of fairytales such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty and fans of Arthurian mythology with shows such as Merlin

The fairytale aspect of this book follows Issylte beginning when she was a young girl as her father plans to marry for the first time since her mothers death. Yet when she meets the woman who is supposed to be her step mother she feels a rush of cold. In order to keep her power her step mother plans to have her murdered but the guards cannot bring themselves to do it and she is soon taken in by an older woman who vows to protect her and teach her all she must know.

The Arthurian aspect follows Tristan who is the nephew of the king who has treated him as a son. He is his heir. He competes in a competition to travel to Camelot to become one of King Arthur’s knights of the round table and is then taken under the wing of Lancelot.

Two wonderful stories interconnected in one universe very different but intertwined throughout and eventually merge. (With some spice). I absolutely loved this.

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Has Been Written In A Marvelous Way. The Author Has Described Each And Everything In So Much Detail. Each And Every Character Has Its Own Story And There Are So Many Interesting Plot Twists. The Story Is About Princess Issylte Of Ireland And Tristan The Nephew Of King Marke Of Cornwall. There Are So Many Things I Loved About This Book. The Unique Storytelling Skill Is What Drew Me To The Book In The First Place. The Mixture Of Myths Such As Celtic, Arthurian, The Medieval French Romance Completely Transport The Readers To This Enchanted World. The Creative Imagination Was Amplified By Strong Characterization And Powerful World Building. 

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written romantic fantasy adaptation of the Medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde that blends Celtic mythological and Arthurian legend with an enchanting and powerful romance. I enjoyed the well blended mix of myth, history, compelling characters, and a sweeping, unforgettable romance. I highly recommend reading!

[Lindsay Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven Review


A tale of Camelot and other Legends, with an intensely human face.

Issylte is a rebellious princess in Ireland, who longs to dance.
Morag is her stepmother, a haughty, dangerous woman, a stealer of others’ life force and trouble to come…
Tristan is an orphan, with a dark and tragic past, determined to become a champion knight. When he is dubbed the Blue Knight of Cornwall, Tristan is grateful to his uncle, King Marke of Cornwall.

With these vivid, engaging characters, this novel is a beguiling historical romance, drawing on stories such as Snow White, Babes in the Wood, Tristan and Iseult, and tropes such as the wise-woman, fairy women, Avalon and more. It is a novel told with great skill and compassion. Even the villains’ motives are revealed and their back-stories explored so the reader can understand their actions. The heroes are also complex, with flaws to drive them and life lessons to learn.
Set against wonderful contrasting backgrounds – glittering courts and cozy cottages, dense woodlands and secret waterfalls, the novel shows the descent of stepmother Morag into greater evil with the druid wizard Voldurk and the sad change of another character due to jealousy. The stories of Sir Tristan and Sir Lancelot are also explored, making these legendary figures more human and immediate.
Issylte meanwhile is sent abroad for her safety as the evil grows and cruelly destroys the gentle healer-witch who took the princess in after Queen Morag plotted her death. The reader also follows Tristan as he becomes part of the tribe of Dana, guardians of the sacred Fountain of Barenton, and is granted the gift of beast-speech and understanding.
The pacing throughout is excellent, with action, threats and conspiracies intercut with beautiful sections on Avalon, healing and magic. As I read, I could taste the bread, the herbs, the seafood. Romance and love are also present, for both Issylte and Tristan.
But the threat of evil – through Vikings, dark magic and wicked knights – remains. Tristan faces the same Vikings who destroyed his family. For Issylte there is the terrible fate of waiting, of being aware of her stepmother’s power and the Vikings’ power and yet having to hold off acting against them until she can gather forces to move and win over the usurping queen and the hideous champion Morholt.
Tristan and Morholt meet in battle. Tristan is victorious but wounded and his sword is taken by the enemy. Morag plots against him and swears vengeance, a vengeance Issylte foresees in a vision and is determined to thwart, especially as she learns through her sighting that Tristan is her true mate.
When Lancelot delivers the wounded Tristan to Avalon Issylte uses the magic and healing skills to save him. As he recovers he and the princess grow close. But treachery dogs Tristan. He is denounced by the traitor Camelot knight Indulf and his uncle King Marke banishes Tristan. Lancelot himself is banished from Camelot. Issylte must leave Avalon.
Together, Tristan, Lancelot and Issylte plan to go to Lancelot’s fortress to regroup.
In the end Issylte must make a dreadful romantic choice. The novel ends with her personal private grief as a woman, and her resolve to become the Queen she is destined to be.
I look forward to reading more of her thrilling journey.

[Linda Tonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Linda Tonis

Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

This is Ms. Walker’s debut novel and as far as this reviewer is concerned, she is a winner. A new take on Tristan and Isolda and that is just the beginning, we get a taste of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Lancelot, Guinevere, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Elves, Little Folks, dwarves, Vikings and not a boring moment from beginning to end. An author who can put all of this in a book and keep you glued and wanting more is an author who goes on my list of favorites.

It all begins when King Donnchadh of Ireland is awaiting the arrival of his betrothed, Princess Morag of Scotland. The king’s daughter Issylt is fourteen and her greatest joy is going out to ride her horse, Luna. When she meets Morag for the first time, she gets a bad feeling and it is a feeling that proves to be true. Her father is totally taken with his beautiful bride and his world seems bright and happy, but Issylt sees the darkness and evil in her stepmother and she gets the brunt of her cruelty.

Issylt’s nurse is sent away, and she is taken for a ride surrounded by Morag’s knights, a ride that does not include a return trip. When the king dies Issylt is the heir to the throne and that is something that Morag will make sure doesn’t happen. Fortunately, the two knights sent to bring her heart back to the queen can’t do it and tell Issylt to follow the path to the cottage of the Witch of Hazelwood Forest. It is here that she finds love with Maiwenn and learns everything she needs to know about healing. With a new name, Eglantine, her blond hair covered life goes on but a betrayal will reveal she is alive and will bring the queen and her knights to Maiwenn’s home.

Once again Issylt is saved due to Maiwenn’s awareness of the evil coming and she has arranged for her to go to Avalon where she will be safe, continue her knowledge of healing and live with Viviane, Lancelot’s mother. She discovers her gift for healing and learns she has the gift of sight. It is that gift that enables her to see her father dying while the queen looks on. Issylt longs to save her father but without an army she would only fail and die along with her beloved father.

There is so much going on in this book that I am beginning to believe my review will become a story of its own, but I need to begin Tristan’s story. At the age of eight Tristan witnessed Vikings butchering his family but only for one of the knights with him he would have gone running toward his family in an effort to save them. Tristan was left an orphan filled with guilt for not saving his family and rage against the Viking that killed them. He was sent to live with his uncle, King Marke of Cornwall and is his heir. A Tournament of Champions is held by his uncle and the ten winners will be sent to Camelot to train to become a Knight of the Round Table.

Tristan is one of the winners and becomes friends with Lancelot and his bravery and popularity just grows and grows. How and when he meets Issylte is something I will leave for you to read, and it is just as wonderful and exciting as everything else in this book. The only complaint I have is I have to wait for the next book and I will impatiently wait for its arrival.

I can’t recommend this book enough and this has to be the longest review I have written and I have written a bunch.

 

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Issylte yearned to be astride her horse Luna racing towards the forest instead of sitting still as servants transformed her into a proper princess, The Emerald Princess.

A royal entourage was arriving with her father's betrothed and her future stepmother and Queen. The castle was buzzing with the preparations for the royal wedding as it had been twelve years since the death of the previous Queen as she gave birth to Issylte.

All Issylte could think about was that her father would choose her future husband from the wedding guests and be humiliated when she didn't hear his words spoken into her deaf ear. She has no interest in marriage and even less in being a proper princess.

When she arrived in the Irish King's antechamber she waited with her father for the arrival of the Scottish Princess which would unite their two kingdoms. When her future stepmother Princess Morag took her hand in greeting chills went down her spine and feelings as if her life was being drained from her body.

Tristan was drenched in sweat from the brutal training session. He braced himself for another attack, disarmed his opponent with his sword tip at his throat and grinned in victory. Connor was two years older than his eighteen years and he had beaten him again...the third time in a row.

Now his mentor was approaching the field to compliment his accomplishments and to let him know his uncle, the King of Cornwall requested his presence. He had arrived here after witnessing the slaughter of his family by Viking marauders. For the last ten years, he poured all his rage into training and at 18 is the King's Champion.

King Arthur is searching for new candidates to train as Knights of the Round Table at Camelot and his uncle has decided to host a Tournament of Champions to decide which ten Cornwall Knights will receive the honor of training with King Arthur's Champion, the legendary Lancelot of the Lake and becoming a Knight of the Round Table.

I loved this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This story is told in multiple POV which gives even more depth to this story of treachery as Queen Morag destroys anyone who stands in the way of her wish to be the one Queen of all the realms.

Princess Issylte was able to escape the Queen's first attempt on her life when two of the Queen's Knights helped her escape and was protected by a wood fairy who taught her how to be a healer. Now four years later she has been betrayed and the Queen has found her and is determined to get rid of the threat to the throne. But, Princess Issylte is determined to avenge those who died at the hands of the Queen and find a Champion to help her regain her birthright.

This book is action-packed and full of danger in this fantasy romance full of dwarfs, fairies, giant elves, enchantresses and evil wizards. This is book one of The Wild Rose and Sea Raven trilogy and although the story continues there is no cliffhanger leaving you on the edge.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to continuing Issylte and Tristan's journey to stop the evil Queen.

[Literature Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for the book - " The wild Rose and Sea Raven". By Jennifer Ivy Walker.

Ratings- 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Description in one line - Brilliant, unputdownable, pure classic fantasy and romance book.

Description in detail -
"The wild rose and sea raven" by Jennifer Ivy Walker is a paranormal fantasy book. The minute I opened this book, I was transported to my English Literature class. This book seems to be coming out of the shelves of pure classics, reminding me about Jane Austen, William Shakespeare and the contemporary writer J.K Rowling.

The book takes you straight into the mediaeval period, concerned a lot about clean and ethical living. You can feel the freshness of air, rawness of herbs and trees, fragrance of flowers, especially when woods and fairies are being described. You feel standing amidst the nature, the narrative is so strong and powerful that you feel the whole vibe of extraordinary world around you.

The romance in the book is as fresh as Jasmine.

The wicked queen wants to kill princess Issylte. A witch fairy saves Issylte, shelters her and teaches her the art of using herbs and nature's magic. Issylte learns good number of tricks with the witch fairy's help. She also teaches her to heal the sick. Because of the wicked queen, Issylte has lost her dear ones including her father and now wants to defeat the wicked queen.

Then there is Tristan of Lyonesse, a knight and heir to Kingdom of Cornwall which is ruled by his uncle. Tristan is on the pursuit to protect thr king.

When Issylte and Tristan meet.. their fate seems to be intertwined and interdependent on eachother. But how? Will Issylte be able to defeat the wicked queen?

I'm not gonna to ruin this for you. This is one of the most spectacular story I have read not just in recent times but in past few years.

Brilliant job and I was literally jaw hung on knowing that this is debut novel by Jennifer Ivy Walker. I'm quite sure that this book will soon make to the top charts.

#ayeshafmuskaan #bookreview #bookstgrammer #mustread #bookshelf #bookworm #queenwithwords #novel

[Taryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is an Arthurian retelling that weaves together magic, action, and romance into a richly crafted world. Jennifer Ivy Walker's writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of Tristan and Issylte.

The book follows two main perspectives - Issylte, a young princess who must escape the clutches of her evil stepmother, and Tristan, a knight of the Round Table who must confront his own demons and fight to protect his king. Both characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities and compelling story arcs that intertwine in surprising ways.

One strength of this book is the vivid and intricate world-building. Walker has created a world that is both familiar and fantastical, with magical creatures, enchanted forests, and ancient legends. The author's attention to detail is impressive, and the descriptions of the settings and characters are vivid and immersive.

Another aspect of this book that stands out is the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. Both Issylte and Tristan must confront their past mistakes and make difficult choices to move forward and protect what they hold dear. The character development throughout the book is well-executed and adds depth to the story.

That being said, there were a few moments where the pacing of the book felt uneven, with certain sections dragging on a bit too long. While the multiple POVs added depth to the story, there were moments where it felt a bit jarring to switch between so many different characters.

Overall, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is an enchanting read that will appeal to fans of Arthurian legends, fairy tale retellings, and epic fantasy.

[Anastasia Abboud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just returned from a magical land, from the mists of Avalon and the company of Tristan and Iseult, Lancelot and the Lady of the Lake, and the Tribe of Dana (Tuatha de Danaan), to name a few. Jennifer Ivy Walker has woven a beautiful, truly magnificent tale of good and evil, magic, legend, and romance.

I’m not sure if I can choose a favorite aspect of this extraordinary book. The lore and legends are treated respectfully, lovingly, but new threads are added, creating a new story. Then there's the reverence that the (good) characters hold for nature and its healing powers. The book partly reads as a flowing treatise on clean-living, medieval-style. You can taste the freshness of the foods, smell the fragrance of the forest and herbs, and feel the peace of the surroundings – until it’s all disrupted.

The evil in the book is scary and pervasive. Both Tristan and Issylte have lost all that was dear to them. But how are their fates entertwined? I’m not going to ruin it for you here. But I don’t think it will come as a surprise to say that Issylte is forced to leave her homeland because her wicked stepmother, the Evil Queen, wants her dead.

The Evil Queen and her cohorts are deadly and relentless. I would say that there’s no rest at all, but that wouldn’t be true. The author weaves peace, beauty, and healing with murder, avarice, and treachery.

It’s amazing, and I can hardly wait for the next in series. For a delicious plunge into medieval lore, legend, and romance, do yourself a favor and pick up The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker.

[Autumn Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPOILERS*
“The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven” written by Jennifer Ivy Walker was a great book. Jennifer Walker has written and is still writing this three book series of fantasy historical fiction. As I was reading, I loved how she included an evil stepmother which makes me feel like it is an adult version of cinderella and dwarves like snow white! Princess Issylte, the emerald princess, is an exciting character and the readers get to see her discover magic, love, and adventures. Morag, the villain, is determined to kill the king and claim the throne as her own. Gigi is like the fairy godmother in the story, she would do anything to protect Issylte. Issylte escapes the Morag’s, the new queen, plot and discovers her magical powers, living deep in the Irish forests with a fairy witch who teaches her how to develop her healing powers. This reveals that Issylte is a healer. Tristan of Lyoness was the heir to his family’s throne in the Scilly Isles when his entire family’s murder by marauding Vikings. Tristan, who grew up with his Uncle Marke, was now the most feared knight. Tristan was sent to train with King Arthur as one of the fabled Knights. Tristan meets and becomes friends with Arthur’s premiere knight and champion, Sir Lancelot. Although Tristan and Issylte are on different paths, fate will bring them together. I am personally not a fantasy reader, but I truly enjoyed this entire book. I was also able to read it within two days, it was an easy read and I am looking forward to the next books to come! I was asked to do an honest review and was an arc reader for the author from instagram/booksirens. My favorite quote that i annotated was, “I don’t know if she even exists, Lancelot, but I want a woman who makes me feel alive! I want her kisses to arouse my passion, her heart to sing to mine. I want a muse to inspire my song, a lady to whom I would pledge my sword—and my life.”
(Excerpt From The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, Jennifer Ivy Walker)
This material may be protected by copyright.

[Christine Rains · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Emerald Princess Issylte must escape into the enchanted forest when her father marries a wicked woman intent on having all the power herself. Issylte learns the old ways of the forest, but when the evil queen discovers her there, Issylte must flee again to Avalon. Tristan of Lyonesse is a powerful knight, but the same cruel hand rips away his titles and honor. He and Issylte are twined together by fate, but will they be able to take down the great evil queen before she has them killed?

This is a wonderful first book in a fantasy series with a mix of retelling from the Arthurian tales, Celtic folklore, and the medieval romance, Tristan & Isolde. They are twined together well, and I could tell a lot of research had been done on every aspect of the story. It is slow moving and contains all sorts of details about the main characters' lives. I loved the parts about the Little People, the druids and the priestesses, and how rich in magic the world is. Tristan and Issylte do not meet each other until near the end. This book is about their lives before they met and what took them to the point where fate brought them together. There is no romance between them at the moment, but they do have romances with others. Both protagonists become powerful, but they will need it with the great evil they must face. The main villain is a wicked queen in all her evil glory, but I'm more interested in the dark dwarf assassin Frocin. He creeped me out more!

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wild Rose And the Sea Raven
Earc: Book Sirens
Publisher:
Publication Date:
Genre : Mediveal, Paranormal Romance, Dark Fantasy, Historical, Magic, Fairy Tale Retellings, Authrian Novels

An extraordinary masterpiece.
What drew me to this book in the first place was its unique storytelling abilities. Interwoven legends of mythology such as the Celts, King Arthur, and medieval French romances transport readers fully into this enchanting world. The structure of the creative imagination is reinforced by strong characterization and strong world-building. A poem by Tristan and Isolde, popular in 12th-century French medieval poetry. This captivating tale brings to life the characters of Tristan and Isolde, their conflicting backgrounds, the people they became friends with, and the love they shared.

The plot revolves around the beautiful young Irish princess Issylte. Isilte was terrified of her stepmother, who was cold and callous like her stone when she first met her after her father remarried. She is brutalized by her ruthless stepmother and Queen Morag of Scotland. She may be a princess, but she has never felt so alone as when her father, her king, came under the influence of the queen.



#BookSirens #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #Mediveal, #Paranormal Romance, #Dark Fantasy, #Historical, #Magic, #Fairy Tale Retellings, #Authrian Novels

[Susie Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adaptation of a medieval French legend, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is part fairytale, part thriller, part romance, and part fantasy. Jennifer Ivy Walker’s sweeping, exquisitely written debut novel is a classic, epic tale of good versus evil, replete with a host of swashbuckling heroes and damsels in distress, as well as a cast of villains and of course, an evil Queen.
Walker’s detailed, vivid descriptions of topography, food, castles, and intrigue catapult readers from this world to a faraway time and place where elves, fairies, and incantations make for a spellbinding experience. A skilled storyteller, Ms. Walker has her own take on familiar characters of the round table and has created a flawed, but a believable cast around them. Walker has woven an intricate plot that makes for a compelling tale that grabs you by the scruff of your neck on page one and never lets you go.
This is no fairytale for sissies. It is at times dark and terrifying and will have you chewing your nails and staying up all night. If you start reading this story not believing in fairies and the power of magic, you’ll be questioning yourself by the end of this enchanting tale.
The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven is a fast-paced, entertaining journey you won’t soon forget and has more than earned the five-star rating this reader has awarded it.

[Sophia Greenwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven, a romantasy novel based on the legend of Camelot and French folklore. The book gave me Game of Thrones vibes but with a fairytale spin, as it has multiple POVs with stories that intersect, along with themes of political intrigue. Actions and events that impact one character cause a "butterfly effect" on the other characters. The novel even had POV chapters of the main villain, which was unique and thrilling to read.

I fell in love with Issylte as she had a great character arc that followed her throughout her childhood and as she developed into a woman. Throughout the novel, she realizes that she is more powerful than she ever thought possible. I liked having a character that kept her soft and warm personality even when she reached her prime.

Tristan was enjoyable to follow as I watched him achieve his goal of becoming a knight while confronting his trauma regarding the gruesome deaths of his family. The friendship between Tristan and Camelot was heartwarming as they fought together and went on new adventures.

I highly recommend this book if you like spicy romantasy, folklore retellings, and historical/medieval stories!

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5/5

[Gnomereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Face your fears, dear heart. If you fail, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes and become even stronger.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I adored this book. I am someone who really enjoys mythology, folklore, and legends, and this magical story is a lovely nod to characters known and loved in Arthurian tales.

We get to experience the journey from several different perspectives, over the course of several years. The attention to detail was phenomenal. I truly felt as though I was along for the ride with the Knights of the Round Table as they trained in Camelot, or as though I was walking with Issylte through the Hazelwood forest, where the Little Fae Folk reside.

The Emerald Princess of Ireland is a testament to tremendous courage and resilience, and The Blue Knight of Cornwall a shining example of chivalry and honor.

This was a great introduction to the series and I can’t wait to continue on with the story. If you are a fan of King Arthur, and his noble knights, the Fae and Fae magic, and strong characters who stand for courage and truth, you will love this. Between the adventure and trials, the romance and the self discovery, this left me wanting more in the best way.

[Cristina Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The wild rose and the sea raven" is first in a new fantasy/historical trilogy by author Jennifer Walker. I'm delighted to discover its because I love medieval fantasy and this book presents a unforgettable blend of Arthurian legend, Celtic Mythology and Fairy Tale. Think of a juicy story with a beautiful princess, a brave hero, a seductive but very, very evil stepmother and an entire fantasy world of fairies, dwarves and Tuatha de Dannan tribe members. Jennifer's writing is colorful and full of details, makes us immediately imagine the different scenarios, whether forests or castles. And between trips and back to the fantastic world of Avalon and others, we follow the maturing of the protagonist, Princess Issylt, as she faces magic from obscure sources and discovers her first love. What else can I say other than that I can't wait for the next book in the trilogy! I'm already very curious to know about Issylt's adventures in her incursion into Armorica and what new characters and legends we will find. I recommend this book for all readers who love Arthurian tales and an original (and very adult) twist in Cinderella's tale with a Celtic flavor.
I received this arc for the author by BookSirens for an honest review.

[C.B. Oresky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Arthurian knights, the magical Hazelwood Forest, and the enchanted, mist-covered isle of Avalon have fresh life breathed into them in this detailed, fantasy retelling of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde. One is immediately thrust into the heart of the conflict with the marriage of the King of Ireland to cunning Morag. Once queen, Morag will stop at nothing to gain the power she craves…including the murder of the King’s beloved daughter, Isslyte – The Emerald Princess. In order to save her life, innocent Isslyte is thrust into adventures and a life she has never dreamt of. Towards the end, she meets her mate Tristan, a knight, whose coming-of-age story is artfully woven into chapters throughout the book. Can her beloved knight help her regain her rightful place as The Emerald Queen? The plot continues in book 2, "The Lady of the Mirrored Lake.”

If you like Arthurian legend, fairy tales, knights, elves, and magic…this book is for you.

I give The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven five-stars for vivid imagery, masterful world building, and never-ending conflict that always kept me on the edge of my seat.

[C.S. Kading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have always been a fan of Arthurian Myths and legends. From the musical Camelot, to Mists of Avalon and even Idylls of the Kyng there has always been something about these legends that makes me smile.

Jennifer Ivy Walker's story "The Wild Rose and The Sea Raven" is a great new addition to those time-honored stories. This is not merely another re-telling of the story of Tristan and Isolde. Walker has clearly done some deep research here on the different versions of this tale, and incorporated those elements, along with other snippets from Arthurian myth to help the reader step IN to the world and FEEL what is going on. Great work on names and locations from the time, plus excellent research on the religions and cultures (not to mention politics of the era) make this a MUST.

There is a spice/heat level to the story (maybe a 2.5 out of 5), but it is well-placed and does not overshadow the actual story present.

A potential rival for Zimmer-Bradley.

[Joni (livebythemoon7) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Jennifer for sending it to me for my honest review ❤️

Wow. The writing of The Wild Rose and The Sea Raven is of such I haven't read in a long time. The amount of detail transports you into a completely separate world. It is written in multiple POV and each character is distinct with their destinies entertwined. The characters and world building are exceptional. This book is set in a time of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. It is a retelling of a sort mixing together Celtic myths along with french medieval romance as well as the King Arthur and his knights. Despite this being outside of what I would normally pick up I am very glad Jennifer reached out to me and I gave it a chance. I highly recommend it.

As always, my spice meter is not a reflection of how well the spice was written. As with the rest of the book the spicy scenes were well written. There were several scenes. The scenes are very short and mostly fade to black type of scenes and I believe that was the type of scenes the author was going for.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice• 🌶️

Blurb:
•In this dark fairy tale adaptation of a medieval French legend, Issylte must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads her to the otherworldy realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom. Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of the Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his past and defend his king or lose everything. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks. Haunted and hunted. Entwined by fate. Can their passion and power prevail?

Mini review:
•I loved how fast paced the book was. There was never a dull moment! This book was written in dual POV and was easy to follow along! This is the first fairytale adaptation novel I’ve read and I really enjoyed it!

•This is book one of a three and I’m looking forward to reading the other two books!

•"I will, my princess. You hold my heart in your beautiful hands. I love you, Issylte."