Review: Wishtress by Nadine Brandes

About the Book
Her tears grant wishes. Her next tear will end her life.

She didn’t ask to be the Wishtress.

Myrthe was born with the ability to turn her tears into wishes. But when a granted wish goes wrong, she is cursed: the next tear she sheds will kill her. She must travel to the Well to break the curse before it can claim her life—and before the king’s militairen find her. To survive the journey, Myrthe must harden her heart to keep herself from crying even a single tear.

He can stop time with a snap of his fingers.

Bastiaan’s powerful—and rare—Talent came in handy when he kidnapped the old king. Now the new king has a job for him: find the Wishtress and deliver her to the schloss. But Bastiaan needs a wish of his own. He gains Myrthe’s trust by promising to take her to the Well, but once he gets what he needs, he’ll turn her in. As long as his growing feelings for the girl with a stone heart don’t compromise him.

Their quest can end only one way: with her death.

Everyone seems to need a wish—the king, Myrthe’s cousin, the boy she thinks she loves. And they’re ready to bully, beg, and betray her for it. No one knows that to grant even one wish, Myrthe would pay with her life. And if she tells them about the curse . . . they’ll just kill her anyway.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

"Myrthe, your past matters. It's the ink of your story. But it doesn't write your future."

Oh my goodness! I don't even know where to begin! What an absolute masterpiece! I loved this story so much! That's not really a surprise though. I've enjoyed every single one of Nadine Brandes' books, but this one might be my favorite one so far. It was such a powerful, poignant, and beautiful read.

I liked Myrthe. She made some really poor choices and didn't always think through the possible consequences of her actions, but she always meant well. Even though she faced some pretty tough circumstances, she was tenderhearted and compassionate. It was heartbreaking that most people didn't really see her, but only what she could do for them. I really felt for her. The journey she goes on from the beginning of the story to the end, the way that she grows, was inspiring to see.

Bastiaan was an all-around great guy. Yes, he made mistakes. Big ones. Disastrous ones. But he was such a steadfast, loyal, and kind guy. He was always wanting the best for everyone. Trying to right all the wrongs of the world. It was a tall order, but he faced it all with such a big heart. And I loved seeing his relationship with Runt. It was such a genuine thing, and it was obvious that he cared a great deal for the little guy.

This was not a predictable read by any means. It took turns that I never would've guessed. And that ending? I'm still processing, but the more I think about it, the more perfect it feels. I imagine I'll be contemplating it for a while yet. If you're a fan of fantasy, I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's one of the best I've read this year.

I received an early copy of this book via Netgalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS