
I have this unfortunate habit with the really good ones where I not only binge, but am constantly skimming ahead and giving myself all the spoilers. Much to the chagrin of my author side 😅 Wishtress was one such read! And I’m already itching for a re-read.
Synopsis:
She didn’t ask to be the Wishtress.
Myrthe was born with the ability to turn her tears into wishes. It’s a big secret to keep. When a granted wish goes wrong, a curse is placed on her: the next tear she sheds will kill her. She needs to journey to the Well and break the curse before it claims her life–and before the king’s militairen track her down. But in order to survive the journey, she 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 and capture the Wishtress and deliver her to the schloss. But Bastiaan needs a wish of his own. When he locates Myrthe, he agrees to take her to the Well in exchange for a wish. Once she’s fulfilled her end of the deal, he’ll turn her in. As long as his growing feelings for the girl with a stone heart don’t compromise his job.
They are on a journey that can only end 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 even betray her for it. No one knows that to grant even one of them, Myrthe would have to die. And if she tells them about her curse . . . they’ll just kill her anyway.
Things I Liked:
Atmosphere: It’s a perfect wintery tale with Germanic vibes and a brilliant magic system!
Characters: The characters are so complex. Heroes and villains alike! I honestly can’t decide who I’m drawn to more, Myrte or Bastiaan. They’re both such burnt little cinnamon rolls with beautiful healing journeys. (But honestly, Runt is my favorite character on the whole 😉) Also, I’m a very sensitive person and often tears come as easy as breathing. So I very much admire the control Myrte has over her emotions.
Themes: As always with Nadine books, I loved the subtle use of allegory and redemptive themes. Especially the themes of motherhood and unconditional love.