Thank to NetGalley for an ARC of A Story Spun in Scarlet! This review is entirely of my own opinion.

Firstly, this book is 659 pages and I was only able to finish to 30% which is about 200 pages.

I really enjoyed the unique concept and plot, and with Renee’s gorgeous prose and world-building I was kept entranced.

What made me DNF this book though is that I felt the characterization was lacking after 200 pages. I couldn’t really connect to Audra or Jaik, and this was enough for me to not be interested to continue their story. I can see how further into the book, the characters and their relationships would develop, but unfortunately if I’m not hooked by 200 pages, I feel it’s not in my best interest to continue.

I still love Renee as an author and her writing style is one of my favorites! The Starchaser Saga and The Curse of the Blessed series are some of the best books I’ve read!

What the heck did I just read and why is it now my favorite book ever?

Before this, Deathless was my favorite book. But I would never, ever, ever re-read it because it put me in such a reading slump and made me feel like my heart was ripped out and chewed with the strength of that story. This book somehow made me feel the same way again, and so it must sit in the freezer with Deathless, haunting me but never to be read again.

Seriously, this book was THAT good. I wept. I laughed. I felt hope. I felt despair. It was a very, very good story. Not just a book, like “oh I couldn’t put this down” or “oh I ship this couple” or whatever, like it was just genuinely a good story. If it didn’t hurt so damn much, I’d probably read it again too, but alas, the PAIN.

I highly recommend it to everyone. But I do NOT thank NetGalley for bringing this eARC into my life because now I’ll never be able to read anything else. Alas.

This was a nice book to start the New Year on.
yes, it's long but I loved the stories within a story; could some things have been cut? Yes. But its a quest book, and this is what I expect from quest books.. it takes place over several months, which is something I appreciated because it gave time for the relationship between the two MCs to grow organically.

Audra is a likeable enough MC and Jaik is a good companion. The concept is unique and even if the execution isn't perfect and the ending is a bit hazy, the story itself is good and I wanted to keep going and I actually lost track of time finishing it up.

Thank you NetGalley and Wave Walker Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

DNF 9%

I know! This looks like I gave this no chance, but I swear I tried 🥺
This is a pretty long book, so this is still about about 60 pages, buy it was ALL description. There was so little dialogue, and every page was just never-ending paragraphs of description, and that type of writing is just never for me.

It seemed like it could be an interesting story, and unfortunately I never made it to the MMC, but I felt like I was moving through molasses trying to read this and I just wasn't enjoying myself 😔

Firstly, huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for this novel.

I wanted to like this book so much. The premise of stories as magic, and a world where those stories have lost their endings, was one that filled me with so much excitement. And the story itself seems to be a wonderful one, with plenty beautiful moments spied as I flicked through to the end. However, despite every effort to finish it, I just physically could not.

The prose was unfocused and meandering, and it swallowed up the plot and the characters and the world. Superfluous descriptions, too-long sentences and entire paragraphs that could be reduced to mere sentences, and repeated sentiments made it personally very difficult to read. I did flick further through the book before deciding to DNF to see if it got any better, and while the opening chapters do seem to bear the brunt of it, perhaps due to their expository nature, it continues to be a theme throughout. I usually love descriptive/poetic prose but with this book it crosses the line into purple.

As a constructive point, I can't help but wonder if the author's style would be more impactful in third-person, as part of the issue I think lay in the fact that much of the main character's voice is overwhelmed by flowery descriptions, leaving little room for her personality to shine through.

Two stars for the premise. The story showed a lot of promise, the writing just needed to be a lot cleaner.

HOLY FREAKING CRAP. Genuinely sobbing at that ending, what a wonderfully written book! Honestly, I'm not going to lie, first half was a bit of a drag plot wise and the italics were annoying. I am so glad I stuck it through! The last half of this novel with all of the plot twists, the storytelling, all of it; five stars across the board. (If you could just shoot me an email or a message or sky write something though and just say "SHE REMEMBERED" I would absolutely appreciate that.) But what a beautiful ending. I love how everything tied together. If Throne of Glass, the Witcher, and LOTR had a book baby, this would be it.

Down to brass tacks: the Audra of the first half of the book acted vastly more immaturely than the second half of the book, it nearly gave me whiplash. It almost felt like she was 15 in the first half and 25 in the second half. Also, the pet name was super cute, but after the 50th time of reading "tiger" it it was losing its shine. But honestly the fact that they fell in love not once, not twice, but three times (if she remembers at the end)? Oh my swooning epic romantic heart, that made me bawl. Overall, wonderful wonderful wonderful. Dugan created an epic fantasy and I can't wait for its release so I can get a hardback copy.

Whoa! Just whoa! This book is addicting with a mystery spun in adventures and beautiful stories. It takes fantasy to a whole new dimension with Storycrafters and Misspoken stories, the complex characters, and the beautiful settings of the towns, cities, and countryside. The resilience of the human spirit is so beautifully told in this story - Hope springs eternal.

The romance between Audra and Jaik is not spicy but I fell in love with them falling in love. Their banter is fabulous and I yearned for their romance for the first meeting.

I loved that Jaik used a grounding exercise/method that I use when I have an anxiety attack. You don't see those types of good coping mechanisms very often in books and this mechanism is my favorite (because it helps me soo much).

The book left me guessing right up until the end!

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC*

I enjoyed this book. It had great character development, fantastic world building and a really interesting magic system. I did feel several times while reading that it was wrapping up to end, only to find that it kept going. I think it would have been better served as a 2 book series, but there is something to be said for not having a cliffhanger ending. It book wraps up nicely, and I appreciated the ending.

Thanks Netgalley for an e-ARC! I liked this, but it wasn’t anything special for me personally. I will say, I have a hard time when the names are spelled too uniquely or obscurely. It distracts me from what’s going on because I just go “bskfhsg” in my head. But that’s just a random pet peeve I have!

A Story Spun in Scarlet earns four stars from me for its magic system, world building and generally beautiful writing. The books pacing in certain moments is left to be desired however I am eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series!

Thank you Wave Walker Press and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked:
- I was drawn in from the beginning.
- The banter was great between characters.
- I liked the humor added to the story.
- The world building was interesting.


What I did not like:
- The book length. I did not feel it needed to be so long. A lot of repetition. Could be cut down.
- The character development didn't make sense for me. Some loopholes in the story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.3 rounded down to 4/5

"A Story Spun in Scarlet" by R. Dugan, weaves a captivating narrative set in the enchanting land of Mithra-Sha. Audra Jashowin, a storyteller seeking purpose, takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, adventure, and a slow-burning romance that lingers long after the final page.

The mesmerizing cover draws readers into a world where tales have lost their endings, and Audra, haunted by rejection, embarks on a quest for belonging. The introduction of Jaik Grissom, a simple farmhand with a unique talent, adds depth to the storyline as they venture into the heart of storytelling itself.

Dugan's writing is beautiful, immersing readers from page one. The world-building is exceptional, painting a vivid picture of Mithra-Sha and its intricate magic system. However, the complexity of the initial world-building can make the beginning feel dense, demanding a bit more patience from the reader.

The relationship between Audra and Jaik is a highlight, offering a wonderful slow burn that keeps the audience invested. However, some readers may desire a bit more spice at times. Additionally, the occasional feeling that Audra and Jaik are younger than intended can slightly disconnect the audience from the depth of their experiences.

The religious undertones throughout the book might be divisive for some readers. While they add a layer of complexity to the narrative, those who prefer a more secular storyline may find it distracting.

The use of a past tense 1st person POV contributes to a sense of reflection but may distance readers from the immediacy of the events. Nevertheless, the rich and complex characters, coupled with a mystery lurking beneath broken tales, keep the plot engaging.

As the duo uncovers a terrible truth that reshapes the course of history, Dugan masterfully keeps the suspense alive. The tragedy written between the pages is a poignant element that leaves a lasting impact, rewriting the ending of the tale in a way that will linger in readers' minds.

In conclusion, "A Story Spun in Scarlet" is a delightful blend of adventure, romance, and magic. While it may have some minor drawbacks, the enchanting narrative, coupled with Dugan's beautiful prose and intricate world-building, ensures that readers will be left yearning for more tales from Mithra-Sha.

I recently had the opportunity to read the ARC of "A Story Spun in Scarlet," and it was a captivating journey through the enchanting land of Mithra-Sha. Audra Jashowin, a storyteller seeking purpose, takes center stage, bringing with her a magical narrative that intertwines with the very essence of storytelling itself.

One of the book's standout features is its unique magic system, beautifully woven into the fabric of the tale. Audra's storytelling abilities, coupled with Jaik Grissom, create a compelling synergy that breathes life into the stories within Mithra-Sha.

The chemistry between Audra and Jaik is palpable and feels real which made me like their characters even more. The banter and humor throughout the book made it a truly fun read.

However, my journey through the book hit a slight snag in the 25%-35% mark, where I encountered a lot if info dumping. While it took some effort to navigate through this portion, although the twists and turns of the story were so captivating that they more than compensated for the initial challenge.

In the end, I gave "A Story Spun in Scarlet" a well-deserved 4/5 stars. Its exploration of stories within a story, a rich magic system, and the genuine connection between the characters make it a fantastic read for any fan of imaginative and enchanting tales.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Read for:
- World-building
- Fresh magic system
- Convincing cast of characters

Overall, I really liked this book. I struggled personally with the pacing toward the middle-end, but I stuck it out because I was invested in the story.

A Story Spun in Scarlet earns four stars for its enchanting narrative and inventive magic system. Renee's clever concept of storytellers shaping tales adds a unique layer. While Audra's internal monologs and pacing moments are minor drawbacks, the overall experience is immersive, creative, and leaves a lasting impression. Eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.

"Let Me tell you a story..."

It's been a long time since a story has captivated me from the first line. And with its mix of magic system, stories, plot line and characters, it probably stands as one of my most favourite reads of 2023 over all.

A Story Spun in Scarlett is a fast moving, character driven fantasy adventure; in which the author paints such vivid scenes through her words that I felt fully submerged. A story that can conjure such vivid pictures in the minds eye is definitely something special.

Story, Plot and Flow:
As a reader we start our journey meeting fleeing Audra Jashowin. A storyteller who, like the rest of the story tellers of Mithra- Sha, have lost the ability to find endings for the stories they craft. A lost power means struggle for it's people. Shunned and forgotten by family and friends, Audra sets of to find a new city and a new life.

I liked that the time frame was made clear in things that happened. You get a sense (quickly) that this new life evolved slowly over the months Audra was in the city. It felt more authentic progress to the character and storyline.

We eventually meet farm hand Jaik Grissom, who for unknown reasons, appears to be the key in bringing back the power to the stories of the storytellers. An amplifier to stories.
This chance meetings spirals into a fast paced adventure, a quest of sorts to discover what happened to the magic around stories and how to bring it back not just for Audra but all story tellers and the people.

It soon starts to become clear that paths have crossed prior and that their involvement in what happened might actually run deeper than what they could ever anticipate.

Magic, Monsters, and Mayhem:
The predicaments and challenges the characters face are very creative. And in some cases (in my minds eye anyway) quite gruesome. Especially in the case of the creatures of the misspoken stories - those manifested wrongly.

I enjoyed the authors writing style that transports our MCs and reader alike, through vast mountains, valleys and dangerous seas. Constantly encouraging the reader to engage and guess, or piece together the fragments of stories.
The story flowed well with plenty to keep the reader on the edge of their seat and the pages turning.

Character, Emotions and Message
I liked the multifaceted approach to the characters. The light and dark of a character. I didn't always like Audra for example, but it did give her character more authenticity. She definitely grows as a character. Someone being brave because she's thrown into having to be and trying to believe in herself.

There's a whole cast of characters that support the MCs in their journeys and are very likable. (I very much loved most of the side characters, my favourite being the Captain) Of course you can't have all good - these have to come up across the bad and prevail.

There did seem to be some religious aspect to the story, especially in regards when the characters meet and interact with a story keeper - but I won't go into much detail in fear that I would give too much away. It does give the reader something to think about. I'm not religious myself but could appreciate the message in the way the characters interacted at this point. in short, it was relevant to their story.


Overall:
I adored this story for its characters and magic system. The author's writing captivated my imagination and I found myself unable to stop turning the words into marvellous pictures in my minds eye.
I was delighted by the offered idea that the power and wonder of stories are actually manifested and welded by storytellers. A brilliant and unique concept. I would be keen to read the next books of this series.

Love, friendship, courage and stories.

It's the kind of story that reminds you of why you choose to to be a reader. An easy awarded 5 stars from this reader/reviewer.

I had high hopes for this because the cover and title are stunning and I was intrigued by the idea of a story about storytellers and the fractured stories, but I just couldn’t get into it. The writing style was too descriptive for me and after a few chapters my attention was too scattered for me to continue.

I found myself really enjoying the idea behind the story and the writing style. It all flowed together nicely, and was both creative and intriguing. But Audra's internal monologs and emotional outbursts towards her friends due to only her thoughts and not their actions became really aggravating the more it happened. Also feel the plotting could have been paced a little better. The books was SO long with not enough events to justify the length.

I love this book! It’s lyrical and metaphorical. It stole my heart with its stories in a story. Can you imagine a world where magic is woven through stories, and these stories can’t be finished? The concept is devastating.

Audra is a storyteller who can no longer finish her tales. She’s forced to find out why. Her journey is full of magic both beautiful and devastating. She finds friends, new and old, and falls in love with Jaik. The slow burn of this romance is delightful. Jaik is delightful. The entire book is delightful!

Renee’s writing is unique. In this book, her descriptions usually revolve around writing and stories. I find them so clever. They add to the magic of the story.

I was swept away by the imagery, the main characters, the friendships, and the ending. I want more of this world. I want more of this writing style.

This book contains no profanity and kissing.

A 3 1/2 star reed, A Story Spun in Scarlet is about a world crafted from stories. This book had everything going for it. It had an amazing premise, an interesting main character, and a relationship dynamic that was interesting. The settings had the same vibes as Ketterdam (from Six of Crows), and I loved that about it.

It had a slow start, that picked up in the middle. Unfortunately, the ending dragged again. There seemed to be too many storylines, characters and settings that ultimately weren't needed. Still, those characters were charming, and the main character and love interest were as well. It was what kept me engaged despite the longer parts of the story that could have been avoided.

Overall, it was a good book. Not a quick read, but definitely worth picking up if you want a fresh magic system and character that make up want to root for them, despite all their flaws.