I truly enjoyed this cozy epic fantasy. It’s strange to string those words together, but they oddly fit this book. It evokes the sort of feelings you had as a child/young adult reading series like “The Chronicles of Narnia” or other wholesome (read: not spicy) fantasy stories for the first time. You just know from the very beginning that no matter how things work out in the end, they will work out exactly as they should.

While there is a bit of romance in this book it definitely takes a backseat and functions as a sub-plot to the main storyline, which is something I found to be refreshing. This is definitely *not* a romantasy, and if you go into it this book expecting that you’re going to be sorely disappointed.

Also something to note: this is not the type of fantasy that is action-based or super fast paced. Rather it spends time on the little details and really constructs the cozy, almost soft world in which the cast of character live. The magic system and world-building is positively superb. It’s clear A.S. Dampt put a great deal of thought into making everything unique. I won’t spoil the story for you, but I will say this is a great palate cleanser!

I’m super on the fence about this book.

The good stuff was super good! I enjoyed worldbuilding—it was definitely unique. The political climate and tensions were perfectly described, as was the setting. Heidi enters Verdélys with no knowledge of their history, traditions, culture, or even herself. Overcoming the learning curve with Heidi made for an intriguing read, and Hiedi’s curiosity and ambition felt authentic. I personally haven’t read much elemental magic, so exploring the Firstborns and their respective powers (like mind reading!!) was super interesting.

However…

I struggled to get through this book. It felt extensively long. And I don’t mind a nice long book! This novel, however, fell victim to overexplaining. There were full on chapters dedicated to Heidi learning from a textbook, or the Firstborns attending an opera. By 40%, I felt as though nothing significant happened (besides her moving from Hull to Verdélys). Some parts of the book lacked substance—I would have much rather learnt about the other three Firstborns alongside Heidi as opposed to reading about her reading a textbook. Therefore, it was hard to connect to Heidi and the other main characters. Unfortunately, they lacked depth and context, and felt like plot devices rather than individuals. The climax also wasn’t a showstopper. It kind of just…existed without any real suspense.

Overall not terrible, but I do wish the novel stuck out a bit more. It has extensive potential, and I hope in future books the conflict and characters are fleshed out.

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Heidi, who grows up in a charming cottage surrounded by farmland, raised by her two human parents. Naturally, she assumes that she must be human too—until a mysterious stranger arrives in her village and changes everything. Heidi learns that she is actually one of four heirs to a kingdom she always believed was just a myth. Suddenly, she’s whisked away to Verdelys, where she must grow into a strong, intelligent, and capable heir to the throne. But as Heidi adjusts to this new life, she faces challenges far beyond royal training. A rising darkness threatens her kingdom, forcing her to navigate the complexities of court politics, an unfamiliar culture, and a completely new religious system—all while fighting to protect the world she loves.
The world-building in this book was absolutely incredible. Every time I picked it up, I felt fully transported into the universe Dampt created. I adored the setting. The mix of political intrigue, elemental magic, and rich history made the world feel so immersive and alive.
I can see how some readers might not love the slower pacing, but personally, I really enjoyed it.

Book review: 3.25/5 ⭐️
Genre: high fantasy
Themes: nature, light versus darkness, societal hierarchy
📖 Read if you like: Uprooted, Emily Wilde, Under the Oak Tree

One of my reading goals from this year was to read more debuts from indie authors or publishers. So I was ever so excited to receive a copy of this self published fantasy from NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book for the magical integration of plants and the wildly imagined creatures that roamed these lands. It was a very well developed world with a people that vaguely resembled fae in their connection to nature and magic, but that had a society all of their own. Within their ranks were imps and humans and all the strife that can arise from being different. It was certainly creative and the slow pace let me enjoy exploring this world with our MC Heidi/Sylvie.

Sylvie has been raised human, but she has always known she is different. Running barefoot in fields that she is able to coax into growth, seeing memories in water and being able to read minds she is certainly something else. When an ethereal stranger comes to collect Sylvie, her origin and task reveal themselves. She is one of four born every 200 years to rule the Verdelians with their unique gifts. Sylvie is Morwenna reborn fated to be in control of the judicial system with her powers of insight. As Sylvie sets foot in this new land and her new role on shaky legs she must begin to learn and discover who and what she can trust in this new land. The start of this novel and the premise were certainly the makings of a great fantasy series.

If I thought too much about this book too much, I would be critical of the pace. It was slow at the beginning and the character development really only focuses on one character despite there being four Firstborns. The love stories in particular lacked foundation besides the historical coupling. I couldn’t understand Sylvia’s choice to swing from Gaetan to Loic without any critical event or conversation to cause this shift. There really wasn’t any relationship development between any of the four to indicate anything beyond friendship. Even Margot was an enigma, but Sylvie was expected to extend kindness towards her. She could have been such an interesting character or POV given her background. A missed opportunity in my opinion. Overall, I thought there needed to be some tension between the characters and more of the other Firstborn.

I also thought there needed to be a little more that happened it terms of motivation or a high stakes event to drive this plot. It meandered a bit in the middle, which can be an easy way to loose readers. When the dark conspiracy finally started to reveal itself I thought it needed to have been introduced in a darker way earlier in the plot. The difference between aether and Rhys continued existence also needed to be better explained to understand the chain of events. I just didn’t feel the emergency or dread that started the attack or the siege.

So a commendable debut with an interesting world, but I thought there needed to be more character development for the other three Firstborn and that the plot needed a little more fine tuning for logic and to keep readers invested. I do wonder how this series will continue.

5 stars all around.

There are not enough words in the English language to explain how much I enjoyed reading this :). The feeling you had when you were younger watching/reading Narnia for the first time? This encapsulates that feeling. But do not go into this book expecting a main stream romantasy, or something fast paced and action packed, this book is simply not that, but is all the better for it. (no hate to mainstream romantasy) This book is a piece of literature to put it simply, with all the cozy cottage core vibes and the scope of an epic fantasy. (the romance in this is SUB-plot :) )

Heidi grows up in a quaint cottage surrounded by farmland with her two human parents. Heidi makes the assumption that since her parents are human she must be too! WRONG. Heidi's entire world that she has grown to know and love gets flipped upside down when a mysterious stranger comes to visit her small village. Heidi discovers she is one of four heirs to kingdom she thought was myth, and is taken on a journey to Verdelys where she will learn to become a resilient, brave, and clever heir to the throne. As Heidi adapts to her new role, she is left to confront an uprising darkness that threatens the citizens of her kingdom and her place as heir. Heidi is challenged with the navigation of court politics, a culture and religion that is completely new to her, and the task of combatting the threat against the world she has grown to know and love.

The world building was absolutely phenomenal. I felt I was walking into the world Dampt built every time I picked up this book. I LOVED THE SETTING SO MUCH. The political intrigue, the elemental magic system, the detailed history and lore of the world were so well done and presented to the reader in a riveting way.
While I can imagine many may dislike the pacing, I personally loved the slower steady pace. Knowing that this is the first installment of a series, the pacing choice for this only made sense with the depth of the world created. This first book has set up the rest of this series to be nothing short of fantastic.

I loved Heidi's character for her resilience, and her ability to stay true to herself, and her gentle demeanor even when presented with violent happenings within her kingdom. As someone who had a rough upbringing, seeing a character go from humble beginnings, with little education, to being a leader of a Kingdom made Heidi easy to relate to. I enjoyed the incorporation of side characters, and the character development of Loic going from cool exterior, to kind and empathetic with Heidi. [I also enjoyed the legal system and the lawyer joke made somewhere around 60%, and these things only became more humorous to me upon finding out one of the co-authors is an attorney. ]

To say I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series is a gross understatement, and I will be sharing this book with every individual, who has the ability to read, that I come across.

The only remotely negative thing I have to say (which is partially my own fault) the chapter titles are a bit of a spoiler when you're clicking around on your kindle. I shouldn't have been looking.... but here we are lol...

The premise of this book drew me into the first portion of it. The slow-burn is worth the ending! This is the start to a series and I can't wait to see what else is in store for the Firstborn's.

"she is the daughter of water, and it speaks to her."

a hidden princess. four firstborn heirs. an enchanting world brimming with politics, magic, myth, a prophecy, found family, genuinely likeable characters, clean slow burn romance, and traditional whimsical fantasy storytelling. and it's a debut novel as well! ✨️

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing this arc to read and review!! full review to come.

Fantasy, first in a series. A Princess, hidden, revealed. Heidi knows little of Verdélian when she is brought as one of the four members of the Royalty. Thrown in at the deep end she has Much to learn about Verdélian life and politics, magic and romance. And a prophecy that now hangs over this place. Insurrection in the city and Country abounds as a fifth, and evil player, spreads their insidious evil. This first book sets the scene of a much larger story to come. Thank you to Damon Creative Studio LLC and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

"Daughter of Water" is a beautifully written fantasy that echoes the charm of traditional fantasy storytelling. It doesn’t rely on constant twists or relentless danger lurking behind every stone. Instead, it unfolds naturally, drawing the reader into its world with depth and steady pacing.

The story follows four Firstborn heirs, each destined to rule, as they navigate a kingdom threatened by a hidden darkness. The protagonist’s journey stands out—she isn’t instantly powerful or fearless. Instead, she learns, stumbles, and grows, making her a truly relatable and compelling character. The contrast between her and the more experienced figures is well-balanced: she doesn’t overshadow them, yet she proves her worth when it matters most.

Another highlight is the romance, which develops with an endearing softness. It’s not an all-consuming love story but a gentle, slow-burn connection built on small moments and quiet gestures, making it even more touching and sincere.

Bonus points for titled chapters, which add extra charm! I can’t wait to read the sequel.

A.S. Dampt’s Daughter of Water, the first installment of The Verdélian Chronicles, is a beautifully woven fantasy novel that immerses readers in an enchanting world brimming with magic, prophecy, and self-discovery. What sets this book apart is its intricate blend of nature-based magic, lyrical prose, and deep emotional resonance.

At its heart is Sylvie, a girl with a mysterious connection to water, who finds herself drawn into a world far grander—and more perilous—than she ever imagined. The novel is steeped in Verdélian lore, introducing a kingdom where magic is deeply tied to the land and its people. As Sylvie navigates her heritage and destiny, the book offers readers a rich tapestry of world-building that rivals some of the best fantasy epics.

Dampt excels in crafting a vivid setting, from the lush gardens of Verdélys to the shimmering waters that whisper secrets to Sylvie. The prose is immersive, poetic at times, making it easy to lose oneself in the depth of the narrative. Themes of belonging, fate versus free will, and the weight of expectation are woven throughout, giving the story emotional depth beyond its magical adventure.

While Daughter of Water shines in its world-building and character development, the pacing in the first half may feel slow for readers eager for high-stakes action. However, those who appreciate intricate storytelling and immersive atmospheres will find the gradual unfolding of Sylvie’s journey deeply rewarding.

This book is a must-read for fans of atmospheric fantasy with strong heroines, rich mythology, and a touch of the mystical. It’s a promising start to what feels like a saga worth following.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was an interesting read. I think the world building was very well done. The magic system wasn’t hard to understand and yet it was still unique and well integrated. I feel like there were points that there was a lot of info dumping which made the story drag.
There was a lot more telling, especially in regards to the political situation, than showing.
I also feel like the only character that was developed and given an arc was Heidi/Sylvie. The rest of the First Borne felt very one dimensional. I feel like Gaëtan all but disappeared by halfway through. I also feel like there weren’t very high stakes or excitement throughout, and the climax felt strangely paced speeding up the end of the story in comparison to the rest.

I will probably be reading the sequel, but I wanted to see more of Sylvie and Loïc’s relationship beyond a few moments here and there. I did like Sylvie and Margot‘s growing friendship. I am excited to see how the quests work out. I like how the plot was formatted and it was a fun read. I do also think and hope that we see more age-appropriate content. All four of the firstborns were 20 but they were referred to his children so often they could’ve been 16 and nothing in the story would’ve changed.

The book was decent for what it is. I found it strange at first but got more into in towards the end when the writing style improved. There were many things that threw me off. First in the beginning of the before Heidi was in her new home, her two different names were used interchangeably and did not flow. One sentence it will use Heidi then in the next sentence it will use her other name Sylvie.
The journey to her new home was also very confusing for me. I know that it said it was going to take a moon but with the writing of the journey I got the impression that it was only max of four days. Then Heidi said it was 36 or 37 days, then the next paragraph said almost two moons.
There is also the problem of some of the names. The name Meredith and Donovan each showed up once in the story, no idea where they came from but from the writing I knew it was the other characters. Throughout the middle of the book the names Lo'ic and Gaetan didn't have the punctuations above the names that showed up in the rest of the book, I understand they were French names so they should definitely have them.
The battle at the palace was very entertaining but it needed the protagonist to be more involved in it. From the writing she was just there and not really involved until she was hiding behind a wall. But in the flashback it said that she killed an imp.
The part about rescuing Gaetan was a great part and I love how Sylvie helped to get him out.
All in all it did hook me by the end even with the problems in it.

Daughter of Water by A.S. Dampt is such a good story. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. Such an amazing story.

Daughter of Water by A.S. Dampt is a mesmerising fantasy novel that excels in its intricate world-building and immersive storytelling. Set in a richly imagined world where elemental magic and ancient traditions shape the lives of its inhabitants, the novel follows the journey of a young protagonist who discovers her extraordinary connection to the element of water. Dampt crafts a vivid and expansive universe that feels both magical and grounded, drawing readers into a realm where every detail is meticulously thought out.

The world-building in Daughter of Water is nothing short of exceptional. Dampt creates a tapestry of cultures, histories, and landscapes that feel alive and dynamic. From the shimmering, water-filled cities to the rugged, elemental temples, each setting is described with such clarity and depth that it’s easy to lose yourself in the story. The magic system, rooted in the four elements, is both innovative and well-integrated into the world, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The author’s attention to detail extends to the societal structures, myths, and rituals, making the world feel cohesive and fully realised.

The protagonist’s journey is compelling, as she navigates the challenges of her newfound powers and the responsibilities they entail. Her growth is intertwined with the world around her, and Dampt does an excellent job of showing how the environment and culture shape her character. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character contributing to the richness of the story and the world they inhabit.

While the novel’s pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully absorb the intricacies of the world, it never feels sluggish. The plot is driven by a mix of personal discovery, political intrigue, and elemental conflict, keeping the stakes high and the tension palpable. Themes of identity, belonging, and the balance between humanity and nature are explored with nuance, adding depth to the narrative.

In summary, Daughter of Water is a stunning debut that showcases A.S. Dampt’s talent for world-building and storytelling. Fans of epic fantasy and elemental magic will find much to love in this beautifully crafted tale. It’s a book that invites you to dive in and explore its depths, leaving you eager for more from this promising new voice in the genre.

As a previous reviewer had said, I loved the setting for it.
The other Firstborn kinda grew attached to me :)
Apart from that though, It is way too focused on Heidi, and I wish to see more development in character relationships.
Also, the writing is lacking in the "show" aspect, at times and the copy I received has some minor errors in relation to punctuation. Did not detract from the story at all though!
Thank you for the review copy, NetGalley

I loved the setting of this novel. The world-building was incorporated well and throughout the book. It was also written in a way that the reader and the FMC learn about the world at the same time, which I enjoyed following along with. I would have liked to have gotten to know the characters more personally; I feel like I knew about them but I didn't know them as deeply. I was not very attached to them. Gaetan was fairly present in the beginning of the novel and after halfway he was hardly even relevant. The opposite happened with Margot; I didn't really care or know about her in the beginning, but I liked her part in the plot near the end of the book.
The plot was very interesting. The pacing was a little on the slower side at first, but it is understandable as it is going to be a series. I like the dynamics of Sylvie learning about the Firstborns and how to use her magic, while the Firstborns were also trying to fight against the rising enemy in Verdélys. I think the plot needed higher stakes. Even when the conflict occurred, it wasn't very suspenseful. Because of that, the ending was not as climactic as it should have been, although I will still continue to the next book when it is released. However, the actual content of the plot was good and I was enjoying the story a lot. There wasn't much in the novel that was emotionally impactful to me, but it was a fun book to read. I did enjoy it. I am very expectant of the next book in the series. I'd give this book 3.75 stars. I would recommend it, but it's not on my favourites list.

quality rating: 6.5/10
enjoyment rating: 3.75 stars
vulgarity: none
spice: none
violence: very little

The FMC, Heidi, discovers where she comes from and tries to navigate who she has learned she is and how to move forward presently. She ventures on a path to newfound relationships while uncovering truths she had no idea existed. She also discovers that there are groups divided (humans, imps, and Verdélys) and what that means in her current position as well as where she originated from. Learning about the other firstborns as well as the dark magic that ensues was interesting and made for the potential to be a great book. Unfortunately, this fell short for me.

I didn't feel like the character development was done well outside of the FMC. I'm sure there is a lot to discover as this is supposed to be a series; however, I felt no real connection to any of these characters. Not much grabbed my attention and kept a stronghold, and I sadly found myself incredibly bored. I didn't find any real excitement or climax to any part of this story. It was just so bland and lacked any real entertainment. There was no romance or true heroism at all. I just felt that given the amount of pages written in this book, it could have been used to create more excitement and evoke more emotions than it did.