A couple of months ago, I met writer Kevin Cox on Bookstagram. Kevin is the author of the Bewilderness Series, which starts with the novel by the same title that I will review in this post.
Bewilderness
Bewilderness introduces us to Ambrielle, a human girl who finds herself in another world without any recollection of her life before. By entering a magical spring, she travels through different worlds, meeting various alien cultures. Trying to adapt and looking for a new purpose, she finds herself thrust into their conflicts. Will she be able to make her way back home?
An exciting start to a new YA fantasy/sci-fi series
I really enjoyed this adventurous tale. Ambrielle is a very nice main character and I loved meeting all these different cultures with her. The story is fast paced, partially because it is dialogue driven (which is always a plus in my book). Yet, at the same time, sufficient attention is given to worldbuilding, resulting in a believable and interesting set of realms. There’s also some romance (another plus 😉 ) but it is not the main focus of the story. And maybe a peculiar thing to like, but there was something enchanting about the way water and light (or darkness) are woven throughout the story. I’m weird, I know 😉
A very well-deserved 4 out of 5 gemstones!
Age Category: Young Adult
Do you want to discover more?
If my review inspired you to pick up the book, don’t hesitate to check it out at Goodreads or at the below online stores.
Amazon.nl: Paperback Edition
Amazon.nl: eBook Edition
PS: You can find some incredible character art on the website of the author!
Similar to this
Can’t wait to read more? Then you are in luck! Book two, Shadowsphere, is already available (my review)! Furthermore, if you subscribe to the author’s newsletter, you will receive a free digital copy of Elyravess, which is an exclusive short story set in the same universe.
If you are looking for more YA fantasy by indie authors, I highly recommend checking out the Water-Folk Saga by Victoria Ravenwood. This series is the adventurous story of Cali, a girl who has always known she was different. My review of part one, Jade and Tar, can be found here. Great wordbuilding, interesting characters, and high-seas adventures, this series has it all!
I would also love to recommend the very first book I was ever asked to review: Witch of Ware Woods by Sonja F. Blanco. If you ever want to find a magical community in a forest and feel at home, this is the series to start. Book two will be published early 2023! I for one cannot wait <3 My review of part one can be found here.
Last but not least, I have also an indie adult fantasy recommendation: The Chaos Covenant Series by Kate Craft. If you cannot get enough of exploring other dimensions after having finished Bewilderness, this is a great next series to start. My review of part one, Chaos Forged a Fable, can be read on my Instagram.