I'll admit, I had my reservations about starting this book. The sting of Zephyrus's betrayal from The North Wind was fresh in my mind in the months between finishing that book and starting this one. I didn't know if I could actively root for Zephyrus as a main character. What if I didn't sympathize with his plight? What if I can't forget (or at least ignore) the horrendous things he's done in favor of whatever blossoming love will appear? If you also shared those same grievances, I understand your hesitation! But go into the book with an open mind nonetheless, because Zephyrus' character arc is so damn satisfying and heartwarming. He shows genuine remorse and wished to change to be a better man. You know I ate it up!

Brielle is the only POV we get (aside from the beautiful, tear jerker epilogue) in this novel and to be honest, her perspective is the only one we need. Brielle is, at first meeting, a meek woman who experiences bullying by her peers and is mostly friendless. She wants one thing out of her solitary life as a Daughter of Thornbook: to be worthy enough to rise to acolyte status. Not going to lie, it was frustrating reading about Brielle succumbing to the abuse from her supposed "equals"- I often wondered, when will she stand up for herself and demand better?! But it was through her adventures to acquire Meirlach with the insufferable Harper and charming Zephyrus that she really grows into her skin. She is forced to reckon with what she knows of her sheltered life versus what the world can offer her. Brielle starts asking after what she wants out life, not what God or Mother Mabel would prefer. I loved reading about her expanding faith with God, it was so relatable in so many ways! Her character arc was also equally satisfying to read about. She was such a multifaceted character, I miss her already! I hope she and Zephyrus appears in the future books.

There was so much more added context given in The West Wind that helped me understand book one even better. I appreciated that the author took the time to interweave certain details to help smooth out the transition between books 1 and 2! That definitely did not go unnoticed. I loved especially the lyrical prose that made me felt in the moment just as Brielle and Zephyrus was. Like I said, this series has been hit after hit so far and I just cannot wait until the next two books are in my hands!! 

PS: This edition is from Once Upon a Book Club and not only is it a gorgeous book, it comes with four gifts to open as you read the novel. The gifts were amazing pieces that relate to the story and are beautiful treasures I will keep for as long as I can! It's a bit of a splurge in terms of pricing, but it was so worth it.