Article contributed by Annie McCann
“People can sniff out lies. If you can’t share the whole truth, share whatever little bit of it you can to get people on your side…”
Havenfall, a fast paced contemporary fantasy, is the book that got me out of my reading slump and I highly recommend it!
Hidden deep in the mountains of Colorado lies the Inn at Havenfall, a sanctuary that connects ancient worlds—each with its own magic. For generations, the inn has protected all who seek refuge within its walls, and any who disrupt the peace can never return.
For Maddie Morrow, summers at the inn are more than a chance to experience this magic firsthand. Havenfall is an escape from reality, where her mother sits on death row accused of murdering Maddie’s brother. It’s where Maddie fell in love with handsome Fiorden soldier, Brekken. And it’s where one day she hopes to inherit the role of Innkeeper from her beloved uncle.
But this summer, the impossible happens, a dead body is found, shattering everything the inn stands for. With Brekken missing, her uncle gravely injured, and a dangerous creature on the loose, Maddie suddenly finds herself responsible for the safety of everyone in Havenfall. She’ll do anything to uncover the truth, even if it means working together with an alluring new staffer, Taya, who seems to know more than she’s letting on. As dark secrets are revealed about the inn itself, one thing becomes clear to Maddie—no one can be trusted, and no one is safe…
Starting in the middle of Colorado, “Havenfall” is like the “inn” or “central station” connecting ancient realms, but one day, a realm that was sealed off was reopened and the negotiated balance that once was has been called into question. It’s now up to one person, Maddie, to take a stand in her Uncle’s place. I enjoyed how this magical story is set in the real world, as though we are living in a parallel to the magical realms and “Havenfall” is an underground movement. The opening really lured me in, the setting is amazing, and the worldbuilding was informative yet written in a pace that didn’t lose me as a reader. The characters were also quite interesting too, particularly our protagonist Maddie and it was great how she exhibited strength even when she is not 100% knowledgeable of what’s around her and she feels as thought the weight of the world is resting on her shoulders. Maddie is a likeable character and I admired the way she dealt with her predicament. She was very easy to follow and I enjoyed how she narrated this story.
This book also focused on the worldbuilding, the magical system, and the mystery with not a lot of romance, which I have to admit, made a pleasant change. I loved the realms that one can teleport through and how they interconnected with Havenfall, as well as how a slight mishap such as leaving a door to a portal open when you shouldn’t have can lead to all hell breaking loose. The twists and turns throughout this story really held my attention. I can also see how readers may find this book cut short where there is plenty more to tell, but there’s a sequel thankfully!
Havenfall is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore. Look out for the sequel, Phoenix Flame, which releases in March 2021. With many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.
