The Wielder's Discovery

The Witches of Astria, Book 1

De: Meredith Kasian

Narrado por: Megan Carver

No one has ever escaped from Mistfell Prison. Until now.

Nova Astor is looking forward to a summer spent with friends and family, both at her family’s seaside cottage and in Astria’s capital city, Arkwood. But she and her sister, Raelyn, both witches gifted with earthly magic like the rest of their family, only make it through one day at the vacation cottage before all their plans are upended.

Alleged mass-murderer, Kael Blackmore—a witch with raw power—escaped from Mistfell Prison, and Nova soon learns her father is the reason he was sent to the impenetrable prison in the first place.

Now Blackmore wants revenge.

For their protection, Nova and Raelyn are forced into lock-down in their flat with two warrior elves, Fynn and Esta, as bodyguards. Tempers flare and personalities clash, until Nova unearths a secret—one that calls into question everything she’s ever believed about herself.

When she decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery, she’s bound for a gauntlet of challenges as she forges unlikely alliances, reveals buried truths, and stumbles into new love.

All while she endeavors to do whatever it takes to ensure her family’s safety.

©2024 Meredith Kasian (P)2025 Meredith Kasian

Fantastic Debut!

Not my usual genre but I thoroughly enjoyed this book and characters. A bit of intrigue, some romance and an all around “magical” story. Can’t wait to read the next one!

Great book. I couldn’t stop listening

This was a wonderful fantasy with great story development and some romance. Kept me interested the entire time. Can’t wait for the next book! I highly recommend this one.

the mc's determination

I won an audiobook giveaway and I’m so grateful to the author for sending me a gifted copy! This one felt like a palate cleanser after finally finishing a horror book I’d been reading on AO3 for two months.

The beginning was a little slow, but the world-building was steady. I also sneaked in a read of the novella The Rebel’s Rose, which helped me understand the story better. Things really picked up once the bodyguards were introduced, I loved Nova’s sister’s mischief!

Nova’s sudden decision to leave her safety net just to learn more about her power threw a bit of a wrench in the plot, but it was inevitable for where the story needed to go. Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this one, and the slow burn was well done.

I did see the plot twist coming, mostly because Luke’s behavior reminded me of a similar setup from Twin Crowns... but otherwise, it was a solid twist with great build-up. I half expected Blackmore to be killed after the reunion (as is often the case with these kinds of plots), so I was pleasantly surprised and relieved that he was still alive by the end.

I also read the bonus chapter in between, which turned out to be quite interesting too. I like where the ending was headed, and I might just pick up the next book soon.