Book Review – Havenfall by Sara Holland
Havenfall by Sara Holland (Havenfall #1)
Fantasy | Young Adult | 305 pages
Published on 3rd March 2020 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Synopsis
A safe haven between four realms and the girl sworn to protect it – at any cost.
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…
Bestselling author Sara Holland pulls readers into an enchanting world where both power and peril lurk behind every door.
My rating:
Review
Somehow I read this over a year ago, but didn’t post the review here… Sorry! So in advance of my review of Phoenix Flame later this week, here’s the review of Havenfall!
Ahhhhhh. I loved this book. The concept had me from the start, I’m not going to lie. I really love other worlds, and how they fit together, and this worked really well for me. Maddie knows what she wants from life, but doesn’t expect it to come quite so quickly, so while she has confidence in parts, I like that we get to see so much doubt and floundering about suddenly filling a much larger role that she feels ready for.
The side characters are fun too, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more of them in future books. Plus hopefully some F/F :D:D
One of my favourite things in this is not really knowing who to trust – you know Maddie is being manipulated to a degree, and suspect basically everyone! I felt a little like i knew some of what was going on before it happened, but not so much that it spoiled it for me.
I also found the side arc of Maddie’s mum interesting, and am definitely keen to see that unravel further.
I can’t wait to get a finished copy of this book (I read a friend’s ARC) and then will eagerly await book 2!
Buy Havenfall by Sara Holland from Waterstones.
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7 Comments
Lana (Lore & Lullabies)
Ohh I bought this book a year ago and just looked at it on my bookshelf since. So glad you loved it. And this review is …*chefs kiss*
Will have to make this a priority for this year’s tbr.
Booksandlemonsquash
Aw thank you! 💙💙
Lorraine
It’s a shame to read how much you enjoyed this book compared to the second!
Booksandlemonsquash
So frustrating!
Ellie
Glad you enjoyed this one! Such a shame the second didn’t quite live up
Sarah @ SWB
I have this one and Phoenix Flame ready to read next month for a readathon. I’m so looking forward to them both!
Booksandlemonsquash
Aw yay I hope you enjoy!