The Will and the Wilds by Charlie N. Holmberg

Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own.

Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. It’s a temporary salvation for Maekallus and a lingering doom for Enna. Part of her soul now burns bright inside Maekallus, making him feel for the first time.

Enna shares Maekallus’s suffering, but her small sacrifice won’t last long. If she and Maekallus can’t break the spell binding him to the mortal realm, Maekallus will be consumed completely—and Enna’s soul with him.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I absolutely love when a cover perfectly represents what is inside.  This one is so pretty too- I love the colors.

Enna is an endearing character.  Her soul is a main source of focus in this story and for good reason.  It really does burn brightly and purely.  As Enna shares her soul with Maekallus, he begins to feel and realize things long forgotten.  I loved the contrast between dark and light in relation to Enna's soul.  The relationship develops slowly between Enna and Maekallus as they work through a common problem that binds them.   

The story also progressed slowly but picked up a bit about half way though.  I just finished reading a fast paced, high intensity book so maybe the contrast between that book and this one made it feel extra slow to me.  This book definitely wasn't intense and didn't involve my emotions much.  It was however, sweet and gentle with a unique plot and likable heroine.  This author does a good job of weaving in the magical to spark imagination.  While this wasn't my favorite book by this author, I did enjoy it and would easily recommend it to teenage (and older) fantasy lovers.  The ending really was magical. 💜

This book is on Kindle Unlimited.

Content:  kissing, mild peril, mild violence

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.