The Wind Weaver

Johnson (At Last Sight) dips into epic romantasy with this formulaic opener to her Reign of Remnants series. Fae halflings like Rhya Fleetwood have been prosecuted and put to death in Anwyvn since the Cull of magical beings 200 years earlier, so when she’s captured, it seems like the end of the line. But her execution is halted by the mysterious and cantankerous Commander Scythe, who throws her on the back of his horse for a long and dangerous journey to the Northlands. Along the way, she discovers that her odd birthmark means she is a Remnant, imbued with the powers of Air and fated to be part of the restoration of her war-torn world. Johnson’s prose moves at a decent clip and the story is adventure-forward, with perilous terrain, exciting battles, and courtly drama. Unfortunately, the reveals are easily guessed, protagonist backstories are unsubtle, and the inevitable fated romantic connection between Rhya and Scythe lacks spark. Johnson leaves the primary conflict unresolved, with Rhya still learning how to control her powers, and the romance dynamic unsettled. Here’s hoping book two will turn things up a notch. (Apr.)