Review: Havenfall by Sara Holland

Author: Sara Holland

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published by: Bloomsbury

Publication date: 03/03/20

Pages: 320

My rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Everless comes a thrilling contemporary fantasy series about the safe haven between worlds – and the girl sworn to protect it.

‘Sara Holland is a fierce storyteller’ STEPHANIE GARBER

Summers at Havenfall’s famous Inn are Maddie Marrow’s only solace from her dysfunctional existence. But the Inn is much more than a hotel, and life in Havenfall isn’t without its secrets. Beneath the beautiful, sprawling manor in Colorado lie hidden gateways to other worlds, some long-sealed by ancient magic.

When a body is found on the grounds, the volatile peace brokered between these worlds is irrevocably compromised. What’s worse is that Maddie’s friend Brekken stands accused of the murder. With everything she loves at stake, Maddie must confront shocking truths about the dangers lurking beneath Havenfall – and discover who she really is.

This sweeping new series, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Melissa Albert and Holly Black, is sure to enthrall readers old and new.

I received a free review copy from Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.

I could not believe my luck when this arrived, I had to pinch myself to make sure it wad real. Havenfall had me under it’s spell from page one, unable to tear my eyes away from the pages for even a moment. Beneath the Inn are tunnels housing doorways to other realms, these are protected by the innkeeper. Most are closed like Solaria, which was closed after a major incident, some are still open like Fiordenkill and Byrn. Every year on the solstice, delegates arrive in Havenfall for the Peace Summit to negotiate and celebrate the unity between realms.

Protagonist, Maddie Morrow is supposed to be heading to her grandmother’s for the summer when we meet her. Instead she’s heading to Havenfall to stay with her Uncle Marcus, who is the current Innkeeper, hoping to have a more active role at the Inn she will one day inherit. Life at the Inn descends into chaos when the door to Solaria cracks allowing some Solarians to enter Haven, leaving someone dead, Marcus in a coma like state and Maddie stepping into the role of temporary Innkeeper. Lies, betrayals and secrets are revealed as Maddie does her best to keep the Inn running, find the culprit who opened the door, piece everything together and find a way to wake her uncle.

The world building is incredible, I was blown away by the beauty, details and just how real it felt. I could picture it all, the lake, the inn, the worlds behind the doorways, even the run down bus so clearly it felt like I was right there. I love all the characters and development, there’s so many intriguing people to love, hate and figure out. Havenfall has reignited my love of reading, I took it pretty much everywhere with me, even sleeping with it under my pillow. Sara has created a stunning world of magic, politics and pure wonder. I wanted to abandon my life, move to Havenfall and never return after reading it. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next!

Buy from: Waterstones