Review - Havenfall

Havenfall

by Sara Holland

What they say: A safe haven between four realms. 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 their own magic -- together. 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 first-hand. 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...

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What I say: The main thing I liked about Havenfall was the concept or a meeting point connecting worlds. I've spent many holidays and a couple of ski seasons out in the French mountains and there are several old-world hotels where you can be up a mountain with France one side, Italy on another and Switzerland to the other. There's one particular hotel or resort inn that reminds me of Havenfall, with other countries rather than worlds. There is something about the premise that really connected with me.

The worlds in question are Earth or here Haven, Byrn, Fiordenkill and the closed world Solaria. Havenfall is the inn or meeting point located in a mountain resort in America where the worlds meet and characters from the universes/dimensions/worlds come to trade and negotiate. Solaria has been closed off due to previous events... 

Maddie spends her summers at the inn and hopes to take over from her uncle one day. This summer doesn't go to plan and Maddie finds herself in charge, solving a mystery and trying to stop war from breaking out. There is romance and a hint of a love triangle but not too much, it really isn't the focus which is nice!

I'm not going to say too much about the other characters because I don't want to spoil anything. I will say that I liked meeting all the various delegates and had my doubts about a certain person from Byrn. I would like to see more development in the next instalment. I didn't feel as though we got to know much about Maddie and the characters. We get insights into her past trauma as more and more secrets are revelled but she's still a mystery. Can we have more on a certain soldier next time please?! Also an entire book on the antics of The Heiress? 

A promising start and fun world building!

4 Stars in my Sky!