A review by bellebookcorner
Compass Points by Jillian Witt

adventurous emotional funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Read this fantasy romance if you like;
 • Elemental magic
 • Fake dating
 • Enemies-to-lovers 
 • Shapeshifter animal sidekick 
 • Only one bed 
 
Let’s talk about the good things first! 
The plot idea is fascinating and I was intrigued the moment I read the blurb for the first time with the gods, the deadly plague mist and the compass points leader needed to keep the balance and peace of the world. 
 
Rose is also a fearless and compassionate character. I like her relationship with Arie - the shapeshifter, their playful bantering really liven up the story. 
There’s also Luc, the mysterious and intimidating guy who wanted to hire her for her forging weapon skills. It turns out he has a softer side of him that not a lot of people knows about.. plus his flirting skill is also very smooth~~~ 
 
While I do like the concept and the characters, there are a few things that I wished for more. 
The narrative is leaning towards telling rather than showing some events to the readers, like Rose was mentioned for her exceptional skill in forging magical weapon but sadly I didn’t really get to see her in action throughout the story. 
 
It also took me a while to get hooked into the story because I felt mostly confused. The information about the world building wasn't given until about 20% into the story.   
 
I like seeing Luc and Rose together however, their relationship progresses from fake dating to the real thing too quickly for my liking. Nevertheless, I’m interested to know how they will overcome the next obstacle together in the next book. 
 
Overall for a debut novel, it’s pretty good. This book has a lot of potentials with great elements inside which I hope would be more developed as the series progress. 
I will pick up the sequel since the ending left me with a lot of unanswered questions.  
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!