The wind has always spoken. She is only just beginning to hear it.
Themes: Gift as burden · perception vs. trust · political awakening · grief.
For readers of: Leigh Bardugo, V.E. Schwab, and Frances Hardinge.
Vivienne Arquette has always been quietly, inconveniently perceptive. She sees the colors other people carry — crimson for anger, indigo for withheld intent, amber for something she does not yet dare to name. At Aetheris Academy, where wind magic is a discipline of precision and obedience, this is not considered a gift.
In her final year, the winds change. Strange atmospheric failures ripple across the realm. Supply routes collapse in patterns no one can explain. And the colors Vivienne has always trusted begin showing her things that don't belong to any person in the room.
When the final Zephyr Rite puts everything on the line, Vivienne must decide whether to trust what only she can see — or stay silent, and survive.
Prism of the Wind is the first book in The Aeonveil Chronicles: a five-book epic fantasy series set in the Victorian-atmosphere world of Elyndar, where the barrier between gods and mortals is breaking — and only one person can see it happening.
"And wondering why, for one impossible moment, the wind had felt disappointed."— Vivienne
The key players of Book One, as you first encounter them.
A final-year student at Aetheris Academy and the story's narrator. She perceives emotional currents as visible color — a gift the Academy has no category for. Academically sharp, practically unreliable, and done pretending the colors aren't real.
A returning student, cousin to the High Lord of Aestas, newly back from a year in Chordalia. His command of the wind is unusual — he moves with the air rather than subduing it. Quieter than Vivienne expected, and reluctantly compelling.
Vivienne's closest friend and roommate, a painter of exceptional talent. Empathetic, gifted, and warm — the person Vivienne trusts most, and perhaps the person she reads least correctly.
Heir to Wrenford Auronautics, which operates the realm's Zephyr Lift transport network. Sceptical, precise, and privately principled — a steadying presence in Vivienne's circle.
The emotional heart of the friend group. Dramatic, warm, and fiercely loyal — the one who says aloud what the others are only feeling.
A student finishing her education, formally promised to the High Lord's household. She commands the academy's social elite with effortless authority — strategic, capable, and more perceptive than most give her credit for.
Peripheral at first, then suddenly central as graduation nears. He commands attention with composed authority — and when Vivienne finally reads his colors, they show nothing where warmth should be. Then, briefly, amber.
"Some things only become visible once you stop looking away."From the manuscript
Prism of the Wind is looking for its first readers — those who want to experience the world of Aetheris Academy before anyone else does. As an ARC reader, you'll receive a free advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review posted on release day. If you love dark academia, epic fantasy, and stories that don't give you easy answers, this one was written for you.
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