Sarah Chislon's prequel novella introduces you to Jessa Caldwell, a heroine dealing with a tricky world full of fae drama and societal rules. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world, this story mixes mystery, magic, and some real-life issues.
Jessa's battle with her secret fae side adds tension, and her drive to protect her aunt while finding the truth keeps the story moving. Chislon creates a compelling seting that blends mystery, magical realism, and character growth. Some people might find the style of the prose a little fragmented or slow, but it doesn't strongly affect my opinion.
With its rich world and complex heroine, “Whispers in the Waters” is the start of an exciting fantasy series that I want to continue reading.