I think this book could sell copies anywhere. And I know that I don't usually review books written in Danish, or written by Danes for that matter, but this one's been on my radar for quite some time and I think it would do well if it was translated into English. So, if you're working in publishing (at a respectable place!) you might consider giving the book's Danish publisher a call and talk about a deal. You could steal C.A. Wolters away before someone else does.
I first learned about this fantasy vampire romance through friends. At the time, it was written in English and was called The Serpent Kiss. The Danish title is Den Som Hvisker (The One Who Whispers.) I got to read a few chapters, and it was really good. However, it has become so much better as it was reworked and rewritten/translated into Danish. The book features prominent and engaging characters, is very well-written, and utterly brimming with hidden and dangerous feelings. And doesn’t the cover look amazing!?! It sure does.
Title: Den Som Hvisker
Author: C.A. Wolters
Genre: Fantasy Romance with Vampires and Asia vibes
Pages: 516
Publisher: Ulven og Uglen
Published: 2020
Buy the book
(From here on the review has a few spoilers.)
Most of the story takes place in a land that feels like ancient feudal Asia. A land so big it encompasses parts that have a medieval European feel. If you love manga and the Asia vibe, this could very well be your thing. The main protagonist, princess Shiroin, might be young but she's rather hard-boiled. Cynical, angry, greedy, impatient, great at enduring pain...oh, and she's haunted by sinister visions, and quite possibly just a little bit afraid of the abusive nanny. Not that she's afraid of anything! Not even her inner demon voice that has whispered dark words to her since she was an infant. Yes, Shiroin's upbringing has not been an easy one, but she has such grand designs for her future. In fact, she's so terribly impatient, and just can't wait for the day when she gets to run things and sit on the grand emperor's throne.
Also, there's this ancient prophecy about "a red dawn," (which is also the name of the series.) The prophecy speaks of war with the Empire's neighbor, who just happens to be a mighty kingdom ruled by the Elsalvians (think vampires with oversized teeth who can drain the life out of anything from a distance, or just drink blood because...well, I guess because it terrifies their human prey that much more.)
The prophecy also talks about "two becoming one" and since this is a romance, that part might seem easy to understand. But is it?
Notice the beautiful sprayed edges that really sets the tone.
In any case, the princess is super surprised when a man wearing a mask and outlandish clothes, his name is Kiel, is suddenly thrust on her by her father. Kiel is supposed to be her protector, and he just happens to be a bloodsucking vampire. Also, he's quite good-looking. But does a vampire sound like a true protector to you? And why does the princess suddenly need a bodyguard, even a pretty one?
Is more going on here than meets the eye?
““Hævn er dødens åbne dør,” sagde Kiel (translation: “Revenge is death’s open door,” Kiel said”)”
Well, you'd better read the book and find out. I promise you that it'll be worth your time if you stick with it to the end. This book was so good that it came in third at the biggest Danish fantasy book awards (Dansk Fantasy Pris) in the debut authors category, and they had lots of books to pick from, so that is quite the honor.
Den Som Hvisker is for you if you like well-written edgy romances, Asia vibes, or vampires and the occult. Also, it helps if you like books with an epic scope, as there is a long journey ahead of the princess and whomever she decides to give her heart to.
I can't wait for the sequel to be released next year :-)