Naiya’s Wish by Astrid V.J. (Book Review)

Last updated on March 7, 2026

Naiya\’s Wish by Astrid V.J.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“Take heed and be precise in what you wish for.”

Like most fairytales, ‘the nix of the mill pond’ is filled with fantasy, horror & human folly. However, this particular retelling spins an intricate web of love & hope & brings us an unforgettable story.

Naiya is the nix of the Mill pond who makes a wish that impacts the lives of so many people. While it seems like a terrible idea, her motivation makes her a truly endearing character. She is certain that she\’s doing the right thing. How many of us make mistakes believing in our own good intentions & then regret the sorry outcome?

A creature who wants to give birth but can\’t. A young mother determined to save her last newborn. A teenage girl who is terrified of childbirth.

Hilda, the miller\’s wife, bears the brunt of the entire tragedy as she wastes her life away trying to save her son from the nix. Amina, the baker\’s daughter, is fated to undo the curse & save the love of her life while dealing with her own insecurities & biases. Each of the three women face their challenges with pride & strength.

I\’ve read most of Astrid\’s works over the last couple of years & I know I will keep reading them purely because of her unique writing style & profound understanding of human nature. Her characters display a balance of good & bad that is rarely seen in fantasy books. Her stories are full of wonderful yet subtle messages on life that every reader can relate to as well as appreciate.

Highly recommend!!



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