Reviews

I absolutely adore Lily Mayne’s writing and this book was no exception. The lush description of the fae lands, the tricks, twists and turns. I loved it all! I have to say, I did guess the majority of the key plot points ahead of time (clearly I have read too many fae-based stories ha!) but that didn’t detract from my love of this book at all!

The cliffhanger has absolutely meant that I have downloaded the next two books in the series and will be reading them right away. Even though we only get Ash’s POV, I’m so keen to know more about Lonen and how Ash will progress!

I’m not gonna write a proper review-synopsis because so many other people have, but from my POV, just know the vibes in this book were immaculate. Having been brought up in the UK countryside with a mother who was a big fan of fae stories this whole book called to me. So yeah, go read it. It’s joyous. But be prepared to need to read book 2 immediately!

mallorypen's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Okay, fairy porn, I see you!

This book wins the award for the title being used the most times throughout the story. Could the writing have been tighter overall? Oh, certainly. Was there a lot of repetition reinforcing how Ash felt about things? Yes. Did this book check off the "the sex scenes actually move the plot forward" box created by my queen KJR? Mmmmmmm not really ... I think "gratuitous" may be the right word to use here. But was I invested in Ash's journey, the relationships he built, and in what happened after the curtain fell? Ohhhh yes.

As a lover of legends and folklore, I appreciate it when an author infuses lore into their work when they're playing in the "she was a fairy" sandbox. The tidbits of myth dropped into the descriptions of the Seelie and Unseelie courts; the types of fae creatures Ash meets throughout the story; and the "rules" by which the fae live made it feel like the author did enough homework. I was grounded in the worldbuilding and magic system, and even though I wasn't sure how the plot was going to unfold I felt like I was already familiar with the stage where the story was taking place.

I ate up the relationship between Ash and Lonan with a spoon - MMMMM-MM! I did guess that Lonan was

the cat and the wolf,

and the way their story unfolded was sweet and hot and on the right side of tropey.

On the overall plot - though the writing could have been tighter - the stakes felt appropriately high and the motivations of each character felt consistent. I will definitely be finishing this duology.

Content Warnings

pancaaakes's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

I loved this so much! Really starts picking up right before halfway. The ending had me screaming internally at work and on the edge of my seat. Starting book 2 immediately! Joel Leslie is a fantastic narrator, and I have loved all of Lily Mayne’s books so far! This was my fifth one this year and I plan on reading the rest of her work!

peruru25's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

It is definitely one of my favorite books I read this year !!! I had such a great time, I cried, I laughed, I was anxious!!!
I love love love Ash !! He’s an amazing MMC (even if he’s a little clueless at times hahaha)
And I was totally giggling and kicking my feet at his blooming relationship with Lonan
This was so awesome and I hope I’ll love the rest of the trilogy as much !

Content Warnings

daddysauron's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

More...