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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4⭐️3🌶
This was such an enjoyable read! This book contained elements I don't think I have found in many other books I've read. It had a unique magic system, which was a breath of fresh air. The FMC, Gisele, was also 40 years old, which to be honest I loved! I really enjoyed the gentle side of the MMC, the cat, and the sentient house as well! This book is beautifully written and overall magical.
This was such an enjoyable read! This book contained elements I don't think I have found in many other books I've read. It had a unique magic system, which was a breath of fresh air. The FMC, Gisele, was also 40 years old, which to be honest I loved! I really enjoyed the gentle side of the MMC, the cat, and the sentient house as well! This book is beautifully written and overall magical.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A charming, lighthearted read. Our 40 year old FMC, Princess Gisele, is done being cursed and sets off on a journey to Fairyland to find the evil fae sorcerer who’s supposedly to blame. Instead, she finds a scatterbrained, scholarly fae; a hilariously cheeky, smart-mouthed cat named Zingiber; and a cozy magical house with a personality in spades.
This book is brimming with charm, and even includes some unexpected spice for a cozy fantasy. I was pulled in from the very beginning and finished it in a single day. The characters are well-developed and likable, and the writing style felt refreshingly different.
I’d highly recommend this to fans of cozy fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This book is brimming with charm, and even includes some unexpected spice for a cozy fantasy. I was pulled in from the very beginning and finished it in a single day. The characters are well-developed and likable, and the writing style felt refreshingly different.
I’d highly recommend this to fans of cozy fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5 stars. No notes.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Holly Black meets Emily Henry in the shadow of the Brothers Grimm in this cosy, heart-flutteringly romantic take on the Rumpelstiltskin story.
Gisele is not your average princess. For one thing, at 40, she's rather aged out of most of the stereotypes, and for another she's cursed. The first-born of an unfulfilled first-born bargain, Gisele is suffused with unhappy magic, at her wit's end she decides to take matters into her own hands. Armed with knowledge, determination, and a knife, Gisele makes her way to Fairy, and the doorstep of the fae sorcerer who failed to claim her. Expecting an evil, cruel, terrifyingly powerful man, someone worthy of the nickname 'My Malediction', she is surprised to find a dandy, cat-eared, fae-male, a telepathic ginger tom-cat, and a overly friendly sentient house - none of whom are expecting her. What follows is a magical, romantic, humorous romp of a novel, as princess and sorcerer work together to uncover his name, and put the magic between them to bed... ideally without toppling into bed themselves.
Lancaster's How to Find a Nameless Fae is a hilarious, cosy, and touchingly romantic take on a fairy tale. Suffuse with old-school fairly rules, and populated with fantastical and beautiful people (and places) this is an adult novel overflowing with child-like wonder. Gisele is a powerhouse of a woman, determined, and wilful, she is all too aware of her own failings, and desperate to win her freedom. Malediction, as she calls the eponymous nameless fae, at first seems reserved, but his personality soon comes bursting through, and the two build a strong allyship. The relationships at the heart of this novel felt developed and well considered, no one fell into abiding love in mere hours. Of equal import was the undercurrent of loneliness, an aspect which touched almost all of the characters in this book, and made each newly forged friendship all the sweeter.
Emotionally complex, delightfully magical, and a touch emotionally devastating, this is one for readers who love the worlds of Holly Black, and the romances of Emily Henry. The perfect beach read for fantasy readers and romance readers alike.
Gisele is not your average princess. For one thing, at 40, she's rather aged out of most of the stereotypes, and for another she's cursed. The first-born of an unfulfilled first-born bargain, Gisele is suffused with unhappy magic, at her wit's end she decides to take matters into her own hands. Armed with knowledge, determination, and a knife, Gisele makes her way to Fairy, and the doorstep of the fae sorcerer who failed to claim her. Expecting an evil, cruel, terrifyingly powerful man, someone worthy of the nickname 'My Malediction', she is surprised to find a dandy, cat-eared, fae-male, a telepathic ginger tom-cat, and a overly friendly sentient house - none of whom are expecting her. What follows is a magical, romantic, humorous romp of a novel, as princess and sorcerer work together to uncover his name, and put the magic between them to bed... ideally without toppling into bed themselves.
Lancaster's How to Find a Nameless Fae is a hilarious, cosy, and touchingly romantic take on a fairy tale. Suffuse with old-school fairly rules, and populated with fantastical and beautiful people (and places) this is an adult novel overflowing with child-like wonder. Gisele is a powerhouse of a woman, determined, and wilful, she is all too aware of her own failings, and desperate to win her freedom. Malediction, as she calls the eponymous nameless fae, at first seems reserved, but his personality soon comes bursting through, and the two build a strong allyship. The relationships at the heart of this novel felt developed and well considered, no one fell into abiding love in mere hours. Of equal import was the undercurrent of loneliness, an aspect which touched almost all of the characters in this book, and made each newly forged friendship all the sweeter.
Emotionally complex, delightfully magical, and a touch emotionally devastating, this is one for readers who love the worlds of Holly Black, and the romances of Emily Henry. The perfect beach read for fantasy readers and romance readers alike.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is an ARC review. Release date 26th June 2025 and I've already added to my wishlist for a shelf copy because I have to have one.
A fairytale retelling of Rumplestiltskin, and it has such sass that I cannot!
Gisele, claimed firstborn in a fae bargain gone awry. The fae never turned up to do the claiming. In a life placed on hold, with some concerning side effects, Gisele hits forty and gets so mad at the inability of this guy to do his one job that she packs up her shit and heads out to look for him and do the only reasonable thing... Stab him until he releases the deal. Can we just give it up for my girl for not only going to save herself, but doing it with flair.
Obviously handsomness, hijinx, found family (including a talking cat) , and a sentient house occur (I love you Skymallow!).
There was a twist that took me by surprise thrown in there and a few that were nicely led to and revealed in without surprise, but remained fun.
The MMC has a tail and cat ears. This is not normally my thing, but I actually found them adorable and really well incorporated into the character, not a sex thing thrown in for effect.
The characters had great personality (again especially Skymallow for a non-verbal character it had such great presence).
It's just a fun and joyful read.
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A.J. Lancaster has done it again. Another story I’ve fallen into and I’m sad to be out the other end.
I figured it was a spin on Rumplestiltskin quite early on but WHAT a spin it was. A new spin I’d never read before about this tale and very much the author’s mark on this- especially with Skymallow. And well-written characters to the point where I enjoy even reading about the ones i’m NOT supposed to like. And feet-kicking moments between the FMC and MMC.
“Say it again?” “My Malediction. Are you?” she asked him softly. “Yes,” he said, with a half-smile. “I am. Always.”
Be still my beating HEART. I love love love Mal and Gisele.
Just a great read. I’m officially out of my slump and about to throw myself into the novella!
Just a great read. I’m officially out of my slump and about to throw myself into the novella!
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a cute and light read with cozy vibes, a sentient house, a scatterbrained fae with cat ears and lion-like tail, and some creative anatomy spice. But sadly, it fell flat for me. I had a lot of hope, and it started out good, but the further I read, the less interesting it became.
The world-building, characters, and overall story lacked depth. I didn’t expect the miscommunication trope in a book about a 40-year-old woman. She made too many assumptions, and the main characters struggled to express themselves (though in Mal’s case it was understandable). For a supposedly dangerous fairyland, there was barely any threat, nearly every magical creature instantly befriended the FMC. The relationships, both between FMC & MMC and MCs with side-characters, felt surface-level.
Some themes didn’t work for me either, especially the abusive/toxic ex instead of a big magical evil.
I liked the idea with the missing name, and I enjoyed the cozy vibes. It's a perfect low-stakes palate cleanser.
I just expected and wanted more from the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The world-building, characters, and overall story lacked depth. I didn’t expect the miscommunication trope in a book about a 40-year-old woman. She made too many assumptions, and the main characters struggled to express themselves (though in Mal’s case it was understandable). For a supposedly dangerous fairyland, there was barely any threat, nearly every magical creature instantly befriended the FMC. The relationships, both between FMC & MMC and MCs with side-characters, felt surface-level.
Some themes didn’t work for me either, especially the abusive/toxic ex instead of a big magical evil.
I liked the idea with the missing name, and I enjoyed the cozy vibes. It's a perfect low-stakes palate cleanser.
I just expected and wanted more from the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars!
I loved this charming Rumplestiltskin inspired trip to faerie so much!
I’m a big fan of A.J. Lancaster’s Stariel series so I was excited to have to opportunity to read this early. My expectations were high and it did not disappoint, the story is filled with whimsical fae, a few monsters and spice that shouldn’t work in a story this cozy but somehow does.
What I loved in particular:
- I liked Gisele and Mal together, they manage to each bring a touch of grumpy and a touch of sunshine to their relationship and the dynamic between the two of them worked so well.
- Zingiber- a smart mouthed talking cat who thinks that all problems can be solved by petting him.
-Skymallow- a sentient house that acts like Mal’s house and sometimes has to be bribed with domestic help to cooperate.
There is so much to love in this adorable story, anyone who loves cozy romantic fantasy should be adding this to their TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I loved this charming Rumplestiltskin inspired trip to faerie so much!
I’m a big fan of A.J. Lancaster’s Stariel series so I was excited to have to opportunity to read this early. My expectations were high and it did not disappoint, the story is filled with whimsical fae, a few monsters and spice that shouldn’t work in a story this cozy but somehow does.
What I loved in particular:
- I liked Gisele and Mal together, they manage to each bring a touch of grumpy and a touch of sunshine to their relationship and the dynamic between the two of them worked so well.
- Zingiber- a smart mouthed talking cat who thinks that all problems can be solved by petting him.
-Skymallow- a sentient house that acts like Mal’s house and sometimes has to be bribed with domestic help to cooperate.
There is so much to love in this adorable story, anyone who loves cozy romantic fantasy should be adding this to their TBR.
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.