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Woweeee are we sure this is a debut novel??? It reads so smoothly and it’s such a great story. The fantasy elements are a bit basic, but I love the mix of human and fae worlds and the setup for the novel.
The main character is Lora, a half human half fae who enters the fae world through a portal to get a cure for a virus that’s spreading across the human world. The book follows her journey through Liraen as well as that of Amira, a princess who’s engaged to another fae.
I will say, I thoroughly enjoyed Lora as a character and her adventures with Eyden. I loved Rhay’s friendship with Amira but nonetheless her chapters felt a little repetitive and circular. I’m really interested to see where this story goes as there is quite a bit of action and reveals at the end that had me feeling anxious for the fate of these characters.
Loved this!
The main character is Lora, a half human half fae who enters the fae world through a portal to get a cure for a virus that’s spreading across the human world. The book follows her journey through Liraen as well as that of Amira, a princess who’s engaged to another fae.
I will say, I thoroughly enjoyed Lora as a character and her adventures with Eyden. I loved Rhay’s friendship with Amira but nonetheless her chapters felt a little repetitive and circular. I’m really interested to see where this story goes as there is quite a bit of action and reveals at the end that had me feeling anxious for the fate of these characters.
Loved this!
Let me start off by saying thank you so much to the authors for sending me an ARC of this book. I absolutely love adult fantasy and the way this book pulled me in...I had to read it all in one sitting
Rating 4.8 stars - When I tell you how blown away I am - I WAS BLOWN OUT TO SPACE. I am SO impressed with this novel!!
Blurb:
Lora is on a mission for a cure for the virus that has plagued the humans in their realm and ends up in the Fae world, tangled with a Fae she isn't sure she can trust but has the answers she needs. While hiding her own secrets.
Amira has spent years abused by her brother, now sent off as the fiancé of the high King of Liraen. What she thought was an escape turns into more darkness and secrets.
We have 2 POVs of two FMCs - Lora and Amira (which let me just say how refreshing it was to not have POV from both love interests).
Plot: When I tell you I have not read a book that flowed so seamlessly like this is quite some time. The plot developed perfectly, the chemistry and relationship between characters developed at the most natural pace. This had all the plotting and politics I want in a fantasy novel.
Pacing: No lull for me. The chapters end on a cliff hanger so I was pulled in the entire time.
World building: It is a moderate-high fantasy level book. Super easy to follow as it was written exceptionally well.
Characters: LISTEN - IT WAS GIVING GAME OF THRONES - You have your characters that are just tortured emotionally and physically that you are rooting for, you have your badass female character. You have the man with secrets we are all swooning for. You have another man that is completely broken but has so much potential to be better. AND THEN YOU HAVE THE MOST EVIL, VILE human.
I am so invested in their stories.
And it was amazing to see how the two MFC become intertwined.
My only gripe: It was advertised as NA - but was giving very much YA in regards to spice and character maturity (at times).
Overall: Read it - this was OUTSTANDING and felt different and refreshing for fantasy.
Blurb:
Lora is on a mission for a cure for the virus that has plagued the humans in their realm and ends up in the Fae world, tangled with a Fae she isn't sure she can trust but has the answers she needs. While hiding her own secrets.
Amira has spent years abused by her brother, now sent off as the fiancé of the high King of Liraen. What she thought was an escape turns into more darkness and secrets.
We have 2 POVs of two FMCs - Lora and Amira (which let me just say how refreshing it was to not have POV from both love interests).
Plot: When I tell you I have not read a book that flowed so seamlessly like this is quite some time. The plot developed perfectly, the chemistry and relationship between characters developed at the most natural pace. This had all the plotting and politics I want in a fantasy novel.
Pacing: No lull for me. The chapters end on a cliff hanger so I was pulled in the entire time.
World building: It is a moderate-high fantasy level book. Super easy to follow as it was written exceptionally well.
Characters: LISTEN - IT WAS GIVING GAME OF THRONES - You have your characters that are just tortured emotionally and physically that you are rooting for, you have your badass female character. You have the man with secrets we are all swooning for. You have another man that is completely broken but has so much potential to be better. AND THEN YOU HAVE THE MOST EVIL, VILE human.
I am so invested in their stories.
And it was amazing to see how the two MFC become intertwined.
My only gripe: It was advertised as NA - but was giving very much YA in regards to spice and character maturity (at times).
Overall: Read it - this was OUTSTANDING and felt different and refreshing for fantasy.
whoo. it took a while for me to finish but that's mostly bc im an extremely slow reader & am completely oblivious when it comes to the essence of fae. however, this first installation was an amazing start to a great series. the mashup of modern day fae & the split between amira & lora were amazing perspectives that paved the way for the story to intersect
[ more to say soon bc i just finished & im dead. HEAD EMPTY, JUST EYDEN ]
[ more to say soon bc i just finished & im dead. HEAD EMPTY, JUST EYDEN ]
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first glance, the premise might feel a bit familiar: (modern-day) humans and fae, separated by a magical border, distrustful of each other after years of conflict. But the authors breathe new life into this classic setup by blending high-stakes politics, intricate power plays, and rich character-driven drama.
The plot is driven by two fascinating and contrasting main POVs. Lora is a human willing to risk it all to find a cure for a deadly virus sweeping across Earth. She brings a fierce, desperate energy to the story. Her journey is filled with deception and the need to survive in the fae world where humans are unwanted. Lora's interactions with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader, are laced with tension as she balances her promises to both her family, the lies she tells to protect them, and her slow-burn feelings for him.
Amira is a low-magic fae pledged to the acting King and tormented by her sadistic brother. Her perspective offers a different kind of tension: a quieter, more psychological one. Trapped in a strange palace, bound by her brother's machinations and her engagement to the brooding and malevolent future High King, she’s a character caught in a gilded cage. She is torn between her friendship with one of the King's friends, her brother's control, and her future husband's indifference. She finds dark secrets hidden within the palace walls, forcing Amira to confront her morality and past.
What makes the two POVs particularly fun is how these two storylines intersect in both large and small ways. The authors do a great job weaving Lora and Amira's paths together, creating a sense of upcoming collision as things escalate. The underlying political intrigue and power games keep the plot moving at a fast pace, and the dark magic lurking in the background adds a layer of suspense.
The romance elements are nicely handled, too. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Lora and Eyden and their attraction is one of mutual fascination with hidden motives. They are both sweet, vulnerable, and passionate at times.
I also really appreciated the world-building. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming, and the history between Earth and the fae domain added interest. The human rebellion subplot, with Elyssa at its core, is another highlight—bringing a raw and rebellious energy that contrasts nicely with the courtly intrigue of Liraen. Plus Elyssa is fab. Love her.
This is definitely darker than I initially expected. It doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes of control, manipulation, and a thirst for power, and it delivers them with maturity.
I'm hooked and I’m excited to see where the authors take this series next. Thanks to R&R Booktours and the authors for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
The plot is driven by two fascinating and contrasting main POVs. Lora is a human willing to risk it all to find a cure for a deadly virus sweeping across Earth. She brings a fierce, desperate energy to the story. Her journey is filled with deception and the need to survive in the fae world where humans are unwanted. Lora's interactions with Eyden, a mysterious fae trader, are laced with tension as she balances her promises to both her family, the lies she tells to protect them, and her slow-burn feelings for him.
Amira is a low-magic fae pledged to the acting King and tormented by her sadistic brother. Her perspective offers a different kind of tension: a quieter, more psychological one. Trapped in a strange palace, bound by her brother's machinations and her engagement to the brooding and malevolent future High King, she’s a character caught in a gilded cage. She is torn between her friendship with one of the King's friends, her brother's control, and her future husband's indifference. She finds dark secrets hidden within the palace walls, forcing Amira to confront her morality and past.
What makes the two POVs particularly fun is how these two storylines intersect in both large and small ways. The authors do a great job weaving Lora and Amira's paths together, creating a sense of upcoming collision as things escalate. The underlying political intrigue and power games keep the plot moving at a fast pace, and the dark magic lurking in the background adds a layer of suspense.
The romance elements are nicely handled, too. There’s an undeniable chemistry between Lora and Eyden and their attraction is one of mutual fascination with hidden motives. They are both sweet, vulnerable, and passionate at times.
I also really appreciated the world-building. It's detailed enough to feel immersive without being overwhelming, and the history between Earth and the fae domain added interest. The human rebellion subplot, with Elyssa at its core, is another highlight—bringing a raw and rebellious energy that contrasts nicely with the courtly intrigue of Liraen. Plus Elyssa is fab. Love her.
This is definitely darker than I initially expected. It doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes of control, manipulation, and a thirst for power, and it delivers them with maturity.
I'm hooked and I’m excited to see where the authors take this series next. Thanks to R&R Booktours and the authors for the opportunity to read and review. This review is based on a complimentary copy and it is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
This book sounded good but I didn’t know I was going to be this OBSESSED with it.
Phew, once I started I couldn’t stop!
This story flowed effortlessly and even though it’s THICCC, I didn’t even notice because I was pulled into the story the entire time.
I loved that the two POVs were not love interests. You can’t help but fall in love with some of the characters and you will certainly root for them.
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Two POVs
✨Politics
✨Forced Proximity
✨AHmazing World Building
This is the first book and ended in a cliffhanger so I am grabbing the second book pronto!
Though it's huge and took me a while to read, I really enjoy this book! The fae and human conflict is powerful and I was enveloped in Lora's quest from the start. The characters and intertwined paths make the multiple POVs super fun to read, and I was invested in each character's purpose, hoping they'd succeed while fearing they wouldn't. In the end, I wish I had book two right next to me and ready to go! That last line though!!! Ugh, I'm hooked!