Review by theroselectory - The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire

theroselectory 's review for:

The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni

5.0

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense 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

Okay, wow. This book completely consumed me.

What starts as an emotional story about two sisters living in a harsh Welsh mining village quickly spirals into something dark, magical, and haunting. Sabrina is doing everything she can to keep her fragile family afloat. Her father’s in prison and her sister Ceridwen is gravely ill, and then Ceridwen disappears. Ceridwen’s disappearance propels the story; however, Sabrina’s quest is more than a rescue mission. It becomes a journey of unraveling the truth about her family and finding her own strength.

Sabrina is a fascinating, complex protagonist; she’s mysterious, sharp-tongued, and impossibly layered. She’s not your typical chosen one or perfect heroine but she was so refreshing to read and I was rooting for her, even when I wasn’t totally sure I should! Ceridwen, too, was a standout. Even though she spends much of the story missing, her presence lingers in every decision.

And then there’s Neirin. Oh, Neirin. The fae prince is charming, unpredictable, and just the right amount of dangerous. The tension between him and Sabrina is chef’s kiss. It’s not rushed or cliché, it’s just full of longing, mistrust, and real emotional stakes.

The book never drags. Every chapter pushes the plot forward, and the writing flows so naturally, with just the right amount of lyrical flair to make certain lines hit hard without being over the top.

Anna Fiteni has built a world that feels both haunting and beautiful at the same time. There's a constant tension between beauty and horror that keeps the atmosphere rich and unsettling. But what truly impressed me was how each relationship drove the plot. The sisterly bond, the romantic tension, the betrayals and reconciliations all felt earned.

Anna Fiteni is a voice to watch in fantasy. I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next.

Content Warnings