F is for Fae
I’m doing folklore and book review posts to reach and please a larger audience. Previous years have shown select interest in both and to minimise blogging throughout the year, I’m focusing my efforts on April.
Focusing on an A to Z of my TBR (to be read) list, each letter will have books starting with that letter on my list, a book I’ve read and reviewed (with the review!) and one of my books matching the letter with a link about more info about the book.
I chose the books this year quite randomly from my Goodreads Want to Read page. Some are quite creatively added to letters.
If you’d rather check out my folklore post for today, go here.
You can read reviews for from previous years for this letter here and here, and my year-end reviews here, here, here and, most recently, here.
My TBR
About the Book I’ve Read
Realms of Fae and Shadow
Enchanted forests.
Deadly bargains.
Welcome to the magic of Faerie.
Realms of Fae and Shadow is a breathtaking fantasy anthology featuring eight exclusive tales. Discover magic, romance, and betrayal as you lose yourself in the faerie world…
Can a human girl rescue a cursed fae prince before she’s shackled to a dull mortal life?
When the heir to the Unseelie Court is confronted with an unsettling fate, does he embrace the dark magic of the crown or turn his back on duty forever?
A fae princess is set to inherit a kingdom… only to discover devastating secrets lurking beneath the legacy of her throne.
Experience these stories (and more!) unfold as you journey through a portal to Faerie where danger meets beauty and the darkest shadows face the light.
If you love brooding royals, glittering courts, and fierce heroines, then you’ll adore this dazzling selection.
Check it out on Goodreads.
My Review
I got this anthology when it first came out, though I see it is currently unavailable. Stories are individually reviewed.
Night Bringer
There’s something intriguing about this story. But there’s no resolution: it’s clearly a prologue to the actual series. And with all the typos, spelling errors, and even continuity errors (the prince rambling away nonsense before he dies), doesn’t make me eager to continue the series.
Heir of Bitter Thorn
Great worldbuilding and characters. The memory elixirs are going to cause a great deal of trouble in future books. And that dagger… I enjoyed the fight scenes and the descriptions of the trolls. I do wonder about the wolf and how he fits into everything. Can’t wait to start the series!
Fae Bargains
Great worldbuilding and interesting characters. As there are two princes in the sunlight court, that prophecy could have been seriously misinterpreted. I like the forest and want to return! Can’t wait to start the series.
To Rule a Fae Throne
A fun prequel to all that happens in the trilogy I’ve already read and enjoyed. Reading their first meeting from Aspen’s POV was fun.
Exiling a Fae Queen
Interesting worldbuiding. I liked the bond between Aria and her waterhorse. I do wonder about her twin’s dual nature revealed at the end… A good prequel for a series on my TBR I can’t wait to start reading.
Crown of Darkness
Rich, intricate worldbuilding and magic. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cairan is an interesting character and I would like to see more of him. Can’t wait to start the series! (And then I saw that it hasn’t been published, or has been unpublished…)
Marked by Fae
An interesting story about how reading a book can change your entire life. LOL. Rich worldbuilding and magic system. Can’t wait to read the series.
The Wolf Gate
I liked that spellweaving is like computer coding. The worldbuilding was interesting. But having most of the story told in flashbacks was a bit irritating. I did like the Little Red Riding Hood twist of it all.
For the anthology as a whole: I had a problem with the italics as it messes with my eyes and head, making it difficult to read and enjoy the book. Authors and publishers: please consider the neurodivergent when making decisions about italics so books are accessible to all.
Otherwise and interesting collection of prequel short stories and novellas.
My Book
Freedom (Faery Tales Series #5)
Remember that you can request all of my books from your local library!
I hope you enjoyed this. For more books I’ve read and reviewed, check out either my Pinterest board about reviews or my Goodreads profile. Alternatively, you can check out my reviews on BookBub. Have you read any of the books? Loved or hated any of them?
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*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*
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I have read a few of those books and a few others are on my TBR list. Great post, Ronel. Thanks for sharing.
Stopping in from A-to-Z: https://brewingcoffeetwistingwordsbreakingpencils.ca/2024/04/06/fun-fair-food/
I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I’ve read some of the mysteries you have been showing, here and in previous letters. Or, know the authors and have read others by them. I gave Tana French’s Faithful Place five stars, some of her others only one.
https://theversesmith.blogspot.com/
https://lisasgardenadventureinoregon.blogspot.com/
I should really read more mysteries — I’ll start with Tana French per your recommendation 🙂
I love anthologies, because you can pick them up and put them down as often as you like. Idea-ist@GetLostInLit
Totally. And you also get introduced to new writers in a genre you enjoy.