Reviews

Chrissy’s Book Shelf

5.0 out of 5 stars Dystopian Fairy Tale

This was a free book that I thought I’d take a punt at and I am SOOOOO glad I did. I had never heard of the author and ‘fairy tale re-tellings’ are kind of a bit overdone in my opinion, so I wasn’t hoping for much, but I always live in hope with free books.

This book was incredibly well written. The style of narration was smooth and natural sounding. The description of the surrounding world was excellent and the characters shone through every word. Sarah is a very interesting character. Her keen mind and determination are blended with compassion and the kindness Arty described.

I loved that this really isn’t a fairy tale re-telling, but a brand new kind of fairy tale, one where the Fae attack the humans on a massive scale and nobody knows why. They come from nowhere with no warning and kill and kidnap. When we finally meet the Fae they are enigmatic, ruthless and arrogant, but they keep saying they have a reason for their actions.

I loved the plot for this book, and I have no idea where it is going next. Each chapter was a fresh and new direction and I loved how unpredictable it was. It felt like a very fresh approach to New Adult fiction with it’s blend of dystopia and urban fantasy. It was an incredibly enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.

Carrie

5.0 out of 5 stars A fairy story with bite

My next indie review is Trick of Fae by S.L. Mason. Sarah is an ordinary teenager… or so she believes, until the invasion of violent, murderous fae tears her world apart and thrusts her into a fight to the death.
In a YA fantasy market drenched in fae worship and love affairs, Mason’s book is a snarl of fresh air. The plot continually turns the screw, ramping up the pace and delivering one feisty, gun toting, yet vulnerable heroine. The musical world of the haughty, vain and hierarchy obsessed fae is both ethereal and terrifying, whilst the gladiatorial finale reminiscent of the Hunger Games.
It would have benefited from one further edit pass, to remove typos, but this page-turner was so entertaining that a 5⭐ rating is a must.

Ilona Nurmela

5.0 out of 5 stars 17yo errant human foils Fae apocalypse

I could not put this book down! If you like Maas’ Court of Thorns and Roses, The Hunger Games and the murderous shifting maze in Harry Potter and can stomach the idea of fairies being evil, this apocalyptic tale is for you. When Fae wage war above top, 17yoSarah finds herself first immune to their siren song and next fighting for her and her BFF’s life in the underworld. I liked the fact that Sarah was raised a tomboy, taught how to shoot and keep a level head, which helped her adapt into a semblance of her enemy. The psychedelic underworld where song is part of creation was captivating as were the insights behind nursery rhymes. I definitely want to know how this trilogy ends and if Sarah will ever be back to her old self. Definitely recommend for young adult (and older) raeders and especially lovers of action-spruced elven and fairy/pixie lore.