![]() ![]() There are many wonderfully vivid images and set pieces within the fae world that make this a very memorable take on well-trod ground. The fae as portrayed in this version are with few exceptions cruel and sadistic with some truly vile villains so be prepared for horror and tragedy when the Mcgrath family teams up with fae allies to attempt Veil's rescue. When Veil is forced to make the difficult choice to return to fulfill her part in the evil bargain, the story takes a darker turn. ![]() This middle section of the book fits very much into the cozy fantasy genre as Veil learns the ways of humans and the humans come to value and love Veil. This one got off to a bit of a confusing start for me as a prologue and the early chapters set up some mysteries that are only explained later in the book but once Veil goes on the run, I became completely immersed in her plight and the absolutely enchanting McGrath family that takes her in. Forced to flee when a bargain made long ago threatens her freedom and happiness, she finds herself in the human world, floundering to fit in with a kind-hearted clan including son Kellan, her reluctant savior. ![]() As a half-human, half-sidhe hybrid, Veil has lived as a semi-outcast among her own people with only the protection of her powerful father to shield her from greater harm. Very enjoyable fantasy with elements of horror and romance that explores Irish and fae folklore. This is my honest opinion of the novel.) 5/7/23 (Note: I was given an advanced reading copy by the author. While there aren't too many surprises along the way and a few plot threads seem to be left hanging, I think younger readers will enjoy the push and pull as Abby tries to figure out her future, sort through her feelings about the two boys, and learn to stand up for herself and those she cares about.Ĭontent warning for some darker themes and events including bullying, violence, abuse, and animal cruelty/death. Bonus points for some fun theater background as much of the book takes place as the teens rehearse, build sets, and make costumes for a school performance of Beauty and the Beast. Relatable teenage angst as Abby, who longs to pursue a career in theater in defiance of her high-achieving mother's expectations, is caught between two very different boys: Jordan, the privileged and much-adored hero and Cory, the moody but captivating new boy at school. This is a sweet high school romance that feels aimed at the younger end of the YA reading audience. But overall, this is a fun find for fans of fey lore, romance, and a cheer-worthy heroine, and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next in the series. I wondered how their powers would translate to the fey universe. It would also have been interesting for the other changelings to be even more involved in the story. ![]() Some of the beats of the story were a bit predictable but very well done just the same, and who wouldn't love to have a loyal yet sarcastic raven companion? I appreciated Lydia being a well-rounded and strong character who comes into her considerable powers over the course of the book and wish her love interest, Quinn, had been developed a bit more as a worthy companion. I'll admit to being a sucker for eldritch trees, having written an entire forest-themed collection of fantasy short stories myself, and I did enjoy that aspect of the plot as well as the weird creatures that dwell within the Sorrowood. Her new talent of being able to read, understand, and speak any language turns out to be just the tip of the magical iceberg when she is kidnapped as an adult back into the fey world where a sinister forest is taking over in an apparently unstoppable march. Lydia is a changeling, one of thirteen stolen for a year as a child and returned to the human world forever altered. This was an entertaining variation on the "human trapped in the fey world" theme. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |