Review: Half a Soul (Regency Faerie Tales #1) by Olivia Atwater

Half a Soul

(Regency Faerie Tales #1)

by Olivia Atwater

June 28, 2022

Goodreads Summary:

It's difficult to find a husband in Regency England when you're a young lady with only half a soul.

Ever since she was cursed by a faerie, Theodora Ettings has had no sense of fear or embarrassment - a condition which makes her prone to accidental scandal. Dora hopes to be a quiet, sensible wallflower during the London Season - but when the strange, handsome and utterly uncouth Lord Sorcier discovers her condition, she is instead drawn into dangerous and peculiar faerie affairs.

If Dora's reputation can survive both her curse and her sudden connection with the least-liked man in all of high society, then she may yet reclaim her normal place in the world. . . but the longer Dora spends with Elias Wilder, the more she begins to suspect that one may indeed fall in love, even with only half a soul.

Bridgerton meets Howl's Moving Castle in this enchanting historical fantasy, where the only thing more meddlesome than faeries is a marriage-minded mother.

Pick up HALF A SOUL, and be stolen away into Olivia Atwater's charming, magical version of Regency England!

Review

It's no wonder Half a Soul has such a high rating on Goodreads because what a delightful story it is! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this whimsical tale full of heart and humour.

I had doubts when it came to mashing regency romance with faerie fantasy but Half a Soul nailed it. The simple yet creative storyline was compulsively readable. With touches of magic and a pleasing amount of smart dialogues, I gobbled up the pages.

I love the unlikely pair that is Dora and Elias! Despite seeming like polar opposites, time and interactions had them finding common ground. She met his grumpy cynicism with her unique intelligence. The witty, passionate and genuine conversations Dora and Elias continued to share showed how well-matched they are.

Half a Soul also features an array of interesting side characters. Some I greatly disliked while others surprised me. It was especially lovely to witness the developing camaraderie between Miss Jennings, Dora and Vanessa. These ladies deserve all the happiness.

Half a Soul has stolen my heart with its captivating writing and swoon-worthy romance. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I am definitely going to keep an eye out for more from Olivia Atwater.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.