*I received an advance reading copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.
(Fair Folk #1)
by Lyra Selene
March 12, 2024
Goodreads Summary:
Set in a world of perilous magic and moonlit forests, this seductive romantic fantasy tells the story of a defiant changeling, her cursed sister, and the dangerous fae lord she must defeat to save her family.
In a kingdom where magic has been lost, Fia is a rare changeling, left behind by the wicked Fair Folk when they stole the High Queen's daughter and retreated behind the locked gates of Tír na nÓg.
Most despise Fia's fae blood. But the queen raises her as a daughter and trains her to be a spy. Meanwhile, the real princess Eala is bound to Tír na nÓg, cursed to become a swan by day and only returning to her true form at night.
When a hidden gate to the realm is discovered, Fia is tasked by the queen to retrieve the princess and break her curse. But she doesn’t go with her is prince Rogan, Fia's dearest childhood friend—and Eala’s betrothed.
As they journey through the forests of the Folk, where magic winds through the roots of the trees and beauty can be a deadly illusion, Fia’s mission is complicated by her feelings for the prince…and her unexpected attraction to the dark-hearted fae lord holding Eala captive. Irian might be more monster than man, but he seems to understand Fia in a way no one ever has.
Soon, Fia begins to question the truth of her mission. But time is running out to break her sister's curse. And unraveling the secrets of the past might destroy everything she has come to love.
Review
I was first introduced to Lyra Selene by her debut YA novel, Amber & Dusk. Her writing was beautiful in that duology so I knew I want to read more of her works. With A Feather So Black, I am once again mesmerized by her words.
The melodic writing carried me dreamily into A Feather So Black. However, while the lyrical proses beautifully set the atmosphere, I found myself sometimes getting a little lost. I wish I was able to more fully take in the intricacies of the political climates. Nevertheless, in this vast world, the power of stories really shone!
Fia was a complicated character. Her indecisions often annoyed me but at the same time, her ability to adapt to her surrounding, impressed me. For all the skills she possessed, all she wanted was to be loved. Yet love did not come easily for Fia. She had to first learn to love herself. I really enjoyed watching Fia change for the better!
Appearing later in the story than I'd like, Irian was mysterious and mercurial. Could he be trusted or was he wicked and trying to trick Fia? Then Irian surprised me showing his vulnerable side. Such a powerful fae but one who was full of unspoken pain and remorse. I enjoyed his complexity. Show us more!
No one could be trusted in A Feather So Black but Fia's adoptive family took the cake in the art of manipulation. The amount of scheming and backstabbing between them blew my mind. At times I honestly could not tell truths from lies. They definitely kept the story interesting!
Despite mixed feelings on the ending, A Feather So Black is an excellent beginning. A grand set up that promises more twists and turns. I look forward to more from this fascinating world.
*I received an advance reading 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.
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