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The Mist King #1
Of Mist and Shadow
When the vicious fae king catches Tessa stealing his powerful gemstones, he demands a cruel punishment. She must leave her family and friends behind and become his future human bride.
Tessa has never stepped foot inside the glittering fae city until now—no mortal is allowed. There, things are far more monstrous than she ever dreamed. King Oberon humiliates her, terrorizes her, and threatens those she loves.
But when she escapes, someone far worse finds her. The lethal Mist King, the enemy fae who trapped her people beneath the reign of King Oberon in the first place. The one who destroyed human cities and watched them burn.
He takes her captive and then offers her a deal.
Become the first mortal to kill a fae king, and he will free her people.
But the mists beyond the kingdom walls are dangerous, ruthless, and mesmerizing…and so is he. As Tessa fights her growing desire, she must make a choice.
Her dagger can kill only one fae. Which king will it be?
Tessa has never stepped foot inside the glittering fae city until now—no mortal is allowed. There, things are far more monstrous than she ever dreamed. King Oberon humiliates her, terrorizes her, and threatens those she loves.
But when she escapes, someone far worse finds her. The lethal Mist King, the enemy fae who trapped her people beneath the reign of King Oberon in the first place. The one who destroyed human cities and watched them burn.
He takes her captive and then offers her a deal.
Become the first mortal to kill a fae king, and he will free her people.
But the mists beyond the kingdom walls are dangerous, ruthless, and mesmerizing…and so is he. As Tessa fights her growing desire, she must make a choice.
Her dagger can kill only one fae. Which king will it be?
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
2,414 people are currently reading
35.7k people want to read
About the author
Jenna Wolfhart
68books1,490followersJenna Wolfhart spends her days dreaming up stories about swoony fae kings and rugged blacksmiths. When she's not writing, she loves to do CrossFit competitions, rewatch Game of Thrones, collect Taylor Swift vinyls, and drink far too much coffee.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 870 reviews
August 16, 2022
If a somewhat decent AI spent a few hours in the bookish side of tiktok this is the book it would write.
It's the exact plot of From blood and ash combined with ACOTAR, keeping in mind that those two books are already a bit similar to each other. A strong (despite her circumstances) heroine ends up in the company of a really hot guy who she's been taught to hate but surprise! he isn't actually bad because he has two male friends who are also hot and a girlboss soldier bestfriend who he loves like a sister.
The plot doesn't really matter though since it's only here so every single trope known to mankind can be written, how can we have a "main characters in one horse", "only one bed", "hot male character chopping wood shirtless" and "who did this to you" all in ten pages. And to make it worse they aren't even properly done, the author is trying to fit so many of them in every single chapter they all feel rushed and extremely anti climactic. There are attempts at some kind of world building or even simple storyline but they are immediately shut down by the two main characters fighting just so we can have a "because I love you" moment.
Do you know those tiktoks where you can tell the creator is trying to do a viral sound? they are extremely manufactured and sound unnatural and are just not fun to watch, 95% of the scenes in this book give that exact energy. If I want to look at my fyp I can go on my phone I do not need this book.
I've never even written a review on goodreads but this book made me so angry I needed to.
It's the exact plot of From blood and ash combined with ACOTAR, keeping in mind that those two books are already a bit similar to each other. A strong (despite her circumstances) heroine ends up in the company of a really hot guy who she's been taught to hate but surprise! he isn't actually bad because he has two male friends who are also hot and a girlboss soldier bestfriend who he loves like a sister.
The plot doesn't really matter though since it's only here so every single trope known to mankind can be written, how can we have a "main characters in one horse", "only one bed", "hot male character chopping wood shirtless" and "who did this to you" all in ten pages. And to make it worse they aren't even properly done, the author is trying to fit so many of them in every single chapter they all feel rushed and extremely anti climactic. There are attempts at some kind of world building or even simple storyline but they are immediately shut down by the two main characters fighting just so we can have a "because I love you" moment.
Do you know those tiktoks where you can tell the creator is trying to do a viral sound? they are extremely manufactured and sound unnatural and are just not fun to watch, 95% of the scenes in this book give that exact energy. If I want to look at my fyp I can go on my phone I do not need this book.
I've never even written a review on goodreads but this book made me so angry I needed to.
August 3, 2022
2.5�
Of Mist and Shadow is the first book in a new fantasy series that follows Tessa, a mortal girl living under the tyrannical rule of the King of Light. When caught stealing, she’s taken to be his promised mortal bride. She eventually escapes into the arms of the King of Shadows, the rival fae kingdom in a stalemate battle with the Kingdom of Light.
This book has all of our favorite tropes:
� One bed
� One horse
� Actual enemies to lovers
� Kidnapping
� Runaway bride
� Forced proximity
� Fae wars
� Court politics
� Meddling gods
� Betrayals that will make your head spin
Tessa is a strong, yet not powerful, fmc. She loves her family and would do literally anything for them. That’s her only motivation, and her only character trait. By the middle to end, I was really sick of this tbh.
Kalen, the mmc, is the King of the Shadows/The Mist King. He is soooo one-dimensional. I was so bored by him. Yes, there were some cute moments like him calling her “love� and braiding her hair. But his actual personality was nothing. Bland as a graham cracker.
I liked that they were literally enemies, and we get a little steam between them, but nothing really too much in book 1.
The plot consists of them planning on how to defeat the King of Light and save Tessa’s family while battling scary creatures and the third fae kingdom.
I realllllly get bored by traveling plots. Every single chapter has a battle, but by the 3rd one, I knew they were going to win. It was just so boring. The magic system and lore/world building was really fun though, which is the only reason this book is getting 2.5 for me.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. I’m not dying for the next one. I’ll probably read it.
Of Mist and Shadow is the first book in a new fantasy series that follows Tessa, a mortal girl living under the tyrannical rule of the King of Light. When caught stealing, she’s taken to be his promised mortal bride. She eventually escapes into the arms of the King of Shadows, the rival fae kingdom in a stalemate battle with the Kingdom of Light.
This book has all of our favorite tropes:
� One bed
� One horse
� Actual enemies to lovers
� Kidnapping
� Runaway bride
� Forced proximity
� Fae wars
� Court politics
� Meddling gods
� Betrayals that will make your head spin
Tessa is a strong, yet not powerful, fmc. She loves her family and would do literally anything for them. That’s her only motivation, and her only character trait. By the middle to end, I was really sick of this tbh.
Kalen, the mmc, is the King of the Shadows/The Mist King. He is soooo one-dimensional. I was so bored by him. Yes, there were some cute moments like him calling her “love� and braiding her hair. But his actual personality was nothing. Bland as a graham cracker.
I liked that they were literally enemies, and we get a little steam between them, but nothing really too much in book 1.
The plot consists of them planning on how to defeat the King of Light and save Tessa’s family while battling scary creatures and the third fae kingdom.
I realllllly get bored by traveling plots. Every single chapter has a battle, but by the 3rd one, I knew they were going to win. It was just so boring. The magic system and lore/world building was really fun though, which is the only reason this book is getting 2.5 for me.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. I’m not dying for the next one. I’ll probably read it.
August 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! Couldn’t put it down. I wanted to read a book that completely took my mind to another world and it did just that!
The world building was really interesting. I loved the talk of Gods and wars and fae and new creatures. I never knew what would happen next. It has enemies to lovers, one bed trope, one horse trope, ‘who did this to you�, and more. The slow burn feel was done perfectly�
I would die for The Mist King.No exaggeration. Without hesitation, I’d give him everything.
The cliffhanger was intense. I have so many questions. I’m so ready for book 2 now!
The world building was really interesting. I loved the talk of Gods and wars and fae and new creatures. I never knew what would happen next. It has enemies to lovers, one bed trope, one horse trope, ‘who did this to you�, and more. The slow burn feel was done perfectly�
I would die for The Mist King.No exaggeration. Without hesitation, I’d give him everything.
The cliffhanger was intense. I have so many questions. I’m so ready for book 2 now!
May 5, 2023
I'm not sure if Tessa was living in the same book as I was. I've never met someone so utterly ignorant of the rules that governed her reality before.
She was consistently surprised when fae caught her in lies because *ahem* they know when mortals are lying. She never seems to catch on to this fact and grow as a main character and start bending the truth to benefit her. I'm not even lying when I say that these fae were calling her a dirty fucking liar every other page.
Tessa just also seemed willfully ignorant. She never tried to get more information about the world around her or double check the things that people were telling her.
And the ending? I wasn't happy about it. Tessa finally FINALLY seems to not be useless and actually gets off her ass and goes to work - all of that is undone within 10 pages.
In truth, I think I would have rated this higher if I had gone on kindle unlimited. Instead I got a physical copy 😐 No one needs to inform me how stupid that sounds. I like the feel of a book in my hand okay? 😭
She was consistently surprised when fae caught her in lies because *ahem* they know when mortals are lying. She never seems to catch on to this fact and grow as a main character and start bending the truth to benefit her. I'm not even lying when I say that these fae were calling her a dirty fucking liar every other page.
Tessa just also seemed willfully ignorant. She never tried to get more information about the world around her or double check the things that people were telling her.
And the ending? I wasn't happy about it. Tessa finally FINALLY seems to not be useless and actually gets off her ass and goes to work - all of that is undone within 10 pages.
In truth, I think I would have rated this higher if I had gone on kindle unlimited. Instead I got a physical copy 😐 No one needs to inform me how stupid that sounds. I like the feel of a book in my hand okay? 😭
August 29, 2022
I marked it as read so I could keep the review. This book had a lot of promise. It was a combination of ACOTAR and FBAA� if a 12 year old wrote it. The writing just isn’t good. The characters are flat and boring, and Tessa has to be the most aggravating MC’s that I have ever read. King Oberon had it right with the no talking rule because everything out of this girls mouth was beyond childish and annoying. I CANNOT. DNFd at 40%.
August 22, 2022
apologies in advance dear writer but as someone who has read more fantasy books than having known people, I have to say this needs a lot of work.
it felt like I was on Wattpad, reading the latest fae series that isn't smut.
the book revolves around Tessa, a mortal girl living in the city of light, or what it was called, where a cruel king rules over them. every 100 years, a king has to pick a girl to marry to continue his reign and conceive an heir due to the fact that the fae has gotten bare. typically, she is his pick and future bride. after suffering from the escape of her father and the torture of the king, Tessa starts contacting a captain who guides her into getting him crystals as her own form of betrayal. after the bride is picked the contact between the captain and Tessa cuts and she becomes completely under the control of Oberon the cruel king. these scenarios take place in the city of light where the sun never sets and that is surrounded by a land of mist and darkness ruled by another cruel king called The mist king. now of course the sequence of events goes on so that she escapes and meets the mist king and decides to look for her mother and friend who have supposedly escaped to the mists.
the plot itself is not so bad, did I see it all coming? yes. did it shock me at all? absolutely not. was it exciting? 1/10. but the execution? horrible. the writing style was tacky and cheap and felt written by a teenager. literally Wattpad with mediocre quality.
the only reason I would continue this series is that I'm running out of fantasy books to read and the idea of rereading my books is not a great one (even if I'll enjoy it.)
overall 2 stars: one for the plot and one for the effort.
it felt like I was on Wattpad, reading the latest fae series that isn't smut.
the book revolves around Tessa, a mortal girl living in the city of light, or what it was called, where a cruel king rules over them. every 100 years, a king has to pick a girl to marry to continue his reign and conceive an heir due to the fact that the fae has gotten bare. typically, she is his pick and future bride. after suffering from the escape of her father and the torture of the king, Tessa starts contacting a captain who guides her into getting him crystals as her own form of betrayal. after the bride is picked the contact between the captain and Tessa cuts and she becomes completely under the control of Oberon the cruel king. these scenarios take place in the city of light where the sun never sets and that is surrounded by a land of mist and darkness ruled by another cruel king called The mist king. now of course the sequence of events goes on so that she escapes and meets the mist king and decides to look for her mother and friend who have supposedly escaped to the mists.
the plot itself is not so bad, did I see it all coming? yes. did it shock me at all? absolutely not. was it exciting? 1/10. but the execution? horrible. the writing style was tacky and cheap and felt written by a teenager. literally Wattpad with mediocre quality.
the only reason I would continue this series is that I'm running out of fantasy books to read and the idea of rereading my books is not a great one (even if I'll enjoy it.)
overall 2 stars: one for the plot and one for the effort.
August 25, 2022
I desperately wanted to like this book. Tiktok kept recommending this book to me and I finally caved.
I don’t mean to be a jerk, but this book is the first book I have ever given a one star rating to. I knew it was going to be trope-y but…Oh. My. Lord. This book read like fan fiction of every fantasy novel ever written shoved into one book that was written by a 12 year old. And that’s borderline rude to 12 year olds.
I am a speed reader, I can read 100 pages an hour, more if the book hooks me. It took me EIGHT HOURS to get through this book. I had to keep taking breaks because I could not make myself read it after the first ten chapters. If I hadn’t promised 9 year old me to never DNF a book, I would have stopped reading. The pacing was slow, all of the characters were flat, and the plot and romance was so contrived that I had to hold back eye rolls. I knew when Kal braided Tessa’s hair it was all over for me.
I desperately wanted to like this book and leaving this review is killing me because everyone else loved it. I also feel bad because I know authors spend a lot of time making sure things are perfect and they are trying to bring their vision to life. But for me, everything in this book fell flat. I did not care about the characters, I did not care about the plot, and everything moved too slow, and then everything happened in the last five chapters. But, there was no character development throughout the book that made me feel any type of way at the end. Honestly, the concept was REALLY promising, but the execution was such a let down. I will continue to read the series because I am hoping it gets much better. I want to rate the next book higher so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
I don’t mean to be a jerk, but this book is the first book I have ever given a one star rating to. I knew it was going to be trope-y but…Oh. My. Lord. This book read like fan fiction of every fantasy novel ever written shoved into one book that was written by a 12 year old. And that’s borderline rude to 12 year olds.
I am a speed reader, I can read 100 pages an hour, more if the book hooks me. It took me EIGHT HOURS to get through this book. I had to keep taking breaks because I could not make myself read it after the first ten chapters. If I hadn’t promised 9 year old me to never DNF a book, I would have stopped reading. The pacing was slow, all of the characters were flat, and the plot and romance was so contrived that I had to hold back eye rolls. I knew when Kal braided Tessa’s hair it was all over for me.
I desperately wanted to like this book and leaving this review is killing me because everyone else loved it. I also feel bad because I know authors spend a lot of time making sure things are perfect and they are trying to bring their vision to life. But for me, everything in this book fell flat. I did not care about the characters, I did not care about the plot, and everything moved too slow, and then everything happened in the last five chapters. But, there was no character development throughout the book that made me feel any type of way at the end. Honestly, the concept was REALLY promising, but the execution was such a let down. I will continue to read the series because I am hoping it gets much better. I want to rate the next book higher so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
August 17, 2022
You mention Fae and I’m there! What a perfect , fast-paced, full of action, betrayal and a new and fresh unique magic system that is easy to grip and you get into the flow quickly.
Some tropes you will find in this treasure of a book!
✨Hidden Identity
✨D
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Who did this to you?
✨Extreme bad guy
✨F
✨One bed trope
✨Some serious sword swinging
✨Dual POV
✨Betrayal galore
We follow Tessa who has just tried to steal a gemstone from King Oberon, who is known for his absolute brutality towards humans. She would know, she has extreme scars on her back and the memory of her dads head on a spike because of him. When he unexpectedly let’s her go, she knows punishment would come sooner or later. The punishment? He chooses her to be his next bride for the next 75 years, for him to torture as he pleases.
When a familiar acquaintance helps her escape, she is confronted with his hidden identity and so begins the slow burn of an enemies to lovers lurking around the corner. Alongside massive secrets and betrayals. I have so many questions! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two- especially after that ending! Audibly gasped.
Amazing read-highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
Some tropes you will find in this treasure of a book!
✨Hidden Identity
✨D
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Who did this to you?
✨Extreme bad guy
✨F
✨One bed trope
✨Some serious sword swinging
✨Dual POV
✨Betrayal galore
We follow Tessa who has just tried to steal a gemstone from King Oberon, who is known for his absolute brutality towards humans. She would know, she has extreme scars on her back and the memory of her dads head on a spike because of him. When he unexpectedly let’s her go, she knows punishment would come sooner or later. The punishment? He chooses her to be his next bride for the next 75 years, for him to torture as he pleases.
When a familiar acquaintance helps her escape, she is confronted with his hidden identity and so begins the slow burn of an enemies to lovers lurking around the corner. Alongside massive secrets and betrayals. I have so many questions! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two- especially after that ending! Audibly gasped.
Amazing read-highly recommended.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC
November 25, 2022
DNF at 29%. I tried.
This book has some semi-decent world building, but absolutely no character building. People were talked about and brought up as if we’re just suppose to know who they are. I felt like I was watching a brand new series but starting on the second episode.
I HATE HATE HATE describing something as Wattpad style but�.. I’m describing this as Wattpad style writing. And the only reason is because I felt like I was reading some fanfic that a 12 year old wrote in between classes and hastily posted online.
There were some good shock values though, especially considering it was only 20% in.
This book has some semi-decent world building, but absolutely no character building. People were talked about and brought up as if we’re just suppose to know who they are. I felt like I was watching a brand new series but starting on the second episode.
I HATE HATE HATE describing something as Wattpad style but�.. I’m describing this as Wattpad style writing. And the only reason is because I felt like I was reading some fanfic that a 12 year old wrote in between classes and hastily posted online.
There were some good shock values though, especially considering it was only 20% in.
May 1, 2023
BEYOND FIVE STARS
This is what New Adult Fantasy should be
This is what New Adult Fantasy should be
August 4, 2022
Wow the ending ❤️✔️✔️
September 4, 2022
WHERE IS BOOK 2??? I need to know what is happening!!!
July 15, 2022
Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Holy crap, was this book good.
This was my first book by Jenna and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Her writing just flowed so well that you sometimes forgot how much time was passing (I may or may not have been late to an appointment but it was soooo worth it). That ending cliff hanger had me screaming into a pillow, I would pay obscene amount of money to find out what happens next.
One thing I loved was the representation of how strong female bonds can be and the impact they have on a person. The bond that Tessa has with Val and Nessie was my favourite and it was written so well. But I also loved the way the relationship between Kalen, Niamh, Alastair and Toryn was written. They gave me found-family trope vibes and reminded me a lot of the inner circle from ACOTAR.
I couldn’t write this review and not talk about Tessa and Kalen. The sexual tension that they both had was *chefs kiss*. I became so emotionally invested into them both as individuals and together! I can’t wait to see how their feelings for each other grows in the next book. Of Mist and Shadow has some of my favourite tropes as well (Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow burn romance, one-bed, forced proximity, who did this to you). But they were done so well.
I think the best thing was Jenna has left room for characters to develop and mature so that we can feel even closer to them in future books.
The one thing I would of love to have seen is more chapters from Kalen POV (but that might just me being greedy lmao)
Overall, I can’t recommend Of Mist and Shadow enough!! It had me on the edge of my seat for the entire thing and it never once disappointed. I can not wait for book 2!!
*Thank you to Jenna Wolfhart and Netgallery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review* (less)
Holy crap, was this book good.
This was my first book by Jenna and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. Her writing just flowed so well that you sometimes forgot how much time was passing (I may or may not have been late to an appointment but it was soooo worth it). That ending cliff hanger had me screaming into a pillow, I would pay obscene amount of money to find out what happens next.
One thing I loved was the representation of how strong female bonds can be and the impact they have on a person. The bond that Tessa has with Val and Nessie was my favourite and it was written so well. But I also loved the way the relationship between Kalen, Niamh, Alastair and Toryn was written. They gave me found-family trope vibes and reminded me a lot of the inner circle from ACOTAR.
I couldn’t write this review and not talk about Tessa and Kalen. The sexual tension that they both had was *chefs kiss*. I became so emotionally invested into them both as individuals and together! I can’t wait to see how their feelings for each other grows in the next book. Of Mist and Shadow has some of my favourite tropes as well (Enemies-to-Lovers, Slow burn romance, one-bed, forced proximity, who did this to you). But they were done so well.
I think the best thing was Jenna has left room for characters to develop and mature so that we can feel even closer to them in future books.
The one thing I would of love to have seen is more chapters from Kalen POV (but that might just me being greedy lmao)
Overall, I can’t recommend Of Mist and Shadow enough!! It had me on the edge of my seat for the entire thing and it never once disappointed. I can not wait for book 2!!
*Thank you to Jenna Wolfhart and Netgallery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review* (less)
September 5, 2022
Boy did I want to love this book. Enemies to lovers? One bed?? Fae???
Alas, it didn't work out for me. I dnf'd at about the 2/3 mark.
The plot had so much potential but it fell flat because the characters were like flimsy pieces of cardboard.
When it comes to villains and morally grey characters-- they need to have some sort of motivation to be bad for me. King Oberon's obvious distaste for humans was not my issue but the other things that came up throughout the story . His motivations weren't ever really fleshed out.
And this is the same with Kelan. Why did they get into a war? No idea (maybe this is clarified in the last 1/3 of the book, but I needed more answers sooner if I was gonna stick with it).
There was also so much travelling. I don't mind a good journey, or even several, in a story. So long as they each serve a purpose to further the plot. And each journey didn't really do much. We found out more about the third kingdom. We found out a little more about Kalen's past (but not really anything I couldn't have guessed before reading the book).
Even the fact that this story is labelled as enemies to lovers didn't sit well with me. Tessa's reasoning for distrusting Kalen were kind of reasonable-- for the first few interactions. But her whining got tiring eventually when I felt there was no reasonable evidence for her to act the way she was. He never had a problem with her except annoyance that she wouldn't hear his side of things. And I happened to agree with him.
Tessa especially annoyed me. She's supposed to be a strong female character-- and she is to an extent. But she was too whiny and one-dimensional to really sell it. She only cared about saving her family (which is understandable). But that was her only personality trait. Aside from oogling the Mist King every few pages. The same goes for Kalen. His traits included: doing anything for Tessa (who he barely knew) and generally being mysterious.
The relationships between Tessa and her family and Val and Kalen and his crew were interesting, but they could have been deeper. It said that these people went through hell together. And I can imagine that, but I never felt that connection because I didn't see them going through hell together.
Some other elements of the writing were odd or out of place to me, but I don't feel the need to go into that since it wasn't the reason that stopped me from reading.
I hate writing reviews like this because I didn't have much positive to say. But I genuinely think this book would be SO good if it was more developed.
All in all, it was intriguing but not good enough for me to care to finish.
Disclaimers: I only read 2/3 of this, so I am only speaking for the parts that I read.
Swearing is explicit.
Sexual content is not very explicit. There is a scene where there's orgy stuff and a woman is going to be raped. This isn't described in graphic detail. (in my opinion)
Violence is present as there is warlike stuff going on. Scary creatures and torture are present, but neither is actually described in graphic detail.
Alas, it didn't work out for me. I dnf'd at about the 2/3 mark.
The plot had so much potential but it fell flat because the characters were like flimsy pieces of cardboard.
When it comes to villains and morally grey characters-- they need to have some sort of motivation to be bad for me. King Oberon's obvious distaste for humans was not my issue but the other things that came up throughout the story . His motivations weren't ever really fleshed out.
And this is the same with Kelan. Why did they get into a war? No idea (maybe this is clarified in the last 1/3 of the book, but I needed more answers sooner if I was gonna stick with it).
There was also so much travelling. I don't mind a good journey, or even several, in a story. So long as they each serve a purpose to further the plot. And each journey didn't really do much. We found out more about the third kingdom. We found out a little more about Kalen's past (but not really anything I couldn't have guessed before reading the book).
Even the fact that this story is labelled as enemies to lovers didn't sit well with me. Tessa's reasoning for distrusting Kalen were kind of reasonable-- for the first few interactions. But her whining got tiring eventually when I felt there was no reasonable evidence for her to act the way she was. He never had a problem with her except annoyance that she wouldn't hear his side of things. And I happened to agree with him.
Tessa especially annoyed me. She's supposed to be a strong female character-- and she is to an extent. But she was too whiny and one-dimensional to really sell it. She only cared about saving her family (which is understandable). But that was her only personality trait. Aside from oogling the Mist King every few pages. The same goes for Kalen. His traits included: doing anything for Tessa (who he barely knew) and generally being mysterious.
The relationships between Tessa and her family and Val and Kalen and his crew were interesting, but they could have been deeper. It said that these people went through hell together. And I can imagine that, but I never felt that connection because I didn't see them going through hell together.
Some other elements of the writing were odd or out of place to me, but I don't feel the need to go into that since it wasn't the reason that stopped me from reading.
I hate writing reviews like this because I didn't have much positive to say. But I genuinely think this book would be SO good if it was more developed.
All in all, it was intriguing but not good enough for me to care to finish.
Disclaimers: I only read 2/3 of this, so I am only speaking for the parts that I read.
Swearing is explicit.
Sexual content is not very explicit. There is a scene where there's orgy stuff and a woman is going to be raped. This isn't described in graphic detail. (in my opinion)
Violence is present as there is warlike stuff going on. Scary creatures and torture are present, but neither is actually described in graphic detail.
August 29, 2022
It was a DNF for me. This book wasn’t it for me and I wasn’t really happy reading it� so� yeah. May be it will be good for you, the plot seemed interesting but it wasn’t enough for me and the characters didn’t convince me to continue.
Merry
Merry
December 4, 2022
DNF at 55%. It’s literally a copy of A Court of Mist and Fury (it’s even in the name UGH.) The similarities are too much, the MC is frustrating, the plot is slow, and it is all boring and predictable. Been there, done that.
February 5, 2023
This book has all the tropes!
One horse, one bed, enemies to lovers, lovers to enemies, slow burn, and my favorite, "who did this to you?"
One horse, one bed, enemies to lovers, lovers to enemies, slow burn, and my favorite, "who did this to you?"
March 18, 2023
Why can't everything go exactly how I want it to go in books 🥲
July 18, 2022
Four and a half
I love books about the Fae and here we get thoroughly nasty ones ! Plus the action and world building starts strongly from page one with a protagonist who is plucky and loyal. The things Tessa goes through to protect those she cares about are truly vile and abhorrent but she manages to escape although I’m not sure if anyone would think she’s exactly safe . Torn between two powerful Fae Kings you would think that the author would feel that’s more than enough angst and danger but in this world there are even more surprises as ancient Gods make their presence felt !
This is definitely a series I’m keen to read more of as this book ended in such a way that I’m gnashing my teeth. I sadly didn’t like everything (the sister ) and if this is going to turn into a romance then it’s pretty slow burn. However I’m beyond intrigued by what really happens to the new Queens and exactly what it all means for the King and his realm. This was full of mystery and suspense and definitely this new to me author has penned a very interesting tale.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
I love books about the Fae and here we get thoroughly nasty ones ! Plus the action and world building starts strongly from page one with a protagonist who is plucky and loyal. The things Tessa goes through to protect those she cares about are truly vile and abhorrent but she manages to escape although I’m not sure if anyone would think she’s exactly safe . Torn between two powerful Fae Kings you would think that the author would feel that’s more than enough angst and danger but in this world there are even more surprises as ancient Gods make their presence felt !
This is definitely a series I’m keen to read more of as this book ended in such a way that I’m gnashing my teeth. I sadly didn’t like everything (the sister ) and if this is going to turn into a romance then it’s pretty slow burn. However I’m beyond intrigued by what really happens to the new Queens and exactly what it all means for the King and his realm. This was full of mystery and suspense and definitely this new to me author has penned a very interesting tale.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 1, 2025I'm sad, I really thought I found a new fantasy series to binge. Especially as I loved the two Falling for Fables books I've read. But 22% in, and I'm over it.
January 6, 2023
3.5
This books was interesting, I will continue with the series because I want to know what happens but even though the plot should have been high tension, it just seemed to lack in that area.
The romance, while hate on one side, I can’t really call hate to love (I’m not sure if that was the intention but it seemed to not be there and then just instantly happen).
Some key phrases were also used over and over again and that took me out of the story.
Overall I thought the beginning was very strong and I am hopeful that the second book will raise the stakes a bit more and show more real emotions from the characters.
This books was interesting, I will continue with the series because I want to know what happens but even though the plot should have been high tension, it just seemed to lack in that area.
The romance, while hate on one side, I can’t really call hate to love (I’m not sure if that was the intention but it seemed to not be there and then just instantly happen).
Some key phrases were also used over and over again and that took me out of the story.
Overall I thought the beginning was very strong and I am hopeful that the second book will raise the stakes a bit more and show more real emotions from the characters.
August 22, 2022
Dnf at 30%. I love a trope. This book was promised to have them all, but it just fell sooooo flat. Where are the multi dimensions to the characters? Sure the bad guy is evil and cruel, but there's no time given to actual develop that it's just shoved in your face like ooo he cut off a head....like the MC goes thru a traumatic experience *spoiler* having her sister beheaded and rather than delve into how she feels about that or how she breaks or rallies or whatever.....we just jump forward a month! Just overall very disappointed 😞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
I really wanted to like this book. I made it through about 80% of it before I said "meh I have better things on my tbr list." I feel like this could have been a good book had the author taken more time to develop relationships between the characters. It didn't make sense to me that the protagonist would suddenly trust characters that she didn't before with little interaction/action in the story. I probably could have forgiven this if there had been some spice thrown in there.
Shelved as 'dnf-read-less-than-25-percent'
September 9, 2022DNF at 24%. Took over a week to read 115 pages, which is very unlike me.
July 18, 2022
This story follows Tessa, a human that lives in the Kingdom of Light that is now surrounded by deadly mists thanks to the Mist King, and her and her fellow humans live in a place that is severely oppressed by the light fae and their king, Oberon. Tessa has been stealing King Oberon's gems for a rebel fae who claims if he gets enough, he can free the humans from the mists and King Oberon. Well, Tessa gets caught by King Oberon, but surprisingly, he lets her go. Tessa is unsure why until the next day when King Oberon is to select his next human wife, he selects Tessa. She has a month to either kill the king, or get out.
I think the concept and idea of this book was great! I really liked the world, the magic, and of course the fae. The fae are not your friends in this book. They treat humans rather poorly, and so some that Tessa meets who seem kind, it makes you wonder whether they're genuine, or if they have an endgame. I really liked the mystery, and trying to figure out who is telling the truth or not the truth. It was an endless guessing game for me throughout the entirety of the book.
For the most part I liked the characters, however, the real reason I gave this three stars is because of Tessa, our female MC. She started off fine, but then she became rather petulant, who acts on emotions, and doesn't believe anyone, and instead of thinking logically, she acts out without thinking. I kept forgetting she is supposed to be 25 through the entire book. She acted like she was more like 16 or younger. The decisions she made she never thought through and tended to not end well for her.
I really did like the story, Tessa just made it difficult for me to read and enjoy the book. The ending was interesting, and I may read the next book just to see how the story continues. I received a free digital copy to read(thank you to NetGalley and the publisher). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I think the concept and idea of this book was great! I really liked the world, the magic, and of course the fae. The fae are not your friends in this book. They treat humans rather poorly, and so some that Tessa meets who seem kind, it makes you wonder whether they're genuine, or if they have an endgame. I really liked the mystery, and trying to figure out who is telling the truth or not the truth. It was an endless guessing game for me throughout the entirety of the book.
For the most part I liked the characters, however, the real reason I gave this three stars is because of Tessa, our female MC. She started off fine, but then she became rather petulant, who acts on emotions, and doesn't believe anyone, and instead of thinking logically, she acts out without thinking. I kept forgetting she is supposed to be 25 through the entire book. She acted like she was more like 16 or younger. The decisions she made she never thought through and tended to not end well for her.
I really did like the story, Tessa just made it difficult for me to read and enjoy the book. The ending was interesting, and I may read the next book just to see how the story continues. I received a free digital copy to read(thank you to NetGalley and the publisher). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2024
I love a good fae romantasy and this book delivers! There was plenty of mystery and action with a sprinkle of romance.
The FMC is a bit frustrating at times, but I'm hoping she'll have some character development. There were so many times when I wanted her to be a bada** and just fight, but she instead played the waiting or in distress damsel.
The MMC is a shadow daddy, which is always my favorite kind. He isn't very forthcoming and is shrouded in mystery, almost intentionally.
All in all, I liked this book. We get magic, gods, fae, and humans. I can't wait to see what happens next and if the FMC will start to fight more for herself and her family.
The FMC is a bit frustrating at times, but I'm hoping she'll have some character development. There were so many times when I wanted her to be a bada** and just fight, but she instead played the waiting or in distress damsel.
The MMC is a shadow daddy, which is always my favorite kind. He isn't very forthcoming and is shrouded in mystery, almost intentionally.
All in all, I liked this book. We get magic, gods, fae, and humans. I can't wait to see what happens next and if the FMC will start to fight more for herself and her family.
May 23, 2023
Very 1 dimensional characters. They say everything they are feeling and over explain things that should be obvious based on context clues and implications. Spells everything out for you and reads like a book for middle schoolers. Also some of the phrasing felt like the author looked something up and just wanted to throw it in like saying “let’s break our fast� regarding breakfast of specifying the “gibbous moon� that was totally unnecessary and doesn’t make sense for the world, either say full, half, or crescent (which are shapes) rather than a specific term that wouldn’t have existed in this world. Lots of little things like that bothered me about the writing and it just really felt basic and predictable and everything was so spelled out for you.
September 28, 2022
I am conflicted on this read and would give it different ratings at various points in the story. It started off decent, a good-enough read to quell my fae hunger. Though the quality of the story dissolves the farther you read in. Very run of the mill when it comes to sequence of events, character behaviors and choices, and predictability of the story. I didn't deeply connect with any of the characters and the internal conflicts were a bit tired. A little unsure of why I am interested to see what direction the story goes in, but will probably read the second book. This one is a 2.75/3 ⭐️⭐️
February 15, 2024
Underdeveloped.
Bottom line. This book sucked. The writing was very immature and repetitive. Serious feels like it was written by a teenager at best. The ideas was kind of there but the book did not come together at all. It was trying to hard to be ACOTAR or From Blood and
Ash. It was boring. Took me way too long to finish. I wanted to DNF, honestly, but I kept hoping it would get better. Not so much. None of the characters were particularly likable or endearing. The entire middle of the book was pointless. Wont be reading the rest of the series.
Bottom line. This book sucked. The writing was very immature and repetitive. Serious feels like it was written by a teenager at best. The ideas was kind of there but the book did not come together at all. It was trying to hard to be ACOTAR or From Blood and
Ash. It was boring. Took me way too long to finish. I wanted to DNF, honestly, but I kept hoping it would get better. Not so much. None of the characters were particularly likable or endearing. The entire middle of the book was pointless. Wont be reading the rest of the series.
Read
July 29, 2023DNF @ 16%
I hate Tessa. She angry—that’s her only personality trait. She’s not clever, not trying to understand the world around her or use situations to her advantage. I checked reviews to see if it gets better and it seems it does not.
I hate Tessa. She angry—that’s her only personality trait. She’s not clever, not trying to understand the world around her or use situations to her advantage. I checked reviews to see if it gets better and it seems it does not.
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