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Courts of Aetheria #1
Crown of Light and Shadows
A powerless outcast thrust into a brutal Fae academy.
Her ruthless instructor caught between duty and desire.
A forbidden love foretold to spark the kingdom’s absolute ruin.
Welcome to the Courts of Aetheria
Her ruthless instructor caught between duty and desire.
A forbidden love foretold to spark the kingdom’s absolute ruin.
Welcome to the Courts of Aetheria
448 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2024
2703 people are currently reading
13386 people want to read
About the author
G.K. DeRosa
89 books1,475 followersG.K. De Rosa has been an avid reader from a very young age. In fact, before she could even read, she tried fooling everyone into thinking that she could. At the precocious age of two, while living in Italy, she had memorized an entire children’s book in Italian and expertly turned the pages at the exact right moments of the story. As she grew up, she always enjoyed literature, no doubt having been instilled with a love of story telling from her early years in Catholic school where she was greatly influenced by exemplary teachers who taught her the value of English and Literature. Though she did not pursue writing in college and instead went for the more traditional route of International Business inspired by her love for travel and all things foreign, after a move to New York City, she found her creative writing side calling once again. She began writing a restaurant review blog, City Lights and Tasty Bites, detailing her other passion – food! The hectic hustle and bustle of the city, combined with long commuting times gave her the opportunity to spend more time reading and rekindled a lost love. After reading countless books in many diverse genres over the two years in New York City, and returning to her home state of Florida, she felt compelled to write something for herself. She had always felt particularly drawn to Young Adult novels and having been an eternal romantic at heart, a fantasy romance was a natural choice. She currently lives in South Florida with her real life Prince Charming and their fur baby, Nico the German Shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews
June 22, 2024
Okay, finished it. It did not get better. I don't know how there are so many raving reviews for this book.
Spice level 0.5/5. Literally just kissing. There was one O, but it was super quick and fully clothed, so it barely counts. MC starts and finishes the book as a virgin. The closest they get to doing anything is when she is basically dying, so you know, super romantic when you're nearly poisoned to death. And the whole "gotta get the magical water directly on the skin to make it work" trope... It's water. Even the non magical kind will not be deterred by clothing.
The biggest problem I have with it is the repetitive speech.
Eyes described as orbs (midnight orbs, depthless orbs, star flecked orbs, shining orbs, etc.) : 31 times.
Number of times his dark gaze "chased to" hers: approximately 17 times.
Number of times light was described as ethereal: 68 (to be fair, one of the courts is called the Court of Ethereal Light but still, the number of times it's lower case and not referencing the court is excessive)
Number of times something coalesced: 20.
Also, the "plot twist"... Not twisty. The "cliffhanger"... Pretty sure just stalling while someone brain storms a few more plot points so an entire additional book can be written.
---
26% done: barely 3 stars. So far, slow paced and stereotypical faery trope with very YA style writing (with one F bomb to remind you you're reading a book for grown ups).
Two things that have bothered me: author's use of the word myriad. It's supposed to be singular, not plural but twice she's used it incorrectly. Also wrote inane instead of insane once. Plot point I didn't care for: when she was worried about being late to class so instead of using the trails to get across campus, she *jumps in the freezing river* to make it?! And somehow only makes it two seconds before the professor who walked the whole way. And she took this extreme measure because she was "worried about being punished" when the prof flirtingly threatened her with consequences if she was later than him... And he dropped this playful banter right outside the healer's office he just carried/winnowed her to moments before. Girl, why would he carry you to the nurses' office and then legitimately threaten you with actual bodily harm?
Spice level 0.5/5. Literally just kissing. There was one O, but it was super quick and fully clothed, so it barely counts. MC starts and finishes the book as a virgin. The closest they get to doing anything is when she is basically dying, so you know, super romantic when you're nearly poisoned to death. And the whole "gotta get the magical water directly on the skin to make it work" trope... It's water. Even the non magical kind will not be deterred by clothing.
The biggest problem I have with it is the repetitive speech.
Eyes described as orbs (midnight orbs, depthless orbs, star flecked orbs, shining orbs, etc.) : 31 times.
Number of times his dark gaze "chased to" hers: approximately 17 times.
Number of times light was described as ethereal: 68 (to be fair, one of the courts is called the Court of Ethereal Light but still, the number of times it's lower case and not referencing the court is excessive)
Number of times something coalesced: 20.
Also, the "plot twist"... Not twisty. The "cliffhanger"... Pretty sure just stalling while someone brain storms a few more plot points so an entire additional book can be written.
---
26% done: barely 3 stars. So far, slow paced and stereotypical faery trope with very YA style writing (with one F bomb to remind you you're reading a book for grown ups).
Two things that have bothered me: author's use of the word myriad. It's supposed to be singular, not plural but twice she's used it incorrectly. Also wrote inane instead of insane once. Plot point I didn't care for: when she was worried about being late to class so instead of using the trails to get across campus, she *jumps in the freezing river* to make it?! And somehow only makes it two seconds before the professor who walked the whole way. And she took this extreme measure because she was "worried about being punished" when the prof flirtingly threatened her with consequences if she was later than him... And he dropped this playful banter right outside the healer's office he just carried/winnowed her to moments before. Girl, why would he carry you to the nurses' office and then legitimately threaten you with actual bodily harm?
January 29, 2025
I think this is a 3.5 but I'm still sitting on my rating. I had a lot of fun with this overall. It's fast paced and the banter is good. I do agree that it is VERY similar to Fourth Wing, and once I realized how similar, it did take away my enjoyment some. It definitely needed some editing down but I do think it's a fun time. Not a lot of spice which I'm hoping the romance amps up in book 2
June 18, 2024
This is the spicy fantasy romance Harry Potter/Fourth Wing crossover but with FAE (yes!) that I didn’t know I needed!
This book was so enjoyable. The pacing was good, the writing was good, and I really liked the story!
Our FMC Aelia is a Kin (essentially she’s human) and is meant to be bound to a Fae in servitude when she comes of age. But on the morning of her 20th birthday she is instead told she is part Fae (‘yer a wizard Harry!) and is whisked away by a broody shadow daddy professor to a warrior school to learn how to become a guardian and protect the kingdom of the Light Fae, protecting them from a tenuous peace with the Dark Fae realm.
But the story doesn’t stop there. There is a larger plot afoot and nothing is as it seems!
Tropes:
🖤 Forbidden romance (think hot shadow daddy professor… I KNOW 🥵)
⚔️ Warrior school with a stabby FMC
🔥 Slow burn/enemies to lovers
🛏️ One bed
🦇 WINGSSSSSSSSS
🐉 DRAGONS!
This book was so enjoyable. The pacing was good, the writing was good, and I really liked the story!
Our FMC Aelia is a Kin (essentially she’s human) and is meant to be bound to a Fae in servitude when she comes of age. But on the morning of her 20th birthday she is instead told she is part Fae (‘yer a wizard Harry!) and is whisked away by a broody shadow daddy professor to a warrior school to learn how to become a guardian and protect the kingdom of the Light Fae, protecting them from a tenuous peace with the Dark Fae realm.
But the story doesn’t stop there. There is a larger plot afoot and nothing is as it seems!
Tropes:
🖤 Forbidden romance (think hot shadow daddy professor… I KNOW 🥵)
⚔️ Warrior school with a stabby FMC
🔥 Slow burn/enemies to lovers
🛏️ One bed
🦇 WINGSSSSSSSSS
🐉 DRAGONS!
June 24, 2024
2.75 ⭐️s
This was the fanfiction baby of Fourth Wing and SJM. The storyline was there. It really was. But this book needed a lot more editing. It’s like the author found a couple of words she liked and then decided to use them for the rest of the book without trying to find synonyms. I saw everything coming which was really sad for me. On the plus side, it’s been awhile since I’ve gone into full critique mode on a book so that was fun.
This was the fanfiction baby of Fourth Wing and SJM. The storyline was there. It really was. But this book needed a lot more editing. It’s like the author found a couple of words she liked and then decided to use them for the rest of the book without trying to find synonyms. I saw everything coming which was really sad for me. On the plus side, it’s been awhile since I’ve gone into full critique mode on a book so that was fun.
December 12, 2024
Ok this was a bit of a mess but in a fun way like watching a CW show. The writing? Subpar. The vibes? Immaculate.
July 10, 2024
Look, is this simply Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing with Elves straight outa Lord of the Rings? Yes. But did I still enjoy it despite its very strong similarities to FW? Yes, because I'm a sucker for it. 😅 You put war, academy, fae, dragons, stabbies and a delicious romance trope in a book, I am simply going to read it. Not to mention, that ending has me eager to read the next one!
4.5 🌟
4.5 🌟
January 7, 2025
Badly written, ultra-predictable, poorly executed, low stakes, cringe MMC.
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
February 22, 2025
La tensiooon fue buenísima, te re engancha, pero más allá de eso, la política de la academia era un poquito MUCHO parecida a la de FW, por no decir igual🤌
Me gustó la originalidad del inicio y solo del inicio, después empezó a ser muy superficial la narración. Y el supuesto "plot" final (? Se veía venir desde el principio, muuuy predecible.
Y no le crean a ese +18 en la sinopsis, es estafa😞 JAJAJ
Hay una mísera página en TODO el libro, na deja, para eso no pongas nada.
Voy a leer el 2do pq me atrapó, esperemos q ese no ayune💋
Me gustó la originalidad del inicio y solo del inicio, después empezó a ser muy superficial la narración. Y el supuesto "plot" final (? Se veía venir desde el principio, muuuy predecible.
Y no le crean a ese +18 en la sinopsis, es estafa😞 JAJAJ
Hay una mísera página en TODO el libro, na deja, para eso no pongas nada.
Voy a leer el 2do pq me atrapó, esperemos q ese no ayune💋
June 12, 2024
4.5 Stars!
Dive into a world of mystery, deep pulverizing darkness, and a confounding light in the first book in the Courts of Aetheria series by G. K. DeRosa! Welcome to the story of Aelia, a Kin (human-looking), and her journey from Feywood to the Conservatory of Luce in the Court of Ethereal Light. For twenty years, Aelia thought she possessed no power like the Light Fae were known to have. It turns out she might be wrong when Professor Reign from the Conservatory of Luce shows up on her doorstep on her twentieth birthday. Thus, the love/hate relationship between teacher and student began.
Over the course of the story, Aelia is challenged on levels she never dreamed of. From manipulating light to receiving a bonded creature she learns to speak with telepathically, each task becomes more difficult. Reign is at her side, giving her extra lessons, not only because she is his student who might be part of a prophecy about a race that was eradicated over two hundred years ago, but also because he can’t stay away. With secondary characters made up of Aelia’s roommate, Rue, teammates, professors, and even a king, DeRosa builds a fantasy world the likes of no other.
On the other side of the Lumino River lies the Court of Umbral Shadows. While the Court of Ethereal Light currently has a peace treaty, that agreement could crumble at any moment. Reign is originally from the Court of Umbral Shadows and does have shadow powers (IYKYK), he was cast out from his home and forced to seek out the object of the prophecy of the Child of Twilight.
I felt an immediate connection to Aelia. While I don’t carry any magic, I know what it is like to be scared and unsure of the future while putting up a front of stability for others. Aelia’s steadfast dedication to her adopted father, Aiden, tugged at my heartstrings as I’m missing my own father. Then enters tall, devastatingly dark, and handsome Reign and I was a goner. He has the hallmarks of the tortured hero who longs for the forbidden fruit. The story is action packed with a very slow burn and a tiny bit of spice. Aelia and Reign, along with a cast of just as complicated characters, make the Court of Ethereal Light your new favorite fantasy destination.
I’m not sure how many books are planned for this series, but based on DeRosa’s previous series, we might be experiencing the trials of Aelia for a very long while. I, for one, will be first in line for each one.
I received Crown of Light and Shadows for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Dive into a world of mystery, deep pulverizing darkness, and a confounding light in the first book in the Courts of Aetheria series by G. K. DeRosa! Welcome to the story of Aelia, a Kin (human-looking), and her journey from Feywood to the Conservatory of Luce in the Court of Ethereal Light. For twenty years, Aelia thought she possessed no power like the Light Fae were known to have. It turns out she might be wrong when Professor Reign from the Conservatory of Luce shows up on her doorstep on her twentieth birthday. Thus, the love/hate relationship between teacher and student began.
Over the course of the story, Aelia is challenged on levels she never dreamed of. From manipulating light to receiving a bonded creature she learns to speak with telepathically, each task becomes more difficult. Reign is at her side, giving her extra lessons, not only because she is his student who might be part of a prophecy about a race that was eradicated over two hundred years ago, but also because he can’t stay away. With secondary characters made up of Aelia’s roommate, Rue, teammates, professors, and even a king, DeRosa builds a fantasy world the likes of no other.
On the other side of the Lumino River lies the Court of Umbral Shadows. While the Court of Ethereal Light currently has a peace treaty, that agreement could crumble at any moment. Reign is originally from the Court of Umbral Shadows and does have shadow powers (IYKYK), he was cast out from his home and forced to seek out the object of the prophecy of the Child of Twilight.
I felt an immediate connection to Aelia. While I don’t carry any magic, I know what it is like to be scared and unsure of the future while putting up a front of stability for others. Aelia’s steadfast dedication to her adopted father, Aiden, tugged at my heartstrings as I’m missing my own father. Then enters tall, devastatingly dark, and handsome Reign and I was a goner. He has the hallmarks of the tortured hero who longs for the forbidden fruit. The story is action packed with a very slow burn and a tiny bit of spice. Aelia and Reign, along with a cast of just as complicated characters, make the Court of Ethereal Light your new favorite fantasy destination.
I’m not sure how many books are planned for this series, but based on DeRosa’s previous series, we might be experiencing the trials of Aelia for a very long while. I, for one, will be first in line for each one.
I received Crown of Light and Shadows for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 18, 2025
*2nd read*
4.25/5 - so after having read TOG, CC, and quicksilver (and rereading fourth wing), I have to rate this lower. Still entertaining. And Reign is cute
*1st read*
4.75/5 - so so good!! Fourth Wing meets ACOTAR!! (Plot not spicy)
Once in a while I was reminded a little too much of Fourth Wing and/or ACOTAR but just not as good. It was still so so great though and this book had me unable to put it down. Definitely filled the void following those series. Will be starting the second book immediately. Cliffhanger!!
Update: Just saw that the second book doesn’t come out until November… I am upset.
4.25/5 - so after having read TOG, CC, and quicksilver (and rereading fourth wing), I have to rate this lower. Still entertaining. And Reign is cute
*1st read*
4.75/5 - so so good!! Fourth Wing meets ACOTAR!! (Plot not spicy)
Once in a while I was reminded a little too much of Fourth Wing and/or ACOTAR but just not as good. It was still so so great though and this book had me unable to put it down. Definitely filled the void following those series. Will be starting the second book immediately. Cliffhanger!!
Update: Just saw that the second book doesn’t come out until November… I am upset.
June 17, 2024
Rating:⭐️3/5
Spice:🌶️3/5
Read in June 2024:🍉10/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚142/240
♥ [𝙰𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚊 & 𝚁𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚗] ♥
📌romantasy
📌dark academia
📌dragons
📌shadow daddy
📌professor x student
📌age gap
📌magic
🇺🇸Listen, I hate when people do this and start comparing one book to another because I deeply believe that everything has been created and invented already and each author is doing their best with the last crumbs left. BUT. This was Fourth Wing if Xaden had been a professor and not another student. Too many similarities that made my eyebrows go up and my eyes roll.
And it’s a shame because the characters were great, the tension between them was amazing and I loved the fact that their relationship is forbidden. Also, the ending was great and I’m curious about what happens next so I’ll definitely pick up the next book. Hopefully, it’ll be more original.
🇫🇷Écoutez, je déteste quand les gens font ça et commencent à comparer un livre à un autre parce que je crois profondément que tout a déjà été créé et inventé et que chaque auteur fait de son mieux avec les dernières miettes restantes.
MAIS ce roman, c’était Fourth Wing si Xaden avait été un professeur et non un étudiant. C’est tout, je l’ai dit.
Et c'est dommage parce que les personnages étaient géniaux, la tension entre eux était incroyable et j'ai adoré le fait que leur relation était interdite. Aussi, la fin était super et je suis curieuse de savoir ce qui se passe ensuite donc je vais certainement lire le prochain livre. Espérons qu'il sera plus original.
Spice:🌶️3/5
Read in June 2024:🍉10/20
Goodreads Challenge:📚142/240
♥ [𝙰𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚊 & 𝚁𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚗] ♥
📌romantasy
📌dark academia
📌dragons
📌shadow daddy
📌professor x student
📌age gap
📌magic
🇺🇸Listen, I hate when people do this and start comparing one book to another because I deeply believe that everything has been created and invented already and each author is doing their best with the last crumbs left. BUT. This was Fourth Wing if Xaden had been a professor and not another student. Too many similarities that made my eyebrows go up and my eyes roll.
And it’s a shame because the characters were great, the tension between them was amazing and I loved the fact that their relationship is forbidden. Also, the ending was great and I’m curious about what happens next so I’ll definitely pick up the next book. Hopefully, it’ll be more original.
🇫🇷Écoutez, je déteste quand les gens font ça et commencent à comparer un livre à un autre parce que je crois profondément que tout a déjà été créé et inventé et que chaque auteur fait de son mieux avec les dernières miettes restantes.
MAIS ce roman, c’était Fourth Wing si Xaden avait été un professeur et non un étudiant. C’est tout, je l’ai dit.
Et c'est dommage parce que les personnages étaient géniaux, la tension entre eux était incroyable et j'ai adoré le fait que leur relation était interdite. Aussi, la fin était super et je suis curieuse de savoir ce qui se passe ensuite donc je vais certainement lire le prochain livre. Espérons qu'il sera plus original.
September 1, 2024
At first it felt like fun Fourth Wing vibes- until it quickly felt like a copycat fan fiction of Fourth Wing. I feel like scenes and even specific lines were the exact same as what is said and happens in FW. It just got dumb from there and felt very unoriginal and very YA for a book that warns it’s for mature audience 18+.
DNF at 20%… I just couldn’t keep giving it any more time.
DNF at 20%… I just couldn’t keep giving it any more time.
August 4, 2024
I DEVOURED this book!! I was invested from the very beginning. I cant wait for book 2 to be released!
August 17, 2025
2.5☆ This had all the elements I typically enjoy but unfortunately everything felt so forced, especially the main romantic relationship and many of the tropes in here, which seem to have been treated as items on a checklist instead of natural scenes in the story. I fully blame this on the poor writing when it comes to anything involving the characters and relationships. Outside of that, the pacing, world-building, and story were well-written, which kept me engaged and satisfied enough to make it to the end.
Reviewers are saying it's like a Fourth Wing fanfic, and I agree. I'm never upset by a book copying another book (more to enjoy for me, tbh!) but the writing of the characters and their interactions made the quality of this book similar to that of the average unedited fanfic. (To clarify: I've read several amazing fanfics written by incredible authors — Honestly, their writing skills are superior to the skills of sooo many published authors, so I'm not talking about these awesome but rarer fics.)
Reviewers are saying it's like a Fourth Wing fanfic, and I agree. I'm never upset by a book copying another book (more to enjoy for me, tbh!) but the writing of the characters and their interactions made the quality of this book similar to that of the average unedited fanfic. (To clarify: I've read several amazing fanfics written by incredible authors — Honestly, their writing skills are superior to the skills of sooo many published authors, so I'm not talking about these awesome but rarer fics.)
Want to read
August 3, 2024Omg, I just read the description and I think that this is literally what I need right now.
June 6, 2025
Terrible but I will finish the series
March 16, 2025
DNF at 84%
I have never DNF a book this late in the game.
Obviously inspired by fourth wing and Harry Potter but it was too similar and the pacing was so off. The main characters had insta list and no real chemistry. I would give this author another chance but it won’t be with this series. Just not for me.
I have never DNF a book this late in the game.
Obviously inspired by fourth wing and Harry Potter but it was too similar and the pacing was so off. The main characters had insta list and no real chemistry. I would give this author another chance but it won’t be with this series. Just not for me.
June 25, 2024
Rating: 5 stars ❤
Book 1 in The Courts of Aetheria series
Review date: Release Day 😍
This is one of my first fantasy books and I absolutely adored it! 😫 Reign and Aelia are everything I imagined them to be. They're fire and ice, or should I say Light and Shadows 😏🤭 And did I mention they're fated mates, but they don't know 😏🤭🔥They pulled me in from the first word. I couldn't help falling into this magical world and I don't want to escape. Ever! G.k Derosa, you are brilliant 😫
Thank you and Greys Promotion for giving me the opportunity to read them as an ARC ❤
Aelia is a Kin, her kind does not have any powers and make up the Labour part of this enchanting world. She is therefore about to be taken away to become a Lords concubine essentially 🤮 but she is saved by the dark mysterious Shadow-daddy Professor Reign 😫🔥 who claims that she has powers running through her which is of Fae nature 🔥(Thank you Reign!) He whisks her away to the School for Fae's in Aetheria, to train and hone her dormant powers.
Aelia is feisty, she fights his fire with fire and is bold, headstrong and fearless. She's the odd one out at the Academy as she is the first Kin to ever possess Fae Powers. Her journey is so beautiful to witness, see the bonds she forms with her friends and with the mysterious Professor 😏
Reign is a Shadow Fae at the academy and is the odd one out too. He's cold, distant, and more powerful than anyone there 😎 I love how possessive he is about Aelia, protective and in awe of her. All he wants is to be in her orbit and I couldn't help but swoon everytime he appeared 😫❤ My heart ❤
Two outcasts in a brutal place 🤧 they soon find themselves clinging to one another as they become each other's hope, strength and peace. Neither of them has ever felt this drawn to anyone before 😏 I don't even blame Aelia because a grumpy, cold, only smirks for me, protective Shadow-daddy?! Marry me Professor Reign 😫✋ not to mention 10 years older
Their chemistry is palpable and molten hot from the moment they meet and neither can deny it. They try to keep it under wraps but it only gets stronger and deeper everytime. I absolutely adored them and found myself gasping, jumping up and giggling at the banter, intensity and constant twists and turns. G.k keeps you on your toes. I'm imaptiently looking forward to book 2. I cannot believe it ended like that 😫 ma'am how could you do that to me?! 🤧🤧🤧
Everything in this book is completely worth it! If you haven't picked this book up yet, please do right now! I promise you won't be disappointed ❤
Book 1 in The Courts of Aetheria series
Review date: Release Day 😍
This is one of my first fantasy books and I absolutely adored it! 😫 Reign and Aelia are everything I imagined them to be. They're fire and ice, or should I say Light and Shadows 😏🤭 And did I mention they're fated mates, but they don't know 😏🤭🔥They pulled me in from the first word. I couldn't help falling into this magical world and I don't want to escape. Ever! G.k Derosa, you are brilliant 😫
Thank you and Greys Promotion for giving me the opportunity to read them as an ARC ❤
Aelia is a Kin, her kind does not have any powers and make up the Labour part of this enchanting world. She is therefore about to be taken away to become a Lords concubine essentially 🤮 but she is saved by the dark mysterious Shadow-daddy Professor Reign 😫🔥 who claims that she has powers running through her which is of Fae nature 🔥(Thank you Reign!) He whisks her away to the School for Fae's in Aetheria, to train and hone her dormant powers.
Aelia is feisty, she fights his fire with fire and is bold, headstrong and fearless. She's the odd one out at the Academy as she is the first Kin to ever possess Fae Powers. Her journey is so beautiful to witness, see the bonds she forms with her friends and with the mysterious Professor 😏
Reign is a Shadow Fae at the academy and is the odd one out too. He's cold, distant, and more powerful than anyone there 😎 I love how possessive he is about Aelia, protective and in awe of her. All he wants is to be in her orbit and I couldn't help but swoon everytime he appeared 😫❤ My heart ❤
Two outcasts in a brutal place 🤧 they soon find themselves clinging to one another as they become each other's hope, strength and peace. Neither of them has ever felt this drawn to anyone before 😏 I don't even blame Aelia because a grumpy, cold, only smirks for me, protective Shadow-daddy?! Marry me Professor Reign 😫✋ not to mention 10 years older
Their chemistry is palpable and molten hot from the moment they meet and neither can deny it. They try to keep it under wraps but it only gets stronger and deeper everytime. I absolutely adored them and found myself gasping, jumping up and giggling at the banter, intensity and constant twists and turns. G.k keeps you on your toes. I'm imaptiently looking forward to book 2. I cannot believe it ended like that 😫 ma'am how could you do that to me?! 🤧🤧🤧
Everything in this book is completely worth it! If you haven't picked this book up yet, please do right now! I promise you won't be disappointed ❤
July 11, 2024
Let me preface this with stating that I was totally torn between giving this book a four or a five star rating, and looking at my unhinged rating scale it leans towards a four. That being said, DO NOT LET YOURSELF SLEEP ON THIS BOOK!
This book has everything you never knew you wanted!
⭐️Magic
⭐️Academy Setting
⭐️Magical Creatures (and dragons!)
⭐️Deadly Trials
⭐️Witty Banter
⭐️Slooowwww burn romance
Oh and those twists! 😅😂
This book follows the life of a kin (a powerless mortal) Aelia who on her 20th birthday suddenly gets whisked away to an elite Fae academy. Aelia learns to navigate the academy that teaming with powerful fae by summoning her dormant powers. Her main goal, survival while she battles the other merciless students to prepare to face the rival Arcanum Citadel across the river. Home to the Shadow Fae, this battle determines her fate.
Insert a mysterious connection with her enigmatic Shadow Fae professor who begrudgingly mentors her and there is a growing relationship soon becomes a forbidden attraction that neither can deny.
Throw in a secret prophecy and you have a recipe for a romantasy book like no other!
I fell in love with the no nonsense personality of Aelia and the side characters had me laughing. Derosa did a fantastic job creating a cast of characters that are believable and most importantly, you can create a connection with. These are the types of friends you would meet in college. Minus the magic of course. 😂
The world building was easy to understand and was explained throughout the whole of the story, not shoved all at the beginning which makes it easy to get sucked into the story.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, especially if you love academy setting books with danger and a tiny hint of spice.
This is book one in the series : Courts of Aetheria
You can find this book on Amazon and it is currently on Kindle unlimited!
A huge thank you to G. K. Derosa for participating in a giveaway that sent me this book!
October 22, 2024
Okay, hear me out......if Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, and Zodiac Academy... had a baby....this is it!
Absolutely devoured this read! Nice having characters in their 20s and even 30s. Morally Grey, shadow daddy Reign is just 🥵. This is definitely a slow burn, really no spice, enemies to lovers story. First book in the series, and we are introduced to a world of Fae politics, magic, and more.
The FMC, Aelia, is an orphan who has been raised by a lone man in the human town outside of the fae courts. On her 20th birthday, she will find out what fae she is given to so that she may serve them. Turns out she has been blessed by the goddess and is actually at least partially fae, the book will investigate into this, however by the end we still don't have a definite answer on what she is.....though we have theories. 😉
She is taken to the light fae academy to train to be a royal guardian to the royal family. It is here where the real adventures begin.
It's definitely a recommended read for 2024.
This book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger, and the author definitely knew what she was doing haha.
Absolutely devoured this read! Nice having characters in their 20s and even 30s. Morally Grey, shadow daddy Reign is just 🥵. This is definitely a slow burn, really no spice, enemies to lovers story. First book in the series, and we are introduced to a world of Fae politics, magic, and more.
The FMC, Aelia, is an orphan who has been raised by a lone man in the human town outside of the fae courts. On her 20th birthday, she will find out what fae she is given to so that she may serve them. Turns out she has been blessed by the goddess and is actually at least partially fae, the book will investigate into this, however by the end we still don't have a definite answer on what she is.....though we have theories. 😉
She is taken to the light fae academy to train to be a royal guardian to the royal family. It is here where the real adventures begin.
It's definitely a recommended read for 2024.
This book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger, and the author definitely knew what she was doing haha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
It is pretty similar to fourth wing but with fae. It starts out slow but gets a lot better after about 30%. Reign’s chapters were my favorite. Overall I enjoyed it and even though the twist was predictable I will most likely read book two after that cliffhanger. My one real complaint is that I unfortunately had to read “Fae you” multiple times just for Reign to use the word fuck at the end of the book.
August 3, 2024
Okay…. I did it to myself again I keep accidentally starting these unfinished series with complete and utter destructive cliff hangers 😳. Such an excellent book it was a mix of vampire academy, the shadows between us and fourth wing. I highly recommend and the slow burn romance was torture in the best way. 5/5 stars for me!
August 15, 2024
Accidentally started this book cause a friend recommended another book to me but i mistakenly thought it was this one.. did not like the vibes of this book and it was cringy especially the professor immediately calling her princess.. that’s a nope for me
December 7, 2024
Overall I really enjoyed Aelia and Reign’s story!
This is a 4 star for the angst, the academy setting, the friendships and the battles, didn’t quite make it to 5 due to some things that I didn’t enjoy as much.
When I started the read there were a couple of inconsistencies and some things confused me a little as there hadn’t been much build up and explanation, we just sort of jumped in.
A few of the action sequences were ended on a chapter and then time had just passed with no real wrap up or explanation, they’d be in the middle of a trial, then the chapter would end and then it would be the morning which was a little frustrating.
The repeated and frequent use of ‘orbs’ instead of eyes was a bit of a pet peeve as well, it didn’t help with immersion and imagining what was happening for me!
The foreshadowing was a little too on the nose for me, the reveal was fairly obvious, that being said, I was still really on the edge of my seat to find out where the reactions of the characters would lead us.
I thought the world building, back story and secrets were really good, well developed and intriguing, I do immediately want to start the next read and can’t wait to hear more and see what happens next!
This is a 4 star for the angst, the academy setting, the friendships and the battles, didn’t quite make it to 5 due to some things that I didn’t enjoy as much.
When I started the read there were a couple of inconsistencies and some things confused me a little as there hadn’t been much build up and explanation, we just sort of jumped in.
A few of the action sequences were ended on a chapter and then time had just passed with no real wrap up or explanation, they’d be in the middle of a trial, then the chapter would end and then it would be the morning which was a little frustrating.
The repeated and frequent use of ‘orbs’ instead of eyes was a bit of a pet peeve as well, it didn’t help with immersion and imagining what was happening for me!
The foreshadowing was a little too on the nose for me, the reveal was fairly obvious, that being said, I was still really on the edge of my seat to find out where the reactions of the characters would lead us.
I thought the world building, back story and secrets were really good, well developed and intriguing, I do immediately want to start the next read and can’t wait to hear more and see what happens next!
December 2, 2024
Light magic – shadow magic – bonded animals – academia setting – secrets – prophecy – professor/student – steamy slow burn – witty banter – deadly trials – twin flames bond – hidden identities – this book has it all!
“Fate may deny me the right to possess you now, but make no mistake, Aelia- you belong to me. And I will be damned if I let another male lay claim to what is mine.”
Who doesn’t love a powerful shadow daddy MMC with secrets who only has eyes for her even though it is forbidden?
Welcome to the world of Aetheria where a seemingly human orphan, Aelia, gains Light powers on the eve of her 20th birthday. Our gorgeous, broody shadow daddy professor, Reign, comes to collect her the next morning to force her to attend the dangerous Light Fae University where she must train to become one of the King’s guardians/army.
I love the premise of this story, world building is not intense, and the writing is easy to follow. I liked their steamy tension and, overall, the banter is great and witty. I literally only have one complaint: at times, the banter felt cringy and inappropriate for a professor and student especially at the beginning.
“It’s a pity. I think I like you sopping wet, princess.”
“There are many things I’m capable of, princess. Maybe one day, I’ll grant you the honor of witnessing my numerous talents.”
I get the whole forbidden romance trope, but something just didn’t settle right with me. I have no concept of how old Reign is so I’m not sure if he is close in age to Aelia or not. But based on some of his comments, it feels like he is a teenager, but he must be older since he already went through his academy training and is now a professor. I love how Reign calls her ‘princess’ and that he talks/whispers to her through his shadow magic from long distances.
I like the puzzle of Aelia’s origins. The author gives you kernels to try and figure it out but by the end, there is still so much more to find out. I like the bonded animals…dragons, phoenix, etc. I enjoy Symon and Rue’s characters. They were loyal from the start.
“Fate may deny me the right to possess you now, but make no mistake, Aelia- you belong to me. And I will be damned if I let another male lay claim to what is mine.”
Who doesn’t love a powerful shadow daddy MMC with secrets who only has eyes for her even though it is forbidden?
Welcome to the world of Aetheria where a seemingly human orphan, Aelia, gains Light powers on the eve of her 20th birthday. Our gorgeous, broody shadow daddy professor, Reign, comes to collect her the next morning to force her to attend the dangerous Light Fae University where she must train to become one of the King’s guardians/army.
I love the premise of this story, world building is not intense, and the writing is easy to follow. I liked their steamy tension and, overall, the banter is great and witty. I literally only have one complaint: at times, the banter felt cringy and inappropriate for a professor and student especially at the beginning.
“It’s a pity. I think I like you sopping wet, princess.”
“There are many things I’m capable of, princess. Maybe one day, I’ll grant you the honor of witnessing my numerous talents.”
I get the whole forbidden romance trope, but something just didn’t settle right with me. I have no concept of how old Reign is so I’m not sure if he is close in age to Aelia or not. But based on some of his comments, it feels like he is a teenager, but he must be older since he already went through his academy training and is now a professor. I love how Reign calls her ‘princess’ and that he talks/whispers to her through his shadow magic from long distances.
I like the puzzle of Aelia’s origins. The author gives you kernels to try and figure it out but by the end, there is still so much more to find out. I like the bonded animals…dragons, phoenix, etc. I enjoy Symon and Rue’s characters. They were loyal from the start.
December 12, 2024
I’d seen ads all over my Instagram for this book for such a long time and I finally decided to read it to see if it would pull me out of a reading slump.
OMG!!!
Let me tell you I considered calling in sick to work purely so that I could devour this book in its entirety because yes, it is that good.
I adored the FMC - feisty and intelligent with a desire to own her place. The shadow wielding MMC unsurprisingly stole my heart. Side characters that are easy to love and others you want to punch in the face. The relationship, if you can call it that, between the FMC and MMC was super frustrating at times but made the heat between them even better. The burn was hot and excruciatingly slow and I ate it up.
This book has it all - a prophecy, hidden powers, truths and identities, a cutthroat academy setting, bonded riders to mythical creatures, light and shadow magic, fated mates and a heartbreaking twist that will make you gasp out loud.
And just a heads up, the cliffhanger is effing brutal.
Taking a moment before I dive into book 2.
OMG!!!
Let me tell you I considered calling in sick to work purely so that I could devour this book in its entirety because yes, it is that good.
I adored the FMC - feisty and intelligent with a desire to own her place. The shadow wielding MMC unsurprisingly stole my heart. Side characters that are easy to love and others you want to punch in the face. The relationship, if you can call it that, between the FMC and MMC was super frustrating at times but made the heat between them even better. The burn was hot and excruciatingly slow and I ate it up.
This book has it all - a prophecy, hidden powers, truths and identities, a cutthroat academy setting, bonded riders to mythical creatures, light and shadow magic, fated mates and a heartbreaking twist that will make you gasp out loud.
And just a heads up, the cliffhanger is effing brutal.
Taking a moment before I dive into book 2.
July 24, 2024
4 ⭐️ I want to keep reading the series to see where it goes but I don’t know how I feel about this one. Definitely Harry Potter / Fourth Wing vibes. And by vibes I mean ‘can’t miss it comparisons’ between the two. I usually don’t notice these kinds of similarities in other books but it was glaringly obvious in this and I don’t know how I feel about it. Enjoyed the main character and the professor, so I will read the next one too as I’m intrigued to know what happens next …
May 5, 2025
4.5⭐️ I enjoyed this book tho it did have similarities to the Fourth Wing book but still was different and interesting… I did anticipate the betrayal and the twist to be in the end but not about the identity of the main male character… I didn’t give a full 5⭐️ rating because it wasn’t a fresh new story that I haven’t read yet but still enjoyed it (and yes dragons have a lot to do with it :))
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