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The Shards of Magic #1
Servant of Earth
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.
Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will... but even that may not be enough.
Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will... but even that may not be enough.
Audible Audio
First published November 12, 2024
1147 people are currently reading
97136 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Hawley
7 books2,665 followersSarah Hawley is the USA Today bestselling author of Servant of Earth and the Glimmer Falls series. She has an MA in archaeology and has excavated at an Inca site in Chile, a Bronze Age palace in Turkey, and a medieval abbey in England. When not dreaming up whimsical love stories, she can be found reading, dancing, or cuddling her two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,326 reviews
February 5, 2026
"I like it when you're cold. But I like it better when you burn."
Oh my word, this was SO GOOD!! Guys, we may have found an underrated gem here 👀 I was hooked from page one to the end. If you're looking for a simple and captivating fantasy, without anything too complex to dip your toes in? This is the one.
I was slightly wary of it initially, given I had been binging a lot of romantasy but this one does an amazing job at setting something simple yet dark. The world building is easy to follow and the pace is quite fast. The concept of trials is something that really stands out amidst the political scheming and conniving amongst the fae.
I loved our main character Kenna. Cause as a human, she is written in a way that is not meant to stand out in the fae world and yet against all odds, being just who she is- someone who doesn't possess any special abilities, she excels. She is made to serve and yet she brings such life to her own character and the story, it was utterly enthralling. But at the same time, with a character like her- curious and trusting. There is some naivety to her and I do warn that her character will either work for you or simply won't.
Drustan and Kallen were so much fun to read. I'm a Kallen girlie throughout from scene one and I swear that dark spy aura had captured my interest instantly. The layers to his character in specific compared to Drustan's scheming and longing one was so much fun. I can't wait to see more of them particularly Kallen, the chemistry with Kenna is chef's kiss.
As much as fun the romance bits of the forbidden tug and that attraction was, I was more into the trials and political games. I swear the action was perfectly balanced- intense, fast and brutal. The only thing that could have been better was there should have been more show instead of just telling especially when it came to Drustan and Kallen's plans. There was too much talk at times.
The ending had me on the edge of the seat. I can't wait to read the next one after that cliffhanger. I would love for the next one to have higher stakes given how it ended 👀 Ngl I'm lowkey stressed about the ending and the consequences that lie ahead 😂🫣
~•~•~
Deadly trials and forbidden romance? You bet I'm reading this 🤭
Also, I had to with how much my girl Noi loved this 👀❤
Oh my word, this was SO GOOD!! Guys, we may have found an underrated gem here 👀 I was hooked from page one to the end. If you're looking for a simple and captivating fantasy, without anything too complex to dip your toes in? This is the one.
I was slightly wary of it initially, given I had been binging a lot of romantasy but this one does an amazing job at setting something simple yet dark. The world building is easy to follow and the pace is quite fast. The concept of trials is something that really stands out amidst the political scheming and conniving amongst the fae.
I loved our main character Kenna. Cause as a human, she is written in a way that is not meant to stand out in the fae world and yet against all odds, being just who she is- someone who doesn't possess any special abilities, she excels. She is made to serve and yet she brings such life to her own character and the story, it was utterly enthralling. But at the same time, with a character like her- curious and trusting. There is some naivety to her and I do warn that her character will either work for you or simply won't.
Drustan and Kallen were so much fun to read. I'm a Kallen girlie throughout from scene one and I swear that dark spy aura had captured my interest instantly. The layers to his character in specific compared to Drustan's scheming and longing one was so much fun. I can't wait to see more of them particularly Kallen, the chemistry with Kenna is chef's kiss.
As much as fun the romance bits of the forbidden tug and that attraction was, I was more into the trials and political games. I swear the action was perfectly balanced- intense, fast and brutal. The only thing that could have been better was there should have been more show instead of just telling especially when it came to Drustan and Kallen's plans. There was too much talk at times.
The ending had me on the edge of the seat. I can't wait to read the next one after that cliffhanger. I would love for the next one to have higher stakes given how it ended 👀 Ngl I'm lowkey stressed about the ending and the consequences that lie ahead 😂🫣
~•~•~
Deadly trials and forbidden romance? You bet I'm reading this 🤭
Also, I had to with how much my girl Noi loved this 👀❤
December 7, 2025
This is how I find out about upcoming books: I see beautiful covers and just clickityclick✨
June 25, 2025
I’m obsessed. OBSESSED I TELL YOU. RTC
June 8, 2025
✩ 5 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Dark Fairytale
➼ Fae Royalty
➼ Evil Tyrannical King
➼ Human Among Fae
➼ Forbidden Romance
➼ Sentient Dagger
➼ Deadly Fae Coming of Age Trials
➼ Fae Rebellion
➼ Elemental Magic
➼ Strong & Resilient FMC
➼ First Person POV
I was fully expecting to hate this, but I ended up loving it! The market is so saturated with Fae books these days that it often feels just like more of the same. I LOVE them, I WANT more of them, but more often than not, they leave me feeling underwhelmed. In many ways, this was similar to other books I’ve read, but there was still a lot about it that stood out!
First and foremost, this book was extremely engaging and well written. I am so shocked that this author is the same author that wrote the Glimmer Falls series. 🤯 She really showed me her strength and versatility as an author with this book! The main character is a bit of a special snowflake which I’m admittedly a little tired of, but she was so likable that I couldn’t help but root for her. Many times her good nature is what gets her in trouble, but I was impressed that she could still remain so open and positive while surrounded by so much darkness.
As others have mentioned, this was a lot darker than many of the Fae books I’ve read. Nothing overly dark happens to the main character, but through her we see that the conditions for most humans are much worse. They are killed for sport and treated very cruelly. The beautiful ones are used as sex slaves and once they are no longer considered desirable, they have their tongues removed and are forced to serve as servants, etc.
I’m sad to say it, but I felt that this book portrayed a very human form of darkness. In many Fae books the Fae are portrayed as having no concept of human emotions, but in this book it seemed more like they were living under a dictator who used fear and punishment to coax his people to reject their emotions in favor of cruelty. There were other forms of human darkness that were portrayed such as betrayal or a hunger for power, but we also see Fae characters break down and show their true emotions when they see atrocities committed.
All the characters were very well developed. Some you loath, some you grow to love, some don’t show their true colors until later… There is one character in particular I hope to see a lot more of in book two! Just gonna leave it at that to avoid spoilers. 😉 This series has SO much potential! I’m already salivating for book two!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I placed a hold on this based on the cover alone, but now that I’m reading the blurb and a few reviews, I’m really not sure I’ll vibe with this. It sounds pretty dark and unromantic really - trigger warnings galore. The ratings are very high so I’m trusting the process but I’m reserving the right to DNF this if needed. xo
What to Expect:
➼ Dark Fairytale
➼ Fae Royalty
➼ Evil Tyrannical King
➼ Human Among Fae
➼ Forbidden Romance
➼ Sentient Dagger
➼ Deadly Fae Coming of Age Trials
➼ Fae Rebellion
➼ Elemental Magic
➼ Strong & Resilient FMC
➼ First Person POV
I was fully expecting to hate this, but I ended up loving it! The market is so saturated with Fae books these days that it often feels just like more of the same. I LOVE them, I WANT more of them, but more often than not, they leave me feeling underwhelmed. In many ways, this was similar to other books I’ve read, but there was still a lot about it that stood out!
First and foremost, this book was extremely engaging and well written. I am so shocked that this author is the same author that wrote the Glimmer Falls series. 🤯 She really showed me her strength and versatility as an author with this book! The main character is a bit of a special snowflake which I’m admittedly a little tired of, but she was so likable that I couldn’t help but root for her. Many times her good nature is what gets her in trouble, but I was impressed that she could still remain so open and positive while surrounded by so much darkness.
As others have mentioned, this was a lot darker than many of the Fae books I’ve read. Nothing overly dark happens to the main character, but through her we see that the conditions for most humans are much worse. They are killed for sport and treated very cruelly. The beautiful ones are used as sex slaves and once they are no longer considered desirable, they have their tongues removed and are forced to serve as servants, etc.
I’m sad to say it, but I felt that this book portrayed a very human form of darkness. In many Fae books the Fae are portrayed as having no concept of human emotions, but in this book it seemed more like they were living under a dictator who used fear and punishment to coax his people to reject their emotions in favor of cruelty. There were other forms of human darkness that were portrayed such as betrayal or a hunger for power, but we also see Fae characters break down and show their true emotions when they see atrocities committed.
All the characters were very well developed. Some you loath, some you grow to love, some don’t show their true colors until later… There is one character in particular I hope to see a lot more of in book two! Just gonna leave it at that to avoid spoilers. 😉 This series has SO much potential! I’m already salivating for book two!
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: I placed a hold on this based on the cover alone, but now that I’m reading the blurb and a few reviews, I’m really not sure I’ll vibe with this. It sounds pretty dark and unromantic really - trigger warnings galore. The ratings are very high so I’m trusting the process but I’m reserving the right to DNF this if needed. xo
August 4, 2025
definitely still obsessed, rtc
———
convinced my twin beauty Maeghan to read this with me 😭🖤 i hope she loves it & i’ve been dying to do a reread, so i can get to my arc for book 2!!
———
convinced my twin beauty Maeghan to read this with me 😭🖤 i hope she loves it & i’ve been dying to do a reread, so i can get to my arc for book 2!!
April 28, 2025
A magical dagger that talks to you and thirsts for the blood of your enemies? Say less.
after deliberating for most of the book the kallen agenda is clear!!!
this hits even more on the second read through! sarah hawley i owe you my life
Bookstagram | Blog
after deliberating for most of the book the kallen agenda is clear!!!
this hits even more on the second read through! sarah hawley i owe you my life
Bookstagram | Blog
April 21, 2025
THE FACT THAT I WASN’T EVEN AWARE OF THIS BOOK’S EXISTENCE BEFORE THIS WEEK SHOULD BE A CRIME. LIKE MOST CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED ROMANTASY I HAVE GOTTEN MY GRUBBY FINGERS ON IN A HOT MINUTE.
acotar X cruel prince vibes, and I am saying that shit with my whole entire chest. FMC??? I’d die for her. at least 30 times over. MMC????????????? I need more of him immediately. even tho the slow burn was genuinely slower than the gears in my brain in the morning before my vyvanse kick in <3
catch me screaming about this from the rooftops for the foreseeable future :)
acotar X cruel prince vibes, and I am saying that shit with my whole entire chest. FMC??? I’d die for her. at least 30 times over. MMC????????????? I need more of him immediately. even tho the slow burn was genuinely slower than the gears in my brain in the morning before my vyvanse kick in <3
catch me screaming about this from the rooftops for the foreseeable future :)
January 12, 2025
First buddy read of the year with Kendall!!
I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I know Sarah Hawley for her witchy romcoms, not dark romantasy, so this was a complete curveball.
I devoured this book it had me on edge the entire time. What really stood out was the FMC. She wasn’t a “chosen one” or an assassin; she was just a normal girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and I loved that.
My only gripe is the ending. I wanted more, and it left me feeling a little frustrated. Still, this book was like a drug—completely addictive. I’m torn on how to rate it, but I know one thing: I really enjoyed the ride.
I had no idea what I was getting into with this book. I know Sarah Hawley for her witchy romcoms, not dark romantasy, so this was a complete curveball.
I devoured this book it had me on edge the entire time. What really stood out was the FMC. She wasn’t a “chosen one” or an assassin; she was just a normal girl thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and I loved that.
My only gripe is the ending. I wanted more, and it left me feeling a little frustrated. Still, this book was like a drug—completely addictive. I’m torn on how to rate it, but I know one thing: I really enjoyed the ride.
October 17, 2024
A Court of Thorns and Roses meets The Cruel Prince.
To save her best friend from being a sacrifice to the Fae, Kenna follows her across the bog to the Fae land - a cruel and violent place. Kenna is made handmaiden to the heir of the Earth house, to aid her in the dangerous trials to gain her powers.
Of course, we have a handsome and charming Fire Prince and a dark and cold Void Prince, the King’s vengeance. I wonder what this is setting up, hmmm…
Dreams were nothing but illusion. They obscured sight of what actually existed.
Another fun inclusion - a talking, homicidal dagger! Whenever we get a sentient weapon, I get excited.
The plot twist became very obvious to me before even the 30% mark, so I am curious to see other peoples’ reactions.
Characters’ motivations, relationships, and actions were pretty predictable to me, but I was drawn into the world and the cruel fae atmosphere.
People vanished all at once, but the things you wanted to tell them or do with them or show them didn't.
I do have to mention this contains some dark and disturbing scenes. Like fae brothals, slaves, torture, executions… Definitely not Young Adult.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
To save her best friend from being a sacrifice to the Fae, Kenna follows her across the bog to the Fae land - a cruel and violent place. Kenna is made handmaiden to the heir of the Earth house, to aid her in the dangerous trials to gain her powers.
Of course, we have a handsome and charming Fire Prince and a dark and cold Void Prince, the King’s vengeance. I wonder what this is setting up, hmmm…
Dreams were nothing but illusion. They obscured sight of what actually existed.
Another fun inclusion - a talking, homicidal dagger! Whenever we get a sentient weapon, I get excited.
The plot twist became very obvious to me before even the 30% mark, so I am curious to see other peoples’ reactions.
Characters’ motivations, relationships, and actions were pretty predictable to me, but I was drawn into the world and the cruel fae atmosphere.
People vanished all at once, but the things you wanted to tell them or do with them or show them didn't.
I do have to mention this contains some dark and disturbing scenes. Like fae brothals, slaves, torture, executions… Definitely not Young Adult.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
August 4, 2025
4.25✨
« Grief had countless small traps like this - not just the big ache of missing someone, but the small cuts of memories or wishes. People vanished all at once, but the things you wanted to tell them or do with them or show them didn’t. »
This was so intriguing! The world building was well done and the plot was very well developed. I saw most of the twists coming but it didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment.
It’s a very cruel world and some parts were difficult to read. I will admit I struggled with the pacing but I also couldn’t put this book down.
The only character I fell head over heels for is Kellan - but we didn’t see much of him. I liked Kenna but I found myself wondering why she hadn’t gotten more knowledge about the world in the months she’d been there. She also really pissed me off towards the ending and I don’t really get why the other character forgave her that easily to be quite honest. I also hope Lara gets some good character development in the next book.
All in all, very interesting story. The trials were truly unique! I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the second book!
« A lot of things in life aren’t fair, but all we can do is get through them as best we can and try to make the world better. »
—-• finally a good BR with my beauty twin 🥹❤️🔥
BR with my beauty twin Krysta ꕤ 😍 she loves that book so much I just know it’ll be a winner 🤭🫶🏼
« Grief had countless small traps like this - not just the big ache of missing someone, but the small cuts of memories or wishes. People vanished all at once, but the things you wanted to tell them or do with them or show them didn’t. »
This was so intriguing! The world building was well done and the plot was very well developed. I saw most of the twists coming but it didn’t hinder my overall enjoyment.
It’s a very cruel world and some parts were difficult to read. I will admit I struggled with the pacing but I also couldn’t put this book down.
The only character I fell head over heels for is Kellan - but we didn’t see much of him. I liked Kenna but I found myself wondering why she hadn’t gotten more knowledge about the world in the months she’d been there. She also really pissed me off towards the ending and I don’t really get why the other character forgave her that easily to be quite honest. I also hope Lara gets some good character development in the next book.
All in all, very interesting story. The trials were truly unique! I liked it and I’m looking forward to reading the second book!
« A lot of things in life aren’t fair, but all we can do is get through them as best we can and try to make the world better. »
—-• finally a good BR with my beauty twin 🥹❤️🔥
BR with my beauty twin Krysta ꕤ 😍 she loves that book so much I just know it’ll be a winner 🤭🫶🏼
August 11, 2025
4.5⭐️ this was fun!
Super excited for book 2!
Human woman goes to fae lands…we’ve heard the story before but this somehow made it fun again.
I loved the fae politics with all the different magic houses, especially Void IYKYK
Our FMC Kenna was at a disadvantage being human but she made smart choices, she bowed and called them “my princess/prince” while plotting on the side.
She was easy to root for.
I can’t wait to see and learn more of the fae magic in book 2
I also NEED to see more from my shadow daddy (so cliche but I eat it up every time!!)
The ending was a rollercoaster in the best way, I was on the edge of my seat one minute and crying the next.
It was a solid 4⭐️ book but the ending bumped it up for me
I didn’t realise how much I actually cared for the characters
Super excited for book 2!
Human woman goes to fae lands…we’ve heard the story before but this somehow made it fun again.
I loved the fae politics with all the different magic houses, especially Void IYKYK
Our FMC Kenna was at a disadvantage being human but she made smart choices, she bowed and called them “my princess/prince” while plotting on the side.
She was easy to root for.
I can’t wait to see and learn more of the fae magic in book 2
I also NEED to see more from my shadow daddy (so cliche but I eat it up every time!!)
The ending was a rollercoaster in the best way, I was on the edge of my seat one minute and crying the next.
It was a solid 4⭐️ book but the ending bumped it up for me
I didn’t realise how much I actually cared for the characters
December 30, 2024
2 stars
This started out really strong, the FMC seemed really smart (which I love), but by the 50% mark things really started to fall apart. There wasn’t really any romance even like a slow burn, even though this was advertised as a romantasy. The FMC has a kind of love interest or two, but nothing really pans out between either of them 😅.
The trials seemed to have zero stakes and the FMC had zero issues or problems completing them even though the Fae she was helping seemed to have no idea what to do or seemed to be super helpless. It was kind of unbelievable. She also has no magic or combat training 🙃
The FMC turned into a mindless, stabby bloodlust queen towards the end, which is a turn off for me in any book 😅. It was also super hard to believe without any combat training that she was able to pull what she did at the end.
The writing was all tell and very little show. If you know you know, which really brought the rating down for me as-well.
This started out really strong, the FMC seemed really smart (which I love), but by the 50% mark things really started to fall apart. There wasn’t really any romance even like a slow burn, even though this was advertised as a romantasy. The FMC has a kind of love interest or two, but nothing really pans out between either of them 😅.
The trials seemed to have zero stakes and the FMC had zero issues or problems completing them even though the Fae she was helping seemed to have no idea what to do or seemed to be super helpless. It was kind of unbelievable. She also has no magic or combat training 🙃
The FMC turned into a mindless, stabby bloodlust queen towards the end, which is a turn off for me in any book 😅. It was also super hard to believe without any combat training that she was able to pull what she did at the end.
The writing was all tell and very little show. If you know you know, which really brought the rating down for me as-well.
February 13, 2026
Do yourself a favor and read this if you like the vibes of the following: The Hunger Games, ACOTAR, and Quicksilver. But also do yourself a favor and let this one speak for itself and not compare to the others—yes, it has elements of other romantasy standouts, but this was unique enough that I just kept wanting to read more.
This is book 1 in The Shards of Magic series that is, as of this review’s posting, incomplete.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.25 out of 5
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook (Narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw; rating: 5/5)
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Kenna—a human woman—is separated from her best friend and becomes trapped as a servant to underworld fae. Each fae is factioned by Earth, Fire, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood, and there is a deadly trial set to determine whether the youth of each faction are worthy of a life with magic, without magic, or death. Kenna needs to help her new mistress compete in these trials or she—and her mistress—will be killed. But as Kenna learns along the way, even those that seem to be allies might have deeper agendas.
– Location: Fiction Realm (underground kingdom)
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: 2-3 open-door semi-explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: female friendships, deadly trials, magic, royal court/political friction, fae and humans, forbidden romance, female rage, morally gray MMC, slooooow burn romance, sadistic faerie king
– Content warning: violence, having ones tongue cut out (off page), abduction, betrayal, grief (death of parent, off page), side character forced into sex work, power hungry government
– Representation: some characters using sign language as communication
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Be by Hozier
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The vibes of: The Hunger Games, ACOTAR, and Quicksilver
➼ FMCs who are “ordinary” and aren’t meek, but still find their strength along the way
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——————✧—————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————————✧—Slow Burn
Sweet———✧————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was a recommendation by my sweet Lina, so I was very excited when my Libby hold became available. And it was even better than I anticipated.
While I love a good romantasy, I acknowledge that I usually need a HEFTY amount of romance and a dash of fantasy to become invested. But this book (at least this first book of the series), is much more about world building than romance—and contrary to my previous sentence, I loved it. The writing was very poetic and the pacing was mostly even. It was full of so many mysterious things that I kept wanting to read just to get my questions answered.
And there was romance. It wasn’t the main part of the plot and it was very complex and slow but it just made the tension of the plot that much more entertaining.
What I wasn’t expecting was the emphasis on female friendships. I love that trope. I want to read more of that in books. There was a grief over a friendship (but not in the way one might think) that was a great motivation for our FMC and was pair with an underlying newly awakened female rage that I hope to see amped up even more in book 2.
Kenna is sort of a “coming-of-age” character, but she’s very intelligent, kind (without the naiveite that sometimes accompanies kindness in FMCs) and, while she’s still on a learning journey, she knows her morals and stands up for them. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Would I Recommend:? 100% yes.
This is book 1 in The Shards of Magic series that is, as of this review’s posting, incomplete.
▹My ⭐ Rating: ★★★★.25 out of 5
▹Format: 🎧Audiobook (Narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw; rating: 5/5)
─────────────────────────
○★○ What to Expect from This Book: ○★○
– About: Kenna—a human woman—is separated from her best friend and becomes trapped as a servant to underworld fae. Each fae is factioned by Earth, Fire, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood, and there is a deadly trial set to determine whether the youth of each faction are worthy of a life with magic, without magic, or death. Kenna needs to help her new mistress compete in these trials or she—and her mistress—will be killed. But as Kenna learns along the way, even those that seem to be allies might have deeper agendas.
– Location: Fiction Realm (underground kingdom)
– POV: Single first-person
– Spice: 2-3 open-door semi-explicit spicy scenes
– Tropes: female friendships, deadly trials, magic, royal court/political friction, fae and humans, forbidden romance, female rage, morally gray MMC, slooooow burn romance, sadistic faerie king
– Content warning: violence, having ones tongue cut out (off page), abduction, betrayal, grief (death of parent, off page), side character forced into sex work, power hungry government
– Representation: some characters using sign language as communication
─────────────────────────
↻ ◁ || ▷ ↺ 1:00 ──ㅇ────── 4:12
Now Playing: Be by Hozier
╰┈➤ ❝Once atrocity is hoarse from voicin’ shame and when the earth is tremblin’ on some new beginning’ with the same sweet shock of when Adam first came, be, be, be, be, be❞
─────────────────────────
★○ If You Like the Following, You Might Like This Book ○★
➼ The vibes of: The Hunger Games, ACOTAR, and Quicksilver
➼ FMCs who are “ordinary” and aren’t meek, but still find their strength along the way
─────────────────────────
⍟»This or That«⍟
Character Driven——————✧—————Plot Driven
Fast Burn——————————✧—Slow Burn
Sweet———✧————————Spicy
Light/Fluffy———————✧————Heavy/Emotional
─────────────────────────
🎯 My Thoughts:
This was a recommendation by my sweet Lina, so I was very excited when my Libby hold became available. And it was even better than I anticipated.
While I love a good romantasy, I acknowledge that I usually need a HEFTY amount of romance and a dash of fantasy to become invested. But this book (at least this first book of the series), is much more about world building than romance—and contrary to my previous sentence, I loved it. The writing was very poetic and the pacing was mostly even. It was full of so many mysterious things that I kept wanting to read just to get my questions answered.
And there was romance. It wasn’t the main part of the plot and it was very complex and slow but it just made the tension of the plot that much more entertaining.
What I wasn’t expecting was the emphasis on female friendships. I love that trope. I want to read more of that in books. There was a grief over a friendship (but not in the way one might think) that was a great motivation for our FMC and was pair with an underlying newly awakened female rage that I hope to see amped up even more in book 2.
Kenna is sort of a “coming-of-age” character, but she’s very intelligent, kind (without the naiveite that sometimes accompanies kindness in FMCs) and, while she’s still on a learning journey, she knows her morals and stands up for them. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Would I Recommend:? 100% yes.
November 12, 2024
servant of earth was an unconventional take on trials and I ate it up and was on the edge of my seattttttt.
kenna is alone in a small village on the edge of the bog that borders the fae lands. when her best friend (and only person who cares about her AT ALL) gets chosen to be gifted to the fae, she feels like she has no choice but to accompany her. but when she reaches the fae realm, she’s alone and thrust into servitude for the earth house. and the trails for power are about to begin and kenna must make sure her new princess stays alive.
this book was twisty and full of morally gray fae and I had exactly zero clue who to trust the entire time. aside from the trials, there’s a war and rebellion brewing and kenna wants to make sure she’s on the right side of that.
i loved the court politics and espionage in this one. kenna is at a horrible disadvantage due to being human in a world full of fae, but she’s cunning and so smart.
the pacing was a bit off for me and I found myself only looking forward to the actual trials. also she is an IDIOT when it comes to men. however I am sensing a love triangle on the horizon maybe 👀 and I always eat those up.
i can’t wait for book 2!
kenna is alone in a small village on the edge of the bog that borders the fae lands. when her best friend (and only person who cares about her AT ALL) gets chosen to be gifted to the fae, she feels like she has no choice but to accompany her. but when she reaches the fae realm, she’s alone and thrust into servitude for the earth house. and the trails for power are about to begin and kenna must make sure her new princess stays alive.
this book was twisty and full of morally gray fae and I had exactly zero clue who to trust the entire time. aside from the trials, there’s a war and rebellion brewing and kenna wants to make sure she’s on the right side of that.
i loved the court politics and espionage in this one. kenna is at a horrible disadvantage due to being human in a world full of fae, but she’s cunning and so smart.
the pacing was a bit off for me and I found myself only looking forward to the actual trials. also she is an IDIOT when it comes to men. however I am sensing a love triangle on the horizon maybe 👀 and I always eat those up.
i can’t wait for book 2!
October 23, 2025
This one leans
fantasy romance more than pure romantasy
(where world-building and plot take the spotlight)—and that’s exactly why I loved it.
Servant of Earth isn’t about swoony romance; it’s about deadly fae trials, rebellion, and political intrigue. Though the plot occasionally veers off to chase the trials themselves, that detour doesn’t derail the story. The intrigue and soaring tension keep the momentum strong, so even when I got lost in the trial sequences, the high-stakes court politics more than made up for it.
Despite the inevitable ACOTAR comparisons, Sarah Hawley’s tale stands apart. Kenna is smart, scrappy, and deeply human in a brutal world, and the magical society of Mistei stands out with its rich and brutal worldbuilding. Now I'm even more eager to get my hands on the sequel to see where Kenna’s journey—and her alliances—lead next.
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Servant of Earth isn’t about swoony romance; it’s about deadly fae trials, rebellion, and political intrigue. Though the plot occasionally veers off to chase the trials themselves, that detour doesn’t derail the story. The intrigue and soaring tension keep the momentum strong, so even when I got lost in the trial sequences, the high-stakes court politics more than made up for it.
Despite the inevitable ACOTAR comparisons, Sarah Hawley’s tale stands apart. Kenna is smart, scrappy, and deeply human in a brutal world, and the magical society of Mistei stands out with its rich and brutal worldbuilding. Now I'm even more eager to get my hands on the sequel to see where Kenna’s journey—and her alliances—lead next.
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January 12, 2025
By day, Kenna kicks ass and saves the less fortunate from themselves and others. By night, she fucks sexy, sexy fae and leaves them begging for more. Aspirational goals tbh.
September 1, 2025
Well that ended with a bang!
The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because there was a sizable portion in the middle that dragged for me. So much description *yeesh.* Tons of description is great for some people, but for me, it’s just a signal to my brain to start skimming.
There’s a lot to love here, though! The main character is fleshed out, and she grows perceptibly as the story progresses. Some of the plot points were predictable from a long way off, but it’s the good kind of predictable where you anxiously await the payoff anyway.
The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 is because there was a sizable portion in the middle that dragged for me. So much description *yeesh.* Tons of description is great for some people, but for me, it’s just a signal to my brain to start skimming.
There’s a lot to love here, though! The main character is fleshed out, and she grows perceptibly as the story progresses. Some of the plot points were predictable from a long way off, but it’s the good kind of predictable where you anxiously await the payoff anyway.
November 14, 2025
˚｡ ⋆୨ “The earth does not bow to anyone, yet it cradles us all the same” ୧⋆ ˚｡
꒰ 🗡🩸༊·˚🧚🏼♀️✨♕💫 ꒱
╰┈➤ 2.75 stars
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Started: 7/20/25
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Finished: 7/20/25
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
🗡 ACOTOR meets Cruel Prince
♕ Mortal in Fae Realm
🗡 Sentient Dagger
♕ Evil Tyrannical King
🗡 Deadly Trials
♕ Political Intrigue and Rebellion
🗡 Romantic Subplot
♕ Forbidden Romance
🗡 Underground Fae City
𝓐𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮:
⪼ Adult fantasy romance, first in a trilogy
⪼ Medium-paced, event-driven plot with a slow middle
⪼ Underground dark fae court with an evil king
⪼ Fae politics, secret rebellion, trials
⪼ Minimal romance, heavy on lust in the latter half
⪼ Spice 🌶️ 2.5/5 with open-door scenes with explicit descriptions
⪼ First-person POV with fierce, clever FMC
⪼ tw: violence, murder, torture, gore, sexual assault, sexual harassment, self-harm
𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂:
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna Heron must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
────⋆.˚ ✩ ⋆˙⟡────
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
Unfortunately, I found Servant of Earth to be lackluster. It lacked originality and was too similar to ACOTAR, to the point where I guessed the plot twist and ending about 30% into the story. My main complaint was the romance... or lack thereof. This was marketed as a romantasy, but there was very little romance. There were lust-filled scenes in the latter half, but this felt disjointed and a little out of left field as the two characters had ZERO chemistry. Tamlin, aka Drustan, was so unlikeable and a self-centered prick. I did not understand what Kenna saw in him besides his appearance and physique. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be intentional, but I felt like I should have cared about the relationship, as it would have made the ending more impactful. Rysand, aka Kallen, was the more compelling character and is the obvious better choice. His character will likely be explored more thoroughly in future books, but I wish we had more enticing scenes with him.
Since the romance did not capture my attention, let's focus on the story. The premise was intriguing, although it had been done many times before. The trials were not as high-stakes as they make them seem. The FMC breezed through each trail almost too easily, while some of the other fae were struggling, which was entirely too convenient and unrealistic for her character. I would've liked to see her struggle and fight a bit more, especially since she never had any formal training. Again, the plot was predictable, and the pacing slowed greatly in the middle as I fought to care about the main characters.
I did like the concept of the different houses and magic systems. The world-building and setting were probably the best aspects of the book. Let's hope there is a map for future books! The writing was decent, not overly flowery nor descriptive, but overall uninspiring. I lacked any emotional connection to the characters by the end.
So very meh, which seems like an unpopular opinion given the high praise this received. Idk guys, this just didn't land. I'm not sure if romantasy burnout is a thing, but I'm struggling to find a good one. After reading so many, it's difficult to find an original concept with impeccable romance.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
╰┈➤ 𝓑𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓸𝓶-𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮:
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Servant of Earth is very comparable to A Court of Thorns and Roses, so I will highly recommend this if you are looking for a similar story steeped in magic, romance, an underground fae city, and deadly trials. The predictable plot, uneven pacing, and subpar MMC made the overall experience less enjoyable, but for the most part, it was an okay read.
꒰ 🗡🩸༊·˚🧚🏼♀️✨♕💫 ꒱
╰┈➤ 2.75 stars
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Started: 7/20/25
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Finished: 7/20/25
𝓣𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼:
🗡 ACOTOR meets Cruel Prince
♕ Mortal in Fae Realm
🗡 Sentient Dagger
♕ Evil Tyrannical King
🗡 Deadly Trials
♕ Political Intrigue and Rebellion
🗡 Romantic Subplot
♕ Forbidden Romance
🗡 Underground Fae City
𝓐𝓽 𝓪 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮:
⪼ Adult fantasy romance, first in a trilogy
⪼ Medium-paced, event-driven plot with a slow middle
⪼ Underground dark fae court with an evil king
⪼ Fae politics, secret rebellion, trials
⪼ Minimal romance, heavy on lust in the latter half
⪼ Spice 🌶️ 2.5/5 with open-door scenes with explicit descriptions
⪼ First-person POV with fierce, clever FMC
⪼ tw: violence, murder, torture, gore, sexual assault, sexual harassment, self-harm
𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂:
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna Heron must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
────⋆.˚ ✩ ⋆˙⟡────
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
Unfortunately, I found Servant of Earth to be lackluster. It lacked originality and was too similar to ACOTAR, to the point where I guessed the plot twist and ending about 30% into the story. My main complaint was the romance... or lack thereof. This was marketed as a romantasy, but there was very little romance. There were lust-filled scenes in the latter half, but this felt disjointed and a little out of left field as the two characters had ZERO chemistry. Tamlin, aka Drustan, was so unlikeable and a self-centered prick. I did not understand what Kenna saw in him besides his appearance and physique. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be intentional, but I felt like I should have cared about the relationship, as it would have made the ending more impactful. Rysand, aka Kallen, was the more compelling character and is the obvious better choice. His character will likely be explored more thoroughly in future books, but I wish we had more enticing scenes with him.
Since the romance did not capture my attention, let's focus on the story. The premise was intriguing, although it had been done many times before. The trials were not as high-stakes as they make them seem. The FMC breezed through each trail almost too easily, while some of the other fae were struggling, which was entirely too convenient and unrealistic for her character. I would've liked to see her struggle and fight a bit more, especially since she never had any formal training. Again, the plot was predictable, and the pacing slowed greatly in the middle as I fought to care about the main characters.
I did like the concept of the different houses and magic systems. The world-building and setting were probably the best aspects of the book. Let's hope there is a map for future books! The writing was decent, not overly flowery nor descriptive, but overall uninspiring. I lacked any emotional connection to the characters by the end.
So very meh, which seems like an unpopular opinion given the high praise this received. Idk guys, this just didn't land. I'm not sure if romantasy burnout is a thing, but I'm struggling to find a good one. After reading so many, it's difficult to find an original concept with impeccable romance.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
╰┈➤ 𝓑𝓸𝓽𝓽𝓸𝓶-𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮:
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Servant of Earth is very comparable to A Court of Thorns and Roses, so I will highly recommend this if you are looking for a similar story steeped in magic, romance, an underground fae city, and deadly trials. The predictable plot, uneven pacing, and subpar MMC made the overall experience less enjoyable, but for the most part, it was an okay read.
February 3, 2025
There's going to be swearing in this review because I am fucking pissed. Also spoilers that I can't be bothered marking.
I read a sample of Servant of Earth and thought there was enough potential there to warrant spending $12.99 on the full book. But I regret that judgement and decision vehemently!
What the fuck was this mess? The author took ideas and tropes from popular Romantasy books and tried to make it her own, but failed spectacularly. Also, the romance was meant to be a bit of a side-plot which I don't have an issue with, however to me there was no romance at all. These characters were so fucking bland and lacked any personality that I couldn't see how romance was possible. At least not one that evoked any sort of interest or feeling from a reader.
The reason I thought this book would be good was because the first 3 chapters was setting up for an interesting story; an ordinary, if not poverished, woman just trying to find some worthy treasure to try and give herself and her best friend a better life. With the added element of a Fae world existing, I was intrigued how the two worlds would collide. I thought Kenna was going to be an independent, strong female lead - instead I got a cardboard cut-out character, and the author somehow managed to make that cardboard extra extra flat and dry.
The dialogue was honestly cringe and pathetic and lacked any sort of emotion and personality. There was no intelligent or wise or informative conversation to be had. Every character sounded the same, used the same expressions, had the same mannerisms; just all super fucking dull as dirt. Another reason why I did not understand why there was romance in this book at all. Why did Kenna like Drustan? He bet gold on her to cross the bog alive, he smirked at her, he looked at her with a twinkle in his eye, he called her an interesting and unusual woman - boom, she drops her dacks for him. This is all we got. Then they fuck like rabbits - two cardboards bonking, so fucking stimulating. To add to that mess, Kenna becomes a sexpert instantly; after being a virgin with no experience, she's suddenly very talented in sexual acts - completely unbelievable.
I think Kallen was meant to be a bit like Rhysand, which pissed me off naturally but what pissed me off more was that we know Kallen will end up being the true love interest (probably in the next book), except again why the fuck would I root for any love interest in this boring bland fucking book. He was brooding, secretly didn't like being a killer, was attracted and drawn to Kenna for being a strange, interesting woman who asked questions and spoke her mind. No she fucking didn't! She asked a couple of questions, but never actually showed proper back-bone, we were just told by other characters that she had one, that she was interesting etc. Kenna is not special! She ended up being just a boring Mary Sue character that did and said nothing remarkable or even remotely interesting.
The Fae side of things lacked thought and originality. The world building was shit. So fucking shit. We're just told how things are; the Fae characters just willingly sprout their history and the reasons for how things are (to a lowly human, no less) and as a reader we are just expected to accept this as world building. It's not. It's words on a page, useless fucking words that lack creatively and fucking effort.
Lots of grammatical errors throughout and poorly worded sentences. Missing quotations for dialogue & names not being capitalised. If you're gonna charge an arm and a leg for this book, get a better fucking editor.
I am so fucking pissed I spent $12.99 on a goddamn eBook. A bloody eBook should not cost that much regardless in my opinion, but one this fucking shit - it makes my blood boil. There is no technique in Servant of Earth; the author has the most basic writing style; no emotion, no world building, characters were uninteresting and unoriginal, the romance absolutely pathetic, the Fae were even bland and did not speak like an old, otherworldly intelligent species. Everything was wrong for me in this book. It was just weak weak weak.
Beautiful cover. But that's the only positive I have. I do not recommend this book. Unless you can manage to get it for free.
I read a sample of Servant of Earth and thought there was enough potential there to warrant spending $12.99 on the full book. But I regret that judgement and decision vehemently!
What the fuck was this mess? The author took ideas and tropes from popular Romantasy books and tried to make it her own, but failed spectacularly. Also, the romance was meant to be a bit of a side-plot which I don't have an issue with, however to me there was no romance at all. These characters were so fucking bland and lacked any personality that I couldn't see how romance was possible. At least not one that evoked any sort of interest or feeling from a reader.
The reason I thought this book would be good was because the first 3 chapters was setting up for an interesting story; an ordinary, if not poverished, woman just trying to find some worthy treasure to try and give herself and her best friend a better life. With the added element of a Fae world existing, I was intrigued how the two worlds would collide. I thought Kenna was going to be an independent, strong female lead - instead I got a cardboard cut-out character, and the author somehow managed to make that cardboard extra extra flat and dry.
The dialogue was honestly cringe and pathetic and lacked any sort of emotion and personality. There was no intelligent or wise or informative conversation to be had. Every character sounded the same, used the same expressions, had the same mannerisms; just all super fucking dull as dirt. Another reason why I did not understand why there was romance in this book at all. Why did Kenna like Drustan? He bet gold on her to cross the bog alive, he smirked at her, he looked at her with a twinkle in his eye, he called her an interesting and unusual woman - boom, she drops her dacks for him. This is all we got. Then they fuck like rabbits - two cardboards bonking, so fucking stimulating. To add to that mess, Kenna becomes a sexpert instantly; after being a virgin with no experience, she's suddenly very talented in sexual acts - completely unbelievable.
I think Kallen was meant to be a bit like Rhysand, which pissed me off naturally but what pissed me off more was that we know Kallen will end up being the true love interest (probably in the next book), except again why the fuck would I root for any love interest in this boring bland fucking book. He was brooding, secretly didn't like being a killer, was attracted and drawn to Kenna for being a strange, interesting woman who asked questions and spoke her mind. No she fucking didn't! She asked a couple of questions, but never actually showed proper back-bone, we were just told by other characters that she had one, that she was interesting etc. Kenna is not special! She ended up being just a boring Mary Sue character that did and said nothing remarkable or even remotely interesting.
The Fae side of things lacked thought and originality. The world building was shit. So fucking shit. We're just told how things are; the Fae characters just willingly sprout their history and the reasons for how things are (to a lowly human, no less) and as a reader we are just expected to accept this as world building. It's not. It's words on a page, useless fucking words that lack creatively and fucking effort.
Lots of grammatical errors throughout and poorly worded sentences. Missing quotations for dialogue & names not being capitalised. If you're gonna charge an arm and a leg for this book, get a better fucking editor.
I am so fucking pissed I spent $12.99 on a goddamn eBook. A bloody eBook should not cost that much regardless in my opinion, but one this fucking shit - it makes my blood boil. There is no technique in Servant of Earth; the author has the most basic writing style; no emotion, no world building, characters were uninteresting and unoriginal, the romance absolutely pathetic, the Fae were even bland and did not speak like an old, otherworldly intelligent species. Everything was wrong for me in this book. It was just weak weak weak.
Beautiful cover. But that's the only positive I have. I do not recommend this book. Unless you can manage to get it for free.
January 26, 2026
No one talk to me. Unless you read this book.
(kidding only a little)
"There were many kinds of strength,... the strength to love in the face of convention…and the strength to look at the truth, witness its horrors, and refuse to flinch."
(kidding only a little)
"There were many kinds of strength,... the strength to love in the face of convention…and the strength to look at the truth, witness its horrors, and refuse to flinch."
September 23, 2025
This may be one of the best books I've ever read, truly. I can't form a review that gives this book the credit it deserves! It has absolutely incredible world building and storytelling. Gut wrenching cruelty, an astounding revolution from the supposed weakest link.. twist that were shocking and unexpected. Infinity star read. ♾️
October 28, 2024
3.5 🌟 So conflicted about this one bc I really enjoyed it but I also felt like it would never end. The premise and plot were super interesting and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen/how this would all tie together. The pacing was just so off. One second I felt like we’d never get anywhere and the next I couldn’t put the book down. The trials were interesting and entertaining and the fmc was involved in them in a way I’ve never read before so I enjoyed that. The characters and the world were great and I really enjoyed both, except for the fmc 🥲 I didn’t love her/couldn’t connect to her and I don’t know why. There was so much drama, the stakes were high, there were betrayals, secrets, and a crazy ending that ensures I’ll read the next book. Not a new favorite but definitely a good fantasy read. The pacing sort of docked it for me.
August 7, 2025
FLABBERGASTED AND JAW TO THE FLOOR!
The feminine strength? The female friendships? HERE FOR IT. Our FMC? Ride or die for that girlie. Our MMC? Mysterious, dark and absolutely delicious, give me more.
Books like this? This is why I fell in love with fantasy, this is what reading is all about. Complete escapism, complete transportation into a magical realm that’s jam packed with faeries, political intrigue, tension and SECRETS!
Where’s my acotar & cruel prince girlies at? This one really said for YOU.
That ending maaaaan I can’t stop thinking about it. I need book two immediately. I need it like plants need air. I need it like I need coffee on a Monday.
The feminine strength? The female friendships? HERE FOR IT. Our FMC? Ride or die for that girlie. Our MMC? Mysterious, dark and absolutely delicious, give me more.
Books like this? This is why I fell in love with fantasy, this is what reading is all about. Complete escapism, complete transportation into a magical realm that’s jam packed with faeries, political intrigue, tension and SECRETS!
Where’s my acotar & cruel prince girlies at? This one really said for YOU.
That ending maaaaan I can’t stop thinking about it. I need book two immediately. I need it like plants need air. I need it like I need coffee on a Monday.
February 21, 2025
4.5 stars!
SOOOO good. This had all my buzzwords in it. I loved the setting and the brutality of the fae pulled no punches. Our MC was fun to read and the found family vibes were great. I wish there had been a touch more romance, but I had the best time
SOOOO good. This had all my buzzwords in it. I loved the setting and the brutality of the fae pulled no punches. Our MC was fun to read and the found family vibes were great. I wish there had been a touch more romance, but I had the best time
January 10, 2025
Let me start by saying I LOVED THIS! Servant of Earth is book 1 in The Shards of Magic series and I honestly can’t wait for more. It was filled with swoon-worthy romance and HEAT, fae magic, deadly trials, friendship, a cruel tyrant and secret rebellion.
For a 400+ page book, I never felt like things slowed down. I loved Kenna as the MC. She was brave, spirited and had a ferocity that suited her situation well. Trapped as a servant in the underground faerie kingdom of Mistei, Kenna has to help her new mistress pass six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic” fire, earth, light, void, illusion and blood.
Armed with a magical (and bloodthirsty) dagger, she undergoes the trials alongside her mistress in secret, ensuring she completes them successfully. Soon Kenna finds herself caught up in a secret rebellion, trading secrets with not one but two sexy fae. I was so here for this sort-of triangle. What’s not to love about two hot, morally grey fae men, seemingly at odds with each other, vying for her attention. Aside from the romance, the intrigue and political conflict were so good. I was caught up in it all.
Sad I have to wait till next September for book 2, Princess of Blood, but this had a satisfying cliffhanger of an ending. It felt like a fitting end and the start of what’s to come
For a 400+ page book, I never felt like things slowed down. I loved Kenna as the MC. She was brave, spirited and had a ferocity that suited her situation well. Trapped as a servant in the underground faerie kingdom of Mistei, Kenna has to help her new mistress pass six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic” fire, earth, light, void, illusion and blood.
Armed with a magical (and bloodthirsty) dagger, she undergoes the trials alongside her mistress in secret, ensuring she completes them successfully. Soon Kenna finds herself caught up in a secret rebellion, trading secrets with not one but two sexy fae. I was so here for this sort-of triangle. What’s not to love about two hot, morally grey fae men, seemingly at odds with each other, vying for her attention. Aside from the romance, the intrigue and political conflict were so good. I was caught up in it all.
Sad I have to wait till next September for book 2, Princess of Blood, but this had a satisfying cliffhanger of an ending. It felt like a fitting end and the start of what’s to come
December 23, 2024
Pros:
- some good bits about female friendship
- Kallen is an intriguing character, much more interesting than Drusten. Loved the “who hurt you” moment.
- I LOVE THE SENTIENT DAGGER IDEA YESSSSSSS
- Earth house is super interesting. It’s the neutral house, but not just for a random silly reason. This is the house that has the most information about everybody, that has to have an impartial head on their shoulders so they can take a step back and give a just verdict. I liked the dynamic between how far was too far for being neutral- when do you have to break neutrality? What things are supposed to make you break neutrality?
- Author clearly read some of the same books in this genre and tried to do some small things differently, which I appreciated. Small things like: our FMC is not 18 but 24/25 and our FMC gains a new appreciation for makeup, dresses, and taking pride in her appearance, instead of disdaining these things as stupid and silly (but there are other things that make Kenna a pick me, see below).
Cons:
- This is just ACOTAR, written slightly better and with a slightly more likeable main character. Fans of ACOTAR and romantasy like it will be a fan of this book, that’s fine. This just wasn’t well written enough for me to rate it any higher than two stars.
- The plot was predictable as hell: I knew all of the twists before we even got to the supposed climax of the story.
- Worldbuilding was ass.
- not sure how anyone could think this was a cute romance when it was just insta-love and straight up lust. It was so blatant that I expected one of Fire’s powers to be controlling other people’s emotions, and honestly that would’ve been a way better betrayal than what actually happened. Like, if you’re going to make a guy be slimy and out for himself, commit please 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
- Highkey some of the ideas of where I thought the story could go were way better than what actually happened, which means the concept could’ve been executed so much better than it was.
- the female friendship featured in this book is a bit more than what we see in other books but it still doesn’t hit the mark. The deeper exploration of female friendship is extremely neglected in favor of the romantic relationships, and ok, if that’s what you’re after then good for you, but also, hear me out!!! What if we did something original?? Also, there’s quite a lot of telling rather than showing in this book, where we’re told that boundaries are torn down between two characters (e.g., Lara and Kenna; Kenna and her dagger) but we don’t get to see that. We just skip to some deep dialogues between characters without any of the buildup, so it feels jarring and unrealistic. I’m not rooting for this friendship as much as I could be. At the end of the day, with a better writer, I would’ve been so much more invested in the plot and the relationships, especially the female friendships (which I didn’t wholly believe in).
- saw someone else’s review say that Lara would’ve been a much more interesting FMC than Kenna and this is such a good take. I am sick of the same story over and over again of the neglected orphan girlie running off into the wilderness and getting seduced by men literally hundreds of years older than her while she sasses them and everybody thinks she’s just so honest and rEfReShinG teehee and ohh I’m not super pretty I’m just SHORT AND THIN AND HAVE STUNNING HEALTHY GORGEOUS CURLING HAIR AND ACTUALLY I HAVE CURVES TOO I JUST NEEDED TO EAT A GOOD MEAL (See Heir of Glass, ACOTAR, this book, etc.). Did you get picked yet?? did you?? It would’ve been VASTLY more original to give us this story from Lara’s point of view. Instead of going from nothing to a position of power, show us Lara having everything and then losing it all. Show us her having to survive in a Fae court when she WAS fae and now isn’t anymore. Like, that is MUCH more interesting than giving us a story we’ve already seen played out a thousand times before
- some good bits about female friendship
- Kallen is an intriguing character, much more interesting than Drusten. Loved the “who hurt you” moment.
- I LOVE THE SENTIENT DAGGER IDEA YESSSSSSS
- Earth house is super interesting. It’s the neutral house, but not just for a random silly reason. This is the house that has the most information about everybody, that has to have an impartial head on their shoulders so they can take a step back and give a just verdict. I liked the dynamic between how far was too far for being neutral- when do you have to break neutrality? What things are supposed to make you break neutrality?
- Author clearly read some of the same books in this genre and tried to do some small things differently, which I appreciated. Small things like: our FMC is not 18 but 24/25 and our FMC gains a new appreciation for makeup, dresses, and taking pride in her appearance, instead of disdaining these things as stupid and silly (but there are other things that make Kenna a pick me, see below).
Cons:
- This is just ACOTAR, written slightly better and with a slightly more likeable main character. Fans of ACOTAR and romantasy like it will be a fan of this book, that’s fine. This just wasn’t well written enough for me to rate it any higher than two stars.
- The plot was predictable as hell: I knew all of the twists before we even got to the supposed climax of the story.
- Worldbuilding was ass.
- not sure how anyone could think this was a cute romance when it was just insta-love and straight up lust. It was so blatant that I expected one of Fire’s powers to be controlling other people’s emotions, and honestly that would’ve been a way better betrayal than what actually happened. Like, if you’re going to make a guy be slimy and out for himself, commit please 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
- Highkey some of the ideas of where I thought the story could go were way better than what actually happened, which means the concept could’ve been executed so much better than it was.
- the female friendship featured in this book is a bit more than what we see in other books but it still doesn’t hit the mark. The deeper exploration of female friendship is extremely neglected in favor of the romantic relationships, and ok, if that’s what you’re after then good for you, but also, hear me out!!! What if we did something original?? Also, there’s quite a lot of telling rather than showing in this book, where we’re told that boundaries are torn down between two characters (e.g., Lara and Kenna; Kenna and her dagger) but we don’t get to see that. We just skip to some deep dialogues between characters without any of the buildup, so it feels jarring and unrealistic. I’m not rooting for this friendship as much as I could be. At the end of the day, with a better writer, I would’ve been so much more invested in the plot and the relationships, especially the female friendships (which I didn’t wholly believe in).
- saw someone else’s review say that Lara would’ve been a much more interesting FMC than Kenna and this is such a good take. I am sick of the same story over and over again of the neglected orphan girlie running off into the wilderness and getting seduced by men literally hundreds of years older than her while she sasses them and everybody thinks she’s just so honest and rEfReShinG teehee and ohh I’m not super pretty I’m just SHORT AND THIN AND HAVE STUNNING HEALTHY GORGEOUS CURLING HAIR AND ACTUALLY I HAVE CURVES TOO I JUST NEEDED TO EAT A GOOD MEAL (See Heir of Glass, ACOTAR, this book, etc.). Did you get picked yet?? did you?? It would’ve been VASTLY more original to give us this story from Lara’s point of view. Instead of going from nothing to a position of power, show us Lara having everything and then losing it all. Show us her having to survive in a Fae court when she WAS fae and now isn’t anymore. Like, that is MUCH more interesting than giving us a story we’ve already seen played out a thousand times before
January 4, 2025
It was quite an entertaining and fast-paced story. However, the plot was predictable from the start.
The basic outline of the plot could be summed up like this: FMC wandering and eavesdropping around the underground Fae kingdom of Mistei – dinner/ball/celebration – trial. This cycle repeats over and over throughout the book. Of course, something happens in between. And while the trials felt simple, they were still engaging.
FMC Kenna. Pretty heroine with long curly hair. She is short and thin, but actually has some curves—she just needed to eat properly! In the Fae realm, she serves Lara. Kenna's job is to help her with the trials, and yeah, she solves them without much difficulty. Pretty, smart, feral... so, actually a badass! A typical snarky FMC in a fantasy romance. And I haven’t yet mentioned that she has never held a weapon, never physically trained, never killed anyone — but here she is, effortlessly killing some Nasties (monsters)! Kenna feels flat, blank; her reactions are mostly unrealistic for a human. Yes, she has some internal struggles, but they don't feel deep enough. Kenna doesn’t seem real—she’s too perfect. Because of this, I couldn’t really connect with her.
Lara. Noble Fae from the Earth House. She is helpless, mostly useless, and cowardly. It’s hard to believe she’s actually a High Fae because she feels more human than Kenna. That’s why I liked her character more. Lara struggles and worries. She’s not perfect, and she knows it, trying to be better. She feels real. I also loved her friendship with Kenna. And in general, loved how the female friendship is portrayed in this book.
Drustan. Prince of the Fire House. Oh, I didn’t like him from the start! But he’s actually an interesting character. He’s like a sly fox—willing to sacrifice anything or anyone (except himself) to achieve his goals.
Kallen. The Lord of the Void House. Gives me Rhys from ACOTAR vibes. He is mysterious, "dangerous," and of course, he can wield shadows! Kallen’s character wasn’t fully revealed in this book. But I bet in the next one, he will turn out to be a softie at heart and probably the best guy around. Still, I liked his relationship with Kenna.
There’s no real romance —just lust. Kenna has two love interests, and one of them is clearly just playing around, while Kenna falls for him like a naive little girl. At first, I was disappointed, thinking this would be another book with poorly written romance. But by the end, it was clear that the "romance" was intentionally written this way. I liked the idea, that the first impression of love can turn out to be wrong.
This book definitely gives ACOTAR vibes. The world-building isn't bad, but for some reason, I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story. It felt like there was a lot going on, but the details were too shallow. It was all too flat, like the FMC herself. I have some hopes for the next book, though. I wouldn’t say I’m overly excited or "can’t wait," but I think I’ll keep following the story.
The basic outline of the plot could be summed up like this: FMC wandering and eavesdropping around the underground Fae kingdom of Mistei – dinner/ball/celebration – trial. This cycle repeats over and over throughout the book. Of course, something happens in between. And while the trials felt simple, they were still engaging.
FMC Kenna. Pretty heroine with long curly hair. She is short and thin, but actually has some curves—she just needed to eat properly! In the Fae realm, she serves Lara. Kenna's job is to help her with the trials, and yeah, she solves them without much difficulty. Pretty, smart, feral... so, actually a badass! A typical snarky FMC in a fantasy romance. And I haven’t yet mentioned that she has never held a weapon, never physically trained, never killed anyone — but here she is, effortlessly killing some Nasties (monsters)! Kenna feels flat, blank; her reactions are mostly unrealistic for a human. Yes, she has some internal struggles, but they don't feel deep enough. Kenna doesn’t seem real—she’s too perfect. Because of this, I couldn’t really connect with her.
Lara. Noble Fae from the Earth House. She is helpless, mostly useless, and cowardly. It’s hard to believe she’s actually a High Fae because she feels more human than Kenna. That’s why I liked her character more. Lara struggles and worries. She’s not perfect, and she knows it, trying to be better. She feels real. I also loved her friendship with Kenna. And in general, loved how the female friendship is portrayed in this book.
Drustan. Prince of the Fire House. Oh, I didn’t like him from the start! But he’s actually an interesting character. He’s like a sly fox—willing to sacrifice anything or anyone (except himself) to achieve his goals.
Kallen. The Lord of the Void House. Gives me Rhys from ACOTAR vibes. He is mysterious, "dangerous," and of course, he can wield shadows! Kallen’s character wasn’t fully revealed in this book. But I bet in the next one, he will turn out to be a softie at heart and probably the best guy around. Still, I liked his relationship with Kenna.
There’s no real romance —just lust. Kenna has two love interests, and one of them is clearly just playing around, while Kenna falls for him like a naive little girl. At first, I was disappointed, thinking this would be another book with poorly written romance. But by the end, it was clear that the "romance" was intentionally written this way. I liked the idea, that the first impression of love can turn out to be wrong.
This book definitely gives ACOTAR vibes. The world-building isn't bad, but for some reason, I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story. It felt like there was a lot going on, but the details were too shallow. It was all too flat, like the FMC herself. I have some hopes for the next book, though. I wouldn’t say I’m overly excited or "can’t wait," but I think I’ll keep following the story.
June 9, 2025
“HUMAN GIRL ENTERS FAE WORLD” STRIKES AGAIN AND I ATE IT RIGHT ON UP!!!! This reminded me so much of the first acotar book, but it was also original enough to not feel like a copycat story in any way. The faeries & fae had the same wild and mystical feel as The Cruel Prince Trilogy which I loved. The magic system was unique and I loved the elemental aspects. I also thought that the writing was really well done and I loved her vibrant, atmospheric descriptions.
I did struggle with the pacing at times. There were parts where I couldn’t put the book down and parts where it seemed to drag on for forever. It took me a while to fully connect with Kenna, but by the end of the book I had fallen completely in love with her. She’s clever, compassionate and strong.
I did a hybrid audio / kindle read and I cannot recommend it more. This audiobook was god tier😍 LAST OF ALL…I loved the plot / romance ratio. Romance is more of a subplot here. It’s honestly hard to tell who the love interest was for most of the book which was DELICIOUS!!!!
I recommend this if you’re a fantasy reader who dreams of a classic fae realm type of story. This didn’t quite HIT MY SOUL the way that other fae books (acotar & the rose bargain) did, but I still had the best time ever!
I did struggle with the pacing at times. There were parts where I couldn’t put the book down and parts where it seemed to drag on for forever. It took me a while to fully connect with Kenna, but by the end of the book I had fallen completely in love with her. She’s clever, compassionate and strong.
I did a hybrid audio / kindle read and I cannot recommend it more. This audiobook was god tier😍 LAST OF ALL…I loved the plot / romance ratio. Romance is more of a subplot here. It’s honestly hard to tell who the love interest was for most of the book which was DELICIOUS!!!!
I recommend this if you’re a fantasy reader who dreams of a classic fae realm type of story. This didn’t quite HIT MY SOUL the way that other fae books (acotar & the rose bargain) did, but I still had the best time ever!
December 22, 2025
WOW!! I’ve been on the lookout for a fresh new romantasy and this DELIVERED!!!
The story is rich with political intrigue, incredible world-building, high-stakes trials, and a cast of characters you will love, hate, and constantly question their motives.
I especially appreciated the inclusion of darker themes, which are often missing from the genre and this added real depth to the story and felt true for a human being thrown into the fae realm. This was a great read that felt high stakes at all times but was so much fun to watch everything unfold. The love triangle ish was also entertaining. However I’m riding with my mans Kallen(SAVANNAH HE IS A GOOD MAN)!!!
I HIGHLY recommend it!!! I am already counting down to the sequel Princess of Blood
The story is rich with political intrigue, incredible world-building, high-stakes trials, and a cast of characters you will love, hate, and constantly question their motives.
I especially appreciated the inclusion of darker themes, which are often missing from the genre and this added real depth to the story and felt true for a human being thrown into the fae realm. This was a great read that felt high stakes at all times but was so much fun to watch everything unfold. The love triangle ish was also entertaining. However I’m riding with my mans Kallen(SAVANNAH HE IS A GOOD MAN)!!!
I HIGHLY recommend it!!! I am already counting down to the sequel Princess of Blood
December 4, 2024
If you enjoy fantasy and fae stories, Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is worth picking up. However, be prepared—this isn’t your typical fae tale. The story takes a darker turn, filled with death, political tension, and the brutal treatment of humans, who are seen as nothing more than animals by the fae. It’s an intense, unflinching look at survival and power dynamics, reminiscent of The Grace Year, The Hunger Games, and the ruthless political intrigue and unpredictability of Game of Thrones.
This is not a story for readers seeking romance. While there are sexual encounters, they lack love or tenderness, and there’s no fated mates trope to swoon over. Instead, the focus lies on survival, loss, betrayal, and navigating a dangerous political landscape. Joy and romance take a backseat to the grim realities of this world, making the story gripping but heavy.
One of the standout elements of this book is the strong women persevering against insurmountable odds. Kenna, the main character, is an obvious example—resilient, brave, and clever, she’s stronger than the fae themselves in many ways. But she’s far from the only one. Other human women are surviving in this oppressive society, underfae women who work as servants, and even a certain high fae woman, all of whom are enduring the cruelty of a tyrannical man and a system that treats everyone horribly, but women especially. Their strength, determination, and commitment to each other, even in the face of constant oppression, are inspiring and add a layer of depth to the story.
The enchanted dagger Kenna discovers also adds an intriguing dimension. With its own desires and personality, it not only becomes a unique aspect of the plot but also serves as a reflection of the choices and challenges Kenna faces throughout her journey.
I found the dynamic around trust particularly compelling. The person Kenna tended to trust the most? I didn’t trust them at all. They felt like yet another manipulative male using people to his advantage through whatever means of persuasion they had. Personally, I think trust would have been better placed in an unexpected direction. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers, but this tension added to the overall unease of the book.
The ending caught me completely off guard. Just when I thought I had a grasp on where the story was heading, it delivered a shocking twist that left me reeling. I couldn’t put the book down, but I read it with a constant sense of dread, captivated by the unpredictability of the plot, the complex web of political intrigue, and the ever-present threat of betrayal in the ruthless fae court. I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book to see how Kenna’s journey continues and how the story builds on this intense foundation.
If you’re looking for a dark, thought-provoking fantasy with a strong lead and high stakes, this is the book for you. But brace yourself—it’s a den of vipers, and the tension doesn’t let up for a second.
This is not a story for readers seeking romance. While there are sexual encounters, they lack love or tenderness, and there’s no fated mates trope to swoon over. Instead, the focus lies on survival, loss, betrayal, and navigating a dangerous political landscape. Joy and romance take a backseat to the grim realities of this world, making the story gripping but heavy.
One of the standout elements of this book is the strong women persevering against insurmountable odds. Kenna, the main character, is an obvious example—resilient, brave, and clever, she’s stronger than the fae themselves in many ways. But she’s far from the only one. Other human women are surviving in this oppressive society, underfae women who work as servants, and even a certain high fae woman, all of whom are enduring the cruelty of a tyrannical man and a system that treats everyone horribly, but women especially. Their strength, determination, and commitment to each other, even in the face of constant oppression, are inspiring and add a layer of depth to the story.
The enchanted dagger Kenna discovers also adds an intriguing dimension. With its own desires and personality, it not only becomes a unique aspect of the plot but also serves as a reflection of the choices and challenges Kenna faces throughout her journey.
I found the dynamic around trust particularly compelling. The person Kenna tended to trust the most? I didn’t trust them at all. They felt like yet another manipulative male using people to his advantage through whatever means of persuasion they had. Personally, I think trust would have been better placed in an unexpected direction. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers, but this tension added to the overall unease of the book.
The ending caught me completely off guard. Just when I thought I had a grasp on where the story was heading, it delivered a shocking twist that left me reeling. I couldn’t put the book down, but I read it with a constant sense of dread, captivated by the unpredictability of the plot, the complex web of political intrigue, and the ever-present threat of betrayal in the ruthless fae court. I’m already eagerly awaiting the second book to see how Kenna’s journey continues and how the story builds on this intense foundation.
If you’re looking for a dark, thought-provoking fantasy with a strong lead and high stakes, this is the book for you. But brace yourself—it’s a den of vipers, and the tension doesn’t let up for a second.
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