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Wicked Fae #1
Of Fae and Wicked Kings
A human, a fae warrior, and the wicked Unseelie king walk into a bar. Just kidding. There is no bar. But there is a quest to find a missing queen. And tension. Lots of tension.
When she and her love, Rowan, went to the Unseelie Court, Gwyndolin only intended to ask the Unseelie king to stop his fae from attacking the humans and Seelie fae. She did not intend for him to insert himself into their quest to find the high queen. But who can say no to the wicked High King Aspen? He takes what he wants, and he doesn’t care who he hurts in the process.
His magic may be useful, but his arrogant, flirtatious attitude may cause a rift between her and Rowan. She hates Aspen, and he seems to only want to antagonize her. So, why does it seem like there’s something else he’s hiding? And will it threaten everything when she finds out?
This novella, set in the realm of the Fae-blessed series but sometime before that series, is full of love, betrayal, and villains. Who doesn’t love villains?
Prepare to fall in love with the villain.
This novella was initially released in the Romancing the Falling for the Bad Boy Villain anthology, now with two more chapters, character art, and bonus scenes! While this book is shorter, the rest of the series will be full-length novels.
When she and her love, Rowan, went to the Unseelie Court, Gwyndolin only intended to ask the Unseelie king to stop his fae from attacking the humans and Seelie fae. She did not intend for him to insert himself into their quest to find the high queen. But who can say no to the wicked High King Aspen? He takes what he wants, and he doesn’t care who he hurts in the process.
His magic may be useful, but his arrogant, flirtatious attitude may cause a rift between her and Rowan. She hates Aspen, and he seems to only want to antagonize her. So, why does it seem like there’s something else he’s hiding? And will it threaten everything when she finds out?
This novella, set in the realm of the Fae-blessed series but sometime before that series, is full of love, betrayal, and villains. Who doesn’t love villains?
Prepare to fall in love with the villain.
This novella was initially released in the Romancing the Falling for the Bad Boy Villain anthology, now with two more chapters, character art, and bonus scenes! While this book is shorter, the rest of the series will be full-length novels.
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2025
118 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
February 27, 2025
Received an E-ARC for an honest review.
I'm well aware that this is a novella, originally part of an anthology that is now turning into a series, but man I still wish there was more. It just felt very rushed. The characters definitely have potential, but just needed a little more depth to them. King Aspen is supposed to be this cruel king, and I really wasn't getting those vibes from him. I do really like him though. I like the twist with Rowan as well. I will still be reading the next book as I know it will be longer, so I'm hoping for more world building and character development. I know this story definitely has great potential.
I'm well aware that this is a novella, originally part of an anthology that is now turning into a series, but man I still wish there was more. It just felt very rushed. The characters definitely have potential, but just needed a little more depth to them. King Aspen is supposed to be this cruel king, and I really wasn't getting those vibes from him. I do really like him though. I like the twist with Rowan as well. I will still be reading the next book as I know it will be longer, so I'm hoping for more world building and character development. I know this story definitely has great potential.
March 5, 2026
YOU NEVER TRUST THE FIRST MMC. EVER!!!
Okay, so I could have guessed that Rowan was maybe not all that, but I was not expecting him to be full circle evil. Makes you question who is supposed to be the true "villain" of the story. Okay I could keep ranting about him but I will stop... for now.
Gwyndolin, our sweet naive human. She is in better hands now with the Aspen, but I'm hoping in book 2 she gives him some trouble. Make him work for it, cause he already knows he's hot. I would trade places with her though... marry a Fae king, sign me up!
Can't wait for the audio for book 2!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level:
🎧 Full Cast Narration (1h 46m at 2X)
Novella
Prophecy
Enemies to Lovers
Fae x Human
Morally Grey MMC
He Comes for Her
Ice Powers
Thank you to Momentum Media and Publishing LLC, and author Jada McCrary, for providing me with the ALC of “Of Fae and Wicked Kings”. Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, and Anthony Palmini did a wonderful job narrating this book.
Okay, so I could have guessed that Rowan was maybe not all that, but I was not expecting him to be full circle evil. Makes you question who is supposed to be the true "villain" of the story. Okay I could keep ranting about him but I will stop... for now.
Gwyndolin, our sweet naive human. She is in better hands now with the Aspen, but I'm hoping in book 2 she gives him some trouble. Make him work for it, cause he already knows he's hot. I would trade places with her though... marry a Fae king, sign me up!
Can't wait for the audio for book 2!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level:
🎧 Full Cast Narration (1h 46m at 2X)
Novella
Prophecy
Enemies to Lovers
Fae x Human
Morally Grey MMC
He Comes for Her
Ice Powers
Thank you to Momentum Media and Publishing LLC, and author Jada McCrary, for providing me with the ALC of “Of Fae and Wicked Kings”. Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, and Anthony Palmini did a wonderful job narrating this book.
March 7, 2026
This was extremely enjoyable for a novella especially, but it went so quick!. I really liked both of the male narrators. I need more information and the next installment asap.
March 1, 2026
5⭐️ ⋆˚꩜｡ 5🎧 ⋆˚꩜｡0🌶️
I just finished a really heavy one and this was definitely a wonderfully placed palette cleanser.
I love a good novella! I am a huge fan of the fae world. The plot definitely plotted!
If you love short stories / novellas, would definitely recommend!
I just finished a really heavy one and this was definitely a wonderfully placed palette cleanser.
I love a good novella! I am a huge fan of the fae world. The plot definitely plotted!
If you love short stories / novellas, would definitely recommend!
August 28, 2025
⭐ 3 | No spice
I received this as an ARC, and it turned out to be a very short read—only about 60 pages. Honestly, it felt more like a teaser than a full story. The idea is fantastic, but it really missed the deeper world-building, character development, and slow-burn romance tension that could have made it unforgettable. Right now, it felt a little rushed and cut short.
That said, the potential is definitely there, and it was a fun and easy read to keep me awake during my night shift 😅
👉 Curious: do you enjoy quick fantasy reads like this, or are you more of a “give me 500+ pages of angst, magic, and romance or nothing” type?
I received this as an ARC, and it turned out to be a very short read—only about 60 pages. Honestly, it felt more like a teaser than a full story. The idea is fantastic, but it really missed the deeper world-building, character development, and slow-burn romance tension that could have made it unforgettable. Right now, it felt a little rushed and cut short.
That said, the potential is definitely there, and it was a fun and easy read to keep me awake during my night shift 😅
👉 Curious: do you enjoy quick fantasy reads like this, or are you more of a “give me 500+ pages of angst, magic, and romance or nothing” type?
March 17, 2026
This audiobook is such a treat! The duet style narration starring such an all star cast of Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, and Anthony Palmini satisfied all my arrogant wicked fae cravings!!
Gregory and Anthony expertly narrate two duplicitous fae, the Unseelie high fae king, Aspen, and a Seelie fae warrior, Rowan. The bring such wickedness and betrayal and also the start of some unhinged yearning with the Unseelie king wanting to possess a human pet.
Grace does a fantastic job at narrating Gwyn, a strong willed, sassy human girl who has feelings for Rowan. The Seelie queen is missing and so Gwyn and Rowan begin a quest to find her, firstly seeking out Aspen to discover if he has kidnapped the Seelie queen.
This is a story of betrayal, prophecy, hidden identities and motives, and a human girl completely out of her depth.
The simmering tension between Gwyn and Aspen is delicious, and the banter and wickedness between the two is narrated by Gregory and Grace in such a compelling way that you can’t help but start to root for the villain.
The pacing of this novella is great and I was able to listen to the audiobook on speed 1.75x and felt very immersed in this story.
This novella completely has me hooked and I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook of book 2 in this series. I absolutely love wicked arrogant fae and a prophecy!
You’ll enjoy this novella if you love:
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Villain gets the girl
🔥 He falls first and harder
🖤 Touch her and die
🔥 Burn the world
🖤 Obsessive, morally gray MMC
🔥 Dual POV with lots of plot twists
Thank you to NetGalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
Gregory and Anthony expertly narrate two duplicitous fae, the Unseelie high fae king, Aspen, and a Seelie fae warrior, Rowan. The bring such wickedness and betrayal and also the start of some unhinged yearning with the Unseelie king wanting to possess a human pet.
Grace does a fantastic job at narrating Gwyn, a strong willed, sassy human girl who has feelings for Rowan. The Seelie queen is missing and so Gwyn and Rowan begin a quest to find her, firstly seeking out Aspen to discover if he has kidnapped the Seelie queen.
This is a story of betrayal, prophecy, hidden identities and motives, and a human girl completely out of her depth.
The simmering tension between Gwyn and Aspen is delicious, and the banter and wickedness between the two is narrated by Gregory and Grace in such a compelling way that you can’t help but start to root for the villain.
The pacing of this novella is great and I was able to listen to the audiobook on speed 1.75x and felt very immersed in this story.
This novella completely has me hooked and I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook of book 2 in this series. I absolutely love wicked arrogant fae and a prophecy!
You’ll enjoy this novella if you love:
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Villain gets the girl
🔥 He falls first and harder
🖤 Touch her and die
🔥 Burn the world
🖤 Obsessive, morally gray MMC
🔥 Dual POV with lots of plot twists
Thank you to NetGalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.
February 26, 2026
It was good but it wasn’t super interesting to me at the same time. My favorite character…I wasn’t happy with the way he turned out but I’m not gonna say spoilers lol
But the romance felt really rushed and the plot kind of rushed. I understand why, since the author said that it was originally part of an anthology or something where it had to be short. But I wish it had been more drawn out and we’d received more interactions with certain characters and dynamics.
I did like the setting though, it felt immersive and the descriptions were written so well! That was definitely my favorite part. I could feel like I was there and see everything along with the characters.
Content:
Some suggestive comments, a forced kiss, a passionate kiss, violence, mentions putting curses on people but it isn’t graphic, some characters in the book (won’t mention due to spoilers) lose limbs and could be disturbing to certain readers. Two main characters share a bedroll and sleep next to each other.
But the romance felt really rushed and the plot kind of rushed. I understand why, since the author said that it was originally part of an anthology or something where it had to be short. But I wish it had been more drawn out and we’d received more interactions with certain characters and dynamics.
I did like the setting though, it felt immersive and the descriptions were written so well! That was definitely my favorite part. I could feel like I was there and see everything along with the characters.
Content:
Some suggestive comments, a forced kiss, a passionate kiss, violence, mentions putting curses on people but it isn’t graphic, some characters in the book (won’t mention due to spoilers) lose limbs and could be disturbing to certain readers. Two main characters share a bedroll and sleep next to each other.
March 8, 2026
"A human, a fae warrior, and the wicked Unseelie king walk into a bar. Just kidding. There is no bar. But there is a quest to find a missing queen. And tension. Lots of tension."
Jada did not lie. So much tension! This was fast paced, but also still gave background information on the characters to become invested in the story. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm being careful with my wording, but I loved the connections between the characters and how they developed in such a short amount of time. The narrators were fantastic. They all did a great job with bringing the characters to life and giving the depth the story required of them.
I'm immediately adding book 2 to my TBR!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.
Jada did not lie. So much tension! This was fast paced, but also still gave background information on the characters to become invested in the story. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'm being careful with my wording, but I loved the connections between the characters and how they developed in such a short amount of time. The narrators were fantastic. They all did a great job with bringing the characters to life and giving the depth the story required of them.
I'm immediately adding book 2 to my TBR!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.
March 9, 2026
***Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead***
Possible triggers: Abusive Relationship, Assault, Attempted Murder, Death, Dead Bodies, Decapitation, Emotional Abuse, Gore, Kidnapping, Knife, Sword and Axe Violence, Murder, Oppression, Poisoning, Torture, Violence
Overall star rating (out of 5⭐️): 4.5
Spice level (out of 5🌶️): 0.5 (only two kisses, while the first one was forced)
Content review: Gwen is a human that lives in a world where fae are the rulers. But as the seelie queen goes missing, she set out to find her with Rowan (the man she is in love with) and the unseelie king.
A short novella that moves fast and still presents a full story. This story is full of a lot of typical tropes such as ‘one horse only’ or ‘he falls first and harder’. Definitely recommend this if you want a complete story that is only 1.5 hours long.
Narrator review: Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas and Anthony Palmini did a fantastic job narrating this book! I love the duet style reading! Makes it very immersive 🥰 4.5 out of 5
Reading Format: Duet (FMM)
Tags: betrayal, elf, evil creatures/monsters, fae, fantasy, good banter, insta love, magic, morally grey mmc, prophecy, romantasy, slow burn
Tropes: enemies to lovers, he falls first and harder, love triangle, one horse only, touch her and die
❤️ Love interest: Aspen x Gwen
Possible triggers: Abusive Relationship, Assault, Attempted Murder, Death, Dead Bodies, Decapitation, Emotional Abuse, Gore, Kidnapping, Knife, Sword and Axe Violence, Murder, Oppression, Poisoning, Torture, Violence
Overall star rating (out of 5⭐️): 4.5
Spice level (out of 5🌶️): 0.5 (only two kisses, while the first one was forced)
Content review: Gwen is a human that lives in a world where fae are the rulers. But as the seelie queen goes missing, she set out to find her with Rowan (the man she is in love with) and the unseelie king.
A short novella that moves fast and still presents a full story. This story is full of a lot of typical tropes such as ‘one horse only’ or ‘he falls first and harder’. Definitely recommend this if you want a complete story that is only 1.5 hours long.
Narrator review: Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas and Anthony Palmini did a fantastic job narrating this book! I love the duet style reading! Makes it very immersive 🥰 4.5 out of 5
Reading Format: Duet (FMM)
Tags: betrayal, elf, evil creatures/monsters, fae, fantasy, good banter, insta love, magic, morally grey mmc, prophecy, romantasy, slow burn
Tropes: enemies to lovers, he falls first and harder, love triangle, one horse only, touch her and die
❤️ Love interest: Aspen x Gwen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2026
Great start to a new romantasy series
This novella is in denial about being short: it packs far more in than expected. Despite its length, the world-building feels rich, weaving humans, fae, and the unseelie into a vivid, dangerous setting. Sharp plot twists keep the pace brisk, while the instalove leans fully into the genre’s charm. A small book with an unexpectedly big bite.
And let's not forget:
🥵 evil Gregory Salinas, who I first fell in love with whilst listening to the Saint View Psychos series by Elle Thorpe
Looking forward to book 2!
What you need to know:
📚prequel to the Wicked Fae series
⏰novella (1h39)
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🎙️duet narration, multi-cast
🖤dark romantasy
🤬enemies-to-lovers
🔀lots of plot twists
🦹🏻villain gets the girl
❤️🔥he falls first, he falls harder
💀touch her and die
🔥burn the world
🖤obsessive, morally gray MMC
🫠he calls her Pet
🔚ends on a plot twist
For the safety squad:
🦺content warnings
This novella is in denial about being short: it packs far more in than expected. Despite its length, the world-building feels rich, weaving humans, fae, and the unseelie into a vivid, dangerous setting. Sharp plot twists keep the pace brisk, while the instalove leans fully into the genre’s charm. A small book with an unexpectedly big bite.
And let's not forget:
🥵 evil Gregory Salinas, who I first fell in love with whilst listening to the Saint View Psychos series by Elle Thorpe
Looking forward to book 2!
What you need to know:
📚prequel to the Wicked Fae series
⏰novella (1h39)
🫂dual POV, 1st person
🎙️duet narration, multi-cast
🖤dark romantasy
🤬enemies-to-lovers
🔀lots of plot twists
🦹🏻villain gets the girl
❤️🔥he falls first, he falls harder
💀touch her and die
🔥burn the world
🖤obsessive, morally gray MMC
🫠he calls her Pet
🔚ends on a plot twist
For the safety squad:
🦺content warnings
March 12, 2026
I received an advance listening copy of Of Fae and Wicked Kings through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. The story is short, but the writing was strong and the premise was interesting enough to make me curious about the rest of the series.
The audiobook production was excellent. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, and their performances really helped elevate the story. I’ve heard both narrators in other audiobooks before and have liked them in the past, so it was great to hear them here as well.
Because this is a shorter story, it feels more like an introduction to the world and characters rather than a full standalone novel. That said, it definitely left me interested to see where the series goes next.
Overall, an enjoyable fantasy novella with a great audiobook performance.
I really enjoyed the audiobook. The story is short, but the writing was strong and the premise was interesting enough to make me curious about the rest of the series.
The audiobook production was excellent. The narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life, and their performances really helped elevate the story. I’ve heard both narrators in other audiobooks before and have liked them in the past, so it was great to hear them here as well.
Because this is a shorter story, it feels more like an introduction to the world and characters rather than a full standalone novel. That said, it definitely left me interested to see where the series goes next.
Overall, an enjoyable fantasy novella with a great audiobook performance.
March 30, 2025
I loved loved this book. I thought I'd have a hard time getting investing in the series with the first one being so short bit man was it an immediate chokehold. I think it says a lot about an author when they cab get you invested and feel for characters in such a tight page count. The plot and development has been seamless so far and I feel for both the "villain" and the pressure of the FMC within the few first pages which is not something I can always say. I am so excited to see what comes out of this series in the future!
February 28, 2026
Dark Romantasy
1st person POV
Duet narration - Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, Anthony Palmini
Love these narration!
Ok this is a short novella that left me needing and wanting more. I really enjoyed the characters and the brief insight into them. I can not wait to listen to more of this series.
I have been struggling lately getting into fantasy at romances and this short story drew me in. I will impatiently be waiting for more!
1st person POV
Duet narration - Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, Anthony Palmini
Love these narration!
Ok this is a short novella that left me needing and wanting more. I really enjoyed the characters and the brief insight into them. I can not wait to listen to more of this series.
I have been struggling lately getting into fantasy at romances and this short story drew me in. I will impatiently be waiting for more!
March 10, 2026
This is a short but awesome read. And the best part? The audio is in duet and has 3 amazing people putting the voice to the characters. Grace Noble, Gregory Salina’s, and Anthony Palmini which did absolutely superb.
She’s a human that thinks she loves a fae. Until the truth comes out. The king isn’t the person she thinks he is, or is he? He’s obsessed with her and can’t figure out why. Her best friend turns out the be the evil person in the world she’s brought in to. There’s nothing this King won’t do for her including defeating another king to protect her!!! I most definitely need to know what happens next!
She’s a human that thinks she loves a fae. Until the truth comes out. The king isn’t the person she thinks he is, or is he? He’s obsessed with her and can’t figure out why. Her best friend turns out the be the evil person in the world she’s brought in to. There’s nothing this King won’t do for her including defeating another king to protect her!!! I most definitely need to know what happens next!
March 7, 2026
This was a super quick listen that I received a copy of from NetGalley. I know the intent is that this is just an introduction to the series and that’s exactly what it is. We don’t get too deep or see much world building, but the reader will definitely get the idea. I’d definitely be interested to continue, especially with the current narrators.
March 5, 2025
I received this novella as an ARC and really wanted to like this book, but had difficulty engaging from the first chapter. There was not much world building and definitely jumped around a lot! It felt very choppy and i think that may be why i couldn’t connect to or enjoy this book.
March 2, 2026
I wanted a lot more from this. I understand it’s a novella, but I wanted more yearning, more of the ‘wicked’ side of King Aspen, more from the fight scenes… nonetheless, the voice actors were brilliant!
March 11, 2026
I received an audio copy from Netgalley and I absolutely adored this cast. The story is quick, as it is a novella, so I'm hoping for some world building in the future books. Listening time is under 2 hrs if you need something for a car ride or a weekend listen.
The story has a lot of potential. I will def add the next books to my TBR
Thank you so much to Jada, Netgalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly
The story has a lot of potential. I will def add the next books to my TBR
Thank you so much to Jada, Netgalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to review this title. I attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly
March 31, 2025
Es una historia corta que te dejara pidiendo más. Necesito mas de Aspen . No espera todos esos plots inesperados .
April 1, 2025
I received this book as part of the ARC team and I really enjoyed the book. This book makes you fall in love with the Villian and I love the banter.
November 20, 2025
a quick romantasy novella that is a first in series. enemies to lovers. huge Betrayal. really sets up wanting to read the rest of the series.
February 28, 2026
✨ALC Review✨
Another good short teaser that will make you want to read the series!
Secrets, lies and betrayal in a fantasy setting. Is the 'villain' really as bad as you think?
Another good short teaser that will make you want to read the series!
Secrets, lies and betrayal in a fantasy setting. Is the 'villain' really as bad as you think?
March 16, 2026
4.5 stars! I really liked this and didn’t see the twist coming. I’m excited to read the rest of the series. All of the narrators did an excellent job and made the story so immersive.
Thank you to the author for approving early access to the audiobook on NetGalley!
Thank you to the author for approving early access to the audiobook on NetGalley!
March 6, 2026
Great intro into the world and characters, beautifully delivered by Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas and Anthony Palmini! I definitely want more! Thanks to Momentum Media and Net Galley for the ALC!
September 16, 2025
Excellent short read so glad I got the opportunity to listen to this on audiobook and get an introduction into the story. There’s a lot that happens even in this short beginning and it definitely hooks you to see what might happen in the novels to come. I do recommend that you read the trigger warnings. While there is a kidnapping in the book, it’s not as traumatic as you would think a kidnapping would be. I would recommend this book to those who love Fae stories and Fae adventures and trickery, and that whole type of culture of fantasy adventure with a touch of romance.
April 9, 2025
This was such a fun read! This is perfect for someone who is looking for a quick read and characters they can fall in love with! The love triangle and the betrayals really made this story amazing! I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you to all those who made it possible for me to be an ARC reader for this book!
May 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! It’s unique with a wicked fae king who assists in locating the queen of an enemy kingdom. Unfortunately, he has a hidden agenda and rescuing the queen isn’t part of it.
A noble quest, a strong heroine, and two handsome fae men make for an epic adventurous novella with romance and some twists.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A noble quest, a strong heroine, and two handsome fae men make for an epic adventurous novella with romance and some twists.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2025
Oh Aspen ❤️🔥 How I do love his possessive banter
Of Fae and Wicked Kings is probably my favorite novella I have read. You get all the best feels and story in this one.
❤️🔥 Villain Gets the Girl
❤️🔥 Possessive and Protective MMC
❤️🔥 Sassy FMC
❤️🔥 Morally Gray
❤️🔥 Banter
❤️🔥 One Horse
❤️🔥 Burn the World For Her
❤️🔥 Fae x Human
🫑🫑 (no spice, steamy feels)
Of Fae and Wicked Kings is probably my favorite novella I have read. You get all the best feels and story in this one.
❤️🔥 Villain Gets the Girl
❤️🔥 Possessive and Protective MMC
❤️🔥 Sassy FMC
❤️🔥 Morally Gray
❤️🔥 Banter
❤️🔥 One Horse
❤️🔥 Burn the World For Her
❤️🔥 Fae x Human
🫑🫑 (no spice, steamy feels)
March 1, 2026
Of Fae and Wicked Kings completely surprised me. I went in a little skeptical because of the shorter length, unsure how attached I could really become in so few pages—but within the opening chapters, I was hooked. It takes serious skill to create emotional investment that fast, and McCrary absolutely pulls it off.
This dark romantasy, told in first-person POV, wastes no time throwing us into tension, grief, and complicated loyalties. Gwyndolin (Gwyn), a human whose parents were killed by the Unseelie, carries both trauma and determination into a dangerous mission. She sets out to confront the Unseelie king, Aspen, alongside Rowan—the fae she has known for years and quietly loves. Rowan’s protectiveness is evident from the start, but his full feelings remain just out of reach, adding a subtle ache to their dynamic. There’s history between them, though I found myself wishing for even more glimpses of their shared past before the journey begins.
Then there’s Aspen. The wicked Unseelie king is arrogant, magnetic, sharp-tongued—and far more layered than the title “villain” suggests. His presence shifts the energy of every scene he enters. The tension between him and Gwyn is immediate, charged with hostility and undeniable pull. While his bold interest in her appears quickly, what kept me intrigued were the flashes of depth beneath the charm. Aspen and Rowan’s distrust of one another creates an undercurrent of rivalry that adds heat to an already volatile situation. I would have loved even more interaction between the two of them; their clashing energies practically demand it.
What stands out most is how effectively the novella balances romance with political intrigue. Fae politics are messy, alliances are fragile, and motivations shift as secrets surface. The line between hero and antagonist blurs more than once, which made me sympathize not just with Gwyn’s burden, but even with the so-called “wicked” king. The emotional pressure placed on the FMC is palpable, and watching her stand her ground—especially when the powerful fae around her try to intimidate or manipulate—was deeply satisfying. She refuses to be overshadowed, and that strength anchors the story.
The pacing is brisk but purposeful. There’s no excess, yet the world-building still paints a vivid picture of a realm steeped in danger and enchantment. Even when certain twists felt familiar within the genre, the character dynamics kept me fully engaged. By the final chapter, I was left with that delicious frustration of needing the next installment immediately.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. The duet narration by Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, and Anthony Palmini adds richness and depth to every interaction. Each narrator captures the distinct personalities and emotional intensity of the characters, making the tension, banter, and darker moments land even harder. Their performances made an already gripping introduction feel immersive and cinematic.
While readers should take note of the trigger warnings—including a kidnapping element—the execution isn’t gratuitous. Instead, it reinforces the stakes without overwhelming the story.
If you enjoy fae lore filled with trickery, morally gray rulers, layered romance, and a heroine unafraid to challenge kings, this novella delivers. It may be brief, but it leaves a lasting impression—and I’m more than ready to see where Gwyn, Rowan, and Aspen’s story goes next.
This dark romantasy, told in first-person POV, wastes no time throwing us into tension, grief, and complicated loyalties. Gwyndolin (Gwyn), a human whose parents were killed by the Unseelie, carries both trauma and determination into a dangerous mission. She sets out to confront the Unseelie king, Aspen, alongside Rowan—the fae she has known for years and quietly loves. Rowan’s protectiveness is evident from the start, but his full feelings remain just out of reach, adding a subtle ache to their dynamic. There’s history between them, though I found myself wishing for even more glimpses of their shared past before the journey begins.
Then there’s Aspen. The wicked Unseelie king is arrogant, magnetic, sharp-tongued—and far more layered than the title “villain” suggests. His presence shifts the energy of every scene he enters. The tension between him and Gwyn is immediate, charged with hostility and undeniable pull. While his bold interest in her appears quickly, what kept me intrigued were the flashes of depth beneath the charm. Aspen and Rowan’s distrust of one another creates an undercurrent of rivalry that adds heat to an already volatile situation. I would have loved even more interaction between the two of them; their clashing energies practically demand it.
What stands out most is how effectively the novella balances romance with political intrigue. Fae politics are messy, alliances are fragile, and motivations shift as secrets surface. The line between hero and antagonist blurs more than once, which made me sympathize not just with Gwyn’s burden, but even with the so-called “wicked” king. The emotional pressure placed on the FMC is palpable, and watching her stand her ground—especially when the powerful fae around her try to intimidate or manipulate—was deeply satisfying. She refuses to be overshadowed, and that strength anchors the story.
The pacing is brisk but purposeful. There’s no excess, yet the world-building still paints a vivid picture of a realm steeped in danger and enchantment. Even when certain twists felt familiar within the genre, the character dynamics kept me fully engaged. By the final chapter, I was left with that delicious frustration of needing the next installment immediately.
The audiobook elevates the experience even further. The duet narration by Grace Noble, Gregory Salinas, and Anthony Palmini adds richness and depth to every interaction. Each narrator captures the distinct personalities and emotional intensity of the characters, making the tension, banter, and darker moments land even harder. Their performances made an already gripping introduction feel immersive and cinematic.
While readers should take note of the trigger warnings—including a kidnapping element—the execution isn’t gratuitous. Instead, it reinforces the stakes without overwhelming the story.
If you enjoy fae lore filled with trickery, morally gray rulers, layered romance, and a heroine unafraid to challenge kings, this novella delivers. It may be brief, but it leaves a lasting impression—and I’m more than ready to see where Gwyn, Rowan, and Aspen’s story goes next.
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