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Fey Matter #1
The Laird of Duncairn
The year is 1882 Scotland, and the auld alliance betwixt king and fey has long been forgotten. Men of science, backed by barons of industry, push the boundaries of technology. When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins. But the excavation and use of this energy source will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter's discovery.
Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.
Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.
343 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
76 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Craig Comer
17 books17 followersCraig Comer is author of the Harvest Falls mystery series and the Fey Matter gaslamp fantasy series. He is co-author of the mosaic fantasy novel THE ROADS TO BALDAIRN MOTTE. Craig earned a Master’s Degree in Writing from the University of Southern California. He enjoys tramping across countries in his spare time, preferably those strewn with pubs and castles. Find out more at: www.craigcomer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 12, 2017
When a new energy source is discovered in Scotland in 1882 it's mining brings out old evils that captures the attention of the Queen in London and her Fey Finders. Effie has been running from the fey finders and found herself a position with an ally when the problem comes to her and she sets out to investigate. The story behind the book was really detailed, especially the lore for the fey. I think it's a little on the steampunk side, there's a flying machine at one point. The writing was really good also. I just felt bored reading through it, I'm not sure why. I think it might just be my mood today but a lot of the details about the action didn't keep my attention and I kept getting distracted. It also felt a little long. I do think anyone into the whole historical fiction or fey lore thing would enjoy this though, the writing was really good.
June 4, 2017
this is a pretty difficult book to rate; i oscillated between three and four stars for a while. the real rating would probably be 3.5 stars.
this was pretty well written and the fey lore was interesting and well-developed. the storyline was also coherent and well-developed. for some reason the title made me think this was a paranormal historical romance, so i was pleasantly surprised when there wasn't really a romance aspect (i'm not particularly fond of romance-for-romance's sake)
however, i felt my attention drifting off all the time, pulled in sometimes by a well-written turn of phrase or an event. but mostly, i wasn't particularly engaged, and perhaps that is to do with its pacing; it read as slow in a lot of parts and some scenes just seemed like 'filler' that didn't add a lot to the story; if these scenes had been cut out then the narrative would have more clarity and focus in general.
this was pretty well written and the fey lore was interesting and well-developed. the storyline was also coherent and well-developed. for some reason the title made me think this was a paranormal historical romance, so i was pleasantly surprised when there wasn't really a romance aspect (i'm not particularly fond of romance-for-romance's sake)
however, i felt my attention drifting off all the time, pulled in sometimes by a well-written turn of phrase or an event. but mostly, i wasn't particularly engaged, and perhaps that is to do with its pacing; it read as slow in a lot of parts and some scenes just seemed like 'filler' that didn't add a lot to the story; if these scenes had been cut out then the narrative would have more clarity and focus in general.
February 10, 2019
There's something special about Fantasy, or Urban Fantasy, or Science Fiction, Horror, Steampunk--any kind of Speculative Fiction really--when it is molded in the hands of a master. The world-building that enchants, the characters who demand and receive all your empathy, the plot that twists and turns, endangering your favourite characters yet enabling their evolution--all that makes a story priceless. I give you the fantastic 'gaslamp fantasy" LAIRD OF DUNCAIRN, which happens to be Book 1 of FEY MATTER by Craig Comer (I can't wait to read Book 2). If you don't immediately fall in love with this book, I'd be very surprised (or you've unfortunately become the dread Jaded Reader). I loved it.
Set in alternative late 19th century Scotland, when the Fey are hunted and shunned pretty much in the status of the 17th century Witch Hunts, a young orphaned half-blood (half-Fey) girl who has incredible apport with all animals proves to be the only one who can stop the oncoming Human-Fey Conflict.
Set in alternative late 19th century Scotland, when the Fey are hunted and shunned pretty much in the status of the 17th century Witch Hunts, a young orphaned half-blood (half-Fey) girl who has incredible apport with all animals proves to be the only one who can stop the oncoming Human-Fey Conflict.
November 26, 2017
This book was a little steam punk and more fantasy. I have not read many steam punk but this genre is growing on me. This book is in the long past and humans and fey are not a good terms. Effie is half human and fey and has to overcome a lot in this book. This book is also a little mystery as well and I enjoyed that little surprise. Overall, a good book. *This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.*
June 4, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In The Laird of Duncairn, the reader is transported to the setting of Scotland in 1882. The alliance between the humans and the fey has long been forgotten, and scientistis are pushing the boundaries of technology. Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source that could revolutionize society… But excavating this source will have dire consequences, for both humans and fey, as an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by what Sir Walter discovered.
Effie, an outcast half-fey, is the Empire’s only hope. But the enemy isn’t the only thing she has to fight if she wants herself and the rest of the world, to survive.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s unique. The setting is historical, but it’s also an alternate world, where we have both humans and fey. Despite that, it reads a lot like an epic fantasy novel, but with some steampunk elements added in that I really enjoy. I also liked the explenation of the fey lore, and how it was all tied up with the steampunk side of the story and fantasy side.
The writing was excellent, and the details the author added in didn’t just make the time period, but the whole world come to life.
Effie is an amazing character. I loved following her journey and seeing her change and grow. The book also has a lot of side characters which is pretty common for fantasy books, but here they all had distinct personalities, and I liked that. They didn’t feel like cardboard figures, but felt like actual people with feelings and emotions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novel, especially if you like reading about the fey and fey lore.
In The Laird of Duncairn, the reader is transported to the setting of Scotland in 1882. The alliance between the humans and the fey has long been forgotten, and scientistis are pushing the boundaries of technology. Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source that could revolutionize society… But excavating this source will have dire consequences, for both humans and fey, as an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by what Sir Walter discovered.
Effie, an outcast half-fey, is the Empire’s only hope. But the enemy isn’t the only thing she has to fight if she wants herself and the rest of the world, to survive.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s unique. The setting is historical, but it’s also an alternate world, where we have both humans and fey. Despite that, it reads a lot like an epic fantasy novel, but with some steampunk elements added in that I really enjoy. I also liked the explenation of the fey lore, and how it was all tied up with the steampunk side of the story and fantasy side.
The writing was excellent, and the details the author added in didn’t just make the time period, but the whole world come to life.
Effie is an amazing character. I loved following her journey and seeing her change and grow. The book also has a lot of side characters which is pretty common for fantasy books, but here they all had distinct personalities, and I liked that. They didn’t feel like cardboard figures, but felt like actual people with feelings and emotions.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novel, especially if you like reading about the fey and fey lore.
June 5, 2019
Talk about a whale of a story! It's set in the highlands, (one of my absolute favorite places in the world!) but it's the highlands of an alternate world, mixed with more than a fair dash of steampunk, fey, and a fat dose of whodunnit. The Laird of Duncairn is a fabulous story filled with intrigue, and takes a veiled look at the consequences of greed and the abuse of people different than oneself. It is entertaining, and makes you think all at the same time. I very much enjoyed it, thank you for the opportunity to review it!
May 30, 2017
Well-developed characters and plot make this historical fantasy a true pleasure to read and become lost in. Readers looking for a strong female protagonist will find her in Effie, who is believable and likeable. A very unique and fascinating story - I definitely can't wait for this series to continue!
October 17, 2017
This novel has a bit of it all: steampunk, fantasy, intrigue, and mythology, all set in an alternate Victorian-era Scotland. The action kicks off when Effie volunteers to investigate some mysterious happenings in a coastal town, partly to protect her friends and partly to discover her place in the world as a Sithling. As she unravels the mystery, she learns of her family's past and her own magical abilities. The story ends in thrilling fashion as Effie comes into her own as a powerful wielder of Fey craft and finally feels like she has a place in the world of humans.
October 5, 2017
A steampunk fantasy tale, “The Laird of Duncairn” is the first in the “Fey Matter” series.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 30, 2018
I didn’t like it, but maybe that has more to do with me than with the book
Effie is a Sithling, which means she’s not quite human and not quite fey. We’re talking Scotland, 1882: the Industrial Age. There is a serious fey hunt going on (a bit like the witch hunts).
The knowledge displayed in this novel is impressive, if not overly interesting. It just didn’t excite me… it didn’t make me eager for more. This book took me all weekend to read and I kind of regret it.
English is not my native language, but for the past 25 years or so I’ve been reading mostly in English. And I read A LOT. I’m explaining this because I want to underline that English is now almost as natural to me as my own language is; I even dream in English. But I found this book difficult; there were a lot of words that I didn’t understand and some of them weren’t even in my Kindle dictionary. That took the flow out for me; to have to consult the dictionary time and time again prevented me from getting into the story. I’m sure that if English IS your native language, you won’t have any problems with it. But I’m also sure that if the story had been interesting enough, it would have caught my attention despite my struggles.
More importantly: the story was much darker than I’d thought. If a book could have an aura, this one would be dark grey and I had expected green.
I am sure this is all me, so if you like the sound of the blurb, just try it. You might like it!
Effie is a Sithling, which means she’s not quite human and not quite fey. We’re talking Scotland, 1882: the Industrial Age. There is a serious fey hunt going on (a bit like the witch hunts).
The knowledge displayed in this novel is impressive, if not overly interesting. It just didn’t excite me… it didn’t make me eager for more. This book took me all weekend to read and I kind of regret it.
English is not my native language, but for the past 25 years or so I’ve been reading mostly in English. And I read A LOT. I’m explaining this because I want to underline that English is now almost as natural to me as my own language is; I even dream in English. But I found this book difficult; there were a lot of words that I didn’t understand and some of them weren’t even in my Kindle dictionary. That took the flow out for me; to have to consult the dictionary time and time again prevented me from getting into the story. I’m sure that if English IS your native language, you won’t have any problems with it. But I’m also sure that if the story had been interesting enough, it would have caught my attention despite my struggles.
More importantly: the story was much darker than I’d thought. If a book could have an aura, this one would be dark grey and I had expected green.
I am sure this is all me, so if you like the sound of the blurb, just try it. You might like it!
July 27, 2018
I feel like it's been quite a while since I read a fantasy novel so between that urge and the fact that this one was Gaelic in nature, I couldn't resist picking it up.
The Good:
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and the characters that I met along the way as I read it. This book isn't listed as steampunk but it definitely has those elements in it and I think that they added to what was already happening. I appreciated how the author worked the characters backstories in without it feeling intrusive or distracting from the overall plot.
The Bad:
I'm afraid that this book very much dragged at places and that the pacing felt off more than once. There is also at least one character that was introduced and I won't spoil what happens with him, but, in the end, he felt like filler and I found myself incredibly disappointed that we didn't see more of him. I think he could have been a great way to introduce more of the lore into the story.
The Summary:
Overall, I would say that this was a good first book to a series. I'm hoping that the author got his fidgets out and that book 2 will be even better. I enjoyed the lore and I'm hoping that there's more of that to come. If you enjoy steampunk, historical fantasy, or any mix of those two, give this one a shot. Just be warned that it's quite long and won't be a one evening read.
May 14, 2017
This combines the pleasure of historical fiction with the joy of amazing world-building. Despite the various spirits and the presence of the peoples of the mound, the details feel real, as do the characters, and it's very entertaining to journey across Scotland. It has some slight steampunk elements, but in my book it's definitely Sidhepunk. A great read and enough of the world is left unexplored that I'm looking forward to the sequel.
March 15, 2019
This is an interesting story, but it was a little slow for me in some places. I liked the mix of science and myth/fantasy., and the Scottish folklore added color to the story. The book is relatively long (300+ pages) and I thought it could have been shortened by removing some parts that didn't really move the story, and it would have been a much tighter, faster moving story.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
August 6, 2018
The book is set in an alternate Scotland of the Victorian era, there is fantasy, intrigue, and steampunk this is the first book by this Author that I have read. I found this book to be well-written and it held my attention throughout. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2018
The links between the king and the fey has been long forgotten. A new energy source is found but this is going to cause trouble. An enemy is being awoken and this is going to be dire consequences. What will happen if he wakes? Who will be able to stop him? Follow the tale and see where it will go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2020
Reasonably entertaining. I'm not sure if it's marketed as a YA fantasy, but it would certainly be most successful in that market. The story makes interesting use of Scottish highland folklore, although it makes a few of the unseen folk a little more sinister than in the original lore.
June 6, 2020
Good book
This book was well written and entertaining. A good choice for those who enjoy fey lore. I started this book after realizing several chapters into Oak Seer that I was missing part of the story. I'm glad I circled back and read it.
This book was well written and entertaining. A good choice for those who enjoy fey lore. I started this book after realizing several chapters into Oak Seer that I was missing part of the story. I'm glad I circled back and read it.
March 30, 2020
Exceptional
Author puts real life in each sentence. Glorious plots exquisitely presented. Fantasy so well presented the characters engendered heartfelt concern.
Author puts real life in each sentence. Glorious plots exquisitely presented. Fantasy so well presented the characters engendered heartfelt concern.
August 16, 2020
Well written
The prose is fantastic, the characters are three dimensional, but it is just tedious in some aspects of the story.
The prose is fantastic, the characters are three dimensional, but it is just tedious in some aspects of the story.
September 4, 2020
I give. I just can't finish it. Only 70 pages to go, but it just isn't keeping my interest at all.
June 26, 2017
The Laird of Duncairn can be described as an alternate historical fantasy with a hint of steampunk. The world building was pretty amazing. Interesting melding of fey lore with advancements in science and technology and political struggles. Good strong female protagonist. However, I had a hard time keeping interest in the story overall. I found myself getting somewhat bored at times with the writing. The author would go off on detailed rants that would distract the reader from the plot.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2023
Fun story
I enjoyed the story's pace and mystery in what waits for the main characters. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I enjoyed the story's pace and mystery in what waits for the main characters. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
April 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Comer developed his characters well. Each character is unique and has his or her own back story that allowed me to develop attachments to them. The story is very well developed and is told in a way that grabs you from the beginning. As the heroine, Effie, comes to know her race’s past, she develops abilities that surprise herself, her companions, and her enemies. She also learns the value of family and friendship. This book was a great read. I cannot wait for the sequel!
April 9, 2017
Effie is a Scottish fey, a Sithling, who finds herself thrust out into a world she has stayed hidden from, a place where humans distrust and where Sniffers seek her kind with vile intentions. Intent on doing what she can to help save her kin, she embarks on a journey, learning of her history and the powers of the fey, hoping to defend against darker forces. Excellent story-telling and well-rounded characters makes this a thoroughly enchanting tale of a strong yet compassionate female protagonist in a man's world. I was particularly enthralled by both the geography and the period, both incredibly well researched and invoked. Loved this, couldn't put it down.
January 10, 2019
Disclaimer: I was given this book for free as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewer (LTER) program for an honest review.
This first book in the series was a quite enjoyable. I think it is a good book to go into blind, only knowing what the synopsis provides. This book focuses on the journey that Effie aka Miss Martins takes to protect the human and fey race. The book does not provide in-depth character development or world development, it is presumed that the reader has some background knowledge of Scotland, but rather focuses on the development of the story. I did find the book slow going to begin with, but by chapter six, and they are not long chapters, I found myself enthralled with where the story was heading and intrigued about what would happen next to the characters. Effie is the main character, but there are many side characters such as Stevenson, Graham, Conall, Sir Walter, Glover and a number of different fey creatures. Those people the reader is expect to like, are very likeable and those that have questionable characters were quite dislikeable beings. I find that I can't even shed anything further than the synopsis because I really do believe that it would be a spoiler. The story had a lot of little twists and turns that left you wondering if everything will work out in the end and always being a champion for Effie to come out on top. Though there was very little character development, the way the story progressed allowed Effie to learn and grow in to a more confident young woman/Sithling. There were a number of developments within the story that lend themselves to be continued in future books, so it will be interesting to see where the author takes the characters and story. Though this book is not due for release until early May 2017, I look forward to next instalment of the series.
This first book in the series was a quite enjoyable. I think it is a good book to go into blind, only knowing what the synopsis provides. This book focuses on the journey that Effie aka Miss Martins takes to protect the human and fey race. The book does not provide in-depth character development or world development, it is presumed that the reader has some background knowledge of Scotland, but rather focuses on the development of the story. I did find the book slow going to begin with, but by chapter six, and they are not long chapters, I found myself enthralled with where the story was heading and intrigued about what would happen next to the characters. Effie is the main character, but there are many side characters such as Stevenson, Graham, Conall, Sir Walter, Glover and a number of different fey creatures. Those people the reader is expect to like, are very likeable and those that have questionable characters were quite dislikeable beings. I find that I can't even shed anything further than the synopsis because I really do believe that it would be a spoiler. The story had a lot of little twists and turns that left you wondering if everything will work out in the end and always being a champion for Effie to come out on top. Though there was very little character development, the way the story progressed allowed Effie to learn and grow in to a more confident young woman/Sithling. There were a number of developments within the story that lend themselves to be continued in future books, so it will be interesting to see where the author takes the characters and story. Though this book is not due for release until early May 2017, I look forward to next instalment of the series.
April 28, 2017
Publisher's Description:
The year is 1882 Scotland, and the auld alliance betwixt king and fey has long been forgotten. Men of science, backed by barons of industry, push the boundaries of technology. When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins. But the excavation and use of this energy source will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter's discovery.
Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.
My Thoughts:
I found this title disappointing as it was not at all what I expected. It was listed as a paranormal romance title, but in my opinion there is no romance in this book.
Since I read mostly romance with some historical fiction thrown in, if I had realized the nature of this book I would not have started the read.
I did finish the book even though it was not to my liking.
I gave it 3.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development because it is well written, just not my cup of tea.
I received a complimentary digital ARC from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed.
The year is 1882 Scotland, and the auld alliance betwixt king and fey has long been forgotten. Men of science, backed by barons of industry, push the boundaries of technology. When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins. But the excavation and use of this energy source will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter's discovery.
Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.
My Thoughts:
I found this title disappointing as it was not at all what I expected. It was listed as a paranormal romance title, but in my opinion there is no romance in this book.
Since I read mostly romance with some historical fiction thrown in, if I had realized the nature of this book I would not have started the read.
I did finish the book even though it was not to my liking.
I gave it 3.25 of 5 stars for storyline and character development because it is well written, just not my cup of tea.
I received a complimentary digital ARC from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have voluntarily reviewed.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews