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Faerie Festival #1
The Festival of Trial and Ember
A dangerous summer festival. A throne left empty. A forgotten world of faeries in a time of shadow and treason.
Roisín, seventeen years old, is biding her time till graduation. When the shadows around her come to life, she discovers no one else can see these strange creatures except her and her brother.
Desperate for answers, she embarks on a journey into the Otherworld -- a land beneath Ireland where faeries live as the descendants of ancient Celtic gods. As Roisín struggles to survive, she realizes her decisions could alter the fate of an entire Kingdom.
The Festival of Trial & Ember is the first book in the compelling new Faerie Festival Series. There are games to win, promises to break, and hearts to conquer. The Celtic summer festival of Lughnasa has begun.
Roisín, seventeen years old, is biding her time till graduation. When the shadows around her come to life, she discovers no one else can see these strange creatures except her and her brother.
Desperate for answers, she embarks on a journey into the Otherworld -- a land beneath Ireland where faeries live as the descendants of ancient Celtic gods. As Roisín struggles to survive, she realizes her decisions could alter the fate of an entire Kingdom.
The Festival of Trial & Ember is the first book in the compelling new Faerie Festival Series. There are games to win, promises to break, and hearts to conquer. The Celtic summer festival of Lughnasa has begun.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2017
26 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Logan Miehl
6 books43 followersLogan Miehl loves writing stories from the heart.
When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with her cat and a good book, hiking in the mountains, or befriending a tree. She draws inspiration from nature, and her lasting belief that magic is real.
The Faerie Festival Series was inspired by her travels in Ireland and her studies of Celtic myth.
When she's not writing, you can find her curled up with her cat and a good book, hiking in the mountains, or befriending a tree. She draws inspiration from nature, and her lasting belief that magic is real.
The Faerie Festival Series was inspired by her travels in Ireland and her studies of Celtic myth.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 5, 2017
Phenomenal read! The story of Roisin, as she not only discovers the world of fae, but in turn, who she really is, is enthralling from start to finish.
The story is riveting and weaves its way through your heart as Roisin lays everything on the line for love, freedom, and vindication!
A powerful story of facing your inner demons, never underestimating yourself, and choosing to fall in love, is detailed throughout this beautiful tale.
I loved this read, flying through it in mere days. I can’t wait for book 2 of The Faery Festival series!
The story is riveting and weaves its way through your heart as Roisin lays everything on the line for love, freedom, and vindication!
A powerful story of facing your inner demons, never underestimating yourself, and choosing to fall in love, is detailed throughout this beautiful tale.
I loved this read, flying through it in mere days. I can’t wait for book 2 of The Faery Festival series!
February 28, 2025
I've been absolutely flying through literary fiction lately and needed to slow it down and mix it up! Fantasy is usually NOT my genre, but my dad gave me this YA series and it surprisingly worked for me. It's about an orphan and her younger brother living in foster care who find themselves the target of a dark faerie, and have to enter the Otherworld in order to see why they are being pursued by this creature. This is a trilogy and I have the others ready to go, but will probably read a few other books before jumping back in.
August 21, 2024
This was a good story. Nothing epic, but interesting and kept my attention. Enough to make me want to read the next book in the series. Would give it a 3.5 if I could.
August 6, 2021
This was a very interesting read looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens. Very good characters and story line totally different from any other Faery story I have read before.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
Just an amazing story!! We can see how the main character is presented with several obstacles where, like a heroine, she accepts her defeats and her victories. She did grow as a character. Her love for her brother give her the strength to overcome all the obstacles presented. Great world building and side characters who hopefully would continue to develop in the book to come.
Can't wait for book 2 to come out to see where the story would take us.
Can't wait for book 2 to come out to see where the story would take us.
September 30, 2017
I flew through this book! I don't know much about Celtic myths or faeries, but I found this book extremely interesting and the characters super engaging! I can't wait to read the next book!!!
January 20, 2025
My first YA feeling book in a hot minute and it was pretty darn good. I love the inclusion of not just Celtic history & themes, but the poems, quotes, and descriptions from the author’s studies in the beginning of each chapter. The climax/ending felt a little rushed but overall a great debut and I am looking forward to the next part of Róisín’s story!
November 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the series. This first book kind of reminded me of Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series. I sometimes found myself irritated with Roísín’s attitude (reminded me of my younger self…), but I also really appreciate that she truly is her own character, and the way she develops throughout the trilogy. The series is well thought out. The way Logan describes things not only paints a picture in my mind, but illicits a feeling of actually being there.
March 21, 2018
The book follows a familiar format: a young teenage girl, thrust into a world she did not know existed, fighting for survival. This template has been tried and tested, and let’s face it, it works. You see the fairies and their world for the first time, through the main character’s eyes, and you learn about their ways as she does. The premise is introduced really well, with the action starting almost immediately, and I found myself gripped from the first page. It builds well, and contains the right amount of action and threat to keep you turning the pages. I was slightly disappointed by the abrupt ending, but it’s clear that this is just part one of this adventure, so realistically, it probably couldn’t have ended any other way.
As a Celt myself, I really enjoyed reading about legends I learned about as a child, as well as discovering some new ones. I also loved that the characters had traditionally spelt, and pronounced, Irish names. The creatures and the fairies again are familiar, but Logan presents them in a new way. With each chapter beginning with a quote from historical books about such legends, presented almost as facts taken from a text book, it gives the story and the legends within a certain amount of believability and credibility, as if this world could truly exist unbeknownst to myself and my fellow humans.
The characters are well rounded and believable. I will be honest though, Roisin kind of irritated me for much of the book, acting like a petulant child a lot of the time, but she discovers who she is, finds her stride and becomes pretty badass towards the end. I look forward to reading the following books and seeing her as a more confident young adult rather than a teenager with an attitude.
Overall, I found the book really entertaining, and at points, I couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend it for any fans of fantasy and Young Adult fiction, and I will 100% be reading the following books in the series.
As a Celt myself, I really enjoyed reading about legends I learned about as a child, as well as discovering some new ones. I also loved that the characters had traditionally spelt, and pronounced, Irish names. The creatures and the fairies again are familiar, but Logan presents them in a new way. With each chapter beginning with a quote from historical books about such legends, presented almost as facts taken from a text book, it gives the story and the legends within a certain amount of believability and credibility, as if this world could truly exist unbeknownst to myself and my fellow humans.
The characters are well rounded and believable. I will be honest though, Roisin kind of irritated me for much of the book, acting like a petulant child a lot of the time, but she discovers who she is, finds her stride and becomes pretty badass towards the end. I look forward to reading the following books and seeing her as a more confident young adult rather than a teenager with an attitude.
Overall, I found the book really entertaining, and at points, I couldn’t put it down! I definitely recommend it for any fans of fantasy and Young Adult fiction, and I will 100% be reading the following books in the series.
May 1, 2018
I received this book in a giveaway hosted by the author herself. I was immediately drawn based simply on the words “Celtic” and “faery”. I wasn’t disappointed.
It was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, the use of Gaelic phrases and Irish names. It FELT Celtic, something which I find is sadly lacking in many fae themed novels. I quite liked Róisín, the heroine of the story. She was so dry and sarcastic and refreshingly determined and smart while remaining believable. Her love and devotion to her little brother Darren was touching, and her every thought and action was for his safety. Having two brothers of my own that I adore, their relationship hit me on a more personal level.
And while I liked Róisín and Cináed and Darren, I LOVED Naoise. He’s my favorite kind of villain. I hated him, I felt sorry for him, I understood him, I recoiled at his cruelty.
Most of all, I appreciate the use Celtic myth in this book. Faeries are a Celtic creation, and seeing them portrayed as more than just inconsistently powerful pretty faces was a great change of pace. I love faery myth and lore, and I was growing a bit tired of the cookie cutter fae that have recently taken over YA fantasy. This one contained actual faery lore. So if you like fae, Celtic myths, Irish lore and really cool names, I highly recommend this one. You won’t be disappointed.
My hat’s off to you, Logan Miehl! You made this disgruntled fae-fantasy lover a happy camper and I eagerly await the sequel.
It was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the setting, the use of Gaelic phrases and Irish names. It FELT Celtic, something which I find is sadly lacking in many fae themed novels. I quite liked Róisín, the heroine of the story. She was so dry and sarcastic and refreshingly determined and smart while remaining believable. Her love and devotion to her little brother Darren was touching, and her every thought and action was for his safety. Having two brothers of my own that I adore, their relationship hit me on a more personal level.
And while I liked Róisín and Cináed and Darren, I LOVED Naoise. He’s my favorite kind of villain. I hated him, I felt sorry for him, I understood him, I recoiled at his cruelty.
Most of all, I appreciate the use Celtic myth in this book. Faeries are a Celtic creation, and seeing them portrayed as more than just inconsistently powerful pretty faces was a great change of pace. I love faery myth and lore, and I was growing a bit tired of the cookie cutter fae that have recently taken over YA fantasy. This one contained actual faery lore. So if you like fae, Celtic myths, Irish lore and really cool names, I highly recommend this one. You won’t be disappointed.
My hat’s off to you, Logan Miehl! You made this disgruntled fae-fantasy lover a happy camper and I eagerly await the sequel.
December 24, 2024
I am intrigued and find this world captivating. The story line is enticing, and the characters hold my interest. The beautiful writing is refreshing and creative. I'm eager to begin the next book!
April 2, 2020
pooled ink Reviews:
3.5 Stars
I'm not the biggest fan of the main character but the story was certainly exciting!
The Festival of Trial and Ember is a tale of adventure, love, darkness, and endurance and is certainly a time Rosín and Darren will never forget as they’re whisked away to a land of enchantment ruled by the fae. Everything they once believed is torn away as they face creatures from nightmares and dreams holding their fate in their trickster hands. Exciting, vibrant, fun, this book is one every curious soul should open. Stop and embark on a voyage to the Otherworld.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/11/20/the-...
3.5 Stars
I'm not the biggest fan of the main character but the story was certainly exciting!
The Festival of Trial and Ember is a tale of adventure, love, darkness, and endurance and is certainly a time Rosín and Darren will never forget as they’re whisked away to a land of enchantment ruled by the fae. Everything they once believed is torn away as they face creatures from nightmares and dreams holding their fate in their trickster hands. Exciting, vibrant, fun, this book is one every curious soul should open. Stop and embark on a voyage to the Otherworld.
Read my full review here: https://pooledink.com/2019/11/20/the-...
December 1, 2018
Rating 4.5 Stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The premise, folklore, and content is right up my alley. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR or Whims of the Fae. I do wish there was much more detail of well, everything though. Some scenes felt rushed or just I would have loved more time and interactions with some sets of characters. Overall really good novel and I'm interested to see where the next one leads and if the author has had more time to flesh it all out.
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The premise, folklore, and content is right up my alley. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR or Whims of the Fae. I do wish there was much more detail of well, everything though. Some scenes felt rushed or just I would have loved more time and interactions with some sets of characters. Overall really good novel and I'm interested to see where the next one leads and if the author has had more time to flesh it all out.
March 1, 2019
I LOVED this enchanting read. The author created not only a gorgeous magical world, but also some pretty gorgeous, magical characters as well! I loved the tension between characters. Roisin, the protagonist was such a delight to follow. The story had some plot twists I was not expecting which was really entertaining and left me wanting more at the end! Can’t wait for book two!
March 30, 2021
I LOVED this book! It is such a captivating story that helps you to escape to a new and exciting world. It has the perfect balance of suspense, action, and romance. I loved every word of it!
November 8, 2018
I love reading about the realm of faerie and this book gave us a very thrilling adventure in the realm of the seelie court but what was more impressive is that this book is about two human sibling orphans, Roisin and Darren who have been shuttled from one foster home to another till they were finally homed in separate homes. Roisin is older than Darren hence feels responsible for him and loves him with all she has, so when they start to be hounded by an evil sluagh Roisin goes crazy trying to keep Darren safe. She also realises that both of them have the gift of sight enabling them to see through faerie glamour. Things take a turn for the worse and they both end up in the realm of faerie. I loved the fact that we got to see a different version of faeries, we got to see how tricky they are and vengeful and jealous and cruel and how they would do anything to make a deal. However making a deal with a faerie is not recommended as they always find loopholes to their advantage. Darren is kept in the dungeon whilst Roison is to take part in the competitive festival for Lughnasa in order to save their lives and get back their freedom. She risks her all to save her beloved brother but is often combating more than just the faeries, she is combating her inner demons and her insecurities and trying to find who she really is whilst being wooed by a dark evil faerie Naoise who came from the Unseelie court as well as by Cinaed who she has really started to care for. An amazing first book, on to the 2nd book please Logan Miehl, keep on weaving your beautiful fantasy!
December 6, 2018
A great mixture of mythology and fairies.
This was a very good read. It’s very simple and quick, and the ending leaves you wondering what will come next. My only criticism would be the minor grammar mistakes that peppered the book, and that some of the relationships with the main character and the side characters seemed a bit forced and rushed at time. I felt some of the chapters ended at odd places, where there could have been more and had gaps filled, but it was still a very good book and I can’t wait to read the next!
This was a very good read. It’s very simple and quick, and the ending leaves you wondering what will come next. My only criticism would be the minor grammar mistakes that peppered the book, and that some of the relationships with the main character and the side characters seemed a bit forced and rushed at time. I felt some of the chapters ended at odd places, where there could have been more and had gaps filled, but it was still a very good book and I can’t wait to read the next!
February 16, 2021
It took me awhile to get into this book. I regularly read YA Fantasy, but I was distracted with the juvenility, specifically with the main character's descriptions of people and her environment. A little over halfway through, I became used to the writing style and connected with the story; I ended up really enjoying it. I think for a first novel, the story was great! I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to find out what happens. (loved that the author gives a pronunciation guide -- so helpful!!)
November 23, 2018
This book had some really good elements but I spent most of my time disliking the main character and wishing the other characters had more depth. I suppose my expectations were high because of all the great reviews but I just didn't connect with it the way I had hoped. I don't think I'll continue this series, although it didn't better near the end.
July 8, 2020
A good first novel. I like the story line. Some characters are growing on me. I'm having a hard time liking or having empathy for the main character. She's flighty and whiny. There are some issues that a good editor could fix, but I chalk that up to a new author. I am looking forward to seeing what happens in book 2.
March 13, 2023
This book is just so enchanting and magical! I set a goal this year to read more for pleasure and this story was exactly that. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it faster than I do most books. Beautifully written and absolutely enthralling. Just ordered the next book and can’t wait to get started. I would recommend this book to anyone!
May 14, 2025
The Festival of Trial and Ember by Logan Miehl was just what I needed! I was looking for a fun, light read and Logan delivered! Loved not only the concept of the story, but the creativity in the creatures throughout this book. Logan wrote in such a way that I felt the emotions of the characters, good and bad. The Festival of Trial and Ember by Logan Miehl is a book I would gladly recommend.
July 7, 2023
I buy this book for chance and I love it, I never haven't read books related with Celtic Mythology, but now I'm very interested, and I love the magic world that the author created and I can't wait for read the next book!
December 15, 2017
it was a great read! I want more!!
May 4, 2018
Surprising
I enjoyed this story, towards the end I thought I had guessed the twist only to be surprised and shocked by it, look forward to the second instalment.
I enjoyed this story, towards the end I thought I had guessed the twist only to be surprised and shocked by it, look forward to the second instalment.
December 19, 2017
I picked up The Festival of Trial and Ember without knowing anything about it (yep, totally picked it up based on its cover), and I'm really glad that I did! At first I wasn't really sure how much I would like Róisín, but by the end of the book I absolutely loved her. The story grabbed me right away, the mythology of the world was interesting, and all of the characters were really well written. I can't wait to learn more about the Otherworld in book 2!
November 2, 2017
I enjoyed this tale of elves and magic. It's a departure from others I have read, and the world building is pretty good. This is a tale of an elf kingdom where all is not well, and human children who can see otherworldly creatures that no one else can see. It's a fun and engaging read, and I will look forward to the next in the series.
November 9, 2018
2.5/5
This book had a lot of good ideas in it, and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were enjoyable, and I appreciated the brother-sister relationship Roisin and Darren had. However, the characters were a bit underdeveloped, and in the first two chapters the author switched between past, and present tense, which was weird. The whole The story throws you almost immediately into the action without really developing the plot. We got from point A, to Point B almost too quickly. Because of this, it sort of gave off the impression: "Is there a point to this book?" It was also kind of bland to read at some times, because Roisin showed very little emotion at first. If there were more exclamation marks it would have been more dramatic. Most of what I saw were periods.
All that being said, the creativity and research that went into this regarding faeries really paid off. I enjoyed being thrust into the Otherworld (world of Fearies) and am interested to see where Roisin's adventures take her next. The book didn't exactly leave on a cliffhanger, but I was definitely looking forward to more when I finished it.
My Reactions
I kept some notes while reading The Festival of Trial and Ember and I thought I would share them, seeing as they're kind of hilarious (WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD):
This book had a lot of good ideas in it, and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were enjoyable, and I appreciated the brother-sister relationship Roisin and Darren had. However, the characters were a bit underdeveloped, and in the first two chapters the author switched between past, and present tense, which was weird. The whole The story throws you almost immediately into the action without really developing the plot. We got from point A, to Point B almost too quickly. Because of this, it sort of gave off the impression: "Is there a point to this book?" It was also kind of bland to read at some times, because Roisin showed very little emotion at first. If there were more exclamation marks it would have been more dramatic. Most of what I saw were periods.
All that being said, the creativity and research that went into this regarding faeries really paid off. I enjoyed being thrust into the Otherworld (world of Fearies) and am interested to see where Roisin's adventures take her next. The book didn't exactly leave on a cliffhanger, but I was definitely looking forward to more when I finished it.
My Reactions
I kept some notes while reading The Festival of Trial and Ember and I thought I would share them, seeing as they're kind of hilarious (WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD):
"His jaw rests against mine, and I'm glad I can't see his face."What? Your jaws were resting together? How does that work?! If somebody put their jaw on my jaw I'd be kinda freaked out! What
"...We are a," he pauses, lips twitching, "physical species. At times to a fault."Yes. That explains the way you touch Roisin all the time. You have just met the girl, and already you can't keep your hands off her? Down, boy!
"As I watch him from the corner of my eye and feel his arm around my waist, I sense a portion of my reserve crumble away. At this point, resisting is futile. Whether he's out of my league or not, I"m already too far gone."WHAT?! Hahahahaha, you literally just met the guy! Stop this now
Another shiver drizzles down my spine. He wants me to marry him."Okay now Naoise wants to marry her?! This girl must be some kind of a amazing, because she doesn't even know these guys! Didn't she talk about how average-looking she was in the beginning of the book? And now she's suddenly the most beautiful human on the planet who is obviously super appealing to the fae.What is happening
"The texture of the stubble tracing along his jaw, the fragments of icicles trapped in his eyes."I wasn't aware that fearies could have stubble. My whole life is a lie
"The faery stands just taller than his son, his raven hair hanging in delicious, loose curls. His bright sapphire eyes glow in the shrouded forest.?Oh, barf! That ain't my type at all. Dudes' hair shouldn't hang in delicious curls. eew
April 23, 2022
This book was just a lot. I really liked the characters and I love both the love interests. I couldn’t quite decide who was better and that’s on bad taste. We obviously have dark haired, beautiful with tragic past and childhood trauma. I mean that’s the type of men we need. I quite like Róisín as a character too. I would love to find out more about here. I still don’t know what the faery food does to humans. Those are the details I ought to know. The story had a really nice pace and it definitely didn’t feel boring to read. I also got a pretty good view on the scenery and the world. Obviously I need more, but I could imagine it pretty well. I feel like especially near the end that the tension and pacing got really intense. It’s probably a reason I couldn’t really stop reading.
December 29, 2018
Thrilling and engaging, I found this book to be everything I want from a YA fantasy - fast-paced, life and death danger, a love story, and a feisty, slightly messed up main character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews