The Faerie King

Stranger Magics #2

by Ash Fitzsimmons

Ruling Faerie isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…Colin Leffee—Lord Coileán these days—has it all. His once-lost love is back in his life and willing to give him another chance, their daughter’s magical bind and fake memories seem secure, and his hold on his mother’s vacated throne hasn’t wavered during his six-month reign. True, ruling a faerie court comes with the headache of superintending his quarrelsome people and placating his hostile siblings, but Coileán envisions smooth sailing ahead.

But then his resident would-be knight stumbles onto a baby dragon. A sea monster in south Florida sends the merrow into a panic. The captain of his guard learns a secret with consequences for the future of the courts. Meanwhile, the Arcanum has its own nasty surprise in store for the novice king.

And with Mab’s demise, a new power is rising in the Gray Lands—one willing to do whatever it takes to seize his birthright.

For Coileán, the cost of his throne may be everything—and everyone—he holds dear.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

467 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 6, 2018

About the author

Ash has always loved a good story. Her childhood bookshelves overflowed, and she refused to take notes in her copies of classroom novels because that felt like sacrilege. She wrote her first novel the summer after her freshman year of college and never looked back. (Granted, that novel was an unpublishable 270,000-word behemoth, but everyone has to start somewhere, right?)

After obtaining degrees in English and creative writing and taking a stab at magazine work, Ash decided to put her skillset to different use and went to law school. She then moved home to Alabama, where she works as an attorney. These days, Ash can be found outside of Montgomery with her inordinately fluffy Siberian husky, who loves long walks, car rides, and whatever Ash happens to be eating.

Reviews

[Anya Pavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Stranger Magics, so I had the feeling The Faerie King would be just as enjoyable. I was correct! In the second book of this series, Colin is ruling as the Faerie King, but he still takes trips into the non-fae world. The tone of this book is magical and hilarious, which acts as a nice counterpoint to some of the rather aggressive magical characters. All of that said, Colin still has a ton of stuff to deal with in this book (no spoilers). These events keep up the pace of the book. Colin's challenges also show how tricky it is for those with power to rule when there are different stakeholders pulling a ruler in many directions.

In short, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Fans of contemporary fantasy, or fantasy involving the fae world, will love this series.

[Frances Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Stranger Magics series, on which I'm now officially hooked.

Things to love: dark Faeries, rounded characters, a Faerie realm engaging with technological developments (though sometimes with gloves on), convincing dialogue, unpredictable storyline and (my favourite, I think), the clueless humans who think they're witches, wizards and paranormal investigators.

[Aaron D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew after I read Stranger Magics that I'd have to continue the story and see what the gang were up to and this new book did not disappoint. In fact this book was the only thing that kept me sane while the election (UK) was in progress and afterwards when I felt like the world had come to an end it was comforting to escape into this other world where things were also going ‘tits up’ but there were some great characters who could be relied on to support Colin in his struggles. I love the co-existence of this alternative world and our mundane world, both highlighted and improved by the other.
Meggy got a bit annoying in this one so the resolution of her part in the plot perhaps did not affect me as it should have done. There is still a lot of interest to be found in the further development of the characters stories so I can see that I shall have to continue with Book 3 in the series.

[D.M. Dore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Faerie King, book two of Stranger Magics was just as thrilling as the first book, if not more so. In book 2, we follow Colin (who has stepped into the roll of Faerie King) trying to handle the new role, his relationship with Meggy, and their memory-wiped daughter. Problems arise when his siblings plot against him and Olive discovers the truth.
There are some difficult decisions to be made and a shocking event that has still left me reeling from its aftermath. The story definitely had me on a roller coaster of emotions.
I love that we saw some of the characters returning from book 1, especially Toula and Joey whom were among my favorites, and what they've been up to. Joey's new pet/friend was the perfect addition.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. Stranger Magics is a great series for anyone who loves fantasy. I would definitely recommend giving it a read.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Colin does it again!

Grumpy faery king? Check! Teenager on a rampage? Check! This book has it all, even a quirky side kick and we get to see Mrs. Cooper again. Meggy is struggling with olive and colin is worried its too much. The twists that pop up will shock you! I was certainly surprised. Such a fun read!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Faerie King

Fitzsimmons continues the Stranger Magics series with Colin's return to the Realm as king. New characters and adventures are introduced, lending themselves to the developing patterns, whims, and character of the three realms. The magic remains... sometimes funny, occasionally tragic, but plausible throughout.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book set in this world and had kept a weather eye out for more stories written by this author. Was pleased to discover yesterday two sequels and gobbled them up. Love the humour, the world building and the characters (except for Meggy who irritated me)

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 4 out of 5]

***** READ SERIES IN ORDER!!!! *****


I definitely took too much time between picking up the book, which didn’t help…

I was ready to kill Meggy by at least 80%, though probably much longer. Why Colin would put up with so much of your will never make sense to me. She downright had no clue & he let her get away with it. 🤦‍♀️

It was really good, but I think the Meggy thing didn’t help along with days not picking up the book as I was busy doing other things.


After reading first 14 books, and waiting for 15th, I reread books 1 & 2. Read faster and with more knowledge of what is to come. Meggy is very ignorant or
naive. Why some of the more experienced didn’t step in definitely confuses me, but I do realize that Toula & Colin both made similar mistakes, so I can’t fault him as much as I did the first time I read this. Why Oberon didn’t just kill her is also a bit surprising once you know more. But you also know he likes to be amused, which is probably the only reason she lived once she arrived in the Keys at Red’s…