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The Aure Series #1
Beneath the Roots
“Beneath the Roots has a dreamlike quality that reminds me of some early 20th century fantasy writers I used to read—William Morris and Lord Dunsany, to name two.” -Allister Thompson
Merisande is foraging near a gorge when she chances upon a winged fae prince. Gandel is from Thorsault, a hidden kingdom located across the gorge and beyond a cursed wood. Having run out of stories to placate the trees, he crossed the gorge out of desperation. In return for Merisande’s stories, he gives her a summoning stone she can use to call him if she ever needs help.
Nine years later, Merisande is happily unwed, helping her father care for her mentally disabled brother, Jan. Her life changes when Jan’s obsession with a neighbor’s bull leads him to unlock its pen. The bull charges, causing damage to a lord’s flock. The lord sends her father a letter, offering to set aside the damages if Merisande will marry his son, Sir Avry.
Despite Avry's deep love for Merisande, she despises him. Years ago, he and his brother attacked Jan when they found him in a tree on their property. The memory of that violence has stayed with her, and she decides it would be best to remove herself from the knight’s reach, at least for a while. Merisande summons Prince Gandel, meets him at the ravine and begs him to take her to his land, Thorsault.
But the fae kingdom turns out to be a dreadful place. The only humans living there are mute, sickly slaves who labor all day for their fae masters. Though Merisande is under the protection of Prince Gandel, she does not feel safe.
Then, by chance, she encounters Sir Avry, who has followed her into the kingdom. Avry had nothing to do with the letter his father sent and refuses to marry a woman against her will. Merisande realizes that she may have prejudged him. But this problem is greatly overshadowed by much bigger Gandel is unable persuade his father to free Avry, and the slaves are dying from a terrible plague. With no one to replace them, the fae king prepares to harvest more, and his target is none other than Merisande and Avry’s own people. Can they escape and warn their country before the unimaginable happens?
Merisande is foraging near a gorge when she chances upon a winged fae prince. Gandel is from Thorsault, a hidden kingdom located across the gorge and beyond a cursed wood. Having run out of stories to placate the trees, he crossed the gorge out of desperation. In return for Merisande’s stories, he gives her a summoning stone she can use to call him if she ever needs help.
Nine years later, Merisande is happily unwed, helping her father care for her mentally disabled brother, Jan. Her life changes when Jan’s obsession with a neighbor’s bull leads him to unlock its pen. The bull charges, causing damage to a lord’s flock. The lord sends her father a letter, offering to set aside the damages if Merisande will marry his son, Sir Avry.
Despite Avry's deep love for Merisande, she despises him. Years ago, he and his brother attacked Jan when they found him in a tree on their property. The memory of that violence has stayed with her, and she decides it would be best to remove herself from the knight’s reach, at least for a while. Merisande summons Prince Gandel, meets him at the ravine and begs him to take her to his land, Thorsault.
But the fae kingdom turns out to be a dreadful place. The only humans living there are mute, sickly slaves who labor all day for their fae masters. Though Merisande is under the protection of Prince Gandel, she does not feel safe.
Then, by chance, she encounters Sir Avry, who has followed her into the kingdom. Avry had nothing to do with the letter his father sent and refuses to marry a woman against her will. Merisande realizes that she may have prejudged him. But this problem is greatly overshadowed by much bigger Gandel is unable persuade his father to free Avry, and the slaves are dying from a terrible plague. With no one to replace them, the fae king prepares to harvest more, and his target is none other than Merisande and Avry’s own people. Can they escape and warn their country before the unimaginable happens?
304 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2018
44 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 21, 2018
I really liked this book! The author has created a believable world in a fantasy environment, with detailed descriptions that allowed me to easily envision the landscape and characters. The plot moved along at a decent pace without feeling rushed, although I would have liked them to stay longer in the Fae land of Thorsault, as I found it very captivating.
My only disappointment came when the book ended and I wanted more! Good thing the next one is available now!
My only disappointment came when the book ended and I wanted more! Good thing the next one is available now!
December 20, 2018
Really pulls you into the story.
Beneath the Roots is worth the read, has a well-designed world and characters that draw you in. I read the Kindle version twice and may buy the paperback later.
Beneath the Roots is worth the read, has a well-designed world and characters that draw you in. I read the Kindle version twice and may buy the paperback later.
November 23, 2025
sucked me in
Beneath the Roots: The Aure Series, Book 1 by W.K. Greyling pulled me in from the very first chapter. The world-building is rich, imaginative, and so beautifully layered that I felt like I was actually wandering those forests and uncovering secrets right alongside the characters. The writing has this smooth, immersive flow that makes it impossible to put down.
I loved how the story balances mystery, magic, and emotion without ever feeling rushed. Every reveal felt earned, every character had depth, and the pacing kept me hooked start to finish. By the end, I was fully invested and already craving book two.
If you love fantasy that’s atmospheric, thoughtful, and full of heart, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. An absolutely stunning start to a series—I’d give it more than five stars if I could!
Beneath the Roots: The Aure Series, Book 1 by W.K. Greyling pulled me in from the very first chapter. The world-building is rich, imaginative, and so beautifully layered that I felt like I was actually wandering those forests and uncovering secrets right alongside the characters. The writing has this smooth, immersive flow that makes it impossible to put down.
I loved how the story balances mystery, magic, and emotion without ever feeling rushed. Every reveal felt earned, every character had depth, and the pacing kept me hooked start to finish. By the end, I was fully invested and already craving book two.
If you love fantasy that’s atmospheric, thoughtful, and full of heart, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. An absolutely stunning start to a series—I’d give it more than five stars if I could!
October 21, 2019
I enjoyed this story, the world was vivid and the story was intriguing and I'd like to dive more into it. I love stories about the Fae and the lore of this book was different than I'd read before. I'd love to learn more about the world and its magic. We only get to see a tiny bit of the magic displayed in this book but it left me wanting more. I do wish the characters were more fleshed out with less flat affects, but it could be from experiencing the story via audiobook. They felt oddly detached and one dimensional to me, but still likeable. Like Mer, some of her reactions were to not react and I wished she would. The narrator was very good and clear with a pleasant tone but the whispering did get tiresome after a while.
Overall an interesting start to a new fantasy series. I will go on to listen to book 2. I received a copy of the audiobook for an unbiased review from the author.
Overall an interesting start to a new fantasy series. I will go on to listen to book 2. I received a copy of the audiobook for an unbiased review from the author.
February 10, 2019
It was a great book, I am looking forward to reading the next one! I found the book's plot well put together and logical. The relationships in the story and how they panned out were believable as well. Hard to put down, that's for sure!
June 23, 2019
This is a wonderful story. Totally different from I was expecting. This is a wonderful twist on what I usually consider Fae and Human interaction to look like. It seamed more plausible. From the very beginning every thing I expected to happen didn't. What did happen was much better.
This story has an adventure, quest and a romance. When Mer makes a decision to run away to avoid marriage her whole life changes, in more ways that she expects.
I really enjoyed listening to this story. While I did download a copy of this story, listening to it being read took me back to a day in public school when our teacher would read to us. It was very nostalgic. I loved that time at school.
This story has an adventure, quest and a romance. When Mer makes a decision to run away to avoid marriage her whole life changes, in more ways that she expects.
I really enjoyed listening to this story. While I did download a copy of this story, listening to it being read took me back to a day in public school when our teacher would read to us. It was very nostalgic. I loved that time at school.
June 19, 2019
From the first few pages it was easy to get into. The characters I found memorable and interesting, and the flow of events was exciting.
Detailed but not bogged down, fun but not brash, and the interactions very natural. On finishing I just needed to start the second book.
It's an easy, comfortable read. Highly recommend if you are looking for something different.
Detailed but not bogged down, fun but not brash, and the interactions very natural. On finishing I just needed to start the second book.
It's an easy, comfortable read. Highly recommend if you are looking for something different.
February 8, 2019
I got a free copy of Beneath the Roots to listen to in exchange for an honest review, so honest I will be.
The story begins with Merisande discovering a fae prince in distress and helps him. In thanks, the prince gives her a summoning stone so that he may be summoned in a time of great need, and return the favour. The time of desperation comes when Merisande believes she will be forced to marry the man that she apparently hates so much she will run away and leave her family to avoid. Unfortunately, I didn't get on board with this reaction, when just a few nights before they seemed to get on rather well, he seemed fine, and I did not buy the dreaded horror she would need to have for him to abandon her family. The character motivations were not convincing for me.
The idea of the cursed wood was intriguing to me and I was looking forward to hearing lots of enchanting stories to placate the trees during the long and arduous journey to the hidden fae kingdom. But they seemed to arrive pretty quickly and without any real trouble. There was never any genuine feeling of tension and the characters, their relationships, and interactions were not developed enough for me, nor was the world building.
The details I would have liked in the world building, and character development were spent on detailed descriptions of making a fire, washing or other things that I didn't need to hear details about. Details about the epic battle between the forest and the fae kingdom in my opinion, would have been beneficial to the story, yet this major event was oddly brushed over as having happened while Merisande had been knocked out.
There was some lovely creative writing throughout, but overall this book was not for me.
The story begins with Merisande discovering a fae prince in distress and helps him. In thanks, the prince gives her a summoning stone so that he may be summoned in a time of great need, and return the favour. The time of desperation comes when Merisande believes she will be forced to marry the man that she apparently hates so much she will run away and leave her family to avoid. Unfortunately, I didn't get on board with this reaction, when just a few nights before they seemed to get on rather well, he seemed fine, and I did not buy the dreaded horror she would need to have for him to abandon her family. The character motivations were not convincing for me.
The idea of the cursed wood was intriguing to me and I was looking forward to hearing lots of enchanting stories to placate the trees during the long and arduous journey to the hidden fae kingdom. But they seemed to arrive pretty quickly and without any real trouble. There was never any genuine feeling of tension and the characters, their relationships, and interactions were not developed enough for me, nor was the world building.
The details I would have liked in the world building, and character development were spent on detailed descriptions of making a fire, washing or other things that I didn't need to hear details about. Details about the epic battle between the forest and the fae kingdom in my opinion, would have been beneficial to the story, yet this major event was oddly brushed over as having happened while Merisande had been knocked out.
There was some lovely creative writing throughout, but overall this book was not for me.
February 24, 2019
I'm not the biggest fan of YA fantasy; however, I really enjoyed this book for these reasons:
1. The story of the fae kingdom intrigued me. It was introduced in an elegant manner yet revealed the dark side. Humans are taken as slaves. The book does not go into details but provides enough information to imagine the fae kingdom hidden within the cursed woods. I enjoyed the light read!
2. I personally appreciated the necessary information presented with minimal fillers.
3. The narrator presented the story to fit the atmosphere of the plot.
4. Love is expressed in a realistic, yet elegant manner for a medevial setting. There are royalty and knighthood involved.
*** I would definitely recommend this book to YA fantasy readers among my friends! To be honest, this is a YA fantasy book I actually enjoyed and kept for re-listening on my audibles. I can't wait to listen to the 2nd book!
Thank you for providing an opportunity to review this audiobook for a honest review. 💕
1. The story of the fae kingdom intrigued me. It was introduced in an elegant manner yet revealed the dark side. Humans are taken as slaves. The book does not go into details but provides enough information to imagine the fae kingdom hidden within the cursed woods. I enjoyed the light read!
2. I personally appreciated the necessary information presented with minimal fillers.
3. The narrator presented the story to fit the atmosphere of the plot.
4. Love is expressed in a realistic, yet elegant manner for a medevial setting. There are royalty and knighthood involved.
*** I would definitely recommend this book to YA fantasy readers among my friends! To be honest, this is a YA fantasy book I actually enjoyed and kept for re-listening on my audibles. I can't wait to listen to the 2nd book!
Thank you for providing an opportunity to review this audiobook for a honest review. 💕
April 6, 2019
This review applies to the Audible version:
This book has been fascinating. It provides a new concept for the Fey. It has been a different twist than past Fey books. It is not for light reading/listening. But is a complicated tale. Like layers of an onion.
The performance was very good. You could easily recognize the difference in voices. Great job.
This book has been fascinating. It provides a new concept for the Fey. It has been a different twist than past Fey books. It is not for light reading/listening. But is a complicated tale. Like layers of an onion.
The performance was very good. You could easily recognize the difference in voices. Great job.
December 22, 2018
Delightful read. Colorful descriptions, and interesting characters. An easy read, but not too short of a story either. A richer index of the Aure Duology universe would be welcomed, perhaps as a compendium guide?
October 28, 2019
It's a new twist on the Fae and the book leaves you wanting more. There is a lot that happens, so if you can't be too tired when you are reading it. Otherwise, you will have to go back . My mistake. Lol.
May 18, 2021
Book has likable characters and a great concept.
August 12, 2019
I loved the narration. This was book was amazing, fast paced and keep my interest the entire time. I look forward to the next book.
November 16, 2019
Loved it !! Definitely a must get. Fantastic world the author created...
November 22, 2019
I absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It’s so good from start to finish. After each chapter I just kept wanting more and more. I need more of this series!!!!
January 25, 2020
Wonderful fantacy which i loved! . So mysterious and believable without being over the top. Great twists which you cannot even begin to think pf untill you read it. Great end!
June 16, 2019
*I received a free copy of the e-book through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review*
Genre: Epic fantasy
Beneath the Roots is a truly beautiful fantasy novel based in a land similar to medieval France. Merisande (Mer) is a young woman who lives a relatively simple life taking care of her father and brother in their small home far from the city. While her father would have been a Lord of some standing, a conflict with his father left most of the inheritance to his brother. Sir Avery (who is of an age with Mer) has been pining over her since they were children, but due to an incident involving her brother, she wants nothing to do with him. Just as it seems she might be ready to move past their history, a tragic accident occurs and Sir Avery's father demands Mer marry Avery as payment. Mer, of course, flees across the gorge and into the Cursed Woods, with the help of a childhood friend. But life on the other side of the island is not what she thought it would be, and the secrets she uncovers could spell the ruin of her island home.
I could not put this book down. The world of Beneath the Roots is completely engrossing. After completing the first book I have so many questions. What happened to the bones? Is the white stone of the palace made of them? How many times has the event at the end of the book happened? The writing is elegant and perfectly expresses the emotion of a scene. Masterful use of metaphor throughout. As a bonus the author is Canadian!
Genre: Epic fantasy
Beneath the Roots is a truly beautiful fantasy novel based in a land similar to medieval France. Merisande (Mer) is a young woman who lives a relatively simple life taking care of her father and brother in their small home far from the city. While her father would have been a Lord of some standing, a conflict with his father left most of the inheritance to his brother. Sir Avery (who is of an age with Mer) has been pining over her since they were children, but due to an incident involving her brother, she wants nothing to do with him. Just as it seems she might be ready to move past their history, a tragic accident occurs and Sir Avery's father demands Mer marry Avery as payment. Mer, of course, flees across the gorge and into the Cursed Woods, with the help of a childhood friend. But life on the other side of the island is not what she thought it would be, and the secrets she uncovers could spell the ruin of her island home.
I could not put this book down. The world of Beneath the Roots is completely engrossing. After completing the first book I have so many questions. What happened to the bones? Is the white stone of the palace made of them? How many times has the event at the end of the book happened? The writing is elegant and perfectly expresses the emotion of a scene. Masterful use of metaphor throughout. As a bonus the author is Canadian!
March 10, 2020
This review is for both books in this series as I listened to/ read them back to back.
I initially started with the audio version of Beneath The Roots but just couldn’t get into it - there’s nothing wrong with Krista Nicely’s narration as such, it just starts rather slowly and my attention kept wandering. I then switched to the ebook and got quickly drawn into the story - once that had happened I could alternate between reading and listening and enjoyed both.
The second volume is narrated by Tim H. Dixon who I found easy to listen to right from the start - by then I was invested in the characters of course and wanted to see what was going to happen to them.
The story itself is at the darker end of the fairytale spectrum (think Grimm rather than Disney), there’s plenty of original elements in both the plot and world building, the characters are layered and interesting and largely manage to avoid the typical fantasy stereotypes and tropes (a few of those we all want of course!) and the whole thing culminated in a satisfying ending. Great stuff!
I initially started with the audio version of Beneath The Roots but just couldn’t get into it - there’s nothing wrong with Krista Nicely’s narration as such, it just starts rather slowly and my attention kept wandering. I then switched to the ebook and got quickly drawn into the story - once that had happened I could alternate between reading and listening and enjoyed both.
The second volume is narrated by Tim H. Dixon who I found easy to listen to right from the start - by then I was invested in the characters of course and wanted to see what was going to happen to them.
The story itself is at the darker end of the fairytale spectrum (think Grimm rather than Disney), there’s plenty of original elements in both the plot and world building, the characters are layered and interesting and largely manage to avoid the typical fantasy stereotypes and tropes (a few of those we all want of course!) and the whole thing culminated in a satisfying ending. Great stuff!
September 4, 2019
This was a great new prospective on the fae world . Merisande has a short meeting with a fae prince Gandel from another land when she is young. After she thinks she might be married off to Avry, she calls on the prince to take her to his land. The fae land is not a great place to be human as they are all slaves there. The fae king also wants to invade Merisande and Avry’s home.
*I love LOVE that the girl doesnt wait on or even need a man to save her.
*I also like Avry a lot. I know when he was young he beat her brother bad, but he is a grown man, he regrets it and he literally will cross the world and be a slave to save her.
*I love LOVE that the girl doesnt wait on or even need a man to save her.
*I also like Avry a lot. I know when he was young he beat her brother bad, but he is a grown man, he regrets it and he literally will cross the world and be a slave to save her.
April 4, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book.
The author does a great job if blending different genre elements and writing relatable characters; which makes this a story everyone could enjoy. I really enjoyed the medieval feel of the story. The first few chapters were a tad slower than I would have liked but once I was engaged in the story, I wanted to keep listening. We get to experience the growth of the characters throughout the duration of the story as they certainly learn some hard lessons. A well written compelling listen that is unique and has some intriguing elements.
The narrator did a great job overall and I was pleased with her representation of these characters. I do wish there was more voice differentiation, and I really could have done without the whispering parts.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
The author does a great job if blending different genre elements and writing relatable characters; which makes this a story everyone could enjoy. I really enjoyed the medieval feel of the story. The first few chapters were a tad slower than I would have liked but once I was engaged in the story, I wanted to keep listening. We get to experience the growth of the characters throughout the duration of the story as they certainly learn some hard lessons. A well written compelling listen that is unique and has some intriguing elements.
The narrator did a great job overall and I was pleased with her representation of these characters. I do wish there was more voice differentiation, and I really could have done without the whispering parts.
I received a review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
May 27, 2019
4.5 stars. I cant wait to see what happens next. It was nice seeing the "damsel in destress" save herself. Of course the knight help, but for the most part she was able to do it herself. I also e enjoyed the little bit of romance in it. It was overbearing like some I've read are. There was just one part in felt it kind of drug on, but other than that it was a wonderful read.
January 21, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. The world is interesting and the characters make sense. The main characters relationship is nice (slow build up) and I'm curious to see what happens next.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the duology.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the duology.
November 15, 2022
Great book
I was skeptical about this book but took a chance on it. I was completely surprised just how quickly it grabbed a hold of me. In no time I was asked away in the story and characters and couldn't out it down. I have just purchased the second book as I have to know what happens next and what the future holds for the characters!!
I was skeptical about this book but took a chance on it. I was completely surprised just how quickly it grabbed a hold of me. In no time I was asked away in the story and characters and couldn't out it down. I have just purchased the second book as I have to know what happens next and what the future holds for the characters!!
June 17, 2019
Beneath the roots is an interesting book and enjoyable nun the less. The plot and overall tone of the story makes reading it a worthwhile experience.
December 31, 2021
Fascinating story that draws you into another world, another lore... Medieval and mysterious. Remember, if you walk in the forest, take a story with you!
August 26, 2021
I first read a fantasy book at 14 the last few years not finding any just read this duology and I was drawn into the book living the book.
Excellent
Excellent
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August 28, 2021Great fantasy read. I will go looking for the followups in the series!
December 27, 2020
I really loved this and couldn't wait to jump into the second book. It's easy to visualize the world and it's wonders, and the history and lore it builds is interesting and suspenseful. I like how a lot of things come full circle in it, little things mentioned early on get more attention later on and you have that "oh, that's why they said/did that!". I love stuff like that. (On that note, the only thing I found weird is how much of the story is explained in the summary. Just seems to give a little too much detail, but that's just my opinion. Luckily I had only seen a summary on Facebook that had been a lot more vague, and I think I enjoyed it better that way than if I'd seen the longer summary.)
August 7, 2023
I really like the atmosphere she is creating in her book, something out of time, not quaint or outdated, just out of time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews