world-building was fantastic but I would have liked more interaction between characters. ( )

I devoured the authors previous Fae series so d3vided to pick up this one.


Vidar,a fae has heard of a seer and is journeying there to see if its true. Elkhana has been bound by a curse by her own people and called the Mayfly seer because she only comes into existence one day a year like one of the insects. Vidar is given the answer he seeks through a vision and on a whim he gives her a golden apple before leaving. But he cant put her out of his mind and finds himself returning even as he dreams of her.

Slowly they grows closer in these Dreams as both the reader and characters are both tools used abomniably by their own people.

It is an unusual romance in that the heroine is unable to speak no words and only mayflies will come out if she attempts it.

There is a fairytale like aspect to the story. The captive damsel,he symbolic gifts needed to be given before she can be freed etc But though there are plenty of grim things in this hundred or so page story its less like one of the Brothers Grimm fairytales and more in the vein of Gaelic mythologies. It does share some archetypes with "the Princess on the glass mountain"

But anyways before getting lost in my fairytale musings. I was a bit unsure about how the author would wrap up the story and I think the reason the did suceed is because she kept up this dreamy and poetic atmosphere throughout the tale.

Like the authors other works depicting faeries,the faeries are cruel and violent.

((I need to continue writing this later as my cellphone is not ideal hence the typos)) ( )

This is a surprisingly sweet love story. Unusual in that the couple is apart for most of the story, but their thoughts are constantly on each other, as evidenced by even unconscious actions. For a short book, Sarah also does an amazing job in her worldbuilding, for both the human (and yet oh-so-magical) world and the fae courts. I want more of these fae courts. Why can't this be a series?

I've been surprised lately by all of the wonderful fae stories. I detest nearly all trad published fae books, but these indie authors have been taking their fae to the next level and this is no exception. It's filled with magical artifacts and brutal bargains, I am confident that all readers will find something that surprises them. And the romance is unique in that both Elkhana and Vidar do what is best for the other and not for themselves, with every decision they make, something that is particularly un-fae-like. And it is clean enough for your middle school daughters to read and love.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly. ( )