Tag Archives: Fae

The Feast of Beauty by Helen Scott Taylor

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance

Title: The Feast of Beauty
Author: Helen Scott Taylor
In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, The Coast, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Running Press
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: They floated to the ground and her back landed on the soft sand.

Synopsis

Kate thinks that she’s visiting Ireland to fulfill a promise to her Grandmother and film an episode of her show. But what she finds there could be much more.

Thoughts

I really didn’t know what to expect when I first started reading this short story. The rest of the stories in The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance have a heavy focus on the past and the days when Celtic beliefs were the primary ways in which to view the world. This tale on the other hand was heavily based in today’s modern world. And although it still featured fae and the same themes occurrent throughout this collection, it was a complete breath of fresh air.

Kate is the kind of woman I can most heavily associate with. There is this vague understanding and feeling of “the other”, but she is still firmly centred in this world. This reality. The struggles of everyday living. She’s also convinced that she has to work her absolute butt off to get where she wants to go in life (who hasn’t heard this mantra?). Yet, it turns out she is intricately connected to the world of the fae, and the beauty in this festival and understandings left me with a really pleased and relaxed smile on my face at the conclusion of this story.

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Image source: Goodreads

Eternal Strife by Dara England

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Eternal Strife

Author: Dara England

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Family

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: We would not have one fewer sweet blossom in this meadow than that we already have.

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Synopsis

Siobhan wants to save her mother. And everytime she finds an ingredient for a potion, she is forced to make a deal for her life. What will happen when she has to cash in her favours?

Thoughts

This was a fun and easy little story. A girl is going across the countryside in an attempt to save her mother. Every time she finds part of the potion that she needs, she is also forced to make a deal that could put her in possible jeopardy. It’s kind of obvious what trouble she is about to get into throughout, but I couldn’t wait to see what would happen at the end of the tale.

I actually quite liked the end of this story. It wasn’t the outcome that I expected. And it took me by surprise. But it was sweet. And quaint. And just an easy, alternative ending to a small journey through the meadows that eventually saved a woman’s life.

 <- The Eternal Warrior Review Quicksilver Review ->
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Daughter of the Sea by Kathleen Givens

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Daughter of the Sea

Author: Kathleen Givens

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Fae, Fantasy, Romance

Pace: Medium

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: The Queen stood nearby, draped in a long dark cloak, her face pale.

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Synopsis

Muirin and Conlan are meant for each other, but her evil stepmother stands in the way. Will Muirin be able to overcome all the obstacles in front of them and finally claim her one true love?

Thoughts

This is such a fun, typical Irish romance story. Alright, it’s a lot shorter than many of the tales that I generally read based in this world. And I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoy every single one of these tales. My background is all based in the UK, and there is something that has always drawn me to Irish and Celtic tales.

Muirin and Conlan are such a sweet couple. And from the very beginning of this tale, it is obvious that there is going to be a very large obstacle put in the way of their love and eventual marriage. And because this is in a collection of romance tales, it is equally obvious that they are going to overcome. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t thoroughly enjoyable. And even after her three tasks are laid out in front of her, it isn’t quite obvious just how these obstacles will be overcome. And it is in this that the journey is fun.

I read this just before curling up for bed, and it was a great way to end the night. I got this beautiful little tale of love and Irish folklore while my partner slumbered next to me. And the combination was pleasant and fun. It also lead to some of the more peaceful and pleasant dreams that I’ve had in a while.

 <- Shifter Made Review The Eternal Warrior Review ->
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Shifter Made by Jennifer Ashley

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Shifter Made

Author: Jennifer Ashley

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Fast

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: One of the attendants put his hands on his hips, panting.

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Synopsis

A fae woman wants something from a Shifter, and he’ll do anything to protect his cubs. But will they both get what they really want?

Thoughts

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. I have a bit of an obsession with shapeshifters, and the fae. And any kind of romance. So this tale was an absolute perfect fit for me. It featured a fae woman and a cat shifter man. The fact that he is being bribed and his cubs have been stolen just helped to heighten the risks that Niall is forced to face.

Although Niall is the one who is being bribed, it is obvious from the very beginning that his fae counterpart has a hidden agenda all of her own. As their relationship develops it becomes more and more obvious that although she is kin to the bad guy, she certainly isn’t on her side.

Actually, the biggest issue with this is that I loved the world and the history, but it was only a few very short pages. Maybe I will have to hunt out other tales from this author…

 <- Beyond the Veil Review Daughter of the Sea Review ->
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Beyond the Veil by Patricia Rice

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: Beyond the Veil

Author: Patricia Rice

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: If you wish to save the child, you must do so yourself.

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Synopsis

Finn risks everything to save his young son. And Anya is risking everything to save her kingdom. Will they finally find the happiness that they both crave?

Thoughts

I love the idea of a time travelling father working to protect his child. The fact that he also manages to reunite with his soul mate one thousand years after he supposedly died just made everything a lot cuter.

This is one of those stories that I enjoyed, but it wasn’t overly memorable. It was cute, sweet, and thoroughly enjoyable to read. But it wasn’t something that I feel the desperate need to read again and again and again.

 <- Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood Review Shifter Made Review ->
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The Trials of Bryan Murphy by Cat Adams

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Trials of Bryan Murphy

Author: Cat Adams

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Fast

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: Her captor followed her abrupt gaze.

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Synopsis

When Bryan’s wife is kidnapped by the fae, he is forced to face three trials to get her back.

Thoughts

If there’s a decent story about the fae, then you can almost guarantee that I’m going to love it. And, this was a very good story about the fae. And romance. And sacrificing everything in the name of love.

Bryan and Bridget have that love that most people desire. The understanding and acceptance of one another at the deepest level. And this ability to completely trust and want to be with one another in spite of all. And it is this drive that helps them to overcome Bryan’s three trials to get back his love. And to face up to the King and Queen of the fae and all of the tricks that they throw in their way.

 <- Oracle Review Nia and the Beast of Killarney Wood Review ->
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The Ballad of Rosamunde by Claire Delacroix

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

The Mammoth Book of Irish RomanceTitle: The Ballad of Rosamunde

Author: Claire Delacroix

In: The Mammoth Book of Irish Romance (Trisha Telep)

Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)

My Bookshelves: Celtic, Easy reading, Fae, Romance

Pace: Slow

Format: Short story

Publisher: Running Press

Year: 2010

5th sentence, 74th page: Rosamunde felt her heart skip and feared her maidens would hear its tumult.

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Synopsis

Padraig thinks that the love of his life has been taken away from him forever. But, then he finds out that she amongst the fae and that there might be a way to save her after all.

Thoughts

I loved this short story. It took the beauty of an old Irish ballad, and partnered it with a battle against the fae, true love and pirates. Really, you can’t go wrong with such a mix.

I really liked how if you read the ballad that is throughout this, it would form its own beautiful story that you could completely lose yourself in. But, Delacroix takes the stanzas and fleshes them out. She layers emotion onto emotion and takes you on a wild journey that you just can’t escape.

There are almost three storylines interwoven throughout this tale. There is the ballad. There is Padraig’s battle to save Rosamunde. And there is the tale of how Rosamunde found herself in such a dire predicament. Each story is amazingly sweet and heart-wrenchingly beautiful.

 <- The Blue Pebble Review Oracle Review ->
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Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Daughter of the ForestTitle: Daughter of the Forest

Author: Juliet Marillier

Series: Sevenwaters #1

Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)

My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Celtic, Fae, Fantasy

Pace: Slow

Format: Novel

Publisher: TOR Fantasy

Year: 1999

5th sentence, 74th page: “You bruise too easily,” he said indistinctly.

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Synopsis

Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only duaghter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives: they are determined that she know only contentment.

But Sorcha’s joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell that only Sorcha can lift – by staying silent. If she speaks before she completes the quest set to her by the Fair Folk and their queen, the Lady of the Forest, she will lose her brothers forever.

When Sorcha is kidnapped by the enemies of Sevenwaters and taken to a foreign land, she is torn between the desire to save her beloved brothers and a love that comes only once. Sorcha despairs at ever being able to complete her task, but the magic of the Fair Folk knows no boundaries, and love is the strongest magic of them all…

Thoughts

I have stopped and started this book a number of times. The first time, I liked it, it was a little slow to begin with, but I just had too much going on to really settle into it. The second time, I got 100 pages in and then a similar thing happened. After two weeks, and a lot of other things going on in my life, I picked it up again. It turns out like 101 pages in the pace of this story changes dramatically. And then I couldn’t put it down…

I recently read a collection of Hans Christian Andersen fairytales. One of them was about a sister whose brothers were turned to swans and she had to stay silent until she could break the curse. Daughter of the Forest follows this storyline. And although I liked the original fairytale, this version with the Celtic folklore, Irish history and amazingly painful and beautiful storyline was ten thousand times better. There was something about the fleshing out of a tale that I already knew in a way that was so realistic, and heart felt. Something about the way that I actually had tears on my cheeks in some of the more horrifying moments, and also at the end when the happily ever after is finally reached. Marillier took a story that I thought I knew and built upon it in a way that took me on an insane roller coaster ride of emotion.

Although there is a love story spun in here somewhere, it is the secondary relationship right throughout. This story is about sibling love and integrity. Honesty and those strings that bind family together. It was nice to have such a change in pace to most stories I read where the romantic one is the primary tale, and it is the familial ties that tend to take a backseat.

 <- Flame of Sevenwaters Review Son of Shadows Review ->
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Etched in Silver by Yasmine Galenorn

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Etched in SilverTitle: Etched in Silver
Author: Yasmine Galenorn
Series: Otherworld #0.5
In: Inked (Karen Chance)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novella
Publisher: Berkley Books
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “Can’t stop… would… kill us…”

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Synopsis

In New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn’s “Etched in Silver”, a supernatural agent is on the trail of a sadistic serial killer when an unexpected – and dangerously seductive – ally comes to her aid, setting in motion a magical ritual that may end up binding them together, body and soul.

Thoughts

I didn’t know what to expect from this story. It is the first time that I’ve read Galenorn and it’s the prequel to her Otherworld series. So I really had no idea what I was getting myself in for, I just knew that I liked the cover of the novels within this series, so I figured reading the prequel novella would be a good way to introduce myself to this world. And I really wasn’t disappointed.

A mixture of the fae, a seedy underworld and hunting an evil creature worked really well to create a multilayered universe with a fast-paced plot. The fact that there was an incredibly potent and powerful attraction in between and a fierce sexuality which doesn’t quite manage to steal centre show just helped to make it all the more racy. After all, adding in a sexual / romantic encounter or two only helps to raise the stakes of the chase.

I absolutely loved the ending of this novella, and I can’t wait to crack the spine of Witchling – I want to see how much of Camilla’s choices are reflected in the novel and how her sisters react to them. Actually, it’s taking a lot of self-control to not rush around and read the rest of the series right now…

 <- Armor of Roses Review Earthbound Review ->
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Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Wicked Lovely

Title: Wicked Lovely
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Harper Teen
Year: 2007
5th sentence, 74th page: Seth came up behind her.

Synopsis

Rule #3: Don’t stare at invisible faeries.

Rule #2: Don’t speak to invisible faeries.

Rule #1: Don’t ever attract their attention.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. When the rules that have kept Aislinn safe from them stop working, everything is suddenly on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr’s stunning twenty-first century faery tale.

Thoughts

I loved this book when I first read it, and I love it today. There is something so completely captivating about this kind of dark faery tale that makes it impossible to put down. Something that seems to draw me in again and again and again. I like when retellings of old paranormal creatures, such as the fae are told in a way that sticks true to past tellings – that they are not good. They are not romantic. They are wicked. And lovely.

Although Aislinn is obviously different from every other girl that has been pursued by the Summer King (otherwise why would there be this story?), she is completely independent of him. And I love how she attempts to retain this independence throughout the entire story. Even when she is overwhelmed by fear, and well, overwhelming odds, she doesn’t succumb or relent. I love this independence and the modern-take on how faeries work in today’s society. That, and the fact that the female lead isn’t easy to take control of and push around.

I’m not sure that this is a good book to read when you want to be productive elsewhere. It has just enough of a pace that if you want to put it down, you can. But it is still fast enough that you really won’t want to. I read it in 2 days, and this is when I was supposed to be working on some fairly important things – it was just too good to stop. Even though I’ve read it a few times before…

 <- Cold Iron HeartInk Exchange ->

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