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Not anything groundbreaking, but a fantastic novel for the itch it does scratch. I loved the characters, and the tropes were well-done, it just felt a little young in the writing style to me for the audience desired.

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You mention Fae and I’m there! What a perfect , fast-paced, full of action, betrayal and a new and fresh unique magic system that is easy to grip and you get into the flow quickly.

Some tropes you will find in this treasure of a book!
✨Hidden Identity
✨Dreamscapes
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Who did this to you?
✨Extreme bad guy
✨Fae
✨One bed trope
✨Some serious sword swinging
✨Dual POV
✨Betrayal galore


We follow Tessa who has just tried to steal a gemstone from King Oberon, who is known for his absolute brutality towards humans. She would know, she has extreme scars on her back and the memory of her dads head on a spike because of him. When he unexpectedly let’s her go, she knows punishment would come sooner or later. The punishment? He chooses her to be his next bride for the next 75 years, for him to torture as he pleases.

When a familiar acquaintance helps her escape, she is confronted with his hidden identity and so begins the slow burn of an enemies to lovers lurking around the corner. Alongside massive secrets and betrayals. I have so many questions! I can’t wait to see what happens in book two- especially after that ending! Audibly gasped.

Amazing read-highly recommended.

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I kept seeing the author post about this book and was super interested in the premises just based on quotes alone. Of Mist and Shadow was a super fast read and I read it in one sitting. The main character, Tessa, is brave, strong and would do anything for her family. She has been chosen to be the fae kings bride after being caught stealing from him to break the Mist King's curse on the world.

Overall, this book was a really good starting point for the series. The characters have room for improvement and I am interested to see how the story continues. It is pretty predictable but I feel like most "captured by the fae king" books kind of are. I really like the Mist King but I wish we got more POV chapters by him. They were super short and sort of pointless since they didn't give you too much information that Tessa didn't already know.

If you're looking for a new fantasy fae book to pick up, I would pick this up but I wish I knew when book 2 came out! Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC for my honest review.

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📚 Book Review 📚
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Of Mist and Shadow
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (Rounded up to 4 on Goodreads)
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Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, and Jenna Wolfhart for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
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Admittedly I wasn’t completely drawn in by the synopsis of this book, but I will always give fae romances a shot. There’s no such thing as over saturation on this account 😂
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The beginning of this book was wibbly wobbly for me. There were certain moments that would draw me in and certain moments where I found myself itching to skip ahead. 😬 I did become more invested as the story moved into the mists, but I think it was because it felt familiar. This book utilized a lot of familiar character tropes and romance tropes. I began to enjoy it in a “I have this shirt in green so I bought it in blue” kinda way.
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I know that sounds like I didn’t enjoy it, but I did 😂 I will always love a heroine that doesn’t sit down and wait for someone to save her. Tessa is brave and resilient and so, so stubborn. I stood no chance against the Mist King 💀 I was enamored immediately. Rough exterior, incredibly protective heart, and all. I love when they give each other shit while trying desperately not to fall in love.
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I think this book has a lot of other good foundational elements, too.The world here is vast and intriguing. We don’t get to see much of it, but there’s so much room to explore further along in the series. I want to learn more about the magic system and how Tessa will fit into it in the long run. And with that ending?! I’ll definitely be reading the next installment.
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Of Mist and Shadow is the first book in The Mist King series. It is available for purchase now in ebook and paperback format and is also available through Kindle Unlimited.

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I love fantasy books and I really wanted to love this. However, there was very little dialogue and it felt like a lot of the story was being told at me. I couldn't connect with the characters.

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Wow!!!! This was my first book to read from Jenna and it absolutely blew me away. Reading the description I knew this would be up my street but it completely exceeded my expectations. It has everything I love in a high fantasy series - enemies to lovers, stolen human bride, Fae kings, one bed, one horse….AND that twist at the end. It had left me wanting that second book NOW!!! My heart is so conflicted by Kalen and I hope everything works out in the next part. That there is a plausible explanation….
I cannot wait to read the next part of this story and I look forward to reading more of Jenna’s work. Thank you to NetGalley and Jenna for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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"𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒, 𝑇𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑎. 𝐵𝑢𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑜𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒'𝑠 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑟𝑢𝑛."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC provided by @netgalley

I was so curious about this book! I saw so many posts about it that I knew it was a must read. *Can't believe I got an ARC of this beauty!!!!* ❤️

Loved the cover and the title. (Seriously, I'm obsessed!)


Let me tell you that I loved this book since the first chapter! ❤️
Loved Jenna's writing. Loved Tessa. She's a strong woman willing to sacrifice everything for the ones she loves.

Loved that's dual pov!!!! 😏❤️

It has a really good pace.
I liked how the world building was done along the book.
Loved that there was an inner circle.

I really really like when a fantasy book makes me doubt of characters and make up theories and find hidden information between lines. I love feeling like I'm on a rollercoaster while reading and Jenna made sure I was in one by throwing all those twists.... WHAT THE HELL, Jenna?! 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡 I feel I can't even trust myself right now.

The Mist King is a mystery. When you think you finally know him and what are his plans, you get hit by a twist and realize you can't fucking trust anyone in the all damn book!

And the ending.... Chills!

Seriously..... I'm still processing the fact that this' one of the best books I've read and that I've to wait until 1st of December for the second book 🥺😭

•Enemies to lovers
•One bed
•Forced proximity
•Slow burn
•Who did this to you?

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Both published to Goodreads and Instagram Accounts
Posted Aug 1st, 2022

I received this digital ARC from netgalley for an honest review!

3.5/5

I really liked this book I see a lot of potential for this series. This is the first book from this author that I’ve read and I’m definitely intrigue to check out her other reads. So let’s talk about what I liked and I well didn’t… 😅

The good, the TROPES 😫 I am here for all the tropes she was able to pack into this book, we had the one horse, the one bed, enemies to lovers, chosen family, morally grey men, and I’m saying partial the chosen one vibes. The book follows Tessa who gets trapped with one evil king to only escape to fall into the hands of another evil king?..😅 I liked the way Tessa developed throughout the book she wasn’t just a measly damsel in distress she took charge and made decisions for the benefit of herself and her family first. I’m sooo torn on how to feel about the Mist King 😣 & the ending!!! I kept scrolling because I was like no no no it can’t be over now 😫 I also really enjoyed the dynamic between the Mist King and his comrades gave me very Rhysand & the bat boy vibes #IYKYK

Now I said tropes… it also included the infamous miscommunication trope which drives me absolutely insane 🙃🙃 like you’re a what 500+ year old fae get it together!!! Tessa is 25 and the way she was raised I feel was very sheltered so sure I’ll give her some leeway but ughhh 😑 For the amount of gorish descriptions and violence I do wish we had a bit more steam. It was def a slow burn and I needed more of an inferno, once it got rolling and it was more of an ember. Also there was a lot of world building and info dumping which I know to set up the rest of the series is needed but it definitely jumped around a lot.

Overall if you enjoy a slow burn enemies to lovers with some fae magic this would def be a great book to pick up 👌🏽

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Jenna Wolfhart shines with OF MIST AND SHADOW (The Mist King #1). In this story, human, Tessa Barran is forced to marry the cruel Fae King Oberon. She escapes her betroth only to be found by the legendary Mist King. The one person with a reputation worse than Oberon. She makes a deal with the Mist King: he helps her find her family and free her people, in exchange for her killing King Oberon.

OF MIST AND SHADOW is an entertaining and exciting read. The Fae can tell if a human is lying, but a human can not tell if a Fae is being truthful. As a result, there is lot of deception is this book. Tessa is a strong heroine. She has been through a lot and suffered greatly. The story had a thrilling ending that left me anxiously anticipating book two, OF ASH AND EMBERS expected to be released on December 1, 2022.

This is the first book that I have read by Jenna Wolfhart. I enjoyed the story and plan on reading other books by her in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

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The fairies are selfish and the humans are noble. This book was an enjoyable quick read with well paced action. The world building aspect could be more developed. Most likely more will be revealed in the sequels as the story unfolds. I will read the sequels. Good for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout

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I really enjoyed this book, and it was my first by this author!

The world building in this book really had me captivated, and all the the details that went into this book. I think all those little things are what make fantasy books amazing. The author painted an amazing picture in my head if what thsi world looked like and what was going on!

I also really liked our FMC. Yes she was comped and frustrating at times, but she was dealing with alot so had to take that into account. Also we got that morally gray mist king!!

I cannot wait for book two and hope it comes out so soon!!!!

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I really enjoyed this book, the amount of intrigue and mystery kept me very engaged. I quite liked the main character, she is fierce and rebellious but has to face actual consequences for her choices. Overall, I thought the book was a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and maturity. For fans of Fae books with some spice, this is definitely for you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Oh my god guys….First I want to thank @netgalley for blessing me with this book. As a lot of you know, you often don’t really know what you’re gonna get with a netgalley book. I’ve read horrible ones, just okay ones, and amazing ones. Of Mist and Shadow by @jenna_wolfhart was AMAZING.

This book is a new adult fantasy enemies to lovers type situation. First of all the world building was smooth and effortless (often times world building in fantasy can be bulky and slow down your reading). The tropes were *chefs kiss*, I’m talking: who did this to you, tending to wounds (the snake bite 👀), forced proximity, we have to share a horse, only one bed, etc. The plot was interesting but not so confusing that I got lost. The romance and tension was 10/10. The highest praise I can give for this book is that a) there wasn’t a single time where I was bored and b) I literally screamed and got mad when I finished the book and realized I was no going to have to wait however long for book 2. (Half a star off because the end had me a little confused about who I can trust and a little angry at many characters BUT I know it’s all build up that’s gonna make the next book phenomenal)

(If you’re a fan of ACOMAF you’ll like this, I’m not saying it’s the same but there are certain similar vibes)

Of Mist and Shadow comes out August 1! You don’t want to miss it 👀

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Instagram 26/07/22

A huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Jenna Wolfhart & the publishers for an ARC of Of Mist and Shadow. This book is amazing 🙌🏻 I absolutely loved it! I was obsessed with reading it. It’s so engaging, I couldn’t read it quick enough and I’m dying to know what happens next.
Love the choice of characters and how the plot developed. This book features it all; fantasy, romance, mystery and so many surprises. It’s on my list of favourite books that I’ve read this year.
Calling all readers who love From Blood & Ash and ACOTAR. You will adore this book. Cannot wait for the next one, I hope Jenna has it ready to go soon!
Book 1 is published 1/8/22. Get excited!!!
5/5
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Here’s what’s it’s about:
When the vicious fae king catches Tessa stealing his powerful gemstones, he demands a cruel punishment. She must leave her family and friends behind and become his future human bride.
Tessa has never stepped foot inside the glittering fae city until now-no mortal is allowed. There, things are far more monstrous than she ever dreamed. King Oberon humiliates her, terrorizes her, and threatens those she loves.
But when she escapes, someone far worse finds her. The lethal Mist King, the enemy fae who trapped her people beneath the reign of King Oberon in the first place. The one who destroyed human cities and watched them burn.
He takes her captive and then offers her a deal.
Become the first mortal to kill a fae king, and he will free her people.
But the mists beyond the kingdom walls are dangerous, ruthless, and mesmerizing...and so is he. As Tessa fights her growing desire, she must make a choice.
Her dagger can kill only one fae. Which king will it be?
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Are you keen to read this?

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3.5 STARS

Tessa lives in a world governed by a mean and viscous Fae King who rules with and iron fist, punishing and killing anyone who steps out of line. He catches Tessa stilling gemstones of power so she knows that soon, she will be required to pay a terrible price. Once every 75 years the Fae king takes a mortal bride and now Oberon has chosen Tessa. Life inside the Fae city is far from idyllic and as she prepares for her forced wedding, Tessa vows to do everything she can to escape.

The King of Mists, Kalen, who is Oberon’s sworn enemy helps Tessa get away; however, she finds herself in more danger, intrigue, and deadly hazards in the land covered by mist and shadow. Tessa has been told her whole life that the Mist King is responsible for all the bad things that happened to her homeland, but now, she has to work with Kalen, who is a very powerful Fae, to learn not only how to end Oberon permanently, but rescue her family who have gone missing.

This story is the first in a new series with quite a lot of action, adventure, and a slow burn romance. The world building is interesting with some unique spins for Fantasy. There are many twists, turns, and surprising reveals that keep Tessa in a state of high anxiety. Although Tessa is twenty-five, this story reads more like a young adult with her maturity level. Ending with a cliffhanger, of which I am not a fan, readers of Ms. Wolfhart’s other works will likely enjoy this new one.

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This book was good! It is my first by this author and anything that is fae, i usually request on netgalley haha! Also this book has one horse trope, who did this to you?, and one somewhat intimate scene (1 chili pepper).

The world building for this book really had me captured. I loved the details; like there being a war that caused this split between the kingdoms. Who the kingdoms are, their kings, their magic, and the gods. I was eating up every detail the author gave and she painted a great picture for the reader.

I liked our fmc, at times she was frustrating, but she was also dealing with a lot of conflicting emotions and didnt know who to trust or where to turn. So not her fault! King Oberon is a big ol alpha jerk. We got a good idea of who he is and how he rules, a tyrant. And the Mist King was so dark and mysterious. I loved it. He was by far my favorite character in this book.

There is still a lot of unanswered questions in this story. I hope book two comes here soon!! I definitely will be reading it.

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I received an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You will not catch me reading books with fae very often since I don’t particularly enjoy the genre, but this book was a very likeable and enjoyable read.
Tessa is a human - part of the species that the Light Fae rule over. She hates the Fae King Oberon with a burning passion and decides to flee with the help of rebels when he chooses her as his next bride. Tessa is witty, strong and doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do.
Kalen is the typical popular love interest: Morally grey and dark haired with blue eyes and also very protective.
This book has many of the book community’s favourite tropes, including:
* One bed trope
* Banter between the mc and the love interest
* Witty and funny main character
* Found family
* Morally grey dark haired love interest
* Fae
* Who did this to you?
My favourite romantic moment in this book was him braiding her hair. The ending caught me very off guard and leaves me wanting for more! It is obvious that this is going to be a series, since it has a very open ending and I can’t wait to see what the author does with it!
My guesses for the next book are that Tessa develops her skills in fighting, that the betrayal will be solved or explained in some way and that they will visit the cities that were mentioned, but never actively shown.
This book was well written and an easy read.

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Thanks to Netgalley for this copy for an honest review.
I relly enjoyed this story, the characters, the plot, the final. Everything.
If you like retellings of The Beauty and the Beast, you will love thiss book and the story of Tessa and Kalen.
Tessa is a woman who are so brave and so loyal to her family that you suddenly feel to like her. She seeks justice and a world so different that where she is right now.
Also, you have Kalen, a fae who is tormented by a secret of his past. Tall, broad shouldered and gruff wavy dark hair is what you will find with him and his story.
Both of them will fight against their beliefs, what they thought is the truth. Are they able to see beyond their fears?
I love the story, the names of the kingdoms, the maps!
I can not stop to recommend this book hopefully you will read it.

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I loved this book I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. I loved the main female character and all the side characters as well but I absolutely loved the mist king! I can't wait for the next book!!

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I’ve read this author before, was on her ARC team at one point, in fact, so I was excited to be given a chance to read this book. While I’m not fond of non-contemporary books, I dived in. It didn’t take long for me to be pulled into the story, and really enjoy getting to know Tessa, her family, and the other characters. I admit that I was surprised that Tessa was so rebellious with the king at the beginning because she knew how he was from events in the past, and sure enough he showed his true stripes. However, events took me away from that. I quite enjoyed this book with its twists and turns, some I saw even though it took quite a while to see I was right, and some I didn’t. I hate lies keeping people apart, and I’m hoping there’s an explanation. Vague, yes, but no spoilers! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

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