Whimsically dark and twisted.

I will start by saying that it does take a minute to really get into the the book and start picking up on the world building. But once you get your footing into the lore and figure out exactly what’s going on it’s very easy to fall into the world and get sucked in. I’m not a huge fan of multiple povs, but I think the author does a good job of balancing between characters and the tones for each so it feels cohesive but you still get a really good insight into the thoughts and motives of the different characters.

The plot and story is where it really shined though. I’m a big fan of stories dealing with battling religions and especially the “old versus new” of folklore and fae magic. I think the magic of the world was fascinating and the author really did an amazing job of setting a complex world that the readers could imagine in their heads like a movie. All in all it was an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley and rebellion for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was advertised as a mix of the bear and the nightingale and poldark. I never read poldark so I can’t judge for that but I saw the bear and the nightingale influence back in the way the folklore was woven into the story. I also thought that people who really like Emily Wilde’s encyclopedia of faeries but missed a what higher stakes plot in that will like this one.

The beginning did leave me a bit confused but the book gives you enough time to figure out who is who and what the situation is. There is a dual pov which I could have done without. As it made it a bit confusing.

The way the story tells the conflict about conflicting religions and the change of society I did really like and thought that is was portrayed as something the real world would also deal with in a similar way.

There are parts where there is not a lot happening but more like preparing for the end of the plot. At those point I did feel my concentration waning a bit.

I would recommend this book if you are interested in a fantasy book that feels a bit different than the rest, has traditional folklore faeries in it, deals with the conflict of changing times and a strong fmc who will find her place in her own society.

I enjoyed this one.
I do like a story with folklore, and magical being, and the good old fight between new faiths and old.
Well written, and sets the scene nicely with plenty of atmosphere.
Characters I'd put my faith in 😁
Looks like it's going to be a series as this is book one.
That's good news.

Loved this dark and whimsical book with magical creatures, folklore and mystery
Very well written with a dark and eerie atmosphere, complex and interesting characters and lots of intriguing little creatures!

Thanks to NetGalley for this arc