Deal with the Fae King

Bride of the Fae King #1

by Silya Barakat

I made a deal with the dark fae King, and now I'm forced to pay the price.

He demands a year of my life and my firstborn child. Only he intends for it to be his...

We worshipped them, feared them, and marveled at their beauty. But behind their enchanting eyes hides a devastating darkness. We knew to never make a deal with the fae, for the price was always too steep.

But with my kingdom in peril, I had no choice. My brother and evil stepmother planned to usurp the throne that's rightfully mine. The Winter King was my only option.

So I made a deal with the devil--my firstborn child in exchange for my crown.

He's brutal. He's fearsome. He rules with an iron fist and if he has weaknesses, he will never show them. The price I have to pay is high... because he intends to father my firstborn.

The Winter King does not share power. He does not share me. But I can't afford to lose my throne, or my freedom. So if I want to control my destiny, I must try to thaw his heart of ice.

But my fae king has special powers of his own, and he never breaks a bargain. He'll burn down the world to keep me safe. Even if we'll all burn with it.

This is a standalone fantasy romance inspired by the story of Hades and Persephone. It's only intended for mature readers, as it contains strong language, explicit scenes, and themes of power and seduction. A happily-ever-after is guaranteed.

Genres: Fae, Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance

430 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2023

About the author

Silya Barakat is a chocolate-loving, travel-obsessed author of fae romance standalones. She draws inspiration from her Northern African roots and weaves them into her magical stories that will transport you to other worlds.

When she’s not creating enchanting tales, Silya can be found indulging in her love for cooking and trying out new recipes. Her passion for literature also extends beyond writing, as she is an avid reader of all genres.

Despite living in a small town, Silya’s imagination knows no bounds and she dreams of faraway places filled with adventure and romance. Whether it be through her writing or travels, Silya is always seeking new inspiration to fuel her stories.

Reviews

[Miljana Ibn joco · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably one of the dumbest books I've ever read. Awful!

[Jessy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is really quite bad. The writing needs heavy editing of both the grammar and overall story. In one fighting scene the FMC flees through a window to safety outside, and subsequently hits an assassin with a nearby candlestick and hides under the bed. How can you miss an inconsistency like this? And there are multiple such mistakes.

Adding insult to injury, grammar mistakes and expressions like “distance makes the heart GO fonder” abound, which is embarrassing, really. But what really struck me is the incoherency of some conversations. Characters say things that make absolutely no sense, respond to things that were never said, and sometimes say deep things which I assume were intended to be a tad bit poetic, but honestly just don’t make sense at all. Had to DNF at 42%.

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped reading this book about 60% in. The story had promise and parts of the dialogue were well written but the plot line was very disjointed. I felt like some chapters just ended with no clear breaking point. One time the main characters were in a conversation and it literally just stops and a new chapter starts with what feels like significant time passage. It was very confusing as to what was actually going on in the plot and felt like a rough draft instead of a finished product. I think it would be a great read if the author went back and gave more description to events etc and really flushed out the story more

[Kelsey Rhodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books featuring Fae so I was really looking forward to reading this book. I like Aleyna and Doran but found Aleyna to be a bit immature in her reasoning at points in the story. Despite this, their chemistry was obvious and steamy, and I liked watching how Aleyna will protect her crown. I would like to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man this was kind of dismal. The story did not flow smoothly and I felt like I was reading disjointed scenes that were just cut haphazardly from somewhere and then forced together. It made for an unpleasant reading experience. The somewhat redeemable quality were the main characters' interactions and some of the plot points but that was it. The other characters were so lackluster and unrealistic. Overall, it was a confusing and forgettable book.

[Lorrie (Clockworkbookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Moni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read & I definitely want to read more, especially from this series. This is the start of new an interconnected fantasy romance standalone series so maybe we'll see Aleyna & Doran again but the ending of this book isn't a cliffhanger. The synopsis gives you a good idea of what to expect. It's a good fae marriage of convenience romance told through Aleyna's pov.

Feeling threatened in her own kingdom of Ilanya, Aleyna seeks out Doran, The Winter King, to help her take her rightful seat.Her relationship with her family is complex where there is some affection but the drive for power outweighs that resulting in moves against Aleyna. He offers her his help in exchange for marriage & their heir. She accepts & most of the story takes place in Frosthome, Doran's kingdom, with them getting to know each. Of course Aleyna does return to Ilanya to claim the throne but the focus of the story is more on their relationship, & her, growing stronger.

Although Aleyna's circumstances leave her cornered, she isn't submissive. She makes the most beneficial deal for herself that she can. She doesn't let Doran take advantage & shows that she can hold her own against him. She is cautious but not scared to do what she feels she must. When she returns to Ilanya, readers may not quite like all her actions but she's very honest with her feelings that you understand why she acts the way that she does, even if you may want her to do otherwise. As I mentioned earlier, her relationship with her family is complex so maybe others will feel differently butI don't think her forgiveness towards them makes her weak.

Doran is a ruler that others fear. He can be ruthless but he's just in what he carries out. However, we never see him show a cruel side towards Aleyna. From the moment that they met, he saw power in her that she didn't see herself. He does his best to guide her so she may discover it herself. Though he may have wanted to use her for his own gains, his care towards her was always real not leaving readers doubts, at least I never doubted him. He is willing to give her anything that she wants & will protect her while doing so.

The romance is a slow burn with both of them seducing the other with their words.That doesn't mean their words are overly explicitly. Their conversations were often like easy riddles to understand. Though there is some spice to the book, it's not as heavy as maybe a reader may anticipate but it's no problem at all. You will enjoy seeing them open up to each other. Their romance does overshadow the court politics, if that's what you're interested in, but I didn't mind. Through their writing, the writer set a beautiful setting that I could picture & will make you captivated by Aleyna & Doran's love. You will like the book & anticipate what's next to come from this series.

[Kate 🖤 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I love the characters Doran and Aleyna. The very beginning can be slow but also can hit you at times like a freight train. I will say that within the first couple chapters I was astonished with how far the characters have grown (you have to read to understand) So definitely some excitement there. The story line is great and I really enjoy seeing 2 different worlds and their wonders. Although, I wish there was a tad more world building.

***Warning the below is going to contain some spoilers***
Something I would have love to see is how the assassination attempt of Aleyna actually panned out and who was the one that initiated it. I feel like that would have been a very suspension fun part to include.

I also wish that there might have been a little more resistance between Doran and Aleyna. It seemed like almost immediately they were as thick as thieves despite his “terrible” reputation. I am a lover of a little bit of mystery and suspense but over all I can’t complain too much.

One final thing that I think would have helped the story line (granted at this point maybe my recommendations would make the book too long) is that I wanted to know more about why Aleyna needed to “save” her kingdom. It comes off very vague and hard to comprehend int he beginning and I really hope that I understand now that it was a mistrust in her family that was the reason but it would have helped alot to have it plainly explained or atleast referenced.

All in all it was a great book and I look forward to new books this author creates 🖤.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start to the Bride of the Fae King I will be looking for the books that follow. Doran sexy as all get out Winter King a ruler that be ruthless when needed, but also a fair ruler when needed and at heart a protector when he gives his word he stands by it so when the beautiful soon to be ruler reaches out for help he agrees. Aleyna is so sweet in need of help when she is threatened, her kingdom is threatened and she needs help to keep her rightful place as ruler but reaching out to the known ruthless Winter King never expected it to change her path. The attraction is there from the moment they meet although rumors proceed the Winter King his actions, his fairness is what she sees and yes she is aware he started out using her but the more time they went with/around each other the stronger the attraction grew he helped her see her strength, her potential, taught that she is enough and she will be a great ruler. He learns that she is his willing to give her anything, willing to protect her while she learns what she needs but throw in family who isn’t your biggest supporter but he shows her how to use that as strength but does she learn everything needed, will she walk away from it all to stand by his side, will those after her learn his ruthless in protecting his girl, and can they find happiness on their adventure?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany Castillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a book that starts out strong - this book sort of throws you into an intense situation straight away to open up the book. I personally love starting out a book with a strong scene, tensions flaring, passions rising, murder, political intrigue, magic etc. It has a lot of tropes that I look for in the books that I read - semi enemies to lovers, forced marriage, touch her and you die vibes, morally gray male main character. I did like that Aleyna was a queen in her own right and was tactful and intelligent. She was strong enough and smart enough to handle herself. Doran was instantly attractive but elusive (which makes you more curious about him as a character). The dialogue was great, but my only complaint was that it felt like they spoke in verses at times, like rather than conversing they were speaking in poem form which made it feel a little less genuine to me. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and would still absolutely recommend it. For those wondering about the romance aspect of it, it is more of a slow burn but the spice is still there and it’s good! For those looking for fantasy, action, political intrigue, magic, romance - it has so much going for it. This is the first in the series and I honestly think they are just going to get better and better.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reads_Must · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deal with the Fae King
Bride of the Fae King #1
Fantasy
Silya Barakat
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This book is meant to be inspired by the story of Hades and Persephone but I got huge Cinderella vibes, especially because of the wicked stepmother and how Aleyna's father was blind to the cruelty.

Some parts were inconsistent and sometimes the things characters did just weren't plausible. For example Doran would be holding Aleyna's hand but a few sentences later, it would describe how Doran had to walk over to hold her hand.

Some of the descriptions and dialogue were repetitive. On a few occasions, the dialogue or inner monologue of Aleyna would repeat word for world half a page later.

The plot itself was interesting but I was left with more questions than answers after certain situations.

The pacing was ok but at around the 70% mark it seemed to slow down and not a whole lot happened in the last 30%. It could've been wrapped up sooner but instead it felt a little dragged out.

I wasn't keen on the ending. I think Aleyna forgave Doran far too quickly, especially after saying so often that she never would.

That being said I really liked how determined Aleyna was to save her kingdom. The slow burn between Aleyna and Doran was done well and I liked their banter.

[Cristina Machado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traditional romance in the sense of representing the tropes of marriage of convenience with a fae groom, spiced trysts and moving to a place that, at first glance, seems dark and inhospitable. But the story between Doran and Aleyna soon turns into a tale of female empowerment, when the human princess realizes that she has great qualities and that the man who chose her knows how to value them and recognizes her strength. The world building is well crafted, which makes reading a pleasure for those like me, who are eminently visual and appreciate well-described scenarios. There are doses of political intrigue, but I think the author could have gotten more out of the issues of rivalries between the Fae realms and power struggles in the human realm, especially within the heroine's troubled family. I would also appreciate it more if the story was told in dual pov so we could also get to know Doran's voice over the facts. In all, I recommed to readers in search of a good fantasy love story with strong vibes of female empowerment and found family.
I received and arc copy by BookSprout for a honest review.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!
This is the first book I've read from this author, and it definitely won't be my last. I absolutely enjoyed this story and devoured it from beginning to end. I loved the author's writing style and I truly enjoyed that this was a slow burn romance. Doran and Aleyna might have started their marriage based on promises made to each other but those promised led to a love that was sweet, funny, protective, romantic and more. Doran was easy to love and hard to hate even knowing there would come a time where he would make you question his actions. Aleyna was also easy to love, and she deserved more than what her family gave her, she forgave to easily and loved too hard. This story had scheming, betrayal, suspense, anticipation and more, but it's written in a way that had me smiling and feeling happy. I would have definitely loved an epilogue when it came to Doran and Aleyna but I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author because I enjoyed this sweet romance story.

[Melissa McSherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and easy to follow along with. The MCs are everything you want from a fantasy/romance book. The world description, especially of the winterland is beautiful and so easy to picture in your head. I loved being able to witness them let down their walls and slowly build up trust and a strong loving relationship. This book has alot of the tropes, enemies to lovers, marriage of opportunity, "Touch her and die", and even almost a "Forbidden Love" Since her family wasn't the most supportive of their marriage. I look forward to book two when their child is born, and seeing how their rule and marriage evolves with a new fae baby.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a lot going on in it, which kept my attention riveted throughout. I am looking forward to reading more books from this world.

Aleyna makes a marriage deal with the Winter King, Doran. In return for him ensuring she becomes Queen after her father's reign, she will stay with him for one year and give him her first born child.

After a visit to her family ends dramatically, Aleyna travels to Frosthome, the Winter Court, with Doran where she learns how to rule. Doran is very patient with her and their feelings for one another grow...

The story has a lot of world building and complex characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CozyDreamsStudio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really was intrigued by the blurb, but found it to be slightly misleading. Aleyna makes a deal with the Winter elf King for power and queens I’m in exchange for a child. She decides the best way to make that deal happen is by making the king her husband. They slowly start to get to know each other while making her desires come true.

The story itself is very interesting. But the style of writing was off to me. It felt like some parts skipped important scenes or info to make it make sense. Like there was one part where a man’s head is cut off, but who did it and why are not explored. And it was almost all dialogue and short, two or three sentence paragraphs.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleyna and Doran were just *chef’s kiss*. I loved how protective Doran was of Aleyna. I just loved his character. Like sign me up I’ll be his “little wife”. I really enjoyed watching their romance play out. The dialogue between them, the back and forth, was everything! I didn’t want to put the book down. Aleyna did kinda irritate me towards the end but I may just be biased from how much I absolutely love Doran.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story definitely has so much potential, but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. It was confusing and I had more questions than answers at times, it was hard to keep up with because the story would bounce from one event to another with little to no explanation. I wish there had been more world building and character backstory. It felt very rushed and thrown together. I would’ve loved to know more about Doran and Aleyna before they were thrown together. It really would’ve added to the story and made their dynamic easier to believe and understand.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly disappointed with this story. The writing style felt very choppy, making it difficult to follow at many points. Several sections of dialogue are also repetitive and redundant with little character building in between. The story also starts very much in the middle of something with no significant filling in of the backstory. I think this story would be really good with more character development and a focus on plot over dialogue but it wasn’t for me as it stands.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleyna needs to do what is best for her kingdom but feels like her stepmother will only have selfish intentions so she makes a deal with the Winter King but he is not all he seems and instead discovers a whole new world.
I was apprehensive when I started reading this book as I wasn’t sure if I would like it but I shouldn’t have been because from even only a couple of pages in, I was sucked into the story and this new world that was introduced.
This is a great book with lush scenery and fulfilling characters that experience heartbreak, happiness and ecstasy.
I highly recommend this book.

[Natassja Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. The world was well described and pulls you in. FMC is well written, you understand her struggles, thoughts, emotions as she tries to gain her rightful place in the world. The couple grow before your eyes as their world changes.
All in all, if you like stories of kingdoms, fae and a bit of romance, this is the book for you!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caitlin Shepard · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story had potential; however, poor editing, bad grammar, and just overall poor plotting led me to almost dnf. Characters would repeat each other multiple times or say the most cringeworthy, over the top things in an attempt to be poetic or profound. Terrible editing had me questioning if this was an AI generated book. The multiple typos and disjointed dialogue were enough of a distraction to almost completely make me set aside the book.

[Kimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super duped

Haha, I am just kidding. A little!

Dear future readers,

I downloaded this in thinking that I was about to read about an evil Fae winter king.
What I got was a Gorgeous sickeningly sweet perfect man. This is a super sappy love story.

It's 3 stars for me, but that's because I wanted a non-clean vicious fae story.

The spice isn't here. It's pretty much a clean sweet love story, but I was invested enough to keep reading.

[Kelly Medlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author, I really enjoyed it.

I read this in one day, i couldn't put it down.. although I would prefer a little bit more detail in some of the steamy scenes 😀

Doran and Aleyna's journey is a complicated one at first, but well worth the wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyenne]

Dnf-ing this one. I have a book club at work amd my co-worker chose this one; mistaking it for "Deal With an Elf King" which she wanted to read. So thankfully I'm calling it quits with this one and starting that one.

This comes off to me like a Wattpad story. Just, not good. Jumpy. No dialog. Cliche.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome fantasy romance! I really enjoyed it.. I especially love the Winter King and his interaction with his queen. Steamy, emotional, and swoony love scenes..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Bride of the Fae King series. Aleyna and Doran's story is well written and held my interest until the end. I enjoyed seeing them get a happy ending. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good chemistry between the two main characters. I liked how they took their time getting to know each other and felt that the build up was nicely built.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read with an interesting world and main character.
Overall, a great fantasy romance.
If you love fae, political intrigue and romance I would recommend this book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Manisha Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the Bride of the Fae King Series. This story is an page turner and a must read. The storyline is marriage of convenience steamy royalty dark fantasy fae romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.