Crest of the Fallen

by Johnna Dee

Feya, half fae and half vampire, is determined to prove her independence. She yearned to show her self-reliance, without relying on her found family to rescue her when faced with adversity.

When Feya, a young fairy, a horde of vampires mercilessly invaded her peaceful village. Chaos erupted, and amid the frantic struggle, Feya’s innocent eyes witnessed the brutal murder of her beloved parents. As if fate had cruelly intervened, Feya found herself bitten by one of the creatures, sealing her destiny as an outcast. The strict laws of the land forbade the existence of halflings, and her life was now marked by impending execution. In a twist of fate, a vampire named Aethelredd discovered Feya and took her under his wing. Against all odds, he became her guardian, nurturing her in both her natural fae magic and the dark powers of a vampire. Years passed, and Feya grew into a formidable force, blending her innate abilities seamlessly.

But as time went on, a figure from Feya’s haunting past emerged, seeking her help. The air became heavy with nostalgia as memories resurfaced, and Feya’s heart was torn between the pain of her past and the uncertain path that lay ahead.

Elwyn Altalune seeks Feya’s aid in unveiling who is after him and those plotting against the Fairy Queen. With apprehension, Feya departs from the haven of her foster family, embarking on a treacherous journey alongside Elwyn. She navigates cautiously, concealing her vampiric nature from the sharp-eyed faes, who would condemn her to death.

Triggers:

Death
Violence
Sex
Blood drinking
etc.

Tropes:

Vampires
Fairies
New Adult Romance
Fantasy
Fated Mates
Magical Creatures
Slow Burn
Found family
Betrayal
Witty banter
Etc.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Vampires

305 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2023

About the author

Author Johnna Dee is a fantasy romance writer who has three series out at the time of publication. Initially, her creative journey began with poetry, where she honed her skills in crafting evocative and lyrical verses. As her passion for storytelling grew, she ventured into the realm of novels, weaving intricate plots and enchanting worlds that transport readers to extraordinary realms.

For more exclusive content and other goodies, sign-up for Johnna Dee’s newsletter https://linktr.ee/johnnadee or check out her website https://alstroemeriapub.com/.

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story with an interesting mix of characters and locations. The meaning of the title is a mystery to me. Learned about some of the different mythical and supernatural creatures. I received a free copy of this story in exchange for a review.

[Angel Smathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The young fairy meets a tragic beginning that is life changing. This story, however, follows multiple points of view but have a lovely mix of characters of different mythical and supernatural creatures.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. I just wanted a little more steamy part but very well written and gave me some muse.

[C.D. McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

*SPOIL FREE REVIEW*

What an absolutely enchanting read!!

This is a story with multiple POVs, which is my cup of tea. I absolutely love the tragic backstory for our heroine - this creates the bone for a thematically powerful character arc that compliments the overall progression of the book.

The world building is spectacular, with magic and many fantasy elements that have been explored in just the perfect way to satisfy but make the reader want more - I know I couldn't get enough of it!

Dee is a wonderful storyteller and has a beautiful skill for descriptive writing. From angst to thrill to captivating scenes with vivid details, this is a story that is worth every page read. It was such a fun one, and I am so glad to have picked it up.

Well done, Dee! I can't wait for the next one!

[Nikita Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

AN IMAGINATIVE AND CAPTIVATING READ

This is a wonderful read; featuring magic, laughter, banter, romance, light spice and action!

The reader is immediately thrust into a world of action and magic from the first chapter, where our young heroine faces a life-altering and harrowing experience.

As the story progresses, it follows multiple points of view and the reader gets to experience the perspective of a fierce fighter, a loving parent, and a devoted love interest.

The story is wonderfully told and opens up the imagination, being filled with magic, mystery, betrayal and secrets.

The main and supporting characters are captivating and the challenges faced by the couple endear them that much more to the reader. This is a highly enjoyable first book to the series that leaves the reader wanting more!

Thank you so much Johnna Dee for the opportunity to be a beta/ARC reader! I willingly leave this honest review.

[Tiffany Ewald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! Love the unique outcast band family idea and would personally love some more of Redd. I appreciated the realistic dynamic of the mc & love interest. Refreshing to be able to relate to minor/petty annoyances and that it's not always a honeymoon lovey-dovey, but with a good dose of steamy moments! Range in the different lore & "magicals" was appealing and I'm very much looking forward to more! I would definitely recommend this series to anyone!

[Kristen Laurance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so good. A few of the characters kinda through me a little bit and even though I understand it I felt as though Redd was over protective at times. For this reason I gave it four stars and not five but at the end of the day this was a great story and I did still love it even with those minor personal annoyances at times. I absolutely recommend this and you should absolutely read this book. You will not be let down.

[Angela McClintock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be delightful, full of fantasy and wonder, intrigue, and suspense. Storyline captivated me from the first page.. The author used extremely descriptive language in every aspect of the novel from the appearance of the characters to the vivid imagery of locations. There was never a lull in the action as I was transported on this grand adventure. I would highly recommend this book, and I don’t often give five stars but this book deserved it.

[Bobby L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very great read and can’t wait for more in this series! I highly recommend if you love fantasy ❤️ this author is amazing writer!

[Mubashirah Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, original story.
The author's storytelling skills shine through, creating a rich and immersive world that comes alive with every word.
The character of Feya, torn between her fairy and vampire heritage, is a compelling and unique protagonist. Her struggles and inner conflicts add depth to the story, making her a character readers can easily relate to.
The world-building in this story is impeccable, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a realm filled with magic and mystery. The author's ability to seamlessly blend different elements of fantasy, from fairies to vampires, adds a refreshing twist to the genre.
The pacing of the story is well-executed, with a perfect balance of action, character development, and plot twists. The narrative unfolds in a way that keeps you eagerly turning the pages, always wanting to know what happens next
It's a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and the enduring power of friendship. I eagerly anticipate more from this author and hope for a sequel to continue Feya's captivating journey.

[Kyla Sixkiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Crest book was such an interesting read! The storyline had me hooked from the start. However, I couldn't help but find the character development of the male lead a bit odd. At first, he seemed so determined to make the female lead fall in love with him, giving off suspicious vibes. But once they got together, it felt like his vendetta just vanished into thin air. It's as if he completely forgot how crucial it was before. I found it quite interesting that the male lead's mother didn't recognize Feya, despite her hunger for power and elaborate plans. (But another important player DID know who and what Feya was, which seemed too convenient in my opinion.) Feya's father being overly protective may have seemed excessive at times, but when you consider the bigger picture, it actually made a lot of sense. The ending seemed thrown together just to tie in the “fallen crest” part and after you thought all was set, there was yet another thing introduced that seems sketchy at best, from the male lead.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crest of the Fallen by Johnna Dee is the first book I’ve read by this author but I can say with 100% that I will be reading more as this author publishes more books. This was a great, amazing read and I loved every moment of it. I didn’t put my kindle down until I finished this book. I enjoyed every moment. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s throughout the book that gave you glances at how everyone thought or felt. This book from the very first chapter had me hooked, Feya getting bitten, her parents being killed and her eventually escaping from her village. This was one heck of an adventure and I couldn’t get enough! I need book two like now! It’s that good, thank you to Johnna Dee (if you happen to see this) for writing a book I absolutely lost myself in and I can’t wait for more from this series! If you love fairies, vampires or a great story…look no further!

Final Review:

4 out of 5 stars
The characters:
5 out of 5 hearts.

[Michelle Anglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I was so lucky to get an ARC of this book. The chemistry between the two main characters was magical. I especially loved the relationship between the main female character and her adoptive father. I am absolutely dying for the next book in this series. I am thoroughly hooked. Plus there are some pretty cool recipes at the end of the book and I love that.

[Ally Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Between the love interest and the mystery of trying to find the culprit I couldn’t put this book down. ❤️ I’m so glad I could be an Arc reader and now I’ve just got to “ patiently” wait for book two.

[Marianne Antonichuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story the author did a wonderful job on this characters were pretty interesting which makes you wanna read more of the book loved the magic of the story will be looking for more on this author

[Southern Styleblooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story, with twist and turns. If you love vampires and Fae, then this is your book.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it she is an amazing author and I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Ashlynn Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always game for a good fantasy book. This book delivered everything that I love in fantasy. Action, character building, world building, romance.
I highly suggest it!

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crest of the Fallen by Johnna Dee is a paranormal romance novel. First let me say this book has vampires and fairies. That alone grabbed my attention and said read me please. This tale did not disappoint. The world was fascinating and the author did a good job describing things. Freya is a delightful FMC who is a hybrid and trying to find love and family. Her life has been full of tragic moments but she still is such a strong character.
This book was a great read. I hope to continue the series. Great job!

[Ashley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book moved and confused me. The development of the characters as the story kept me wanting to go back for more. I cannot wait to read more in the series and read more about Freya and Elwyn in the future.

[Jennifer Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story overall. The characters backstory and current conflicts had me wanting to read more to find out what happened next, and I fig out the case fairly early on, but wasn’t sure if my hunch was right until the reveal. There were moments of tension and intrigue and humor. A well balanced romantasy. I loved that she even included recipes at the end! Yum! Over all a fun read and I look forward to book 2.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this, I wanted to yell at the characters to make up their mind on their romance LOL much like I feel like doing in real life!

Love the mystery intertwiined with the fantasy and romance.

Can’t wait to read book 2!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I can't wait to read the next i series. I think Redd is my fav character

[KimMacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crest of the Fallen is the first book in the new fantasy series written by Johnna Dee. This is a well written book that draws you in from the beginning and holds your interest right up until the end. It is my first read by this author, and I can definitely say, although it wasn't perfect, I think this author has a great future and I will definitely be reading more and waiting for the arrival of book 2 in the series.

In this story, we meet Feya, a powerful half fae, half vampire who flees her home after an attack on her small village. Her childhood friend and crush, Elwyn, helps her to escape and finds her years later. When they reconnect, the chemistry between the two of them is palpable. They have lived very different lives, and the journey to navigate the many obstacles between them is a roller coaster of emotions. I found all of the characters to be very endearing and would definitely read spin off books involving any of them.

The world that Johnna Dee has built in this book is fantastic, fresh, and captivating. It has the potential to be an amazing series, however, the story wasn't without a few glaring flaws. First of all, the book does need a little editing and proofreading (misspelled words, repeated phrases in the same paragraph, some plot holes, and some choppy transitions). I found the flow to be a bit confusing. As a reader, I find it distracting when I feel like I have missed something in the story and this happens several times throughout the book. I also feel confused about the meaning of the title of the book. I would have liked to learn a little more about "the fallen" and what exactly that means. A prologue in the beginning of one of the fallen unrelated to the current story would have helped tie everything together. I also still feel a little confused about how powerful Feya is, what her powers are, and how her species is so special. I hope we get a bit more history and details in the next book and find out more about how everything ties together. Overall, it was a good start to a new series, and I will be waiting to see how the story continues in the next series.

[Bill Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended Crest of the Fallen by Johnna Dee, and I downloaded a copy. The novel is an engaging start to The Ascelin Series, blending paranormal romance with fantasy, mystery, and a touch of action. The story follows Feya, a fairy-turned-vampire, as she embarks on a self-discovery journey while searching for family, love, and truth. The magical world is well-crafted, filled with shifters, witches, and other fae, and the plot is full of twists and surprises that keep readers on their toes.
Feya is a strong and compelling central character whose tragic past and resilience make her easy to root for. Her relationships with childhood friend Elwyn, protector Redd, and others are layered with humor, tension, and emotional depth. The dynamic banter, particularly between Redd and Elwyn, adds charm and levity to the story's darker elements. The romance elements, including the passionate moments, are well-balanced with the mystery and adventure that drive the plot.
Johnna Dee is a fantastic author and does a solid job of building an intriguing world with a magical cast of characters. The book includes fun extras like in-world recipes and is both wholesome and thrilling. I thoroughly enjoyed Crest of the Fallen and have just downloaded the next book in the series, Crest of the Scorned.

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crest of the Fallen is a paranormal romance and is book one of The Ascelin Series. Johnna has created a wonderful cast of characters especially Feya. She does a great job with her rich back story. The romance is so "will they or won't they" which makes you want to yell at the characters. That really shows how well Johnna has developed their relationship. I enjoyed the wholesomeness of Redd's protectiveness of Freya and the hilarity of the banter between the characters especially between Redd and Elwyn. I love the bonus of the recipes that were used in the book. I would love to see it be a little more refined and detailed, but I do look forward to book two.

[Sarah Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY GOOD BOOK
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this and this is my unbiased review …..
I read this in one night! It’s set in modern times where the Fae and Vampires live among humans.
The FMC is strong willed and the MMC is tall, dark and just lovable. They are childhood friends and romance blossoms when they meet in later life. Things don’t run smoothly as they have to deal with an intriguing mystery and a possible uprising against the Fae Queen.
It’s spicy, full of tension and from a dual POV.
I look forward to the next book!

[RhondaJoBriggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feya is a young fae who quickly finds herself immersed in trouble. A vampire, shifter, witch, and another fae make up her chosen family. As an adult, Feya's childhood friend Elwyn finds her and hires her to help him solve a fae-court mystery.

There is a bit of steam, betrayals, romance, and intrigue to this story.

I felt the romance was a bit forced or rushed. Characters could have used more development. There could have been more editing for sure as some paragraphs were completely repeated. Overall, I found this story enjoyable and plan to read the next in the series.

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quiet an entertaining short read with a lot of adventures and live story in it.

The FMC is a vamp gal with fae heritage and a childhood crush thats out for magical artifact hunting.

MC is Mr fae handsome now and all grown up.

I liked the idea of MMC hiring old crush for help with investigation….

There were some rushed parts on both “who is the bad” as well as on the romance part and a pretty quick ending but overall good fun.

I may pick up some more boo from the author.

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

[Morgan Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crest of the fallen Is a wonderful slow burn read. It introduces A fairy at a young Age who gets turned into a vampire and grows up learning how to be a fairy as well as a vampire. Later she falls in love and can't stand being a part from him.... Her and her family of fantasy beings Go on a mission...

Definitely would recommend to those Who are into a small fantasy romance And the sight of war Within their love and families.