The Root of Fey Magic

by Callie Pey

Aralia
I may have been “healed”, but one fact remains beyond a shadow of doubt: I’m dying.

Leaving my twin sister and grove was never in the plan. I knew where my place was. Waking up in the Feylands threw me into a spiral I wasn’t ready for. They said I was sick and had to be separated from the only life I knew. They said they gave me a cure, I just needed to give it a few days. Now I’m trapped between the man I pushed into the arms of another and my childhood crush running trials for the woman who would be his queen. I can’t wait around to experience losing them and fortunate enough for me, I won’t have to.

Rux
I’d give anything to save her life, even if a decades long feud means that she will never know how I feel about her. Everything in my world began and ended with her. Then Aralia succumbs to an illness that I can’t fix and I’m left turning to the neighboring fae kingdom for help. The change of scenery just might be the catalyst we need to kindle this flame between us, if only she’d give me the chance.

Lorsan
I thought I could go along with the plan, and then I met her. Being king of the fae wasn’t a position I’d asked for. I didn’t want a queen either, but with the rise of the shadow mages and the illness on the fey populace, I’m out of options. Aralia’s presence lights up everything she touches, sparking something in my soul I’d never thought to want. However, she’s not fae, and my fate lies in the hands of the goddess. But if I’m to be a king, nothing will stand in my way of owning her, not even a queen.

439 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Skye • literaryintheskye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even with no prior reference to the series before this, I loved this book so much. It was a fun MFM, slow-burn with a lot of action and emotional turmoil. The world building was not super crazy so I didn’t feel like I was getting lost like some magic systems. And the characters developed at a pace that it didn’t feel I was just being tossed information. All in all, super solid standalone.

[Wolf (Alpha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t terrible. I enjoyed reading a fantasy as the majority of the books I’ve been reading are not this. I loved the magic and the worlds. I loved the nymphs and and I loved the stories of them. I loved the competition and how they were able to change the rules. I loved that Rux and the king were able to save her and root her magic. I loved finding out that she had two mates that were so different from each other. I hate that they tried to kill her and I’m glad those people got what they deserved.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Root of Fey Magic by Callie Pey is an epic, why choose, fantasy romance. The world building in this is epic and gives a fresh take on seelie and unseelie fey types.

The romance is on point and the spice is HOT. I would highly recommend this book if you are a fan of ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas or the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy.

Bibliophilebookstackswithdi on IG

[Allie Holasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. This book has everything! If you like MFM, slow-burn romance, intense action scenes, and gut-wrenching suspense this book is for you! I devoured it in 2 days as it completely engulfed me. Such good world building and character development. Extra bonus if you have read the prior series - The Dryad Chronicles - as there is a ton of referencing to characters and events from those books. That being said, you don't have to have read them. This is an incredible stand-alone! Will be reading again in the future.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical! I loved it! Full of magic, adventure, romance, drama, suspense, miscommunication, and so much more this book was hard to put down once I started.
I liked all the different creatures and really enjoyed the characters especially Rux!

[Are Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ROOT OF FEY MAGIC

MAGICAL, SPICY, FAE, MATES, POWER!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️10/10🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️4/5

MAGICAL!! Absolutely stunning! A world I’d happily indulge and get lost in over and over again. This book is beyond anything I’ve read before, I knew Callie is talented but this takes it to another level. This world and how it was explained in detail on how everything moved in it is exquisite. The bonds, the power and the magic is so different and unique. I’m OBSESSED!! I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN! I struggled with my emotions as I knew the story was coming to an end. I never wanted to leave. Page after page turn, I kept falling in love more with the characters and the struggles they each faced. The way that they each grew not only by themselves but as a unit. The way the magical world was suffering then turned out to be even more magical and beautiful…my head just spinned taking it all in while my heart swelled with happiness.

The connection between the characters really can be felt. The intimacy (spicy) side of it was so detailed…I’m jealous of Aralia and her ability to take on more that one at the same time. The feeding and pleasuring is so delicious, it keeps you in a trance, the detailed & emotions that are intertwined within them is pure bliss.

PERFECTION in a fantasy book!

MUST READ!!! Like you HAVE to read this if you enjoy fantasy, fated mates, Fae, magic, and great book….read it!

[Rieka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unique original story based around fey/fae. Callie Pey puts her own spin on the seelie and unseelie courts. The magic system and how each species is described and unraveled through the book was very interesting. I didn't realize this was a why choose (MFM) but I was all here for it and I don't think it would have flowed better any other way. There was definitely no shortage of spice that's for sure but it was added in when needed and didn't take away from the plot. This book is a mix of angst, slow-burn, suspense, spice, and romance all bundled up in one. I so desperately want to know what happens next.

I loved the character development in this book. With all the different species and magic wielding it was a little tough to separate at the beginning but once we got to know each character as they developed it helped understand and separate each species. I loved Aralia and how she continued to find herself after she left her comfort zone and out from underneath her sister's shadow. She needed to leave or she never would have given her true self the time to blossom. I wasn't a fan of Rux at first but the more I got to know him the easier it was to understand his actions. Same for Lorsan but as King his actions weren't always of his own choosing but I love his self growth and his growth in his position as he started to take command in his own way. 

[Robyn Luther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my freaking god!!!! I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC!!!! I just finished it and I want more… so much more!!!!

Fantasy, Why Choose, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates and so much more…

We have Fae, Fey, Dryads, Nymphs, Satyr, Ryne… and so much more!!!

The world building! This one is… amazing!!!! It’s a MFM, slow burn that turns so damn hot… so damn fast!!!

Callie put so much work into these characters and their relationships and the gut-wrenching turmoil that unfolds… I never wanted to put this book down. But with my schedule and kids… I had to… but, for once, each time I picked it back up… I didn’t have to back read because I was still hanging on to the previous words!!!!

I never once felt lost. I felt like I got to see into all of the characters and it didn’t feel rushed like I was just thrown into a story that wanted to jump to the “spice”!

Lia, Rux, Lorsan… all of the supporting characters!!! Just trust me… if you’re a fan of fantasy, spice, world building… you HAVE to read this one!!! 1,000%!!!!

And…. I just realized that there’s a whole series before this that’s interrelated!!!! I know which books I’m heading to next after I catch up on my ARC’s.

My only thing… again…. Is I still want more… I CRAVE MORE!!! I want the next chapter in these characters lives!!!

Callie… please tell me there has to be more to come!!!!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Cassandra Timmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get this book as an ARC and I’m very greatful for that. This book is beautifully written.
I need to start off by saying this is very heavily Fantasy so the heat is not as strong. I give it a 3. BUT, this books world building is phenomenal. The way Callie can paint a picture with her words is amazing. I had the hardest time putting this book down.
The Plot in this book took me a little while to find, but you feel like you are searching everywhere to find it and I really loved that. I don’t like when books head straight into a direction I know it is before I even start, so that was quite pleasing for me.
Lia is a very strong FMC and I can appreciate the h3ll out of that. She does not back down from anything and she made me so very proud the entire book. Granted, she kinda let things slip over her head that could have avoided some things, but I feel like that was necessary for this books direction and it helped getting to know her thought process and her heart. She seems to always put others first and that can be both brilliant and a curse.

I won’t say much else to give things away. But I can say this book is so worth the read.
Much love 💕

Oh, Edit to add. I wish This was not a standalone because I want MORE of this MFM… bad, so badly. 🫠

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ROOT OF FEY MAGIC is a sizzling slow burn “why choose” MFM romance that scorches on every page. I loved every book in the Dryad Chronicles series that led up to this one (this book can totally be read as a standalone, btw) and I find Callie’s characters and romance writing more enthralling with every book. Lorsan is the new king of the fae, but he never wanted to be. He also now is being forced to choose a fae queen. When Aralia comes to his kingdom, sick and in trouble, there is an instant connection, but she is not fae, and no matter how much he wants her, she cannot be his queen. Oh the torture, oh the heat. Aralia and Rux, her guard, have a NSA relationship that they’ve carried on for years. They both have feelings for each other, but a childhood feud has pushed them apart and they refuse to admit the depth of their feelings. I loved ALL three characters in this triad and also loved the way the fantasy plotline played out, with Aralia’s sickness and the other things going on in the fae kingdom. So well written. Callie Pey is a master at worldbuilding and characterization and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next! 5/5 stars.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the world building in this book folks. I like Fey stories and this one was a good read for Fey story as well. This is a MFM book that has multiple characters involved: Lia, Rux, and Lorsan. Lorsan is a childhood crush of Lia. Rux is Lia’s guard and they also have a relationship. This is a slow burn book romance and if you are really into two love interests with one woman, you will really love this book!

I honestly was so surprised by the ending with Lia, and I liked Lia’s mates of Lorsan and Rux. They all fit well together and complement each other. This book does start off slowly and then gets into the story after a few chapters. Lia is also a super strong female MC character. Oh and the steam must be mentioned, steam is definitely there at a solid 3!

I recommend this book for readers who like MFM romances, Fey Fantasy books, and fans of any of the ACOTAR books!! Read if you are a fan y’all!

[A.J. Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of magic, adventure, suspense and slow burn romances, this is definitely the book for you. This book was such a unique and original concept based around fey lore. As someone who loves fae/fey stories this was a no-brainer as far as a book to pick up. While I don’t love “why choose” as a trope, this book definitely did it right! Perfectly spicy, with a perfect blend of romance and fantasy. This book is part of a series but makes sense as a stand-alone, since I have not read the rest of the series and was able to understand the plot of this perfectly. Callie Pey is amazing at world building so I definitely think fans of SJM (like me) would appreciate this as a read alike. I am giving it 4 stars, because of my previously stated dislike of Why Choose tropes, but I really enjoyed this one! Plus, the cover art is gorgeous.

[Bookish Lady Night · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the spin on the seelie and unseelie fairies courts. This story is full of different creatures and the story weaves a magical magnificent world. The characters are well developed and I love any book with a multi POV! This is my first MFM book and I really enjoyed the slow burn and the spice. There is a ton of suspense and action so the plot was spot on and had a wonderful balance of the two romance and action. I loved the three main characters esp Rux and how we start off not so into him and as time progressed we can see him and how he got there. Then watching the growth of him and Aralia it was a really creative and well done book that I really enjoyed and couldn’t put down. Definitely worth reading for sure! I had this book done in two and half days and that’s only because I had to adult! I cannot wait to see whats to come!!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae, #whychoose, slow-burn, and just the right amount of tension all rolled up into one unforgettable story. Where do I start? Pey does an amazing job with the world building, drawing the reader in to a magical setting, with characters that feel so real, you’d think you could meet them (if you happened to wander into the right places, at least). Aralia is a great FMC, and she’s facing down a lot, but to add onto her pile, there are two (very) hot guys vying for her attention. It’s a slow burn, that will have you as on edge of your seat as the other tense situations the characters are facing down. The plot moves along smoothly, and there are enough twists you can never be totally sure you know where it’s going next. Definitely a book to add to the top of your romance TBR!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won’t lie, fantasy world building can be overwhelming. This felt heavy at the start, it might be because I didn’t read Callie’s other series first though which sounds like it might set up some of the world and characters from other reviews.

Once I got about 30% of the way I was pretty heavily hooked and needed to know what happened!

I enjoyed the fated mate story line, especially with Rux’s story! I’m a sucker for the quietly pining man. Lia was a fun female lead, and I enjoyed her POV a lot throughout the book! Lorsan gives me Daddy Dom vibes and I would’ve loved to see some more scenes with all three but I loved the way it worked out in the end!

Overall I am super happy I pushed through the world building (which was done nicely to be clear) and kept going with the story!

[StephF Ilysei_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aralia is pulled away from her twin and her home to find a cure of a sickness that is killing her. Rux, her guard and part-time lover is sent to protect her while she begs to healing from a neighbouring king, Lorsan, who also happens to be her old childhood crush. Will Lorsan be able to save Aralia? and will she have to choose between her men?

The Root of Fey Magic is a breathtaking stand alone book in the ever dazzling world that Callie Pey has created. The world and lore building is beyond stunning and it is so each to lose yourself in this story. A tamer why choose romance that has you constantly turning the page. An amazing read!

[Shelby Clise · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ⭐️

Wow this book was intense at times and so intricate. The beginning had me so overwhelmed but once I got deeper into the world I started to understand all the dynamics and just hopped on for the ride after that. This was such an amazing romantasy and the world building was phenomenal. I honestly couldn’t put this down. Arailia is one stubborn woman that is for sure but I’m so glad in the end she got what was best for her and her mates 🫶 it took me a while to warm up to Lorsan but I got there kind of by the end. His dedication to Arailia really shines through for me. But Rux, I adored that man from the beginning just wish he would’ve spoke up about his feelings for Lia wayyyy sooner. And then all the magic “sickness” Arailia was suffering and how it actually ended like what?!?! I did NOT see that coming. I knew I hated Trevan for a reason and my instincts were not wrong. I am so glad I got an eARC of this book and thanks to Callie Pey and R&R Book Tours for gifting that to me!

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Wow this story was full of magic! All sorts of magic and different type of characters. I found it mesmerizing how one can build such a unique world of magic with everything included and know exactly how to not make the reader lose focus. I loved Aralia’s character and let’s not start with her handsome candidates!

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what they offered to the story. The story line was great. There were a few of my favorite characters and some not so much but each one was important to the story line. The spice, gosh! That was on point and well written.

I recommend it to anyone who loves to read a story that has a magical world

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in right from the start. Aralia’s struggle caught between illness, destiny, and two powerful men who care for her in very different ways is both emotional and gripping. The world-building is rich, the tension is constant, and the intertwined perspectives of Aralia, Rux, and Lorsan create a perfect blend of heartbreak, longing, and magical intrigue. The romantic stakes feel real, the danger feels urgent, and the characters are layered in a way that keeps you invested. A compelling fantasy romance filled with vulnerability, desire, and the kind of chaos only the Feylands can deliver.

[Marci Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t a book I would have picked up on my own. I read it as part of a group challenge, and it’s not a genre I usually gravitate toward. While reading, The Legend of Zelda kept running through my head the entire time.

I think the book could have been much shorter. A lot of the early sections were explained in extreme detail, which made it hard for me to get through at first. I understand the need for world-building, but it felt like too much. Once the action started, though, it moved quickly—the relationship, the fighting, the trials, and the illness all kept things moving.

If this is your genre, you’ll probably love this book, but it just wasn’t quite for me.

[Alimay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Reading

This is an amazing standalone book in world created by an a extremely talented and creative author. Callie Pey has expanded of her Dryad series with a slow burn, magically driven why choose story that has everything from prejudice, sacrifice, betrayal, loyalty to unwavering love and devotion. From the very beginning to the last word, I was drawn into Aralia's story and the emotion and passion she feels and I could not put this book down. The writing was fantastic and the story kept at a good pace and kept me rooted, enjoying the story of fey magic.

[Sahana Ramnath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really swoony why-choose fated mates fantasy romance, with childhood enemies to lovers AND a fling to lovers. I liked the writing style, it was very flow-y and bingeable, and I liked how there was enough time given for each relationship development as well as the overall political plot. I found the world-building to be fascinating, I would definitely love to read more in this world!

Also, this one is a standalone and has a hea!

TWs - violence

-- ty to the author and @rrbooktours for an advanced copy!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was epic, spicy, and action packed adventure! What’s not to love about why choose, fated mates and enemies to lovers tropes? It was really interesting diving into the seelie and unseelie courts that Callie puts a unique spin on. The magic was inspiring and made me want to be sucked straight into this story.

I read this book so quick. The adventure and romance was captivating. The writing was incredible. I want MORE 🤩

Be warned - the ending shook me 😮‍💨

[tor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a beautiful mix of plot, world building and spice. The fantasy flows well and the love interest has left me feeling emotional. There is good chemistry with all of the lovers and I liked that! I do have to say the villains in the end are not who I expected, it did not surprise me when they were identified however and for me I like that in a book. I finished this book wanting more even though this is a stand alone. It was a fast pace book.

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful. Omggg I loved it.
So I’m still fairly new to fantasy. Only started reading it this year. This book was so easy to follow and the world building was amazing.

I am a lover of slow burn romance. This book was great with that. MFM, yes please. I loved Rux. The spicy scenes were amazing too.

I recommend this book so much. 🤍

𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓎, 𝓂𝓎 𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑒.

[elder_millennialnitemar_reads (Ashley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was a gorgeous read!
Enemies to Lovers is my jam and this read like it was written specifically for me! Callie Pey did such an amazing job of connecting you with the MCs & bringing you into the immersive world. Thank you so much to the author and RR Book Tours for this gifted eARC copy!

[nvl_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Root of Fae Magic by Callie Pey

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A great why choose fantasy romance with intriguing characters and excellent world building. The FMC, Aralia, doesn’t back down from anything or anyone and I really loved that. I also liked the slow burn romance. It was very well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end.

[Shayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this book was longer

It’s rare for me to wish for more pages, but I wish this book had another 200. The beginning felt like so much overload of information. And then I wish we got to see a little more of their story at the end. Overall was a great read, glad I read this one!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I might be in love with Rux myself! He never leaves Lia, as he calls her. Through all the trouble she puts him through, he’s still there for her. Fantasy is not my first choice to read, but I really did enjoy this one! I want a fae king for myself too. If she didn’t have to choose, I don’t want to either lol.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fey. WhyChoose. Enemies to Lovers. Slow burn. Phenomenal world building.

This book has everything and then some. I gobbled it up like it was my last meal.

Each chapter is full of surprises, and the way that the author wrote this story is fantastical and a new take on the fey realm.