A Blossom at Midnight

The Scented Court #1

by A.L. Knorr

One earns a coveted place among royalty. Another is imprisoned by her betrothed, while the third is exiled until he can prove his worth. Can these three fae prevent a war?

Dreaming of escaping her simple country life and tired of keeping her winged familiars a secret, half-fae Jessica finds herself swept into a breathtaking world of an elite retinue of fae performers known as the Calyx. As she learns to master her abilities, Jess is expected to entertain at glittering balls in the richest kingdom in Ivryndi, alongside far more experienced and beautiful flora fae. She is sworn to secrecy as she discovers the source of their wealth--the perfumes that royals travel from far-flung and exotic kingdoms to possess. As her exciting new life—and magic—blossoms, Jess learns that her mother has been keeping a secret of her own, one that changes everything.

Rejection has left fae courtier Laec wallowing in wine and disdainful of what he sees in the mirror. When Queen Elphame offers him a foreign commission, he jumps at the chance for a fresh start, but when he meets a beautiful and mysterious stranger on the road, he soon learns that healing his heart may inflame the very trouble his queen sent him to prevent.

Beautiful and eligible Çifta believes in the importance of duty. Wishing to please her father, she agrees to marry a powerful unseelie prince. But when she discovers his cold heart and attempts to break the engagement, she suddenly finds herself in chains. Alone and trapped in a damp fortress, she cannot see a way out.
Welcome to the continent of Ivryndi, where flora and fauna magic reign, and an unseelie prince with a mysterious power threatens it all. If you love stories steeped in the beauty of nature, slow-burn romance, and endearing characters (including a whole cast of insects and mammals) you'll never forget, enter the dreamy otherworld of A Blossom at Midnight . At over 500 pages, this title delivers an epic-length fantasy experience by an award-winning author.

One-click today and find out why readers are so charmed by A Blossom at Midnight.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction

548 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2022

About the author

A.L. Knorr is a USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning Canadian conjurer of clean fantasy for teens and the young at heart. Her stories blend elemental magic, epic adventure, fierce female leads, and just enough romance to make your heart flutter (without needing to hide the book from your grandma).

Whether you’re chasing fire demons through Venice, swimming with mermaids off the coast of Poland, or unraveling supernatural conspiracies in ancient ruins, her immersive worlds pull you in—and don’t let go.

No explicit content. No f-bombs. Just page-turning plots, vivid magic, and characters you'll wish were real.

And if you like your fantasy with a little more grit, danger, and fallen angels? Check out Shadows of the Fallen—where secrets are deadly, powers come at a price, and trust is the rarest magic of all.

Join her VIP Reader List for secret book news, and first dibs on every new release:
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Reviews

[chelsea reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 reasons to read a blossom at midnight

1. unique magic system



a.l. knorr uses a unique take on magic, with extensive worldbuilding and training for jess, our main character. i loved learning every aspect about it, especially as it isn't something i've read about before (and i've read a lot about magic). the magic and worldbuilding didn't make the book drag. i was hooked from start to end. (some books like to info dump at these stages, but a blossom at midnight spread the information out nicely).

2. slowburn romance



while there’s no spice in this book (which i’m glad about, it would’ve been very out of place and wrong in this book), the slow burn romance really hit the spot! i was rooting for the two characters from about half way. having the romance slow made it more exciting when things actually came about.

3. familiars



each flora fae has their own familiar (which is similar to what we know about witches – except they’re fae). jess has two – a bat and a butterfly, which is considered unusual. both of these familiars have their own unique personalities, and are lovable characters in their on right.

4. tear jerking



i find moments like these are rare in books (at least for me). whenever a book makes me cry, i know it’s a good book. in a blossom at midnight, there was one significant moment, and another minor one later on. i found i was feeling all kinds of emotions throughout reading.

5. loveable main characters



oftentimes, when a book has more than one main character, i find myself disliking at least one of them. (don’t ask me why, i hate it too). luckily, i found each character interesting and loveable. not only that, i found their relationships between each other to be enjoyable and realistic.

i will definitely be buying the next books in this series as they become available. i think the author has done an excellent job writing this book. a blossom at midnight is easily one of the top books i read in 2022!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

’𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭. 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭.’

I absolutely loved this story. If you like these tropes and aspects, you will love this book too!

* Animal and insect familiars
* Multiple POV
* Fae royalty
* Unique magic system
* Secret powers
* Slow burn romance

I believe this is a spin-off of a previous series—which I’m dying to read now—but I never once felt lost. We have three main characters, Jess, Çifti and Laec; the latter whom has been mentioned in other series. I felt most connected to Jess’ story, mainly because I found her two animal familiars so unique and adorable. We have Beazle the *very small* bat, and Greta the Glasswing Butterfly. They both play such a special role in Jess’ story, and I am very much attached to them. Laec and Çifta’s stories intertwine almost immediately, which was a contrast to Jess’ entire backstory.

I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and found myself utterly immersed in this world. The whole notion of having courts that are primarily ruled, honoured and based off scent is truly unique and captivating. The animals and insect familiars were more of the smaller variety; instead of fluffy cats or fierce wolves, we had wasps and bumble-bees and butterflies and moths. And it not only was so endearing and cute, but they stood out with personalities of their own and I just loved that. Furthermore, I loved how character driven this book was and felt massive connections to many of them.

This story has slowest nestled its way into my heart and I’m really looking forward to continuing the series. I really enjoy the way this story is told; it’s complex enough to keep interested, yet has an effortless flow when it comes to descriptions and understanding. The scenery beautiful and whimsical and magical, the characters loveable and intriguing, the plot unique and captivating; if you love all these things, I highly recommend this book!

[Isabel (The Reader & The Chef) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Author, MTMC Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. You can also find this review at The Reader and the Chef plus additional creative content based on the book!

A Blossom at Midnight is such an enchanting story! I’m in love with the beautiful flora & fauna magic system plus the stunning worldbuilding!! Fantasy books with fae are one of my top favorite themes to read about and I’m happy to say that this first book in The Scented Court series does not disappoint.

First we are introduced to Jess, a half fae that dreams to travel the world so when the opportunity to take a test known as Discovery to study magic showed up at her doorstep, she didn’t hesitate to take it! Loved this MC, I understood her desire to explore this magical world it sounds too tempting to waste such opportunity specially if you possess magic (not everyone is blessed with the talent). With her two adorable winged familiars, she travels to Solana City where the adventure begins!

Now our second MC, Laec, is a full fae that is sent to Solana as a request from his Queen. And that’s when he met Çifta, our third MC. I was so invested in these two characters, my only complaint is that I needed more Laec and Çifta moments. However their acquaintance couldn’t come at the worst time as Çifta was recently betrothed to a prince she has yet to meet. I haven’t abandoned hope yet, but I will say no more on the matter.

As always, I’m a fan of books that include multiple points of views. I really liked all three main characters and I found it interesting how each of them is following their own story mostly separated from each other. This book is full of wonder, secrets, hardships, heartbreak and it includes one of my favorite tropes: slow-burn romance!

And I must also mention that A Blossom at Midnight is such a physically stunning book. We got the new hardcover edition and I’m obsessed with it, an excellent addition to any bookshelf!! Now all I have to do is painfully wait to get the second book of The Scented Court series because I just MUST KNOW what comes next!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a great Fae-world fantasy with well-rounded characters and a very cool, unique magic system, then you should check this book out.

The writing is very vivid and descriptive, and I loved this world that AL Knorr has created. I believe this is a spin-off from another series, but I never felt lost while reading.
⠀
There are three POVs throughout this book, and everything is written very clearly and with an ease of understanding, which also keeping with distinct voices and a steadily progressing plot. I feel like the way this story is being told, it’s setting things up for a great series, and I’m definitely hooked and ready for more.

[KMart Vet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was debating DNFing this book at around 50%, to be completely honest. The sweat perfume was introduced and it seemed like this was a far more cozy read than I anticipated. I came on to see other reviews and noted that things started escalating soon, so I stuck it out and I'm SO glad that I did. I REALLY enjoyed this. Things got much darker - MUCH darker - and far more interesting.

This begins with a deceptively cozy atmosphere that belies the much darker, more complex story waiting beneath its surface. It’s set in a nature-infused world where flora and fauna magic take center stage. Readers looking for a dreamy yet layered fantasy will find plenty to love—if they’re patient enough to let the story unfold.

The book’s opening half leans heavily into world-building, introducing Jessica and her induction into the glittering, secretive world of the Calyx, where even the smallest details—like the sweat perfume—carry significance. Admittedly, this part feels slow, and I found myself questioning whether the story would pick up. But once it does, wow, does it escalate. Darkness creeps in, stakes rise, and the narrative takes unexpected turns that retroactively justify the earlier groundwork. By the time the pace quickened, I was fully invested.

The story’s strength lies in its rich world-building and its balance of characters. Jessica’s journey is compelling as she navigates her half-fae identity and uncovers her family’s secrets. Laec’s arc brings emotional depth and the intrigue of court politics, while Çifta’s plight is haunting and intense. The characters’ paths eventually intertwine in ways that promise even more excitement in future installments.

A Blossom at Midnight rewards readers who stick with it. Knorr weaves an intricate tale that sets the stage for what feels like a promising series. By the end, I was hooked, and I’m eager to dive into the next book to see how this richly imagined world continues to unfold.

[Anna Sinjin · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I had some doubts when I first started reading. The setting sounded like fantasy, but the thinking/actions/dialogue sounded almost modern. Almost but not quite. I wasn't sure the two would mix well. But the story swept me along in its current until I couldn't believe I had ever entertained even the vaguest doubts. It should also be mentioned that I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator was different from what I'm used to. I'm always a bit leery of narrators I've never heard before. After getting used to her voice, I let go and got swept up into the world Knorr had created. Cifta's voice was my fav. She sounded so delicate and sweet, like a fragile butterfly. The narrator did an excellent job!

Jess is just the coolest! And the ending! Holy cow! I startled my family by shouting out "WHAT?!" without meaning to. I love all the descriptions of the flowers and the ways of the Solana court and what the flora fae do there etc. Beautiful. And the twists with Jess. Whoa. And Prince Creepy! Double whoa. And Cifta with her gentle, lovely ways. They all really came alive for me. I can't wait to continue with this series.

[gwendalyn _books_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the continent of Ivryndi, where flora and fauna magic reign, and an unseelie prince with a mysterious power threatens it all.
-A Blossom at Midnight by A.L. Knorr

A.L. Knorr delights readers with another stunning magical book! A Blossom at Midnight by, is the first installment in The Scented Court series.


A wonderful fantasy book, I cannot quite say just how impossibly good this is, from the first page I was completely mesmerized , I flew through the pages at lighting speed. Never really contemplated the page count because the pacing was spot on, and I was immersed within the main characters lives. It is an addictive, dramatic story that flawlessly entwines fantasy, action adventure within a stunning, captivating storyline. Told in multiple thread narratives, that eventually come together. We follow Half-Fae Jessica, who longs for more adventure than her small community can offer her. A saddened Fae courtier Laec, who’s been rejected and is on a royal commission by the Queen. Çifta, lovely who is a dutiful daughter and knows that she must obey her father’s wishes and agree to an arranged marriage. Only to held captive by her fiancé when she realizes that she no longer can marry the man her father wants her to.
The author excelles at creative folklore and world building, with rich imagery that sinks the reader right into its pages. I feel in love with characters, and the drama and twist held my attention from start to finish.

The Innovative world building and incisive character development make this compulsively readable. I can't wait for the next installment

[Freya_The_Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8💫

[Laura Cheeping · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like being in a dream. Loved this, it went so fast.

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viel erwachsener geschrieben als die vorherigen Bücher der Autorin - das hat mich sehr positiv überrascht!

[cait (complicaitreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book

AL Knorr brings in beautiful descriptions of scents and aromas, and the writing is phenomenal. The world is extravagant, a twist on typical fae stories, and the characters are incredibly easy to connect to. The storyline is intriguing, and the cliffhanger and mysteries leave me wanting more.

My only qualm is the difference in perspectives. There’s such a dramatic difference between each perspective, which gives a unique voice to each character, but it also feels so different.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book I had no idea that Laec was one of the main characters. I hadn’t paid that much attention to the premise of the book. I love A. L. Knorr books so I didn’t think it really mattered what the book was about. When I realized it had Laec in it I got really excited. After reading the Earth Magic Series I had hoped to read a story featuring Laec. He did seem a bit more mild in this book. But I loved it anyway. There are also two other main characters which are both pretty great. Jess grew on me a bit more than Cifta. Jess is pretty good at growing things. Ha Ha. Now I can’t wait for the next book. Write faster Abby. You are at least a great storyteller!!!

There were a couple things that bothered me. Jess didn’t use her powers a couple times when I think she could have. But it may have been because she just doesn’t understand her powers since her magic is so new to her. As I mentioned I wanted to see Laec with a bit more spice. There is very little in the way of relationship build in this book. The relationship starts to develop but there is really no resolution to it. I am sure there will be more in the next book. I felt it was definitely worth the read.

Update: I listened to the audiobook with my husband and he loved it as much I did. It was fun to listen to it after reading the book. The narrator was excellent.
I can’t wait until the second book is released on audiobook.

Update: I knew I had read this book once or twice and I could have sworn I listened to the audiobook. Come to find out I read it once and now have listened to the audiobook twice. It is a marvelous book. I have read a couple of the other books in the series and can’t wait for them all to be released in audio format.

[L R WS · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Blossom at Midnight - A. L. Knorr

Rating (out of 5 ⭐️): ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating (out of 5 🌶️): 🧊

Ebook / Physical book?: Ebook

Would you recommend: Yes, it's worth giving a read.

Would you read again?: I'm not sure I'd read this one again, but I am looking at reading the next book in the series, to see what happens next.

Non-Spoiler Review:

It's a fresh take on fae stories with an interesting premise. 🧚‍♂️🧝🏻‍♀️🧝‍♂️🌼🌻🌹🌷⚔️

I enjoyed most of the world building and the background for the characters.
However I felt like the first 3/4 of the book were quite slow, and the best bits happened in the last chapters 🙈

The ending leaves you with lots of unanswered questions though, so I'm interested in finding out what happens next !

There isn't really any romance in this one, but I appreciate the way the author builds realistic friendships, with healthy relationships between the fl and older characters. 👍

[Halima (Starlight_and_blooms) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Blossom at Midnight: A YA Epic Fae Fantasy (The Scented Court Book 1) by A.L. Knorr

Such a gorgeous lush read! I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The story is slow build yet enrapturing! The characters are fantastic (especially the animal companions) and world building captivating and immersive. The magic system is fantastical, refreshingly beautiful and unique. Absolutely mesmerising!

~~~~~~

Welcome to the continent of Ivryndi, where flora and fauna magic reign, and an unseelie prince with a mysterious power threatens it all. If you love stories steeped in the beauty of nature, slow-burn romance, and endearing characters (including a whole cast of insects and mammals) you'll never forget, enter the dreamy otherworld of A Blossom at Midnight. At over 500 pages, this title delivers an epic-length fantasy experience by an award-winning author.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

BREATHLESSLY FANTASTIC, JUST BEAUTIFUL !
So many emotions bought forward by this wordsmith author, at times I had to take a break just to absorb when I felt disturbed, scared or anticipated what was in this girls future. I empathised with the mother and daughter, curious about the babies, wondered at her powers and overall I was taken on a journey into another time and place. So nice to see Laec again.
I can highly recommend this as a clean, inspired book suitable for teenagers onwards.
A beautiful start to a fantastic series.

[Shanayah · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought it was such a gorgeous story! it had this beautifully crafted fae fantasy world, with compelling characters and a unique magic system. i really enjoyed a.l. knorr’s writing style, and it was really easy to fall into the lovely universe she’s built. the descriptions were so beautiful, and i felt so immersed. i’ve been really loving fae fantasies recently, and i had such a wonderful time reading this one. i thought it was a lovely start to a gorgeous fae fantasy series! i’m really excited to see what happens next.⁠

[Deanna Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF about 30% through. I wanted to love this, but it was so slow, and the internal monologues of the characters, especially the girls, were rather clunky. Once it got to Cifta's perspective, I honestly couldn't find any of it enjoyable anymore. Some of the things written in her chapters would NEVER get published with the sexes reversed. I felt thoroughly creeped out.

[Denise Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book, I loved it. I enjoyed the characters, the way the writer built them up until they became almost as known to you as your best friend. Her world building, introducing us to all the different kingdoms on the continent of Ivryndi and their inhabitants. However it was how she described all the different types of fae, their familiars and the flora and fauna of these kingdoms was what was wonderful, you could almost smell the honeysuckle as she described it.
Oh and the story was great. The three "main" characters Jess who became a Calyx at the the Royal Court and one with one of the strongest flora magic they have seen. This after a lifetime spent gowing up with her mother in a little village and hiding her ears and the fact that she was half fae. All of these fae have familiars but Jess was also unusual in that she had two, a stunning glass wing butterfly and an adorable humming bee bat. She is taken under the wing of "The Gardener" who leads the flora fae at court and taught to use her magic, which she has never used before as he mother made her hide it.
Laec is from another Royal Court, where he has caused no end of trouble with his pranks and games mainly due to boredom, but the Queen has finally snapped and after having a vision that there will be war in her cousin's Kingdom send Laec there to be her eyes there. He is welcomed by the Queen and is actually the nephew of The Gardener, he and Jess become friends.
Cifta is the daughter of a very wealthy merchant who is betrothed by her father to a fae prince,she is unhappy about this but wants to make her father happy and proud of her so she sets off on a journey to his Kingdom. He is the second son of the King so won't become King himself which suits Cifta, until she gets there and finds the kingdom in mourning the death of the King's eldest son in a riding accident. Her betrothed is very sneaky and prone to violence and keeps her prisoner in her room when he finds her trying to send a message to her Father to annul the engagement, telling him of her conditions.
On the journey to meet her prince Cifta encounters Leac, when he is attacked and robbed by bandits in a forest she and her guards are passing though. She offers him the use of her carriage and the services of her guards until their road splits.
At hearing that Cifta is a prisoner and how kind she had been to him (also the fact her found her very attractive too) he decides to set out to rescue her, and overhearing his plans Jess convinces him to allow her to join him.
Thus their adventure begins.
This is the first in a set of three books, I am now going to order the second one and can't wait to start it

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I am utterly stunned!
Ms Knorr has literally outdone herself here. She exhibits exceptional writing skills and imaginative talent with this book.

I marveled at her descriptions of the characters and the scenes. They were so vivid it was easy for me to see them in my mind’s eye. It was beautiful. I became emersed in this story.

This is this told through multiple POVs. One is a young girl, Jessamine, who is accepted into a royal court due to her magic and floral talents she didn’t know she had until she was urged on by the royal gardener. She learned quite a bit about her personal life, as well, that her mother had neglected to tell her and kept hidden from her. Her familiar is a tiny bat who proves to be her savior many times over.

Another pov is through a woman, Cifta, who was betrothed to marry a prince although she did not come from royalty herself. Her father had arranged the betrothal and was chosen due to his wealth in business. Cifta felt very alone and cold once she reached the royal court and did not want to be there. Her betrothed proved to be an evil abusive prince. On her travels to the court she had met Laec, an elf, and they developed close feelings for each other along their way.

Laec is another POV sent to help the queen’s sister in a separate royal court. We met Laec in the Earth Magic Rises series as he fell in love with Georgie. Alas, it was an unrequited love for him consequently he drowned himself in drink. He pulled himself out of his stupor for this series once he was assigned to see how he could be of assistance to his queen’s sister in a separate royal court. I am routing for him in this series as he tries to prove himself worthy hoping he will be more successful in love.

This is a fantastic start to this new epic series. One I can easily highly recommend.

[Bess · Rating 3 out of 5]

New to me author.
3.5 stars
I really loved the idea of flora fae and their familiars. That was absolutely fantastic. I like Jess and her story. The reason for 3.5 stars is due to the other two storylines that, in my opinion, take away from the story I wanted to read. Laec & Cifta had a cute story but I would have liked to read their story in another book series where it could cross over with Jess but not detract from the main story.
Jess is like most 16-year olds. She craves adventure living in a small town being confined into the daily drudgery of small town life. Her mom, Marion is an enigma. One I wish we could see more of, honestly. Well, flora fae visit her town and Jess is swept up in the fascination that there are others like her! Being half-fae with two familiars (unheard of), she immediately wants to abandon all and seek her destiny. Not that I blame her. Once in the big city, she realizes there's more to her story than her mother shared. Enter a world of mystery, magic, and intrigue.

I kept reading hoping to find out what happens with Jess. I needed answers. I didn't get them in this book. Not sure the series addresses this. I loved Beaz and Greta (sigh). But I wanted to know more.

Disclaimer: cliff-hanger. Big one! Too many unanswered questions, adult language, no kissing, sex, adult situations, kidnapping, mild (very mild) gore, the magic system was very interesting, and lots of insect and animal familiars! Great world-building. Not sure I'll continue. I'm really frustrated that Jess's story was 'overrun' with a potential love story between the other two. It took me forever to finish this because every time we left Jess, I got frustrated. lol

Give it a try! It's a superb concept!

[Kyliegh ReadsnRambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything like this book before, and I read A LOT of fantasy books. The way that A.L described scenes were phenomenal, I literally felt like I was there. I will admit though, I was a bit saddened to find out that there were no maps. I love a good fantasy book with maps but i quickly got over that and continued with the journey.

Now, normally, I don’t like reading books with multiple POVs because at first it’s quiet confusing to remember who is who and who did what but the way this was written, I was able to follow along flawlessly and remember everything. Honestly, I’m debating on whether I want to buy all of her books or order them through my library but my little library goblin is telling me to buy them for myself. Her writing is that good.

Not a whole lot of actions scenes, not until towards to ending but it was still amazing. I was not expecting one of the characters to be able to come back from that and save themselves but I was COMPLETELY wrong. There’s a scene somewhere in the middle where it’s skimmed over a bit but it’s not discussed a whole lot so I think that's why I wasn’t expecting it maybe? Either way, I absolutely loved it!

Some romance, just some flirting here and there but otherwise very tame but it is a Y.A so I’m not to surprised. This book is mainly character building and some plot, I’m guessing to get you ready for the next ones where there’s more action and more of the plot, which yesss I’m definitely getting them!

[Shawna Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 21%.

Story is slow and we have three wildly different main characters in different kingdoms that will eventually meet. Sad thing is that none of them are remotely interesting and I can’t see them gaining in appeal as we go. I may be a fast reader, but I can’t picture myself sticking with this for 5 books. Especially when the first character we meet (with the most elaborate background given yet) has a twin at birth with his own familiar but we blink and his sister is now nearly 17, has both his and her familiars and the brother is nowhere to be seen or mentioned again. It had me scrolling back to be sure I had read he had existed. What happened to him will probably be explained at some point but I am really not that intrigued to stick it out.

It’s already obvious at this early point that two of the characters are going to be attracted to one another even though she (of the least backstory so far) is arranged in marriage to some prince she has yet to meet and the guy is supposed to be heading to a different kingdom altogether.

None of them have sparked my interest in the least. I will admit the author does have a lovely way of describing the landscape, but that’s not enough to keep me reading, especially as the lands described thus far are all ones our characters are leaving as they head out into the world.

I am sure the story will appeal to loads of tastes, so don’t let me discourage you- it just isn’t for me.

[Mirella Ivanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 151 of 2023

3.5 🌟

The magic system is really unique, nothing I have read before. It is probably one of my favourite magical worlds.

With that being said, unfortunately, for me, the book had loads of details that could have been removed as the book was really slow. 🐌

For the first 300 pages or so, I feel like nothing really happened, and as much as I loved all 3 main characters, I think that was 1 too many.

Each main character story was unique and was following an individual storyline that eventually got crossed together, but in that, the overall story kind of got lost for me. I was trying to remember all the side characters and the main characters past and present, and it just got really mixed at some point.

I'd say the book is more of a fantasy than romantasy, and if this is something you like, this book is definitely for you. I have mixed feelings about the book, but they are definitely more positive than negative.

The writing style was also really unique, I enjoyed it very much. I would definitely read more from this author, but unfortunately, I won't be reading any more books in this series.

[Noxwitchbooklife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts with a flashback to the main character as a baby as well as starting this new series off with a bunch of questions.

It was nice to get a series about the faeries that are introduced partially part of the Earth Rises series though it's not necessary to read that to enjoy these.

The whole thing about this book and the faerie court of Solana with the plant magic isn't mentioned at all previously and it was a really wonderfully painted picture of the Calyx and their abilities and fame that Jessica gets learn about and be part of along with her cute little familiars.

The comedic relief of Laec being a bumbling prat wallowing in self pity having to go on a journey out of his comfort zone was another point of view seeing the court from a different angle as well as introducing more of the characters softly in an entertaining way.

It really was a great story and I enjoyed all of it from the light magic of the court of Solana to the Unseelie court and the darker notes that get introduced with Cifta's story.

I read this via Kindle Unlimited.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

A interesting new world a little complex but easy to understand.At first I was confused with the people change on chapters at the beginning and found myself wanting to get back to Jessica. She is the lead in this story but so far there is no love interest for her We also follow Laec he has a possible love interest (not jess) when he stumbles across Cifta. We also follow Cifta (yeah a lot of jumping characters as we learn about each)

I did like that Jessica was not paired with Laec for a love interest (more like partners in crime) these two do get most of the storylines but I liked that the author went a different more interesting direction. Cifta does come across damsel in this one but it's clear there is more to her.
I gave this 5 stars because it is original,new interesting world,not predictable,action,mystery,suspense,a slow burn romance,friendship loyalty,war battles and other worldly.
Off to read book two (late night for me)

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the flora fae magic system— the magic was beautiful and interesting.

The most jarring part of this story was that it didn’t feel like I was hopping between different characters’ viewpoints, it felt like I was hopping between entirely different books.

Starting and getting a real foothold with several chapters of Jessica’s story and then switching to Laec and Cifti who meet almost immediately… felt like it diffused all the momentum Jessica’s story had built up to that point. And then it takes so long for their stories to really become entwined that they didn’t really feel like part of the same world/story. I feel like if the author had given Laec/Cifti and Jessica each respectively their own books, she could have done more deep diving for each instead of staying more surface level.

That being said, I enjoyed the book and will read the sequel/s.

[Jennifer Pezzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to stumble upon another A.L. Knorr story, I loved her other stories and was in search of a new read.
This book reads very well and there's hardly any proofreading errors - I know most people don't care about this, but I being an avid reader do, especially when there's a goof in the middle of an epic scene. But I digress.
I think the story was a great change from the usual fae stories and I am very thankful that the romance was just an undertone to the story, instead the characters and their crisis is the crux of the story.
I honestly couldn't read this story fast enough, the author is great at depicting loads of imagery and thoroughly explaining everything and leaving you wanting more.
I don't want to give too much away about the story, which is why my review is kind of vague, but I highly recommend this book.

[Booktrovert_Always&Forever Capri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book and great start to the series! I am a big fan of fantasy and have read my fair share. The book kind of starts off slow, but it is necessary. There are several different stories taking place all at the same time and because of this, several point of views. Each glimpse we get of a character’s life plays an important role in the book. So, while it may feel a little slow in the beginning, I would rather it not be rushed. This book (being the first in this series) laid down the foundation for the rest of the story to take place. This was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance: definitely slow burn and I can see it building in the upcoming books.
World building: beautifully done
Language: mostly clean *four cuss words

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning with a new fantasy world! Knorr paints a picture of a unique place with some fantasy elements that are new.

Jess is half-fae and finds herself on an adventure of opportunities and change after discovering she has gifts that set her apart even from other gifted half-fae. Cifta agreeds to an engagement to a prince she has never seen only to realize it's not all she thought it would be. Laec goes on a quest for his queen and finds himself embroiled in events which will affect the future of kingdoms. These three main characters are each distinct and interesting. The world in which they interact is fresh and new, and I'm excited to learn more about the history, lore, and magic this world houses. The plot is exciting, and the pace is just right. I look forward to continuing the series.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable and fast-paced read, with one major drawback and one minor drawback.

The major is that it really is half the story. While we are not quite mid-scene at the end, the plot elements are not even remotely resolved. (If you are reading this after the sequel has come out, then never mind - buy this and then get the sequel!)

The minor is that because this builds on interactions of one of its major characters having taken place in another series, there are references made to that which I expect would leave an unaware reader scratching their head and wondering when or if this other amazing woman is going to appear. (I don't expect to see her.)

I am glad I got this and will eagerly reread it when the next book comes out.