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A Throne of Ice #1
A Crown of Ash & Silver
After striking a deal with a slimy merchant, Aurelie Cane’s life is forever changed.
Traded to the fae to maintain peace between the two realms, she finds herself thrust into a world of myth and chaos.
When her captor has plans to sell her hand in marriage in exchange for his own personal gain, she must decide whether she will sit and wait, or stand and fight.
Seeking anything that will get her out of this arrangement, Aurelie confides in the bodyguard assigned to her by the cruelest man she’d ever known. As she uncovers the truth of her bloodlines and magic, she discovers that her quiet guard has more than a few secrets of his own.
Together they dig up a forgotten evil, and Aurelie finds that cold death shines brighter than the summer sun, and the good she once knew is no better than poison in her heart.
One thing rings true despite the chaos that surrounds The Winter Court King had returned from the ashes, and he would burn for her even if it meant losing the throne he desired more than anything else. He'd light the torch and watch the sky turn gray if it meant keeping her safe.
To uphold a treaty of death, or to resurrect a hidden evil...
Her choice could be enough to tear apart kingdoms.
Traded to the fae to maintain peace between the two realms, she finds herself thrust into a world of myth and chaos.
When her captor has plans to sell her hand in marriage in exchange for his own personal gain, she must decide whether she will sit and wait, or stand and fight.
Seeking anything that will get her out of this arrangement, Aurelie confides in the bodyguard assigned to her by the cruelest man she’d ever known. As she uncovers the truth of her bloodlines and magic, she discovers that her quiet guard has more than a few secrets of his own.
Together they dig up a forgotten evil, and Aurelie finds that cold death shines brighter than the summer sun, and the good she once knew is no better than poison in her heart.
One thing rings true despite the chaos that surrounds The Winter Court King had returned from the ashes, and he would burn for her even if it meant losing the throne he desired more than anything else. He'd light the torch and watch the sky turn gray if it meant keeping her safe.
To uphold a treaty of death, or to resurrect a hidden evil...
Her choice could be enough to tear apart kingdoms.
425 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
879 people are currently reading
6155 people want to read
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August 30, 2023anyone else's been cover-baited into adding this??
September 4, 2023
this book made absolutely no sense and none of the characters had any real motives for anything they did and aurelie was supposed to be like the most powerful being in the world and that was literally the entire basis of the plot except…. she had no special power and even the TINY little bit of power she did have, she had no idea how to use and never even used it for anything. there were COUNTLESS people in this book who were far more powerful than her. Eebo or whatever his dumb name was had so much more power than her. They also tried to explain the magic system like 4 times and i still don’t get it.
literally nothing happened in this whole book and it was so rushed and there were a billion plot holes and honestly i skimmed the last like 4 chapters because i was just so bored
literally nothing happened in this whole book and it was so rushed and there were a billion plot holes and honestly i skimmed the last like 4 chapters because i was just so bored
August 24, 2023
✨Romantasy✨
✨Slow Burn✨
✨Found family ✨
✨Fated mates ✨
✨Duel POV✨
🔥Smut meter🔥 1/5
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book.
I LOVED it 😍 I read the book within 48 hours. I didn’t want to set it down.
If you are a fan of From Blood and Ash, Beyond the Veil, and ACOTAR, this book is for you.
I really hope a second book is coming soon!
✨Slow Burn✨
✨Found family ✨
✨Fated mates ✨
✨Duel POV✨
🔥Smut meter🔥 1/5
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book.
I LOVED it 😍 I read the book within 48 hours. I didn’t want to set it down.
If you are a fan of From Blood and Ash, Beyond the Veil, and ACOTAR, this book is for you.
I really hope a second book is coming soon!
December 22, 2023
Thank you B.C. FaJohn, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Let's start with the positive. When I saw the cover art, character illustrations, snippets and tropes for this book on authors IG page, I was salivating. It's so welcoming, catching and cheeky! I can see the appeal why there are many people who liked this book and gave it 5 stars. Tropes + it being a fantasy romance, can sweep anyone away to the magical world of fae, witches and political intrigue. What I also liked is that author tried to explain fae lore and magic system in the beginning.
But sadly, this story did not work for me. If we take tropes: enemies x lovers (not really no) and bodyguard trope (yes, he was a bodyguard who had to stand). Let's start with the magic system. Even though author gave basis of it in the beginning of the book, I still don't understand anything about it (and I have read fair share of fantasy books prior this). It was mentioned that the magic system is heavily linked to push and pull of the stars across this world (still have no idea what it means). It's often uncontrollable unless mastered by its wielder. And that there are secret societies, factions and the presence of fictional religion that play a role in the usage of said magic. This is introduced and explained in The Runed series. Ok, but I am a new reader who picked up this book first, I should be able to at least, after reading the whole story, understand basics of let's say FMC powers. To say that I just need to see and follow her journey or read another series to understand this, is not the most welcoming approach to gain my interest. Book based heavily on magic should explain and introduce it in the first book and leave improvements of said magic in the following books. You can't just say it's uncontrollable and go with the flow. For this FMC, all I know is that she is being later told that she is basically the strongest wielder of ??? powers and something is connected to the stars.
That aside, the identity of FMC was pretty much presented already in ch 4. (even ch. 3 when monster talked). Ch 5 even foreshadows her powers, but not how they work. Just mentioning that the creatures from 'those' relationships were too unstable to utilize and too powerful to ignore.
There were also many moments of me thinking - this does not make any sense. I had a feeling that I was missing something and didn't know when this was explained. The following points are those that I cared enough to note, but there were more:
In general, it's engaging enough book, but because of predictability, puzzling world-building, magic system, repetition and confusing plot - story was too chaotic for me. There was a potential and I hope author will have better construction of the story and better character portrayal in the next books.
This review was not easy to write, because I rarely rate books low and don't want to offend author and their baby (book), but I also want to be true towards myself and fellow friends or strangers, who are deciding if they should pick up the book or not.
Author, best of luck and thank you for the copy.
1.5 stars
Let's start with the positive. When I saw the cover art, character illustrations, snippets and tropes for this book on authors IG page, I was salivating. It's so welcoming, catching and cheeky! I can see the appeal why there are many people who liked this book and gave it 5 stars. Tropes + it being a fantasy romance, can sweep anyone away to the magical world of fae, witches and political intrigue. What I also liked is that author tried to explain fae lore and magic system in the beginning.
But sadly, this story did not work for me. If we take tropes: enemies x lovers (not really no) and bodyguard trope (yes, he was a bodyguard who had to stand). Let's start with the magic system. Even though author gave basis of it in the beginning of the book, I still don't understand anything about it (and I have read fair share of fantasy books prior this). It was mentioned that the magic system is heavily linked to push and pull of the stars across this world (still have no idea what it means). It's often uncontrollable unless mastered by its wielder. And that there are secret societies, factions and the presence of fictional religion that play a role in the usage of said magic. This is introduced and explained in The Runed series. Ok, but I am a new reader who picked up this book first, I should be able to at least, after reading the whole story, understand basics of let's say FMC powers. To say that I just need to see and follow her journey or read another series to understand this, is not the most welcoming approach to gain my interest. Book based heavily on magic should explain and introduce it in the first book and leave improvements of said magic in the following books. You can't just say it's uncontrollable and go with the flow. For this FMC, all I know is that she is being later told that she is basically the strongest wielder of ??? powers and something is connected to the stars.
That aside, the identity of FMC was pretty much presented already in ch 4. (even ch. 3 when monster talked). Ch 5 even foreshadows her powers, but not how they work. Just mentioning that the creatures from 'those' relationships were too unstable to utilize and too powerful to ignore.
There were also many moments of me thinking - this does not make any sense. I had a feeling that I was missing something and didn't know when this was explained. The following points are those that I cared enough to note, but there were more:
In general, it's engaging enough book, but because of predictability, puzzling world-building, magic system, repetition and confusing plot - story was too chaotic for me. There was a potential and I hope author will have better construction of the story and better character portrayal in the next books.
This review was not easy to write, because I rarely rate books low and don't want to offend author and their baby (book), but I also want to be true towards myself and fellow friends or strangers, who are deciding if they should pick up the book or not.
Author, best of luck and thank you for the copy.
1.5 stars
September 29, 2023
EDIT: with now a hundreds of ratings, I’m ok marking this as a 1 star
I received an ARC from this author in exchange for an honest review. I won’t be leaving a starred rating, because I DNF’d this book and I don’t want to tank the GR rating. This book starts out really similar to ACOTAR. Like so similar that I was noticing the smallest of details, that I probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, and it would be shocking if it was a coincidence. Because of this similarity, I found myself constantly comparing it to ACOTAR, which just made reading this story unenjoyable.
The writing was a bit juvenile. It didn’t flow easily, the passing was off, and it was sometimes hard to follow what was actually happening. I was sold on this book by it being an enemies to lover body guard romance, and it just …. was not that. I mean yes, the MMC was her body guard, but he was a body guard in that he stood outside her door and always took her where she wanted to go? and the enemies part lasted max 40 pages before they hooked up. And the hook up was like three days after she was taken prisoner and while she was essentially bleeding out? Were we supposed to overlook the life threatening injury for a mediocre make out session? I looked at a few other reviews after I DNF’d to confirm what I thought the plot twist was, which is to say I could see it a mile away.
I think this book would be good for those who want a romantasy that requires little thinking. I’m obviously in the minority here, but it just wasn’t for me.
I received an ARC from this author in exchange for an honest review. I won’t be leaving a starred rating, because I DNF’d this book and I don’t want to tank the GR rating. This book starts out really similar to ACOTAR. Like so similar that I was noticing the smallest of details, that I probably wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, and it would be shocking if it was a coincidence. Because of this similarity, I found myself constantly comparing it to ACOTAR, which just made reading this story unenjoyable.
The writing was a bit juvenile. It didn’t flow easily, the passing was off, and it was sometimes hard to follow what was actually happening. I was sold on this book by it being an enemies to lover body guard romance, and it just …. was not that. I mean yes, the MMC was her body guard, but he was a body guard in that he stood outside her door and always took her where she wanted to go? and the enemies part lasted max 40 pages before they hooked up. And the hook up was like three days after she was taken prisoner and while she was essentially bleeding out? Were we supposed to overlook the life threatening injury for a mediocre make out session? I looked at a few other reviews after I DNF’d to confirm what I thought the plot twist was, which is to say I could see it a mile away.
I think this book would be good for those who want a romantasy that requires little thinking. I’m obviously in the minority here, but it just wasn’t for me.
November 20, 2023
God this was exhausting to read. Auralie was insufferable (all she did was whimper, pout, and gasp 🙄) and Eero was so flat. I don’t know if the author intended for this to mirror really odd but specific aspects of ACOTAR, but they definitely did. Also it should be illegal to use the phrase “he slurped my juices.” STRAIGHT TO JAIL. And don’t get me started on the weird editing errors and odd wording used…
dnf
May 29, 2024DNF 11%
This cover was giving polished fantasy romance, but in reality I was having difficulty visualizing what was going on in each scene and kinda felt confused. I don't know if my reading retention is just shit rn or the writing just isn't there.
Maybe I'll try again another time and just keep this review for my own remembrance under the spoiler tag?
This cover was giving polished fantasy romance, but in reality I was having difficulty visualizing what was going on in each scene and kinda felt confused. I don't know if my reading retention is just shit rn or the writing just isn't there.
Maybe I'll try again another time and just keep this review for my own remembrance under the spoiler tag?
August 31, 2023
A crown of ash and silver is a steamy slow burn with a feisty FMC and compelling MMC.
Aurelie Cane is a seemingly normal orphan who knows nothing of her parents and has been raised by a couple of witches in the human realm. One day while trying to provide for her found family Aurelie finds herself the captive of the fae, a people she has been taught her whole life to fear.
While in the clutches of the far king of the night court Aurelie discovers hidden power she never knew she had, making her more valuable than she could have ever expected and therefore finding herself being sold to the highest bidder. I’m an attempt to gain some semblance of control in the situation she finds herself relying on the help of someone she never would have expected, her fae bodyguard, Eero.
While he was assigned to keep her safe and to prevent her escaping he also helps to train Aurelie to prepare her for her new life in the fae realm, owned by the leader of one of the courts. However, Eero has secrets and motivations of his own for helping the orphan under his protection.
I really enjoyed reading this ARC and am intrigued to see where the story goes in the next book, especially with some of the side characters I loved! That being said, I felt at times that this book was too similar to acotar and found the ending was missing something, like there should have been a bit more mystery or drama left over to make you want to jump into the next book.
Aurelie Cane is a seemingly normal orphan who knows nothing of her parents and has been raised by a couple of witches in the human realm. One day while trying to provide for her found family Aurelie finds herself the captive of the fae, a people she has been taught her whole life to fear.
While in the clutches of the far king of the night court Aurelie discovers hidden power she never knew she had, making her more valuable than she could have ever expected and therefore finding herself being sold to the highest bidder. I’m an attempt to gain some semblance of control in the situation she finds herself relying on the help of someone she never would have expected, her fae bodyguard, Eero.
While he was assigned to keep her safe and to prevent her escaping he also helps to train Aurelie to prepare her for her new life in the fae realm, owned by the leader of one of the courts. However, Eero has secrets and motivations of his own for helping the orphan under his protection.
I really enjoyed reading this ARC and am intrigued to see where the story goes in the next book, especially with some of the side characters I loved! That being said, I felt at times that this book was too similar to acotar and found the ending was missing something, like there should have been a bit more mystery or drama left over to make you want to jump into the next book.
August 28, 2023
"In a world full of stars, Aurelie, I'd always find my way back to you."
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the Author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Will a budding romance keep Aurelie with the Fae? Are Eero and Aurelie able to overcome challenges not just from the other courts, but from deceptions between them? You'll have to read to find out!
I really enjoyed the ride on this one and I'm interested to see how this story progresses. Going in, I felt like this may be heavily focused on the romance aspect while neglecting the fantasy, but it was actually the opposite.
That said, I feel like the romance was a bit rushed which took me out of it a little. I really wanted to see more pining between our MC's so that the romance was more impactful. My other gripe was that this felt a bit too similar to ACOTAR and FBAA. I'm hopeful that as the story progresses we will see this story develop into something totally separate from the other two.
All in all, a good read and I recommend to fans of the titles above or someone looking for a new fantasy read!
I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the Author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Will a budding romance keep Aurelie with the Fae? Are Eero and Aurelie able to overcome challenges not just from the other courts, but from deceptions between them? You'll have to read to find out!
I really enjoyed the ride on this one and I'm interested to see how this story progresses. Going in, I felt like this may be heavily focused on the romance aspect while neglecting the fantasy, but it was actually the opposite.
That said, I feel like the romance was a bit rushed which took me out of it a little. I really wanted to see more pining between our MC's so that the romance was more impactful. My other gripe was that this felt a bit too similar to ACOTAR and FBAA. I'm hopeful that as the story progresses we will see this story develop into something totally separate from the other two.
All in all, a good read and I recommend to fans of the titles above or someone looking for a new fantasy read!
August 31, 2023
This book is truly riveting! The character and world building is captivating and I cannot wait to see what is to come in the next book!
If you loved ACOTAR you will love this one as well.
If you loved ACOTAR you will love this one as well.
August 24, 2023
Classic fantasy romance, I was able to guess a lot of the twists and surprises but it didn't make it any less fun to engage with! I often seek out what I call "palate cleansers" after I read something super heavy, cliffhanger, overly complicated, and this is the perfect fantasy romance palate cleanser (which is somewhat hard to come from in the genre?). It had nice slow burn spice and tension, feel good moments, longing, etc. Is it the most ground breaking book I have ever read? no, but it is fun and I found the story and characters engaging! The author has also had some nice art made and that was fun to engage with while reading the story!
I enjoyed the inclusion of the bodyguard trope, that felt unique to this story! The usage of both political intrigue and action kept the plot moving. A lot happens in this book and that made it feel like a quick read/kept the story moving forward. I also enjoy an FMC who isn't already a "bad ass" and has some damsel in distress moments. I felt very seen with the amount of times she cried (because same.) The MMC had some nice dimension as well and felt like his background was a nice addition to the general storyline. Finally I really appreciated that while this book is the first in a series it didn't end on a world ending cliff hanger (it had the opportunity and I was nervous!) Instead it wrapped up a major plot point and set the stage for what is coming next. Other highlights include found family and a pretty big twists revolving said found family!
I wish the magic system/world building had been explained a little bit more and there is a bit of insta love/flip flopping emotions (it kind of goes along with fated mates?). I also think there is a decent chunk of violence against women and implied assault. Do with that information what you will, I don't think it was unnecessary but I also know it's not everyone's favorite thing to read. Particular with some unknown factors following the last 10%. There is a full trigger warning list in the book though and felt very comprehensive.
I did receive an ARC for this book but still I would overall I would recommend this and I am excited for future books!
I enjoyed the inclusion of the bodyguard trope, that felt unique to this story! The usage of both political intrigue and action kept the plot moving. A lot happens in this book and that made it feel like a quick read/kept the story moving forward. I also enjoy an FMC who isn't already a "bad ass" and has some damsel in distress moments. I felt very seen with the amount of times she cried (because same.) The MMC had some nice dimension as well and felt like his background was a nice addition to the general storyline. Finally I really appreciated that while this book is the first in a series it didn't end on a world ending cliff hanger (it had the opportunity and I was nervous!) Instead it wrapped up a major plot point and set the stage for what is coming next. Other highlights include found family and a pretty big twists revolving said found family!
I wish the magic system/world building had been explained a little bit more and there is a bit of insta love/flip flopping emotions (it kind of goes along with fated mates?). I also think there is a decent chunk of violence against women and implied assault. Do with that information what you will, I don't think it was unnecessary but I also know it's not everyone's favorite thing to read. Particular with some unknown factors following the last 10%. There is a full trigger warning list in the book though and felt very comprehensive.
I did receive an ARC for this book but still I would overall I would recommend this and I am excited for future books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2024
✨A Crown of Ash and Silver✨
This book. It really was so very good. I loved the beginning that gave an overview of the magic world and system, especially because I hadn’t read any by her before but also because there are SO MANY ways to imagine Fae building.
The story immediately sets off with a BANG and you are off on a wonderful and harrowing fantasy romance, thrust almost immediately into the ruthless and beautiful Fae world. I immediately fell in love with both Aurelie and our Ice Daddy/Snowman, Eero. The world around them was so fun, but the prisoner/guard, trainer/trainee vibe was exactly what I needed. I loved the forced proximity, learning about the witchling and fae powers, and I loved that the communication was raw and forward with secrets but also truths that made me appreciate the depth of the magic world but also the characters.
The romance is *chef’s kiss*, and Eero is a book boyfriend for the ages. Spice is about 3/5, moderate language, political intrigue, plot twists, so much history, character development, fated mates, slow burn, touch her and 🥶, hidden identities, bodyguard, and fae + witches.
I absolutely adored the characters and storyline. The ending was just right. Exactly what I needed and hoped for. I don’t think I could imagine a more perfect ending. And yet, there is still so much open for the sequels and I am HERE FOR THEM. I need more of these characters and this world. Great job, @bcfajohnbooks!
This book. It really was so very good. I loved the beginning that gave an overview of the magic world and system, especially because I hadn’t read any by her before but also because there are SO MANY ways to imagine Fae building.
The story immediately sets off with a BANG and you are off on a wonderful and harrowing fantasy romance, thrust almost immediately into the ruthless and beautiful Fae world. I immediately fell in love with both Aurelie and our Ice Daddy/Snowman, Eero. The world around them was so fun, but the prisoner/guard, trainer/trainee vibe was exactly what I needed. I loved the forced proximity, learning about the witchling and fae powers, and I loved that the communication was raw and forward with secrets but also truths that made me appreciate the depth of the magic world but also the characters.
The romance is *chef’s kiss*, and Eero is a book boyfriend for the ages. Spice is about 3/5, moderate language, political intrigue, plot twists, so much history, character development, fated mates, slow burn, touch her and 🥶, hidden identities, bodyguard, and fae + witches.
I absolutely adored the characters and storyline. The ending was just right. Exactly what I needed and hoped for. I don’t think I could imagine a more perfect ending. And yet, there is still so much open for the sequels and I am HERE FOR THEM. I need more of these characters and this world. Great job, @bcfajohnbooks!
August 30, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, and let me tell you, it was definitely one of my top reads this year! Hits all the tropes, fantastic main characters, and the plot twists are amazing! A slow burn but the spice was🥵🥵 If you like ACOTAR and FBAA, then definitely get your hands on this book!
February 5, 2025
Audiobook and eBook (ARC)
This was so fun to read! If you're looking for a new Romantasy to fall into, I recommend this one. It's got all the classic Fae myth elements and tropes we love (magic, courts, mates, enemies-to-lovers, war) but it's not just a repeat of what's already out there. I'm looking forward to what happens next with Aurelie and Eeros, and learning more about the world and magic system.
This was so fun to read! If you're looking for a new Romantasy to fall into, I recommend this one. It's got all the classic Fae myth elements and tropes we love (magic, courts, mates, enemies-to-lovers, war) but it's not just a repeat of what's already out there. I'm looking forward to what happens next with Aurelie and Eeros, and learning more about the world and magic system.
April 24, 2024
It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t great. The author wrote the fmc’s expressions and reactions so dramatically that I couldn’t help but think of her as Bella Swan from the Twilight movies
June 4, 2024
"𝓘𝓷 𝓪 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭 𝓯𝓾𝓵𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼, 𝓐𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮, 𝓘'𝓭 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝔂 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾."
📖✨A Crown of Ash and Silver✨
🧚🏻♀️B.C. FaJohn
📚 A Throne of Ice #1
𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣-𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
⭐4.5
🌶️2.5
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
❄️ Enemies-to-lovers
❄️ Morally Grey MMC
❄️ He falls first
❄️ Fated mates
❄️ Dual POV
❄️Touch her and die vibes
❄️Fae and Witch's
❄️Found Magic
❄️Lost Kingdom
❄️One horse
❄️Endearing Nicknames
This perfect ✨ACOTAR hangover cure✨, *ensnared * me from the very first page!!!🥰
The story centres around Aurelie,an orphan, living in the human territory with her found family ( adopted witch mother , a witch who's more like an elder sister and a hawtt "friend" with benefits 😉) . She's happy albeit poor , living it up with her family, when BAM ! Plot twist!
She's frisked away to the Fae world !!!!
.
.
As she acclimatises to her miserable new life, we finally get to meet the Morally Grey Swoon-worthy, new Book BF MMC , who's her bodyguard in the guilded prison, but oh well does he have a LOTTAA secrets ❤️🔥❤️🔥
The story is perfectly paced , with amazing world building and character development, a dreamy Slow burn, so many emotional rollercoasters and some very very cute nicknames 😏😏
I immediately fell in love with the MMC, and even though it took some time, I finally started warming up to the FMC 🫶🏻
The book ends on a quiet note ( no heart wrenching cliffhanger) , but there's so much left in the story , that I cant waittt to explore more of it , IMMEDIATELY!!
(Gonna start the next book as soon as I finish typing this review 😋)
And before I forget, have you looked at the cover, OMG it's GORGEOUS !! Aalllll the FEELS!! 😍 😍 😍
Before you start reading, do go through the content warnings ( it's mentioned at the start of the book ) .
Thank you BC FaJohn for this amazing reader's copy, I am in AWE of the book and well as you ! 💜💜💜
📖✨A Crown of Ash and Silver✨
🧚🏻♀️B.C. FaJohn
📚 A Throne of Ice #1
𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣-𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨
⭐4.5
🌶️2.5
🆃🆁🅾🅿🅴🆂
❄️ Enemies-to-lovers
❄️ Morally Grey MMC
❄️ He falls first
❄️ Fated mates
❄️ Dual POV
❄️Touch her and die vibes
❄️Fae and Witch's
❄️Found Magic
❄️Lost Kingdom
❄️One horse
❄️Endearing Nicknames
This perfect ✨ACOTAR hangover cure✨, *ensnared * me from the very first page!!!🥰
The story centres around Aurelie,an orphan, living in the human territory with her found family ( adopted witch mother , a witch who's more like an elder sister and a hawtt "friend" with benefits 😉) . She's happy albeit poor , living it up with her family, when BAM ! Plot twist!
She's frisked away to the Fae world !!!!
.
.
As she acclimatises to her miserable new life, we finally get to meet the Morally Grey Swoon-worthy, new Book BF MMC , who's her bodyguard in the guilded prison, but oh well does he have a LOTTAA secrets ❤️🔥❤️🔥
The story is perfectly paced , with amazing world building and character development, a dreamy Slow burn, so many emotional rollercoasters and some very very cute nicknames 😏😏
I immediately fell in love with the MMC, and even though it took some time, I finally started warming up to the FMC 🫶🏻
The book ends on a quiet note ( no heart wrenching cliffhanger) , but there's so much left in the story , that I cant waittt to explore more of it , IMMEDIATELY!!
(Gonna start the next book as soon as I finish typing this review 😋)
And before I forget, have you looked at the cover, OMG it's GORGEOUS !! Aalllll the FEELS!! 😍 😍 😍
Before you start reading, do go through the content warnings ( it's mentioned at the start of the book ) .
Thank you BC FaJohn for this amazing reader's copy, I am in AWE of the book and well as you ! 💜💜💜
August 16, 2023
From the brilliant mind of B. C. Fajohn comes a new series that is absolutely incredible and worth every page. The storyline is addicting and Eeros is so freaking swoony. 😮💨 It also solidified in my mind that Fajohn is the queen of slow burn and it’s worth the wait to get to the fire. Every dang time.
There’s so much that we find out through the world building and background stories throughout the book and it was all intentional and necessary to story development.
Aurelie really goes through it and has to battle through the conflicting desires between what her heart and head want. Her character development was definitely worth the journey she went through as she was broken down and built up.
All in all, I truly loooooved this book. You will too if you like:
✨Found Family
✨Touch her and ☠️
✨Fated Mates
✨Slow burn
✨One horse
✨Found identity
There’s so much that we find out through the world building and background stories throughout the book and it was all intentional and necessary to story development.
Aurelie really goes through it and has to battle through the conflicting desires between what her heart and head want. Her character development was definitely worth the journey she went through as she was broken down and built up.
All in all, I truly loooooved this book. You will too if you like:
✨Found Family
✨Touch her and ☠️
✨Fated Mates
✨Slow burn
✨One horse
✨Found identity
June 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Moderately spicy
- Lost kingdoms
- found magic
- old fae seelie/unseelie and seasonal courts
- witches, humans, shifters and fae
- feisty FMC
- secretive MMC
- good pacing
- lots of hurt/comfort
- bodyguard trope
This is a great read, and one I finished soooo quickly. I really didn’t want to put it down. It’s got a great setting, the human realm vs the fae, but also with witches and great pet names and magic. I loved the romance and fated mate storyline, and boy oh boy the things that Eero SAYS! The love confessions are top notch! Cant wait for the sequels and to read more of this story.
Book review:
Aurelie and her distinctly rounded ears are on one side of the divide between the Fae and human realms, living with her found family of witches and a hunky best friend with benefits. Her life is turned completely around when she kills a twisted and evil fae underling in the forest in self defense, and a dark fae king comes to collect a trade for its life. She is taken prisoner in the fae realm, magic she didn’t know that existed within her surfacing, making her a commodity in her captors kingdom. As her magic and body are up for the highest bidder, she relies on her bodyguard, Eero, to protect and guide her. His eyes are covered, stopping her from fully knowing and trusting him, but as the stakes are raised, she needs allies and his protectiveness is going beyond that of just a guard and prisoner.
🌶️ Moderately spicy
- Lost kingdoms
- found magic
- old fae seelie/unseelie and seasonal courts
- witches, humans, shifters and fae
- feisty FMC
- secretive MMC
- good pacing
- lots of hurt/comfort
- bodyguard trope
This is a great read, and one I finished soooo quickly. I really didn’t want to put it down. It’s got a great setting, the human realm vs the fae, but also with witches and great pet names and magic. I loved the romance and fated mate storyline, and boy oh boy the things that Eero SAYS! The love confessions are top notch! Cant wait for the sequels and to read more of this story.
Book review:
Aurelie and her distinctly rounded ears are on one side of the divide between the Fae and human realms, living with her found family of witches and a hunky best friend with benefits. Her life is turned completely around when she kills a twisted and evil fae underling in the forest in self defense, and a dark fae king comes to collect a trade for its life. She is taken prisoner in the fae realm, magic she didn’t know that existed within her surfacing, making her a commodity in her captors kingdom. As her magic and body are up for the highest bidder, she relies on her bodyguard, Eero, to protect and guide her. His eyes are covered, stopping her from fully knowing and trusting him, but as the stakes are raised, she needs allies and his protectiveness is going beyond that of just a guard and prisoner.
August 31, 2023
"In a world full of stars, Aurelie, I'd always find my way back to you
I loved this book! And I can’t tell you enough how happy I was to be able to arc for this author!
💙Romantasy
💙Slow Burn
💙Found family
💙Fated mates
💙Duel POV
💙Touch her and ☠️
This story started off great and kept pace throughout the entire way. The duel pov, and the slow burn was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see where our two MMCs end up and how their story continues.
I loved this book! And I can’t tell you enough how happy I was to be able to arc for this author!
💙Romantasy
💙Slow Burn
💙Found family
💙Fated mates
💙Duel POV
💙Touch her and ☠️
This story started off great and kept pace throughout the entire way. The duel pov, and the slow burn was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see where our two MMCs end up and how their story continues.
August 31, 2023
COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!
I’m a sucker for fantasy romance so this was right up my alley! The world building was perfect! The hate to love from our FMC and MMC is to die for and he’s the perfect shade or morally grey😍
If you’re a lover of fantasy romance, Fae, witches, enemies to lovers, touch her and die. This is the book you need to read! I’m so excited for book 2!!
Thank you to author B.C FaJohn for letting me be part of her ARC team!
I’m a sucker for fantasy romance so this was right up my alley! The world building was perfect! The hate to love from our FMC and MMC is to die for and he’s the perfect shade or morally grey😍
If you’re a lover of fantasy romance, Fae, witches, enemies to lovers, touch her and die. This is the book you need to read! I’m so excited for book 2!!
Thank you to author B.C FaJohn for letting me be part of her ARC team!
July 5, 2024
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
I enjoyed all the characters and I found them interesting to make me want to read more about them and see where the journey goes. However, Sapphire I've had a bit of a struggle to remember who she is and why she's important but also not that important based on her apparition in the story. But overall she was interesting to read and learn about her past.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building was beautiful and I really liked all the details offered. Some scenes were really beautifully crafted and sometimes made me feel like I'm watching a movie.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I liked the story in general, the narrative, and the pace of the story. I've not read ACOTAR so I can't say if the story is similar or not. I enjoyed the bodyguard trope, I felt it was quite nicely made and also their relationship was a bit of intense but also a bit back and forth. I did get confused more than once when came to the FMC's training and also the way the magic system worked but it wasn't that big of a deal for me in the end. However, while I enjoyed most of the book to give it a 5 star, I also felt that some things were missing it to make it really, really memorable. I am still invested in reading the second one obviously and see how things develop and what is yet to come.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
I'd say the spice is round 3 pepper flames for my own scale. TWs I'd say the battle scenes can be a bit gruesome but they didn't trigger me, however, if you don't do well with blood scenes then you may have an issue with it.
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⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
I enjoyed all the characters and I found them interesting to make me want to read more about them and see where the journey goes. However, Sapphire I've had a bit of a struggle to remember who she is and why she's important but also not that important based on her apparition in the story. But overall she was interesting to read and learn about her past.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
The world-building was beautiful and I really liked all the details offered. Some scenes were really beautifully crafted and sometimes made me feel like I'm watching a movie.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I liked the story in general, the narrative, and the pace of the story. I've not read ACOTAR so I can't say if the story is similar or not. I enjoyed the bodyguard trope, I felt it was quite nicely made and also their relationship was a bit of intense but also a bit back and forth. I did get confused more than once when came to the FMC's training and also the way the magic system worked but it wasn't that big of a deal for me in the end. However, while I enjoyed most of the book to give it a 5 star, I also felt that some things were missing it to make it really, really memorable. I am still invested in reading the second one obviously and see how things develop and what is yet to come.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
I'd say the spice is round 3 pepper flames for my own scale. TWs I'd say the battle scenes can be a bit gruesome but they didn't trigger me, however, if you don't do well with blood scenes then you may have an issue with it.
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August 29, 2023
I was so excited to read this, and I was probably even more excited when I saw that it arrived as an ARC in my inbox, and I thought it was a very quick paced book.
I absolutely ADORE Eero and he is a dreamboat of a man. I was incredibly frustrated with Aurelie during this book, but I often think that's a testament to an author's writing abilities. Because, I can understand WHY Aurelie does the things that she does- even if *I* wouldn't do them.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this entire book is that we get Eero and Aurlie POV and the chapter's often will go over the scene from both of them, rather than progressing ahead after only reading it from one character's POV.
If you loved fated mates, magic, found family, fae, and shoddy family member drama- you're gonna like this book. If had a slight FBAA vibe, but also a little bit of something else that I can't put a right finger on, maybe like an ACOTAR? It's a little predictable at times, but it's not anything that would deter me from a re-read or recommending it. We know that you can reinvent the wheel a billion times, but how you get to the wheel/plot is what matters the most to me and that's what kept me reading and reading. I often times found myself saying "okay at the end of this chapter, I will go do XYZ" and then next thing you know it was about 5 chapters later. oops
I'm going with a 4 on this just because I wish there was a smoother transition and detailing between some of the action and conversational scenes. Sometimes I felt like I had missed something, but I will sit here and gaslight myself that it's a me thing. Additionally, I felt like this book when so fast but so slow at the same time with the pace.
Also, I need book two nowwwwwwwwww.
I absolutely ADORE Eero and he is a dreamboat of a man. I was incredibly frustrated with Aurelie during this book, but I often think that's a testament to an author's writing abilities. Because, I can understand WHY Aurelie does the things that she does- even if *I* wouldn't do them.
One of my absolute favorite parts of this entire book is that we get Eero and Aurlie POV and the chapter's often will go over the scene from both of them, rather than progressing ahead after only reading it from one character's POV.
If you loved fated mates, magic, found family, fae, and shoddy family member drama- you're gonna like this book. If had a slight FBAA vibe, but also a little bit of something else that I can't put a right finger on, maybe like an ACOTAR? It's a little predictable at times, but it's not anything that would deter me from a re-read or recommending it. We know that you can reinvent the wheel a billion times, but how you get to the wheel/plot is what matters the most to me and that's what kept me reading and reading. I often times found myself saying "okay at the end of this chapter, I will go do XYZ" and then next thing you know it was about 5 chapters later. oops
I'm going with a 4 on this just because I wish there was a smoother transition and detailing between some of the action and conversational scenes. Sometimes I felt like I had missed something, but I will sit here and gaslight myself that it's a me thing. Additionally, I felt like this book when so fast but so slow at the same time with the pace.
Also, I need book two nowwwwwwwwww.
August 29, 2023
I loved this book. The world building is great, it isn't overly lengthy or tedious, like some books tend to be. The pace is expected for this type of book and I didn’t easily get bored and want to put it down. The FMC Aurelie, is an Orphan, who lives with sorceress and a lover, but when given the chance to find why local hunters are going missing, she finds herself in trouble and now the prisoner to the Night Court King. During her stay she is given a guard to watch over her, Eero. She finds she is wanted for her lineage and the king plans to sell her to the highest bidder, which isn't as fair as it sounds, when he already has a winner in mind. Eero is the only person to show her kindness and soon they start to fall for each other. This leads to many secrets being kept from her and her frustration and trust growing thin for the gorgeous fae bodyguard.
Aurelia, won't lie kind of made me frustrated. She tried so hard to resist her true feelings and whenever she did, she made it Eeros fault. When in reality, it seemed it was just her own worries and insecurity that made her angry at him. Not saying he did no wrong, because he could have been more forthcoming. Her upbringing in the world of mortals made all fae evil and I get the resistance to trust one so easily. Eero is amazing. His protectiveness, his words, and his powers all intrigued me and made me love his character. Definitely can not wait for book 2.
Aurelia, won't lie kind of made me frustrated. She tried so hard to resist her true feelings and whenever she did, she made it Eeros fault. When in reality, it seemed it was just her own worries and insecurity that made her angry at him. Not saying he did no wrong, because he could have been more forthcoming. Her upbringing in the world of mortals made all fae evil and I get the resistance to trust one so easily. Eero is amazing. His protectiveness, his words, and his powers all intrigued me and made me love his character. Definitely can not wait for book 2.
April 8, 2024
"I will continue to love you, even if the stars stop burning. If the sky collapses, leaving us in nothing but a void of violence and darkness, I will always love you - my guiding light."
ARC Review
I loved this story from start to finish, and I crave more! I was hooked the moment Aurelie meets the stoic masked bodyguard Eero. I normally do not enjoy rotating male povs, but I found myself looking forward to reading Eero's chapters. He's truly a morally grey character, and I absolutely loved that he displayed both hero and villain attributes. Unapologetically killing people to protect Aurelie and being so gentle and patient with her.... um yes. I am dying to know what the heck happened to Aurelie at the end and how it'll play out in book two!!
ARC Review
I loved this story from start to finish, and I crave more! I was hooked the moment Aurelie meets the stoic masked bodyguard Eero. I normally do not enjoy rotating male povs, but I found myself looking forward to reading Eero's chapters. He's truly a morally grey character, and I absolutely loved that he displayed both hero and villain attributes. Unapologetically killing people to protect Aurelie and being so gentle and patient with her.... um yes. I am dying to know what the heck happened to Aurelie at the end and how it'll play out in book two!!
August 29, 2023
5⭐️
"Desire is danger," he warned.
B.C. Fajohn has such a way with words in her writing. An excellent eye to detail that makes imagining the details of surroundings to the clothes on her characters back feel so seemless. I'm so excited to be diving into yet another series of hers.
"My vicious witchling...my star, my love, my impossible, untouchable Aurelie. You are my mate, my reason to keep on."
Eero felt very comical to me in his thoughts when it came to his desire being around Aurelie, especially in the earlier interactions. From the very beginning, you could tell Eero cared for her and reading as the feelings just continued to bloom was perfection. Don't worry, Aurelie, I, too, would ignore my gaping wounds to make out with Eero as well. Always creating men that I end up obsessing over. 🥵
Tw: Sexual Harrasment, SA, gore, kidnapping, death
Tropes:
📚One Horse
📚Touch her and 💀
📚Slow Burn
📚Bodyguard
📚He Falls First
📚Fated Mates
📚Magic
Another book that makes you really wish you were taken by the fae.
Thank you so much for the arc. I definitely need the physical book on my shelf for my future reread because YES, I am absolutely rereading this again.
"Desire is danger," he warned.
B.C. Fajohn has such a way with words in her writing. An excellent eye to detail that makes imagining the details of surroundings to the clothes on her characters back feel so seemless. I'm so excited to be diving into yet another series of hers.
"My vicious witchling...my star, my love, my impossible, untouchable Aurelie. You are my mate, my reason to keep on."
Eero felt very comical to me in his thoughts when it came to his desire being around Aurelie, especially in the earlier interactions. From the very beginning, you could tell Eero cared for her and reading as the feelings just continued to bloom was perfection. Don't worry, Aurelie, I, too, would ignore my gaping wounds to make out with Eero as well. Always creating men that I end up obsessing over. 🥵
Tw: Sexual Harrasment, SA, gore, kidnapping, death
Tropes:
📚One Horse
📚Touch her and 💀
📚Slow Burn
📚Bodyguard
📚He Falls First
📚Fated Mates
📚Magic
Another book that makes you really wish you were taken by the fae.
Thank you so much for the arc. I definitely need the physical book on my shelf for my future reread because YES, I am absolutely rereading this again.
August 26, 2024
I absolutely loved the worldbuilding and characters in this story! The cover does not do it justice at all. It could use the benefit of a professional editor as there were quite a lot of technical errors and some parts of the story that didn't mesh well or make sense. FaJohn's use of the word rasped reminded me of Maas' drawled. It wasn't perfect, but it was still outstanding. An epic, sweeping romance and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
September 1, 2023
I got an ARC for this book and it took me a while to read it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Pros: The MC is likeable, annoying and fallible, very easy to read identify with.
The fae distinctions are simple enough to keep up with and don't feel overwhelming
The magical aspect is fleshed out super well over the use of bartering secrets and developing depth to characters.
Neutral: It is comparable to ACOTAR but I think as an author using Fae it's impossible to not be compared right now.
A little over descriptive sometimes which left me wanting to skim paragraphs.
Cons: I found a lot of repetition in certain words which made me re-read sentences because I misunderstood.
The ending felt rushed, doesn't set up open enough for the second IMO.
Overall I really enjoyed it.
Pros: The MC is likeable, annoying and fallible, very easy to read identify with.
The fae distinctions are simple enough to keep up with and don't feel overwhelming
The magical aspect is fleshed out super well over the use of bartering secrets and developing depth to characters.
Neutral: It is comparable to ACOTAR but I think as an author using Fae it's impossible to not be compared right now.
A little over descriptive sometimes which left me wanting to skim paragraphs.
Cons: I found a lot of repetition in certain words which made me re-read sentences because I misunderstood.
The ending felt rushed, doesn't set up open enough for the second IMO.
Overall I really enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2023
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and let me tell you…. it was amazing. It held my attention and intrigued me within the first chapter. I quickly fell in love with the main character Aurelie and i miss her already 😭
If you like FBAA, ACOTAR and or These Hollow Vows / These Twisted Bonds i think this book is for you! And if that’s not enough to convince you then listen to me when i say it’s worth it for the tropes, adventure, and slow burn 🔥🔥
Some tropes included (that i love):
- forced proximity
- one horse😏
- fated mates
- bodyguard
- TOUCH HER AND DIE
- hurt / comfort
- he falls first
I’ll avoid using the love interests name so i don’t spoil it but i’ll just say that i adore him. i have a new book boyfriend. He is so thoughtful and sweet towards Aurelie and would literally 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 anyone who even looks at her at times👀
I loved this book and am so thankful again to the author B.C FaJohn for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. i’m so excited to get my physical copy to display and forever commemorate my first official ARC read and review. I cannot WAIT for the next book!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this book and let me tell you…. it was amazing. It held my attention and intrigued me within the first chapter. I quickly fell in love with the main character Aurelie and i miss her already 😭
If you like FBAA, ACOTAR and or These Hollow Vows / These Twisted Bonds i think this book is for you! And if that’s not enough to convince you then listen to me when i say it’s worth it for the tropes, adventure, and slow burn 🔥🔥
Some tropes included (that i love):
- forced proximity
- one horse😏
- fated mates
- bodyguard
- TOUCH HER AND DIE
- hurt / comfort
- he falls first
I’ll avoid using the love interests name so i don’t spoil it but i’ll just say that i adore him. i have a new book boyfriend. He is so thoughtful and sweet towards Aurelie and would literally 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪 anyone who even looks at her at times👀
I loved this book and am so thankful again to the author B.C FaJohn for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book. i’m so excited to get my physical copy to display and forever commemorate my first official ARC read and review. I cannot WAIT for the next book!
September 10, 2023
This was a great fantasy read. It follows Aurelie as she is taken prisoner by a Fae king. Aurelie does come across as quite young, naive, and immature, and I would love to see some strong character development from her in future books. This book is dual POV. It has themes of hidden identity, hidden magic, fated mates & found family.
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