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Gladefolk

A Runaway Prince...

A Determined Sister...

Teryx is content to live life as an outcast if that is the cost of his freedom. He fled his kingdom, abandoning his title and the expectations of his former position, and he arrived on the outskirts of a small Fyresprite village in the forest. It's a simple existence, and a lonely one, but it is far better than the life he left behind. He keeps to himself, and the sprites tolerate his presence without disturbing the tenuous peace he is trying to cling to. But then, tragedy strikes.

A young Fyresprite boy goes missing and his sister is determined to set things right, but she can't do it alone. Teryx agrees to help her, despite the past following doggedly at his heels, and the grim future that awaits if they cannot reach him in time.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

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H.M. Skinner

3 books35 followers

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5 stars
44 (41%)
4 stars
40 (37%)
3 stars
13 (12%)
2 stars
8 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for A.K. Caggiano.
Author 22 books2,100 followers
February 25, 2024
I had the pleasure of beta reading Gladefolk, and I was immediately drawn into a unique and captivating world that I never wanted to leave. Skinner does something really special on these pages both with her world building and romance. Yes, if you're a fan of fae and enemies-to-lovers, you will be quite satisfied, but if you're looking for something refreshing and new, you're going to be even more enamored with this fairytale.

These fae are miniscule, but in size only, not heart! Their world is tucked under blades of grass and into tree knots, and it's fascinating, dangerous, and fun. Luci is a headstrong but empathetic heroine who I loved from the very beginning, and Teryx will steal any reader's affection with his angsty brooding but ultimately big heart. The burn between them is slow and delicious, and they're impossible not to root for despite the whole world being against them.

I'm on splinters and shards waiting for part two because I have no idea how they're getting out of the trouble that Skinner's thrust them into at this story's end, but I have every bit of faith that she will!
Profile Image for Paige.
296 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2024
I was extremely fortunate to read an ARC of this book. Immediately as I began the book I felt myself pulled into the world. I struggled to put the book down I was so captivated at the turn of every page. I cannot wait for book 2 based on the ending. Highly HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy once this book is released, especially if you are a fan of enemies to lovers, fae and romantasy!
Profile Image for Roxanne.
85 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2024
Such a great read!

Cute and whimsical but also gruesome at time.
Lots of banter, great storyline and lots of action

As a biologist all the small references to entomology made me soooo happy! I absolutely loved this small world and all it’s fae inhabitants.

I canot wait to read the next book 😊
Profile Image for spidermse.
334 reviews64 followers
May 2, 2024
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading Gladefolk last year and I'm so glad I did!

It's a lovely little story inspired by bugs the author used to find in her backyard. I loved that concept and jumped at the chance to read it. I fell in love with the characters and their stories. It was not your typical, sweet fairy story and that’s part of it’s charm. It’s a captivating and often brutal and dangerous world but the budding romance between the FMC and MMC is so lovely. And their banter was so hilarious and entertaining. By the end I was rooting for Luci and ready to watch her burn down everything to get her love back. Skinner wrote one of my favorite last sentences of any book I’ve read “She had work to do.” 🙌❤

It definitely made me see my backyard and my flower garden in a different light. I'm always taking a closer look and hoping one day I'll see some little fairies in there.
Profile Image for Emilie Wright.
36 reviews
February 16, 2025
A very refreshing read! Having the faeries be bug-sized made for a unique setting that I haven’t seen before in romantasy. The perspective shift made for some really interesting elements. Teryx and Luci have a lot of life to them and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.
Profile Image for Melissa Thyen.
225 reviews22 followers
February 27, 2024
This book was just so cute. I loved the characters. The Fae were unlike any other. It was an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Stephannie.
77 reviews
August 18, 2026
I really liked this one! Teryx and Luci go from not trusting each other to catching feelings, they didn’t want to admit. Their whole journey was full of danger, secrets, and emotional moments. I adored Luci’s determination to find her brother, even when everyone else had lost hope. And that ending!! It left me with ALL the feels and made me even more invested in their story.
Profile Image for Sali Reads.
299 reviews5 followers
March 25, 2024
I loved this book so much! Didn't think i would when i read the synopsis but man was i pleasently surprised.

We follow the story of Teryx and Luci. Teryx is a prince that ran away from his kingdom and vicious father. He finds refuge at the edge of Luci's village where he tries to make peace with his past. When Luci's brother Phylus goes missing she first thinks Teryx has something to do with it, but when he convinces her he hasn't she asks for his help.
While they search for Phylus they get hunted, captured, injured but still keep going forward. Luci is convinced her brother is still alive even when the odds are against him.
Along their quest they find out more about eachother and their view of eachother changes. They start to develop feelings they don't want to aknowledge or act on. Untill they finally reach their destination and find what they were'nt looking for. They have to admit to their losses and their feelings for eachother.
Teryx makes a desicion to save Luci and sacrifices himself. Luci in turn won't sit idly by and takes matters into her own hands. This is where book 1 ends.

I give this book 4 stars because it absolutely surprised me. I like how the author merged the fantasy world into the real world. How reality and fantasy get mixed together and it just makes sense. I can't wait to start on book 2 and find out how Teryx and Luci's story evolves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rose Shupe.
106 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2024
H.M. Skinner's "Gladefolk," the first book in The Entomida Duology, is an absolute gem! This fast-paced story had me hooked from the very first page, and I couldn't put it down-finished it in a day.

The characters are incredible, especially Luci, the fierce
"Spitefyre" main female character. Her strength and depth add so much to the story. The romance is solid and sweet, perfectly woven into the action without any spice, which I appreciated but also can't wait for in book two (just me over here begging) cause I know the build up is so worth it. Plus, the banter between the two main characters is sharp and witty, adding a delightful layer to their dynamic.

The cleverness of the story and the way it unfolds had my mouth dropped. Those giants... when I dawned on me what they truly were, I had to go ahead and scoop my jaw up off the floor cause it was just way too perfectly written.
The cliffhanger ending has me trying to find a fast-forward button to September, when the second book is poised to be released.

"Gladefolk" gives me major Thumbelina vibes, but if Thumbelina was a total badass and didn't need a prince to rescue her! If you're looking for an engaging read with amazing characters and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, "Gladefolk" is a must-read!
Profile Image for BellaDonna De Wolf.
21 reviews
January 11, 2025
Gladefolk is a wonderfully imaginative fantasy where tiny, magical, wonderful kingdoms and fae live among us, unknown to most of us as they take the form, in a slight split off of real life insects in a vast and complicated world. If you love fire hearted, slightly feral women, and men who have taken the initiative and are already on their own redemption arch... If you like a story with plenty of magic and whimsy that doesnt forget the depth and darkness to fuel it, this book is for you.

A beautiful debute for an indie author, I can't wait to read the next.

Are you someone who loved faerie tales and fantasy worlds rich with magic? Were you a child who saved worms from the sidewalks and caught fireflies on hot summer nights? Did you run wild in the woods and fields and wonder what magical things might be waiting in the grass and trees? Looking for faeries in the flowers and dirt? This book is for you.
Profile Image for Michaela B..
Author 2 books6 followers
March 2, 2024
Soo, when is Gladefall coming out? I need more!

I've been following Skinner on Tiktok for a while now and had the good fortune of snagging an ARC for Gladefolk. I started reading and couldn't put it down. The tiny world of these fae gave me the magical feeling I always got from the Ghibli film, The Secret World of Arriety and the Tinkerbell movies, but with a more mature and high-stakes story. I love this type of world where even the most mundane things feels magical.

Skinner does an amazing job of bringing it to life and making you feel like a part of it. I even paused a couple of times to read my husband a few of the of clever lines. I could sense the thorough love and care she put into the story in every tiny detail. From the festival of the Fyresprites to the description of the Jewelwing's kingdom it made me truly believe there is an entire tiny world just outside my backdoor. Now every time I spot a little bug, I have to stop and wonder, what big adventure are they on?

The characters were lovely and I found myself rooting for Luci and Teryx through every high and low they faced. Their chemistry was amazing, and was constantly kicking my feet and giggling at their interactions. Their dynamic is *chef's kiss* exactly what I look for in romantic fiction!

Again, I ask: When is Gladefall coming out?
Profile Image for Katie Lundquist.
48 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2024
Oooh my gosh. Let me tell you when I went into this book I was like, “yeah! This sounds fun. It’ll be cute👍🏻” But then I started reading, and it was in a completely different league than I anticipated! I was hooked immediately, and read it all in 24 hours, while being a mom of two, one of them 8 months old. So that tells you how good it was. But just in case you need more, I’ll happily go on.

The romance was sooo cute. I want more of them. I cannot wait for book two. I LOVED the detailed descriptions of the bug/fae world! I am not someone who studies bugs at all, and it was incredibly descriptive, so even I felt like I could really see what the author was describing. I loved how immersive the world is. Everything down to the smallest details were thought of, even some of the phrases shot back and forth between characters! I can tell the author really took their time putting this world together, and it shows.

Also, it was a really cool choice of bug-fae type for the main girl character. I want this made into a movie so badly so I can see what I saw in my head. Although the movie will never be as good, let’s be honest.

I am grateful that I got to live in that world, even for a brief time. LOVED it. 😍 I will be buying it as a gift for my friend.

Profile Image for Joy.
23 reviews36 followers
May 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Such a sweet story with adorable and traumatized characters at the center of it! I love how most of the metaphors and language reflect their bug-like backgrounds, and there were some really inspiring moments. It’s such a fun and creative take on faeries/sprites/bugs—I really enjoyed getting to know this world!

The little illustrations throughout were a nice touch 💖

As far as downsides go, a handful of plot choices left me feeling slightly dissatisfied, and certain threads of logic put pressure on my suspension of disbelief, which took me out of the story a little bit here and there. The book could have used some more editing to make the prose tighter and more proofreading to fix some mistakes and typos, but as always when it comes to self-published work, I have an abundance of grace! There aren’t massive professional teams behind indie books, and you can only do so much as a single person and a few family and friends.

I really loved the last portion of the book after the acknowledgments that gave us more insight into the “Giants.”

Overall, I think this is a book worth reading (especially if you like romance), and I plan to read the sequel when it comes out! This is a strong debut.
Profile Image for wanderingmeek.
109 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2024
Gladefolk by H.M. Skinner
3/5⭐⭐⭐

“I think it’s supposed to grow. It’s supposed to start small, like a seed. If you take care of it, it will bloom. If you nurture it, over time it will dig its roots down and someday it’ll be strong enough to hold you up when you fall.”



The Cruel Prince meets A Bug's Life in the best ways.

The world building is very well done. The magic system is interesting and the different species of Fae felt well researched. I enjoyed the dynamics between the main characters, as well as how they interacted with the world around them. Both the action scenes and the more intimate scenes felt tense and exciting. The story flowed really well and the ending left me anxiously awaiting book two.

The only thing that detracted from this experience for me was the missed opportunities for additional editing.

Overall, it was a magical read and an excellent debut! 🐝



One of my favorite parts was with the Mantis. It was giving me vibes that matched The Fates from Disney’s Hercules. Chef's kiss!
Profile Image for Reilly.
189 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
I started reading this because of H. M. Skinner’s short story in the Foes to Flames anthology. I loved these bug people and it was refreshing to feel completely transported in this world.

I kinda knew going into it that the core premise wasn’t super interesting to me. I found myself feeling like the foundation for the plot was super rocky. This book ended super strong as a lead in to the next book but I couldn’t help but feel like every part of this book was totally avoidable.

I didn’t consistently understand each character’s decision making. I felt more sympathy for Luci by the end but I didn’t feel like I genuinely liked her. Teryx, though? I love an emo sad boi. Both of them are defined by their trauma which is realistic and fine but I do wish that had been balanced out with more on page banter and general personality.

Overall, I’m rounding up to 4 stars because I think the world is really cool and well written, it was well-paced and excellently edited for being self-published, and I think it did a good job of teeing up the next book!
Profile Image for Logan.
61 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2024
Teryx is a traumatized prince on the run, and Luci is a Fyresprite that needs his help to find her missing brother. She doesn't trust him, but has no other avenues, and her determination might be just what he needs to live again.
I love these two so much! Their relationship is slow to develop, and it's honestly so wholesome. Teryx doesn't believe he's worthy of her, and she doesn't see how someone like him could love her. Her smiles light up his heart, and he can't help but love her. "He would let her taunt him, tease him, and hurt him, and he would enjoy every second of it just for the chance that she might look at him like this again." I love the way that he loves her, and I need more of their relationship immediately.
The book did end on a cliffhanger, so I'm hoping book two comes quickly!

*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Kïrsten.
67 reviews
June 13, 2024
The way I loved this book. From the very first line I was tossed into a fantasy world which is both theirs and ours; a rich viewpoint I can imagine being born from daydreams.

The read was truly enjoyable for me from beginning to end, with Skinner’s unique writing style keeping me fully immersed and wanting for the story to never end. The pacing, the conflicts, the journeys, the wide range of personalities… I wouldn’t change a thing. Even the cliffhanger ending.

With wonderful characters and fantastic imagery, this story manages to have one foot in whimsy and the other in the classics. It was different from anything I had read in a long time, with a hint of nostalgia in such a refreshing way. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fantasy lovers, and to anyone looking for a story that will touch their heart.
Profile Image for Noël.
143 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2023
I had the amazing opportunity to be a beta reader for this novel and I had so much fun reading it.

A prince who is hiding his identity and a fire sprite make an unlikely pair to set out on a quest to find Luci the fire sprites brother who was taken by giants.

This book features witty banter with some excellent one liners from the FMC Luci and also has some of my favorite tropes such as enemies to lovers.

The story had me laughing, crying and yelling at the book. I absolutely loved being a part of the beta reading process and can’t wait to reread the finished product. For readers who have read books from Holly Black such as the Cruel Prince I think you would throughly enjoy this book. Keep an eye out, it will be releasing in spring 2024.
Profile Image for B.G. Vandenberg.
Author 11 books34 followers
March 14, 2024
If you relish a relationship born of desperation and necessity, interactions that are cliche-free and fresh with tension and attraction, and stakes that are high on several fronts, Gladefolk is most definitely for you. Add in a fascinating world built in the mini-verse and you have an "I can't actually put this down" book-inhaling scenario.
H.M. Skinner takes readers on a journey to a world both familiar and delightfully discoverable. Jewelwings and Fyresprites shouldn't mix, but when they must to save Luci's brother, the adventure begins.
I love that the MCs are flawed in such relatable ways and that they find mutual purpose for different reasons. And the blossoming attraction is so carefully drawn out, it keeps you riveted. I most definitely am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Profile Image for Abby Draper.
Author 2 books23 followers
March 16, 2024
“Teryx was so close that a light breeze could’ve had them tangled up till next Tuesday.”

This was such a good story and not one about the typical “fae” realm and instead personifies insects. I could tell that the author is knowledgeable and entomology. It was heartwarming, suspenseful, and romantic. I ~almost~ read this whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down once I got into it.

The story is a little similar to some I’ve read before, but I think it had enough differences and quirks to set it apart. It also ended on a cliffhanger and I am very excited to read the second book!

I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dakota Garland.
36 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2024
"In the end, he would be a reminder of her worst nightmares, and she would be a dream that he would never forget."

Gosh, such powerful writing in this! H.M. Skinner gives us a brief window into the world of Gladefolk and slowly opens up the world as the story progresses. This book fits right in with the wave that is made up of the current juggernauts of the genre such as ACOTAR and Fourth Wing! The main characters are likeable yet tragic. Without giving too much away, it's hard not to identify with these characters who have no doubt experienced trauma in their lives. I find myself looking inward at my own inner thoughts and insecurities while reading this novel and that is a very powerful thing. Can't wait for book 2!
Profile Image for Mary Lee.
664 reviews
July 19, 2024
Teryx is content to live life as an outcast if that is the cost of his freedom. He fled his kingdom, abandoning his title and the expectations of his former position, and he arrived on the outskirts of a small Fyresprite village in the forest. It's a simple existence, and a lonely one, but it is far better than the life he left behind. He keeps to himself, and the sprites tolerate his presence without disturbing the tenuous peace he is trying to cling to. But then, tragedy strikes.

A young Fyresprite boy goes missing and his sister is determined to set things right, but she can't do it alone. Teryx agrees to help her, despite the past following doggedly at his heels, and the grim future that awaits if they cannot reach him in time.
Profile Image for Bee.
35 reviews
February 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I stumbled upon it on tik tok was lucky to be able to be an ARC reader. This book reads very YA in the sense of the romance in it which I actually loved. I love how the author takes the time to have the characters bond throughout their journey. The author also uses bugs in a creative way making them Fae. I hope in the next one we see even more. I’d love to see a butterfly or a caterpillar turned butterfly. This book also weirdly reminds me of Epic the movie from 2013. I’m not entirely sure why, maybe it’s the giants. I think overall this book has some great potential and I look forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Ashley - ElysianLatibule.
79 reviews
Read
March 2, 2024
Beta read!

This is a unique book! The Fae are different from most popular books recently and the storyline is interesting.

🩵Not spicy!

🩵The FMC is strong, independent, and not annoying!

🩵 The MMC is a classic dark and broody type. He’s got a lot of history he’s working through but he doesn’t feel the need to treat the FMC poorly because of it. Big bonus!


In all, I think the author did a good job setting the scene and world building without being boring. It’s fairly straightforward and doesn’t leave a lot of open-ended questions! The set up for book 2 looks like the next one will be a fun arc for the FMC!

I’d recommend!
Profile Image for Judy Green | thegreenishbookshelf.
42 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2024
4.5⭐️

Gladefolk follows Teryx and Luci in a dual POV adventure that takes them out of the safety of the glade. Along this trip, our MCs need to learn to work together and trust each other, even though it goes against their very being.

I found Gladefolk very unique and interesting since the faeries are bugs, versus the centuries old beings we’ve come to know. I actually found myself looking up the different “faeries” we are introduced to, and have learned quite a bit!

This was a very easy read, and it leans YA, but was still very enjoyable. It does leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I am looking forward to continuing the story in the next book!
Profile Image for Ashley Seydel.
9 reviews4 followers
February 21, 2024
The world of this book was so incredibly unique and I loved every aspect of it. The fae creatures were unlike other fae stories, and I could imagine their tiny world out there but so separate from ours that we're oblivious to it.

This story really tapped into my deep-seated love of Bug's Life, and I'm here for it.

Teryx and Luci were both such compelling characters, their banter was fun and charming.

If I have one complaint with this book it would be that it was too short and I wanted more. I'm waiting anxiously to read the second half of the duology!
Profile Image for Christina Odom.
31 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2024
This is a charming and entertaining story. A dark prince unable to love, a young woman who loves so completely. They join together on a quest to find her brother after he disappeared from a festival. While he’s been taught that love is a death sentence, she has sacrificed everything for love. The cassum between their personalities is bridged by their desire to find her brother. This story is an adventure that takes you through twists, turns and narrow escapes. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you hungry for book number two.
Profile Image for Kyleigh.
22 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2024
I don’t think I’ve ever read a story quite like this and I was pleasantly surprised. I typically don’t read fae/faerie type fantasy books, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect out of it. I loved that there was dual pov throughout the book, but the main focus was on the male main character. I think it gave a really great view of their side of an adventure. Most of the books the I read have a FMC, so I would definitely suggest that others read this book if they’re looking for something a little different. Overall, I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters!
Profile Image for Book Bestie Bry 📚.
17 reviews
April 10, 2024
Spoiler free:

I have been yearning for this book my entire life, and I hadn’t known it until now.

For the kids who used to play in your yards pretending that there were fairies and worlds beneath the blades of grass, for the kids who spent hours building worlds in their backyards and forests, for the kids who grew up to believe that the world is still full of magic if you look hard enough. This book is for you!

If you are into: cliffhangers at the end of chapters, enemies to lovers, a redemption arc for past life choices, and 3rd person POV. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Ariadne Elise.
Author 1 book3 followers
May 9, 2024
Utterly magical!

This truly unique fae story is innovative as it is classic. At its heart Gladefolk is a classic story of a noble quest, with a fiery fae heroine and a deadly but tortured dark fae prince. The story is told with beautiful prose that builds and decorates a unique fae world full of whimsy and magic. Reading it will remind you of why you fell in love with reading fantasy, adventure, and romance in the first place. If you loved the movies Thumbelina and Epic… if you remember the TV cartoon The Littles… this is for you. And this is even better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews