Magic belongs to the fae. It’s always been so. But when Bri, a free-spirited human, and Era, an order-seeking fae halfling, come together for their annual family dinner, magic breaks every rule, and a nightmare is unleashed on both sides of the portal. The sisters, who have already lost enough in their young lives, might lose each other in the magical divide—unless they can mend the world that Cheia wishes to sever and split apart.
Delve into, book one of the Legends of Cheia. Prepare for a magical tale of faedoms, enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, high stakes adventure, and blinding chaos. Sever and Split. From the minds of Leigh Ferguson and Teshelle Combs.
Teshelle Combs is the award-winning author of books like The Underglow and the First Collection.
She's well known for her fantasy romance standalones like The First Dryad, The First Stone, The First Nymph, and The First Flame. (Read in any order, listed in order of writing).
Tropes include enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, arranged marriage, twists & turns, and more.
This book was a delightful surprise. It took a few chapters for the unique world of magic to make sense to me, but once I caught on, the story moved fast. I loved the action, romance, family, character growth, and - most of all - the hilarious banter. This was my first book by these authors, but definitely not my last!
Thank you to the authors for this ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.
Sever and Split by Leigh Ferguson and Teshelle Combs is hands down one of the best fae fantasy novels I have read in recent memory, maybe ever. It is definitely the first book that I flipped back to page one to begin an immediate reread taking less than 48 hours to finish both reads. I haven’t read many books written by more than one author, but at no point could I tell where one voice started and another ended. This novel has elements of fantasy, romance, thriller, suspense, mystery, and so much more. The detail, world building, and magic system was so unique, but was presented in a way that was equally easy to understand and thoroughly detailed enough to paint a mental picture. The main characters (which were multiple) and side characters were all given so much depth and attention to detail. Every one of the characters was complex and as the fast paced plot progressed I was able to develop a connection to characters I genuinely disliked at the beginning. I don’t want to go into the plot or tropes as I believe those to be spoilers, but I will say the SECOND preorders drop for book two I will be purchasing because I have theories. If it hasn’t been clear and you’re still reading my rambling review please read this amazing book you won’t regret it.
I enjoyed this book so much and will be eagerly awaiting the next in the series. This story gave me anxiety in the best way. I became so invested in the characters and the story.
I adored this book! The world building was epic. I absolutely loved the characters. I want more. The sisterly love, the romance, the adventures, drama and all up in my feelers! Love LOVED this book. Bri and Era are the absolute best. Still on the fence about Leo, I love him but like what? Lmao. Perfect!
I got to do an ARC for this book and it was SO worth it! This is not my typical genre but I wanted to try something new. Every character whether fae, human or halfling make you feel you’re in their mind and their world. Era, Bri, Aellus, Oteros and so many more show the good and bad sides of Cheia’s power. This is a book of magic, cross worlds, romance, and fight! Family reunification, growing love interests, new powers, and so much more packed into one adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Teshelle Combs and Leigh Ferguson created a masterpiece! I have read this book twice and have fallen in love with the characters and the story each time! Enemies to lovers? Yes! Friends to lovers? Absolutely! Fae? Most definitely!
I am so looking forward to more stories about the Legends of Cheia! I knew from reading many of Teshelle Combs' other books that I was going to enjoy the characters she and Leigh Ferguson created, but I loved the world building in this book nearly as much as I enjoyed the interactions between Sever & Split main characters. I won't give a synopsis, as that's easy enough to find in the book description, so I'll dive into what I like about the characters themselves and their dynamics.
I identified with both Bri and Era more than I had anticipated. With most stories that have a duo leads like this, I tend to lean pretty heavily towards one over the other as a "favorite" lead. Era's desire for rationality and logic really resonated with me, especially in a digital world where it's getting harder and harder to whittle things down to cold, hard facts. The weight of Bri's emotions, however, felt so distinctly symptomatic of the human condition, that it's impossible not to feel her struggles too. I very much enjoyed the strength of the bond between the two sisters, despite the distance between them.
Oteros and Aellus are fun characters, too. The dynamic between Era and Oteros is quite sweet, and I think will appeal to readers looking for a friends to lovers story. I, personally, really enjoyed the development of Aellus and Bri's story, as I am partial to strong-minded women and the grumpy men that find themselves in their orbit.
I found this story quite cathartic. For a variety of reasons, it can feel like life is at the brink of SOMETHING. Like the world is gearing up for some kind of dramatic change. Whether that something feels very personal or global depends upon the reader, but regardless, watching Era and Bri fight back against this invisible force that is dragging them towards a future they don't think they want is like a cleansing for anyone feeling an unwanted force in their own lives.
The ending to this story brings all the feels, and I think it was perfect for this story. But I can't wait to see what happens next, and I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I absolutely feel like Leo has a story I need to hear! There's something up with him, I swear!
Sever and split is a fast paced fae portal fantasy book, co-authored by TC and LF. Written from dual character perspectives, Both authors do a fantastic job of seamlessly lining up the story and progressing it through the chapters, and it was an addictive, action filled read from the outset. The story follows Era (a half fae, half human with an incredible gift for welding Cheia despite her halfling status), and Bri (Era’s human half sister) as they meet for their annual family dinner with their mother since fae governing bodies refuse to permit more contact between Era’s and the human realm. However, at dinner things get weird and both sisters can’t explain what they’re experiencing or why, but it seems Cheia (which humans understand to be magic) flows through them both somehow despite there never being any instance of humans wielding cheia. Things quickly go from bad to worse at the portal entrance and violence breaks out between humans and fae. Era and Bri need the help of their friends, love interests, and family to find out what is wrong with Cheia and try to restore balance to the universe again. The perfect balance of emotional, heart wrenching, sultry, and feel good fantasy, Sever and Split will not disappoint. Truly a one of a kind book.
I love Leigh’s writing! This was my first book written by Tess and I now need to go back and read more. I loved this story, and it was very well written between the two. There was no indication of who wrote what; it all flowed together so smoothly and easily. The story is about two sisters who have a yearly visit because they are from two different worlds. One fated night Bri is running late to dinner (which isn’t abnormal for her) and he finds a ride to the diner from Leo (dark and mysterious biker). There she gains the energy from Cheia and begins to hear voices in her head that she wants to talk to her sister Era about. Chaos breaks out and the two worlds collide when there is death and destruction among the two. Is it possible for the two to co-exist and not have everyone want to kill each other? While reading the book, I could see the environment and hear the different emotions the characters portrayed. My favorite line was “You’re chaos wrapped in a beautiful body.”
I had the opportunity to read Sever and Split as an ARC.
This story has left me wanting more, it was easy to read and follow along in what’s going on. Not going to lie, but I did shed some tears.
Sever and Split follows two sisters: Era (hafling) and Bri (human).
Era lives in a faedom world and is trying to get into apprenticeship, but it’s time to visit the human world as she can only do this once a year.
Bri had some tragic things that have happened and she is now feeling some things and doesn’t really know what’s going on. She wants to talked to Era about it to get some insight.
Bri is my absolute favorite character in this story… oh and did I forget to mention about the love interest that both sisters have? Aellus (Bri) and Oteros (Era)… ugh I still don’t know who I like best, but I think I’ll go with Aellus because he’s grumpy 😂!
I don’t want to give too much away, you’ll just have to read it yourselves 😉.
Very glad to have been provided with an ARC for this book.
I don't often read books that are written by dual authors as I find that they often don't blend well together, which makes for awkward reading. With this, however, the story flowed beautifully and you would actually think it was written entirely by one person.
This has something for everyone in it; magic, suspense, romance, family relationships, witty banter, humour. To put so much in without dulling one topic over the other is impressive.
The story itself was superbly done and I did not want to put this down. I read it all in about a day and was so sad when I finished it!
There wasn't one character who I didn't find interesting and that is impressive, particularly with side characters as they're not always well put together.
Can't wait to read more from these talented authors!
I’m going to give this one 3.7 stars. It took a minute to get into it, but once I did I couldn’t stop reading!
Action packed, lives on the line, fae and humans and halfings all living together in different realms that are crossed with portals. Everything is put on the line when magic, Cheia, starts driving people mad and telling them to do harmful deadly things.
From there it’s a race to figure out how to stop it.
I’m torn between a 3 and 4 star review bc while I couldn’t stop reading, I don’t really understand the ending. Or, I guess a better way to put it, is I never really got the why. Maybe it’s unnecessary to know why.
Anyway, if you like fae stories with lots of action then this book is for you!
This is easily one of my favorite reads of 2024. The world building is amazing, and the characters are phenomenal. I have to tell you; laughed, cried, raged, and loved right alongside the characters. You can feel the passion these two had for this story radiating from the pages. I will, without hesitation, read any and all future cowrites by Tess and Leigh.
Bri is such a relatable and lovable character. I definitely resonated with her the most. I also really connected with Era's intellectual side. I loved Oteros immediately, but it took me some time to warm up to Aellus. Cheia was a truly unique and intriguing aspect to the story.
I really hope there's more because I'm not done with them yet.
I am devastated that this book had to end! I am so invested into these characters and want to know what they will do next and where they will go from here…
5 stars to Teshelle Combs for another well written, action packed fae romantasy! When I first started reading Teshelle Combs I was hesitant because I had never journeyed into the world of far or that genre. Fantasy hasn’t been my go to, but when I started reading her books I was immediately hooked!
This book was adventurous and exciting! Our main characters are all working through their own struggles with Cheia but working together to put Cheia back to the way it was. There’s personal growth, spicy scenes, and there were even moments in the book that had me crying!
An enjoyable read with duel POV. Bri is human, but her half sister Era is part fae. They only get to see each other once a year. As the time comes, the magic that the fae wields is starting to get out of control. Now both of the sisters are hearing the magic to kill each other and they aren’t the only ones. Chaos has taken over in both of their worlds. They must work together along with some unexpected soon to be love interests to save both worlds and themselves. Look forward to the next book in the Legends of Cheia series. I hope it won’t be too long. There isn’t a cliffhanger or anything, but once done you yearn to read the next story to come to see how the characters progress.
Oh my gosh this book was so good! Main characters where 🔥 Bri and Era are sisters but live in two different worlds! Era only gets to come once a year for visits (so lame) but this latest visit has a heck of a kick to it.
There is a magic entity in all the fae and usually peaceful but not anymore it’s telling them to do things that isn’t normal…. Like killing other fae or even humans 😳
Ae and Oti are the girls love interests and I adore oti!
Side characters in this book were EVERYTHING I lived Luke!! (Bri’s dad) and the there Papaw and I would have loved to have a papaw like him!
So many possibilities for future stories from this book! Leigh and Teshelle did a great job on this book!
What a wonderful and flowing story.. I read this whole book in one sitting.. I didnt stop to eat or sleep. The dual worlds this is set in were described so well I could picture each of them in detail, from Papaws barn to the Ambassadors Chambers..
As for the main character's I found an instant understanding for the two sisters and their different plights they where going through. The feeling of desperation to fit in and to be loved for who you are and the internal fight to allow yourself to just let go..
Add that to life or death and save the humanity's vibes it was an amazing story.. and I highly recommend it ❤️
I truly hope there's more books in this series that I can escape into...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I bow down to Tess and Leigh, co-writers at their finest. This was superbly written with characters that make you want to scream, cry, love, become, and adopt. The scenes were richly described with details that let you envision the grain in the wood, the length of grass, or the rustic look of a farmhouse to the eloquent decor of a mansion. You could experience the emotions the characters bore, like the frigid cold seeping into your core, the drip of a tear wetting your skin, or the feel of a kiss with passion at its peak. The mix of fae, humans, and halflings was brilliant and fun. The best part is when you are left with the desire for more because it was truly that good.
I loved this book so much! I also loved her Ripples and Ricers and have to admit I can’t decided on a favorite anymore!!!! This was a wonderfully written story which touched on the importance of checking in with the people you care about, the value of sisterhood, and the power of friends. It also showed us inside of the mind of a woman who has been trained to internalize everything as so many of us in the real world have. I am not entirely sure if each thing I picked up on was intentional, but boy were the characters relatable! I cannot wait to see if more is coming for them.
This book was truely a beautifully well written story by two wonderful writers. The world building was breathtaking. Wishing there was a portal to another world was true. The main characters had you falling in love with them from the beginning. With the most beautiful ending that has all the feels. You will not regret getting lost in two worlds that collide. Two sisters Era and Bri are brought together by the broken Cheia. Are faced with trials of love and enemies but through family they are stronger. They work together to save the two worlds they both love.
I received this as an ARC copy. It was the first book I have read by these authors and it blew me away! I loved the strong female characters and how their relationships grew and developed in the story. They are sisters separated by their heritage; one half fae and the other human. Each of them have grown up in a totally different world. The oldest has always been taught to suppress her human nature and emotions, while the youngest has always sought to be more adventurous. Both sisters are forced together when their two worlds are torn apart. If you like scifi dark romance with spice, then this book is for you! I will only say to make sure you are ready for a thrilling ride! I can't wait to see what happens next!!
What a fun and interesting read. Era and Bri are two sisters living in separate realms. Half-Fae and human.
When Era comes home to Kansas for her yearly visit to her human mother her magic clashes with her sisters…who is not supposed to have Cheia.
Together they both try to figure out what is happening between both realms and with the Cheia. While figuring out themselves and their love lives.
It was great watching both FMCs growth and trying to find balance within themselves and learning about their bonds as sisters. I’m excited to see the journey of this series.
Another great read from this author! I loved the family bonds, the action and adventure. I was hooked right from the start. I love anything fae related so this was a really enjoyable read.
I can’t wait to read more!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
I absolutely loved this book! I'm honored to have gotten a copy from the authors themselves. It was chaotic from the start but I loved the character development of both sisters, the funny moments where I laughed out loud and the relationships between Bri and Aellus and Era and Oteros. This book also touches tough topics like overcoming grief, being afraid of failure, anxiety and being in tune with you emotions. I loved this book!
I absolutely loved this book!! All of the Characters were perfectly perfect. The build up and interactions between them were amazing 10/10 🌟 The world building, for both worlds were fantastic and it blended so well. 10/10 🌟 The emotional ringer 10/10 🌟 you laughed, you wanted to cry, it was just omgrrd.... I can not wait for more to this book and these Characters... atleast i hope there is more!! Fabulous read... now I'm off to find some Jam 🤣
Sisters from two different worlds come together. Bri and Era are sisters. One is Fae(half) the other human. They meet once a year in the human world for dinner, but this year things are different. Cheia(magic) has completely fell into chaos and now Bri can wield it (sort of). Now it’s up to Bri and Era and their hunky male companions to figure out how to fix Cheia. Watch the girls try to navigate worlds that they know nothing about all while trying to fix Cheia and their relationship.
Teshelle and Leigh have me wishing I was born into this book. I don't know if I want to be Bri, who is able to use Cheia, or Era, who is trying to figure out how to use her Human side of Chia.
These characters are everything, the change, they evolve, they surprise, yet they stay the same in all the ways they should.
"Silver Linings" ~ always the silver linings
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don't know if I would rather that be the end or if I already want a book 2? That was a wild ride. Tess' books are great, as are Leigh's, combining the 2 amazing authors is another level! I cannot wait to see what these two come up with next!
I received this book as an E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book was a slow start for me, but sped up once the characters and world building were set up. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the relationship development and the characters. I did wish that the resolution was more clearly explained but it did not take away from the enjoyment of the book.
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Sever and Split and this my honest review
Era lives in a faedom world and visit the human world once a year to meet her human mom and sister Bri. Something happens and now they are stuck together and being told to kill each other by magic. Magic is making them drawn to the fae males Oteros and Aellus.
I couldn't click with the story. It felt erratic and sometimes the plot didn't make sense to me. Era and Oteros's relationship felt okay, but still a little stilted. Aellus and Bri was a disaster and felt wrong. Yeah he turned 180 in his feelings towards a human but it felt a little forced.
I can see the story is good but I could not click with and it made struggle to finish it.