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Earth and Shadows #1
The Faerie Guild Trials
The Faerie Guild Trials is the first book in a duology with angsty romance. If you love morally grey women and dirty-talking cinnamon rolls, you’ll fall in love with this dark romantasy with a jaw-dropping plot twist.
Efia Mathonwy, the last Nüwch, must survive the deadly trials of the Seelie and Unseelie courts, wielding the rare power to control shadows. As she faces ruthless foes and navigates the cutthroat faerie politics, Efia discovers an unexpected ally in Ansel, a mysterious fae with secrets of his own.
In a contest where each decision could mean life or death, Efia's journey unfolds in a dance of danger and intrigue. Shadows cling to her every move, exposing hidden dangers and family secrets.
With the realm on the brink of chaos, Efia must choose her path wisely. Will she conquer the trials and emerge triumphant, or will the enemies that surround her become her undoing? In a world where survival is a deadly game, alliances will crumble, and the fate of the realm will be decided.
Efia Mathonwy, the last Nüwch, must survive the deadly trials of the Seelie and Unseelie courts, wielding the rare power to control shadows. As she faces ruthless foes and navigates the cutthroat faerie politics, Efia discovers an unexpected ally in Ansel, a mysterious fae with secrets of his own.
In a contest where each decision could mean life or death, Efia's journey unfolds in a dance of danger and intrigue. Shadows cling to her every move, exposing hidden dangers and family secrets.
With the realm on the brink of chaos, Efia must choose her path wisely. Will she conquer the trials and emerge triumphant, or will the enemies that surround her become her undoing? In a world where survival is a deadly game, alliances will crumble, and the fate of the realm will be decided.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
70 people are currently reading
2069 people want to read
About the author
Gem L. Preston
11 books151 followersGem L. Preston is an international bestselling fantasy author from a small town in South Wales, where her love of video games and deep obsession with Welsh mythology collided to create Prince of the Ancients— and she hasn't stopped writing magical chaos since.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
Her books are full of fierce heroines, morally grey men, shadowy magic, and slow-burn romantic tension that will emotionally ruin you (in the best way). Her characters are brave, bold, and brilliant — unlike Gem, who is terrified of moths and would much rather be hiding under a blanket with a cup of tea.
When she’s not writing (or *trying* to write while her two small daughters reenact a WWE match in the background), you’ll usually find her reading, gaming, or deep-diving into her favourite fandom theories. Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, K-pop, and anime (yes, *Jujutsu Kaisen* owns her soul) — if there’s chaos and heartbreak involved, she’s probably already obsessed.
Gem has been living with IIH (a rare neurological condition) and a heart disorder for over a decade, and she’s passionate about raising awareness for chronic illness and invisible disabilities. She believes in building stories — and communities — where strength doesn’t always look like perfection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
June 28, 2024
4 stars!!
I received an ARC for this book which i’m eternally grateful for as it was my first one and it was such a good one to have as the first!
This book was so good. The plot, the characters, the writing?! I usually don’t fuss over the writing of books too much as i read more for the vibes lol and i only ever DNF a book for its writing if it’s like real bad. But this book and it’s writing felt like a proper fantasy if that makes any sense at all.
The FMC actually has substance which is so refreshing, i actually felt like i knew her and related in some ways.
Everyone needs to pre-order this book like right now! I am devastated that i was so early to read it because it means waiting even longer for book 2😩 which i will definitely be reading!
On my way to pre-order the physical copy of this :)
I received an ARC for this book which i’m eternally grateful for as it was my first one and it was such a good one to have as the first!
This book was so good. The plot, the characters, the writing?! I usually don’t fuss over the writing of books too much as i read more for the vibes lol and i only ever DNF a book for its writing if it’s like real bad. But this book and it’s writing felt like a proper fantasy if that makes any sense at all.
The FMC actually has substance which is so refreshing, i actually felt like i knew her and related in some ways.
Everyone needs to pre-order this book like right now! I am devastated that i was so early to read it because it means waiting even longer for book 2😩 which i will definitely be reading!
On my way to pre-order the physical copy of this :)
July 15, 2024
4.5⭐️
A devoured this in less than a day. It was such a quick, easy read if you’re looking for an ADULT spicy romantasy. The FMC is 28, which is so refreshing.
⚔️Trials
⚔️Morally grey, shadow welding *FMC*
⚔️Love triangle
⚔️Spice 🌶️
⚔️Plot twists
⚔️Betrayal
⚔️Fated mates
What’s not to love?! Can’t wait for book 2… that ENDING?! 🤯
A devoured this in less than a day. It was such a quick, easy read if you’re looking for an ADULT spicy romantasy. The FMC is 28, which is so refreshing.
⚔️Trials
⚔️Morally grey, shadow welding *FMC*
⚔️Love triangle
⚔️Spice 🌶️
⚔️Plot twists
⚔️Betrayal
⚔️Fated mates
What’s not to love?! Can’t wait for book 2… that ENDING?! 🤯
June 29, 2024
All the stars for Ansel. It was he, with his fine words, who made me ask for this ARC and I regret nothing.
The world of The Faerie Guild Trials is unlike any other fantasy I've read recently. All the creatures from these very special worlds are brought together for even greater enjoyment. Efia's powers are very interesting and it's refreshing to follow her. I'm sure we'll find out more about her special and unique powers in the next few volumes. And I can't wait to read them.
I have to admit that I was sceptical during the first few chapters. I found it hard to connect with Efia's character and to really understand her. But when I saw how she interacted with Wren and Ansel, I began to understand her. And I want more of a remorselessly loving Efia (although I don't think I'll get my wish just yet; that ending is going to kill me).
Beinon can choke for all I care. However, Ansel, my baby, I hope your pillows are always cool at night <3
I can't wait to see the plan Efia has cooked up in such a short amount of time and to see her interact with Ansel in the next books.
Even though I predicted the plot twists quite quickly yes, you can say that after these last few chapters, I'm hooked.
Thank you to Gemma L. Preston for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The world of The Faerie Guild Trials is unlike any other fantasy I've read recently. All the creatures from these very special worlds are brought together for even greater enjoyment. Efia's powers are very interesting and it's refreshing to follow her. I'm sure we'll find out more about her special and unique powers in the next few volumes. And I can't wait to read them.
I have to admit that I was sceptical during the first few chapters. I found it hard to connect with Efia's character and to really understand her. But when I saw how she interacted with Wren and Ansel, I began to understand her. And I want more of a remorselessly loving Efia (although I don't think I'll get my wish just yet; that ending is going to kill me).
Beinon can choke for all I care. However, Ansel, my baby, I hope your pillows are always cool at night <3
I can't wait to see the plan Efia has cooked up in such a short amount of time and to see her interact with Ansel in the next books.
Even though I predicted the plot twists quite quickly yes, you can say that after these last few chapters, I'm hooked.
Thank you to Gemma L. Preston for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 21, 2024
I received an ARC for The Fairy Guild Trials, which i’m so grateful to Gemma for! (all opinions are my own)
The story was great, and although it had a quick start, it took me time to learn Efia’s character but once I did I loved her. I was obsessed with the tension that was there, given it was a slow burn. It does have a love triangle, which i don’t often enjoy, but it was written well.
There’s a lot of action involved in what feels like a short period of time, and I loved that as a fantasy obsessed reader, give me all the action. There were so many individual plot points, which at times were overwhelming to the story, but balanced themselves out well.
Overall, I loved the story, the tension, the characters and the world that Gemma created!
The story was great, and although it had a quick start, it took me time to learn Efia’s character but once I did I loved her. I was obsessed with the tension that was there, given it was a slow burn. It does have a love triangle, which i don’t often enjoy, but it was written well.
There’s a lot of action involved in what feels like a short period of time, and I loved that as a fantasy obsessed reader, give me all the action. There were so many individual plot points, which at times were overwhelming to the story, but balanced themselves out well.
Overall, I loved the story, the tension, the characters and the world that Gemma created!
June 20, 2025
4.5 I have just binged this in one evening so will write a proper review soon but it’s SO DAMN GOOD
August 28, 2024
I think this story had potential, but this was not for me.
This book definitely needed to be more fleshed out overall - the world building is basically nonexistent, and for how few characters there is in this, no one is explored on any sort of level. Even the MC’s are very underdeveloped. This book is short, which is fine, but there was no sense of history or brewing conflict between the Seelie & Unseelie to get any sense of conflict between them. Since the MC’s were not developed, they were really flat and boring. This was also NOT rivals/enemies to lovers, at all.
I think this book would have been far better suited for YA. The writing style was way more juvenile than I anticipated based on how this was advertised - I went into this thinking this would be darker, and it wasn’t, and I think people will go into this and be mislead like I was. I did somewhat enjoy the trials/games aspect of this, but that was unfortunately it.
This book definitely needed to be more fleshed out overall - the world building is basically nonexistent, and for how few characters there is in this, no one is explored on any sort of level. Even the MC’s are very underdeveloped. This book is short, which is fine, but there was no sense of history or brewing conflict between the Seelie & Unseelie to get any sense of conflict between them. Since the MC’s were not developed, they were really flat and boring. This was also NOT rivals/enemies to lovers, at all.
I think this book would have been far better suited for YA. The writing style was way more juvenile than I anticipated based on how this was advertised - I went into this thinking this would be darker, and it wasn’t, and I think people will go into this and be mislead like I was. I did somewhat enjoy the trials/games aspect of this, but that was unfortunately it.
March 23, 2025
i NEEEDDDD book two right now.
(also the author being from south wales like me? never been happier)
(also the author being from south wales like me? never been happier)
June 23, 2024
let me start by prefrencing how honored i am to be given a special preview of this book <3
I will write my review in my best efforts WITHOUT giving as much spoilers as possible.
I will start with saying that had i not gotten this book up on tiktok, i doubt it would have been i had picked up for myself, but i dont regret reading this at all - and thats good considering it took me 4 hours to read the entire thing. Couldnt put it down.
"ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ ꜰʟᴇꜱʜ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ."
It started quickly, and right to the point (in meduas res, for my fellow media nerds ;)), and considering it is fantasy, it had a really easy language through the entire book. Meaning that you dont have to know "old english" to understand it.
It is markeded at hungergames meets powerless meets cruel prince, and i dont disagree. But, I found it mroe to be Hunger games meets Acotar, and i loved it. At some pouint during the trials it also gave me, Bilbo meets Gollum under the mountian in The hobbit, and i was vibing. And honset, short chapters? Living for it.
Now on to what can be spoilers...
The only critique i might have, is i feel it lacked some details to make it slightly more dramatic at certain points. It had its suspense, and its drama, but i wanted more of it.
All and all tho, an amazing read, and i would 100% recomend it once it comes out 21st of July <3
I will write my review in my best efforts WITHOUT giving as much spoilers as possible.
I will start with saying that had i not gotten this book up on tiktok, i doubt it would have been i had picked up for myself, but i dont regret reading this at all - and thats good considering it took me 4 hours to read the entire thing. Couldnt put it down.
"ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ'ꜱ ɴᴏᴛʜɪɴɢ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴏꜰ ᴛᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ ꜰʟᴇꜱʜ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏʀɴɪɴɢ."
It started quickly, and right to the point (in meduas res, for my fellow media nerds ;)), and considering it is fantasy, it had a really easy language through the entire book. Meaning that you dont have to know "old english" to understand it.
It is markeded at hungergames meets powerless meets cruel prince, and i dont disagree. But, I found it mroe to be Hunger games meets Acotar, and i loved it. At some pouint during the trials it also gave me, Bilbo meets Gollum under the mountian in The hobbit, and i was vibing. And honset, short chapters? Living for it.
Now on to what can be spoilers...
The only critique i might have, is i feel it lacked some details to make it slightly more dramatic at certain points. It had its suspense, and its drama, but i wanted more of it.
All and all tho, an amazing read, and i would 100% recomend it once it comes out 21st of July <3
June 26, 2024
I kindly got given this as a e-reader ARC and I AM SO GLAD I GOT IT!!!
This book was absolutely amazing! The characters, the plot, the writing, everything was executed perfectly!! It is literally a Cruel Prince x Powerless setting and it could not be any better. This is definitely a book to read if you want to start reading fantasy!!
I am such a sucker for a good plot twist and Gem wrote the most perfect, OMG plot twist for this book. It ended on a cliff-hanger and I really need the next book so Gem pls hurry to bring that out 🥹🫶🏼
I cannot WAIT to read the feminine rage that I know we are going to get from Efia in the second book, in true Queen style 👑
Thank you sm to Gem for allowing me to read this as an ARC, it is my very first one which I will cherish forever 💔
This book was absolutely amazing! The characters, the plot, the writing, everything was executed perfectly!! It is literally a Cruel Prince x Powerless setting and it could not be any better. This is definitely a book to read if you want to start reading fantasy!!
I am such a sucker for a good plot twist and Gem wrote the most perfect, OMG plot twist for this book. It ended on a cliff-hanger and I really need the next book so Gem pls hurry to bring that out 🥹🫶🏼
I cannot WAIT to read the feminine rage that I know we are going to get from Efia in the second book, in true Queen style 👑
Thank you sm to Gem for allowing me to read this as an ARC, it is my very first one which I will cherish forever 💔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and I have to say I enjoyed reading this story. I couldn’t get enough of this book and I can’t wait for the next one!
When I started reading this book I was immediately hooked. The story begins immediately and it felt like the story didn’t let down in terms of action, suspense, and intrigue.
I loved seeing a strong protagonist who, even though she didn’t have it always easy, still kept going and showed that begin strong can go hand in hand with some kindness.
There are plot twists in the book, and some you can see from miles away. But the last few chapters were just a whirlwind of plot twist after plot twists mixed with betrayals left and right. I couldn’t put the book down!
The only critique I might have is it lacked some details in world building and character descriptions. With some more descriptions of the Guilds, history, characters, and the world itself, the story would have felt more complete.
But overall, I loved the story and I would recommend it to everyone who wants to read about a strong FMC, fantasy, political intrigue and games/trials!
When I started reading this book I was immediately hooked. The story begins immediately and it felt like the story didn’t let down in terms of action, suspense, and intrigue.
I loved seeing a strong protagonist who, even though she didn’t have it always easy, still kept going and showed that begin strong can go hand in hand with some kindness.
There are plot twists in the book, and some you can see from miles away. But the last few chapters were just a whirlwind of plot twist after plot twists mixed with betrayals left and right. I couldn’t put the book down!
The only critique I might have is it lacked some details in world building and character descriptions. With some more descriptions of the Guilds, history, characters, and the world itself, the story would have felt more complete.
But overall, I loved the story and I would recommend it to everyone who wants to read about a strong FMC, fantasy, political intrigue and games/trials!
July 14, 2024
Thank you Gem for the eARC of your new book! I was so excited to read this based on the premise alone and it did not disappoint! I love a fantasy book that just makes sense to me from the beginning and this book gave exactly that- I knew where I was and what I was reading from page 1! Efia was a character who was easy to warm up to, and I loved the fact she’s a shadow mommy! Can’t go wrong with a little love triangle either! The twist at the end had me hook, line and sinker like I did not see that coming AT ALL. I suspected the Queen was up to something but never THAT. I cannot wait for book 2 and to see how Ansel and Efia mend their relationship (well I hope they do!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
This story was well-paced with a slow-burn romance and conflicting loyalties.
The three trials were interesting and vicious, but also fairly quick. Character development and romance filled the downtime between the trials.
Efia’s internal struggle with being her father’s ruthless weapon made it easy to empathize with her. Her friends, Wen and Beinon, were a nice balance to Efia’s isolation (due to her rare shadow magic and her father’s influence).
Ansel grew on me as the story continued and I would have loved more of him in this story. His tenderness and support (and touch her and die growls) made him a great love interest.
The climax was intense, setting up new complications and challenges for book two to explore.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series. And that cover is gorgeous!
Minor drawbacks:
-A confusing POV swap from 3rd person to 1st at the very beginning.
-A general need for more world-building.
-I wished for more detailed descriptions of the action sequences, including more emotional reactions to increase their impact
-The climax reveals felt a little rushed and left some big open questions that I hope are answered in future books.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
The three trials were interesting and vicious, but also fairly quick. Character development and romance filled the downtime between the trials.
Efia’s internal struggle with being her father’s ruthless weapon made it easy to empathize with her. Her friends, Wen and Beinon, were a nice balance to Efia’s isolation (due to her rare shadow magic and her father’s influence).
Ansel grew on me as the story continued and I would have loved more of him in this story. His tenderness and support (and touch her and die growls) made him a great love interest.
The climax was intense, setting up new complications and challenges for book two to explore.
I’m looking forward to continuing this series. And that cover is gorgeous!
Minor drawbacks:
-A confusing POV swap from 3rd person to 1st at the very beginning.
-A general need for more world-building.
-I wished for more detailed descriptions of the action sequences, including more emotional reactions to increase their impact
-The climax reveals felt a little rushed and left some big open questions that I hope are answered in future books.
ARC provided by the author. Opinions are my own.
July 3, 2024
Absolutely amazing!!! A fantasy romance girls dream!
I devoured this book and need book 2 immediately. I'm genuinely not sure how I'm going to wait for the next part of this story.....and book 1 hasn't officially come out yet!
The characters are all so fleshed out and intriguing. The love interest 🥵! The PLOT TWISTS!- I did not see that coming.
I'm feel so absolutely honoured to have received this book as an arc. Gemma is now an instant buy author for me! I'm currently downloading her back list of books! And can't wait to get the physical copy in my hands on release day!
I devoured this book and need book 2 immediately. I'm genuinely not sure how I'm going to wait for the next part of this story.....and book 1 hasn't officially come out yet!
The characters are all so fleshed out and intriguing. The love interest 🥵! The PLOT TWISTS!- I did not see that coming.
I'm feel so absolutely honoured to have received this book as an arc. Gemma is now an instant buy author for me! I'm currently downloading her back list of books! And can't wait to get the physical copy in my hands on release day!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
First of all THANK YOU Gem for adding me to the ARC team.
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I read this book in one sitting I was just so obsessed. I got a bit scared with the first few pages explains the guilds and the seelie / unseelie system. But thanks to the story everyone was explained pretty good.
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I went in not knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. With the representation, the acts of kindness throughout the book.
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There are some plot twists, one or two were of course a bit more expected than the others. But having that many right at the end of the book made an amazing cliff hanger. I am so happy that the trials were actually hard and our main character isn’t overpowered.
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I rated it 5⭐️ because it was such a pleasant read, didn’t feel the need to skip pages or paragraphs. Maybe I would’ve added a bit more character art since I struggle to imagine some monsters and characters.
I will definitely be recommending this book and reading the next one.
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I read this book in one sitting I was just so obsessed. I got a bit scared with the first few pages explains the guilds and the seelie / unseelie system. But thanks to the story everyone was explained pretty good.
-
I went in not knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. With the representation, the acts of kindness throughout the book.
-
There are some plot twists, one or two were of course a bit more expected than the others. But having that many right at the end of the book made an amazing cliff hanger. I am so happy that the trials were actually hard and our main character isn’t overpowered.
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I rated it 5⭐️ because it was such a pleasant read, didn’t feel the need to skip pages or paragraphs. Maybe I would’ve added a bit more character art since I struggle to imagine some monsters and characters.
I will definitely be recommending this book and reading the next one.
June 28, 2024
I flew through this book and had so much fun with it! Having recently finished the audiobook of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, it was nice to read something with similar vibes! Efia was a very interesting lead, and I loved that she was complex and not always a good person! Still, I was rooting for her, and I will be in book 2 certainly! I won’t say any more in case of spoilers but this is my favorite from G L Preston so far!
July 1, 2024
This book(!!!) sooo great. Devoured the whole thing on the plane. The characters are so well written you actually fall in love and hate. Was lucky enough to get it as an arc, and really can’t wait to read more from the author!
I’ve been in a reading slump and got this is the one that got me out of it, the fantasy, the plot, the whole world. Can’t stop thinking about this masterpiece.
Can’t recommend it enough
I’ve been in a reading slump and got this is the one that got me out of it, the fantasy, the plot, the whole world. Can’t stop thinking about this masterpiece.
Can’t recommend it enough
July 7, 2024
I received an ARC for this book, my first one, so thank you very much!
And it also introduced me to G L Preston, an author I have not yet come across despite only ever reading fantasy books!
I loved this book from start to finish, did not once want to put it down. The writing was captivating and not once did I guess at any of plots.. apart from one big one, which has got me very very excited for book 2!
And it also introduced me to G L Preston, an author I have not yet come across despite only ever reading fantasy books!
I loved this book from start to finish, did not once want to put it down. The writing was captivating and not once did I guess at any of plots.. apart from one big one, which has got me very very excited for book 2!
June 27, 2024
Amazing, book. Cannot recommend enough.
I received an ARC copy of this book, however, my thoughts are not influenced by that.
The story draws you in right from the start and keeps you interested up to the very last word. Storyline is fast paced, characters are likeable and you are routing for several throughout the book.
The only downside is now having to wait for the next one. Looking forward to reading more from this author and getting captured by their stories.
I received an ARC copy of this book, however, my thoughts are not influenced by that.
The story draws you in right from the start and keeps you interested up to the very last word. Storyline is fast paced, characters are likeable and you are routing for several throughout the book.
The only downside is now having to wait for the next one. Looking forward to reading more from this author and getting captured by their stories.
July 9, 2024
Another exciting fantasy romance from G.L Preston!
If you enjoyed the hunger games, cruel prince, and serpent and the wings of night… highly recommend checking this out!
Trials and twists and all sorts of fantasy creatures abound, this book had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you so much for the advanced copy, I can’t wait to read what happens next!
If you enjoyed the hunger games, cruel prince, and serpent and the wings of night… highly recommend checking this out!
Trials and twists and all sorts of fantasy creatures abound, this book had me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you so much for the advanced copy, I can’t wait to read what happens next!
June 29, 2024
I am honoured to be given a special preview of this book!
If hadn’t seen this book on TikTok I doubt if I would have given it a chance, but I am glad that I found this book!
This book was absolutely amazing! This is absolutely a book for fantasy readers who are looking for a good plot twist. And I got sucked into the world of Efia after reading a couple of pages. It starts with a slow building but it is definitely needed and worth it. The story and characters are really well written. I cannot wait for the second book because that cliffhanger OMG!!
thank you so much for for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
If hadn’t seen this book on TikTok I doubt if I would have given it a chance, but I am glad that I found this book!
This book was absolutely amazing! This is absolutely a book for fantasy readers who are looking for a good plot twist. And I got sucked into the world of Efia after reading a couple of pages. It starts with a slow building but it is definitely needed and worth it. The story and characters are really well written. I cannot wait for the second book because that cliffhanger OMG!!
thank you so much for for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
June 25, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book immensely! Highly recommend reading if you like fantasy, political intrigue, and games/trials.
The banter is top tier 👌
The characters are amazing, relatable, and have a depth to them that I loved diving into. I can't wait to find out more about them and for the story to continue in book two.
Absolutely a five-star read!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that I loved it!
The banter is top tier 👌
The characters are amazing, relatable, and have a depth to them that I loved diving into. I can't wait to find out more about them and for the story to continue in book two.
Absolutely a five-star read!
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can honestly say that I loved it!
July 7, 2024
I was lucky to get an ARC for this book!
It is outstanding! The characters, the plot, the imagery and the twists!!!
Honestly, the ending is so so good I did not see it coming. I cannot wait for the next book. 10/10 would recommend to anyone you loves fantasy or romantasy books.
It is outstanding! The characters, the plot, the imagery and the twists!!!
Honestly, the ending is so so good I did not see it coming. I cannot wait for the next book. 10/10 would recommend to anyone you loves fantasy or romantasy books.
July 16, 2024
I loved this book, the character development for all of them and the world building was brilliant. Efia is a total badass and I love it! Can't wait to see where it goes in book 2!!
August 21, 2024
Nice easy read, good plot and characters.
June 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC and I have to say it’s one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long while. The characters that Gemma L. Preston has written are so real and raw that you can’t help but love them. The story has twists and turns that I did not see coming and I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series!
August 15, 2024
Yes yes yes! Another good book, I just love it when this happens 😍 the plot was good, the characters had depth and I just love a shadow wielding FMC 😈 I can not wait to learn more about Ansel though and see his powers and secrets laid bare. It was an amazing read and I'm looking forward for the second book 🥰
July 21, 2024
5⭐️ 2🌶️
Another amazing novel by G. L. Preston, this time following Efia a Nuwch from the Unseelie Court who is forced into competing in trails to gain the high crown after the death of the High King. Along the way she meets Ansel, a fae from the Seelie Court and a budding friendship forms.
I especially loved the development of Efia’s character throughout the book. It beautifully shows how when given the chance you can start healing from trauma and find strength in others to survive. I can see this being a continuing theme in the rest of the series.
As a Manchester gal who spent a lot of time in Wales during her childhood (my mum’s best friend is Welsh) I also loved seeing all the Welsh culture embedded seamlessly into the book!
The book finishes on a massive cliffhanger and I can wait to see what direction the story goes in.
This book has solidified G. L. Preston as one of my must read authors!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another amazing novel by G. L. Preston, this time following Efia a Nuwch from the Unseelie Court who is forced into competing in trails to gain the high crown after the death of the High King. Along the way she meets Ansel, a fae from the Seelie Court and a budding friendship forms.
I especially loved the development of Efia’s character throughout the book. It beautifully shows how when given the chance you can start healing from trauma and find strength in others to survive. I can see this being a continuing theme in the rest of the series.
As a Manchester gal who spent a lot of time in Wales during her childhood (my mum’s best friend is Welsh) I also loved seeing all the Welsh culture embedded seamlessly into the book!
The book finishes on a massive cliffhanger and I can wait to see what direction the story goes in.
This book has solidified G. L. Preston as one of my must read authors!
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2025
this book was so refreshing in the sense that I have read many fantasy books and none of them particularly stand out however I'm going to be thinking about this book till the next one come out
July 24, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this so to start off *thank you*.
I've only just started getting into fantasy books the last month or so, so bare with me. There will be NO spoilers here ⬇️
I absolutely love the fact that it's easy to read I know from a few fantasy I've read some of the worlds, locations even names have me spelling them out in my head an still getting it wrong. You don't need to be an avid fantasy reader to enjoy this book!
It's slow burn and there as love triangle which I didn't initially see coming 👀 but it's written in a way that has you wanting it to somehow miraculously work out for the three of them.
The world building and detail are fantastic. There's plenty there but it's not overpowering where you get to the point of thinking right I've read all this can we get to the story.
The ending had me SHOOKETH! I audibly gasped and swore which had my husband looking at me like I'd lost the plot. It has been left on such a cliff hanger where you are just dying to know what happens next. I must admit my heart is a little broken that I've to wait so long to see how the story unfolds.
Pre-order this book guys!!
I've only just started getting into fantasy books the last month or so, so bare with me. There will be NO spoilers here ⬇️
I absolutely love the fact that it's easy to read I know from a few fantasy I've read some of the worlds, locations even names have me spelling them out in my head an still getting it wrong. You don't need to be an avid fantasy reader to enjoy this book!
It's slow burn and there as love triangle which I didn't initially see coming 👀 but it's written in a way that has you wanting it to somehow miraculously work out for the three of them.
The world building and detail are fantastic. There's plenty there but it's not overpowering where you get to the point of thinking right I've read all this can we get to the story.
The ending had me SHOOKETH! I audibly gasped and swore which had my husband looking at me like I'd lost the plot. It has been left on such a cliff hanger where you are just dying to know what happens next. I must admit my heart is a little broken that I've to wait so long to see how the story unfolds.
Pre-order this book guys!!
July 18, 2024
4.5⭐️wow i demand a second book right now!
i would highly recommend this book as it has plenty of oh shit moments where my jaw was on the floor, a nice amount of spice and the overall story behind it was brilliant it really caught me from the beginning and i found it hard to put it down as i was constantly wanting to know what was next!
The world building could use a little more details as sometimes i found it hard to imagine the surroundings however character descriptions and back story’s to who they are was perfect it allowed me to really feel like i knew them and could picture them in front of me!
i am so grateful i was lucky enough to be an ARC for this book however as soon as its released as a physical book i will also be buying as it contains all the factors i love!
i would highly recommend this book as it has plenty of oh shit moments where my jaw was on the floor, a nice amount of spice and the overall story behind it was brilliant it really caught me from the beginning and i found it hard to put it down as i was constantly wanting to know what was next!
The world building could use a little more details as sometimes i found it hard to imagine the surroundings however character descriptions and back story’s to who they are was perfect it allowed me to really feel like i knew them and could picture them in front of me!
i am so grateful i was lucky enough to be an ARC for this book however as soon as its released as a physical book i will also be buying as it contains all the factors i love!
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