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A Dark Faerie Tale #0.1
The Withering Palace
This is Aveta's story.
Untold darkness rules the Unseelie realm of the Land of Faerie. Hidden in this vast area, Aveta, the future queen of the Unseelie Army perfects her gifts over lifetimes. Learning that magic isn't the only way to manipulate the world around her, this naive girl grows into a woman of strength, cunning and ultimately becomes one of the most feared leaders in Faerie.
Underneath her hardened exterior, lies a woman who has known the darkest of hearts, the agony of love, the pull of the consuming power coursing through her veins and what it takes to be ruler of the Unseelie within the walls of The Withering Palace.
Untold darkness rules the Unseelie realm of the Land of Faerie. Hidden in this vast area, Aveta, the future queen of the Unseelie Army perfects her gifts over lifetimes. Learning that magic isn't the only way to manipulate the world around her, this naive girl grows into a woman of strength, cunning and ultimately becomes one of the most feared leaders in Faerie.
Underneath her hardened exterior, lies a woman who has known the darkest of hearts, the agony of love, the pull of the consuming power coursing through her veins and what it takes to be ruler of the Unseelie within the walls of The Withering Palace.
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2014
52 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Alexia Purdy
117 books1,093 followersAlexia currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada–Sin City! She loves to spend every free moment writing or playing with her four rambunctious kids. Writing has always been her dream and she has been writing ever since she can remember. She loves writing paranormal fantasy and poetry and devours books daily. Alexia also enjoys watching movies, dancing, singing loudly in the car and Italian food.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 13, 2021
I thought that this book was good
April 12, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book! I've been addicted to these books and characters from the start! It's really great getting to read Aveta's story.. in the previous books she really upset me and got under my skin I couldn't believe that one person could be so cruel... but after getting to know her more and reading her story I can't help but feel a soft spot for her and everything finally makes sense... how she turned out the way she did after all she had to live thru and what she had to do to be able to take her place as queen. Even though Aveta's story is dark and heart breaking it also has another side and that's one of excitement, happiness and adventure!!! The characters are amazing!! The story flows so well and keeps your attention all the way until the end!
June 27, 2014
Wow from innocent to a wrathful queen and someone who loved but that love being taken away from her and to fight for the throne and to not know love but from a servant and not from her own mother quite sad but it helps to understand the character and where she is coming from now that i have read this read books 0.5 to 3.5 still need to read book 4 and the up and coming book 5 hope somehow i can get them next month cause i really want to see how the story goes after 3.5 anyways may be a short read but a read worth reading ..
October 4, 2015
woohoo found it
November 17, 2015
From what I understand from a few comments I’ve read about the book, this is an origin story of Aveta. In it, she starts as a child princess of the Unseelie realm in the Land of Faerie. We learn about her terrible mother, Queen Elisandra, who shows no love towards her daughter. It is quite clear that her mother is evil and demented and only hopes to one day end her daughter’s life, thus ensuring her rule over the Unseelie for eternity. Aveta receives kindness from the woman who raised her, Eladril. It is Eladril who shows Aveta how to escape her mother and situation through a mysterious labyrinth underneath the Withering Palace. Aveta is able to find reprieve at the other side of the labyrinth in a land unknown to her mother. It is here that Aveta is able to increase her power, and find friendship and love with Cranston (also fae) and his family. But all good things must come to an end. Aveta knows it is her purpose to one day take the throne from her mother in much the same way her mother seized it for herself. It is by fulfilling her destiny that she also loses any chance of happiness and love with Cranston.
Again, I’ve read a few other reader reviews on this story, and the information in this story provides background understanding on how Aveta becomes the ruler I expect to find her as in the rest of the Dark Faerie Tale series. Having read it before the “first” novel, I expect to have much empathy for her character. A great start to what I hope to be an engrossing series!
Again, I’ve read a few other reader reviews on this story, and the information in this story provides background understanding on how Aveta becomes the ruler I expect to find her as in the rest of the Dark Faerie Tale series. Having read it before the “first” novel, I expect to have much empathy for her character. A great start to what I hope to be an engrossing series!
April 10, 2015
Oh. If you don't read this.... you will never know of its magic!
I found this book after I finished the rest of the series. I wish I read it in the right spot, because it would have helped me remember who she was. Who is she? Oh she is a young girl that went through a lot at the hands of her evil mother. Found that everything is never as eau as it should be. It is a short read but that doesn't mean it was not a good read! I found that this book had a lot of heart in it.it made me want to revisit the series again. Might I add that this series is one of my top five series! It's that good! Don't believe me? Read it and find out for yourself. It's a good series for those teens in your life also! I'm excited that more books have been coming out!! :) Ever Dead... here I come! A must read series!!
I found this book after I finished the rest of the series. I wish I read it in the right spot, because it would have helped me remember who she was. Who is she? Oh she is a young girl that went through a lot at the hands of her evil mother. Found that everything is never as eau as it should be. It is a short read but that doesn't mean it was not a good read! I found that this book had a lot of heart in it.it made me want to revisit the series again. Might I add that this series is one of my top five series! It's that good! Don't believe me? Read it and find out for yourself. It's a good series for those teens in your life also! I'm excited that more books have been coming out!! :) Ever Dead... here I come! A must read series!!
April 12, 2014
This is a short but great read. The Withering Palace fascinated me in the previous book so I was excited to learn more about it. I've hated Aveta in the last so it's a testament to Alexia Purdy's writing that I felt full of sympathy and compassion for the child she was. I love this series and this book is just as good as the full length novels it accompanies. Can't get enough of the series or the author
February 5, 2019
Pretty good
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. It was detail oriented from beginning to the end. The flow was nice and continuous, and the world building was pretty good. From my understanding, this is a prequel to a series of books, so the ending was a cliffhanger.
Overall, it’s a nice short story that would be a good pick for anyone who’s looking for a quick read. It’s got a good mix of fantasy, action and romance.
This is the first book I’ve read from this author. It was detail oriented from beginning to the end. The flow was nice and continuous, and the world building was pretty good. From my understanding, this is a prequel to a series of books, so the ending was a cliffhanger.
Overall, it’s a nice short story that would be a good pick for anyone who’s looking for a quick read. It’s got a good mix of fantasy, action and romance.
April 17, 2014
Alexia Purdy has done it again. Once I started reading this story, I could not put it down. It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters and a story that will keep you interested from the moment you pick up the book till you put it down. This book will not disappoint you. This is a must read.
April 27, 2014
omg amazing amazing amazing. i don't think alexia can get any better and then she does. this is my favorite series of hers and the characters and the plot and everything gets better. i love the novellas because it explains things even more. i am so glad i read this and cannot wait to read more. loved it
May 24, 2015
This was another short in this series. If I am correct this is the story of how Aveta came to be queen in the series. It's a shame that becoming queen came with such a cost. Her mother was just awful. I hope I have read this in order and I will be reading ever shade to see what becomes of Evangeline as well as Queen Aveta
September 6, 2014
My heart broke for Aveta. We all know that evil grows over time so I was always curious as to what made her that way, now I know. I was hooked from the first page and nothing could tear me away. I am so glad we got this story!
November 17, 2015
Unseelie magicks
This is well written, and is a great set up for the series. As I have not read any of the other books, I look forward to seeing how it all fits together!
This is well written, and is a great set up for the series. As I have not read any of the other books, I look forward to seeing how it all fits together!
October 28, 2025
Thorns, Thrones, and First Love: Aveta’s Origin Story Packs a Punch
The Withering Palace is what happens when fae politics meet family dysfunction and a girl with a stolen birthright decides she’s done playing nice. Aveta starts off as a pawn—her mother’s cruelty, her grandmother’s lost throne, and a realm that thrives on manipulation all conspire to keep her small. But Aveta’s not here to stay small.
This prequel novella doesn’t waste time. In just a few chapters, we watch Aveta evolve from naive to calculating, from overlooked to feared. Her magic grows, her resolve hardens, and her heart? Well, that’s where the side story comes in. Her first love is tender, tragic, and exactly the kind of emotional gut-punch that makes her later choices hit harder.
What works:
• Aveta’s transformation is compelling—she earns her crown through grit, not just magic.
• The Unseelie realm is deliciously dark, with just enough twisted beauty to keep you intrigued.
• The romance subplot adds emotional weight without derailing the main arc.
What withers a bit:
• It’s short. You’ll want more—more worldbuilding, more time with Aveta’s love interest, more context for the throne’s politics.
• The ending is abrupt. It sets up the series well, but don’t expect closure.
If you’re diving into the Dark Faerie Tale series, this is your mood-setter. It’s the origin story that explains why Aveta rules with thorns and shadows—and why she had to. Just don’t blink, or you’ll miss the heartbreak.
The Withering Palace is what happens when fae politics meet family dysfunction and a girl with a stolen birthright decides she’s done playing nice. Aveta starts off as a pawn—her mother’s cruelty, her grandmother’s lost throne, and a realm that thrives on manipulation all conspire to keep her small. But Aveta’s not here to stay small.
This prequel novella doesn’t waste time. In just a few chapters, we watch Aveta evolve from naive to calculating, from overlooked to feared. Her magic grows, her resolve hardens, and her heart? Well, that’s where the side story comes in. Her first love is tender, tragic, and exactly the kind of emotional gut-punch that makes her later choices hit harder.
What works:
• Aveta’s transformation is compelling—she earns her crown through grit, not just magic.
• The Unseelie realm is deliciously dark, with just enough twisted beauty to keep you intrigued.
• The romance subplot adds emotional weight without derailing the main arc.
What withers a bit:
• It’s short. You’ll want more—more worldbuilding, more time with Aveta’s love interest, more context for the throne’s politics.
• The ending is abrupt. It sets up the series well, but don’t expect closure.
If you’re diving into the Dark Faerie Tale series, this is your mood-setter. It’s the origin story that explains why Aveta rules with thorns and shadows—and why she had to. Just don’t blink, or you’ll miss the heartbreak.
August 23, 2017
I loved this story of the Dark Faerie Queen of the Withering Palace. Queen Elisandra is evil to the bone, has no affection for her sweet daughter Princess Aveta, knowing some day she will challenge her for the throne, this is her right and destiny. She has no love in her heart which blackened to total darkness the day she challenged and killed her own mother. She has naught but hate inside her, even the King Seritus now brings anything from her but contempt and rage.
No motherly instincts reside in her, she has cast her child off to a servant as guardian. Aveta loves and hates her mother, she has no idea why her mother hates and torments her. Princess Aveta however has magic, and secrets, her mother has not an inkling of.
The Withering Palace itself despises the Queen, all about her, hate her and fear her deadly wrath.
Princess Aveta is sweet and kind and does not wish to be queen since she sees how dark power has made her own mother a heartless cruel tyrant.She fears her mother, and her mother fears her, she knows someday her child will challenge her, someday soon for destiny awaits and must be fulfilled.
This tales is wonderful and dark, filled with magic and secrets. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale, and dark magic.
No motherly instincts reside in her, she has cast her child off to a servant as guardian. Aveta loves and hates her mother, she has no idea why her mother hates and torments her. Princess Aveta however has magic, and secrets, her mother has not an inkling of.
The Withering Palace itself despises the Queen, all about her, hate her and fear her deadly wrath.
Princess Aveta is sweet and kind and does not wish to be queen since she sees how dark power has made her own mother a heartless cruel tyrant.She fears her mother, and her mother fears her, she knows someday her child will challenge her, someday soon for destiny awaits and must be fulfilled.
This tales is wonderful and dark, filled with magic and secrets. I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale, and dark magic.
July 27, 2022
This was such an amazing story. So much in so little words. This is how it’s supposed to be lol. It would make the best movie! The queen is so horrible. Doesn’t like anything. So cold and alone. But she chooses this. She treats all the servants and guards awful. She even hates her own daughter, Evita. Her daughter is everything she is not. Sweet and caring and really strong with lots of power. More than she knows. She has a servant that has always been with her and helps her. She shows her the hidden trail into the labyrinth and fairy. But no one makes it out alive for the labyrinth has its own protection. This keeps fairy safe and free of unwanted guests. But the palace is like a living entity that only listens to Evita. It also obeys her. That and the connected labyrinth are her only hope. She must some day defeat her mother. But how?
The narration was superb. This narrator has a voice that is so soothing and welcoming. It’s like you can feel the love. She also did all the characters so well. Sounded like listening to multiple narrators.
The narration was superb. This narrator has a voice that is so soothing and welcoming. It’s like you can feel the love. She also did all the characters so well. Sounded like listening to multiple narrators.
August 17, 2022
Haunting, Magical, Perfection!
By: Alexia Purdy
Narrated by: Lillian Yves
Overall: 5 of 5 stars. Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 08-17-22
The Withering Palace is the story of Aveta, the greatest villainess of the Faerie world. Beautifully written, this story gives the listener all the insight necessary to understand and appreciate Aveta, and it truly made me want to delve further into the Dark Faerie Tale Series to see what Aveta gets up to! The characters are interesting and beautifully defined. The narration is haunting perfection! Perfectly paced, emotionally on point and brilliantly moves the story along to its heart stopping conclusion. No spoilers, you’ll have to listen to experience the magic that is The Withering Palace, a truly five star experience on all counts!
By: Alexia Purdy
Narrated by: Lillian Yves
Overall: 5 of 5 stars. Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 08-17-22
The Withering Palace is the story of Aveta, the greatest villainess of the Faerie world. Beautifully written, this story gives the listener all the insight necessary to understand and appreciate Aveta, and it truly made me want to delve further into the Dark Faerie Tale Series to see what Aveta gets up to! The characters are interesting and beautifully defined. The narration is haunting perfection! Perfectly paced, emotionally on point and brilliantly moves the story along to its heart stopping conclusion. No spoilers, you’ll have to listen to experience the magic that is The Withering Palace, a truly five star experience on all counts!
August 15, 2017
Perfection
I am finally getting around to reading this series and the start did not disappoint. Many time a short story like this does not bring me in, but Alexia did a excellent job at bringing the reader into the story.
This story will make you feel bad for the Princess and you will try to figure out why someone could be so power hungry that they would treat their own daughter no better than dirt. You will cry and laugh and maybe the story will go the way you want and maybe it won't.
I hope there will be more about these characters in future books or I might be sad.
Until Next Time... Tabi
I am finally getting around to reading this series and the start did not disappoint. Many time a short story like this does not bring me in, but Alexia did a excellent job at bringing the reader into the story.
This story will make you feel bad for the Princess and you will try to figure out why someone could be so power hungry that they would treat their own daughter no better than dirt. You will cry and laugh and maybe the story will go the way you want and maybe it won't.
I hope there will be more about these characters in future books or I might be sad.
Until Next Time... Tabi
October 1, 2018
I enjoyed it!
This is a novella of the use and misuse of power, of magic, mystery, love and trust and where a young faerie, Aveta, must practice her skills and magic and fight to survive until she can become queen.
It is not the usual type of story that I read or listen but surprise, surprise - I enjoyed it!
I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Lillian Yves who brought this story to life for me and I am quite happy to recommend it.
My review above is given voluntarily and is unbiased.
This is a novella of the use and misuse of power, of magic, mystery, love and trust and where a young faerie, Aveta, must practice her skills and magic and fight to survive until she can become queen.
It is not the usual type of story that I read or listen but surprise, surprise - I enjoyed it!
I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Lillian Yves who brought this story to life for me and I am quite happy to recommend it.
My review above is given voluntarily and is unbiased.
November 12, 2019
I loved this short story of the Unseelie princess Aveta and how she came to rule. It is a story that pulls at your heartstrings, has action, turmoil, determination, magic and loss. You can not help but feel for Aveta and what she had to endure as she grew up, as well as what she must do become to be queen. The narrator, Lillian Yves, did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and making you feel all the different emotions contained in the story. If this well written tale is any indication of the rest of the series, then it is definitely going to be a must to listen to.
December 27, 2020
This is an okay novella. I think it would maybe be better if read with the series, or after you’ve read the series. I’m not sure, since I haven’t read the series. It just feels a bit confusing and incomplete to me, with a bit too much telling. I got overwhelmed fast but haven’t read the series.
Still, there’s something that is a bit interesting here.
Still, there’s something that is a bit interesting here.
March 21, 2023
Really good look into the cutthroat society of the Fae. Good setup for the rest of the series and what we may expect to find waiting for us as we get further into it. Pretty sad, really, the way the hierarchy goes for them.
I did listen to the audio of this book and, this is a narrator I have loved listening to in other books. She did a good job bringing the book to life.
I did listen to the audio of this book and, this is a narrator I have loved listening to in other books. She did a good job bringing the book to life.
June 30, 2017
Even though this is a shorter book, it crams a lot of information without boring the reader. It also gives you a great jumpstart into the Dark Faerie Tale series, and more in-depth about Queen Aveta, without leaving you on a cliffhanger. Reviewed by Cyrene
Full review at UncagedBooks.com
June 21, 2018
Excellent
Though there were some noticeable typos the story was well written in amazing detail! A truly wonderful read and would recommend reading for yourself. It was easy to see in my mind's eye the story unfolding as if I were there.
Though there were some noticeable typos the story was well written in amazing detail! A truly wonderful read and would recommend reading for yourself. It was easy to see in my mind's eye the story unfolding as if I were there.
September 23, 2020
Short but entrancing
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
December 11, 2021
Obviously this story is about a main character in the upcoming series. A bit about her background/history of the unseelie queens family tree. Looking forward to seeing who this character will become…. A baddy? A goodie? Bit of both??
Gifted audio for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gifted audio for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 17, 2017
This selection illuminates to the point that I now understand Aveta. She has become more for than just the evil queen of the Unseelie.
July 31, 2017
Magical, but with sad overtones.
January 9, 2018
An enchanting read that is worth adding to your kindle. If you love faerie stories you'll want to check out author, Alexia Purdy!
February 24, 2018
I didn't connect with the story line or characters in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews