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Dance with the Fae
1919 May Day
Kit Arton-Price should be celebrating. It's his engagement party and, unlike many young men of his generation, he survived The Great War. Whilst his fiancée, Adelaide, is dancing with one of their guests, the enigmatic Mr Wilde, the scars on Kit's face bear the heavy toll of battle – and the scars on his heart bear a secret he's been forced to carry in silence.
In the morning, Adelaide cannot be woken and the village doctor declares it's the mystifying 'Sleeping Sickness' – an unexplainable epidemic affecting society.
But there is more to this sickness than first appears and it's not long before Kit is lured into a strange new realm. One of magic and danger. The realm of the fae…
Kit Arton-Price should be celebrating. It's his engagement party and, unlike many young men of his generation, he survived The Great War. Whilst his fiancée, Adelaide, is dancing with one of their guests, the enigmatic Mr Wilde, the scars on Kit's face bear the heavy toll of battle – and the scars on his heart bear a secret he's been forced to carry in silence.
In the morning, Adelaide cannot be woken and the village doctor declares it's the mystifying 'Sleeping Sickness' – an unexplainable epidemic affecting society.
But there is more to this sickness than first appears and it's not long before Kit is lured into a strange new realm. One of magic and danger. The realm of the fae…
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
62 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Hobbes
46 books211 followersAuthor for Harlequin Historical.
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 6, 2025
Combine historical fiction about post-First World War trauma with fae fantasy and LGBTQ representation, and you’ll never go wrong. Dance with the Fae turned out to be so much more than I expected. It’s a captivating story—both tender and melancholic. I truly loved this book.
The protagonist of Dance with the Fae is Kit, a young hero of the Great War. Upon returning home, he must contend not only with the haunting memories of the trenches but also with the heavy societal expectations placed upon him. As the eldest son, Kit is expected to inherit the family estate and marry his childhood friend Adelaide, who comes with a generous dowry. However, at their engagement party, Kit and Adelaide meet the enigmatic duo—Mr. Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove. It quickly becomes clear that this encounter will lead to unforeseen consequences—and a journey into the fae realm.
Some readers might find the pacing in this book a bit uneven, especially at the start. However, the slower beginning didn’t bother me at all. I was deeply impressed by Kit’s portrayal: a man who survived the war, only to return home and feel even more isolated, with no one who shares his experiences or with whom he can truly talk. Honestly, I could have read about this alone and never gotten bored. Once the story shifts to the fae world, things pick up considerably—the action becomes more dynamic, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
This novel also excels at capturing the social realities of post-war England. On the one hand, it’s clear that returning to the pre-war world was impossible, and certain attitudes were no longer sustainable. On the other hand, England remained a deeply intolerant country, still rooted in conservative social structures. The fae world, dangerous and unpredictable, acts as a magnifying lens that amplifies the harshness and injustice of the human world. The fae realm also provides an excellent backdrop for the book’s LGBTQ representation, which is handled convincingly.
I’m aware of a few flaws in the book. Aside from the slower pacing, I sometimes felt that the behavior of certain secondary characters was a bit too overtly designed to provoke specific reactions from the reader, making it difficult to fully root for Kit’s relationship with them. Additionally, the resolution of the main “quest,” while satisfying, came surprisingly quickly and without much of a struggle.
That said, I still consider this book an ideal read for me. It strikes a perfect balance between history and fantasy, and should appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction and the First World War (especially if you’re looking for something a bit sweeter than the usual tales of trench warfare). On the other hand, fans of fae stories will definitely want to give this one a try. I highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The protagonist of Dance with the Fae is Kit, a young hero of the Great War. Upon returning home, he must contend not only with the haunting memories of the trenches but also with the heavy societal expectations placed upon him. As the eldest son, Kit is expected to inherit the family estate and marry his childhood friend Adelaide, who comes with a generous dowry. However, at their engagement party, Kit and Adelaide meet the enigmatic duo—Mr. Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove. It quickly becomes clear that this encounter will lead to unforeseen consequences—and a journey into the fae realm.
Some readers might find the pacing in this book a bit uneven, especially at the start. However, the slower beginning didn’t bother me at all. I was deeply impressed by Kit’s portrayal: a man who survived the war, only to return home and feel even more isolated, with no one who shares his experiences or with whom he can truly talk. Honestly, I could have read about this alone and never gotten bored. Once the story shifts to the fae world, things pick up considerably—the action becomes more dynamic, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
This novel also excels at capturing the social realities of post-war England. On the one hand, it’s clear that returning to the pre-war world was impossible, and certain attitudes were no longer sustainable. On the other hand, England remained a deeply intolerant country, still rooted in conservative social structures. The fae world, dangerous and unpredictable, acts as a magnifying lens that amplifies the harshness and injustice of the human world. The fae realm also provides an excellent backdrop for the book’s LGBTQ representation, which is handled convincingly.
I’m aware of a few flaws in the book. Aside from the slower pacing, I sometimes felt that the behavior of certain secondary characters was a bit too overtly designed to provoke specific reactions from the reader, making it difficult to fully root for Kit’s relationship with them. Additionally, the resolution of the main “quest,” while satisfying, came surprisingly quickly and without much of a struggle.
That said, I still consider this book an ideal read for me. It strikes a perfect balance between history and fantasy, and should appeal to anyone interested in historical fiction and the First World War (especially if you’re looking for something a bit sweeter than the usual tales of trench warfare). On the other hand, fans of fae stories will definitely want to give this one a try. I highly recommend it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2025
The premise was fascinating, and I enjoyed the concept of someone being stolen by fairies and a former soldier having to save them. Then after a promising start, the pacing took a nosedive and the book ended up falling flat for me
October 1, 2025
✨️3.5
It's a cute little story set after WW1 with the enchanting fantasy of the fae and the harsh reality of what the first world war brought upon the land and people. Wasn't compelling taken by it, but none the less a cute little read for the autumn.
🧚♀️🕊🩸🌰
It's a cute little story set after WW1 with the enchanting fantasy of the fae and the harsh reality of what the first world war brought upon the land and people. Wasn't compelling taken by it, but none the less a cute little read for the autumn.
🧚♀️🕊🩸🌰
February 11, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter for my arc in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
"Dance With the Fae" follows Charles "Kit" Arton-Price, a soldier who was wounded in and survived World War I. He has come home to marry his fiancee, Adelaide, and start a life together. This comes to a halt when the morning after their engagement party, Adelaide seems to be infected with the mysterious 'Sleeping Sickness.' It's not long before Kit is drawn into the world of the fae. If he wants to save Adelaide, Kit will have to endure this alien world.
This is such an interesting premise! I've really been enjoying a lot of the upcoming Historical Fantasies and this was no exception. I really enjoyed Hobbes' worldbuilding. Post-WWI England felt appropriate to everything I've read about the period and the fae world was so lushly crafted. I loved the inclusion of queer characters and imagery too. I also enjoyed Kit as a character. You really feel for him and his PTSD, and the kind and gentle way (from what we see) that Adelaide helps him during the engagement party was a lovely little touch for readers to understand their relationship and love.
I will say that after Kit gets to the fae realm, the pace does get a bit weird. Hobbes' writing is very readable and fun, but something about the latter half of the novel was lacking for me. I think it was the pace but, I don't know, it felt like something was just lacking. I wish I could verbalize it better.
That said, I would still recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fantasy!
"Dance With the Fae" follows Charles "Kit" Arton-Price, a soldier who was wounded in and survived World War I. He has come home to marry his fiancee, Adelaide, and start a life together. This comes to a halt when the morning after their engagement party, Adelaide seems to be infected with the mysterious 'Sleeping Sickness.' It's not long before Kit is drawn into the world of the fae. If he wants to save Adelaide, Kit will have to endure this alien world.
This is such an interesting premise! I've really been enjoying a lot of the upcoming Historical Fantasies and this was no exception. I really enjoyed Hobbes' worldbuilding. Post-WWI England felt appropriate to everything I've read about the period and the fae world was so lushly crafted. I loved the inclusion of queer characters and imagery too. I also enjoyed Kit as a character. You really feel for him and his PTSD, and the kind and gentle way (from what we see) that Adelaide helps him during the engagement party was a lovely little touch for readers to understand their relationship and love.
I will say that after Kit gets to the fae realm, the pace does get a bit weird. Hobbes' writing is very readable and fun, but something about the latter half of the novel was lacking for me. I think it was the pace but, I don't know, it felt like something was just lacking. I wish I could verbalize it better.
That said, I would still recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fantasy!
February 20, 2025
OK, I will be perfectly honest here and say that Romantasy isn't my go-to genre, I will read it, but I am incredibly fussy, so much so that 90% of books that I've read from this genre have unfortunately ended up in the DNF box. Though rather contradictory I'm always happy to give a book a go, maybe I just haven't found what works for me, yet in the Romantasy genre!
But that changes whenever I read one of Elisabeth Hobbes's Romantasy books, she is the only author who writes within the genre and can keep me interested and engaged. I adored her debut Romantasy; Daughter of the Sea, I loved everything about that book and have since re-read and loved it all over again, The promise Tree lacked something, and even though Dance with the Fae is not Daughter of the Sea (which in my humble opinion is perfect!) this book completely hooked me from the start, I read it in one weekend and for an incredibly fast and super slow reader.
Dance with the Fae is a lovely friends-to-lovers romance, set directly after WW1 with the addition of being in the realm of the Fae, something that I think allowed the author to fully embrace her imaginative and creative side to story-telling, and I hope that there will be more stories within this genre from Elisabeth J Hobbes.
The opening sees our hero; Kit Arton-Price at his and childhood friend/bride-be, Adelaide's engagement party, it's easy to see right from the first few pages that Adelaide and Kit aren't made for each other, they are like chalk and cheese, good friends yet, but not anything more than that. Adelaide comes across as a bit of a spoilt airhead, a little too bothered about dancing and parties and the attention she receives than Kit or the fact they are both being railroaded into an arranged marriage by their families.
Right from the beginning we are introduced to the mysterious Mr Wilde and Ms Dove, who are these two strange and ethereally beautiful creatures who seem to appear out of nowhere. Then suddenly Adelaide falls into a deep sleep which she can't be awoken from, the local doctors claim it's a strange sleeping sickness epidemic where people of all ages, men, women and children are all suddenly falling into a deep sleep. Unsure of what to do, Kit finds the answers and help in the most unexpected places, first, his great aunt who in my opinion is an absolute treasure, says some quite unusual, borderline bonkers things and then there is the reappearance of the mysterious Valentine in his bedroom!
What has all of these strange occurrences got to do with Adelaide? Well, Kit has to first open his eyes and his mind and then make a life-changing journey to the land of the Fae to find the answers!
To be perfectly honest, I couldn't get behind Kit and Adelaide's relationship, I do think Kit had a very lucky escape when the utterly charming and ridiculously beautiful Silas Wilde (sigh!) steals her away to the world of the Fae, it is the best place for her, away from the human world in a land where all attention can be on her.
I know I sound like a bit of a bitch, but nothing irritates me more than spoilt brats, whether it's in the fictional world or in the real one I can't be doing with spoilt, little brats who think themselves entitled and in thinking so just become spoilt adult brats who just come across as t**ts.
Hmm, went off a little there, apologies!
Though, by the last chapter Adelaide did grow on me, not enough to actually like her, but by the end she did come across as more mature and less selfish, though she still wasn't my favourite, that title really must belong to Kit and Silas (who btw is a fairy dish!), Valentine was such a sweetheart, but I felt that there should have been a bit more about her, something felt a little flat about her. But, I loved that she instantly picked up on Kit's bisexuality, even saying that Silas would have a better chance at luring him into the fairy world than she. Valentine accepts Kit for who he is, she allows him to be himself with both sides of her character (I won't say too much about that, but it's lovely!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the representation of quite an extensive LGBT community within the story, the fact that this is set just after the Great War in 1918 and that being gay or bisexual is illegal is a factor in Kit's personal back story. My heart broke for him, he's a little lost uncertain of who he is and trying too hard to be what others want him to be, plus he is certainly suffering from PTSD after the war I got the impression that he is a little lost. His story from the trenches and what happened with his friend is heartbreaking and in my opinion one of the key parts of the whole story and could have been explored a little further, but I am a WW1 girly and will always lean towards that aspect of any story.
Dance with the Fae is utterly charming, full of magic and folklore, and an extensive and quite eclectic cast of characters all of which bring either magic or grounding to the story, I guessed the little twist at the end even though it felt like a little rushed I particular loved the incorporation of Kit's past as a soldier in the trenches with the Fairy world and how one effected the other.
Overall, this is a lovely, enchanting feel-good story of love, loss, guilt, acceptance and claiming who you are, highly recommended for those who love the romantasy genre, and even for those like myself who are fussy, this isn't too fantasy heavy so an easy and enjoyable read!
But that changes whenever I read one of Elisabeth Hobbes's Romantasy books, she is the only author who writes within the genre and can keep me interested and engaged. I adored her debut Romantasy; Daughter of the Sea, I loved everything about that book and have since re-read and loved it all over again, The promise Tree lacked something, and even though Dance with the Fae is not Daughter of the Sea (which in my humble opinion is perfect!) this book completely hooked me from the start, I read it in one weekend and for an incredibly fast and super slow reader.
Dance with the Fae is a lovely friends-to-lovers romance, set directly after WW1 with the addition of being in the realm of the Fae, something that I think allowed the author to fully embrace her imaginative and creative side to story-telling, and I hope that there will be more stories within this genre from Elisabeth J Hobbes.
The opening sees our hero; Kit Arton-Price at his and childhood friend/bride-be, Adelaide's engagement party, it's easy to see right from the first few pages that Adelaide and Kit aren't made for each other, they are like chalk and cheese, good friends yet, but not anything more than that. Adelaide comes across as a bit of a spoilt airhead, a little too bothered about dancing and parties and the attention she receives than Kit or the fact they are both being railroaded into an arranged marriage by their families.
Right from the beginning we are introduced to the mysterious Mr Wilde and Ms Dove, who are these two strange and ethereally beautiful creatures who seem to appear out of nowhere. Then suddenly Adelaide falls into a deep sleep which she can't be awoken from, the local doctors claim it's a strange sleeping sickness epidemic where people of all ages, men, women and children are all suddenly falling into a deep sleep. Unsure of what to do, Kit finds the answers and help in the most unexpected places, first, his great aunt who in my opinion is an absolute treasure, says some quite unusual, borderline bonkers things and then there is the reappearance of the mysterious Valentine in his bedroom!
What has all of these strange occurrences got to do with Adelaide? Well, Kit has to first open his eyes and his mind and then make a life-changing journey to the land of the Fae to find the answers!
To be perfectly honest, I couldn't get behind Kit and Adelaide's relationship, I do think Kit had a very lucky escape when the utterly charming and ridiculously beautiful Silas Wilde (sigh!) steals her away to the world of the Fae, it is the best place for her, away from the human world in a land where all attention can be on her.
I know I sound like a bit of a bitch, but nothing irritates me more than spoilt brats, whether it's in the fictional world or in the real one I can't be doing with spoilt, little brats who think themselves entitled and in thinking so just become spoilt adult brats who just come across as t**ts.
Hmm, went off a little there, apologies!
Though, by the last chapter Adelaide did grow on me, not enough to actually like her, but by the end she did come across as more mature and less selfish, though she still wasn't my favourite, that title really must belong to Kit and Silas (who btw is a fairy dish!), Valentine was such a sweetheart, but I felt that there should have been a bit more about her, something felt a little flat about her. But, I loved that she instantly picked up on Kit's bisexuality, even saying that Silas would have a better chance at luring him into the fairy world than she. Valentine accepts Kit for who he is, she allows him to be himself with both sides of her character (I won't say too much about that, but it's lovely!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the representation of quite an extensive LGBT community within the story, the fact that this is set just after the Great War in 1918 and that being gay or bisexual is illegal is a factor in Kit's personal back story. My heart broke for him, he's a little lost uncertain of who he is and trying too hard to be what others want him to be, plus he is certainly suffering from PTSD after the war I got the impression that he is a little lost. His story from the trenches and what happened with his friend is heartbreaking and in my opinion one of the key parts of the whole story and could have been explored a little further, but I am a WW1 girly and will always lean towards that aspect of any story.
Dance with the Fae is utterly charming, full of magic and folklore, and an extensive and quite eclectic cast of characters all of which bring either magic or grounding to the story, I guessed the little twist at the end even though it felt like a little rushed I particular loved the incorporation of Kit's past as a soldier in the trenches with the Fairy world and how one effected the other.
Overall, this is a lovely, enchanting feel-good story of love, loss, guilt, acceptance and claiming who you are, highly recommended for those who love the romantasy genre, and even for those like myself who are fussy, this isn't too fantasy heavy so an easy and enjoyable read!
February 25, 2025
When One More Chapter invited me to read this book through Netgalley I was not entirely sure what to expect. At the moment there are so many books about fae and faeries around, that it's hard to find the true gems in between the sea of bad books. However, the plot of this one sounded really intriguing and the cover also made me quite curious. I decided to accept the invitation and downloaded my review copy. This week it was time to start reading.
This book was a positive surprise from start to finish. It's hard to explain what makes this book different and stand out. I think it's partly due to Kit. Kit has survived the great war but is, like so many of his peers, quite traumatized. He's also quite sceptical. He doesn't believe in fairytales, he is absolutely not interested in getting involved in another war and yet, yet this world manages to eventually convince him. And by convincing him, the world also convinces us.
Since Kit needs some time to get used to the thought that there might be a whole other world, with other rules and other values, we also get the time to really get to know the fae, their issues and their world. We understand why Kit doesn't believe everything at first, I mean, he doesn't have the title of his own book to tell him what's going on, and we also understand why Kit eventually does fall in love with the world of faeries.
And although this book is a portal fantasy, the book feels quite realistic. That's because the characters, the historical setting and the circumstances of the characters feel quite realistic. The fae part of the story may be fiction, but the historical part of the story is and feels true. Kit's struggles are real too. Kit's choices and responsibilities are too. I'm incredibly happy that I gave this book a chance and I will for sure check out the other Fae books by this author.
This book was a positive surprise from start to finish. It's hard to explain what makes this book different and stand out. I think it's partly due to Kit. Kit has survived the great war but is, like so many of his peers, quite traumatized. He's also quite sceptical. He doesn't believe in fairytales, he is absolutely not interested in getting involved in another war and yet, yet this world manages to eventually convince him. And by convincing him, the world also convinces us.
Since Kit needs some time to get used to the thought that there might be a whole other world, with other rules and other values, we also get the time to really get to know the fae, their issues and their world. We understand why Kit doesn't believe everything at first, I mean, he doesn't have the title of his own book to tell him what's going on, and we also understand why Kit eventually does fall in love with the world of faeries.
And although this book is a portal fantasy, the book feels quite realistic. That's because the characters, the historical setting and the circumstances of the characters feel quite realistic. The fae part of the story may be fiction, but the historical part of the story is and feels true. Kit's struggles are real too. Kit's choices and responsibilities are too. I'm incredibly happy that I gave this book a chance and I will for sure check out the other Fae books by this author.
December 29, 2024
Dance with the Fae is a fantasy romance with a historical, post-war setting. The start of the book establishes a really atmospheric and intriguing story but it is a little slow to get Kit's journey into Faedemesne started. Kit was an interesting, realistic and well-rounded character, but Adelaide was particularly unlikeable. I think this was intentional so that the reader doesn't root for her to be with Kit, but maybe it went a bit too far - I didn't think she had any redeemable qualities, even just as a friend to Kit rather than as a legitimate love interest.
It isn't specified in the blurb or marketing that I've seen so far so it's probably worth mentioning (despite possibly verging into spoiler territory) that the romance in this book is between a bisexual man and a Fae who can take both male and female forms, but who spends the majority of the book in female form. The book isn't afraid of addressing the fact that homosexuality was still a crime at the time this book is set, and showing how this impacts Kit and a few side characters.
It was a really unique Fae tale and had a strong and interesting human MMC at its heart.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
It isn't specified in the blurb or marketing that I've seen so far so it's probably worth mentioning (despite possibly verging into spoiler territory) that the romance in this book is between a bisexual man and a Fae who can take both male and female forms, but who spends the majority of the book in female form. The book isn't afraid of addressing the fact that homosexuality was still a crime at the time this book is set, and showing how this impacts Kit and a few side characters.
It was a really unique Fae tale and had a strong and interesting human MMC at its heart.
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 27, 2025
Set shortly after WWI, we follow Kit, who has is resuming his duties as heir to his family estate, and marrying his childhood friend, Adelaide. It is what is expected, and Kit, ever the soldier, follows orders. He’s use to keeping his feelings, his trauma, his secrets inside. The story begins at the couple’s engagement party. Kit has a few encounters with odd guests, one of whom dances quite intimately with his betrothed. Another brings up feelings that Kit knows are all too dangerous to expose…
The following morning, Adelaide can not be roused from slumber. Kit must journey to the realm of the far to rescue her, and ultimately save himself as well.
Now, for the best part- Adelaide is not the love interest, but I won’t spoil it for you.
I really loved the premise. It evoked memories of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and The Red Shoes, and actually even Downton Abbey, in the beginning. It felt nostalgic, like a classic fairytale, but also refreshing, in that it’s not a straightforward love story between our initial characters, but a true journey of self discovery, with excellent pansexual representation, as well as gentle self healing that allows for a deep love to grow with another character.
Now, the only problem for me was the pacing. It took me a few tries to get going. I loved the idea but it’s slow slow pacing and if I put it aside for a few days, I had to back read to remember what happened. It wasn’t until around half way that I felt like I got momentum and wanted to immerse myself in and finish quickly. I think a lot of work went in to the beautiful character relationships and development, and we could have benefited from a little more action in our quest earlier on perhaps?! 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!
The following morning, Adelaide can not be roused from slumber. Kit must journey to the realm of the far to rescue her, and ultimately save himself as well.
Now, for the best part- Adelaide is not the love interest, but I won’t spoil it for you.
I really loved the premise. It evoked memories of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and The Red Shoes, and actually even Downton Abbey, in the beginning. It felt nostalgic, like a classic fairytale, but also refreshing, in that it’s not a straightforward love story between our initial characters, but a true journey of self discovery, with excellent pansexual representation, as well as gentle self healing that allows for a deep love to grow with another character.
Now, the only problem for me was the pacing. It took me a few tries to get going. I loved the idea but it’s slow slow pacing and if I put it aside for a few days, I had to back read to remember what happened. It wasn’t until around half way that I felt like I got momentum and wanted to immerse myself in and finish quickly. I think a lot of work went in to the beautiful character relationships and development, and we could have benefited from a little more action in our quest earlier on perhaps?! 3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this arc, in exchange for my unbiased review!
January 27, 2025
“Dance with the Fae” is, put simply, a historical fantasy romance. But underneath that it has other layers too; the exploration of grief, trauma, loss, shame. I thought that the execution of those specifically was very interesting and compelling. The protagonist, Kit, is challenged by these throughout the entirety of the book, but in a way that feels realistic and thought out. I do wish that they were explored a bit more in-depth at times, but for the most part I think it was utilised well.
The story is set just after WW1 (or The Great War) which Kit had previously fought in, which causes a lot of distress for him and is a large contributor to the plot. After returning home from the battlefield, he is arranged to marry his childhood best friend and cousin, Adelaide, despite his lack of romantic interest, and his feelings towards his previous lover who he still isn’t over. Despite that, when she suddenly falls ill - into a deep sleep - he can’t help but feel the need to rescue her.
I did enjoy the plot and thought it was actually really quite unique - definitely not what I was expecting and it was refreshing and immersive. I particularly enjoyed the segments of traversing between the worlds and the adventuring.
There were actually a couple scenes where I was genuinely stressed on behalf of the characters too, which doesn’t happen very often for me, and made a nice change!
I do feel like the pacing could’ve been better - it had a slower build up (which I actually quite enjoyed) but the last 20% or so did feel just a bit too fast for me. I would’ve liked longer and maybe more action scenes and a little more time with relationship development between Kit and the love interest, as it does kind of feel like it was quite sudden.
A pretty fun read, and definitely one I’d be happy to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and of course to the author for providing me with an eARC for this in exchange for my honest review.
The story is set just after WW1 (or The Great War) which Kit had previously fought in, which causes a lot of distress for him and is a large contributor to the plot. After returning home from the battlefield, he is arranged to marry his childhood best friend and cousin, Adelaide, despite his lack of romantic interest, and his feelings towards his previous lover who he still isn’t over. Despite that, when she suddenly falls ill - into a deep sleep - he can’t help but feel the need to rescue her.
I did enjoy the plot and thought it was actually really quite unique - definitely not what I was expecting and it was refreshing and immersive. I particularly enjoyed the segments of traversing between the worlds and the adventuring.
There were actually a couple scenes where I was genuinely stressed on behalf of the characters too, which doesn’t happen very often for me, and made a nice change!
I do feel like the pacing could’ve been better - it had a slower build up (which I actually quite enjoyed) but the last 20% or so did feel just a bit too fast for me. I would’ve liked longer and maybe more action scenes and a little more time with relationship development between Kit and the love interest, as it does kind of feel like it was quite sudden.
A pretty fun read, and definitely one I’d be happy to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and of course to the author for providing me with an eARC for this in exchange for my honest review.
February 18, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and one more chapter for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, it had a bit of a slow start for me but once the story progressed into faerie I was hooked.
What I loved:
- The fae in this book are the traditional trickster type and some that Kit encounters are on the scary side which I really enjoyed.
- The romance in the story was really well planned and I liked how the author gave it time to develop.
- Kit was a refreshing and believable main character.
What could be better:
- very little, I struggled a bit with the pacing at the start but everything introduced was relevant to the story.
I would suggest this book to those who love the regency fairytales or anyone who likes a historical romantic fantasy.
I really enjoyed this book, it had a bit of a slow start for me but once the story progressed into faerie I was hooked.
What I loved:
- The fae in this book are the traditional trickster type and some that Kit encounters are on the scary side which I really enjoyed.
- The romance in the story was really well planned and I liked how the author gave it time to develop.
- Kit was a refreshing and believable main character.
What could be better:
- very little, I struggled a bit with the pacing at the start but everything introduced was relevant to the story.
I would suggest this book to those who love the regency fairytales or anyone who likes a historical romantic fantasy.
February 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC.
I found this book intriuging upon requesting it, a romantasy but in a male characters perspective. Which is a rare thing to see indeed, at least to me. The writing is readable and fun, but the pacing was a bit funny, not sure if that was me or not, as it was a bit of hectic time whilst reading, The settings descirptions were fun and magical. The historical context to the book was quite fun, as recently I've been reading a few historical novels none of them fantasy like this one. Kit as a main character was okay, unique and I loved the representation. I tried to not reveal too much spoilers in this review.
I found this book intriuging upon requesting it, a romantasy but in a male characters perspective. Which is a rare thing to see indeed, at least to me. The writing is readable and fun, but the pacing was a bit funny, not sure if that was me or not, as it was a bit of hectic time whilst reading, The settings descirptions were fun and magical. The historical context to the book was quite fun, as recently I've been reading a few historical novels none of them fantasy like this one. Kit as a main character was okay, unique and I loved the representation. I tried to not reveal too much spoilers in this review.
April 1, 2025
This was such a refreshing read, i absolutely adored the more traditional folklore woven throughout the story.
The way that PTSD is mentioned aswell i feel so very sensitively handled, aswell as such a great representation of being queer when stuck in a land and time where not only was it viewed as disgusting but also illegal.
The ending to this book made me feel like I've just had a breath of fresh air. Throughly enjoyed and it is a great Pallette cleanser book too if anyone's looking for one!
The way that PTSD is mentioned aswell i feel so very sensitively handled, aswell as such a great representation of being queer when stuck in a land and time where not only was it viewed as disgusting but also illegal.
The ending to this book made me feel like I've just had a breath of fresh air. Throughly enjoyed and it is a great Pallette cleanser book too if anyone's looking for one!
March 1, 2025
This book was very hard to follow, I felt like I was constantly missing something, yet somehow it was painfully slow.
It was as if nothing happened before 30%, then again a blank before 60% and again until 95%.
In theory this has all the hallmarks of a book I would like but the execution wasn’t there for me at all.
It was as if nothing happened before 30%, then again a blank before 60% and again until 95%.
In theory this has all the hallmarks of a book I would like but the execution wasn’t there for me at all.
February 27, 2025
Loved the concept of the story, however, the execution could be better. Absolutely hated Adelaide, I haven't met such unlikable character for a while. Though I loved the way historical fiction was mixed with fantasy, I wished that faeries were a bit more distinguishable from humans not only in looks but also in their behavior, manners, and mindset. 3.5/5
February 13, 2025
Thankyou to NetGalley and the publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Dance with the fae is a set after WW1, after returning soldier, Kit hosts his engagement party to his childhood friend Adelaide. After dancing with a mysterious stranger, Adelaide contracts a ‘sleeping sickness’ for which Kit must embark on journey to the fae realm to save her.
Unfortunately this book was a DNF for me. The premise was interesting, the atmosphere felt like something between Downton Abbey and Emily Wilde, which made it initially charming. That being said, I really struggled to get into the story as the pacing was very slow and the story unfolded incredibly slowly.
Kit is a likeable main character and his trauma adds layers to his story arc, however Adelaide is less well developed and hard to connect with.
The story is very unique and different to anything else out there at moment.
I may try and pick it up again at some point but it’s a DNF for me at the moment.
Dance with the fae is a set after WW1, after returning soldier, Kit hosts his engagement party to his childhood friend Adelaide. After dancing with a mysterious stranger, Adelaide contracts a ‘sleeping sickness’ for which Kit must embark on journey to the fae realm to save her.
Unfortunately this book was a DNF for me. The premise was interesting, the atmosphere felt like something between Downton Abbey and Emily Wilde, which made it initially charming. That being said, I really struggled to get into the story as the pacing was very slow and the story unfolded incredibly slowly.
Kit is a likeable main character and his trauma adds layers to his story arc, however Adelaide is less well developed and hard to connect with.
The story is very unique and different to anything else out there at moment.
I may try and pick it up again at some point but it’s a DNF for me at the moment.
February 26, 2025
Set in the aftermath of the First World War, we follow a wounded soldier's journey of recovery, of finding himself again, and a second chance at life in an enchanting mystical realm. After his fiancée is swept away by the charming and mysterious Mr Wilde, he begrudgingly pairs together with the fae Valentine - who's full of riddles and cryptic meanings - to save his stolen love.
Upon reading the description of this novel, I was excited to see that it was a male rather than female protagonist that would be adventuring into fairyland.
However, I found it a little difficult to connect with our main character as I didn't fully like his personality. He was angry often - justifiably so as his fiance was kidnapped - and very mistrusting; again, this makes perfect sense as they fae are not to be trusted and have deceitful ways. However, I think he is almost written too realistically. I had hoped for more wonder and excitement throughout this novel, and more happy moments between him and his love interest. This book has a depressing tone to it, and although I enjoy reading about battles, and dangerous and emotional scenes in my fantasy books, I think this novel didn't provide me with the joy I get from the escapism of reading. I felt dreadfully sorry for Kit and had a pit in my stomach knowing what he'd gone through.
The representation for PTSD was good, and it holds great importance to remember what occurs to people during war - and mental health representation in general too - , although it was distressing to read. I would definitely advise readers be aware of this content before reading, as although I am usually comfortable reading about violence and characters battles with mental health, the emotional impact of Kit's memories are a tough one to digest.
The author handled his confusion and distrust of the fae really well and captured his disorienting experience entering a new and unfamiliar fantastical realm.
I loved the LGBT+ representation this novel provided. It was beautiful to see it blended so naturally into the fae world Kit has found himself in. It was wonderful to see how free he was able to be in a more diverse and accepting world.
This novel is a historical fantasy romance, though I did find the romance a bit lacking. Kit and Valentine definitely formed a connection during their adventure together, but I found it lacked chemistry, and not much was provided to the reader as to why their personalities would mesh. Their bond wasn't translating off the page to me. I just wanted to feel a little more excitement from their romance.
This novel had quite a slow build-up. I was looking forward to jumping into the world of the fae, but it took so long to get there, and even after arriving, I wished there was more description of the magical things to be discovered there. I struggled to build a full image in my head of what differences this new land had to the one we live in.
The ending also felt very rushed in comparison to the slower pacing throughout the book, leaving it feeling a bit lackluster and without very high-stakes, as I knew the book would be ending shortly.
'Dance with the Fae' is a beautifully well written novel, and though I did not connect with it the way I'd hoped, I think it's a fantastic historical fantasy. It was enchanting, with a uniquely eerie, unsettling, and mystifying vibe, and darker themes. I would definitely recommend this novel, even though it wasn't for me.
Upon reading the description of this novel, I was excited to see that it was a male rather than female protagonist that would be adventuring into fairyland.
However, I found it a little difficult to connect with our main character as I didn't fully like his personality. He was angry often - justifiably so as his fiance was kidnapped - and very mistrusting; again, this makes perfect sense as they fae are not to be trusted and have deceitful ways. However, I think he is almost written too realistically. I had hoped for more wonder and excitement throughout this novel, and more happy moments between him and his love interest. This book has a depressing tone to it, and although I enjoy reading about battles, and dangerous and emotional scenes in my fantasy books, I think this novel didn't provide me with the joy I get from the escapism of reading. I felt dreadfully sorry for Kit and had a pit in my stomach knowing what he'd gone through.
The representation for PTSD was good, and it holds great importance to remember what occurs to people during war - and mental health representation in general too - , although it was distressing to read. I would definitely advise readers be aware of this content before reading, as although I am usually comfortable reading about violence and characters battles with mental health, the emotional impact of Kit's memories are a tough one to digest.
The author handled his confusion and distrust of the fae really well and captured his disorienting experience entering a new and unfamiliar fantastical realm.
I loved the LGBT+ representation this novel provided. It was beautiful to see it blended so naturally into the fae world Kit has found himself in. It was wonderful to see how free he was able to be in a more diverse and accepting world.
This novel is a historical fantasy romance, though I did find the romance a bit lacking. Kit and Valentine definitely formed a connection during their adventure together, but I found it lacked chemistry, and not much was provided to the reader as to why their personalities would mesh. Their bond wasn't translating off the page to me. I just wanted to feel a little more excitement from their romance.
This novel had quite a slow build-up. I was looking forward to jumping into the world of the fae, but it took so long to get there, and even after arriving, I wished there was more description of the magical things to be discovered there. I struggled to build a full image in my head of what differences this new land had to the one we live in.
The ending also felt very rushed in comparison to the slower pacing throughout the book, leaving it feeling a bit lackluster and without very high-stakes, as I knew the book would be ending shortly.
'Dance with the Fae' is a beautifully well written novel, and though I did not connect with it the way I'd hoped, I think it's a fantastic historical fantasy. It was enchanting, with a uniquely eerie, unsettling, and mystifying vibe, and darker themes. I would definitely recommend this novel, even though it wasn't for me.
February 25, 2025
British Fairy Tale with Great Premise
Elisabeth Hobbes combines historical fiction with fantasy in her newest novel, Dance with the Fae. Christopher 'Kit' Arton-Price, decorated war hero bearing the scars of the battles he has seen, returns to his family's Yorkshire manor to marry Adelaide Wyndham, an heiress he has been promised to since they were both little. Now, at 30, Kit is ready to retreat to the library and bury himself in the running of the estate rather than attend the society functions expected of a young couple. When two mysterious strangers crash his engagement party, his troubles are about to get much more fantastical than his rational mind can possibly comprehend..
I found the first few pages of the novel riveting. The premise of the war hero, scarred and with a terrible secret, is tantalising, as were the descriptions and mystery of the two strangers and their connection with his fiancée and family.
The intrigue flattened out after a few chapters as the pacing stalled and I found that the first major turning point only happened a third into the book (all before that being more exposition than plot). What I thought would be a quick and easy read became somewhat dragging. The pacing did pick up towards the end but after such a slow rest of the novel, it then felt rushed and the plot lines tied up too quickly to be satisfying.
Despite a somewhat queer-positive premise, the book does not manage to straddle that topic decisively enough and falls back to straight romance where possible. The queer moments seem like an afterthought.
Some bits of the plot that were meant to be minor were more entertaining than the main storyline, which I think shows that maybe Hobbes' narrative gifts might be better suited to a different sort of story.
Only one plotline has proper obstacles and stakes that are sufficiently explored (the novel is short for a historical fantasy and I think it could have been tightened and expanded in equal measure).
The world building borrows heavily from British mythology and fairy stories, which was nice but again not fleshed out enough for my taste.
There were moments where the language of the characters seemed to slip out of the tone Elizabeth Hobbes establishes in the first few chapters and became distractingly modern.
Overall an easy read, though I would not call it a romantasy per se, more of a fantasical adventure comedy..
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Elisabeth Hobbes combines historical fiction with fantasy in her newest novel, Dance with the Fae. Christopher 'Kit' Arton-Price, decorated war hero bearing the scars of the battles he has seen, returns to his family's Yorkshire manor to marry Adelaide Wyndham, an heiress he has been promised to since they were both little. Now, at 30, Kit is ready to retreat to the library and bury himself in the running of the estate rather than attend the society functions expected of a young couple. When two mysterious strangers crash his engagement party, his troubles are about to get much more fantastical than his rational mind can possibly comprehend..
I found the first few pages of the novel riveting. The premise of the war hero, scarred and with a terrible secret, is tantalising, as were the descriptions and mystery of the two strangers and their connection with his fiancée and family.
The intrigue flattened out after a few chapters as the pacing stalled and I found that the first major turning point only happened a third into the book (all before that being more exposition than plot). What I thought would be a quick and easy read became somewhat dragging. The pacing did pick up towards the end but after such a slow rest of the novel, it then felt rushed and the plot lines tied up too quickly to be satisfying.
Despite a somewhat queer-positive premise, the book does not manage to straddle that topic decisively enough and falls back to straight romance where possible. The queer moments seem like an afterthought.
Some bits of the plot that were meant to be minor were more entertaining than the main storyline, which I think shows that maybe Hobbes' narrative gifts might be better suited to a different sort of story.
Only one plotline has proper obstacles and stakes that are sufficiently explored (the novel is short for a historical fantasy and I think it could have been tightened and expanded in equal measure).
The world building borrows heavily from British mythology and fairy stories, which was nice but again not fleshed out enough for my taste.
There were moments where the language of the characters seemed to slip out of the tone Elizabeth Hobbes establishes in the first few chapters and became distractingly modern.
Overall an easy read, though I would not call it a romantasy per se, more of a fantasical adventure comedy..
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 26, 2025
Dance with the Fae by Elisabeth J Hobbes is a fabulous Fae filled tale with an interesting historical setting that gave it a unique feel. Set in the immediate aftermath of the first world war, we meet Kit Arton-Price , heir to the family estate at a party to celebrate his engagement to Adelaide. Recently returned from the trenches the emotional and psychological scars he bears are even worse than the physical ones that mar his once handsome face, and the secret that he is hiding is weighing heavily on him. When he sees Adelaide dancing with a mysterious stranger, Mr Wilde, he is more curious than jealous but when she fails to wake up the next morning and medicine is not yielding any answers he is forced to look for a more supernatural cause and finds himself traveling to a mysterious and dangerous land in the company of the enigmatic but captivating Miss Dove. His only hope of saving Adelaide may be to trust the Fae, but given their reputation as tricksters, how can he believe anything they tell him?
I absolutely loved the melding of history and fantasy in this book, I think the author did a wonderful job of depicting the horrors experienced by soldiers during the war and the addition of the love story between Kit and another soldier was heartbreaking , the scene where he finally opened up about what happened and the guilt and shame he carried almost had me in tears. I also loved the characterisation of the Fae, both Mr Wilde and Miss Dove were complex and had a certain level of moral greyness that made them particularly interesting. The pacing of the book did feel a little uneven, it definitely started quite slowly, which I did not mind but some readers might find off putting and by contrast the ending felt a little rushed, almost abrupt, which surprised me. Even though I had not read anything quite like this before, I appreciated that the Fae aspects of the story adhered to the many traditions of the genre, the dangers of eating food offered by one of the Fae and the need for specificity in any bargains for example. I went into this book not knowing what to expect and I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised - I can already think of several friends I will be recommending it to. I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I absolutely loved the melding of history and fantasy in this book, I think the author did a wonderful job of depicting the horrors experienced by soldiers during the war and the addition of the love story between Kit and another soldier was heartbreaking , the scene where he finally opened up about what happened and the guilt and shame he carried almost had me in tears. I also loved the characterisation of the Fae, both Mr Wilde and Miss Dove were complex and had a certain level of moral greyness that made them particularly interesting. The pacing of the book did feel a little uneven, it definitely started quite slowly, which I did not mind but some readers might find off putting and by contrast the ending felt a little rushed, almost abrupt, which surprised me. Even though I had not read anything quite like this before, I appreciated that the Fae aspects of the story adhered to the many traditions of the genre, the dangers of eating food offered by one of the Fae and the need for specificity in any bargains for example. I went into this book not knowing what to expect and I was very pleased and pleasantly surprised - I can already think of several friends I will be recommending it to. I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
February 5, 2025
I was intrigued by Dance with the Fae from reading the initial description, it combines historical fiction and fantasy and promised something more than the traditional fantasy story.
To be honest, despite my love for historical fiction, I found the initial part of the book to be quite slow but, it was a great introduction to Kit. Kit returned home a hero from World War I but, is struggling with the trauma, grief and loss he suffered in the trenches. On his return, he is expected to step back into the life he had before, including inheriting the family estate and the planned engagement and future marriage to his childhood friend Adeline.
Kit and Adelaide’s engagement party introduces them and us to the enigmatic Mr Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove, who introduce a sense of eeriness and magic to the story, soon followed by a mysterious illness that plunges its victims into a sleeping sickness. Kit finds himself enmeshed in this mystery, as Adeline is one of the victims of this illness and finds that he must venture into the Fae realm to rescue Adeline and his village.
It is from this point that the pacing of this story picks up dramatically, it almost feels like the slow pacing at the start as we are introduced to Kit is a deliberate tool to introduce us to a character who has survived a traumatic war, is suffering as a consequence of this and feels totally isolated from all those around him, amidst a society that is struggling between returning to the norms and attitudes of pre-WW1 England but, unable to turn the clock back from an era that offered a glimpse of a different world where intolerant, conservative society demands was slightly less prevalent.
The second half of the story is so much more open, with great LGBTQ representation and a society that offers the freedom for people/fae to be whom they want to be, rather than what a restrictive society demands, which is a real credit to Hobbes’ world-building and characterisation. I won’t say this book is perfect, there were some quirks in the pacing and characters that I didn’t quite gel with but, this is a read that offers a true balance of fantasy and historical fiction.
This is definitely a read for those who enjoy historical fiction and / or fantasy, bringing elements of both together to create a world you might not want to escape from.
To be honest, despite my love for historical fiction, I found the initial part of the book to be quite slow but, it was a great introduction to Kit. Kit returned home a hero from World War I but, is struggling with the trauma, grief and loss he suffered in the trenches. On his return, he is expected to step back into the life he had before, including inheriting the family estate and the planned engagement and future marriage to his childhood friend Adeline.
Kit and Adelaide’s engagement party introduces them and us to the enigmatic Mr Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove, who introduce a sense of eeriness and magic to the story, soon followed by a mysterious illness that plunges its victims into a sleeping sickness. Kit finds himself enmeshed in this mystery, as Adeline is one of the victims of this illness and finds that he must venture into the Fae realm to rescue Adeline and his village.
It is from this point that the pacing of this story picks up dramatically, it almost feels like the slow pacing at the start as we are introduced to Kit is a deliberate tool to introduce us to a character who has survived a traumatic war, is suffering as a consequence of this and feels totally isolated from all those around him, amidst a society that is struggling between returning to the norms and attitudes of pre-WW1 England but, unable to turn the clock back from an era that offered a glimpse of a different world where intolerant, conservative society demands was slightly less prevalent.
The second half of the story is so much more open, with great LGBTQ representation and a society that offers the freedom for people/fae to be whom they want to be, rather than what a restrictive society demands, which is a real credit to Hobbes’ world-building and characterisation. I won’t say this book is perfect, there were some quirks in the pacing and characters that I didn’t quite gel with but, this is a read that offers a true balance of fantasy and historical fiction.
This is definitely a read for those who enjoy historical fiction and / or fantasy, bringing elements of both together to create a world you might not want to escape from.
March 1, 2025
4.5 🌟
Unlike any fae romantasy book I’ve read!
I’ve really enjoyed delving into fantasy books that properly utilise fae lore lately, and I don’t just mean books with hot men with pointy ears. I’m talking all the bargains and trickery! And this book definitely delivered, and took me on such a fantastic adventure!
🥜🪻🥜🪻
Premise:
Following WW1, war hero Kit is struggling with his memories of the war and the shame of his hidden sexuality. At his engagement party to a family friend, he meets two mysterious strangers, who talk of another war in far away lands, that needs support.
When his fiancé, Adelaide falls into a ‘sleeping sickness’, he finds himself venturing into the lands of the fae to save her, guided by a shapeshifting / gender-shifting fae, Valentine. And is caught up in a quest to save Valentine from her enslavement and save their lands.
🥜🪻🥜🪻
It’s a very cleverly plotted book, with its utilisation of fae lore. The author’s note and how she put the idea together was very interesting!!
What I loved:
🥜 Kit! It’s rare that I read a fantasy book where the protagonist is a man, but I really loved Kit! He’s slightly broken and heartbreaking, but perseveres, and seems to find beauty in everyone.
🪻The whole gender shifting thing was very new for me in a book! But I loved how Kit was able to fully explore his sexuality, in a world that was so freeing. Valentine was a great character, although her background and positive attitude despite all that had been done to her, also broke my heart slightly!
🥜 The fae world. I loved the little magics, like singing to speed up a walk and the Dodo birds. And therapy time with the Unicorns. All the little touches, made me want to run away with the faeries!
🪻The plot. From the start to end, I was enraptured and read the book in a couple of days. The ending especially had me very stressed but I love how it all came together. The plot is a slower pace I’d say, but it allows for a really beautiful development of the characters’ emotional relationships!
All in all, a fab read! I understand the author has written a few other fantasy books and I’m very intrigued to explore them! But I would also 100% love it if she did more in this world. I think especially showing us the journey of Silas and Addie, which I would have loved to see in this book!
Let’s wait and see!
Unlike any fae romantasy book I’ve read!
I’ve really enjoyed delving into fantasy books that properly utilise fae lore lately, and I don’t just mean books with hot men with pointy ears. I’m talking all the bargains and trickery! And this book definitely delivered, and took me on such a fantastic adventure!
🥜🪻🥜🪻
Premise:
Following WW1, war hero Kit is struggling with his memories of the war and the shame of his hidden sexuality. At his engagement party to a family friend, he meets two mysterious strangers, who talk of another war in far away lands, that needs support.
When his fiancé, Adelaide falls into a ‘sleeping sickness’, he finds himself venturing into the lands of the fae to save her, guided by a shapeshifting / gender-shifting fae, Valentine. And is caught up in a quest to save Valentine from her enslavement and save their lands.
🥜🪻🥜🪻
It’s a very cleverly plotted book, with its utilisation of fae lore. The author’s note and how she put the idea together was very interesting!!
What I loved:
🥜 Kit! It’s rare that I read a fantasy book where the protagonist is a man, but I really loved Kit! He’s slightly broken and heartbreaking, but perseveres, and seems to find beauty in everyone.
🪻The whole gender shifting thing was very new for me in a book! But I loved how Kit was able to fully explore his sexuality, in a world that was so freeing. Valentine was a great character, although her background and positive attitude despite all that had been done to her, also broke my heart slightly!
🥜 The fae world. I loved the little magics, like singing to speed up a walk and the Dodo birds. And therapy time with the Unicorns. All the little touches, made me want to run away with the faeries!
🪻The plot. From the start to end, I was enraptured and read the book in a couple of days. The ending especially had me very stressed but I love how it all came together. The plot is a slower pace I’d say, but it allows for a really beautiful development of the characters’ emotional relationships!
All in all, a fab read! I understand the author has written a few other fantasy books and I’m very intrigued to explore them! But I would also 100% love it if she did more in this world. I think especially showing us the journey of Silas and Addie, which I would have loved to see in this book!
Let’s wait and see!
March 12, 2025
Dance with the Fae is the latest romance release about fae, a staggeringly popular category at the minute, but this was different to the rest.
Following the lives of Kit, or Christopher, an ex-soldier who just returned from fighting in World War 1. He is literally and figuratively scarred and traumatised from his time at War. The book opens at his engagement party to his longtime friend Adelaide. The pair grew up together, always understanding that one day they would be married. It doesn’t really appear that there’s a romantic relationship between the two but they both understand that the union is part of a greater responsibility than their own relationship but there is a clear platonic love between them. After two mysterious guests attend their engagement and cause a bit of a stir, the pair keep bumping into them, causing tensions not just between the betrothed but with other family and friends. After a strange interaction out in public the next morning, Adelaide seems to fall into a deep sleep unable to wake up. As the reader, we know something occurred with her and Silas where it seemed she was going back to the fae kingdom with him as his plan to seduce and entice her worked. Unfortunately Kit was harder to convince and ultimately he was left behind dealing with Adelaide as she was stuck in this trance state that the doctors were unable to help. One mysterious stranger remains, Miss Dove or Valentine as she’s called, remained behind. She was only given a week to try and get Kit to come back with her otherwise she was to return alone so they could resume the greater plan of rebuilding their word after the destruction of the war.
The pair embark on a journey to save Addie and Kit discovers a whole new world he didn’t know existed. Along the way he tries to deal with his grief and trauma from the war while managing the trials and rules of this new kingdom.
This was a promising read. I loved the setting and how the war played a part in the destruction of the fae kingdom. Kit’s character was promising. Recovering from mental trauma that wasn’t really recognised at that time and dealing with his sexuality which again wasn’t accepted. Unfortunately at around the 30% march I felt the pace slowed right down. I wasn’t fully engaged with the story and lost some of the enjoyment I had at the beginning.
Thank you for the eARC
Following the lives of Kit, or Christopher, an ex-soldier who just returned from fighting in World War 1. He is literally and figuratively scarred and traumatised from his time at War. The book opens at his engagement party to his longtime friend Adelaide. The pair grew up together, always understanding that one day they would be married. It doesn’t really appear that there’s a romantic relationship between the two but they both understand that the union is part of a greater responsibility than their own relationship but there is a clear platonic love between them. After two mysterious guests attend their engagement and cause a bit of a stir, the pair keep bumping into them, causing tensions not just between the betrothed but with other family and friends. After a strange interaction out in public the next morning, Adelaide seems to fall into a deep sleep unable to wake up. As the reader, we know something occurred with her and Silas where it seemed she was going back to the fae kingdom with him as his plan to seduce and entice her worked. Unfortunately Kit was harder to convince and ultimately he was left behind dealing with Adelaide as she was stuck in this trance state that the doctors were unable to help. One mysterious stranger remains, Miss Dove or Valentine as she’s called, remained behind. She was only given a week to try and get Kit to come back with her otherwise she was to return alone so they could resume the greater plan of rebuilding their word after the destruction of the war.
The pair embark on a journey to save Addie and Kit discovers a whole new world he didn’t know existed. Along the way he tries to deal with his grief and trauma from the war while managing the trials and rules of this new kingdom.
This was a promising read. I loved the setting and how the war played a part in the destruction of the fae kingdom. Kit’s character was promising. Recovering from mental trauma that wasn’t really recognised at that time and dealing with his sexuality which again wasn’t accepted. Unfortunately at around the 30% march I felt the pace slowed right down. I wasn’t fully engaged with the story and lost some of the enjoyment I had at the beginning.
Thank you for the eARC
January 21, 2025
--Queer Rep -- Historical Romantasy -- Fae --
When your only real criticism of a novel is that it should've been longer, you know you've read a good book.
Kit Arton-Price has returned from the Great War a changed man -- mind and body. We meet him and his fiancee Adelaide Price at their engagement ball.
Kit has his misgivings about the match, but recognises the sense of it in that resigned, gently impoverished way of the declining aristocracy of the early twentieth century (think Downton Abbey vibes). He's inheriting the declining family estate and his cousin, Addie, will be inheriting all the money.
Enter two gatecrashing (oddly alluring) strangers who seem intent on seeking some type of assistance from the pair and the cool, weird, lesbian Aunt-Of-My-Dreams with a dire warning that she's only able to express in riddles.
My, my...who could these gorgeous, tricksy visitors be?
I cannot tell you how much traditional fae protrayal in novels thrills me. "Dance with the Fae" gave perfect Holly Black meets Susanna Clarke vibes and I especially appreciated the charming little touches of lore scattered throughout.
Hobbes treads the line perfectly of drawing Kit -- a victim of the horror of war -- as a figure that inspires empathy rather than frustration in his initial persistent self-doubt and uncertainty: in short, he is bisexual disaster babygirl.
The antagonism between the main pairing is likewise deliciously painted. He wants to shake her until he rattles her teeth, yet...is also desperately horny for her? Yes, please. Immaculate chemistry that I look for in all my reads.
I *keep* using art metaphors but what I really should be leaning into is food metaphors because this prose was delicious. I wanted to lick the page, drink it down like the mimosa scented fae protagonist.
The presentation of this character as genderfluid was really sensitively conveyed. I applaud Hobbes for the inclusion and the respect and earnestness with which she has dealt with queer issues in this novel.
As previously mentioned, the only flaw I found here was that the climax and resolution felt ever-so-slightly hurried and I would've loved to stay a little longer in the world that the author had built.
You should read this book.
When your only real criticism of a novel is that it should've been longer, you know you've read a good book.
Kit Arton-Price has returned from the Great War a changed man -- mind and body. We meet him and his fiancee Adelaide Price at their engagement ball.
Kit has his misgivings about the match, but recognises the sense of it in that resigned, gently impoverished way of the declining aristocracy of the early twentieth century (think Downton Abbey vibes). He's inheriting the declining family estate and his cousin, Addie, will be inheriting all the money.
Enter two gatecrashing (oddly alluring) strangers who seem intent on seeking some type of assistance from the pair and the cool, weird, lesbian Aunt-Of-My-Dreams with a dire warning that she's only able to express in riddles.
My, my...who could these gorgeous, tricksy visitors be?
I cannot tell you how much traditional fae protrayal in novels thrills me. "Dance with the Fae" gave perfect Holly Black meets Susanna Clarke vibes and I especially appreciated the charming little touches of lore scattered throughout.
Hobbes treads the line perfectly of drawing Kit -- a victim of the horror of war -- as a figure that inspires empathy rather than frustration in his initial persistent self-doubt and uncertainty: in short, he is bisexual disaster babygirl.
The antagonism between the main pairing is likewise deliciously painted. He wants to shake her until he rattles her teeth, yet...is also desperately horny for her? Yes, please. Immaculate chemistry that I look for in all my reads.
I *keep* using art metaphors but what I really should be leaning into is food metaphors because this prose was delicious. I wanted to lick the page, drink it down like the mimosa scented fae protagonist.
The presentation of this character as genderfluid was really sensitively conveyed. I applaud Hobbes for the inclusion and the respect and earnestness with which she has dealt with queer issues in this novel.
As previously mentioned, the only flaw I found here was that the climax and resolution felt ever-so-slightly hurried and I would've loved to stay a little longer in the world that the author had built.
You should read this book.
January 15, 2025
📚Dance with the Fae by Elisabeth J. Hobbes📚
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Spice Rating: Fade to black
✨Tropes✨
⚔️LGBTQIA+ Rep
⚔️Healing from Trauma
⚔️Fae x Humans
⚔️One Bed
✨Initial Thoughts✨
Historical Fiction ☑️ Fantasy ☑️ Strong LGBTQIA+ representation ☑️
This was such a fun and unique read. It takes place just after WWI and our MMC Kit is still reeling from his time during the war. Kit not only has battle scars, but he also has guilt over loving and losing a fellow soldier, Andrew. He is supposed to marry his childhood friend Adelaide, who he does care about, just not romantically. When Adelaide meets and dances with a handsome stranger, Mr. Wilde, at their engagement party, she is more than just captivated. And when Adelaide enters a mysterious sleeping illness, it’s up to Kit to try to save her. He and Missy Dove, the woman who was with Mr. Wilde during the party, go into the land of the Fae to rescue Addie.
This story has such a wonderful message of self acceptance, healing from multiple forms of trauma, and forgiveness. I love that it’s also a standalone and therefore did not end on a cliffhanger. The story was nicely written and the ending was perfect.
✨Pros✨
* The immersive world the author weaves.
* The combination of historical fiction and fantasy. It felt like Downton Abbey meets Fae and I loved it.
* Really great LGBTQIA+ representation.
* Valentine/Valentin. They were the only reason I could like Kit. Seeing him through their POV was a breath of fresh air for his character. They’re also a really lovable character in her own right.
✨Cons✨
* I spent a lot of time not liking Kit’s personality. He is so confrontational at the best of times that it was hard to like him fully. I understand where the anger and mistrust is coming from and I think the author wrote Kit very realistically considering the trauma he went through. That doesn’t mean I necessarily like him any better during the first 2/3 of the story. Kit does grow and I did like him at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this book.
Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Spice Rating: Fade to black
✨Tropes✨
⚔️LGBTQIA+ Rep
⚔️Healing from Trauma
⚔️Fae x Humans
⚔️One Bed
✨Initial Thoughts✨
Historical Fiction ☑️ Fantasy ☑️ Strong LGBTQIA+ representation ☑️
This was such a fun and unique read. It takes place just after WWI and our MMC Kit is still reeling from his time during the war. Kit not only has battle scars, but he also has guilt over loving and losing a fellow soldier, Andrew. He is supposed to marry his childhood friend Adelaide, who he does care about, just not romantically. When Adelaide meets and dances with a handsome stranger, Mr. Wilde, at their engagement party, she is more than just captivated. And when Adelaide enters a mysterious sleeping illness, it’s up to Kit to try to save her. He and Missy Dove, the woman who was with Mr. Wilde during the party, go into the land of the Fae to rescue Addie.
This story has such a wonderful message of self acceptance, healing from multiple forms of trauma, and forgiveness. I love that it’s also a standalone and therefore did not end on a cliffhanger. The story was nicely written and the ending was perfect.
✨Pros✨
* The immersive world the author weaves.
* The combination of historical fiction and fantasy. It felt like Downton Abbey meets Fae and I loved it.
* Really great LGBTQIA+ representation.
* Valentine/Valentin. They were the only reason I could like Kit. Seeing him through their POV was a breath of fresh air for his character. They’re also a really lovable character in her own right.
✨Cons✨
* I spent a lot of time not liking Kit’s personality. He is so confrontational at the best of times that it was hard to like him fully. I understand where the anger and mistrust is coming from and I think the author wrote Kit very realistically considering the trauma he went through. That doesn’t mean I necessarily like him any better during the first 2/3 of the story. Kit does grow and I did like him at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this book.
March 10, 2025
2,5⭐️
C'était pas horrible mais pas dingue non plus, moins pire que Baby Dragon Cafe.
On est dans un monde enchanté, de contes. Le début est un peu lent, l'anglais pas le plus simple à lire.
Kit est entraîné dans le monde des fae par Valentine/Valentin pour retrouver sa fiancée enlevée par le prince des Fae. Valentine est prisonnière, esclave d'un maître.
À la moitié du livre, ils sont encore en chemin pour retrouver le prince Fae, qu'est-ce que c'était looong. Donc je me suis doutée que probablement Valentine allait être le love interest du livre et que Kit allait la sauver. Et ça a totalement été ça donc plutôt prévisible..
On m'a perdue au moment où ça a commencé à parler de dodos, de licornes et de basilics. J'avais l'impression d'être dans une parodie. De même que le fait de devoir casser des noix pour passer d'un monde à l'autre, trop enfantin à mon goût.
Et c'est cadeau :
"Oooh, I could grow fat eating those'" parce qu'elle mangé un biscuit............j'ai levé les yeux aux ciel.
La résolution de l'intrigue ne m'a pas convaincue non plus.
Que personne n'est pensé au fer pour tuer l'usurpateur avant est un peu grotesque...
Et la fin de l'usurpateur, j'ai presque cru à une farce tellement j'ai pas trouvé ça crédible.
Sur une note plus positive, j'ai trouvé que le livre donnait une belle représentation de l'amour pour une personne et pas son sexe : à travers le personnage de Kit qui dit à Valentine qu'il l'aimera pareil qu'elle prenne l'apparence d'un homme ou d'une femme.
Je ne pense pas lire d'autres livres de l'autrice.
Citations :
" Is this a shackle not an ornament ?"
"Kit, you are so demure, you make me feel quite evil, as I was the villain in a mummer's tale trying to seduce the village maiden."
"Valentine, I find myself liking you, though I never thought I would."
"- You freed yourself.
- With the means - and the courage - you helped me find."
C'était pas horrible mais pas dingue non plus, moins pire que Baby Dragon Cafe.
On est dans un monde enchanté, de contes. Le début est un peu lent, l'anglais pas le plus simple à lire.
Kit est entraîné dans le monde des fae par Valentine/Valentin pour retrouver sa fiancée enlevée par le prince des Fae. Valentine est prisonnière, esclave d'un maître.
À la moitié du livre, ils sont encore en chemin pour retrouver le prince Fae, qu'est-ce que c'était looong. Donc je me suis doutée que probablement Valentine allait être le love interest du livre et que Kit allait la sauver. Et ça a totalement été ça donc plutôt prévisible..
On m'a perdue au moment où ça a commencé à parler de dodos, de licornes et de basilics. J'avais l'impression d'être dans une parodie. De même que le fait de devoir casser des noix pour passer d'un monde à l'autre, trop enfantin à mon goût.
Et c'est cadeau :
"Oooh, I could grow fat eating those'" parce qu'elle mangé un biscuit............j'ai levé les yeux aux ciel.
La résolution de l'intrigue ne m'a pas convaincue non plus.
Que personne n'est pensé au fer pour tuer l'usurpateur avant est un peu grotesque...
Et la fin de l'usurpateur, j'ai presque cru à une farce tellement j'ai pas trouvé ça crédible.
Sur une note plus positive, j'ai trouvé que le livre donnait une belle représentation de l'amour pour une personne et pas son sexe : à travers le personnage de Kit qui dit à Valentine qu'il l'aimera pareil qu'elle prenne l'apparence d'un homme ou d'une femme.
Je ne pense pas lire d'autres livres de l'autrice.
Citations :
" Is this a shackle not an ornament ?"
"Kit, you are so demure, you make me feel quite evil, as I was the villain in a mummer's tale trying to seduce the village maiden."
"Valentine, I find myself liking you, though I never thought I would."
"- You freed yourself.
- With the means - and the courage - you helped me find."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
A classic story that will stay with you long after the final page, in the manner of the finest fairytales. A quest for a stolen maiden, a hero filled with angst and with a shameful secret, a shape shifter who also needs freeing from an enslavement - will true love conquer all? Can Kit decide which love is the truest for him? Will his honourable nature demand that duty and obligation are his first concerns or will he be able to both open and then follow his shattered heart?
Kit, the heir to a large estate, comes home from the war broken, with both physical and emotional scars. His companion and best friend from childhood is now his fiancée, although their love, whilst deep, is perhaps more of a filial one than passionate, but the marriage has been long expected and her family's money will be helpful for the maintenance of his family's estate! At their engagement party they meet a fae pair, Silas and Miss Dove, although they are unaware of their true nature, who are charming and entreat them for their help to free their country. Kit and Adelaide have a falling out over this as she wants to go, quite under the spell of charming Silas, but he doesn't feel he can with too much to do here and having also seen his fill of conflict.
The story unfolds around how Adelaide goes, and Kit follows with Miss Dove to try and bring her back. The writing is beautiful, with characters you quickly become invested in, credible lore and world building. There is action, romance, fun, heartbreak, adventure, several moments where I laughed out loud, and equally several that moved me to tears. This author is fast becoming one of my favourite 'must-reads'. I read an awful lot of crime fiction but Hobbes' stories stay with me in a way that crime rarely does.
Kit, the heir to a large estate, comes home from the war broken, with both physical and emotional scars. His companion and best friend from childhood is now his fiancée, although their love, whilst deep, is perhaps more of a filial one than passionate, but the marriage has been long expected and her family's money will be helpful for the maintenance of his family's estate! At their engagement party they meet a fae pair, Silas and Miss Dove, although they are unaware of their true nature, who are charming and entreat them for their help to free their country. Kit and Adelaide have a falling out over this as she wants to go, quite under the spell of charming Silas, but he doesn't feel he can with too much to do here and having also seen his fill of conflict.
The story unfolds around how Adelaide goes, and Kit follows with Miss Dove to try and bring her back. The writing is beautiful, with characters you quickly become invested in, credible lore and world building. There is action, romance, fun, heartbreak, adventure, several moments where I laughed out loud, and equally several that moved me to tears. This author is fast becoming one of my favourite 'must-reads'. I read an awful lot of crime fiction but Hobbes' stories stay with me in a way that crime rarely does.
December 19, 2024
A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Elisabeth Hobbes for providing me with an ARC of Dance with the Fae in exchange for my honest review.
Dance with the Fae is a fantasy novel with historical elements and a touch of romance. The story follows Kit Arton-Price, a war hero who returns home with plans to marry his childhood friend, Adelaide. When Adelaide is suddenly taken to the realm of the fae, Kit embarks on a journey to rescue her and bring her back to the human world.
One of the highlights of this book is the fae realm itself. These sections are beautifully described, with an enchanting and magical atmosphere that truly immerses the reader. I also appreciated the inclusion of queer representation, which felt refreshing and thoughtfully incorporated into the narrative.
While the premise is intriguing, the story unfolds at a very slow pace. It doesn't gain momentum until around the halfway point, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged initially. Although Kit is a compelling protagonist, I found it challenging to connect with the other characters, particularly Adelaide. This made it harder to feel fully invested in their fates or relationships.
Ultimately, Dance with the Fae didn’t fully resonate with me. The slow pacing, combined with characters I struggled to connect with, made the story feel less impactful. However, readers who enjoy atmospheric world-building and patient storytelling may find this novel more appealing.
Dance with the Fae is a fantasy novel with historical elements and a touch of romance. The story follows Kit Arton-Price, a war hero who returns home with plans to marry his childhood friend, Adelaide. When Adelaide is suddenly taken to the realm of the fae, Kit embarks on a journey to rescue her and bring her back to the human world.
One of the highlights of this book is the fae realm itself. These sections are beautifully described, with an enchanting and magical atmosphere that truly immerses the reader. I also appreciated the inclusion of queer representation, which felt refreshing and thoughtfully incorporated into the narrative.
While the premise is intriguing, the story unfolds at a very slow pace. It doesn't gain momentum until around the halfway point, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged initially. Although Kit is a compelling protagonist, I found it challenging to connect with the other characters, particularly Adelaide. This made it harder to feel fully invested in their fates or relationships.
Ultimately, Dance with the Fae didn’t fully resonate with me. The slow pacing, combined with characters I struggled to connect with, made the story feel less impactful. However, readers who enjoy atmospheric world-building and patient storytelling may find this novel more appealing.
February 5, 2025
-Forbidden Romance
- LGBT Representation
- Humans/Fae/Shifters
- Arranged Marriage
- Historical Fiction/Fantasy
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘s
Kit Price is a Great War veteran left with physical scars on his face and even greater wounds on his heart. He is set to marry his childhood friend, Adeline, to inherit his family estate. However, everything changes when they meet a peculiar couple at a party.Mr. Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove. Soon after, Adeline falls mysteriously ill, and Kit must venture into the fae realm to rescue her. While I didn’t particularly like Adeline’s character, I found Kit to be perfectly flawed, relatable, and far from your typical hero. I rooted for him, hoping he would find himself and that his romance or lack thereof with Adeline would come to an end.
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe anyone who has struggled with their sexuality or coming out will find it especially relatable. Initially, it took me a while to get into, but once the plot picked up, I was reading on any device I could find.
I absolutely love the author’s writing style. It had a bit of everything—romance, grief, sadness, and strong world-building. The story truly intrigued me, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and Elisabeth Hobbes, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure.
- LGBT Representation
- Humans/Fae/Shifters
- Arranged Marriage
- Historical Fiction/Fantasy
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘s
Kit Price is a Great War veteran left with physical scars on his face and even greater wounds on his heart. He is set to marry his childhood friend, Adeline, to inherit his family estate. However, everything changes when they meet a peculiar couple at a party.Mr. Silas Wilde and Miss Alexandra Dove. Soon after, Adeline falls mysteriously ill, and Kit must venture into the fae realm to rescue her. While I didn’t particularly like Adeline’s character, I found Kit to be perfectly flawed, relatable, and far from your typical hero. I rooted for him, hoping he would find himself and that his romance or lack thereof with Adeline would come to an end.
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I believe anyone who has struggled with their sexuality or coming out will find it especially relatable. Initially, it took me a while to get into, but once the plot picked up, I was reading on any device I could find.
I absolutely love the author’s writing style. It had a bit of everything—romance, grief, sadness, and strong world-building. The story truly intrigued me, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you so much, NetGalley and Elisabeth Hobbes, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review! It was a pleasure.
February 8, 2025
📚 ARC Review - Dance With The Fae | Elisabeth J. Hobbes | 4/5 stars ✨
Based in post-WWI Britain, this book was an excellent blend of romantasy and historical fiction. The plot focuses on the interaction between the human and fae worlds, following rules that are akin to that of old British Folklore which I absolutely adored. This book weaves together beautiful threads of romance, grief and lgbt+ representation to create a unique fantasy tapestry blended with a cast of compellingly mysterious characters.
I did find that the pacing was not as balanced as I would have liked, as the start of the book built quite slowly whereas the end section of the book passed rather quickly, though I did still thoroughly enjoy the journey. The world building was atmospheric and presented very well, and though I would have happily read double the amount to see more of the fae world and of some of the characters origins this just shows me that there is a lot of scope to hopefully continue developing into this world in potential future works.
Thank you to Elisabeth J. Hobbes and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review of this book. Dance With The Fae was such a fascinating adventure and I felt it had similarities to novels such as Stardust and the works of Holly Black which I really enjoyed, and I happily bestow a 4/5 star rating!
Based in post-WWI Britain, this book was an excellent blend of romantasy and historical fiction. The plot focuses on the interaction between the human and fae worlds, following rules that are akin to that of old British Folklore which I absolutely adored. This book weaves together beautiful threads of romance, grief and lgbt+ representation to create a unique fantasy tapestry blended with a cast of compellingly mysterious characters.
I did find that the pacing was not as balanced as I would have liked, as the start of the book built quite slowly whereas the end section of the book passed rather quickly, though I did still thoroughly enjoy the journey. The world building was atmospheric and presented very well, and though I would have happily read double the amount to see more of the fae world and of some of the characters origins this just shows me that there is a lot of scope to hopefully continue developing into this world in potential future works.
Thank you to Elisabeth J. Hobbes and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give an advance review of this book. Dance With The Fae was such a fascinating adventure and I felt it had similarities to novels such as Stardust and the works of Holly Black which I really enjoyed, and I happily bestow a 4/5 star rating!
March 2, 2025
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, getting to know the characters and the mystery.
The second half felt oddly paced - both in the romance and the conclusion. The attraction between Kit and his love interest was only hinted at until suddenly bam, they are getting hot and heavy. It felt super abrupt, especially as the romance went from being hinted at to emphatically existing - there was nothing in between. And although I liked their relationship overall, the abrupt change really jarred me.
The conclusion felt rushed, too. After so much time being dedicated to the set up (which I really appreciated - so many romantasy type books rush the set up and the characters suffer because of it) it felt really weird to rush through some heavy and important stuff in mere pages. Honestly would have preferred another 50 pages or so to expand certain elements and give them the punch they deserved.
I wasn’t a fan of the way Kit finally ends up in the fae world - it felt clunky, to be honest.
And while I loved Kit and enjoyed Valentine and Silas, Adelaide was infuriating and a brat and at no point did I like her. I never really understood Kit’s affection for her.
But I really enjoyed the historic setting, the myth and lore used, the depiction of Kit’s PTSD and guilt, the queer rep, and tho it was brief, the descriptions of the fae world.
The second half felt oddly paced - both in the romance and the conclusion. The attraction between Kit and his love interest was only hinted at until suddenly bam, they are getting hot and heavy. It felt super abrupt, especially as the romance went from being hinted at to emphatically existing - there was nothing in between. And although I liked their relationship overall, the abrupt change really jarred me.
The conclusion felt rushed, too. After so much time being dedicated to the set up (which I really appreciated - so many romantasy type books rush the set up and the characters suffer because of it) it felt really weird to rush through some heavy and important stuff in mere pages. Honestly would have preferred another 50 pages or so to expand certain elements and give them the punch they deserved.
I wasn’t a fan of the way Kit finally ends up in the fae world - it felt clunky, to be honest.
And while I loved Kit and enjoyed Valentine and Silas, Adelaide was infuriating and a brat and at no point did I like her. I never really understood Kit’s affection for her.
But I really enjoyed the historic setting, the myth and lore used, the depiction of Kit’s PTSD and guilt, the queer rep, and tho it was brief, the descriptions of the fae world.
July 3, 2025
In this unique fantasy novel, readers start out in May 1919 where Kit Arton-Price is not celebrating his engagement or his survival of World War I because his fiancee Adelaide does not wake up the next morning, having fallen ill with the Sleeping Sickness that has broken out across England. As he discovers that the enigmatic Mr. Wilde and this sickness are hiding more secrets than Kit knows, Kit must venture into the otherworldly fae realm to save Adelaide and the rest of the world from the Sleeping Sickness. A unique take on the Spanish Flu and post-World War I society, readers will love the magic system and mix of historical fiction and fantasy in this novel. The characters are interesting and the historical setting adds some interesting twists for Kit, Adelaide, and the fae. The magical system is the right level of complicated and draws readers into the story, and readers will particularly enjoy the level of world-building that has gone into the fae realm and the magical system. Entertaining, unique, and fascinating, this is a fun and engaging new historical fantasy novel that readers will love for the magical system and the journeys that the characters go on.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the advance copy.
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