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A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently (Un)Dead
A fairy hunter desperate to save herself. A blighted knight hunting for his freedom. A looming war.
Unexpectedly resurrected, Gwendolyn finds herself kidnapped by her mortal enemy, the fae. A distressing prospect considering her monster-hunting mother trained her to eradicate them.
Worse, a bargain has been struck with the fairy lord on her behalf, and Gwendolyn knows too well that such deals always come with a terrible price.
Trapped in the fairy lord’s glittering court each night and banished back to her own world upon waking, Gwendolyn must find the terms of her bargain quickly if she hopes to survive and outsmart him. Yet, despite her inherited hatred of fae, the fairy lord is not without his charms.
Gwendolyn struggles to resist his allure when every time they meet, he offers her anything she could ever wish—a bargain that would no doubt cost her entire soul in trade.
She soon discovers the only creature in this twisted realm she can truly trust is a man as trapped as herself; a blighted knight made from the pieces of a hundred failed heroes. Cursed down to his literal bones, he cannot help but hunt her on his master’s orders.
Despite this, Gwendolyn’s heart aches for him, his situation so very like her own. She knows, despite his insistence that she cannot trust him, that if she were to break his curse, they might actually stand a chance of fighting their way out together...
Don’t miss this Gothic Horror Fantasy Romance debut where the monster hunting vibes of THE WITCHER meet the sumptuous horror of Guillermo del Toro. Perfect for fans of The Labyrinth, PIRANESI, and THE BONE WITCH.
Unexpectedly resurrected, Gwendolyn finds herself kidnapped by her mortal enemy, the fae. A distressing prospect considering her monster-hunting mother trained her to eradicate them.
Worse, a bargain has been struck with the fairy lord on her behalf, and Gwendolyn knows too well that such deals always come with a terrible price.
Trapped in the fairy lord’s glittering court each night and banished back to her own world upon waking, Gwendolyn must find the terms of her bargain quickly if she hopes to survive and outsmart him. Yet, despite her inherited hatred of fae, the fairy lord is not without his charms.
Gwendolyn struggles to resist his allure when every time they meet, he offers her anything she could ever wish—a bargain that would no doubt cost her entire soul in trade.
She soon discovers the only creature in this twisted realm she can truly trust is a man as trapped as herself; a blighted knight made from the pieces of a hundred failed heroes. Cursed down to his literal bones, he cannot help but hunt her on his master’s orders.
Despite this, Gwendolyn’s heart aches for him, his situation so very like her own. She knows, despite his insistence that she cannot trust him, that if she were to break his curse, they might actually stand a chance of fighting their way out together...
Don’t miss this Gothic Horror Fantasy Romance debut where the monster hunting vibes of THE WITCHER meet the sumptuous horror of Guillermo del Toro. Perfect for fans of The Labyrinth, PIRANESI, and THE BONE WITCH.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
659 people are currently reading
6199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 242 reviews
April 16, 2025
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
3.5 stars.
TLDR: book confused the hell outta me, definitely not the target audience, 430+ pages of lore and description.
This may be the only ARC I’ve ever read where it rated less than 4 stars and I don’t know if it was a me issue or a book issue..
This book is difficult to describe. The FMC, Gwendolyn, is sick. A bargain is made with a fairy, and when she sleeps she enters this fairy realm. But the fae (fairies?) in this realm are NOT like the popular novels you may have read. They are tricky and evil and manipulative.
I was confused for the first few chapters, LOTS of information and lore and background, then I thought I understood and we plodded on, but I continued to return to confusion.
The entire book is told from the POV of Gwendolyn, and she monologues a LOT, with lots of memories returning repetitively on the pages. In all honesty I struggled to get through so much information and text with very little break for conversation.
Having finished the book, having read all 430+ pages, I’m no more aware now than I was at the beginning, or 50% in. I’d say it’s a HEA, but even that I am unsure of. There is a romance, I can assure you but not the one you may be thinking, if you even identify one, because the plot appears to bounce between timelines and lore, little tidbits buried beneath massive descriptions and repetition bordering on obsessive.
I’d go as far as to say calling it a romance is like calling a book set in 2015 a historical novel (which this book incidentally is NOT, I’d say this book actually falls into an older timeline.)
Even now, I am confused as to what I have read, what the point was. I learnt little of the backstory, the characters, the actual PLOT and the point of it..
It was almost definitely a me issue, I may not have been the target audience for this book. It probably falls under high fantasy or something, but I struggled to get through it and didn’t have the greatest time reading unfortunately!
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
3.5 stars.
TLDR: book confused the hell outta me, definitely not the target audience, 430+ pages of lore and description.
This may be the only ARC I’ve ever read where it rated less than 4 stars and I don’t know if it was a me issue or a book issue..
This book is difficult to describe. The FMC, Gwendolyn, is sick. A bargain is made with a fairy, and when she sleeps she enters this fairy realm. But the fae (fairies?) in this realm are NOT like the popular novels you may have read. They are tricky and evil and manipulative.
I was confused for the first few chapters, LOTS of information and lore and background, then I thought I understood and we plodded on, but I continued to return to confusion.
The entire book is told from the POV of Gwendolyn, and she monologues a LOT, with lots of memories returning repetitively on the pages. In all honesty I struggled to get through so much information and text with very little break for conversation.
Having finished the book, having read all 430+ pages, I’m no more aware now than I was at the beginning, or 50% in. I’d say it’s a HEA, but even that I am unsure of. There is a romance, I can assure you but not the one you may be thinking, if you even identify one, because the plot appears to bounce between timelines and lore, little tidbits buried beneath massive descriptions and repetition bordering on obsessive.
I’d go as far as to say calling it a romance is like calling a book set in 2015 a historical novel (which this book incidentally is NOT, I’d say this book actually falls into an older timeline.)
Even now, I am confused as to what I have read, what the point was. I learnt little of the backstory, the characters, the actual PLOT and the point of it..
It was almost definitely a me issue, I may not have been the target audience for this book. It probably falls under high fantasy or something, but I struggled to get through it and didn’t have the greatest time reading unfortunately!
June 28, 2025
"I am a ravenous thing. Our lips meet, his to mine. I could stop him. I could fight. I could close my teeth around the sweet ice of his mouth, gently searching mine, bite down until blood flows again between us, but I… do not." (Ch 17)
Raised from the dead, someone has bargained with the fae for Gwen. As she struggles between an illness and trying to figure out the mystery in the mortal world during the day and an inescapable ever spelled labryinth of the fae realm during the night, she searches desperately for a way out. But the fae lord is as cunning, even more so, as fae are purported to being, and the temptations are melting away her resolve. She must keep and use her wit and the training her mother instilled upon her as a weapon, as her stolen soul and shadow depend upon it.
She meets a garbled monstrosity of a knight. A kindred to suffering, but he is like a horrific and terrible collage, a frankenstein-esque being. And a possible, but unlikely ally.
Flitting back and forth between realms is fracturing her grip on reality and her sanity. Can she withstand the onslaught of torture?
A poetically written, ethereal depicting world-build full of elaborately beautiful yet horrific fairy enchantment and magic. Immersive, atmospheric, and surreal. Heart-thumpingly suspenseful and thrilling. A confusing whirlwind, dizzying like a living dream, a nightmare phasing through glimpses of fragmented scenes. Don't blink lest it change, lest it warp, lest you succomb.
If you are seeking a fairytale with a quaint HEA, a swoon-worthy romantasy... this is not it! It is an unrelenting savage fantastical horror, a love-story secondary and borne through a ragged maelstrom of pain and seemingly endless tribulations. Totally worth the shred.
5🌟 eARC courtesy of Naughty Nook PR. Voluntary review.
Raised from the dead, someone has bargained with the fae for Gwen. As she struggles between an illness and trying to figure out the mystery in the mortal world during the day and an inescapable ever spelled labryinth of the fae realm during the night, she searches desperately for a way out. But the fae lord is as cunning, even more so, as fae are purported to being, and the temptations are melting away her resolve. She must keep and use her wit and the training her mother instilled upon her as a weapon, as her stolen soul and shadow depend upon it.
She meets a garbled monstrosity of a knight. A kindred to suffering, but he is like a horrific and terrible collage, a frankenstein-esque being. And a possible, but unlikely ally.
Flitting back and forth between realms is fracturing her grip on reality and her sanity. Can she withstand the onslaught of torture?
A poetically written, ethereal depicting world-build full of elaborately beautiful yet horrific fairy enchantment and magic. Immersive, atmospheric, and surreal. Heart-thumpingly suspenseful and thrilling. A confusing whirlwind, dizzying like a living dream, a nightmare phasing through glimpses of fragmented scenes. Don't blink lest it change, lest it warp, lest you succomb.
If you are seeking a fairytale with a quaint HEA, a swoon-worthy romantasy... this is not it! It is an unrelenting savage fantastical horror, a love-story secondary and borne through a ragged maelstrom of pain and seemingly endless tribulations. Totally worth the shred.
5🌟 eARC courtesy of Naughty Nook PR. Voluntary review.
April 30, 2025
A Fairy Hunter’s Guide to the Recently Undead by Cynthia Prith
This dark fantasy swept me away with its lush, atmospheric world and beautifully lyrical prose. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, full of eerie, unsettling details that give the fae realm a truly haunting vibe. The plot is twisty and fast-paced, keeping me hooked the whole way through. The FMC is incredibly resilient and strong—easy to root for in a world stacked against her. While there is a touch of romance, the story leans heavily into fantasy and lore. If you love dark fantasy with deep worldbuilding and a chilling atmosphere, this one’s worth checking out!
This dark fantasy swept me away with its lush, atmospheric world and beautifully lyrical prose. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, full of eerie, unsettling details that give the fae realm a truly haunting vibe. The plot is twisty and fast-paced, keeping me hooked the whole way through. The FMC is incredibly resilient and strong—easy to root for in a world stacked against her. While there is a touch of romance, the story leans heavily into fantasy and lore. If you love dark fantasy with deep worldbuilding and a chilling atmosphere, this one’s worth checking out!
November 26, 2024
This book stands out as one of the best I’ve read so far. It’s a gripping and immersive story that leaves a lasting impression. The author’s ability to weave such a captivating narrative is nothing short of extraordinary.
Every twist and turn kept me glued to the pages, and by the time I reached the end, I was in awe. This is not just a book it’s a journey that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. An absolute must read!
Every twist and turn kept me glued to the pages, and by the time I reached the end, I was in awe. This is not just a book it’s a journey that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading. An absolute must read!
April 24, 2025
I received this as an arc and I truly tried to get into this but it fell flat for me. I felt like there was a clear plot that the author was going for but it got lost in the minutiae. I never really knew what was happening. I DNF'd it at 46%.
I really wanted to love it because the bones were great but I just had to leave it for others to enjoy.
Thank you for the opportunity @Nerdfam but this one just wasn't for me
I really wanted to love it because the bones were great but I just had to leave it for others to enjoy.
Thank you for the opportunity @Nerdfam but this one just wasn't for me
May 14, 2025
A wonderful gothic fantasy that's a mix of Alice in Wonderland and Labyrinth. Gwendolyn is trapped in a faerie bargain and lost to their kingdom when she sleeps, but she has knowledge of fairy tricks, and knowledge is power. She had to unravel secrets and face the unnamed king to try and gain her freedom.
I loved the worldbuilding and lore, and the sense of fear and tension. The plot is gripping and intriguing, and I enjoyed the anticipation of betrayals and twists.
Gwendolyn is a fabulous character and I loved her wit, bravery and determination.
✨"No. I am a curse. I am a weapon. I am their poison"
✨"Oh, but my most precious treasure, I already know you for a monstrous thing"
✨"No. I am not trapped, I chose this. I own this. I am consequence"
I loved the worldbuilding and lore, and the sense of fear and tension. The plot is gripping and intriguing, and I enjoyed the anticipation of betrayals and twists.
Gwendolyn is a fabulous character and I loved her wit, bravery and determination.
✨"No. I am a curse. I am a weapon. I am their poison"
✨"Oh, but my most precious treasure, I already know you for a monstrous thing"
✨"No. I am not trapped, I chose this. I own this. I am consequence"
May 12, 2025
This was an interesting read. It took me awhile to get into it but once I was I was invested. The writing is lyrical and a tad bit confusing. I found myself having to go back and reread things to understand what is going on.
I think this is unique and Has some good world building. Gwendolyn is stuck in the Faery Court at night and her own world when she wakes. She's having to figure out what the terms of the bargain made on her behalf is. She's smart and fierce. I really liked her as a FMC.
A great start to the series. Thank you @thenerdfam for the gifted ebook.
I think this is unique and Has some good world building. Gwendolyn is stuck in the Faery Court at night and her own world when she wakes. She's having to figure out what the terms of the bargain made on her behalf is. She's smart and fierce. I really liked her as a FMC.
A great start to the series. Thank you @thenerdfam for the gifted ebook.
May 11, 2025
The plot twist actually surprised me in this!
I definitely recommend this one if you like a magic filled world with morally grey fae lords, curses, and a FMC who goes through alot of growth to earn their happy ever after.
Thank you to the nerd fam & the author for an e-arc copy of this book.
I definitely recommend this one if you like a magic filled world with morally grey fae lords, curses, and a FMC who goes through alot of growth to earn their happy ever after.
Thank you to the nerd fam & the author for an e-arc copy of this book.
May 14, 2025
3.5⭐️
There is so much world building and lore - yes there are some romance elements - but this felt more like a high fantasy book than a romantasy book to me. The writing style took me some time to get used to but I did end up enjoying this book. The premise is very unique and dark and there are some good twists and turns and very sneaky fae!!
I really liked our FMC Gwendolyn. She was strong and likable and I was definitely rooting for her. She finds herself in the middle of a Fairy deal that she didn’t make and is stuck in the middle of her own world and the fairy realm. She needs to figure out the terms of her bargain if she is going to survive…
If you love dark high fantasy, sneaky fae and some romance, I would give this a read!
✨What To Expect:
⚔️High Fantasy/Romantasy
🔪Bridgerton x Van Helsing
🥀Gothic Fantasy
❤️🔥Enemies To Lovers
🧲Forced Proximity
😡Female Rage
🔥Slow Burn
💋Ruthless FMC
💜Devious Fae
🔮Lie Based Magic
There is so much world building and lore - yes there are some romance elements - but this felt more like a high fantasy book than a romantasy book to me. The writing style took me some time to get used to but I did end up enjoying this book. The premise is very unique and dark and there are some good twists and turns and very sneaky fae!!
I really liked our FMC Gwendolyn. She was strong and likable and I was definitely rooting for her. She finds herself in the middle of a Fairy deal that she didn’t make and is stuck in the middle of her own world and the fairy realm. She needs to figure out the terms of her bargain if she is going to survive…
If you love dark high fantasy, sneaky fae and some romance, I would give this a read!
✨What To Expect:
⚔️High Fantasy/Romantasy
🔪Bridgerton x Van Helsing
🥀Gothic Fantasy
❤️🔥Enemies To Lovers
🧲Forced Proximity
😡Female Rage
🔥Slow Burn
💋Ruthless FMC
💜Devious Fae
🔮Lie Based Magic
May 3, 2025
This book feels like a fever dream turned nightmare. It is fast paced and switches so fast between worlds and memories. It is like nothing I have ever read, completely unique.
It's incredible atmospheric and fantastical. You learn the plot and what really is going on with the protagonist, just be prepared for a wild read.
Gwendolyn is resilient, resourceful and strong minded. If I am ever in need I want her on my side.
Are you ready to meet fariys? But the cunning sly and vengeful once? Are you ready to get more than you bargained for ? Enjoy the ride.
It's incredible atmospheric and fantastical. You learn the plot and what really is going on with the protagonist, just be prepared for a wild read.
Gwendolyn is resilient, resourceful and strong minded. If I am ever in need I want her on my side.
Are you ready to meet fariys? But the cunning sly and vengeful once? Are you ready to get more than you bargained for ? Enjoy the ride.
December 29, 2024
This was such a fun and unique read. The story pulls you in right away with its mix of magic and danger, and it keeps you hooked the whole way through.
The main character is tough as nails but still feels real—you can’t help rooting for her as she tackles impossible odds and figures out how to survive in this strange world. Cynthia Prith does a great job creating a vivid, action-packed story that’s hard to put down.
If you’re into urban fantasy with strong characters and a lot of heart, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
5⭐️
The main character is tough as nails but still feels real—you can’t help rooting for her as she tackles impossible odds and figures out how to survive in this strange world. Cynthia Prith does a great job creating a vivid, action-packed story that’s hard to put down.
If you’re into urban fantasy with strong characters and a lot of heart, this one’s definitely worth picking up!
5⭐️
May 24, 2025
Cynthia Prith leads a merry dance in this twisted tale of deals, treasures and love.
"You cannot die, dilly dilly, your soul is coin, Bartered for naught, dilly dilly, what a fine toy."
Honestly, this quote is the only way I can characterise this book, and it also captures the overall reading experience. It's as if the author and plot were continuously messing with my mind, and I was frequently left in the dark or unsure what to think. A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently (Un)Dead is a hybrid novel; it reminded me of Christina Rossetti's poem 'Goblin Market', as well as Frankenstein, The Castle of Otranto, Peter Pan, and Snow White, to mention a few. It's a massive mash-up that revolves around the lavishness of the faerie realm, with spectacular ballrooms, dazzling costumes, intrigue, and an underlying grotesquery that permeates the entire story.
I feel like this book was mislabelled as romance as a primary genre; there is undoubtedly romance, but not to the level or portrayal that you are used to. It appears to be more about solidarity and finding common ground in chaotic circumstances.
The narrative, told solely from Gwendolyn's point of view, is filled with monologue and flashbacks, as well as a lot of information. It took me some time to grasp a vague understanding of what was going on; I definitely believe I missed something that would have helped tie things together, but I was continuously feeling like I wasn't keeping up. There was some relief in the last 100 pages, when everything started to add up and clues were pieced together, but I was still lost at the end.
I think I just have to accept that this was not my kind of book, even though I really wanted it to be.
Gwendolyn wasn't a particularly likeable main character, and she seemed to be very passive in almost every moment, only appearing active when some horror happened to another character she thought deserved it to some extent or with whom she shared a commonality, but she just seemed to accept a lot and sacrifice those she claimed to love.
If you are searching for a gothic read, I highly recommend it because the text is riddled with gothic imagery that is both vivid and beautiful. The concept of monstrosity, particularly human monstrosity, is extensively handled throughout this novel; nevertheless, I believe it is difficult to get from a single character's perspective because the viewpoint can feel biased and hypocritical at times.
______________________________________
Favourite Quotes:
"Oh, but my most precious treasure, I already know you for a monstrous thing."
"You're trading for me. You're making me your weapon."
"No. I am making you your own weapon. You will belong to yourself."
I was the last to know, the last to move, the useless king at the back of the chess board, watching the pawns march to their deaths, too slow to prevent it, too slow to run.
I hate everything that made us like this – everything that led two broken, forgotten monsters to draw a little crooked comfort from each other in a mass of thorns.
Choice. That's all there ever is, in the end. This much choice; this much consequence.
"You cannot die, dilly dilly, your soul is coin, Bartered for naught, dilly dilly, what a fine toy."
Honestly, this quote is the only way I can characterise this book, and it also captures the overall reading experience. It's as if the author and plot were continuously messing with my mind, and I was frequently left in the dark or unsure what to think. A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently (Un)Dead is a hybrid novel; it reminded me of Christina Rossetti's poem 'Goblin Market', as well as Frankenstein, The Castle of Otranto, Peter Pan, and Snow White, to mention a few. It's a massive mash-up that revolves around the lavishness of the faerie realm, with spectacular ballrooms, dazzling costumes, intrigue, and an underlying grotesquery that permeates the entire story.
I feel like this book was mislabelled as romance as a primary genre; there is undoubtedly romance, but not to the level or portrayal that you are used to. It appears to be more about solidarity and finding common ground in chaotic circumstances.
The narrative, told solely from Gwendolyn's point of view, is filled with monologue and flashbacks, as well as a lot of information. It took me some time to grasp a vague understanding of what was going on; I definitely believe I missed something that would have helped tie things together, but I was continuously feeling like I wasn't keeping up. There was some relief in the last 100 pages, when everything started to add up and clues were pieced together, but I was still lost at the end.
I think I just have to accept that this was not my kind of book, even though I really wanted it to be.
Gwendolyn wasn't a particularly likeable main character, and she seemed to be very passive in almost every moment, only appearing active when some horror happened to another character she thought deserved it to some extent or with whom she shared a commonality, but she just seemed to accept a lot and sacrifice those she claimed to love.
If you are searching for a gothic read, I highly recommend it because the text is riddled with gothic imagery that is both vivid and beautiful. The concept of monstrosity, particularly human monstrosity, is extensively handled throughout this novel; nevertheless, I believe it is difficult to get from a single character's perspective because the viewpoint can feel biased and hypocritical at times.
______________________________________
Favourite Quotes:
"Oh, but my most precious treasure, I already know you for a monstrous thing."
"You're trading for me. You're making me your weapon."
"No. I am making you your own weapon. You will belong to yourself."
I was the last to know, the last to move, the useless king at the back of the chess board, watching the pawns march to their deaths, too slow to prevent it, too slow to run.
I hate everything that made us like this – everything that led two broken, forgotten monsters to draw a little crooked comfort from each other in a mass of thorns.
Choice. That's all there ever is, in the end. This much choice; this much consequence.
May 13, 2025
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Cynthia Prith for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book is unique and unexpected, but that’s not a bad thing! The title made me think this would be a funny/cozy fantasy. It was definitely a thought provoking gothic romantasy. Very different than I expected, different than I am used to, and honestly a breath of fresh air with the dark themes and atmospheric scenes.
The world building was good, and I felt like I could practically hear weapons clashing in the fight scenes and feel the cool air while perusing beautiful ornate dark environments. The magic system was definitely unique from other fantasy books I have read. I also liked that when the book starts out, it is kind of hard to figure out what is going on, so you are quickly seeing through the lead character’s perspective and just as confused as she is. I love that the FMC is tough but also has moments of vulnerability, and I enjoyed that the fae in this book are not just perfect and powerful, but are also dangerous and savage. The plot is fast paced and provides plenty of twists and turns, and has just a touch of romance mixed in.
I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store!
This book is unique and unexpected, but that’s not a bad thing! The title made me think this would be a funny/cozy fantasy. It was definitely a thought provoking gothic romantasy. Very different than I expected, different than I am used to, and honestly a breath of fresh air with the dark themes and atmospheric scenes.
The world building was good, and I felt like I could practically hear weapons clashing in the fight scenes and feel the cool air while perusing beautiful ornate dark environments. The magic system was definitely unique from other fantasy books I have read. I also liked that when the book starts out, it is kind of hard to figure out what is going on, so you are quickly seeing through the lead character’s perspective and just as confused as she is. I love that the FMC is tough but also has moments of vulnerability, and I enjoyed that the fae in this book are not just perfect and powerful, but are also dangerous and savage. The plot is fast paced and provides plenty of twists and turns, and has just a touch of romance mixed in.
I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store!
May 12, 2025
I received this book from being on the arc team. I am thankful for that opportunity.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Unfortunately I did not finish this book
I was confused from the moment I started reading. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of a movie/story.
The whole scene was confusing I don’t know where we are how they go there or what’s going on
The only thing I know is there fairies and she is running
By chapter 18 I was still confused.
I understood a little of what was happening but not as a whole.
I’m not sure if it is just me and my brain, but it doesn’t add up for me.
I did like the knight from the beginning he showed kindness and tried to help where and how he could.
I hated the husband
I did enjoy Cynthia P. description. I enjoy the writing, I feel like if we were introduce into the story better I could have finished and liked this story.
The synopsis was good, but if I can’t understand the story when it start and still only understand a little half way through there’s no help.
Maybe I’ll try reading it again at a later time.
#afairyhuntersguidefortherecentlyundead #thenerdfam"
@thenerdfam
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
Unfortunately I did not finish this book
I was confused from the moment I started reading. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of a movie/story.
The whole scene was confusing I don’t know where we are how they go there or what’s going on
The only thing I know is there fairies and she is running
By chapter 18 I was still confused.
I understood a little of what was happening but not as a whole.
I’m not sure if it is just me and my brain, but it doesn’t add up for me.
I did like the knight from the beginning he showed kindness and tried to help where and how he could.
I hated the husband
I did enjoy Cynthia P. description. I enjoy the writing, I feel like if we were introduce into the story better I could have finished and liked this story.
The synopsis was good, but if I can’t understand the story when it start and still only understand a little half way through there’s no help.
Maybe I’ll try reading it again at a later time.
#afairyhuntersguidefortherecentlyundead #thenerdfam"
@thenerdfam
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Hunt what hunts you.
First of all, I love a book with accurate fae. In a world of winged shadow daddies (which I love, don't get me wrong), it's refreshing to have a heroine who is mindful of making deals with the fae.
There was a lot I liked about this book but also a few issues that I had trouble with. Cynthia Prith's way of writing was absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions were amazing for setting the scene.
Although parts of the plot were clunky and kind of confusing to me as a reader, I was invested in these characters. Some of the twists surrounding the characters were also a bit predictable but still written in a way that I was gasping out loud.
The romance was a good subplot and played out in the way I wasn't fully expecting. If you enjoyed the All Souls series due to having a strong, educated fmc I really think you'll enjoy getting to know Gwendolyn.
Thank you to Cynthia Prith and Naught Nook PR for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
Hunt what hunts you.
First of all, I love a book with accurate fae. In a world of winged shadow daddies (which I love, don't get me wrong), it's refreshing to have a heroine who is mindful of making deals with the fae.
There was a lot I liked about this book but also a few issues that I had trouble with. Cynthia Prith's way of writing was absolutely gorgeous. The descriptions were amazing for setting the scene.
"Moonlight spills through a gap in the canopy, highlighting every opal bloom and sapphire fruit, some as bright as summer sunlight, others as deep as blackberries."
Although parts of the plot were clunky and kind of confusing to me as a reader, I was invested in these characters. Some of the twists surrounding the characters were also a bit predictable but still written in a way that I was gasping out loud.
The romance was a good subplot and played out in the way I wasn't fully expecting. If you enjoyed the All Souls series due to having a strong, educated fmc I really think you'll enjoy getting to know Gwendolyn.
Thank you to Cynthia Prith and Naught Nook PR for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 12, 2025
2.5⭐️ – I fear I may not have been the target audience for this book. I enjoyed the writing style—it was lyrical and descriptive—but I found the storytelling confusing and hard to follow. The plot felt disjointed, and I struggled to identify where it began or ended. That said, the worldbuilding is rich and eerie, giving off Pan’s Labyrinth vibes, especially with its portrayal of the fae—not the whimsical kind, but dark, twisted, and haunting. The romance was soft and sweet, a gentle thread amidst the mystery. I think it had a happy ending, though the overall atmosphere remained enigmatic.
Thank you to TheNerdFam for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to TheNerdFam for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 29, 2025
What the Firework!
The story was really good with depth and detail. The characters were managed and presented well, very likeable.
The writing was wild and kind of all over the place. It was like trying to read in the middle of a tornado. Almost gave up reading because of the writing style, however, stuck with it for the story.
Needless to say, as much as I would like to read the next book, I will not.
If your still interested in this book to read all this, then read it. You make your own review.
Enjoy whatever you read!
The story was really good with depth and detail. The characters were managed and presented well, very likeable.
The writing was wild and kind of all over the place. It was like trying to read in the middle of a tornado. Almost gave up reading because of the writing style, however, stuck with it for the story.
Needless to say, as much as I would like to read the next book, I will not.
If your still interested in this book to read all this, then read it. You make your own review.
Enjoy whatever you read!
May 13, 2025
This book was so immersive and unique! Right from the start, you’re thrown straight into a fairy kingdom and you can immediately feel the danger.
The FMC is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for. I felt every bit of her journey and loved watching her fight through everything that was thrown at her.
This story has it all: magic, bargains, betrayal… and so many twists I didn’t see coming. 100% a must read.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for a copy of this as an ARC!
The FMC is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for. I felt every bit of her journey and loved watching her fight through everything that was thrown at her.
This story has it all: magic, bargains, betrayal… and so many twists I didn’t see coming. 100% a must read.
Thank you to Naughty Nook PR and the author for a copy of this as an ARC!
May 31, 2025
This book kept me on the knife's edge of suspense the entire time. Never once does it let up on the fight or flight desperation that is written into its very core. The reader knows only as much as Gwendolyn, the main character, knows as she discovers the knowledge herself. It helps keep the reader immersed in the story and invested in the outcome. If Emily Wilde and The Woman in the Library had a baby, this would be it.
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
dnf
August 15, 2025I'm not sure what it was, but I just couldn't get into this book. I took a step away from it for a while and tried to read it again, but the writing style was just not working for my brain.
Thank you for the opportunity @Nerdfam but unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
Thank you for the opportunity @Nerdfam but unfortunately this book wasn't for me.
Read
April 29, 2025DNF @80%
May revisit at another time.
May revisit at another time.
May 13, 2025
This gothic fantasy was such a fun and engaging story! I couldn’t put it down as it transported me to a dangerous fae world with a unique magic system and amazing characters! There are some darker themes so please research for any TWs!
May 11, 2025
What a great read! Enjoyed it from start to finish! I was hooked from the first page. It was such an immersive, captivating story. A beautiful lyrical prose Dark Fantasy! I couldn’t put it down.
January 9, 2025
This book took me a bit to get into in the beginning. It’s a lot of inner monologue for the FMC and discovering/realizing things that happened to her or were planned to happen to her. She dissects her relationship with her mother throughout the whole book and why her mother was so hyper-focused on knowing/learning the ropes of the fairy realm. As it got to the middle/end, the story definitely picks up and things REALLY start to unravel. She starts to question her whole life and relationships. I really couldn’t stop reading after shit took a turn quickly!
The ending was unpredictable which i always enjoy in a book. She goes through a lot of self discovery while also finding true love to the most unconventional person. The dynamics of the fairy realm and the human world are detailed and interesting. There was so much interconnection that could be missed if you’re not reading and absorbing the details that are placed there for you. But if you don’t notice them, it’s not going to change the story or make it less for you.
I recommend reading this magical book!
The ending was unpredictable which i always enjoy in a book. She goes through a lot of self discovery while also finding true love to the most unconventional person. The dynamics of the fairy realm and the human world are detailed and interesting. There was so much interconnection that could be missed if you’re not reading and absorbing the details that are placed there for you. But if you don’t notice them, it’s not going to change the story or make it less for you.
I recommend reading this magical book!
June 21, 2025
“Something to love is something more to lose.”
This dark fantasy swept me fully into the haunting fae world that Cynthia Prith has created. It has Alice in Wonderland meets Labyrinth vibes. The world building is deeply descriptive and fully immersive. The storyline was dark but managed to be full of hope. The heroine, Gwendolyn, is strong and brave, even when she knows the odds are against her. I loved that she didn’t just sit around and wait for someone to rescue her. Lord Winter reminds me a bit of Jareth, the Goblin King. Gwendolyn’s knight was such a tragic hero. The story was full of twists and surprises. I really like that while there is romance in the story, the main focus was on the fae lore and Gwendolyn’s journey. There were parts of the book that confused me a bit and it was a little repetitive in parts and that’s the only thing that kept it from being a five star read.
This dark fantasy swept me fully into the haunting fae world that Cynthia Prith has created. It has Alice in Wonderland meets Labyrinth vibes. The world building is deeply descriptive and fully immersive. The storyline was dark but managed to be full of hope. The heroine, Gwendolyn, is strong and brave, even when she knows the odds are against her. I loved that she didn’t just sit around and wait for someone to rescue her. Lord Winter reminds me a bit of Jareth, the Goblin King. Gwendolyn’s knight was such a tragic hero. The story was full of twists and surprises. I really like that while there is romance in the story, the main focus was on the fae lore and Gwendolyn’s journey. There were parts of the book that confused me a bit and it was a little repetitive in parts and that’s the only thing that kept it from being a five star read.
May 13, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC of A Fairy Hunter’s Guide for the Recently [Un]Dead.
I couldn’t put this down! Beautiful lyrical prose throughout transported me straight into the heart of the story. It kept me intrigued and provided a literary experience unlike any I’ve had this year!
I was enthralled rom the very first page, each turn of the page creating a beautiful masterpiece. A must read!!
I couldn’t put this down! Beautiful lyrical prose throughout transported me straight into the heart of the story. It kept me intrigued and provided a literary experience unlike any I’ve had this year!
I was enthralled rom the very first page, each turn of the page creating a beautiful masterpiece. A must read!!
May 19, 2025
{3.25/5}
CW: referenced/implied suicide, loss of family, violence, gore, chronic/terminal illness, murder, some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Fairy Hunter’s Guide for the Recently (Un)Dead” is available now!
I am absolutely not the target audience for this book’s style.
Gwendolyn expected to die. She did not expect to wake back up in a fairy land as a result of a deal she definitely did not make. Her mother taught her better than that. As she struggles to find a way out of her curse, it becomes ever more obvious that the only thing Gwendolyn can rely on is herself. And maybe, just maybe, a blighted knight straining at the edges of his own orders.
I wanted to love this story. The title makes it seem like it’s going to be something along the lines of an action/comedy hybrid, the description made it seem like it’s going to be a dark adventure with a badass heroine and a desperately ill-fated romance. The actual book probably had at least a few of those components, but they were so tangled up in a plethora of words that I couldn’t really tell you much about the overall story.
If you enjoy a book that likes to hear itself talk, then this is absolutely the one for you. Unfortunately, despite an abundance of words, I couldn’t tell you any of the details about what actually happens. It’s almost as if the story was so determined to convey the confusion and disjointed reality that is the fairy realm that it forgot the readers didn’t know what was happening either, and it never really bothered to clue us back in.
Readers with no background in fairy lore are also going to be at a distinct disadvantage. If all you know of fairies is limited to mischievous entities that like to play tricks, you’re in for an awful (and confusing) surprise. This book thrives on the nastier fairy legends, the ones where the fae are wicked, savage creatures that get their kicks out of malevolently tricking those they encounter. The ones where you shouldn’t eat fairie food, and iron hurts them, and they cannot tell a lie but they can manipulate the truth in unexpected ways. Without those stories as a basis, everything is that much more confusing.
This book is eloquent, and horribly beautiful in its descriptions, and it contains some of the most wonderfully feral lines I’ve ever seen an FMC deliver with 0 remorse. And I would have loved it for all of those things if it hadn’t driven all of it into the ground with repetition and a kaleidoscopic fever dream of an explanation. It’s stylistic, and it matches the overall tone of the story, but it left me in the dust with no idea what was happening because the character figured things out but never bothered to tell the reader.
The premise was excellent, the MC who thrives on spite and rage alone was a delight, but the bits of action that I could follow were interesting and well executed. Despite all of that, I struggled to stay engaged. Everything was so fluid and so random feeling that I never quite knew which way was up or what was happening. Again, very fitting for the overall vibe of the story, but the execution fell decidedly on the wrong side of the fine line that lies between ‘character is confused’ and ‘reader is also confused.’ There are definitely going to be readers who love this eloquently bloody haze of a story, but it wasn’t for me.
CW: referenced/implied suicide, loss of family, violence, gore, chronic/terminal illness, murder, some others
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Fairy Hunter’s Guide for the Recently (Un)Dead” is available now!
I am absolutely not the target audience for this book’s style.
Gwendolyn expected to die. She did not expect to wake back up in a fairy land as a result of a deal she definitely did not make. Her mother taught her better than that. As she struggles to find a way out of her curse, it becomes ever more obvious that the only thing Gwendolyn can rely on is herself. And maybe, just maybe, a blighted knight straining at the edges of his own orders.
I wanted to love this story. The title makes it seem like it’s going to be something along the lines of an action/comedy hybrid, the description made it seem like it’s going to be a dark adventure with a badass heroine and a desperately ill-fated romance. The actual book probably had at least a few of those components, but they were so tangled up in a plethora of words that I couldn’t really tell you much about the overall story.
If you enjoy a book that likes to hear itself talk, then this is absolutely the one for you. Unfortunately, despite an abundance of words, I couldn’t tell you any of the details about what actually happens. It’s almost as if the story was so determined to convey the confusion and disjointed reality that is the fairy realm that it forgot the readers didn’t know what was happening either, and it never really bothered to clue us back in.
Readers with no background in fairy lore are also going to be at a distinct disadvantage. If all you know of fairies is limited to mischievous entities that like to play tricks, you’re in for an awful (and confusing) surprise. This book thrives on the nastier fairy legends, the ones where the fae are wicked, savage creatures that get their kicks out of malevolently tricking those they encounter. The ones where you shouldn’t eat fairie food, and iron hurts them, and they cannot tell a lie but they can manipulate the truth in unexpected ways. Without those stories as a basis, everything is that much more confusing.
This book is eloquent, and horribly beautiful in its descriptions, and it contains some of the most wonderfully feral lines I’ve ever seen an FMC deliver with 0 remorse. And I would have loved it for all of those things if it hadn’t driven all of it into the ground with repetition and a kaleidoscopic fever dream of an explanation. It’s stylistic, and it matches the overall tone of the story, but it left me in the dust with no idea what was happening because the character figured things out but never bothered to tell the reader.
The premise was excellent, the MC who thrives on spite and rage alone was a delight, but the bits of action that I could follow were interesting and well executed. Despite all of that, I struggled to stay engaged. Everything was so fluid and so random feeling that I never quite knew which way was up or what was happening. Again, very fitting for the overall vibe of the story, but the execution fell decidedly on the wrong side of the fine line that lies between ‘character is confused’ and ‘reader is also confused.’ There are definitely going to be readers who love this eloquently bloody haze of a story, but it wasn’t for me.
March 12, 2025
Cynthia Prith's A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently [Un]Dead is a captivating dark fantasy romance that intricately weaves themes of betrayal, forbidden love, and survival in a beautifully menacing fairy realm. This novel excels in its vivid world-building and complex characters, particularly Gwendolyn, a fairy hunter unexpectedly resurrected and trapped in a world she was trained to despise.
Gwendolyn's character is brilliantly depicted as both fierce and vulnerable. Raised by a monster-hunting mother to eradicate fae, her sudden resurrection and kidnapping by the fairy lord thrust her into a world fraught with danger and deception. Prith masterfully portrays Gwendolyn’s internal conflict as she navigates the fairy lord’s glittering yet duplicitous court, trapped between her ingrained hatred for the fae and the unsettling allure of her captor.
The narrative's tension is heightened by the dual setting—Gwendolyn finds herself caught between the fairy realm by night and her own world by day. This oscillation not only amplifies the stakes but also deepens the sense of Gwendolyn’s isolation and disorientation, making her quest to uncover the terms of her mysterious bargain both urgent and suspenseful.
The fairy lord is a character shrouded in charm and danger, embodying the quintessential allure of the fae. His interactions with Gwendolyn are charged with a seductive tension that skillfully blurs the lines between captor and potential ally, enhancing the story’s dark romantic elements. Each encounter is a dance of power and desire, pushing Gwendolyn to question her own values and loyalties.
Another compelling character is the blighted knight, a tragic figure pieced together from the remnants of fallen heroes. His curse binds him to the fairy lord’s will, making him a reluctant foe to Gwendolyn. Yet, their budding relationship adds a layer of poignant complexity to the story, as both characters find solace and understanding in each other’s cursed existences. Their slowly unfolding trust and affection provide a counterpoint to the dangers that surround them, offering hope amidst despair.
Prith’s prose is lush and evocative, with descriptions that bring the eerie beauty of the fairy realm to life. The plot is well-paced, balancing action with moments of introspection and emotional depth. The romance between Gwendolyn and the knight is handled with a delicate touch, evolving naturally from mutual empathy rather than instant attraction.
While the novel delivers a thrilling mix of romance and fantasy, some readers might find the resolution of the central conflict slightly rushed, longing for a deeper exploration of the fairy lord’s motivations and the broader implications of the fae-human tensions.
Overall, A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently [Un]Dead earns a solid four stars for its inventive plot, rich character development, and the enthralling world it immerses its readers in. Cynthia Prith has crafted a darkly enchanting tale that fans of fantasy romance will find irresistible, filled with enough twists and heartfelt moments to satisfy both new and seasoned readers of the genre.
Gwendolyn's character is brilliantly depicted as both fierce and vulnerable. Raised by a monster-hunting mother to eradicate fae, her sudden resurrection and kidnapping by the fairy lord thrust her into a world fraught with danger and deception. Prith masterfully portrays Gwendolyn’s internal conflict as she navigates the fairy lord’s glittering yet duplicitous court, trapped between her ingrained hatred for the fae and the unsettling allure of her captor.
The narrative's tension is heightened by the dual setting—Gwendolyn finds herself caught between the fairy realm by night and her own world by day. This oscillation not only amplifies the stakes but also deepens the sense of Gwendolyn’s isolation and disorientation, making her quest to uncover the terms of her mysterious bargain both urgent and suspenseful.
The fairy lord is a character shrouded in charm and danger, embodying the quintessential allure of the fae. His interactions with Gwendolyn are charged with a seductive tension that skillfully blurs the lines between captor and potential ally, enhancing the story’s dark romantic elements. Each encounter is a dance of power and desire, pushing Gwendolyn to question her own values and loyalties.
Another compelling character is the blighted knight, a tragic figure pieced together from the remnants of fallen heroes. His curse binds him to the fairy lord’s will, making him a reluctant foe to Gwendolyn. Yet, their budding relationship adds a layer of poignant complexity to the story, as both characters find solace and understanding in each other’s cursed existences. Their slowly unfolding trust and affection provide a counterpoint to the dangers that surround them, offering hope amidst despair.
Prith’s prose is lush and evocative, with descriptions that bring the eerie beauty of the fairy realm to life. The plot is well-paced, balancing action with moments of introspection and emotional depth. The romance between Gwendolyn and the knight is handled with a delicate touch, evolving naturally from mutual empathy rather than instant attraction.
While the novel delivers a thrilling mix of romance and fantasy, some readers might find the resolution of the central conflict slightly rushed, longing for a deeper exploration of the fairy lord’s motivations and the broader implications of the fae-human tensions.
Overall, A Fairy Hunter's Guide for the Recently [Un]Dead earns a solid four stars for its inventive plot, rich character development, and the enthralling world it immerses its readers in. Cynthia Prith has crafted a darkly enchanting tale that fans of fantasy romance will find irresistible, filled with enough twists and heartfelt moments to satisfy both new and seasoned readers of the genre.
May 10, 2025
This is a unique book. I have rather mixed feelings.
It’s a bit difficult to explain briefly what I read, but basically Gwendolyn’s mother was a fairy hunter, I think, and she trained her daughter to be a hunter too. This story centers around Gwendolyn when she’s older and dying from consumption, but she dies, I think, each time she falls asleep and is taken to the world of faeries who are tricksy things and is trying to get out of a bargain that someone else possibly made with them to steal her away…I think. There’s a bit of a romance and a bit of a story in here too.
I do think the synopsis led me to believe this would be a rather beautiful and sweeping story. And in a way it is. It’s atmospheric and the writing is whimsical and poetic, rather beautiful. Which I did love. The way it’s written was beautifully done.
However, there’s a lot of detail and a lot of inner workings and inner monologues by Gwendolyn that it made it difficult to understand the plot or what was truly going on. A lot of memories resurfacing that made it difficult to understand when this memory occurred.
And as I mentioned, I have mixed feelings because I loved it and I hated it. I wanted to feel immersed in the story, but I felt more like I’m on the sidelines just watching or listening to what was going on. I didn’t feel as connected as I wanted to be, and yet, I loved the way it was written.
I couldn’t really tell you if I liked any of the characters. Everyone seemed angry and vindictive, but we are set in a single brief moment in time that doesn’t really allow us to learn about the characters and their backstory. It was just in this one moment of time I had to figure out if I like the characters or understood them, and it wasn’t enough for me to truly feel connected with any of them.
That being said, I will say the romance is heartbreaking and yet hopeful. There is a lot of talk about hope and choice, and they chose each other over and over again despite the pain each suffered, and it was heartbreaking and yet beautiful.
After reaching 50%, the story definitely took a turn and got much more interesting. So, it is a slow moving book with a lot of beautifully written prose and wit, with an epic finish, if you hold out for it.
This will appeal to a certain reader. And I was half that reader. I enjoyed it, to a point. I wish there could have been more focus on the plot to help me understand the characters and the story better, but the writing was truly beautiful and it was enough for me to enjoy the story in the end. It was definitely a uniquely written story filled with vengeance, anger and love.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s a bit difficult to explain briefly what I read, but basically Gwendolyn’s mother was a fairy hunter, I think, and she trained her daughter to be a hunter too. This story centers around Gwendolyn when she’s older and dying from consumption, but she dies, I think, each time she falls asleep and is taken to the world of faeries who are tricksy things and is trying to get out of a bargain that someone else possibly made with them to steal her away…I think. There’s a bit of a romance and a bit of a story in here too.
I do think the synopsis led me to believe this would be a rather beautiful and sweeping story. And in a way it is. It’s atmospheric and the writing is whimsical and poetic, rather beautiful. Which I did love. The way it’s written was beautifully done.
However, there’s a lot of detail and a lot of inner workings and inner monologues by Gwendolyn that it made it difficult to understand the plot or what was truly going on. A lot of memories resurfacing that made it difficult to understand when this memory occurred.
And as I mentioned, I have mixed feelings because I loved it and I hated it. I wanted to feel immersed in the story, but I felt more like I’m on the sidelines just watching or listening to what was going on. I didn’t feel as connected as I wanted to be, and yet, I loved the way it was written.
I couldn’t really tell you if I liked any of the characters. Everyone seemed angry and vindictive, but we are set in a single brief moment in time that doesn’t really allow us to learn about the characters and their backstory. It was just in this one moment of time I had to figure out if I like the characters or understood them, and it wasn’t enough for me to truly feel connected with any of them.
That being said, I will say the romance is heartbreaking and yet hopeful. There is a lot of talk about hope and choice, and they chose each other over and over again despite the pain each suffered, and it was heartbreaking and yet beautiful.
After reaching 50%, the story definitely took a turn and got much more interesting. So, it is a slow moving book with a lot of beautifully written prose and wit, with an epic finish, if you hold out for it.
This will appeal to a certain reader. And I was half that reader. I enjoyed it, to a point. I wish there could have been more focus on the plot to help me understand the characters and the story better, but the writing was truly beautiful and it was enough for me to enjoy the story in the end. It was definitely a uniquely written story filled with vengeance, anger and love.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 13, 2025
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
The premise had a lot of promise. A regency style romantasy with a fairy hunter trapped in a bargain made on her behalf. Gwendolyn has spent her life preparing for a fight that never felt real. Her mother trained her to fight relentlessly, but when both she and Gwendolyn are stuck by a curse that attacks their lungs, each will die a slow death. Yet death has rejected her and she finds herself promised to a fairy lord’s glittering castle night after night. As she undergoes relentless torture and must repel the allure of the fae and the possibility of power she searches for answers and a way to freedom. Her path will cross with a knight forced to track and retain her. He too is cursed with obedience by the fairy lord, but he is no man, but a combination of them. As they attempt to escape together, Gwendolyn must outsmart the fairy lord and find an agreement that will finally set her free.
I really wanted to loved this book, but unfortunately it missed the mark for me. I found the writing style confusing as it jumped between memories, inner thoughts, textbook references and the current timeline. There was a lot going on, but not a lot of world building so the circumstances were difficult to rationalize. I thought the trauma-bonded romance was ill formed and seemed more contrived on wishful thinking than development. Gwendolyn wanted to see herself in all these other creature, to be the monster that they are, but I just didn’t see her that way. Before this bargain she had never hunted a fairy and had lived a life of hard work. I also didn’t understand why she was determined to think poorly of everyone in her life and to really care about nothing. It was a bitter angry rendition of solitude and finding the strength to survive. News flash she is dead, so I am not really sure what “life” she is fighting for in the human realm. There were too many things that didn’t make sense and I didn’t like Gwendolyn. Just when the story was getting traction, it would veer off into another monster soliloquy with repetitive passages and conversations.
I always believed in giving a book a chance so I did finish it, though some fast reading was required. While I maintain that the idea was good and there were some winning plot points, I was bored. The pacing needed some work so the reveal came a little earlier, and the inner monologues needed to be trimmed.
The premise had a lot of promise. A regency style romantasy with a fairy hunter trapped in a bargain made on her behalf. Gwendolyn has spent her life preparing for a fight that never felt real. Her mother trained her to fight relentlessly, but when both she and Gwendolyn are stuck by a curse that attacks their lungs, each will die a slow death. Yet death has rejected her and she finds herself promised to a fairy lord’s glittering castle night after night. As she undergoes relentless torture and must repel the allure of the fae and the possibility of power she searches for answers and a way to freedom. Her path will cross with a knight forced to track and retain her. He too is cursed with obedience by the fairy lord, but he is no man, but a combination of them. As they attempt to escape together, Gwendolyn must outsmart the fairy lord and find an agreement that will finally set her free.
I really wanted to loved this book, but unfortunately it missed the mark for me. I found the writing style confusing as it jumped between memories, inner thoughts, textbook references and the current timeline. There was a lot going on, but not a lot of world building so the circumstances were difficult to rationalize. I thought the trauma-bonded romance was ill formed and seemed more contrived on wishful thinking than development. Gwendolyn wanted to see herself in all these other creature, to be the monster that they are, but I just didn’t see her that way. Before this bargain she had never hunted a fairy and had lived a life of hard work. I also didn’t understand why she was determined to think poorly of everyone in her life and to really care about nothing. It was a bitter angry rendition of solitude and finding the strength to survive. News flash she is dead, so I am not really sure what “life” she is fighting for in the human realm. There were too many things that didn’t make sense and I didn’t like Gwendolyn. Just when the story was getting traction, it would veer off into another monster soliloquy with repetitive passages and conversations.
I always believed in giving a book a chance so I did finish it, though some fast reading was required. While I maintain that the idea was good and there were some winning plot points, I was bored. The pacing needed some work so the reveal came a little earlier, and the inner monologues needed to be trimmed.
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