Glamour of Smoke & Shadow

Cursed Fae Courts #3

by Heather Hildenbrand

The Aine are an elite caste of warriors among the fae. A sacred dozen selected by the Fates to protect this world.

Today, I join my sisters and become one of them.

It’s all I’ve ever wanted.

Then he shows up.

The Furiosities are demon-gods. The three kings of Hel, they call them. No mortal fae has ever laid eyes on them before today, though their cruelty and wrath are legendary.

The first two make me want to run in the other direction, but the moment I lay eyes on the third male, everything else falls away.

Dark, mesmerizing, and intense—he is more than forbidden to someone like me. He is impossible.

Yet, when he speaks, I know I will do anything he asks. Even break my most sacred vow.

My weapons and magic might belong to my people, but my body and heart are owned by another—and there’s no telling how the demon-god might bend or break both in the end.

Glamour of Smoke & Shadow is a spicy romantasy prequel story with fae, forbidden romance, and a love with the power to spark a war. Dive into the Cursed Far Courts world where magic and romance collide! This series contains spicy scenes and graphic language. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Ebooks, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Romance, Novella

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2024

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles and avoiding killer slugs.

You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.

Reviews

[Imaan Jumat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a simple girl.
Give me a man who yearns, who is completely head over heels for the girl, a strong female character who tries to resist but cannot help loving him anyway, sprinkle in some good writing, - it will always be a yes from me

[Jay Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story with lot of potential

For people looking for a short read just to unwind but with some plot twist and Lovable characters this is your book

A short story that had the potential to be an awesome long story.
Everything felt a bit rushed and there were things that deserved to be explored.
The magic system is awesome the world building is complex but there is lack of exploration
The relationship of the main characters could have been more explored in depth.
If the author ever edits and imagines this story as something bigger I'll definitely read.

[Samantha ☾⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this one yesterday during the SYKD and I couldnt put it down! I already set an alert for when the second book releases! This one was to quick which says alot because I love the quick ones usually! 100% recommend this one!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing little prequel to A Kingdom of Briars and Roses! I was desperate for Sonoma and Ire's story after finishing AKOBAR and Heather told me this prequel existed! I literally devoured this in under an hour. It was perfect. We get to see how Ire and Sonoma meet and understand Heliconia's origins and see where her villain arc started!

Even though it was short, Heather perfectly captured Ire and Sonoma's instant connection and epic love and honestly, I just wanted more. A superb prequel!!

[Mary Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a promising beginning. However, I found the way the villain gets the kernel of power from Ire contrived. I just don't buy how they would hand over the spark of power under her vague threat of knowing about the relationship and exposing it. The threat was hollow since the Fates knew about it anyway. 🤷🏼‍♀️WTF? Helconia's evil, and they are trying to make a deal, in good faith, with someone who is evil. WTF? That makes no sense. Aside from that one nitpick, I would like to continue with this.

[Anastey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure what to think of this one. The characters were interesting, and the worldbuilding was intriguing. I liked how the magic system seems to work.

It really threw me out of the story when a character was murdered and everyone pretty much moved on and didn't feel like they cared at all. It was really weird and off-putting.

Maybe it will make more sense as I read further into the series?

[Mima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this as part of an anthology but when I saw it was out, I had to get it!
Sonoma is training to join The Aine who are elite fae warriors selected to protect the world, when they show up and everything changes. This was a good read! I was hooked from the second I started reading it, especially since I love fae books, I cannot wait to see where Heather goes with this!

[BookD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this, preparing for the release of the next book in the series. This is the Prequel of what’s to come, and it is so good!!!

I’m so excited to see how Aurelia grows up!! I’m also hoping we will see more of Sonoma and Ire, as they rule in Hel and watch their daughter save the world!! I’m SUPER EXCITED for this series!! I love everything Hildenbrand writes!!

[Suzanne (Fiction, Stardust, PinkiePie) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has been a flat story, with only one - rather curious moment: kissing a forbidden king, next to the corpse of your "sister" that you have just discovered being murdered, yet standing on the bloodsoaked ground, all you can think about is sex and how you missed him. Great fighter skills and focus. Well done. I guess Heliconia was right: she did not deserve to be chosen as an Aine.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the gift I needed! This novella tells a tender tale of love and sacrifice. We get the prequel to a beautiful novel that sets the stage for this unputdownable series. The hero is absolutely swoon-worthy and made me melt in all the best ways. The conflict of should they, will they, was perfectly captured making this an unforgettable romance!

[Maya 💙🦋📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and easy read!!! Honestly there’s not much to say about it, the only reason it didn’t get 5 starts was that we jumped right into a main plot point, no background afterwards, nothing. It was a little confusing and jarring but once you got into the book it was definitely interesting!

Definitely would recommend 🫶

[Tara Dorough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love This Series

Glamour of Smoke & Shadow is a prequel for Heather Hildenbrand's Cursed Fae Courts series. The story is new and refreshing. The characters are enjoyable, hateable, and loveable and you'll want more of them immediately. Waiting is going to be the hard part.

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was a nice teaser.. this is a prequel for book 1. I can not wait to read it.. I really want to see what happens next! It's a quick read and gets you ready for book 1. Book 1 comes out March 12. Read now, and you only have to wait a couple of weeks. I highly recommend it.

[L.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

Having read a Kingdom of Broads and Roses first, I was pleasantly surprised to learn Sonoma had a story of her own! It was so good! I loved her and Ire's characters and bond. I can't wait to read more about them.

[Alice Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

This is a really lovely read. It’s very short which is part of what makes it a little bit dissatisfying but the world building is really lovely and I’m excited to see where this goes. Unfortunately it will be a while before the next book is out which is rude but I’ll wait.

[Mitzi Reaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve found a new author that I really like. Fast paced , easy to understand, characters I want to know more about.
Can’t wait to read Kingdom of Briar and Roses next to see what happens.
I will definitely continue

[Allyson Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨️

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick prequel novella setting up a new series. It was fast paced and intriguing and I will definitely be picking up book 1.

[Ivra Norell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise is actually promising, but the storyline is so incredibly rushed and underdeveloped that it’s impossible to take anything seriously.

[Tione Plowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Absolutely hooked.

I was severly struggling through reading slump and now I have found the light....
.
.
.
.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella! I only wish it was a full novel :)

[Stephanie Compton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to Kingdom of Briars and Roses. We get to see how the FMC in KBR becomes what she becomes and what her parents sacrificed to get her there. Nice quick read.

[Kitt Shear · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a short novella I’m hooked. I’m invested. I need to know what is going to happen next.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice short read enough to pull me in and want more!

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok and is good if you're looking for a quick read to reach your reading goal. Not sure if I'll read the other books though.

[Ashley {_xamountofbooks} · Rating 4 out of 5]

"ʏᴏᴜ'ʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴀ ᴍᴏɴꜱᴛᴇʀ," ɪ ꜱᴀʏ.
"ꜱꜱʜʜ, ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ. ʏᴏᴜ'ʟʟ ʀᴜɪɴ ᴍʏ ɪᴍᴀɢᴇ."

Short and spicy and it was nice to be back in the world and see what came before Kingdom of Briars and Roses.

[Paty Worthington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice short book. Perfect for a quick read! Love story felt a bit rushed, but pin it on the “mate” thing.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually a fewer than 100 page prequel to Kingdom of Briars and Roses, not book #3. Heck, book 2 won’t even be out until February 2026.

Sonoma is probably one of the dumbest bitches to walk the planet. She knows how evil Heliconia is and that Heliconia steals power when she kills an Aine. Yet she stands by and lets Ire give Heliconia a spark of his power, thereby insuring she's stronger than any Aine. Why does Sonoma go along with this? Because she can’t stand the thought of giving up her Aine position even though she could then spend her life with Ire. All of the upcoming evil could be prevented if she’d just put her big girl panties on and not be so selfish. Spending the rest of her days with the love of her life and keeping the peace for the four realms is such a horrible price to pay.

The powers that be work out a solution for her and Ire but it wouldn’t have been necessary if she’d just womanned up earlier. I’m also disappointed that the reason she and Ire had to separate wasn’t addressed.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonoma is about to face the final fight that will determine who will be the last Aine to integrate the 12, and become a Fairy, when the 3 Kings of Hel appear.
Age, Eld and Ire haven't visited the human realms in centuries.
And one of them catches her eye, changing the course of her life, forever

[Sherryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE & LOVE THIS PREQUEL!!
DYING TO READ THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES.....