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Cursed Fae Courts #3
Glamour of Smoke & Shadow
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 Fae Courts world where magic and romance collide! This series contains spicy scenes and graphic language. Reader discretion is advised.
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 Fae Courts world where magic and romance collide! This series contains spicy scenes and graphic language. Reader discretion is advised.
100 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2024
About the author
Heather Hildenbrand
190 books1,496 followersHeather 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.
You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 26, 2026
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
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
March 12, 2025
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.
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.
August 2, 2025
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!
March 2, 2025
The premise is actually promising, but the storyline is so incredibly rushed and underdeveloped that it’s impossible to take anything seriously.
June 30, 2026
A captivating and spicy fantasy romance! ✨
A Glamour of Smoke and Shadow is a fast-paced prequel novella about a Fae warrior and a Furiosity—a demon-king of Hel. I was completely captivated by how a powerful, immortal entity like Ire is instantly love-struck by Sonoma Eko, a Fae warrior training to join the elite Aine of the Sevenwinds realm. Despite coming from entirely different worlds, they are instantly tethered by an intense bond.
The story highlights Ire, King of Hel, falling for Sonoma the moment he watches her fight for her place among the Aine. Their connection quickly sparks into a spicy, dramatic romance as Ire seeks to protect Sonoma from the darkness and the enemies who want her dead. He is willing to share his own power just to ensure she can survive and live in peace.
While this short story focuses strictly on Sonoma and Ire, it beautifully sets up the wider world of Fae and Furiosities. The full story continues in A Kingdom of Briars and Roses, which is definitely going on my TBR list so I can see how this universe unfolds!
Ultimately, this book isn't just a spicy romantasy; it's a beautiful look at how true love means protecting, giving everything, and sacrificing whatever it takes to ensure your loved one is safe.
A Glamour of Smoke and Shadow is a fast-paced prequel novella about a Fae warrior and a Furiosity—a demon-king of Hel. I was completely captivated by how a powerful, immortal entity like Ire is instantly love-struck by Sonoma Eko, a Fae warrior training to join the elite Aine of the Sevenwinds realm. Despite coming from entirely different worlds, they are instantly tethered by an intense bond.
The story highlights Ire, King of Hel, falling for Sonoma the moment he watches her fight for her place among the Aine. Their connection quickly sparks into a spicy, dramatic romance as Ire seeks to protect Sonoma from the darkness and the enemies who want her dead. He is willing to share his own power just to ensure she can survive and live in peace.
While this short story focuses strictly on Sonoma and Ire, it beautifully sets up the wider world of Fae and Furiosities. The full story continues in A Kingdom of Briars and Roses, which is definitely going on my TBR list so I can see how this universe unfolds!
Ultimately, this book isn't just a spicy romantasy; it's a beautiful look at how true love means protecting, giving everything, and sacrificing whatever it takes to ensure your loved one is safe.
September 9, 2026
✨️A Glamour Of Smoke & Shadow by Heather Hildenbrand✨️
Of course, I tried to get a nice picture of my book for this post… and naturally, the whole household had to get involved 😂🐈⬛👋🏻
*minor spoilers*
Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Fae × demon/god
Morally grey/dark MMC
Strong warrior FMC
Fated/tethered connection
Instant attraction
Protective MMC
“Touch her and die” energy
Spicy
A Glamour of Smoke & Shadow is a prequel to the Cursed Fae Courts series, and it throws you straight into the story with pretty much zero build-up.
I know it’s a novella and the characters are fated mates, but the romance developed way too quickly for me. The story itself also moved at lightning speed, which made some of the developments feel a little rushed. And that surprise pregnancy trope?! 👀 That one definitely threw me for a loop!
That said, I’m intrigued enough by the overarching storyline that I’ve already added book one of the series to my TBR. So while this prequel didn’t completely win me over, I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes from here!
🏷 Bookstagram • A Glamour Of Smoke and Shadow • Heather Hildenbrand • Fantasy Romance • Prequel Novella • Surprise Pregnancy • Fated
Of course, I tried to get a nice picture of my book for this post… and naturally, the whole household had to get involved 😂🐈⬛👋🏻
*minor spoilers*
Tropes:
Forbidden romance
Fae × demon/god
Morally grey/dark MMC
Strong warrior FMC
Fated/tethered connection
Instant attraction
Protective MMC
“Touch her and die” energy
Spicy
A Glamour of Smoke & Shadow is a prequel to the Cursed Fae Courts series, and it throws you straight into the story with pretty much zero build-up.
I know it’s a novella and the characters are fated mates, but the romance developed way too quickly for me. The story itself also moved at lightning speed, which made some of the developments feel a little rushed. And that surprise pregnancy trope?! 👀 That one definitely threw me for a loop!
That said, I’m intrigued enough by the overarching storyline that I’ve already added book one of the series to my TBR. So while this prequel didn’t completely win me over, I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes from here!
🏷 Bookstagram • A Glamour Of Smoke and Shadow • Heather Hildenbrand • Fantasy Romance • Prequel Novella • Surprise Pregnancy • Fated
March 27, 2025
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!!
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!!
April 26, 2025
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2025
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?
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?
December 17, 2024
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!
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!
January 29, 2025
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!!
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!!
February 12, 2025
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.
May 14, 2025
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!
June 20, 2025
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 🫶
Definitely would recommend 🫶
March 2, 2025
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.
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.
March 2, 2025
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.
March 4, 2025
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.
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.
March 25, 2025
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.
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.
May 12, 2026
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
Can’t wait to read Kingdom of Briar and Roses next to see what happens.
I will definitely continue
October 7, 2026
Easy, quick read. Very troped up, in a good way! Yearning, pull between dark and light, forbidden romance, a dark prince… what more do you need in a prequel novella? All in all, an adequate taste that makes me interested in more.
February 10, 2025
A quick prequel novella setting up a new series. It was fast paced and intriguing and I will definitely be picking up book 1.
March 6, 2025
Wow
Absolutely hooked.
I was severly struggling through reading slump and now I have found the light....
.
.
.
.
Absolutely hooked.
I was severly struggling through reading slump and now I have found the light....
.
.
.
.
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed this novella! I only wish it was a full novel :)
August 20, 2025
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.
August 20, 2025
For a short novella I’m hooked. I’m invested. I need to know what is going to happen next.
August 22, 2025
Nice short read enough to pull me in and want more!
September 30, 2025
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.
December 8, 2025
"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.
"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.
March 21, 2026
Very nice short book. Perfect for a quick read! Love story felt a bit rushed, but pin it on the “mate” thing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews