What do you think?
Rate this book
Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe
Thomas is an ordinary, thirteen year old boy who thinks his eyes are playing tricks on him the night that he sees his baby sister Isabelle being taken by two strange creatures. The next day his worst fears are realized. He was not dreaming. His sister is gone and a changeling has been left in her place. Now Thomas and his nerdy, know-it-all sister Libby must embark upon the adventure of a lifetime to the magical world of Faylinn where they will enlist the help of a sidhe, a fae, and even mermaids to fend off evil faeries of all kinds, including a mighty peist. But as it turns out, their biggest enemy of all is the one that they trusted the most.
Discover Faylinn...your adventure awaits.
Discover Faylinn...your adventure awaits.
314 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2024
3 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Salten
1 book4 followersRachael loves the weird, the unexplained, and the magical. When she is not curling up with a book that transports her to other worlds, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and hanging out with her husband, two teenage boys, and cute but needy dog. She currently gets to play with and help kids ages three to fourteen as a school-based Occupational Therapist, but one day hopes to create adventures for others full time. FAYLINN, THE CUP OF THE SIDHE is her first novel, but she has plans for many more!
Also visit her @Rachael Salten on Instagram and Facebook
Also visit her @Rachael Salten on Instagram and Facebook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 18, 2025
Faylinn: The Cup of Sidhe is a middle-grade magical adventure novel written by Rachael Salten that explores immersive fantasy and emotional depth themes.
Thomas is a thirteen-year-old boy who has never believed in fairy tales. One night, he came across something that changed his whole belief. A strange figure, one he had never seen before, appeared and carried away his baby sister, Isabelle. This happened right before his eyes, and Thomas cannot imagine what he had just witnessed. The following day, his baby sister appeared to be lying in her crib, but Thomas knew something was wrong. He was certain that the baby lying in the crib was definitely not his sister. To rescue Isabelle from the hands of the strange creatures, he went to his younger sister, Libby, who immediately joined hands with him to get Isabelle back.They followed whatever clues they found and eventually found themselves in a mysterious world inhabited by mermaids, fae, and other mystical creatures. Soon, they discovered that their sister's disappearance is linked to a legendary artifact called the Cup of the Sidhe, and to get their sister back, they must navigate the new world, overcome challenges, and most of all, solve riddles.
Opinion:
Faylinn: The Cup of Sidhe is a novel that not only tells about the quest to save Isabelle, it is also about strengthening the bond and love between them as siblings and facing the reality of who they are.
One of the core aspects of the book was the differences that brought Thomas and his sister, Libby, together. While Thomas is an emotional boy who despite fears is determined to save his sister, Libby is different; she is considered a strategist who is both quick-witted and at the same time resourceful. Their differing strengths made them a balanced duo for the mission because while Thomas is fueled with determination, Libby deals with the problems.
Another core aspect was the bond between the siblings. I noticed that both siblings were united by the love they had for Isabelle. For Thomas, saving his baby sister was his only priority and a way of lifting the spirit of helplessness he was feeling. And for Libby, she saw it as a responsibility to take care of her brother while they both tried to save Isabelle. As they progressed, their bond strengthened, and soon they came to the realization that it wasn't just about rescuing Isabelle but also learning that they needed each other to fulfill the mission.
Aside from the bonding of the siblings, the pacing of the book was another aspect that I found very engaging. The pacing was balanced. At the beginning, the story takes off at a quick start and ends with a twist, which kept me hooked. As I read along, I noticed that the author did not waste time by explaining words like “Faylinn” or the others; rather, Salten revealed the meaning of the words to me in bits as I read about Thomas and Libby's journey through it. This was really nice, as I ended up understanding what “Faylinn” meant while keeping the momentum going.
Also, there was an alternating transverse between the action and breath. For instance, after an action such as coming across a creature, Thomas and Libby get short moments where they regroup or plan their way through. These moments were usually calm, and most times, reflective.
Lastly, the characters came across various creatures, from mermaids to Sidhe and others. This variation added creativity to the story while also preventing the mission and plot from feeling repetitive. One aspect I sincerely appreciated was the world-building. Salten made the story feel mythological by extracting mythical creatures from both Irish and Celtic mythology. However, it did not stop there. The author also recreated these creatures in the story so that they feel real and unique. For instance, one of the words used is “Sidhe,” which is actually pronounced as “shee,” and they are powerful mythical beings known for both their alluring and dangerous characteristics, which are also found in ancient Irish legends. By weaving these creatures into the story, the author makes the book grounded in real folklore, which makes it stand out among other fairy tales.
My final feeling about the novel is that it is more than just a magical adventure story, but it is also one that will resonate with various readers regardless of their age. It is a mythologically-infused plot with balanced pacing, rich world-building, and characters that display love even when their bond is tested. Faylinn: The Cup of Sidhe is a middle grade fantasy book that I would recommend to middle grade readers and young teens. Adults who enjoy YA fantasy or those who grew up reading or listening to fairy tales would love this. Teachers searching for adventurous books for their students, as well as parents searching for books to read to their children, can also enjoy the story.
Another LitPick reviewer
In the story, Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe, Thomas notices his little sister Isabelle being kidnapped by a non-human creature during the night. For Thomas to save her, he calls on his know-it-all sister Libby to come help him on the adventure to Faylinn to rescue Isabelle. Before they get there though, they need to make a few stops along the way. These stops bring forth puzzles to gather information about the unknown figure and the location of Faylinn. Once they enter Faylinn, new and mysterious creatures called Faes meet them. What fate does Thomas, Libby, And Isabelle face with the Faes? Are they going to go home to a warm bed or die an unfortunate death?
Opinion:
In Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe, the author created a good life lesson. For example, Libby and Thomas loved their sister Isabelle deeply, and when she disappeared, they wanted to save her. From the text, it shows how deeply the siblings love each other and even if that means risking their own life. Also, this author has great humor like on page 64 where it says, “Libby made a mental note that if they did not make it back alive, she would make Thomas her personal butler for the rest of his life. He would pay dearly for making her go first.” The author also created fun nicknames for the characters such as “big baby” for a 13-year-old. The author did a really good job creating the characters voices throughout the story as the different language used by each character was unique. However, I felt like the story could have used more details about the adventure like whether it is day or night since there was not much description about that. However, this story was an exciting adventure, filled with twists and turns, and one that is worth exploring.
Thomas is a thirteen-year-old boy who has never believed in fairy tales. One night, he came across something that changed his whole belief. A strange figure, one he had never seen before, appeared and carried away his baby sister, Isabelle. This happened right before his eyes, and Thomas cannot imagine what he had just witnessed. The following day, his baby sister appeared to be lying in her crib, but Thomas knew something was wrong. He was certain that the baby lying in the crib was definitely not his sister. To rescue Isabelle from the hands of the strange creatures, he went to his younger sister, Libby, who immediately joined hands with him to get Isabelle back.They followed whatever clues they found and eventually found themselves in a mysterious world inhabited by mermaids, fae, and other mystical creatures. Soon, they discovered that their sister's disappearance is linked to a legendary artifact called the Cup of the Sidhe, and to get their sister back, they must navigate the new world, overcome challenges, and most of all, solve riddles.
Opinion:
Faylinn: The Cup of Sidhe is a novel that not only tells about the quest to save Isabelle, it is also about strengthening the bond and love between them as siblings and facing the reality of who they are.
One of the core aspects of the book was the differences that brought Thomas and his sister, Libby, together. While Thomas is an emotional boy who despite fears is determined to save his sister, Libby is different; she is considered a strategist who is both quick-witted and at the same time resourceful. Their differing strengths made them a balanced duo for the mission because while Thomas is fueled with determination, Libby deals with the problems.
Another core aspect was the bond between the siblings. I noticed that both siblings were united by the love they had for Isabelle. For Thomas, saving his baby sister was his only priority and a way of lifting the spirit of helplessness he was feeling. And for Libby, she saw it as a responsibility to take care of her brother while they both tried to save Isabelle. As they progressed, their bond strengthened, and soon they came to the realization that it wasn't just about rescuing Isabelle but also learning that they needed each other to fulfill the mission.
Aside from the bonding of the siblings, the pacing of the book was another aspect that I found very engaging. The pacing was balanced. At the beginning, the story takes off at a quick start and ends with a twist, which kept me hooked. As I read along, I noticed that the author did not waste time by explaining words like “Faylinn” or the others; rather, Salten revealed the meaning of the words to me in bits as I read about Thomas and Libby's journey through it. This was really nice, as I ended up understanding what “Faylinn” meant while keeping the momentum going.
Also, there was an alternating transverse between the action and breath. For instance, after an action such as coming across a creature, Thomas and Libby get short moments where they regroup or plan their way through. These moments were usually calm, and most times, reflective.
Lastly, the characters came across various creatures, from mermaids to Sidhe and others. This variation added creativity to the story while also preventing the mission and plot from feeling repetitive. One aspect I sincerely appreciated was the world-building. Salten made the story feel mythological by extracting mythical creatures from both Irish and Celtic mythology. However, it did not stop there. The author also recreated these creatures in the story so that they feel real and unique. For instance, one of the words used is “Sidhe,” which is actually pronounced as “shee,” and they are powerful mythical beings known for both their alluring and dangerous characteristics, which are also found in ancient Irish legends. By weaving these creatures into the story, the author makes the book grounded in real folklore, which makes it stand out among other fairy tales.
My final feeling about the novel is that it is more than just a magical adventure story, but it is also one that will resonate with various readers regardless of their age. It is a mythologically-infused plot with balanced pacing, rich world-building, and characters that display love even when their bond is tested. Faylinn: The Cup of Sidhe is a middle grade fantasy book that I would recommend to middle grade readers and young teens. Adults who enjoy YA fantasy or those who grew up reading or listening to fairy tales would love this. Teachers searching for adventurous books for their students, as well as parents searching for books to read to their children, can also enjoy the story.
Another LitPick reviewer
In the story, Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe, Thomas notices his little sister Isabelle being kidnapped by a non-human creature during the night. For Thomas to save her, he calls on his know-it-all sister Libby to come help him on the adventure to Faylinn to rescue Isabelle. Before they get there though, they need to make a few stops along the way. These stops bring forth puzzles to gather information about the unknown figure and the location of Faylinn. Once they enter Faylinn, new and mysterious creatures called Faes meet them. What fate does Thomas, Libby, And Isabelle face with the Faes? Are they going to go home to a warm bed or die an unfortunate death?
Opinion:
In Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe, the author created a good life lesson. For example, Libby and Thomas loved their sister Isabelle deeply, and when she disappeared, they wanted to save her. From the text, it shows how deeply the siblings love each other and even if that means risking their own life. Also, this author has great humor like on page 64 where it says, “Libby made a mental note that if they did not make it back alive, she would make Thomas her personal butler for the rest of his life. He would pay dearly for making her go first.” The author also created fun nicknames for the characters such as “big baby” for a 13-year-old. The author did a really good job creating the characters voices throughout the story as the different language used by each character was unique. However, I felt like the story could have used more details about the adventure like whether it is day or night since there was not much description about that. However, this story was an exciting adventure, filled with twists and turns, and one that is worth exploring.
February 4, 2025
It’s hard to believe this is Rachael Salten’s first book! I absolutely loved this book. As someone who isn’t normally a fantasy reader, I found this book to be a true gem. Not only is it well researched and descriptive, but the heart of the story is really about the strength of love you have for your siblings and the lengths you would go for them. This was the perfect book to read under a cozy blanket getting lost in the world of Faylinn.
July 13, 2025
If you’re craving a magical adventure that’s full of twists, heart, and a touch of danger—this book is it.
Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe hooked me from the very first chapter. Thirteen-year-old Thomas sees something no one would ever believe—creatures stealing his baby sister in the middle of the night. What follows is an unforgettable journey through a richly imagined fae world that’s both enchanting and eerie.
Thomas and his brainy sister Libby make the perfect duo—one brave, one clever, and both incredibly relatable. The world of Faylinn is packed with mermaids, mysterious allies, and creatures that both help and hunt them. Just when you think you know who to trust…boom—a plot twist you won’t see coming.
It’s a great pick for readers who love fantasy, sibling bonds, and stories where courage matters more than magic. Whether you’re 13 or 30, you’ll get swept away.
Definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. You won’t want to put it down.
Faylinn: The Cup of the Sidhe hooked me from the very first chapter. Thirteen-year-old Thomas sees something no one would ever believe—creatures stealing his baby sister in the middle of the night. What follows is an unforgettable journey through a richly imagined fae world that’s both enchanting and eerie.
Thomas and his brainy sister Libby make the perfect duo—one brave, one clever, and both incredibly relatable. The world of Faylinn is packed with mermaids, mysterious allies, and creatures that both help and hunt them. Just when you think you know who to trust…boom—a plot twist you won’t see coming.
It’s a great pick for readers who love fantasy, sibling bonds, and stories where courage matters more than magic. Whether you’re 13 or 30, you’ll get swept away.
Definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. You won’t want to put it down.
October 24, 2025
Thomas and Libby are normal kids living normal lives… until their baby sister is stolen by Fae, from their grandmother’s stories.
They follow the Fae back to their home world and make friends and enemies in their quest to get her back.
Mildest nitpick: I love the story! Love the characters! Love the worldbuilding! Good job!
I wish the siblings hadn’t been quite so mean to each other. All the sneers, scoffs, insults, pushing his little sister into a dangerous fae lake, “patronizing”, etc.
But once again! That is the teeniest tiniest nitpick. I love the characters! I love the story! I love the worlds and adventures! Well done!
They follow the Fae back to their home world and make friends and enemies in their quest to get her back.
Mildest nitpick: I love the story! Love the characters! Love the worldbuilding! Good job!
I wish the siblings hadn’t been quite so mean to each other. All the sneers, scoffs, insults, pushing his little sister into a dangerous fae lake, “patronizing”, etc.
But once again! That is the teeniest tiniest nitpick. I love the characters! I love the story! I love the worlds and adventures! Well done!
September 30, 2025
Faeries, goblins, and epos, oh my! The world-building that went into the this fantasy is incredible. Grateful for the glossary of mystical creatures and a map for clarity. If you love fantasy with adventure and a touch of humor, this book is for you!
February 15, 2025
Great book for middle school kids seeking magic and adventure. I loved the variety of mythical creatures and this book had a good balance of suspense and humor.
July 29, 2025
An enchanting and action-packed adventure, this magical tale of courage, sibling bonds, and unexpected twists will captivate readers from the first page to the thrilling conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
Faylinn is a fun fantasy adventure especially for those into fairies. I recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews