Fae Marked: The Chosen

by A.J. Knight

The sentinel Fae Choosing Ceremony is a rare and revered event that occurs once every century, marking a pivotal moment in the relationship between the Fae and human realms. During this time, a royal Fae descends upon the human world to select a bride, an act that symbolizes and ensures continued harmony between the two species. As the day of the ceremony approaches, Elowyn, with a heart full of dread, fervently hopes to evade being chosen, knowing that this singular event will forever alter the course of her life…and not for the better.

Elowyn, a headstrong and courageous human girl with a unique gift, defies tradition and risks everything in order to avoid the fate of the Fae’s choosing ceremony. However, fate has other plans for her when she is unexpectedly chosen by Princess Periwinkle Sunfall of Etheria. As Elowyn navigates the enchanting realm of the Fae, a deep and complex bond forms between her and the princess.

But when Peri is called away on a mission, Elowyn is left vulnerable to the treacherous schemes of the queen. Will their love endure the challenges that threaten to tear them apart, or will the weight of their differences prove too great?

Can their love withstand the trials and bridge the gap between their worlds, or will their differences prove insurmountable? Dive into this enchanting lesbian romance that promises a heartwarming happily ever after.

This is an 18+ WLW fantasy romance.

Genres: Lesbian, Fae, Romantasy

Paperback

First published February 14, 2025

About the author

Alex Knight has been writing since the age of twelve. A passion for writing runs deep in their family, with a father who dabbled in short stories and a mother who was a poetry enthusiast. Once Alex Knight began, they never looked back. Originally from Washington State, Alex Knight relocated to North Dakota to be closer to their wife. Battling both physical and mental health challenges, Alex Knight is forever committed to promoting positive representation in all of their work.



Alex Knight also enjoys drawing character art for their novels and other fellow authors!

Reviews

[A reading pigeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️/5

☆ Sapphic romance
☆ Fated mates
☆ Fae x human
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ One bed
☆ Arranged marriage
☆ Tall girl!!
~~~~~~~

The story: I love me a good WLW story, and this did not disappoint! The plot line was great! It was action packed, interesting, and had some very vivid imagery. The amount of world building was perfect as it didn’t take up the whole book, yet I still understood what everything looked like and even felt like! I loved the little details that were added too! For example, the explanation of how the clothes felt in Etheria was done perfectly. I want a night gown from that beautiful place now 🥹 Such a great story!!

The characters: Ella and Peri; Peri and Ella 🫠 gosh they’re just so cute 🥰 this is the first sapphic romance that I have read where the more feminine MC was taller than the more masculine MC. Having the FFMC be shorter by quite a bit has always been a dynamic that I see, but this was refreshing! We love a tall girl rep! I just love how in each scene they are together there is tension yet so much love and secret adoration, it just makes me so… idk I just love it when there is a secret love for a character!! I also hated one specific character, and AJ Knight did an incredible job at creating such a loathsome character!

The spice: I rated this a 🌶️/5 on the pepper scale. There were two open door scenes that were not very graphic. But they were beautifully executed! There were so many other bits of intimacy that wasn’t sexual, and that’s what also made this book so wonderful 🥹

I am so excited to read the second one! I’m excited to see who Emmalee is, and who she ends up meeting 👀

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick, fast paced story! I wanted more! The world building intrigued me and I wish the author had more wlw stories of Fae, because I would read them all, especially if they were in the same world.

[myfictionaladventure · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️
2 🌶️
Romantasy
Book 1

The protagonist is suddenly swept from her realm and into the fae realm, as she finds herself engaged to a fae princess. She finds the princess beautiful but knows nothing of their world or her role as the princess’s bethrothed.

This is a nice, light, short, & fun romantasy book. The romance is sweet and cute, with some more spice towards the end. Their isnt too much other plot but it is a very short book. I am excited to continue the series and see what is next.

[Jenna🦇 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

a cute short sapphic novella. def was a fun read. light plot & lore, human x fae getting married based on an ancient curse. both girls are headstrong but slowly find their way to each other.

a great pallet cleanser between reads!

✨tropes/vibes✨

✨ sapphic
✨ human x fae
✨ curses
✨ magic
✨ reluctant marriage
✨ light spice & plot

thank you AJ for the gifted book in exchange for an honest review

[briebriereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️
Fae marked is a shorter book that follows Peri and Elowyn through their journey through the Choosing Ceremony between human and Fae and how it’s impacting to both characters.
You’ll fall in love with the characters & their story and find yourself swooning. This was such a good palette cleanser for me today!

✨Fae x Human
✨Mating Bond
✨Enemies to Lovers
✨Sapphic
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Magical Elements

[Amber Renea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short read but well worth it. Especially if you're into fantasy and like reading same sex relationships, which I feel wlw is not very touched on with most authors. This is a quick cozy read. A journey between two people you really don't expect to become one.

[_the.bookish.moon_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ♥️

This is a sweet and cozy sapphic romance that leaves you feeling the warm and fuzzies, it will 100% be in regular rotation

[Eel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two sittings. The pacing is perfect, giving enough detail to slow down a few days into 200 pages of pure arranged-marriage drama.

[Kylee Eastwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first sapphic romance and let me say that this story was beautiful. The MCs were so real. They felt like real people with real people problems (but amplified), but the way they dealt with their problems was very relatable. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!

[Molly Bethoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this fantasy romance! This has sparked me to get back into fantasy. I enjoyed the development of the characters and the obstacles our lovers faced to be together. This was a short book but I appreciated the excitement and the snapshot in time we got to experience with these Fae.

[Courtney Artmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet fantasy romance book I loved how peri had that feeling when she first saw Ella at the choosing even though she wasn’t supposed in the choosing . I liked that their relationship grew over the time in the book and how slowly Ella opened up to peri. I’m happy that they chose their own happiness over peri’s responsibilities back in her realm

[Alicia Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5⭐read from @a.j.knight.author to whisk me away into another world and remind me what love is all about!

You know it is going to be good when the dedication and acknowledgments have you all in your feels. I found myself relating heavily with one of the FMCs (neither of us are morning people and we both adore our cat), and rooting for her to have all her heart desires! This was a quick read with a well-paced plot and just enough mystery and spice to keep you on your toes. I love it when I read a book and the author helps you see the characters vividly with their descriptions, and this book did just that!

"Her eyes glitter with mirth." What a lovely experience- to know and express such unbridled joy that your eyes glitter! I highly recommend this new series (out in just a few weeks) and look forward to the next book to come!

[Kristie Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet fantasy romance. The fae princess is choosing her mate, and she ends up choosing a girl that wasn't in the group of the chosen, who is reluctant and terrified.

As they work through this bizarre situation with meddling parents and unexpected companionship, we get to see a magical romance unfold.

[Kendall Bostelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! Such an easy but good read! Was looking for something to get me back into reading and this was it! Read it in less than 24hrs and then read Chasing Starfire in another 24hrs! As a woman in a wlw relationship it’s hard to find representation in books. So I was super excited when I was recommended this book! This hit the spot! Not super smutty but just the right amount to keep things exciting. Not only was the book a little steamy but it had a cute love story to build up to it! I also loved the fantasy aspect of this book as fantasy is a key genre for me. I can’t wait to read more from this author and can’t wait for the sequel!

[Danielle Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and fast paced. This took a little bit of a different approach to the usual fae fantasy romance. It was more along the lines of Cruel Prince but make it sapphic. Those were the vibes I got and I enjoyed it a lot.

Elowyne (I'm probably spelling that wrong. Sorry) is human and wants nothing more than to travel and live a life so different from the one she is currently in. She is also terrified of an upcoming event in which a Fae of royal decent comes to their village to choose a mate/spouse. She desperately wants to stay away and not be chosen.

Periwinkle is the fae princess who is continually bound by duty to do things she really doesn't want any part of. She's much more interested in her father's army than her mother's fancy parties. Too bad she's being forced yet again to do the last thing she wants, to marry a human and progress her family line.

Elowyne wasn't even supposed to be in the pool of people being offered to the fae princess. But when Periwinkle sees her, she can't find it in herself to pick anyone but Elowyne. Good thing Elowyne had always seen herself marrying a woman. With neither of them having a choice they both reluctantly agree to marry.

The events of this story were fast paced and kept me wondering exactly what would happen next. Would they get along and make the best of it, would one or both try to escape. Would their initial attraction be enough of a bridge to form at least a friendship? Their personalities were great and there was definitely a character I really didn't like. I'm sure if you read this you'll be able to guess who.

This was a fun and quick twist on a theme we've seen before and I really enjoyed reading it.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

was hooked from the start. In the prologue, you learn a bit of the backstory between two kingdoms, Sunfall and Dustburn, and the beef between them and the reason for the Choosing Ceremony.

Then, in the very first chapter, you meet Elowyn Wolfbane, and what a chapter lol, you're immediately on the run! It took everything in me not to spam the author with my reactions, not just from chapter one, but throughout the entire book. Elowyn is our feisty and somewhat stubborn human FMC, but then we have Periwinkle Sunfall, our other FMC, aka daddy, jkjk… 👀

Wink is very sarcastic but also very caring, though we need to work on our communication.
Put both of them together, and it’s so cute: the pining, the deep conversations, and how they started caring for each other; it was just so so good.

Also, the characters were great, but the world was interesting as well. As I said at the beginning, there's beef between two kingdoms, then there's freaking powers, portals, interesting Fae reproduction (this will make sense when you read it), etc. I loved Ella and Wink, but I loved learning about their world, too!

I had a great time reading this, and I’m so excited to read book two!

[Jade Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet sapphic romance read featuring a fae princess and a reluctant human bride, their developing romance, and the odds they had to overcome to finally be together.

It's a cosy-fantasy read, sweet in that there was instant attraction, but not instant-love - that evolved slowly over time as the plot progressed and the characters developed.

We do get some insight into the fae polities of the author's world, but as the novel was quite short, it was more like watching a snapshot of their life - almost the story of their meet-cute. I think it would make a great pick me up read or a palate cleanser between big hefty fantasies!

It would be interesting to see if the author revisits this world in future novels, as I'd be intrigued to know more about the choosing aspect where the fae visit the human worlds to choose a mate, and how this affects the politics of their world. There were many intriguing aspects that I'd love to see expanded on and read about!

[Amelia Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay besties… Fae Marked: The Chosen by A.J. Knight has officially unlocked a whole new corner of my heart. This was my first sapphic book and as a bisexual queen, I am obsessed. Like… Ella and Peri?? ADORABLE doesn’t even begin to cover it. I was kicking my feet, giggling and blushing the entire time.

This novella is short, sweet and gave me everything I didn’t even know I needed! Romance, magic, tension and just enough drama to keep me glued. And the audiobook? Pagan McGrath, you have my heart. She nailed every single voice so perfectly that I could picture every character in my head like I was watching a movie.

We follow Peri and Elowyn through the Choosing Ceremony between human and fae, and let me tell you… the fae x human tension? The mating bond? The arranged marriage setup?? It had me feral!! The epilogue was so CUTE! It was the perfect little reading for my saturday morning; sweet, swoony and dangerously addictive. 10/10, would let Ella and Peri ruin my life again!

[Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to give a huge thank you to AJ Knight for gifting me an ARC of this book. The amount of care put into these characters and this world was evident on every page. This was my first lesbian fantasy novel, and it absolutely set the bar high!

The book kicks off with a fast pace, which initially caught me off guard—but in the best way. The urgency sets the tone for the world and its stakes, making the story feel immersive right from the start. It was a bold choice that paid off, pulling me in immediately.

Now, let’s talk about Peri and Elowyn, because wow, their relationship development was absolutely goals. From the beginning, despite being thrown into a marriage neither of them had truly prepared for, there was a quiet sense of respect and patience between them. Rather than forcing a connection, they took the time to truly see each other, allowing their relationship to unfold naturally.

One of my favorite moments was when Peri made the decision to take them away from the castle to live in a secluded cottage. That choice alone showed such tenderness and consideration—it wasn’t about duty or obligation but about creating a space where they could get to know one another without external pressures. Watching them slowly open up, learn each other’s quirks, and ultimately fall in love was such a heartwarming experience. Their dynamic felt so authentic and beautifully developed, and I was fully invested in their journey

If I had one wish, it would be for the book to be a little longer with a touch more drama or tension. Maybe it’s just the reality show lover in me, but I enjoy a bit of chaos and heartbreak mixed into romance! That being said, the emotional depth between Peri and Elowyn made the story incredibly fulfilling.

AJ treats his characters with so much care and respect, and it’s clear in every line of his writing. His storytelling is immersive, heartfelt, and truly special. I’m sad to leave Peri and Elowyn behind, but I’m beyond hyped for the next books in this series—the sneak peeks alone have me counting down the days!

[Skyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Knight delivers another swoon-worthy fantasy romance, and this one is an absolute delight! The fae princess is supposed to pick a mate from a carefully selected group—but nope, she chooses someone totally unprepared (and absolutely terrified). Cue meddling parents, unexpected feelings, and a whole lot of magical awkwardness.

This is my first full-on lesbian romance—where both FMCs are seriously into each other—and I am so here for it. Girl power, magical love, and all the yearning!

As a bisexual reader, I couldn’t help but imagine myself in this situation, and let’s be real—if it were me and Jennifer Lawrence? Oh, I’d be ALL over that. No second thoughts. Zero hesitation.

If you love fast-paced, feel-good fantasy romance with just the right amount of chaos, you need to grab this one!

[Paula Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read sapphic romance before but this one has quickly become a favourite. A short read but filled with so much.

Elowyn just wants her own life, she is not interested in the Royal Fae and their choosing ceremony. She wants to travel and one day eventually marry a woman - of her choosing.

Periwinkle is the Royal Fae who will be choosing this time but she would much rather be serving in her father’s guard than taking a mate.

However, even as Elowyn has been taken out of the choosing options she cannot deny the pull to Periwinkle when she arrives. Periwinkle is also instantly pulled to Elowyn and from there it is an emotionally charged tale.

From an arranged marriage, dealing with interfering in laws and wanting different paths in life, will this work out for Elowyn and Periwinkle? Let just say their story is one you won’t be able to put down til the end.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae Marked: The Chosen by AJ Knight is a delightful sapphic romance that will leave you with a warm, happy feeling. The story follows Elowyn Wolfbane and Periwinkle Sunfall as they navigate their personal struggles and come to terms with their destinies. The love that blossoms between them is sweet, genuine, and beautifully developed, with just the right touch of spice. This cozy read is perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good escape, and the heartwarming HEA is the cherry on top. As a beta to arc reader of this novel, I absolutely loved seeing how the added details deepened the world-building and made me fall even more in love with these characters and their journey. Highly recommend this for a lovely, quick read!

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩

OKAY NEW READING CATEGORY UNLOCKED; FF FAE X HUMAN ROMANCE!!
So this for tropes is; fated marriage, FF, forced proximity, meddling family, royalty, fae X human.
Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale, and its a HEA for the couple.

Ella was our human FMC and isn’t there just something so beautiful about HUMAN reactions? Was she absolutely baffled (and lowkey a lil unimpressed?) by everything in the fae realm? Yes she was and I’m with her. And given that she is the catalyst for the HEA.. loved her.

Peri is our Princess fae FMC, bound by duty with an unresolved urge for adventure. Did she go about it the wrong way? A lil bit.. But when the stakes get high, when she realises what is amiss.. Yup, I fuck with her too!

[Anna Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this shorter story by A. J. Knight. What a wonderful introduction to the world of Etheria.

Elowyn, Ella, desires nothing more than to not be a part of the choosing ceremony, and she promises herself off to the worst person alive. The choosing ceremony is where Periwinkle, the Princess, will choose her mate, a human, to go back to the realm of Etheria with her to live.

But when it came time to choose, Peri had no doubt in her mind and just knew Ella was her mate. She chose Ella immediately, even though she wasn’t even an option!

Peri and Ella struggle initially, but Ella understands she must work through her situation and make the most of it. She had even found a furry friend to help.

I don’t want to give everything away, but it’s definitely worth the read!

As far as the authors writing, impeccable. The spice level is medium so, for the length of the book but is so perfectly written. It’s so tasteful.

I can’t wait to read the second book!

[Eren Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ALC for this book and I read along with the KU copy as well.

The story itself was a quick read that was also cute and unique in the aspects of Fae Mating if they have a same sex partner. The story was intriguing enough but had a bit more of a cozy feel for me so it's not my typical read but was still pleasant.

The narrator did a good job, I enjoy when they do different things to truly differentiate who it is that is speaking. There was a couple times where the accent for the one speaking didn't seem to be the same as one prior. If you're looking for something that is fantasy, a touch of cozy and a sapphic romance pairing take the leap with this one.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae Marked was an absolutely captivating read! As one of my first deep dives into fantasy, this book completely drew me in with its rich world and compelling characters. Elowyn was such a beautifully written protagonist, and watching her navigate the Fae Realm while growing as a person was truly mesmerizing. And then there’s Periwinkle—dominant yet sweet, a character so addictive you can’t help but fall in love with her. Their love story was breathtaking, filled with emotion, tension, and undeniable chemistry. I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait to read more from A.J. Knight!

[Franchesca Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an adorable romance. It was such a fast read that it got me out of my reading slump. 🤭 From a very well written storyline, everything flowing so smoothly, and just the love between a Fae and a human was just *chefs kiss* 🤌. And do not get me started on the personalities!!! As a saggitarius myself, I totally matched Ella's vibe to a tea! 💯I can honestly say I am looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of this series! 🫶

If you are looking for a good fast paced fantasy romance novel, I would definitely recommend checking out A.J. Knight's books!

[liciloureads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!! This was a fun quick read that I was able to knock out in a day. I devoured this book!! Now this could just be me but I could see some subtle nods to Snow White meets Enchanted vibes but with a sapphic, romantasy twist! 🥰 I absolutely loved it & would love to see more of Peri & Ella's story. We also can't forget Kit🤭 This was my first read from A.J. Knight & they did not disappoint 👏🏻👏🏻

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🧚Fae x Human
✨One Bed
🧚Arranged Marriage
✨FMC with powers
🧚Other Realm
✨Spice
🧚Sapphic

[Calling All Book Lovers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

Really enjoyed this one!

I loved the story’s concept and world-building. The writing style made it a quick and easy read, and I really enjoyed the characters as they navigated their flaws and strengths while figuring out where they belonged. I was also happy with how the ending was handled.

My only drawback was that I wish the two main characters had spent more time together so we could see more of their connection develop.

Overall, though, it was a cute and super quick read, the perfect palate cleanser, and definitely worth picking up.

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this sapphic fae cozy book. A.J. Knight did an incredible job with this story and I cannot get enough. As soon as I was finished I was asking AJK for more like they didn't just finish this book and might need a break!

Ellowyn is such a unique and loveable character. Being ripped from everything you know is never easy and Periwinkle never pushed for more than Ellowyn was able to give in the moment.

Also, Peri can get it. Yum.