Of Fae and Wicked Kings

Wicked Fae #1

by Jada McCrary

A human, a fae warrior, and the wicked Unseelie king walk into a bar. Just kidding. There is no bar. But there is a quest to find a missing queen. And tension. Lots of tension.

When she and her love, Rowan, went to the Unseelie Court, Gwyndolin only intended to ask the Unseelie king to stop his fae from attacking the humans and Seelie fae. She did not intend for him to insert himself into their quest to find the high queen. But who can say no to the wicked High King Aspen? He takes what he wants, and he doesn’t care who he hurts in the process.
His magic may be useful, but his arrogant, flirtatious attitude may cause a rift between her and Rowan. She hates Aspen, and he seems to only want to antagonize her. So, why does it seem like there’s something else he’s hiding? And will it threaten everything when she finds out?
This novella, set in the realm of the Fae-blessed series but sometime before that series, is full of love, betrayal, and villains. Who doesn’t love villains? Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a dark fantasy romance
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Villain gets the girl
✨ He falls first and harder
✨ Touch her and die
✨ Burn the world
✨ Obsessive, morally gray MMC
✨ Dual POV with lots of plot twists

Prepare to fall in love with the villain.

This novella was initially released in the Romancing the Falling for the Bad Boy Villain anthology, now with two more chapters, character art, and bonus scenes! While this book is shorter, the rest of the series will be full-length novels.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Magic, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Angelina Wittynghan-Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Received an E-ARC for an honest review.
I'm well aware that this is a novella, originally part of an anthology that is now turning into a series, but man I still wish there was more. It just felt very rushed. The characters definitely have potential, but just needed a little more depth to them. King Aspen is supposed to be this cruel king, and I really wasn't getting those vibes from him. I do really like him though. I like the twist with Rowan as well. I will still be reading the next book as I know it will be longer, so I'm hoping for more world building and character development. I know this story definitely has great potential.

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3 | No spice

I received this as an ARC, and it turned out to be a very short read—only about 60 pages. Honestly, it felt more like a teaser than a full story. The idea is fantastic, but it really missed the deeper world-building, character development, and slow-burn romance tension that could have made it unforgettable. Right now, it felt a little rushed and cut short.

That said, the potential is definitely there, and it was a fun and easy read to keep me awake during my night shift 😅

👉 Curious: do you enjoy quick fantasy reads like this, or are you more of a “give me 500+ pages of angst, magic, and romance or nothing” type?

[ChrystalflightsReading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved this book. I thought I'd have a hard time getting investing in the series with the first one being so short bit man was it an immediate chokehold. I think it says a lot about an author when they cab get you invested and feel for characters in such a tight page count. The plot and development has been seamless so far and I feel for both the "villain" and the pressure of the FMC within the few first pages which is not something I can always say. I am so excited to see what comes out of this series in the future!

[Shari Decker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this novella as an ARC and really wanted to like this book, but had difficulty engaging from the first chapter. There was not much world building and definitely jumped around a lot! It felt very choppy and i think that may be why i couldn’t connect to or enjoy this book.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una historia corta que te dejara pidiendo más. Necesito mas de Aspen . No espera todos esos plots inesperados .

[Liann Alfaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of the ARC team and I really enjoyed the book. This book makes you fall in love with the Villian and I love the banter.

[cheyanne jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick romantasy novella that is a first in series. enemies to lovers. huge Betrayal. really sets up wanting to read the rest of the series.

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent short read so glad I got the opportunity to listen to this on audiobook and get an introduction into the story. There’s a lot that happens even in this short beginning and it definitely hooks you to see what might happen in the novels to come. I do recommend that you read the trigger warnings. While there is a kidnapping in the book, it’s not as traumatic as you would think a kidnapping would be. I would recommend this book to those who love Fae stories and Fae adventures and trickery, and that whole type of culture of fantasy adventure with a touch of romance.

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! This is perfect for someone who is looking for a quick read and characters they can fall in love with! The love triangle and the betrayals really made this story amazing! I can’t wait for the next one! Thank you to all those who made it possible for me to be an ARC reader for this book!

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It’s unique with a wicked fae king who assists in locating the queen of an enemy kingdom. Unfortunately, he has a hidden agenda and rescuing the queen isn’t part of it.
A noble quest, a strong heroine, and two handsome fae men make for an epic adventurous novella with romance and some twists.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Aspen ❤️‍🔥 How I do love his possessive banter

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is probably my favorite novella I have read. You get all the best feels and story in this one.

❤️‍🔥 Villain Gets the Girl
❤️‍🔥 Possessive and Protective MMC
❤️‍🔥 Sassy FMC
❤️‍🔥 Morally Gray
❤️‍🔥 Banter
❤️‍🔥 One Horse
❤️‍🔥 Burn the World For Her
❤️‍🔥 Fae x Human

🫑🫑 (no spice, steamy feels)

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Of Fae and Wicked Kings* is a captivating novella that immerses readers in a world brimming with love, betrayal, and the often murky waters of morality. With its rich prose and well-crafted characters, McCrary draws you into a realm where every decision could lead to unexpected consequences.

The story follows Gwyndolin, who embarks on a mission to confront the wicked Unseelie king, Aspen, alongside her love, Rowan. From the very start, McCrary's writing style stands out with vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue. I was instantly invested in Gwyndolin's quest and her fierce determination to protect her people. The conflict between her duty and her emotions is evident, making her a relatable and multifaceted protagonist.

Aspen, the Unseelie king, is an intriguing addition to the narrative. His character is layered—arrogant, flirtatious, and undeniably charming, yet deeply complex. The dynamic between him and Gwyndolin is charged with tension, filled with a mix of animosity and unacknowledged attraction. The author skillfully weaves their interactions, creating encounters that are both frustrating and exhilarating. I often found myself torn between disliking Aspen for his boldness and being drawn in by the glimpses of vulnerability he occasionally reveals.

The pacing of the novella is brisk, which I appreciated—it allowed McCrary to build the plot without unnecessary fluff. The world-building is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the Fae realm, and I felt the urgency of the quest to find the high queen.

That said, I did find some plot points predictable, especially for seasoned fantasy readers. However, McCrary's engaging writing style and character development kept me thoroughly entertained. The novella is a delightful exploration of complicated relationships, and I loved how it highlighted the thin line between hero and villain.

Overall, *Of Fae and Wicked Kings* is an enchanting read that leaves you yearning for more. If you enjoy stories filled with love, betrayal, and morally ambiguous characters, this novella is a perfect choice. 💖✨

[Jennifer Schlag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwyn is a human whose parents were killed and the unseelie are to blame. She may not like the unseelie fae but she sure likes at least one fae. Her main love interest is Rowan, a fae that she had befriended years back. Friendship grew into something more for her, although we don't know how Rowan feels exactly. He does exhibit protective vibes, and he isn't oblivious to her "liking him". He is handsome, but there is a mysterious side to him. Mysterious can mean dangerous. I mean he is a fae, after all. I would have liked to have seen a bit more history between these two before jumping into the journey they embark on. But the chemistry is there, it's fine.

Enter the unseelie king Aspen, known to be a very wicked fae. Definitely wanted to see more of his wicked ways. The first encounter between him and Gwyn there is this instant attraction on his side. Not the biggest fan of that. Like her with Rowan, we need more buildup to this attraction. Luckily, Gwyn is not a fan of his advances. She is quite feisty around him which I enjoyed. He doesn't trust Rowan and Rowan doesn't like him. Can it be jealousy? I can see it on Rowan's part, but Aspen has no reason to be possessive. I would have liked to have seen more conversations between Aspen and Rowan. I think having them be almost friends for the sake of Gwyn would have been hilarious, even though neither would agree to that.

Overall, the story has a good plot. The characters may seem like typical characters you find in a fae story but at least Gwyn is ready to put these boys on the spot, or I should say, put them in their place. There is fae politics which is always done dirty. Goals shift for the characters as secrets unfold. Emotions make some unhinged. Looking forward to the next chapter with these three.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Callie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will state that this book is a quick and easy read. With the settings on my iPad each chapter ended up being about 2 pages. With 14 chapters with an Epilogue, I finished this book in two days, maybe 3 hours reading total.

It does give ACOTAR meets Twilight minus the spice... on speed. In chapter 13 when it said that it had been a few weeks I was very surprised as it reads only spanning a few days in my opinion.

It definitely had potential and I will get the next book a chance, but I was disappointed in the lack world building, it felt very tell don't show and I much prefer a show don't tell. Everything was so mater of fact and left no room for descriptions. I found it very hard to picture everything in my mind because of this.

Tropes that the start of the book stated;
✅Enemies to lovers
🚫Villain gets the girl, I'm not convinced on this one. I don't read Aspen as the Villain after reading
✅He falls first
✅Touch her and die
✅Burn the world
✅Obsessive morally gray MMC
✅Dual Perspective
🚫Lots of plot twists, there were a few.. it wouldn't say lots
and I would even add - Marriage of convenience, or it eludes to one.

As for Triggers
✅Kidnapping / abduction
✅Parental death off page and not descripted
🚫Implied threats of SA
🚫Mentions of suicide

Also in my copy there were parts that were blacked out almost like they were redacted information that made it difficult at times. It wasn't often and there was only one spot that was more than one word and near impossible to know what it said. I am not sure if this is wide spread or intentional for the ARC copies. This did not effect the score given.

Thank you Jada for giving the opportunity out for ARC readers.

[Katarina Petzold · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.25/5 Stars

"Of Fae and Wicked Kings" is a captivating novella that serves as a thrilling introduction to what promises to be an enchanting series! With a human heroine, a fae warrior, and the wicked Unseelie king on a quest to find a missing queen, this dark fantasy is filled with love, betrayal, and plenty of tension.

I was immediately drawn into the world McCrary has crafted, rich with magic and political intrigue. Cwyndolin, our fierce FMC, is both determined and a bit naïve, but her earnestness makes her a relatable and compelling character. King Aspen, the morally gray MMC, is a delightful mix of arrogance and charm that kept me intrigued—and yes, I’m definitely a fan of the “villain gets the girl” trope!

While the novella is short (only about 90 pages), it manages to pack in a lot of plot twists and character dynamics that keep you on your toes. I appreciated the dual POV format, as it allowed for deeper insight into both Cwyndolin and Aspen’s motivations. The slow-burn romance is just beginning, and though I wished for a bit more development, I’m excited to see how their relationship unfolds in future installments.

The cliffhanger ending left me with more questions than answers, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the complexities of the Seelie and Unseelie courts in the next book. If you enjoy fantasy filled with fae, magic, and a sprinkle of romance, this novella is a must-read!

Overall, "Of Fae and Wicked Kings" is a delightful, fast-paced read that left me eager for more. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes Cwyndolin, Rowan, and the enigmatic Aspen next! ✨📚 #BookReview #FantasyReads #OfFaeAndWickedKings #Bookstagram

[Nyssa Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jada's Short stories. They always get me back into reading if I'm in a slump! ✨️

Aspen- We love Him!😉 Give me all the Unseelie High King scenes in the next book! This is a morally grey character that I am 100% in support of! 💯🥰
Gwyn- Such a feisty lady, she is sweet but also brave and never afraid to speak up!✨️🥰
Rowan-......... Let us not speak about him at this moment..🫣🤭

Jada's Fae-world is one of my favorite places to visit! I read the Fae Blessed series, so I am familiar with the worlds and characters she has created! Of Fae and Wicked Kings was a fun and quick read, and Jada always hits me between the eyes with a plot twist in her books! This was just a taste of what's to come and believe me I can't wait!✨️

Quotes I enjoyed:

✨️“You’re so—so—” “Handsome? Charming? Amazing?” I suggest. “Wicked!” she finishes. “No truer words ever spoken,” I agree. “Care to find out just how wicked I can be?” Winking at her.✨️

✨️"She tastes like sunshine, and for a man who's lived in darkness for years, it's irresistible." ✨️

✨️"For a moment, she kisses me back, so I let her when she pulls her hand away, thinking she means to touch me. Oh, she touches me alright. Right in the jaw with her fist. This time, it’s my eyes that widen."✨️

✨️ "If someone takes what is mine, I’ll burn the world until I get it back. She thinks me a wicked fae. She hasn’t seen wicked."✨️

[Sun Young Peony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading a fantasy book by Jada McCrary. And I have to say, she delivers an entertaining story. As someone who doesn't always read fantasy, I found this one very easy to get into. I've struggled with other fantasy books in the past. I almost gave up because they were too confusing. Almost DNFing them. BUT. This one was straightforward!

I'd recommend it to anyone wanting a short and easy fantasy read.

The "enemies to lovers" trope with a villain getting the girl was handled really well. I mean... even though it's a shorter book, the plot was solid. Each character had their own interesting motivations and SECRETS. This kept me hooked and wanting to learn more about everyone involved.

BTW, I wanted to use Rowan as a punching bag. HAHA! 😂 I had no idea what kind of fae he was! I wasn't ready for all the things that were revealed about him.

The scenes with Gwyndolin and High King Aspen were some of my favorites. I was so hooked on their interactions. They had such great chemistry and I think their relationship deserved MORE time on the page. You know, they had so much potential to be explored further. I'm crossing my fingers for bonus content or maybe a sequel!

[Bobby Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a short story that had all the makings of something truly magical. The world, the premise, and the characters pulled me in quickly; but just as I was getting attached, it ended far too soon. This felt like a story that needed the space of a novella or even a full novel to truly unfold. There was so much potential simmering beneath the surface that sadly didn't have enough time to bloom.

Despite its brevity, I found myself genuinely intrigued by the dynamics between Gwendolin, Aspen, and Rowan. Their relationships had sparks of tension and chemistry that could have turned into something layered and unforgettable if given more room to grow. Because of the short format, the romance felt a little rushed; two love interests vying for Gwendolin's heart in such a brief span left me wanting more depth, more time for emotion and choice.

Even so, I couldn't help but enjoy the story for what it was. The main characters were engaging, their banter sharp and entertaining, and the glimpses into their inner thoughts and turmoil were well written. It's a story that leaves you curious, wishing for just one more chapter, one more twist. A missed opportunity, perhaps, but still a delightful read deserving of its four stars.

[Tenisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Rating: 5/5

This book had me hooked from the very first page. If you're a sucker for fae magic, dangerous bargains, and enemies who make your pulse race just by being in the same room, Fae and Wicked Kings delivers all that and then some.

The world-building is lush and intricate—think court intrigue with a touch of chaos and secrets woven into every shadow. The fae are exactly how I love them: enchanting, sharp, and impossible to trust. The author doesn't hold your hand either—you’re dropped right into the thick of the scheming and seduction, and it works. It really works.

What makes this book stand out is how it balances tension and character depth. Every interaction crackles, and you’re left wondering if the next move will be a kiss or a dagger. It kept me on my toes, breathless and giddy.

It’s the kind of read where you tell yourself "just one more chapter" until it's suddenly 3 a.m. and you're obsessed. If you love the slow burn of mistrust turning into something more, and crave a story that walks the knife’s edge between beauty and danger, you’re in for a treat.

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 

4.75 just wow, what an author.
This is a teeny tiny prequel and my god if the actual book is this good it's a guaranteed 5 stars from me! The twists were throwing me off my seat! And that girl is one badd ass bitch which is my fave kind of fmc! But who will she choose, what of the prophecy and my god do I want the villain! And the ni e guy needs a darn good kiss with a wet fish!!
Personally I would have liked a little more to the world building structure- so it said things like (I'm making things up here to not give away the story) the air was cool and crisp at the edge of the forest... for me that's not a complete sentance- I like at least the paragraph to end in- so I felt/ that made me feel/ it gave me feelings of/ I thought that someone was/ it brought back memories of...  just to bring a bit more out of the setting and tie it into the character. But this didn't happen so each descriptive sentence fell a little flat for me as I just waited for more to come rather than pointing out the obvious/factual descriptions.
But this was a fantastic start, great characters, deep plot, wonderful twists and a range of character types.
 Arghhh! When is the book out??!

[Joslyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was ok. I wish it were better. It felt very rushed, and I don't think a story being a novella is a good enough reason for a story to be rushed. The "evil" king wasn't actually evil or wicked like he was described to be. It felt like he was just some guy who randomly joined the party and sometimes made a comment to make people feel uncomfortable.

The main character was in love with this Fae guy she's known for years, but he's never showed her that he's felt the same for her. She felt very naive from the start. As I'm writing this down, I'm realizing how much I actually didn't enjoy this story. The Epilogue, though! Now that was very interesting! It made me kind of want to give the next book a chance because we find out some very interesting information that wasn't known throughout the book. The next book isn't a novella, and it's supposed to be better, so I'm considering picking it up.

[Naomi Crowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book… today… and I read it all in one sitting so that will tell you something 😂 of course, being a novella, a lot happened very quickly and without a ton of depth. That being said, I was really impressed with the amount of world building and characterization the author was able to achieve in under 100 pages! Who doesn’t love a dark fae king brought to his knees by a human who wants nothing to do with him (for now 😉) I felt like I just got dropped into the middle of this story, which was not a bad thing for me but something to keep in mind cause that may deter some. The ✨vibes✨ were really great and I had a highly enjoyable reading experience. I cannot wait to see where the author goes next with these characters, and I know I will be eagerly anticipating the first full length book in this future series.

[deathby1kcats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a captivating dark fantasy novella that delivers a whole, immersive story in a fast-paced read. Set in a world where Seelie and Unseelie fae, elves, and humans exist in a precarious balance, the story centers on a human female protagonist tied to an elven prophecy.

Caught in a love triangle, she works with a Seelie fae and the Unseelie high king to search for the missing Seelie queen. Political maneuvering, personal betrayal, and emotional tension fill the pages, with the intricate world-building that left me eager for more.

This novella is a quick hit that packs an impressive punch, offering a glimpse into a rich, layered world, which reminds me of the Fever Series, with its dark atmosphere and complex, unpredictable characters.

I received a free, advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex Winsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Jada McCrary for allowing me to review this arc!

This quick 70 page novella really throws you into Gywn, Apsen, and Rowan’s world. They need to save the Seelie Queen but, everyone has their own agenda whether they know it or not. The villain is right in front of your face and you quickly get wrapped up in what’s going to happen, especially to Gwyn, the human in all of this.

Very much he falls first and the slow burn has officially begun in book 1. I hope in the future books we get to learn about each characters bit more and see how they got to the point they are now and what is going to happen because of it. Though I’m not usually a fan of novellas, this was well written and though I wish there was more details (because I’m already attached to the characters) I am happy about the things that were clarified off the bat.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this Novella as an ARC and will give my honest review. As a Novella the author has tried to put in place a story that evolves into more so it can become a series of books. A quick and easy read in one sitting.
The story is about Gwyndolin and her trusted Fae, Rowan setting out with the Unseelie Kind Aspen to find the missing Seelie Queen.
They encounter dangers along the way, but eventually do find the men responsible for the capture of the Seelie Queen.
There is a betrayal, with Gwyndolin being in the centre of it all. Being a human makes her vulnerable against the Fae, but being one half of a supposed prophesy also places Gwyndolin in a life threatening position.
Who is her saviour and who is her betrayer?
As a Novella I know that this is a prequel to further books in this series, but I wished for me to the story.
4 stars from me!

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a novella of Fantasy Romance that takes the reader along with MFC Human Gwyndolin and Fae Rowan on mission into Unseelie lands to request from High King Aspen a cessation of attacks on humans and Seelie fae.
Well that went about as one would expect and rather than push their luck the two announce they will instead go in search of the missing High Seelie Queen.
Surprise, surprise when the King decides to join them on the quest…Oh boy!
Its pretty obvious this King isn’t exactly a nice one, and he just may have taken a little interest in Gwyn. Well maybe a lot, and he plans on making this little pet his.
Enjoyed this story that had some drama, action, adventure, treachery, passion, humor, and nice writing which made it a very entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Moonburst · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seelie high queen has gone missing, and in her absence, the unseelie are attacking. Human Gwyndolin and her friend, Rowan, take it upon themselves to confront the unseelie high king, Aspen. Unfortunately, King Aspen is unwilling to quell the violence. Even worse, he invites himself to join Gwyn and Rowan as they decide to find the missing queen.

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a short novella that packs quite a bit of plot. Gwyn is a little naive but her earnestness and determination make you want her to succeed. King Aspen is devious and more than willing to thwart Rowen whenever he can. The unlikely trio make for a fun read that will make you excited for the books to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Fae and Wicked Kings is a captivating blend of tension, magic, and intriguing characters. The story follows a human, a fae warrior, and the wicked Unseelie king on a quest to find a missing queen, with plenty of twists along the way. The world-building is rich, and McCrary’s prose draws you into a realm where every decision has weight and consequences.

The FMC is strong, feisty, and doesn't take crap from anyone—she’s a force to be reckoned with, even if she has a touch of naivety that doesn’t diminish her badassery. While the romance is more steamy than spicy, the tension between the characters is palpable and keeps you hooked. If you love well-crafted characters, a touch of danger, and a quest filled with intrigue, this book is a must-read.

[Mima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantasy romance hits all the right notes: a dangerous quest, simmering tension, and a love triangle that’s equal parts frustrating and delicious. Gwyndolin is a strong lead caught between loyalty to Rowan and the undeniable pull of the enigmatic King Aspen. Their journey to find the missing queen unfolds with magic, sharp banter, and secrets waiting to explode. Aspen steals scenes with his arrogant charm, and while his motives stay murky, his presence keeps you guessing—and swooning. At times, the pacing dips with exposition-heavy moments, but the character dynamics more than make up for it. If you like court intrigue, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and the kind of tension that feels like it could snap at any second, this one’s for you.