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Fairies and Familiars #2
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain
All Theo asked for was a happy a life of freedom where she could do what she wanted, when she wanted, with whom she wanted. But now that she's a familiar to the mighty Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her happily ever after feels farther away than she could possibly imagine.
If only there were some way to break a fairy bargain...
If only there were some way to break a fairy bargain...
354 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2025
119 people are currently reading
1906 people want to read
About the author
Laura J. Mayo
2 books153 followersIn addition to being a two-time winner of her town’s annual pie contest, Laura J. Mayo is also a fantasy writer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their two children, a dog named Gidget, two ball pythons named Smoky and Yara, and a crested gecko named Pretzel. Unsurprisingly, many of Laura’s other interests are solitary, including reading, sewing, cooking, baking, admiring her air plants, and getting figuratively lost in deep, dark woods.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
December 1, 2025
In a Nutshell: A fairytale fantasy continuing Theo's story from Book One. Good characters, many returning and some new. A thin plot with a weak mystery. Offers popcorn entertainment but no depth or logic. I liked it, but not as much as the first book. The second book of the Fairies and Familiars duology and needs to be read in series order.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview: (This preview contains minor spoilers from the first book.)
When I first saw the cover for Book One: 'How to Summon a Fairy Godmother', I was immediately blown away. The inner content was as funny and sassy as the cover indicated. Needless to say, I had been waiting for this second part of the duology since I completed that wonderful story.
Was this sequel worth the wait?
Not exactly.
Does this book bring the story to a satisfying conclusion with no cliffhangers?
Absolutely yes.
Is this sequel as good as the first book?
Definitely not.
Bookish Yays:
🧚🏻 Cecily. One of my favourite characters in Book One, and the absolute favourite this time, even though her role is so limited.
🧚🏻 Theo. Just as blunt as ever, and still so relatable. I love how she has grown as a character.
🧚🏻 The banter between Theo and so many other characters. Great fun!
🧚🏻 The found-family trope, with the myriad human and fae characters coming together for a common purpose. Well handled.
🧚🏻 The Fae world. To be fair, there’s no elaborate world building this time as the first book already established the setting well. That's not a flaw of this book as that's how sequels should be. But as I already knew the setting, I enjoyed seeing some more of its intricacies.
🧚🏻 Continuing the pattern from the first book, this one also has some whimsical chapter titles. They do offer spoilers at times, but in general, they suit the quirky tone of the book.
🧚🏻 The fabulous cover art. I love how it stands out amid so many similar-looking books!
Bookish Okays:
🔮 The start is very slow and rambling. It takes ages for the story to get going. Thankfully, the tempo is somewhat decent in the second half.
🔮 The returning characters, especially the ones active in Theo’s life such as the other familiars and her music troupe. It was nice to see all of them again. However, those who’ve read the first book will be surprised by the return of one character, and this return essentially negates everything said in their arc in Book One. Too convenient.
🔮 There are two key new characters. Alby the goblin is absolutely adorable. I can’t recollect any other fairytale book where a goblin is portrayed so nicely. On the other hand, Arlys is a total cookie-cutter grump. I wish his character had better definition.
🔮 The “romance” never overpowers the main plot, which I appreciate. However, given how there is a clear romantic direction taken in this story, I wish it had been tackled better. The feels were missing.
🔮 The ending. Good, not great. Some infodumping, some predictability, some intense moments, lot of suspension of disbelief. But all comes to a satisfying finish, so there’s that.
Bookish Nays:
🔔 The plot is quite thin this time around. While there are adventurous quests this time as well, they aren’t as clearly defined or impactful as in the first book. It feels more like Theo is winging her way to her goal in a very meandering manner. This also leads to the book feeling repetitive, and even dragged in between.
🔔 The “secret” revealed to Theo by the stranger. Too wild, mostly unconvincing, and leaves a lot of plotholes. Most of all, this revelation and some of the subsequent events contradict a few things mentioned in the first book. It feels like deliberate misleading.
🔔 For a book with fairies and familiars and many other magical beings, the magic itself is quite limited. I missed the lush fantasy offered in the earlier novel. The guilty party is easily guessable. There should at least have been some strong contenders for us to cast our suspicions on, but there’s just one possible villain, and quite an obvious one. I didn’t get how everyone else in the story couldn’t figure it out.
Overall, while I did like this book somewhat, my positive feelings are more because of a nostalgic liking for the characters than for a genuine enjoyment of this story. Book One had a solid plot that delivered on believability, intrigue, and entertainment. A part of its appeal also was that it was an unusual Cinderella spinoff. This second book proceeds with a threadbare plot that sustains merely on the appeal of its lead characters, and has no retelling-like elements.
I still like this author’s imagination, so I just hope this sophomore novel is a teeny deviation from her potential standard. I am interested in reading what she writes next.
As the second book of the ‘Fairies and Familiars’ duology, this book continues the story from its predecessor and brings it to a proper close. (Not that a close was needed; the first book ended at a good-enough point.) As such, this book shouldn’t be read unless you have read Book One.
Recommended to fans of the first novel. Proceed with lowered expectations.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Orbit Books for providing the DRC of “How to Survive a Fairy Bargain” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview: (This preview contains minor spoilers from the first book.)
Theo is trying to settle in her a new life as Cecily's familiar, but with most fairies either being ignorant about or obnoxious to humans, Theo is struggling. She misses Kaz, the only person who would have understood her problems. To add to her woes, she is being stalked by a stranger. When the stranger finally approaches her, Theo learns about a thousand-year-old secret, and finds herself right in the middle of new fairy bargains and dangers.
The story comes to us in Theo's third-person perspective.
When I first saw the cover for Book One: 'How to Summon a Fairy Godmother', I was immediately blown away. The inner content was as funny and sassy as the cover indicated. Needless to say, I had been waiting for this second part of the duology since I completed that wonderful story.
Was this sequel worth the wait?
Not exactly.
Does this book bring the story to a satisfying conclusion with no cliffhangers?
Absolutely yes.
Is this sequel as good as the first book?
Definitely not.
Bookish Yays:
🧚🏻 Cecily. One of my favourite characters in Book One, and the absolute favourite this time, even though her role is so limited.
🧚🏻 Theo. Just as blunt as ever, and still so relatable. I love how she has grown as a character.
🧚🏻 The banter between Theo and so many other characters. Great fun!
🧚🏻 The found-family trope, with the myriad human and fae characters coming together for a common purpose. Well handled.
🧚🏻 The Fae world. To be fair, there’s no elaborate world building this time as the first book already established the setting well. That's not a flaw of this book as that's how sequels should be. But as I already knew the setting, I enjoyed seeing some more of its intricacies.
🧚🏻 Continuing the pattern from the first book, this one also has some whimsical chapter titles. They do offer spoilers at times, but in general, they suit the quirky tone of the book.
🧚🏻 The fabulous cover art. I love how it stands out amid so many similar-looking books!
Bookish Okays:
🔮 The start is very slow and rambling. It takes ages for the story to get going. Thankfully, the tempo is somewhat decent in the second half.
🔮 The returning characters, especially the ones active in Theo’s life such as the other familiars and her music troupe. It was nice to see all of them again. However, those who’ve read the first book will be surprised by the return of one character, and this return essentially negates everything said in their arc in Book One. Too convenient.
🔮 There are two key new characters. Alby the goblin is absolutely adorable. I can’t recollect any other fairytale book where a goblin is portrayed so nicely. On the other hand, Arlys is a total cookie-cutter grump. I wish his character had better definition.
🔮 The “romance” never overpowers the main plot, which I appreciate. However, given how there is a clear romantic direction taken in this story, I wish it had been tackled better. The feels were missing.
🔮 The ending. Good, not great. Some infodumping, some predictability, some intense moments, lot of suspension of disbelief. But all comes to a satisfying finish, so there’s that.
Bookish Nays:
🔔 The plot is quite thin this time around. While there are adventurous quests this time as well, they aren’t as clearly defined or impactful as in the first book. It feels more like Theo is winging her way to her goal in a very meandering manner. This also leads to the book feeling repetitive, and even dragged in between.
🔔 The “secret” revealed to Theo by the stranger. Too wild, mostly unconvincing, and leaves a lot of plotholes. Most of all, this revelation and some of the subsequent events contradict a few things mentioned in the first book. It feels like deliberate misleading.
🔔 For a book with fairies and familiars and many other magical beings, the magic itself is quite limited. I missed the lush fantasy offered in the earlier novel. The guilty party is easily guessable. There should at least have been some strong contenders for us to cast our suspicions on, but there’s just one possible villain, and quite an obvious one. I didn’t get how everyone else in the story couldn’t figure it out.
Overall, while I did like this book somewhat, my positive feelings are more because of a nostalgic liking for the characters than for a genuine enjoyment of this story. Book One had a solid plot that delivered on believability, intrigue, and entertainment. A part of its appeal also was that it was an unusual Cinderella spinoff. This second book proceeds with a threadbare plot that sustains merely on the appeal of its lead characters, and has no retelling-like elements.
I still like this author’s imagination, so I just hope this sophomore novel is a teeny deviation from her potential standard. I am interested in reading what she writes next.
As the second book of the ‘Fairies and Familiars’ duology, this book continues the story from its predecessor and brings it to a proper close. (Not that a close was needed; the first book ended at a good-enough point.) As such, this book shouldn’t be read unless you have read Book One.
Recommended to fans of the first novel. Proceed with lowered expectations.
3.25 stars.
My thanks to Orbit Books for providing the DRC of “How to Survive a Fairy Bargain” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
October 9, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Go with the flow; don’t bother with logic
Theo just wanted freedom and a happy life. But as a familiar to Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her hopes and happiness feel farther than she ever imagined. When a new fairy brings startling news, it could change Theo’s life forever, and forever is a long time!
The story comes in Theo’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I would definitely recommend reading the previous book (How to Summon a Fairy Godmother) before you start with this one. Most of the world-building and foundation was established in the first book. This one builds on it, so you may not enjoy it as much if you go in blind.
The FMC continues to be snarky and sassy, which suits her very well. However, we also witness some development in her arc.
The book has characters from the previous one as well as some new ones. One of the new characters was rather adorable!
Read this mostly for the fun and fantasy elements. Though there is something like romance, it is a minor plot most of the time, and you will have to wait for a long time for it to restart.
It’s also more light-hearted than the first book and has quite a few plot holes. Don’t think about those, though. Go with the flow if you want to enjoy this. I did the same!
That said, I wish the villain(s) weren’t so apparent and 2D. While it does work for the OTTish vibe, it also makes most characters appear silly and clueless. Maybe these fairies don’t care enough either way!
The chapters are titled again—these are pretty long and can have spoilers for what happens in the chapters, so you may want to skip reading the titles if you are particular about it. And oh, another common element is the use of some really lengthy dialogues.
Once again, the cover is terrific—vibrant, sassy, and has elements from the story.
I do wish we got an epilogue! The ending is HEA, just as fairytales should be, but I miss not knowing what happens in a year or ten (fairies aren’t too particular about a few scattered years).
To summarize, How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is a lighthearted and funny read with wild fairy bargains, crazy adventures, quite a bit of danger, and an eventual happy-ever-after.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HowToSurviveAFairyBargain
One Liner: Go with the flow; don’t bother with logic
Theo just wanted freedom and a happy life. But as a familiar to Cecily of the Ash Fairies, her hopes and happiness feel farther than she ever imagined. When a new fairy brings startling news, it could change Theo’s life forever, and forever is a long time!
The story comes in Theo’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
I would definitely recommend reading the previous book (How to Summon a Fairy Godmother) before you start with this one. Most of the world-building and foundation was established in the first book. This one builds on it, so you may not enjoy it as much if you go in blind.
The FMC continues to be snarky and sassy, which suits her very well. However, we also witness some development in her arc.
The book has characters from the previous one as well as some new ones. One of the new characters was rather adorable!
Read this mostly for the fun and fantasy elements. Though there is something like romance, it is a minor plot most of the time, and you will have to wait for a long time for it to restart.
It’s also more light-hearted than the first book and has quite a few plot holes. Don’t think about those, though. Go with the flow if you want to enjoy this. I did the same!
That said, I wish the villain(s) weren’t so apparent and 2D. While it does work for the OTTish vibe, it also makes most characters appear silly and clueless. Maybe these fairies don’t care enough either way!
The chapters are titled again—these are pretty long and can have spoilers for what happens in the chapters, so you may want to skip reading the titles if you are particular about it. And oh, another common element is the use of some really lengthy dialogues.
Once again, the cover is terrific—vibrant, sassy, and has elements from the story.
I do wish we got an epilogue! The ending is HEA, just as fairytales should be, but I miss not knowing what happens in a year or ten (fairies aren’t too particular about a few scattered years).
To summarize, How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is a lighthearted and funny read with wild fairy bargains, crazy adventures, quite a bit of danger, and an eventual happy-ever-after.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HowToSurviveAFairyBargain
October 25, 2025
Actual rating: 2.51164869585 stars
Okay, let's rip off the band-aid, shall we? This was a major disappointment because:
① The characters are so bland I'm wondering if they underwent a collective personality transplant while they were resting from their adventures in book #1.
② The plot is made of various Side-Quests-Type Thingies (SQTT™), which doesn't make for a very cohesive story.
③ There are waaayyyyy too many descriptions and the book is packed with filling filler material. In other words, it's boring as fish.
④ Manufactured drama and miscommunication abound. Yay.
⑤ Much to the book subtitle's utter discombobulation, not a single hahahaha moment was had while reading this installment. ("A Laugh-Out-Loud Fairytale," really? 🤦♀️🤦♀️)
⑥ The author needs to get her hedgehog facts straight. Not that I'm an expert on the topic, but I'm pretty sure the prickly little guys can't do tree acrobatics. They do try, mind you, but it doesn't usually get them very far.
And on that very enlightening note, abandon you I shall.
· Book 1: How to Summon a Fairy Godmother ★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This could have been such a fun read. Only that it wasn't.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
Okay, let's rip off the band-aid, shall we? This was a major disappointment because:
① The characters are so bland I'm wondering if they underwent a collective personality transplant while they were resting from their adventures in book #1.
② The plot is made of various Side-Quests-Type Thingies (SQTT™), which doesn't make for a very cohesive story.
③ There are waaayyyyy too many descriptions and the book is packed with filling filler material. In other words, it's boring as fish.
④ Manufactured drama and miscommunication abound. Yay.
⑤ Much to the book subtitle's utter discombobulation, not a single hahahaha moment was had while reading this installment. ("A Laugh-Out-Loud Fairytale," really? 🤦♀️🤦♀️)
⑥ The author needs to get her hedgehog facts straight. Not that I'm an expert on the topic, but I'm pretty sure the prickly little guys can't do tree acrobatics. They do try, mind you, but it doesn't usually get them very far.
And on that very enlightening note, abandon you I shall.
· Book 1: How to Summon a Fairy Godmother ★★★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
This could have been such a fun read. Only that it wasn't.
➽ Review to come and stuff.
September 16, 2025
I was so happy to follow Theo again in her adventures.
This sequel was full of action, plot twists and revelations, and we get to reunited with all our favourite characters.
I had a great time, but I might have a slight preference for the first book, only because I felt it was more character oriented and maybe less predictable.
If you liked the first one, you should definitely read this one.
Thank you Orbit Books for this ARC!
This sequel was full of action, plot twists and revelations, and we get to reunited with all our favourite characters.
I had a great time, but I might have a slight preference for the first book, only because I felt it was more character oriented and maybe less predictable.
If you liked the first one, you should definitely read this one.
Thank you Orbit Books for this ARC!
December 11, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i’m disappointed writing this review because i was completely blown away by book one — it was satirical and well-written, and i loved all the characters
but coming in to book two, i’m not sure what changed? maybe it was the length of time between reading books one and two but i’m not sure. book two had the same quirks i loved, the same satirical humor, and most importantly the same characters, but i just didn’t have the same amount of fun this time around.
i’m disappointed writing this review because i was completely blown away by book one — it was satirical and well-written, and i loved all the characters
but coming in to book two, i’m not sure what changed? maybe it was the length of time between reading books one and two but i’m not sure. book two had the same quirks i loved, the same satirical humor, and most importantly the same characters, but i just didn’t have the same amount of fun this time around.
October 9, 2025
4.0 ★— After getting her own quasi happy ever after in How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, which was the perfect lighthearted read, I was excited to dive into this sequel and to see how Theo’s shenanigans in the fairy realm continue.
The story finds Theo a little later than where the first novel left off. Restless, aimless, and a little bored, Theo is now a firm resident of the fairy realm and familiar to Cecily, trying to find a new sense of purpose.
And while I did enjoy reading this (because Mayo’s writing remains as delightful as ever!), I couldn’t help but echo a bit of Theo’s own restlessness, because this sequel didn’t quite reach the same heights as the first book for me, and at times I found it a little harder to stay as engaged.
I still loved the humor and tone of the story, but in parts it started to feel a bit convoluted as it went on. The quests the characters embark on lacked some of the initial charm that made the first book such a standout for me, and a few of the side characters didn’t get quite as much shine this time around.
The romance, much like in the first book, was a relatively small element here.
Furthermore, I had built up some expectations in my own head in regard to who Theo would end up with, so how the romance plotline was wrapped up felt a bit underwhelming and not as satisfyingly resolved as I’d hoped.
Now, onto the parts I endlessly loved: Theo herself. I adored seeing her continue to use her wit and intelligence to navigate the tricky world of fairy politics and bargains. She’s learned from her experiences in the first book and it shows! She’s clever, cautious, and knows exactly how precarious her standing in the realm is. Those moments where she outsmarts the fairies were some of my absolute favorites, and I loved seeing her girlboss her way around that world.
So, despite my few reservations, I still really liked this book! Fae stories and fairytale retellings are my weakness, and Laura J. Mayo continues to write them in an effortlessly funny, bingeable way that goes down like honey.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sequel to people who loved the first book and recommend this series in general to anyone in the mood for something light, whimsical, and charming.
____________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story finds Theo a little later than where the first novel left off. Restless, aimless, and a little bored, Theo is now a firm resident of the fairy realm and familiar to Cecily, trying to find a new sense of purpose.
And while I did enjoy reading this (because Mayo’s writing remains as delightful as ever!), I couldn’t help but echo a bit of Theo’s own restlessness, because this sequel didn’t quite reach the same heights as the first book for me, and at times I found it a little harder to stay as engaged.
I still loved the humor and tone of the story, but in parts it started to feel a bit convoluted as it went on. The quests the characters embark on lacked some of the initial charm that made the first book such a standout for me, and a few of the side characters didn’t get quite as much shine this time around.
The romance, much like in the first book, was a relatively small element here.
Furthermore, I had built up some expectations in my own head in regard to who Theo would end up with, so how the romance plotline was wrapped up felt a bit underwhelming and not as satisfyingly resolved as I’d hoped.
Now, onto the parts I endlessly loved: Theo herself. I adored seeing her continue to use her wit and intelligence to navigate the tricky world of fairy politics and bargains. She’s learned from her experiences in the first book and it shows! She’s clever, cautious, and knows exactly how precarious her standing in the realm is. Those moments where she outsmarts the fairies were some of my absolute favorites, and I loved seeing her girlboss her way around that world.
So, despite my few reservations, I still really liked this book! Fae stories and fairytale retellings are my weakness, and Laura J. Mayo continues to write them in an effortlessly funny, bingeable way that goes down like honey.
I wholeheartedly recommend this sequel to people who loved the first book and recommend this series in general to anyone in the mood for something light, whimsical, and charming.
____________________________
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 2, 2025
5⭐️
I absolutely adore this series, and I’m so happy I get to give an early review for the second book. I’ve been telling everyone I know how amazing the first book was, and the second is just as good if not better.
It’s hard to explain exactly what makes this series so special. The characters are incredibly well written, with so much depth and nuance. My heart breaks for Theo, who constantly feels like no one ever puts her first. Time and time again, the world proves how selfish it can be but then there are these moments that remind you there’s still hope, and there are still amazing people out there. The ones who truly see Theo and look out for her are her real family, and they love her flaws and all.
I absolutely love Cecily as well. Her humor and personality are fantastic. I especially enjoy her dry wit and how clearly it shows just how much she loves and cares for Theo.
The romance in this book is fine, and I felt the same way about it in book one I could take it or leave it. And that’s okay. Romance isn’t the focus of this story; it’s more of a side thread that adds to the narrative without overshadowing it.
I’m so excited for this author’s future. It’s incredible that this was a debut duology. She should be so proud of the world she’s created.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
I absolutely adore this series, and I’m so happy I get to give an early review for the second book. I’ve been telling everyone I know how amazing the first book was, and the second is just as good if not better.
It’s hard to explain exactly what makes this series so special. The characters are incredibly well written, with so much depth and nuance. My heart breaks for Theo, who constantly feels like no one ever puts her first. Time and time again, the world proves how selfish it can be but then there are these moments that remind you there’s still hope, and there are still amazing people out there. The ones who truly see Theo and look out for her are her real family, and they love her flaws and all.
I absolutely love Cecily as well. Her humor and personality are fantastic. I especially enjoy her dry wit and how clearly it shows just how much she loves and cares for Theo.
The romance in this book is fine, and I felt the same way about it in book one I could take it or leave it. And that’s okay. Romance isn’t the focus of this story; it’s more of a side thread that adds to the narrative without overshadowing it.
I’m so excited for this author’s future. It’s incredible that this was a debut duology. She should be so proud of the world she’s created.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.
October 7, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'How To Survive a Fairy Bargain' is the second book of the 'Fairies and Familiars' series by Laura J. Mayo, and it follows Theo, the 'evil' stepsister of Cinderella, as she has become a familiar of the fairy godmother.
The book follows right after the events of the first book, and this time around, Theo has to find an assassin who aims to harm her. Along with many familiar characters, she embarks on an adventure with many twists and turns.
First of all, the book is nicely written and is enjoyable, light, and fun to read. Also, the romance is cute and concludes in a sweet way.
The plot, moreover, is filled with adventures, but, as a mystery, it wasn't handled nicely, as Theo solved small 'cases' but there wasn't a plan or a specific outline of what she was doing.
Finally, the characters were all endearing.
'How To Survive a Fairy Bargain' is the second book of the 'Fairies and Familiars' series by Laura J. Mayo, and it follows Theo, the 'evil' stepsister of Cinderella, as she has become a familiar of the fairy godmother.
The book follows right after the events of the first book, and this time around, Theo has to find an assassin who aims to harm her. Along with many familiar characters, she embarks on an adventure with many twists and turns.
First of all, the book is nicely written and is enjoyable, light, and fun to read. Also, the romance is cute and concludes in a sweet way.
The plot, moreover, is filled with adventures, but, as a mystery, it wasn't handled nicely, as Theo solved small 'cases' but there wasn't a plan or a specific outline of what she was doing.
Finally, the characters were all endearing.
September 14, 2025
If you fell in love with Theo and co. in the first book, you will love this even more!
Let's just say that book one ended in an unexpected way and book 2 picks right up where we left our new friends. Things have a tendency to get complicated and Theo has to maneuver new troubles in this one.
I really enjoyed the character development, without it being too heavy and losing its coziness. This series is fun and cozy with the right amount of humor and wit. Even the most unlikeable characters tend to have some sort of redeeming qualities, whilst you may have to dig or in this case read a little more to find some.. pun intended.
If you are looking for a pick-me-up with the right amount of longing, laughter and whodunnit.. mixed into a cozy fairytale, this is the read for you!
Thank you to Laura J. Mayo for continuing this story and to Netgalley and Orbit Books for continuing this (fairy) bargain!
Let's just say that book one ended in an unexpected way and book 2 picks right up where we left our new friends. Things have a tendency to get complicated and Theo has to maneuver new troubles in this one.
I really enjoyed the character development, without it being too heavy and losing its coziness. This series is fun and cozy with the right amount of humor and wit. Even the most unlikeable characters tend to have some sort of redeeming qualities, whilst you may have to dig or in this case read a little more to find some.. pun intended.
If you are looking for a pick-me-up with the right amount of longing, laughter and whodunnit.. mixed into a cozy fairytale, this is the read for you!
Thank you to Laura J. Mayo for continuing this story and to Netgalley and Orbit Books for continuing this (fairy) bargain!
October 24, 2025
This is one of those sequels that I'm happy exists but also feels pretty unnecessary.
I adored How to Summon a Fairy Godmother. I thought it was the perfect mix of snark and whimsy, and I love that it was a fairy tale retelling that focused on a side character rather than rehashing the same story beats that tend to characterize classic retellings. The first book in this series was a beautiful example of a perfectly executed character growth arc. Theo starts off as the familiar mean, ugly stepsister from Cinderella, but truly blossoms into her own complex, well-realized character throughout the course of the story. She still has a harsh side, but she learns to wield that harshness to protect her friends by punching upwards instead of down.
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain offers some necessary closure for a couple of story lines introduced in the first book, but overall the plot felt more meandering and messy. I also didn't love the overall direction of the narrative - . Theo's entourage also felt crowded at times, and it often seemed like the author didn't really know what to do with them all half of the time. In particular, Lock feels weirdly relegated to the sidelines, whereas I expected the sequel to reveal and develop more about him after the events of the first book.
I'll never complain about spending more time with these characters, and I especially adored the addition of Alby the goblin, but this adventure wound up feeling a bit tacked on for the sake of having a sequel rather than having a compelling story to tell.
I adored How to Summon a Fairy Godmother. I thought it was the perfect mix of snark and whimsy, and I love that it was a fairy tale retelling that focused on a side character rather than rehashing the same story beats that tend to characterize classic retellings. The first book in this series was a beautiful example of a perfectly executed character growth arc. Theo starts off as the familiar mean, ugly stepsister from Cinderella, but truly blossoms into her own complex, well-realized character throughout the course of the story. She still has a harsh side, but she learns to wield that harshness to protect her friends by punching upwards instead of down.
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain offers some necessary closure for a couple of story lines introduced in the first book, but overall the plot felt more meandering and messy. I also didn't love the overall direction of the narrative - . Theo's entourage also felt crowded at times, and it often seemed like the author didn't really know what to do with them all half of the time. In particular, Lock feels weirdly relegated to the sidelines, whereas I expected the sequel to reveal and develop more about him after the events of the first book.
I'll never complain about spending more time with these characters, and I especially adored the addition of Alby the goblin, but this adventure wound up feeling a bit tacked on for the sake of having a sequel rather than having a compelling story to tell.
October 17, 2025
4.5 stars.
Theo is slowly and reluctantly getting used to her new life in the Fairy realm as Cecily's familiar. She's playing music with Beric and company, wearing beautiful clothes, learning how to transform travel as other familiars do, and every now and again spying on Kas, returned to a human life after leaving Cecily's service.
At a performance for Tace, the current regent, and Aimon, his lover, Theo's world is utterly shaken when she learns a secret that is guaranteed to utterly transform her life in the realm.
Theo says "Nope", but no matter how hard she is unwilling to accede to this new reality, she's forced to contend with it when a murder attempt occurs, and she must turn detective to solve a millennia-old murder of the previous king, his family, and his whole household.
With time running out on a bargain Theo makes so she can investigate, and more murder attempts, Theo is desperate to solve not only the ancient murder, but also the current attempts on her and her tiny party working the problem.
Theo employs all her talents and intelligence, and her ability to inspire loyalty and respect in her friends, including new friend Alby the goblin, to start putting the picture together of loyalties, ambitions and secrets to solve the mysteries.
This was just such a warm, fun and funny follow up to Theo's first adventures. The stakes are considerably higher, and there are surprises, romance, great dialogue (I just love Cecily and Alby to bits), wonderful moments of whimsy and darkness.
I have two small quibbles: I'm not sure the romance between Theo and Kas ever had enough time to breathe, in either book, and I found Arlys, charged with keeping Theo safe, a little one-note.
That aside, this is a worthy successor to book one, and a good place to close this story on Theo. At the same time, I'd love to return to this world for more adventures.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Theo is slowly and reluctantly getting used to her new life in the Fairy realm as Cecily's familiar. She's playing music with Beric and company, wearing beautiful clothes, learning how to transform travel as other familiars do, and every now and again spying on Kas, returned to a human life after leaving Cecily's service.
At a performance for Tace, the current regent, and Aimon, his lover, Theo's world is utterly shaken when she learns a secret that is guaranteed to utterly transform her life in the realm.
Theo says "Nope", but no matter how hard she is unwilling to accede to this new reality, she's forced to contend with it when a murder attempt occurs, and she must turn detective to solve a millennia-old murder of the previous king, his family, and his whole household.
With time running out on a bargain Theo makes so she can investigate, and more murder attempts, Theo is desperate to solve not only the ancient murder, but also the current attempts on her and her tiny party working the problem.
Theo employs all her talents and intelligence, and her ability to inspire loyalty and respect in her friends, including new friend Alby the goblin, to start putting the picture together of loyalties, ambitions and secrets to solve the mysteries.
This was just such a warm, fun and funny follow up to Theo's first adventures. The stakes are considerably higher, and there are surprises, romance, great dialogue (I just love Cecily and Alby to bits), wonderful moments of whimsy and darkness.
I have two small quibbles: I'm not sure the romance between Theo and Kas ever had enough time to breathe, in either book, and I found Arlys, charged with keeping Theo safe, a little one-note.
That aside, this is a worthy successor to book one, and a good place to close this story on Theo. At the same time, I'd love to return to this world for more adventures.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
September 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this! This was the perfect low stakes fairy tale retelling with just the right amount of everything.
Accidentally picked this up not realizing it was book 2 of a duology. This is a perfectly contained story and the author does a great job sneakily recapping book 1 without just writing a synopsis. Greatly appreciate, I felt right up to speed.
This story doesn’t just feel like a rehashing of a familiar fairy tale but it expertly takes elements from some and really makes it its own story that has that comfortable feel while being interesting still. There is one trope included that I generally dislike in most books (can’t say for major spoiler) but it was actually really well done and necessary for the plot. Kudos.
The romance is really sweet and not overstated, it was the perfect amount. Theo truly is a strong FMC and this story is about her journey and happy ending.
This book has a cute cast of side characters to go on this journey with Theo and I feel they all had distinct personalities and weren’t necessarily just there in the background. Excellent found family/merry band vibes.
While this book does have a final conclusion I can see plenty of ways to keep expanding on this world with more stories and I would happy read all of them. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Looking forward to going back to the first book!
Accidentally picked this up not realizing it was book 2 of a duology. This is a perfectly contained story and the author does a great job sneakily recapping book 1 without just writing a synopsis. Greatly appreciate, I felt right up to speed.
This story doesn’t just feel like a rehashing of a familiar fairy tale but it expertly takes elements from some and really makes it its own story that has that comfortable feel while being interesting still. There is one trope included that I generally dislike in most books (can’t say for major spoiler) but it was actually really well done and necessary for the plot. Kudos.
The romance is really sweet and not overstated, it was the perfect amount. Theo truly is a strong FMC and this story is about her journey and happy ending.
This book has a cute cast of side characters to go on this journey with Theo and I feel they all had distinct personalities and weren’t necessarily just there in the background. Excellent found family/merry band vibes.
While this book does have a final conclusion I can see plenty of ways to keep expanding on this world with more stories and I would happy read all of them. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Looking forward to going back to the first book!
November 11, 2025
this was a cute fun sequel to the first book in the series. I thought the ending of the first one was pretty satisfying besides so I was curious where the story would go. I was not expecting a big mystery to be the focus, and I kind of missed some of the more character driven moments in the first book. I also just was not feeling the spark and romance for Kaz, I'm not sure why but the chemistry just wasn't there. I was more interested in Theo's relationship with Phineas as a co-familiar and Alby since he was a cute little guy. All in all an enjoyable if not very surprising story. I wish we got more of Theo's emotional processing since so much of her inner monologue was focused at the task at hand we never really got to have an emotional beat of her big reveal and what it all meant, it almost felt deliberately ignored at times besides throwaway lines I wish got more notice, like her noting that the thing that made her so unlovable in the human world is what made Bea so beloved over her. We got a lot more Theo emotional growth in the first book and I wish we saw more of it in this one.
thanks netgalley for earc access!
thanks netgalley for earc access!
November 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+.5
Closed Door romance
This was such a beautiful conclusion to the story!!
Found Family, princesses and more bargains….this story’s plot has such depth that just came out of nowhere for me !
Theo is such a strong FMC by the end, and her being able to move on and grow is phenomenally written. I also like that she never loses her snark, wit, and genre “f*uck off” vibes- because same.
Cecily is probably my fav character to the end (next Halloween costume idea 👀💡) , and the found family portion with the band, Phineas, and Alby was so touching.
Kaz and Theo 🥹🤧 a little rocky in the middle for me but nicely done at the end. Quite refreshing, and romantic this whole story is, not just for love, but for life. For finding a choice worth standing up for and pursuing even if the odds are against you, and an annoying Arlys is in the corner sneering 😂
Overall I loved the whole story and def think it will fit into my ‘scary faeries shelf’ 😂
Thanks so much to Orbit and NetGalley for a chance to read an early copy! Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Closed Door romance
This was such a beautiful conclusion to the story!!
Found Family, princesses and more bargains….this story’s plot has such depth that just came out of nowhere for me !
Theo is such a strong FMC by the end, and her being able to move on and grow is phenomenally written. I also like that she never loses her snark, wit, and genre “f*uck off” vibes- because same.
Cecily is probably my fav character to the end (next Halloween costume idea 👀💡) , and the found family portion with the band, Phineas, and Alby was so touching.
Kaz and Theo 🥹🤧 a little rocky in the middle for me but nicely done at the end. Quite refreshing, and romantic this whole story is, not just for love, but for life. For finding a choice worth standing up for and pursuing even if the odds are against you, and an annoying Arlys is in the corner sneering 😂
Overall I loved the whole story and def think it will fit into my ‘scary faeries shelf’ 😂
Thanks so much to Orbit and NetGalley for a chance to read an early copy! Thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 29, 2025
A fun and offbeat fairy tale retelling! This is the second in a duology that started with a stepsister of Cinderella retelling. Like the first, there is humor and heart in a nicely paced adventure. The writing is whimsical and easy to digest. Also like the first, there is a bit more telling than showing through dialogue.
I wish we got more development between Theo and her love interest in this one, but I was pleased to see Theo's character and confidence development. The cast of supporting characters grew, but I most loved Alby and was glad to see most everyone return.
I gave the first book 4 stars, and I think I do prefer the first book over the second, but the second is a great end to the duology. You should read the first before this one, and, if you liked the first, I think you'll like this one, too!
Thank you, Orbit Books, for the arc!
I wish we got more development between Theo and her love interest in this one, but I was pleased to see Theo's character and confidence development. The cast of supporting characters grew, but I most loved Alby and was glad to see most everyone return.
I gave the first book 4 stars, and I think I do prefer the first book over the second, but the second is a great end to the duology. You should read the first before this one, and, if you liked the first, I think you'll like this one, too!
Thank you, Orbit Books, for the arc!
December 4, 2025
This was a delight.
Did I know that this was a sequel when I began? No. But I'm okay with that because I enjoyed the characters as they are on their adventure. Theo is going through an adjustment period here as she becomes acclimated to her new life (and her new new life) and it's so fun to read about the adventures she has along the way. I'm a little bummed that I missed the enemies-to-lovers with Theo & Kaz but honestly the mutual pining was even better!
This is a cute series that I would definitely continue (and go back to)!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura J. Mayo, and Orbit Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Did I know that this was a sequel when I began? No. But I'm okay with that because I enjoyed the characters as they are on their adventure. Theo is going through an adjustment period here as she becomes acclimated to her new life (and her new new life) and it's so fun to read about the adventures she has along the way. I'm a little bummed that I missed the enemies-to-lovers with Theo & Kaz but honestly the mutual pining was even better!
This is a cute series that I would definitely continue (and go back to)!
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura J. Mayo, and Orbit Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
This was such a fun read! I didn’t realize it was the second in a series, so I had to start from the beginning. I really enjoyed the twist on the classic Cinderella fairytale and following one of the stepsisters. This second book had so many twists, and I loved getting to see more of the fairy world. I wish there was more of Theo and Kaz together because I missed their banter and relationship from the first book. I would highly recommend for a fun fantasy book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2025
I feel almost guilty giving this such a low rating.
I rather enjoyed most of the first book, though the end left me feeling depressed.
This one wasn't as strong as the first. In fact, I skimmed the last 50%. It felt like a lot of fluff scenes to me.
After reading this, part of this low review is my fault. I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. Maybe I've ready too many Gothic Fantasy novels, or maybe I have too deep a love for beheading characters, but this was too saccharine for my taste. It ultimately left me feeling...melancholic and empty. But I think that's a "I chose wrong" problem, not a "this book" problem.
I rather enjoyed most of the first book, though the end left me feeling depressed.
This one wasn't as strong as the first. In fact, I skimmed the last 50%. It felt like a lot of fluff scenes to me.
After reading this, part of this low review is my fault. I don't think I'm the target audience for this book. Maybe I've ready too many Gothic Fantasy novels, or maybe I have too deep a love for beheading characters, but this was too saccharine for my taste. It ultimately left me feeling...melancholic and empty. But I think that's a "I chose wrong" problem, not a "this book" problem.
October 7, 2025
Theodosia Balfour is back for more fairy adventure. She's comfortably settled into her life as Cecily's familiar, with the exception of missing Kaz.
However soon a revelation about her identity rocks her world and sends the fairy realm into tailspin.
As with the first novel, this follow up is hilarious and touching. The found family trope continues along with the flawed heroine.
Huge recommend to anyone who is looking for a fairy tale with some edge.
However soon a revelation about her identity rocks her world and sends the fairy realm into tailspin.
As with the first novel, this follow up is hilarious and touching. The found family trope continues along with the flawed heroine.
Huge recommend to anyone who is looking for a fairy tale with some edge.
September 26, 2025
This was such a fun follow up to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother. All the same loveable characters (plus some new ones), and an exciting adventure from start to finish. This book has all the same wit and snark that I loved about the first one, and brings closure to some open ends from book one. I love this world and these characters, and would love to see more works in this universe following other characters. I definitely recommend both books to those who enjoy a fairy tale retelling with a fae realm twist, witty dialogue and lovable characters.
It was hard to put this book down, and I'm so thankful to Orbit and Netgalley have had the opportunity to review this free eARC with my honest thoughts. And, thank you to Colleen for buddy reading both books with me!
It was hard to put this book down, and I'm so thankful to Orbit and Netgalley have had the opportunity to review this free eARC with my honest thoughts. And, thank you to Colleen for buddy reading both books with me!
November 2, 2025
It was cute and I enjoyed Theo just as much as I did in the first book. The first book was just much more entertaining. This was more like solving a murder mystery, but they ended up running around for a few days until it was resolved.
It seems like a good place to end. There probably won't be more books featuring these characters, but I'd love to see more stories set in this world.
It seems like a good place to end. There probably won't be more books featuring these characters, but I'd love to see more stories set in this world.
November 7, 2025
This book was fun! Not overly memorable, but fun! It was very side quest, fun characters, and a plot that I didn't care much about but enjoyed the turn my brain off and laugh whiel I was reading this book!
This book didn't stand out to me that much, but I think it had its moments and that's what made it a fun read!
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
This book didn't stand out to me that much, but I think it had its moments and that's what made it a fun read!
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
November 4, 2025
This was my most anticipated book of the year. I loved book 1, which incidentally is the first Goodreads giveaway book I ever won. The fact that this book was just okay is a bummer. I didn’t feel a very strong connection to the characters. This ended up being 2.5 stars for me.
One thing I don’t understand is
I did love Alby but he was essentially Dobby.
There isn’t much more to say. This book felt slower until the end and I had to just set my mind to finishing it. It wasn’t until the 85 percent mark that the plot picked up and then it slowed down again at around 95 percent. All in all it is worth a shot if you really liked or loved book one. I can definitely see myself reading another book by this author in the future. I wish I had enjoyed this one more.
One thing I don’t understand is
I did love Alby but he was essentially Dobby.
There isn’t much more to say. This book felt slower until the end and I had to just set my mind to finishing it. It wasn’t until the 85 percent mark that the plot picked up and then it slowed down again at around 95 percent. All in all it is worth a shot if you really liked or loved book one. I can definitely see myself reading another book by this author in the future. I wish I had enjoyed this one more.
November 10, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a cute and lighthearted read with adventures, unlikely friends and fairy bargains. I wanted a little more depth with the villains but I supposed that helped it remain such a light read. It lost my attention for a bit in the middle but the ending picked up and had a nice solid ending.
October 30, 2025
I’ll be honest—I walked into How to Survive a Fairy Bargain already head-over-heels for this world. After falling completely under the spell of the first book, I had high expectations.
There’s something deeply satisfying about returning to a world that feels like it’s been waiting for you. Mayo has this remarkable gift for creating fantasy settings that feel lived-in rather than just constructed for the story. From the first page, I felt that wonderful sense of homecoming—familiar enough to be comfortable, but with enough new elements to keep me on my toes.
Theo absolutely shines in this sequel. While the first book introduced us to her sharp wit and stubborn determination, this one lets us see her vulnerabilities and growth in ways that made me genuinely emotional. Mayo has a real talent for writing characters who feel like actual people—messy, contradictory, and completely human despite all the magic swirling around them. Watching Theo navigate both the external plot and her internal journey was deeply satisfying, and I found myself rooting for her even harder than I did in the first book.
The mystery woven throughout strikes that perfect balance between intriguing and accessible. Mayo’s plotting feels both surprising and inevitable—you can sense the careful construction without it ever feeling mechanical. Every revelation built naturally from what came before, and I caught myself going back to reread earlier sections to appreciate how cleverly she’d planted certain seeds. It’s the kind of plotting that makes you want to immediately start over from the beginning to catch all the details you missed.
But let’s talk about the humor, because Mayo’s comedic timing is absolutely perfect. There were multiple moments where I had to put the book down because I was laughing too hard to continue reading. The banter between characters feels natural and earned, with the kind of rhythm that makes you believe these people have actually been friends for years. It’s clever without being show-offy, and sharp without ever being mean-spirited.
The supporting cast deserves recognition too. Every character, no matter how briefly they appear, feels distinct and memorable. Mayo avoids the trap of creating people who exist solely to move the plot forward—everyone has their own voice and motivations, which creates this wonderful sense of a living, breathing world where Theo’s story is just one thread in a much larger tapestry.
The pacing throughout is nearly flawless. Mayo knows exactly when to slow down for character moments and when to ramp up the tension. The quieter scenes between action sequences are just as engaging as the high-stakes magical confrontations, which isn’t easy to pull off. I never found myself skimming or wishing things would move faster—every scene felt necessary and earned its place.
Mayo sticks the landing with an ending that answers all the important questions while leaving me completely satisfied with how everything resolves. It’s the kind of conclusion that makes you want to immediately flip back to page one and experience the whole journey again.
For readers who like:
This is perfect for anyone who gravitates toward cozy fantasy with bite. If you’re someone who appreciates Terry Pratchett’s humor but wants something a bit more romantic, or if you loved the warmth of The Ten Thousand Doors of January but crave more laughs, this duology is calling your name. It’s also ideal for readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings that subvert expectations without losing their sense of wonder, or anyone who simply wants a fantasy that prioritizes character relationships alongside the magical plot elements.
Final Verdict
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain proves that sometimes the best magic isn’t in the spells or the world-building (though both are excellent)—it’s in creating characters so real and relationships so genuine that you forget you’re reading about people who don’t actually exist. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you’ve just shared tea with old friends, even as you’re meeting some of these characters for the first time. Mayo has mastered that particular enchantment, and I’m completely under its spell.
Grateful to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Laura J. Mayo for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something deeply satisfying about returning to a world that feels like it’s been waiting for you. Mayo has this remarkable gift for creating fantasy settings that feel lived-in rather than just constructed for the story. From the first page, I felt that wonderful sense of homecoming—familiar enough to be comfortable, but with enough new elements to keep me on my toes.
Theo absolutely shines in this sequel. While the first book introduced us to her sharp wit and stubborn determination, this one lets us see her vulnerabilities and growth in ways that made me genuinely emotional. Mayo has a real talent for writing characters who feel like actual people—messy, contradictory, and completely human despite all the magic swirling around them. Watching Theo navigate both the external plot and her internal journey was deeply satisfying, and I found myself rooting for her even harder than I did in the first book.
The mystery woven throughout strikes that perfect balance between intriguing and accessible. Mayo’s plotting feels both surprising and inevitable—you can sense the careful construction without it ever feeling mechanical. Every revelation built naturally from what came before, and I caught myself going back to reread earlier sections to appreciate how cleverly she’d planted certain seeds. It’s the kind of plotting that makes you want to immediately start over from the beginning to catch all the details you missed.
But let’s talk about the humor, because Mayo’s comedic timing is absolutely perfect. There were multiple moments where I had to put the book down because I was laughing too hard to continue reading. The banter between characters feels natural and earned, with the kind of rhythm that makes you believe these people have actually been friends for years. It’s clever without being show-offy, and sharp without ever being mean-spirited.
The supporting cast deserves recognition too. Every character, no matter how briefly they appear, feels distinct and memorable. Mayo avoids the trap of creating people who exist solely to move the plot forward—everyone has their own voice and motivations, which creates this wonderful sense of a living, breathing world where Theo’s story is just one thread in a much larger tapestry.
The pacing throughout is nearly flawless. Mayo knows exactly when to slow down for character moments and when to ramp up the tension. The quieter scenes between action sequences are just as engaging as the high-stakes magical confrontations, which isn’t easy to pull off. I never found myself skimming or wishing things would move faster—every scene felt necessary and earned its place.
Mayo sticks the landing with an ending that answers all the important questions while leaving me completely satisfied with how everything resolves. It’s the kind of conclusion that makes you want to immediately flip back to page one and experience the whole journey again.
For readers who like:
This is perfect for anyone who gravitates toward cozy fantasy with bite. If you’re someone who appreciates Terry Pratchett’s humor but wants something a bit more romantic, or if you loved the warmth of The Ten Thousand Doors of January but crave more laughs, this duology is calling your name. It’s also ideal for readers who enjoy fairy tale retellings that subvert expectations without losing their sense of wonder, or anyone who simply wants a fantasy that prioritizes character relationships alongside the magical plot elements.
Final Verdict
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain proves that sometimes the best magic isn’t in the spells or the world-building (though both are excellent)—it’s in creating characters so real and relationships so genuine that you forget you’re reading about people who don’t actually exist. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you’ve just shared tea with old friends, even as you’re meeting some of these characters for the first time. Mayo has mastered that particular enchantment, and I’m completely under its spell.
Grateful to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Laura J. Mayo for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
"How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May is the second book in the Fairies and Familiars series, and just as good. I loved the first book, so I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world of fairies, enchanted realms, and all things magical. The book picks up where its predecessor left off, throwing us straight into the action. In the first book, Theo learned how to summon a fairy. Here, she learns how to survive a bargain with one.
Almost a year has passed since Theo fulfilled her deal with Cecily. Now Cecily’s familiar, she faces new challenges—and a fair share of boredom. Her days are filled with parties, playing her instrument, and adjusting to life in the land of fairies. She misses Kasra, Cecily’s former familiar who is now human and living in the mortal world, and occasionally spies on him in her hedgehog form.
She is as prickly and sharp-tongued as ever, but her harsh edges have softened a bit. She even has Fae friends now—her bandmates. The plot thickens when Theo uncovers her true heritage and, at the same time, realizes a murderer is hell-bent on killing her. Between assassination attempts and a fairy determined to put her into a thousand years of slumber, her plate is full. She must expose the murderer before her time runs out.
Fae bargains, fairy rings, and a goblin named Alby make this a delightful read. Alby is a fantastic addition to the gang—he provides wonderful comic relief, and his devotion is heartwarming. The book is humorous, enjoyable, and whimsical, just like the first one. The story moves at a fast pace—sometimes at the expense of character development. There are also a couple of plot holes—Kasra being one—but they didn't diminish my enjoyment.
The ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of closure. Though this is the second book of the duology, it leaves the door open for another installment. The story is well written in third-person POV, although I sometimes found myself frustrated with Arlys. He is one-dimensional and irritating, especially in his stubbornness to put Theo to sleep. Still, the dialogues between him and Theo are witty and entertaining.
A strong female lead, romance, and interesting plot twists—what more could you ask from a novel? I loved the loyalty of Theo’s friends to her, and admired Theo for returning that loyalty twelvefold and for being willing to risk herself for them. Speaking of wit, I especially enjoyed the wordplay: “a scowl that could launch a thousand complaints”—a clever twist on “the face that launched a thousand ships.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, plot holes aside. If you liked the first book, you’ll enjoy this one as well—they have the same charm and vibe. It also works as a standalone, though I recommend starting with book one to appreciate the nuances and better understand where the characters came from. I’d recommend this to fans of fairy-tale retellings, adventure, and anyone who loves a bit of magic in their stories. After reading, you may think twice before striking a bargain with a fairy... If you can even find one.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
Almost a year has passed since Theo fulfilled her deal with Cecily. Now Cecily’s familiar, she faces new challenges—and a fair share of boredom. Her days are filled with parties, playing her instrument, and adjusting to life in the land of fairies. She misses Kasra, Cecily’s former familiar who is now human and living in the mortal world, and occasionally spies on him in her hedgehog form.
She is as prickly and sharp-tongued as ever, but her harsh edges have softened a bit. She even has Fae friends now—her bandmates. The plot thickens when Theo uncovers her true heritage and, at the same time, realizes a murderer is hell-bent on killing her. Between assassination attempts and a fairy determined to put her into a thousand years of slumber, her plate is full. She must expose the murderer before her time runs out.
Fae bargains, fairy rings, and a goblin named Alby make this a delightful read. Alby is a fantastic addition to the gang—he provides wonderful comic relief, and his devotion is heartwarming. The book is humorous, enjoyable, and whimsical, just like the first one. The story moves at a fast pace—sometimes at the expense of character development. There are also a couple of plot holes—Kasra being one—but they didn't diminish my enjoyment.
The ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of closure. Though this is the second book of the duology, it leaves the door open for another installment. The story is well written in third-person POV, although I sometimes found myself frustrated with Arlys. He is one-dimensional and irritating, especially in his stubbornness to put Theo to sleep. Still, the dialogues between him and Theo are witty and entertaining.
A strong female lead, romance, and interesting plot twists—what more could you ask from a novel? I loved the loyalty of Theo’s friends to her, and admired Theo for returning that loyalty twelvefold and for being willing to risk herself for them. Speaking of wit, I especially enjoyed the wordplay: “a scowl that could launch a thousand complaints”—a clever twist on “the face that launched a thousand ships.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, plot holes aside. If you liked the first book, you’ll enjoy this one as well—they have the same charm and vibe. It also works as a standalone, though I recommend starting with book one to appreciate the nuances and better understand where the characters came from. I’d recommend this to fans of fairy-tale retellings, adventure, and anyone who loves a bit of magic in their stories. After reading, you may think twice before striking a bargain with a fairy... If you can even find one.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
September 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for this ARC.
4.25 stars
Last year, I had the honor to read How to Summon a Fairy Godmother as an ARC. It was one of my first ARCs to read and it was a hoot. Because of that experience, when I saw this was available to read I was ecstatic as I was looking forward to it immensely.
Laura Mayo is becoming one of my favorite authors because the humor and wit employed in their works just makes their stories an easy and fun read, especially with the turbulent times that are abounding. So I knew I was in for a good time when I settled down to start How to Survive a Fairy Bargain.
At the end of the last book, Theo was settling into her life as a familiar to the fairy she summoned. The life is full of festive parties, and quite a lot of lazing about. Not really much to look forward to, but hey to Theo it got her out of her worst nightmare: being a royal. However, she was still in a funk trying to adjust and figure out what to do, especially when her love interest skedaddled out of her life.
So while Theo is settling in to her new lifestyle, a new conundrum faces her: her life was about to be taken out of her own hands. Seemingly everyone believes a secret that will upend her life, and they refuse to listen to her thoughts on the matter. This leads to Theo fighting for reigns, wherein she does make a Fairy Bargain in an attempt to wrest back control.
See, a thousand years ago the royal family in the fairy kingdom was murdered and the would be murderer is still at large. Due to circumstances, Theo ends up being charged with solving this crime. Although the situation is indeed a bit over the top, Mayo continues to keep the humor displayed in How to Summon a Fairy Godmother going in this latest installment in the series. I will admit, however, that the second book just seems to be missing some of the charm that the first book had. That also just might be me missing the fairytale retelling as I am a huge sucker for those. Instead, this veers off into original storyland -- which don't get me wrong, Mayo handles this quite well. It just felt like a little spark was withheld from the reader to make it just as charming as the first book.
I also--unfortunately-- don't really like Kaz as a love interest. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way in the first book, and I very much preferred the other option. Or just the third option: why choose? In which I know I am probably the minority for this. The romance doesn't feel as fleshed out as it could be, but let's be real here I am not here for the romance but more the humor.
As to the rest of the cast, Alby is a new addition to the team, and I loved this furry little goblin. I really appreciated how Theo stood up for him whenever an opportunity arose, and how much Theo went out of her way to include anyone into her circle that respected her as a human being. It had been previously established that Theo is a bit of a prickly character, but I feel this book does a good job informing the reader that she respects those who respect her. Theo doesn't take no shit from anyone.
All in all, this is a solid follow up to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, and I am on the lookout for more works by Mayo in the future.
4.25 stars
Last year, I had the honor to read How to Summon a Fairy Godmother as an ARC. It was one of my first ARCs to read and it was a hoot. Because of that experience, when I saw this was available to read I was ecstatic as I was looking forward to it immensely.
Laura Mayo is becoming one of my favorite authors because the humor and wit employed in their works just makes their stories an easy and fun read, especially with the turbulent times that are abounding. So I knew I was in for a good time when I settled down to start How to Survive a Fairy Bargain.
At the end of the last book, Theo was settling into her life as a familiar to the fairy she summoned. The life is full of festive parties, and quite a lot of lazing about. Not really much to look forward to, but hey to Theo it got her out of her worst nightmare: being a royal. However, she was still in a funk trying to adjust and figure out what to do, especially when her love interest skedaddled out of her life.
So while Theo is settling in to her new lifestyle, a new conundrum faces her: her life was about to be taken out of her own hands. Seemingly everyone believes a secret that will upend her life, and they refuse to listen to her thoughts on the matter. This leads to Theo fighting for reigns, wherein she does make a Fairy Bargain in an attempt to wrest back control.
See, a thousand years ago the royal family in the fairy kingdom was murdered and the would be murderer is still at large. Due to circumstances, Theo ends up being charged with solving this crime. Although the situation is indeed a bit over the top, Mayo continues to keep the humor displayed in How to Summon a Fairy Godmother going in this latest installment in the series. I will admit, however, that the second book just seems to be missing some of the charm that the first book had. That also just might be me missing the fairytale retelling as I am a huge sucker for those. Instead, this veers off into original storyland -- which don't get me wrong, Mayo handles this quite well. It just felt like a little spark was withheld from the reader to make it just as charming as the first book.
I also--unfortunately-- don't really like Kaz as a love interest. Something about him rubbed me the wrong way in the first book, and I very much preferred the other option. Or just the third option: why choose? In which I know I am probably the minority for this. The romance doesn't feel as fleshed out as it could be, but let's be real here I am not here for the romance but more the humor.
As to the rest of the cast, Alby is a new addition to the team, and I loved this furry little goblin. I really appreciated how Theo stood up for him whenever an opportunity arose, and how much Theo went out of her way to include anyone into her circle that respected her as a human being. It had been previously established that Theo is a bit of a prickly character, but I feel this book does a good job informing the reader that she respects those who respect her. Theo doesn't take no shit from anyone.
All in all, this is a solid follow up to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, and I am on the lookout for more works by Mayo in the future.
September 19, 2025
I'm having a hard time coming up with the proper way to describe my absolute love for this series and how much it meant to me that I was able to get an ARC of it on Netgalley. I agree with another reviewer in that this book and the world Mayo built felt like it was waiting for you to come back to it. Picking up where the first book left off felt like snuggling into a warm blanket, and hitting the ending felt like the last scene of the movie Labyrinth. I had missed these characters so much, and now that the story is concluded, I will miss them even more. However, I do know that, should I need them, they live on my bookshelf.
Theo is, quite possibly, my favorite FMC I have ever read. I have never felt so in tune with a character before, and I support her rights and all of her wrongs. This was the perfect ending I could have hoped for my girl to have. We get to see even more of her growth as she overcomes impossible challenges and fights for herself and love. I adore how, although she experiences personal character growth, she still remains the hard-headed, sassy, rude woman she is. I cannot imagine how hard it is to write a character that doesn't fit all of the current molds we see in fantasy novels today, while also keeping her so incredibly worth the time and love.
This book can easily be devoured in a day as it's humorous and well-paced. I'm not the type of reader who looks for plot holes or issues with the overall narrative, so take this with a grain of salt; it all made perfect sense to me. I was having too much of a good time to care or notice if there were holes. I can understand how some may dislike the overall ending; however, it takes quite a bit for me to cry, and the ending had me sobbing. Sobbing for the loss of more stories with these characters (maybe not, I have all my fingers crossed for more), but also pure happiness at the tidy little resolution. Theo's story came to an end, and it's a fairytale, of course, things need to work out. The fun is in how we get there, and fun it was.
I hope every book Laura J. Mayo writes is full of strong-willed and witty women like Cecily and Theo. This author definitely has a spot in my top 10 authors I will automatically buy from. I want everyone I know to read this duology, and I think this series is great for anyone who loves a twist on fairytales but doesn't want heavy romance or man-saves-the-day energy getting in the way. It would also be a good pick for readers who want their faeries to be more true to the myths (𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦'𝘴) but not necessarily full bullies (𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦). Additionally, this book leans heavily into the found family trope and has a phenomenally cute, albeit eccentric, cast of side characters. It's the perfect duology with the most satisfying ending. Please give it a chance.
Thank you, Netgalley and Orbit, for the chance to read this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Theo is, quite possibly, my favorite FMC I have ever read. I have never felt so in tune with a character before, and I support her rights and all of her wrongs. This was the perfect ending I could have hoped for my girl to have. We get to see even more of her growth as she overcomes impossible challenges and fights for herself and love. I adore how, although she experiences personal character growth, she still remains the hard-headed, sassy, rude woman she is. I cannot imagine how hard it is to write a character that doesn't fit all of the current molds we see in fantasy novels today, while also keeping her so incredibly worth the time and love.
This book can easily be devoured in a day as it's humorous and well-paced. I'm not the type of reader who looks for plot holes or issues with the overall narrative, so take this with a grain of salt; it all made perfect sense to me. I was having too much of a good time to care or notice if there were holes. I can understand how some may dislike the overall ending; however, it takes quite a bit for me to cry, and the ending had me sobbing. Sobbing for the loss of more stories with these characters (maybe not, I have all my fingers crossed for more), but also pure happiness at the tidy little resolution. Theo's story came to an end, and it's a fairytale, of course, things need to work out. The fun is in how we get there, and fun it was.
I hope every book Laura J. Mayo writes is full of strong-willed and witty women like Cecily and Theo. This author definitely has a spot in my top 10 authors I will automatically buy from. I want everyone I know to read this duology, and I think this series is great for anyone who loves a twist on fairytales but doesn't want heavy romance or man-saves-the-day energy getting in the way. It would also be a good pick for readers who want their faeries to be more true to the myths (𝘌𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦'𝘴) but not necessarily full bullies (𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘦𝘭 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦). Additionally, this book leans heavily into the found family trope and has a phenomenally cute, albeit eccentric, cast of side characters. It's the perfect duology with the most satisfying ending. Please give it a chance.
Thank you, Netgalley and Orbit, for the chance to read this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Read
October 10, 2025After the events in How to Summon a Fairy Godmother, our main character, Theo (short for Theodosia), has gone from the misunderstood “evil” stepsister of the Cinderella character to Familiar to the fairy, Cecily. Believe it or not, this is an upgrade for her. She spends her time pretty much as she sees fit, aside from giving some rocking fairy concerts. Her daily activities range from sleeping, pining over an ex, spying on said ex in her familiar-given animal form (a hedgehog! How amazing is that?) and feeling adrift. That is, until a jaw-dropping surprise leaves her racing to solve an assassination attempt before she’s put to sleep for a few hundred years or so. No pressure.
As with book one, How to Survive a Fairy Bargain tiptoes into familiar fairy tale territory before making a hard right turn and going in a completely unexpected direction. This thumbing of noses at fairy tale tropes makes this series a winner. I feel like Theo is a bit of a butt in this one, although some characters really are just begging to be verbally sparred with. And good grief, does she love a good verbal takedown!
Theo’s cadre of companions has a couple of new additions. There’s Arlys, who has his own reasons for hanging around. Arlys is serious. Arlys is cranky. Arlys is annoying. However, he’s meant to be, so mission accomplished. The other addition is a little goblin named Alby. Alby is absolutely fantastic! I mean it, he perfectly fits the book’s tone; lighthearted and a wee bit sweet.
The story itself goes all over the place in ways that at first seem haphazard but end up making sense in a weird sort of way. I loved all of the offbeat encounters and wacky creatures. I mean, any book that features a pucca will get points from me for sheer creativity!
There was one thing that irritated me, though: the sneering and the smirking. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good sneer, and I can smirk with the best of ’em, but the characters were always doing one or the other. I wish the author had shaken things up a bit. There are so many ways to describe emotions that using just those two words became a little redundant.
That being said, it’s a small annoyance, and the rest of the book is delightful. How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is fast-paced fun, a book with a little silliness and a whole lot of heart. I recommend this for readers who want an entertaining adventure with a happily-ever-after.
Thank you to Orbit Books for providing me with a review copy of this book. My opinion is completely my own. How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is available now.
As with book one, How to Survive a Fairy Bargain tiptoes into familiar fairy tale territory before making a hard right turn and going in a completely unexpected direction. This thumbing of noses at fairy tale tropes makes this series a winner. I feel like Theo is a bit of a butt in this one, although some characters really are just begging to be verbally sparred with. And good grief, does she love a good verbal takedown!
Theo’s cadre of companions has a couple of new additions. There’s Arlys, who has his own reasons for hanging around. Arlys is serious. Arlys is cranky. Arlys is annoying. However, he’s meant to be, so mission accomplished. The other addition is a little goblin named Alby. Alby is absolutely fantastic! I mean it, he perfectly fits the book’s tone; lighthearted and a wee bit sweet.
The story itself goes all over the place in ways that at first seem haphazard but end up making sense in a weird sort of way. I loved all of the offbeat encounters and wacky creatures. I mean, any book that features a pucca will get points from me for sheer creativity!
There was one thing that irritated me, though: the sneering and the smirking. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good sneer, and I can smirk with the best of ’em, but the characters were always doing one or the other. I wish the author had shaken things up a bit. There are so many ways to describe emotions that using just those two words became a little redundant.
That being said, it’s a small annoyance, and the rest of the book is delightful. How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is fast-paced fun, a book with a little silliness and a whole lot of heart. I recommend this for readers who want an entertaining adventure with a happily-ever-after.
Thank you to Orbit Books for providing me with a review copy of this book. My opinion is completely my own. How to Survive a Fairy Bargain is available now.
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