What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairest
A dark mafia retelling of Snow White. Perfect for fans of H D Carlton, Emily McIntire and Penelope Douglas.RED AS BLOOD
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against.
But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me.
He has a reputation. A dark possessive side.
I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want…
WHITE AS SNOW
I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me.
But there’s something about her innocence that I desire.
She’s everything my fiancée is not.
But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful.
I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against.
But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me.
He has a reputation. A dark possessive side.
I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want…
WHITE AS SNOW
I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me.
But there’s something about her innocence that I desire.
She’s everything my fiancée is not.
But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful.
I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
- GenresDark RomanceFantasyAdult
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
11 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
| ARC REVIEW | Publication Date: 13th Feb 2026
ᯓ ꒰ Tropes / Themes ꒱ ᯓ
🍎 Snow White retelling
🍎 Mafia Vibes
🍎 Faeries/Unseelie
🍎 Age Gap
🍎 Best friend's brother
🍎 Dangerous MMC X innocent FMC
🍎 Slow burn
ᯓ ꒰ My Thoughts ꒱ ᯓ
This was a clever and creative spin on the tale of Snow White, but I felt like the author was just trying to do too much. If it was simply a retelling of Snow White with a dark romance twist, I think it could've been really good. But in my opinion, the mafia vibe combined with the faerie/unseelie element and the need to keep track of the court's lore just pushed it over the line of "too much" for me, resulting in me really struggling to get into the story.
I found the plot and pacing messy which made reading this feel like a slog, and ultimately it failed to maintain my attention for the majority of the book. I eventually gave up trying to follow what was happening.
None of the characters particularly stood out to me and I felt that their personalities were lacking something unique.
The ending made it appear that the door has been left open for future books. However, I most likely won't be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi MacMillan, and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
ᯓ ꒰ Tropes / Themes ꒱ ᯓ
🍎 Snow White retelling
🍎 Mafia Vibes
🍎 Faeries/Unseelie
🍎 Age Gap
🍎 Best friend's brother
🍎 Dangerous MMC X innocent FMC
🍎 Slow burn
ᯓ ꒰ My Thoughts ꒱ ᯓ
This was a clever and creative spin on the tale of Snow White, but I felt like the author was just trying to do too much. If it was simply a retelling of Snow White with a dark romance twist, I think it could've been really good. But in my opinion, the mafia vibe combined with the faerie/unseelie element and the need to keep track of the court's lore just pushed it over the line of "too much" for me, resulting in me really struggling to get into the story.
I found the plot and pacing messy which made reading this feel like a slog, and ultimately it failed to maintain my attention for the majority of the book. I eventually gave up trying to follow what was happening.
None of the characters particularly stood out to me and I felt that their personalities were lacking something unique.
The ending made it appear that the door has been left open for future books. However, I most likely won't be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi MacMillan, and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for gifting this eBook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was my first book by this author. i'm willing to read more from them even though this book wasn't my favourite!
i didn't really care for the characters so the romance dwindled for me as well... i just couldn't connect with cillian, he gave me the ick sometimes. especially when he was excited about niamh being a virgin. and then niamh being a damsel in distress, kind of naive, too... she wasn't my favourite.
i did like rose though! would've loved to see more of her.
something about the writing style also didn't give me that solid feeling of loving it. i kept putting the book down and getting distracted...
i also didn't really care about the past chapters and instead preferred to stay in the present ones.
i loved the whole idea of there being unseelie and seelie courts but they weren't fully explored at all.
i also wouldn't call this book "mafia" romance as it was depicted.
i liked the beginning of the book but the plot gradually became more and more boring for me personally and i'm sad to say it... i had high hopes for this one!
the ending also wasn't surprising hence was really underwhelming. i'm sadly disappointed. 😭
unfortunately i can't recommend this one.
i didn't really care for the characters so the romance dwindled for me as well... i just couldn't connect with cillian, he gave me the ick sometimes. especially when he was excited about niamh being a virgin. and then niamh being a damsel in distress, kind of naive, too... she wasn't my favourite.
i did like rose though! would've loved to see more of her.
something about the writing style also didn't give me that solid feeling of loving it. i kept putting the book down and getting distracted...
i also didn't really care about the past chapters and instead preferred to stay in the present ones.
i loved the whole idea of there being unseelie and seelie courts but they weren't fully explored at all.
i also wouldn't call this book "mafia" romance as it was depicted.
i liked the beginning of the book but the plot gradually became more and more boring for me personally and i'm sad to say it... i had high hopes for this one!
the ending also wasn't surprising hence was really underwhelming. i'm sadly disappointed. 😭
unfortunately i can't recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5 stars)
Fairest is a retelling of Snow White with a mafia twist, and while the basis of a good story was definitely there and the writing itself was well done, it ultimately didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The plot follows a fairly typical siblings best-friend-turned-love-interest dynamic, which unfortunately felt quite predictable.
I found myself fairly disinterested in the main characters and their relationship felt lacking in depth and emotional pull. At times it also felt a little samey, making it hard to stay fully engaged throughout.
That said, I appreciate the effort behind the story and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. Even with the door left open for a sequel, I don’t think I’d find myself reaching for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mairi Macmillan for the chance to read and review this.
Fairest is a retelling of Snow White with a mafia twist, and while the basis of a good story was definitely there and the writing itself was well done, it ultimately didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The plot follows a fairly typical siblings best-friend-turned-love-interest dynamic, which unfortunately felt quite predictable.
I found myself fairly disinterested in the main characters and their relationship felt lacking in depth and emotional pull. At times it also felt a little samey, making it hard to stay fully engaged throughout.
That said, I appreciate the effort behind the story and I’m grateful for the opportunity to read and review this book. Even with the door left open for a sequel, I don’t think I’d find myself reaching for the next instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mairi Macmillan for the chance to read and review this.
February 11, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this unsolicited copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
At this point, I would rather eat the poisoned apple than read this book again. Fairest was an absolute mess. I felt like I was missing so much context and nothing made sense. There were too many subplots and the world-building was abysmal. There were fae creatures, but also mafiosos and cellphones all occupying the same world. I couldn't keep my head straight with all the contradictions. This book was way too long, making it in desperate need for a shearing of 100 pages straight from the Huntsman's torture chamber. I was lost as Snow White in the woods, although there was one redeeming element. I did come to appreciate the cheeky allusions to the original Snow White fairytale. The dwarves, evil monarch, and even Rose Red made sly appearances in Fairest. I think this book could do with another round of editing to turn it into the shiny apple it was destined to become. I wasn't impressed with Fairest, but major points for adapting Snow White in a world full of Cinderellas and Belles.
At this point, I would rather eat the poisoned apple than read this book again. Fairest was an absolute mess. I felt like I was missing so much context and nothing made sense. There were too many subplots and the world-building was abysmal. There were fae creatures, but also mafiosos and cellphones all occupying the same world. I couldn't keep my head straight with all the contradictions. This book was way too long, making it in desperate need for a shearing of 100 pages straight from the Huntsman's torture chamber. I was lost as Snow White in the woods, although there was one redeeming element. I did come to appreciate the cheeky allusions to the original Snow White fairytale. The dwarves, evil monarch, and even Rose Red made sly appearances in Fairest. I think this book could do with another round of editing to turn it into the shiny apple it was destined to become. I wasn't impressed with Fairest, but major points for adapting Snow White in a world full of Cinderellas and Belles.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 to 2.75 stars, rounded up because... Goodreads.
What's inside:
Dark Mafia like
Snow White Retelling
Age Gap
Best Friend's Brother
Slow Burn
Virgin FMC
Possessive MMC
Low Level Spice
This was an easy read story of a Snow White Retelling with some interesting twists on the characters.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian who both have an undeniable attraction to the other that they are trying to ignore. Niamh is a very innocent young woman who is working to become and lawyer, and Cillian is her best friends brother, and the Huntsman for the Unseelie King. Niamh is best friend with Rose, Cillians sister, who really likes to party and make questionable choices.
Cillian is in a relationship with the Unseelie King's daughter, Vittoria, and boy is she a piece of work! There is a lot of yearning and tension between our MCs with a slow-burn build-up to that inevitable moment where they cant fight their desire any longer.
This was a creative way to reimagine the story of Snow White, and the author definitely left the door open for at least 1 spin-off with the side characters.
I do think that calling this a good fit for people that like HD Carlton and Penelope Douglas is a bit of a stretch... this isn't really in the same area as their books. It has a Dark Mafia-esque vibe and thats about as close as it gets to those authors. It was OK to read once, but I won't be seeking out any further books in this series or by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mairi Macamillan for an eARC of this book.
What's inside:
Dark Mafia like
Snow White Retelling
Age Gap
Best Friend's Brother
Slow Burn
Virgin FMC
Possessive MMC
Low Level Spice
This was an easy read story of a Snow White Retelling with some interesting twists on the characters.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian who both have an undeniable attraction to the other that they are trying to ignore. Niamh is a very innocent young woman who is working to become and lawyer, and Cillian is her best friends brother, and the Huntsman for the Unseelie King. Niamh is best friend with Rose, Cillians sister, who really likes to party and make questionable choices.
Cillian is in a relationship with the Unseelie King's daughter, Vittoria, and boy is she a piece of work! There is a lot of yearning and tension between our MCs with a slow-burn build-up to that inevitable moment where they cant fight their desire any longer.
This was a creative way to reimagine the story of Snow White, and the author definitely left the door open for at least 1 spin-off with the side characters.
I do think that calling this a good fit for people that like HD Carlton and Penelope Douglas is a bit of a stretch... this isn't really in the same area as their books. It has a Dark Mafia-esque vibe and thats about as close as it gets to those authors. It was OK to read once, but I won't be seeking out any further books in this series or by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mairi Macamillan for an eARC of this book.
December 20, 2025
Thank you to Mairi MacMillan and One More Chapter (a division of HarperCollins UK) for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
There’s something deliciously unsettling about Fairest. From the moment I started reading, I could feel the darkness curling around the edges of the story, quiet but insistent, like a storm gathering over the sea.
And listen. Irish characters? Or at least Irish-named ones? You already had my attention.
Mairi MacMillan clearly knows what she’s doing here. The world is moody, sharp, and threaded with tension, and the characters feel carved rather than written. Not soft, not sweet, but real in that uncomfortable way that makes you lean in closer even when you’re not sure you like what you’re seeing.
This story doesn’t rush. It lets the unease build, lets the shadows stretch, and trusts the reader to keep up. And I did. Gladly.
Dark, gripping, and quietly confident, Fairest feels like the beginning of something dangerous in the best possible way. I’ll absolutely be back for more.
There’s something deliciously unsettling about Fairest. From the moment I started reading, I could feel the darkness curling around the edges of the story, quiet but insistent, like a storm gathering over the sea.
And listen. Irish characters? Or at least Irish-named ones? You already had my attention.
Mairi MacMillan clearly knows what she’s doing here. The world is moody, sharp, and threaded with tension, and the characters feel carved rather than written. Not soft, not sweet, but real in that uncomfortable way that makes you lean in closer even when you’re not sure you like what you’re seeing.
This story doesn’t rush. It lets the unease build, lets the shadows stretch, and trusts the reader to keep up. And I did. Gladly.
Dark, gripping, and quietly confident, Fairest feels like the beginning of something dangerous in the best possible way. I’ll absolutely be back for more.
Read
December 2, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Was made-up to be approved for this one and inhaled it in one night. It's ridiculously over-the-top, there's no build-up to their relationship, and I predicted the plot! 10/10 would recommend lol
But truly it was fast paced and upbeat and yet it read infinitely better than half the romance books I've read through NetGalley this year (no offence guys).
Works in loads of that good Scottish folklore, so if you're a big fantasy fan like myself you'll be right at home with all that. Only genuine problem for me was that at one point one of the characters thought "she's got a bloody cheek" instead of "she's got (some?) bloody cheek"
Was made-up to be approved for this one and inhaled it in one night. It's ridiculously over-the-top, there's no build-up to their relationship, and I predicted the plot! 10/10 would recommend lol
But truly it was fast paced and upbeat and yet it read infinitely better than half the romance books I've read through NetGalley this year (no offence guys).
Works in loads of that good Scottish folklore, so if you're a big fantasy fan like myself you'll be right at home with all that. Only genuine problem for me was that at one point one of the characters thought "she's got a bloody cheek" instead of "she's got (some?) bloody cheek"
December 9, 2025
"What happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"
Fairest by Mairi MacMillan is a retelling of Snow White that reflects this fairytale's classic, core components through a different mirror.
Infused with mafia, fae and Scottish folklore, this story piqued my curiosity from the premise and held it to the end. The story is dark and draped with danger for everyone, from our innocent & smart FMC Niamh, her best friend Rose who knows how to party, make questionable decisions and is the sister to our dangerous and possessive MMC Cillian, oh and then there is his fiancée Vittoria who is… well you'll see. The right amount of world-building sets the scenes well, giving me the detail I want to get into the story, without slowing things down too much.
The timeline spans four years with the majority in the present, though there are several chapters taking us back in time revealing needed information. I did meet these with a sense of impatience however, preferring to move forward to find out what happens next!
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it was engaging and perfect for those looking for a bingeable retelling.
Stars: ★★★★
Spice: ঌঌ
❥•• Retelling
❥•• Dual POV
❥•• Dark & possessive MMC
❥•• Innocent & smart FMC
❥•• Best friends brother
❥•• Scottish folklore
❥•• Fae & Humans
❥•• Dark mafia
❥•• Hunter/hunted
Huge thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Mairi MacMillan & NetGalley for the ARC. Release date: Feb 13, 2026.
Fairest by Mairi MacMillan is a retelling of Snow White that reflects this fairytale's classic, core components through a different mirror.
Infused with mafia, fae and Scottish folklore, this story piqued my curiosity from the premise and held it to the end. The story is dark and draped with danger for everyone, from our innocent & smart FMC Niamh, her best friend Rose who knows how to party, make questionable decisions and is the sister to our dangerous and possessive MMC Cillian, oh and then there is his fiancée Vittoria who is… well you'll see. The right amount of world-building sets the scenes well, giving me the detail I want to get into the story, without slowing things down too much.
The timeline spans four years with the majority in the present, though there are several chapters taking us back in time revealing needed information. I did meet these with a sense of impatience however, preferring to move forward to find out what happens next!
Overall I really enjoyed this read, it was engaging and perfect for those looking for a bingeable retelling.
Stars: ★★★★
Spice: ঌঌ
❥•• Retelling
❥•• Dual POV
❥•• Dark & possessive MMC
❥•• Innocent & smart FMC
❥•• Best friends brother
❥•• Scottish folklore
❥•• Fae & Humans
❥•• Dark mafia
❥•• Hunter/hunted
Huge thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Mairi MacMillan & NetGalley for the ARC. Release date: Feb 13, 2026.
December 24, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
DNF 35% in
I struggled to get into this book, I can usually read a book in a day or two. I’ve spent 3 weeks tryin to read this with no real desire to finish. The story line is meh to me and does have potential but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
The first 100 pages drag on and I just got bored and lost interest
DNF 35% in
I struggled to get into this book, I can usually read a book in a day or two. I’ve spent 3 weeks tryin to read this with no real desire to finish. The story line is meh to me and does have potential but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
The first 100 pages drag on and I just got bored and lost interest
Read
January 21, 2026Thank you to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against. But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me. He has a reputation. A dark possessive side. I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want… WHITE AS SNOW I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me. But there’s something about her innocence that I desire. She’s everything my fiancée is not. But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful. I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
Unfortunately, this is a DNF at 23%. This is being sold as a dark, mafia retelling of Snow White and I am getting none of that. The FMC seems incredibly naive and sounds as if she should be 15, not early twenties. There is innocence and then there is just being childish. And the MMC… sure he’s a hunter (perhaps the only link to a possible Snow White retelling here) but bloody hell I cannot cope with this constant monologue of “I can’t stay away from my sister’s best friend but let me go fuck my fiancée who I don’t care about.” Just a whole pile of nope there unfortunately. There is also spice here but I can safely say butter wouldn’t melt on those scenes. They felt clinical which is the worst thing that can happen to a smutty scene. I had such hopes for this one and was so excited but have been left incredibly let down.
Overall, Fairest is a story that just does not work for me.
Thank you again to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book.
I never wanted to be part of his life. I am the law, and he is everything I’ve vowed against. But every time I see him, I can’t help but imagine what I want him to do to me. He has a reputation. A dark possessive side. I know he’d hurt me. But maybe that’s what I want… WHITE AS SNOW I never wanted to hurt her. She should’ve known to stay away from me. But there’s something about her innocence that I desire. She’s everything my fiancée is not. But my fiancée is a jealous woman. She’s also powerful. I know where my loyalties should lie, but the taste of purity is too tempting. Just one drop and I promise, that’ll be enough…
Unfortunately, this is a DNF at 23%. This is being sold as a dark, mafia retelling of Snow White and I am getting none of that. The FMC seems incredibly naive and sounds as if she should be 15, not early twenties. There is innocence and then there is just being childish. And the MMC… sure he’s a hunter (perhaps the only link to a possible Snow White retelling here) but bloody hell I cannot cope with this constant monologue of “I can’t stay away from my sister’s best friend but let me go fuck my fiancée who I don’t care about.” Just a whole pile of nope there unfortunately. There is also spice here but I can safely say butter wouldn’t melt on those scenes. They felt clinical which is the worst thing that can happen to a smutty scene. I had such hopes for this one and was so excited but have been left incredibly let down.
Overall, Fairest is a story that just does not work for me.
Thank you again to One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this book.
February 1, 2026
I appreciated how the author drew on her Scottish heritage to weave fairy tales, myths, and legend into a distinctly Scottish setting. The blend of a familiar modern-day Scotland with fantasy elements was immersive and enjoyable to read.
This book is marketed as a dark mafia retelling of Snow White, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver on that premise. The Snow White influence only became clear halfway through the book, when it was explicitly referenced: “It’s Irish. It sort of means Snow White. One woman, seven men, hiding somewhere beyond the enchanted forest. Hair like ebony, lips like blood. And you’re so very, very pale. I don’t remember it all now. Life here is far from being a fairy tale.” Until that point, the connection felt vague rather than integral to the story.
Setting aside the Snow White aspect, the dark mafia romance itself was intriguing, though fairly predictable. The plot tended to be repetitive at times, but I did enjoy both the main characters and the villains. In the end, while there were elements I appreciated, I don’t think the writing style was quite for me.
This book is marketed as a dark mafia retelling of Snow White, but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and ultimately, it didn’t fully deliver on that premise. The Snow White influence only became clear halfway through the book, when it was explicitly referenced: “It’s Irish. It sort of means Snow White. One woman, seven men, hiding somewhere beyond the enchanted forest. Hair like ebony, lips like blood. And you’re so very, very pale. I don’t remember it all now. Life here is far from being a fairy tale.” Until that point, the connection felt vague rather than integral to the story.
Setting aside the Snow White aspect, the dark mafia romance itself was intriguing, though fairly predictable. The plot tended to be repetitive at times, but I did enjoy both the main characters and the villains. In the end, while there were elements I appreciated, I don’t think the writing style was quite for me.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to Harper Collins, NetGalley and Mairi MacMillan for the eARC of Fairest!
I've been really enjoying retellings of mythology, fairytales and popular stories lately, so when I read the description for Fairest, I was instantly intrigued!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I think it took me less than 12hours? (Thank goodness for plane travel and a boat sailing)
Firstly, I wasn't expecting this to be as addicting as it was. We've all read stories containing the Seelie and Unseelie fae, but this was gritty, dark, broody and just oh so delicious. It did take a while for me to understand how it was a "Snow White" retelling, and I felt a bit silly once I realised.
One thing I would like to point out, I was completely taken out of the immersion by the word "block" to describe a street. I'm not sure where Mairi is from, but I know it's not common in the UK (Fairest is based in modern day Glasgow to my knowledge) so this brought me out for a moment.
I loved the twists, the turns and the budding romance between Cillian and Niamh. (Also can I comment how lovely it was to have so many Irish names? More, thank you!) I really hope there's a second book to this, because I need to know how it ends.
If you're a dark romance reader who enjoys fantasy with a bit of tension and spice (depending on your spice tastes, this could be super spicy or mild spice, but regardless, it was hot!), you're going to absolutely love this!
I've already recommended to a friend and would happily recommend to others, and please Mairi, give me a second book! I'm begging you.
I've been really enjoying retellings of mythology, fairytales and popular stories lately, so when I read the description for Fairest, I was instantly intrigued!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. I think it took me less than 12hours? (Thank goodness for plane travel and a boat sailing)
Firstly, I wasn't expecting this to be as addicting as it was. We've all read stories containing the Seelie and Unseelie fae, but this was gritty, dark, broody and just oh so delicious. It did take a while for me to understand how it was a "Snow White" retelling, and I felt a bit silly once I realised.
One thing I would like to point out, I was completely taken out of the immersion by the word "block" to describe a street. I'm not sure where Mairi is from, but I know it's not common in the UK (Fairest is based in modern day Glasgow to my knowledge) so this brought me out for a moment.
I loved the twists, the turns and the budding romance between Cillian and Niamh. (Also can I comment how lovely it was to have so many Irish names? More, thank you!) I really hope there's a second book to this, because I need to know how it ends.
If you're a dark romance reader who enjoys fantasy with a bit of tension and spice (depending on your spice tastes, this could be super spicy or mild spice, but regardless, it was hot!), you're going to absolutely love this!
I've already recommended to a friend and would happily recommend to others, and please Mairi, give me a second book! I'm begging you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Goodreads!
This is my first Snow White retelling and I have to say I am hooked! This had me wanting to do nothing but read from beginning to end. The writer knew exactly how to draw you in and keep the interest going throughout the whole book. at one point I had actually butterflies in my stomach from the suspension of 'The Hunt'.
If you loved Snow White as a kid but want an upgraded, mature 🥵 version then this is for you!
My only issue with the main character is she was kind of oblivious to everything and everyone around her but I understand that it's part of the plot. Cillian could have been a little more upfront about what was happening. I felt so bad for Rose at the end but also relieved to see how Cillian and Niamh ended up!
ALSO...WHERE IS MATT?! 👀👀
This is my first Snow White retelling and I have to say I am hooked! This had me wanting to do nothing but read from beginning to end. The writer knew exactly how to draw you in and keep the interest going throughout the whole book. at one point I had actually butterflies in my stomach from the suspension of 'The Hunt'.
If you loved Snow White as a kid but want an upgraded, mature 🥵 version then this is for you!
My only issue with the main character is she was kind of oblivious to everything and everyone around her but I understand that it's part of the plot. Cillian could have been a little more upfront about what was happening. I felt so bad for Rose at the end but also relieved to see how Cillian and Niamh ended up!
ALSO...WHERE IS MATT?! 👀👀
November 29, 2025
This is my first title by Mairi MacMillan and I had the pleasure to read the kindle on Netgalley. Thank you to the author for allowing me this opportunity.
Oh Goodness where to start?! Not even done with the prologue and I'm already so consumed by this book I could hardly put it down again. The Kindle followed me everywhere in my apartment 😂
The writing was top notch! Mairi brought me into a whole new world with her great way of world building and story telling. She made sure to create a world where I didn't have to imagine it.
This story is for you, If you enjoy a great fantasy story with a bit of romance and suspense. My heart pounded so fast while reading this story!
Oh Goodness where to start?! Not even done with the prologue and I'm already so consumed by this book I could hardly put it down again. The Kindle followed me everywhere in my apartment 😂
The writing was top notch! Mairi brought me into a whole new world with her great way of world building and story telling. She made sure to create a world where I didn't have to imagine it.
This story is for you, If you enjoy a great fantasy story with a bit of romance and suspense. My heart pounded so fast while reading this story!
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my review.
I liked this story but it could have been so much more! It’s a romantasy that has spicy moments, but I would say is more heavy on the fantasy aspect than the romance.
The modern take on Snow White was unique and the magic in the world was very cool, but this is where the story fell short to me. The author could have explained the magic and the court and the characters in a lot more detail. I felt the last third of the book was very rushed to get to the end, it could have been twice the length or made into a series.
I liked this story but it could have been so much more! It’s a romantasy that has spicy moments, but I would say is more heavy on the fantasy aspect than the romance.
The modern take on Snow White was unique and the magic in the world was very cool, but this is where the story fell short to me. The author could have explained the magic and the court and the characters in a lot more detail. I felt the last third of the book was very rushed to get to the end, it could have been twice the length or made into a series.
December 6, 2025
thank you for netgalley for this arc!
this book was an interesting read. i struggled to get into it initially but persevered until the latter half which was much better. i liked the characters and the plot, it naturally sets itself up for a sequel. however i did feel that i had read books that were similar to it in terms of characters more so than the plot. nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read!
this book was an interesting read. i struggled to get into it initially but persevered until the latter half which was much better. i liked the characters and the plot, it naturally sets itself up for a sequel. however i did feel that i had read books that were similar to it in terms of characters more so than the plot. nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Mairi Macmillan and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book!
3 stars — ★★★
I enjoyed this book to some extent, but I struggled with the lack of context in the world-building. I felt as though I was dropped into a fantasy world without sufficient explanation of terms and how it worked, which made it difficult for me to be invested in the characters and in the book overall. While the concept was interesting for me, I ended up not being so engaged in the story as I was hoping for.
3 stars — ★★★
I enjoyed this book to some extent, but I struggled with the lack of context in the world-building. I felt as though I was dropped into a fantasy world without sufficient explanation of terms and how it worked, which made it difficult for me to be invested in the characters and in the book overall. While the concept was interesting for me, I ended up not being so engaged in the story as I was hoping for.
November 28, 2025
"what happens in the darkness stays in the darkness"
Okay i actually cried a good bit at this a few chapters before bed easily turned into another all nighhter to read more as this was so good
Im gonna say I regret reading this but only because I need more so much more
Okay i actually cried a good bit at this a few chapters before bed easily turned into another all nighhter to read more as this was so good
Im gonna say I regret reading this but only because I need more so much more
January 29, 2026
3.25 ⭐️
ARC
I had a good time with this but i would not read this again. The writing style reminded me about wattpad stories wich i generally like.I don’t know if this is a standalone or part of a series.
ARC
I had a good time with this but i would not read this again. The writing style reminded me about wattpad stories wich i generally like.I don’t know if this is a standalone or part of a series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
༄˖°.🍎💀.ೃ࿔*:･
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of Fairest in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complicated one — because the idea behind this book is strong, but the execution never quite settles into something cohesive.
Marketed as “a dark mafia retelling of Snow White,” Fairest blends fae courts, underworld magic, and romantic obsession into a story that wants to be dark, seductive, and mythic… but often feels scattered, rushed, or underexplained.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ~3.5/5 (sex-forward, inconsistent)
.⋅˚₊‧ 🜲 ‧₊˚ ⋅ Worldbuilding & Magic System
The biggest hurdle for me was the worldbuilding.
From the very beginning, Fairest throws the reader headfirst into its mythology with very little grounding. The Kinfolk are magical beings from the underworld governed by two courts — Seelie and Unseelie — with the Seelie court having been destroyed by a spreading disease known as Blight.
All of this is intriguing in theory, but it’s not clearly explained or reinforced. For a large portion of the book, it felt like someone was speaking to me in a language I technically understood, but not fluently enough to feel immersed. Concepts are introduced rapidly, often without context, making it difficult to feel anchored in the world or confident in its rules.
Additionally the human-world portion of the story is supposed to be set in Glasgow Scotland, but the only part of the story that really lines up with that is Niamh's name (which is Irish) and the gods the families represent (which are Celtic), otherwise it could've been set in Timbuktu with no real difference to the plot.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ The Plot
The story centers on Niamh Whyte, a law student and seeker of justice, and Cillian Hunter, a powerful figure within the Unseelie Court.
Cillian is not just a wannabe king — he is the Huntsman, an embodiment of the Celtic god of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos. His role is to track down and execute those marked by the court or the king, regardless of personal cost. His loyalty is meant to be absolute.
The inciting incident occurs when Niamh kills Kin in an act of self-defense, alongside Cillian and Vittoria. Because she is a human, the court orders Niamh’s death immediately— and devastatingly, the task of hunting her falls to Cillian himself.
Niamh is given the same chance all marked individuals receive: if she can reach Sanctuary, she will be spared. Sanctuary is technically a prison — once inside, no one can leave — but it is also protection. It’s here that Niamh encounters seven men, paralleling Snow White’s dwarfs, who offer refuge and safety. This section is where the Snow White retelling becomes clearest — and it’s also where the book is both at its strongest and most frustrating as it's significantly underdeveloped.
That said, there’s a noticeable disconnect between the book’s branding and its content. Despite being labeled a mafia retelling, very little of the story actually reads as mafia (really none of it). The power structures, rivalries, and stakes feel far more rooted in fae fantasy than organized crime, which may disappoint readers expecting a true mafia romance.
🍎👸🏻🪞❄️ Snow White Parallels
The Snow White elements don’t fully align until much later in the book:
Niamh living in Sanctuary with seven men. A poisoned apple. A jealous, powerful woman spying through magic. Mirrors, obsession, and control.
Once these elements finally converge, the retelling is recognizable and effective. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get there, and some of the impact is lost due to pacing issues.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.𐂂 ݁˖ Cillian (MMC)
Cillian is… frustrating.
Yes, he’s attractive. Yes, the praise kink and dominant energy will work for many readers. But beyond sex and vague ambition, his characterization feels thin.
He’s been obsessed with Niamh for four years — yet continues a sexual relationship with Vittoria Raili, the daughter of the current King of the Unseelie court, and the woman he’s engaged to for political power. Even accounting for political marriages, the lack of internal conflict or disgust toward Vittoria made it difficult to fully buy into his devotion to Niamh.
Much of his internal narrative revolves around sex and possession, with very little strategic thinking or concrete planning to justify his desire to rule the Unseelie court. His decision to abandon his engagement only after sleeping with Niamh felt abrupt and underdeveloped, especially given how long he’s supposedly wanted her.
˙✧˖°⚖︎⋆｡ ˚Niamh (FMC)
Niamh had a lot of potential.
She’s a seeker of justice who appears to genuinely care about others and wants to do good — which should make her compelling. Unfortunately, much of her characterization centers on her virginity and innocence, which ends up flattening her personality.
Too often, she feels more like an object of desire than a fully realized protagonist, which is disappointing given her role as the Snow White figure and moral counterweight to Cillian.
⊹ ࣪ ˖👤 Supporting Characters
Vittoria is one of the more interesting figures — powerful, jealous, and clearly intended to echo the Evil Queen. However, her abilities and powers could have been a fascinating parallel if more clearly defined, I wish we could have gotten chapters from her perspective.
Truthfully, I almost found myself rooting for her — at least until the classic mean-girl, spoiled-brat energy took over. The feminist in me wanted her to take the throne from her father… until she’d say something wildly dismissive about servants or workers and immediately lose me.
Then there’s Rose, Cillian’s younger sister and Niamh’s best friend. Rose’s storyline with Matt, the man she loved who had been marked for death by the court, is one of the most emotionally effective threads in the book. It reinforces the cruelty of the system, and highlights the fear everyone lives under with the current King. Rose’s grief and resistance made her one of the most compelling characters for me.
⊹ ࣪ ˖⏱ ୭˚. ᵎ Pacing & Plot Resolution
The pacing is uneven throughout:
The first 60–70% moves very slowly. Once the plot finally accelerates, it resolves almost instantly
The main conflict wraps up far too quickly, with minimal consequences or emotional payoff. For a story built on obsession, power, and danger, the climax lacked tension and weight.
⋆｡°·✎ᝰ. Final Thoughts
Fairest has a strong concept and clear Snow White inspiration, but it struggles with execution. The worldbuilding is dense without being accessible, the romance leans heavily on sexual tension at the expense of emotional development, and the pacing makes it difficult to fully invest.
That said, readers who enjoy:
dark romantasy, obsessive MMCs, fae courts and magic, and loose fairytale retellings
may still find elements to enjoy here.
Tropes / What to Expect
🍎 Snow White Retelling - Poisoned Apple
🩸 Obsessive MMC
👑 Fae Courts (Seelie / Unseelie)
🖤 Dark Romantasy
🪢 Kink Exploration
🏰 Sanctuary / Found Family (underdeveloped)
⚖️ Power & Control Themes
I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it either — and I genuinely think readers who enjoy dark fairytale retellings with fae politics and obsessive MMCs may connect with it more than I did.
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an ARC of Fairest in exchange for an honest review.
This is a complicated one — because the idea behind this book is strong, but the execution never quite settles into something cohesive.
Marketed as “a dark mafia retelling of Snow White,” Fairest blends fae courts, underworld magic, and romantic obsession into a story that wants to be dark, seductive, and mythic… but often feels scattered, rushed, or underexplained.
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: ~3.5/5 (sex-forward, inconsistent)
.⋅˚₊‧ 🜲 ‧₊˚ ⋅ Worldbuilding & Magic System
The biggest hurdle for me was the worldbuilding.
From the very beginning, Fairest throws the reader headfirst into its mythology with very little grounding. The Kinfolk are magical beings from the underworld governed by two courts — Seelie and Unseelie — with the Seelie court having been destroyed by a spreading disease known as Blight.
All of this is intriguing in theory, but it’s not clearly explained or reinforced. For a large portion of the book, it felt like someone was speaking to me in a language I technically understood, but not fluently enough to feel immersed. Concepts are introduced rapidly, often without context, making it difficult to feel anchored in the world or confident in its rules.
Additionally the human-world portion of the story is supposed to be set in Glasgow Scotland, but the only part of the story that really lines up with that is Niamh's name (which is Irish) and the gods the families represent (which are Celtic), otherwise it could've been set in Timbuktu with no real difference to the plot.
ˋ°•*⁀➷ The Plot
The story centers on Niamh Whyte, a law student and seeker of justice, and Cillian Hunter, a powerful figure within the Unseelie Court.
Cillian is not just a wannabe king — he is the Huntsman, an embodiment of the Celtic god of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos. His role is to track down and execute those marked by the court or the king, regardless of personal cost. His loyalty is meant to be absolute.
The inciting incident occurs when Niamh kills Kin in an act of self-defense, alongside Cillian and Vittoria. Because she is a human, the court orders Niamh’s death immediately— and devastatingly, the task of hunting her falls to Cillian himself.
Niamh is given the same chance all marked individuals receive: if she can reach Sanctuary, she will be spared. Sanctuary is technically a prison — once inside, no one can leave — but it is also protection. It’s here that Niamh encounters seven men, paralleling Snow White’s dwarfs, who offer refuge and safety. This section is where the Snow White retelling becomes clearest — and it’s also where the book is both at its strongest and most frustrating as it's significantly underdeveloped.
That said, there’s a noticeable disconnect between the book’s branding and its content. Despite being labeled a mafia retelling, very little of the story actually reads as mafia (really none of it). The power structures, rivalries, and stakes feel far more rooted in fae fantasy than organized crime, which may disappoint readers expecting a true mafia romance.
🍎👸🏻🪞❄️ Snow White Parallels
The Snow White elements don’t fully align until much later in the book:
Niamh living in Sanctuary with seven men. A poisoned apple. A jealous, powerful woman spying through magic. Mirrors, obsession, and control.
Once these elements finally converge, the retelling is recognizable and effective. Unfortunately, it takes a long time to get there, and some of the impact is lost due to pacing issues.
.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.𐂂 ݁˖ Cillian (MMC)
Cillian is… frustrating.
Yes, he’s attractive. Yes, the praise kink and dominant energy will work for many readers. But beyond sex and vague ambition, his characterization feels thin.
He’s been obsessed with Niamh for four years — yet continues a sexual relationship with Vittoria Raili, the daughter of the current King of the Unseelie court, and the woman he’s engaged to for political power. Even accounting for political marriages, the lack of internal conflict or disgust toward Vittoria made it difficult to fully buy into his devotion to Niamh.
Much of his internal narrative revolves around sex and possession, with very little strategic thinking or concrete planning to justify his desire to rule the Unseelie court. His decision to abandon his engagement only after sleeping with Niamh felt abrupt and underdeveloped, especially given how long he’s supposedly wanted her.
˙✧˖°⚖︎⋆｡ ˚Niamh (FMC)
Niamh had a lot of potential.
She’s a seeker of justice who appears to genuinely care about others and wants to do good — which should make her compelling. Unfortunately, much of her characterization centers on her virginity and innocence, which ends up flattening her personality.
Too often, she feels more like an object of desire than a fully realized protagonist, which is disappointing given her role as the Snow White figure and moral counterweight to Cillian.
⊹ ࣪ ˖👤 Supporting Characters
Vittoria is one of the more interesting figures — powerful, jealous, and clearly intended to echo the Evil Queen. However, her abilities and powers could have been a fascinating parallel if more clearly defined, I wish we could have gotten chapters from her perspective.
Truthfully, I almost found myself rooting for her — at least until the classic mean-girl, spoiled-brat energy took over. The feminist in me wanted her to take the throne from her father… until she’d say something wildly dismissive about servants or workers and immediately lose me.
Then there’s Rose, Cillian’s younger sister and Niamh’s best friend. Rose’s storyline with Matt, the man she loved who had been marked for death by the court, is one of the most emotionally effective threads in the book. It reinforces the cruelty of the system, and highlights the fear everyone lives under with the current King. Rose’s grief and resistance made her one of the most compelling characters for me.
⊹ ࣪ ˖⏱ ୭˚. ᵎ Pacing & Plot Resolution
The pacing is uneven throughout:
The first 60–70% moves very slowly. Once the plot finally accelerates, it resolves almost instantly
The main conflict wraps up far too quickly, with minimal consequences or emotional payoff. For a story built on obsession, power, and danger, the climax lacked tension and weight.
⋆｡°·✎ᝰ. Final Thoughts
Fairest has a strong concept and clear Snow White inspiration, but it struggles with execution. The worldbuilding is dense without being accessible, the romance leans heavily on sexual tension at the expense of emotional development, and the pacing makes it difficult to fully invest.
That said, readers who enjoy:
dark romantasy, obsessive MMCs, fae courts and magic, and loose fairytale retellings
may still find elements to enjoy here.
Tropes / What to Expect
🍎 Snow White Retelling - Poisoned Apple
🩸 Obsessive MMC
👑 Fae Courts (Seelie / Unseelie)
🖤 Dark Romantasy
🪢 Kink Exploration
🏰 Sanctuary / Found Family (underdeveloped)
⚖️ Power & Control Themes
I didn’t love this, but I didn’t hate it either — and I genuinely think readers who enjoy dark fairytale retellings with fae politics and obsessive MMCs may connect with it more than I did.
December 19, 2025
thank you to one more chapter / harpercollins and mairi macmillan for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
tropes
fae mafia worldbuilding
unseelie court politics
age gap
best friend’s brother
yearning love
possessive love interest
found family
forbidden romance vibes
overall thoughts ~
fairest was a genuinely fun and engaging read with a strong central concept. the idea of reimagining a fae world through a mafia lens, especially within the unseelie court, was fresh and compelling, and it immediately set the tone for a darker, more dangerous romance. while the book succeeds in atmosphere and romantic tension, it struggles with pacing and scope. the story attempts to establish a highly complex world with layered family dynamics, political hierarchies, and fae lore, but it doesn’t give itself enough space to fully develop those elements. as a result, the romance shines more than the fantasy framework supporting it. still, it was an enjoyable ride and one i’d recommend to readers who prioritize tropey, emotionally charged romance over dense worldbuilding.
see below for full review (with small spoilers)
_______________________________________
the concept of fairest is easily its strongest hook. blending traditional fae elements with mafia-style power structures and ruling families creates a world that feels dangerous, indulgent, and morally gray. the unseelie court in particular lends itself well to this interpretation, and i appreciated how the story leaned into control, loyalty, and reputation rather than the softer, whimsical fae tropes seen in other books. on a conceptual level, this worked extremely well and kept me interested throughout.
where the book begins to falter is in how much it tries to introduce all at once. there are a lot of characters, families, and implied histories layered into the narrative, but the groundwork isn’t fully laid for readers to grasp the significance of each one. the story is still followable, but many elements feel more suggested than explored. instead of fully understanding the political and familial dynamics at play, i often felt like i was skimming the surface of something much deeper. this is especially noticeable because the book clearly wants to present a complex, mafia-like hierarchy, but doesn’t quite give those structures enough time to breathe.
this same issue affects character development. several characters have the potential for compelling arcs, yet they don’t receive enough focus to feel fully realized. relationships and loyalties are established quickly, sometimes at the expense of emotional depth. i didn’t dislike the characters, but i wanted more time with them to understand their motivations and inner conflicts beyond their roles in the story. the narrative often moves on just as something interesting is introduced.
the hunter is a great example of this. conceptually, it’s one of the most intriguing aspects of the book, but it feels underexplored. i wanted more explanation, more context, and more integration into the story as a whole. this applies to several elements of the worldbuilding: they’re interesting ideas, but they remain just out of reach, as if the book needed either more pages or a tighter focus to fully commit to them.
fairest feels like a book with big ambitions and a clear vision, but limited space to execute everything it set out to do. it works best as a dark fae romance with mafia aesthetics rather than a fully fleshed-out fantasy epic. i enjoyed it, especially for the tropes and the romantic tension, but i couldn’t help wishing for deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. for readers who love fae romance with a darker edge and don’t mind a faster, less detailed approach to lore, this will still be a very enjoyable read
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
tropes
fae mafia worldbuilding
unseelie court politics
age gap
best friend’s brother
yearning love
possessive love interest
found family
forbidden romance vibes
overall thoughts ~
fairest was a genuinely fun and engaging read with a strong central concept. the idea of reimagining a fae world through a mafia lens, especially within the unseelie court, was fresh and compelling, and it immediately set the tone for a darker, more dangerous romance. while the book succeeds in atmosphere and romantic tension, it struggles with pacing and scope. the story attempts to establish a highly complex world with layered family dynamics, political hierarchies, and fae lore, but it doesn’t give itself enough space to fully develop those elements. as a result, the romance shines more than the fantasy framework supporting it. still, it was an enjoyable ride and one i’d recommend to readers who prioritize tropey, emotionally charged romance over dense worldbuilding.
see below for full review (with small spoilers)
_______________________________________
the concept of fairest is easily its strongest hook. blending traditional fae elements with mafia-style power structures and ruling families creates a world that feels dangerous, indulgent, and morally gray. the unseelie court in particular lends itself well to this interpretation, and i appreciated how the story leaned into control, loyalty, and reputation rather than the softer, whimsical fae tropes seen in other books. on a conceptual level, this worked extremely well and kept me interested throughout.
where the book begins to falter is in how much it tries to introduce all at once. there are a lot of characters, families, and implied histories layered into the narrative, but the groundwork isn’t fully laid for readers to grasp the significance of each one. the story is still followable, but many elements feel more suggested than explored. instead of fully understanding the political and familial dynamics at play, i often felt like i was skimming the surface of something much deeper. this is especially noticeable because the book clearly wants to present a complex, mafia-like hierarchy, but doesn’t quite give those structures enough time to breathe.
this same issue affects character development. several characters have the potential for compelling arcs, yet they don’t receive enough focus to feel fully realized. relationships and loyalties are established quickly, sometimes at the expense of emotional depth. i didn’t dislike the characters, but i wanted more time with them to understand their motivations and inner conflicts beyond their roles in the story. the narrative often moves on just as something interesting is introduced.
the hunter is a great example of this. conceptually, it’s one of the most intriguing aspects of the book, but it feels underexplored. i wanted more explanation, more context, and more integration into the story as a whole. this applies to several elements of the worldbuilding: they’re interesting ideas, but they remain just out of reach, as if the book needed either more pages or a tighter focus to fully commit to them.
fairest feels like a book with big ambitions and a clear vision, but limited space to execute everything it set out to do. it works best as a dark fae romance with mafia aesthetics rather than a fully fleshed-out fantasy epic. i enjoyed it, especially for the tropes and the romantic tension, but i couldn’t help wishing for deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. for readers who love fae romance with a darker edge and don’t mind a faster, less detailed approach to lore, this will still be a very enjoyable read
February 13, 2026
Cillian wants to be King but in order to do that he has to marry the right woman, a Kinfolk woman. So he decides to marry Vittoria. She's kind of ruthless and I had my eye on her right from the start because there was something not right about her. Cillian is a Hunter for the Unseelie Court and he administers the courts justice. When the court decides someone must die, they send a Hunter.
Cillian has a sister named Rose and Niamh is Rose's best friend, but Niamh is human and doesn't know anything about the Kinfolk. Cillian wants to try and get to the bottom of the Blight that is infecting more of the Kinfolk underworld but in order to do more, he has to become King.
The Blight is infecting a lot, something infected the Tree of Life hundreds of years ago and now the Blight is spreading, rapidly. The Tree of Life is long dead, only some roots remain. It kills and destroys everything it touches and nothing destroys it or gets rid of it. Kinfolk and humans live together in this world but most humans don't know about the Kinfolk. Kinfolk are supernatural's of a sort. There are also Unseelie and the Unseelie court which was a surprise to me since the description of this book didn't sound like this was going to include the Fae.
Cillian lusts after Niamh and feels a strong pull towards her so he stays away from her as much as he can. When Niamh and Rose are at a club dancing, they both get drugged and kidnapped. But Niamh is able to send a distress text to Cillian before she passes out and he comes before the men can be off with both girls. Only problem is that Niamh picks up a knife and kills one of the Kinfolk that drugged her and tried to kidnap her before she passes completely out. Vittoria and Cillian see this and know what's about to happen because it's a crime for a human to kill any Kinfolk, no matter the reason. So when the hunt is ordered and Cillian is supposed to hunt and kill Niamh, he can hardly bring himself to do it.
He gives her a chance to run in the woods and reach sanctuary but along the way during the Hunt they both find out things aren't as they may seem. There are secrets that come to light and that makes the end of this story twist in a way that I didn't see coming.
When I picked this book I was expecting a dark mafia romance and this is not that! Not even close. It's more about the Unseelie Court, secrets and the Kinfolk.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cillian has a sister named Rose and Niamh is Rose's best friend, but Niamh is human and doesn't know anything about the Kinfolk. Cillian wants to try and get to the bottom of the Blight that is infecting more of the Kinfolk underworld but in order to do more, he has to become King.
The Blight is infecting a lot, something infected the Tree of Life hundreds of years ago and now the Blight is spreading, rapidly. The Tree of Life is long dead, only some roots remain. It kills and destroys everything it touches and nothing destroys it or gets rid of it. Kinfolk and humans live together in this world but most humans don't know about the Kinfolk. Kinfolk are supernatural's of a sort. There are also Unseelie and the Unseelie court which was a surprise to me since the description of this book didn't sound like this was going to include the Fae.
Cillian lusts after Niamh and feels a strong pull towards her so he stays away from her as much as he can. When Niamh and Rose are at a club dancing, they both get drugged and kidnapped. But Niamh is able to send a distress text to Cillian before she passes out and he comes before the men can be off with both girls. Only problem is that Niamh picks up a knife and kills one of the Kinfolk that drugged her and tried to kidnap her before she passes completely out. Vittoria and Cillian see this and know what's about to happen because it's a crime for a human to kill any Kinfolk, no matter the reason. So when the hunt is ordered and Cillian is supposed to hunt and kill Niamh, he can hardly bring himself to do it.
He gives her a chance to run in the woods and reach sanctuary but along the way during the Hunt they both find out things aren't as they may seem. There are secrets that come to light and that makes the end of this story twist in a way that I didn't see coming.
When I picked this book I was expecting a dark mafia romance and this is not that! Not even close. It's more about the Unseelie Court, secrets and the Kinfolk.
Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
She craves him; he must hunt her.
Dark. Delicious. And impossible to resist!
In this Snow White-inspired tale of mystery and fantasy, familial and political bonds begin to fray under the weight of old magic and quiet, unexpected defiance. Niamf, orphaned and alone, has resolved to fight for her chance to seek justice in this world by becoming a lawyer. She never expects to find herself embroiled in the very battle she thought she'd fight on behalf of other innocents. Cillian, broody and powerful, has lived the last several years with one singular goal in mind: rid the world of the unjust Unseelie King. Against his wishes, their paths cross - until he's forced to confront her.
In true fairytale fashion, I love that the feelings of our main characters are kept as beautiful secrets, rearing their heads at the most inopportune, and most romantic, times. As the tale becomes more complicated, Cillian and Niamf are drawn together again and again until there's no possible way to ignore the signs. Even if it means Niamf must forsake all she believed to be real in order to save herself. She craves him even as he is bound to hunt her.
The magical and mystical elements of the Celtic myths were so masterfully woven into this story. I love that the story took place in a world like ours, brushed up against a world where magic and myth still rule. And the way that MacMillan creates space for the unexpected at every turn. Even knowing the fairytale, my curiosity was constantly piqued and my attention always leaping ahead to unravel what came next. The darker elements were paired perfectly with the insatiable pull of romance. The characters were well crafted and their transformation irresistible. Fairest is perfect for readers who appreciate darker romance and the pull of fate, myth, and magic.
What could be lurking in the shadows? Which forces seek to play with fate? Prepare yourself to question the reality you've grown comfortable with and allow yourself to be swept away with notions of what could be. You may find you've been pulled in by the magic and fantasy that refuses to lose its grip on you - and you won't mind being caught up in that reality. Thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Miari MacMillan for the opportunity to read and share my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fairest is a modern Snow White retelling including Huntsman (Cillian) , fairest of them all Niamh and Evil Queen-to-be Vittoria. It’s all wrapped in a maffia twist with fae/lore and a complicated court system.
The writing is compelling, and the world-building is richly realized. A dark, intricate web surrounds the characters, drawing the reader deeper with every page.
While the opening includes a substantial amount of backstory and scene-setting—introducing the cast, atmosphere, and lore—once those foundations are laid, the narrative surges forward. From that point on, the story becomes impossible to put down, carrying its momentum all the way to the end.
Cillian was a true love-hate character for me—there were moments when I wanted to punch him, and others when he made me swoon, leaving me thoroughly flustered by his “charm”. He had a hard time choosing between his desires and ambitions/duty.
And that in my eyes made him as bit of a jerk, undeserving on Niamhs affection.
Niamh came off a bit naive, well yes she was raised as a human unknowing the Underworld exists. But some moments she was just too bad at having any backbone it made me cringe.
The story: Niamh is convicted of murdering one of the Kinfolk, sentenced by a court system designed to protect the powerful rather than the innocent. Her executioner is chosen swiftly—Cillian, the Huntsman.
Cillian is next in line for the throne. King Vincenzo, father to his betrothed Vittoria, has insinuated him having the crown once their marriage is complete. Loyalty, duty, and ambition have always guided Cillian’s life—until Niamh.
She is human. Forbidden. And the one person he cannot bring himself to destroy.
Forced to track the woman he secretly desires, Cillian must decide whether to claim the power he has worked toward his entire life…or defy the rational choices.
What he doesn’t realize is that Niamh’s conviction is only the beginning. Hidden factions, ancient bargains, and unseen players are already moving the pieces, and Cillian is far from the one in control.
Twisting alliances and dangerous revelations drive the story toward a hard-won happy-for-now—while leaving the door open for an even more explosive sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve got to give it to Mairi MacMillan — I didn’t like a lot of things about Fairest, but I kept reading to the end. So despite everything I have to say, keep in mind that she did keep my attention until the end of the book, and a lot of what I have to say is very subjective and may just be me being persnickety (shocker).
I did not like a lot of the characters and how they were portrayed. MacMillan writes Niamh as if she’s a strong badass, but also wants her to be the innocent, too-pure to corrupt virgin. Her virginity is emphasised very, very often throughout the book. Cillian is a badass; she wants you to know this as well and anything he is does is actually, good, actually because he is in love with Niamh. I’m all for morally grey characters, but when morally grey actions are swept under the rug or shrugged off, that’s when I get frustrated.
The plot has one of two paces: breakneck or plodding. When it’s quick and interesting, MacMillan finds her stride, but she struggled to make slower sections compelling. The clues she laid down—if she wanted them to be subtle, they were not. The revelation at the end was poorly and obviously communicated and the pacing of the end was absolutely bizarre and uneven.
Lastly, I really did not like the dialogue or the writing during the “spicy” scenes; I caught myself rolling my eyes so often throughout the book. I think perhaps some readers will find those lines or descriptions funny or relatable or tension-building but for me, they fell flat.
I think that romantasy fans who enjoy a fairy tale retelling will like Fairest; for me, while I was intrigued by the premise, the writing didn’t hold up. I think a lot of the issues could have been helped by support from the publisher; it feels rushed to take advantage of the romantasy bandwagon right now. Based on this, I may have to avoid the romantasy genre for awhile—these types of tropes, this type of writing is just a letdown for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this DRC. All opinions are mine alone.
I did not like a lot of the characters and how they were portrayed. MacMillan writes Niamh as if she’s a strong badass, but also wants her to be the innocent, too-pure to corrupt virgin. Her virginity is emphasised very, very often throughout the book. Cillian is a badass; she wants you to know this as well and anything he is does is actually, good, actually because he is in love with Niamh. I’m all for morally grey characters, but when morally grey actions are swept under the rug or shrugged off, that’s when I get frustrated.
The plot has one of two paces: breakneck or plodding. When it’s quick and interesting, MacMillan finds her stride, but she struggled to make slower sections compelling. The clues she laid down—if she wanted them to be subtle, they were not. The revelation at the end was poorly and obviously communicated and the pacing of the end was absolutely bizarre and uneven.
Lastly, I really did not like the dialogue or the writing during the “spicy” scenes; I caught myself rolling my eyes so often throughout the book. I think perhaps some readers will find those lines or descriptions funny or relatable or tension-building but for me, they fell flat.
I think that romantasy fans who enjoy a fairy tale retelling will like Fairest; for me, while I was intrigued by the premise, the writing didn’t hold up. I think a lot of the issues could have been helped by support from the publisher; it feels rushed to take advantage of the romantasy bandwagon right now. Based on this, I may have to avoid the romantasy genre for awhile—these types of tropes, this type of writing is just a letdown for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this DRC. All opinions are mine alone.
January 11, 2026
Unfortunately, I don’t have a much stronger review for this book than this: the concept was promising, but the execution didn’t live up to it.
This is meant to be a Snow White retelling with dark fae and mafia-adjacent elements, but it felt like the author tried to include too many ideas at once. Instead of focusing on a few core threads and developing them fully, the story introduced a lot of elements that were never given enough depth to feel meaningful.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian. Cillian is engaged to Vittoria, a union that would help secure his rise to power, but he clearly wants Niamh, which are feelings she shares. While the emotional tension between them had potential, the constant back-and-forth between past and present disrupted the pacing and made it difficult to stay immersed. Some reveals, particularly regarding Niamh’s identity, felt predictable, while the backstory involving her parents didn’t quite make sense or feel fully integrated into the narrative.
Several aspects of the world-building were underdeveloped. The lore surrounding the Seelie and Unseelie courts was not clearly explained, making it hard to understand the political dynamics at play. Vittoria, who was positioned as a central antagonist, lacked depth. She was just there.
The seven men meant to parallel the seven dwarves were barely explored, and I found myself wishing Niamh had more meaningful interactions with them to make their presence relevant.
Ultimately, this book felt like it needed more space. If this story had been split into a duology, with time to properly develop the characters, lore, and relationships, it could have been much stronger. The final act conflict, in particular, was resolved far too quickly, making the ending feel rushed and unsatisfying.
This is meant to be a Snow White retelling with dark fae and mafia-adjacent elements, but it felt like the author tried to include too many ideas at once. Instead of focusing on a few core threads and developing them fully, the story introduced a lot of elements that were never given enough depth to feel meaningful.
The story follows Niamh and Cillian. Cillian is engaged to Vittoria, a union that would help secure his rise to power, but he clearly wants Niamh, which are feelings she shares. While the emotional tension between them had potential, the constant back-and-forth between past and present disrupted the pacing and made it difficult to stay immersed. Some reveals, particularly regarding Niamh’s identity, felt predictable, while the backstory involving her parents didn’t quite make sense or feel fully integrated into the narrative.
Several aspects of the world-building were underdeveloped. The lore surrounding the Seelie and Unseelie courts was not clearly explained, making it hard to understand the political dynamics at play. Vittoria, who was positioned as a central antagonist, lacked depth. She was just there.
The seven men meant to parallel the seven dwarves were barely explored, and I found myself wishing Niamh had more meaningful interactions with them to make their presence relevant.
Ultimately, this book felt like it needed more space. If this story had been split into a duology, with time to properly develop the characters, lore, and relationships, it could have been much stronger. The final act conflict, in particular, was resolved far too quickly, making the ending feel rushed and unsatisfying.
dnf
January 13, 2026Fairest jest retellingiem Snow White (Królewna Śnieżka) - i właśnie z tego powodu w ogóle chciałam tę książkę przeczytać. Póki co jednak wychodzi, że wspólne z baśnią to są tylko postać złej typiary i prośba o przyniesienie serca.
Przytłoczyła tę książkę nieudana i chaotyczna próba wprowadzenia szalenie skomplikowanej intrygi politycznej. Ciężko zrozumieć, co właściwie dzieje się w tym świecie, oprócz tego, że istnieją ludzie i stworzenia, które wyglądają jak ludzie ale mają jakieś magiczne moce. Nie znamy zasad tego świata, poza faktem, że jak człowiek zabije Kina (cokolwiek to jest) to musi zapierdzielać po lesie a główny bohater, magiczny hunter (z ambicją zostania królem),będzie na niego polować. No i tak się składa, że dziewczyna na którą pan hunter leci (i najlepsza przyjaciółka jego siostry) przypadkiem jednego Kina zabiła, więc chłop musiał ją do lasu wywieźć, czy chciał czy nie chciał (niby nie chciał, bo na nią leci, ale trochę chciał). Ona jednak znalazła magiczne sanktuarium, ja za to poddałam się z lekturą, bo przyjemności mi ta książka sprawiła zero.
Ciężko i topornie jest to napisane. Pierwsze rozdziały przytłaczają opisami - które przeplatają próbę nakreślenia świata i polityki (która nie wyszła) z opisami westchnień bohatera do bohaterki i nawzajem. Potem mamy trochę dynamicznej akcji, a do tego bardzo niedelikatne hinty, że w sumie to magia na dziewczynę nie działa, więc pewnie będzie pochodziła z rodu jakiejś innej rasy, co wyginęła. Czyli zero zaskoczeń.
Może gdyby to było lepiej napisane, to miałabym ochotę sprawdzić dalej, co fabularnie wymyśliła autorka, ale no nie dam rady. A szkoda, bo pomysł był fajny, nawet z głupiego powodu jakim jest połączenie wątków romantasy z mafijnym klimatem.
DNF at 51%.
Przytłoczyła tę książkę nieudana i chaotyczna próba wprowadzenia szalenie skomplikowanej intrygi politycznej. Ciężko zrozumieć, co właściwie dzieje się w tym świecie, oprócz tego, że istnieją ludzie i stworzenia, które wyglądają jak ludzie ale mają jakieś magiczne moce. Nie znamy zasad tego świata, poza faktem, że jak człowiek zabije Kina (cokolwiek to jest) to musi zapierdzielać po lesie a główny bohater, magiczny hunter (z ambicją zostania królem),będzie na niego polować. No i tak się składa, że dziewczyna na którą pan hunter leci (i najlepsza przyjaciółka jego siostry) przypadkiem jednego Kina zabiła, więc chłop musiał ją do lasu wywieźć, czy chciał czy nie chciał (niby nie chciał, bo na nią leci, ale trochę chciał). Ona jednak znalazła magiczne sanktuarium, ja za to poddałam się z lekturą, bo przyjemności mi ta książka sprawiła zero.
Ciężko i topornie jest to napisane. Pierwsze rozdziały przytłaczają opisami - które przeplatają próbę nakreślenia świata i polityki (która nie wyszła) z opisami westchnień bohatera do bohaterki i nawzajem. Potem mamy trochę dynamicznej akcji, a do tego bardzo niedelikatne hinty, że w sumie to magia na dziewczynę nie działa, więc pewnie będzie pochodziła z rodu jakiejś innej rasy, co wyginęła. Czyli zero zaskoczeń.
Może gdyby to było lepiej napisane, to miałabym ochotę sprawdzić dalej, co fabularnie wymyśliła autorka, ale no nie dam rady. A szkoda, bo pomysł był fajny, nawet z głupiego powodu jakim jest połączenie wątków romantasy z mafijnym klimatem.
DNF at 51%.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
****Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC copy of Fairest by Mairi MacMillan in exchange for an honest review.
I knew going in that Fairest was a Snow White retelling, so I had certain expectations. I usually enjoy dark retellings and adult takes on classic fairy tales. Unfortunately, this book did not work for me in the same way.
From the very beginning, I struggled with the writing style and the pacing. Getting familiar with the world took longer than it should have, and I never felt fully settled into it. However, what disappointed me the most were the characters. I did not genuinely like a single one of them, not the male characters, not the female characters, not even the side characters.
Cillian’s behavior especially bothered me. He claims to have feelings for Niamh, yet continues his relationship with Vittorio without hesitation. That alone created a strong sense of discomfort for me. Rose was another character I could not connect with. In the early bar scene, she is far from friendly toward Niamh, yet later insists that she is her closest friend. These contradictions made the relationships feel forced and unconvincing.
Overall, the book was full of red flags for me. Around the forty percent mark, I seriously considered DNFing it. I kept going, hoping for a twist, character growth, or something that would change my perspective. Unfortunately, that never happened. The characters stayed the same, and my frustration only grew.
In the end, Fairest turned out to be a disappointing read for me. As someone who genuinely enjoys dark fairy tale retellings, I wanted to like this book, but it simply did not deliver what I was hoping for.
I knew going in that Fairest was a Snow White retelling, so I had certain expectations. I usually enjoy dark retellings and adult takes on classic fairy tales. Unfortunately, this book did not work for me in the same way.
From the very beginning, I struggled with the writing style and the pacing. Getting familiar with the world took longer than it should have, and I never felt fully settled into it. However, what disappointed me the most were the characters. I did not genuinely like a single one of them, not the male characters, not the female characters, not even the side characters.
Cillian’s behavior especially bothered me. He claims to have feelings for Niamh, yet continues his relationship with Vittorio without hesitation. That alone created a strong sense of discomfort for me. Rose was another character I could not connect with. In the early bar scene, she is far from friendly toward Niamh, yet later insists that she is her closest friend. These contradictions made the relationships feel forced and unconvincing.
Overall, the book was full of red flags for me. Around the forty percent mark, I seriously considered DNFing it. I kept going, hoping for a twist, character growth, or something that would change my perspective. Unfortunately, that never happened. The characters stayed the same, and my frustration only grew.
In the end, Fairest turned out to be a disappointing read for me. As someone who genuinely enjoys dark fairy tale retellings, I wanted to like this book, but it simply did not deliver what I was hoping for.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and One More Chapter, and the author for this ARC.
I had hopes going into this one with the description of Snow White meets mafia. But it fell short for me in so many ways.
I saw the vision I did and the concept of it was there but the execution wasn’t.
The world building was hard to follow and at the end I was still not sure how the underworld exists with the humans and why the FMC didn’t know about it but also when she found out acted like she knew. The many characters and parts of the world building were too much and were confusing and distracting. Too many components together that made it jump back and forth.
The past chapters do nothing to add. They should have been a paragraph or 2 at most.
Snow White reference was there for 2 seconds so it was not just to build the description around it. It didn’t appear until 78% into the book and lasted maybe 1 chapter. Also where was Mafia? To me it was just some old school and fashioned royal family politics.
Chapter 21 was the best chapter in the whole book. We finally got the see character progression from both and got them together finally. Too 80%. It felt as though it took 85% for the world building and relationship building to hustle through in 15%. Because that 15% at the end was the best part of the book.
Overall it was just hard to follow and I’m glad I didn’t DNF because the last 15% shined. I saw the vision of this book. I saw what it wanted to be but the execution fell very flat for me.
I don’t DNF books but if I did this would come close.
The ending kind of left too many things unanswered for the reader which makes me thing there’s a book 2 which i may pick up in hopes it’s better and we understand the world more.
2 stars.
I had hopes going into this one with the description of Snow White meets mafia. But it fell short for me in so many ways.
I saw the vision I did and the concept of it was there but the execution wasn’t.
The world building was hard to follow and at the end I was still not sure how the underworld exists with the humans and why the FMC didn’t know about it but also when she found out acted like she knew. The many characters and parts of the world building were too much and were confusing and distracting. Too many components together that made it jump back and forth.
The past chapters do nothing to add. They should have been a paragraph or 2 at most.
Snow White reference was there for 2 seconds so it was not just to build the description around it. It didn’t appear until 78% into the book and lasted maybe 1 chapter. Also where was Mafia? To me it was just some old school and fashioned royal family politics.
Chapter 21 was the best chapter in the whole book. We finally got the see character progression from both and got them together finally. Too 80%. It felt as though it took 85% for the world building and relationship building to hustle through in 15%. Because that 15% at the end was the best part of the book.
Overall it was just hard to follow and I’m glad I didn’t DNF because the last 15% shined. I saw the vision of this book. I saw what it wanted to be but the execution fell very flat for me.
I don’t DNF books but if I did this would come close.
The ending kind of left too many things unanswered for the reader which makes me thing there’s a book 2 which i may pick up in hopes it’s better and we understand the world more.
2 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don’t even know how to explain Fairest properly without sounding dramatic, but whatever. This book kind of got under my skin in a quiet way. It’s not loud about what it’s doing. It just slowly pulls you in and before you realize it, you’re thinking about it at random times during the day.
What I loved most is that it doesn’t feel like a shiny, perfect fairytale. It feels raw. Messy. The characters aren’t these untouchable, flawless people — they make choices that frustrate you, they doubt themselves, they feel insecure in ways that feel very real. And honestly? That made it hit harder. I didn’t feel like I was watching characters. I felt like I was sitting next to them while everything unfolded.
There’s this undercurrent through the whole story about beauty and worth and what it means to be “the fairest,” and it’s not handled in a preachy way. It’s uncomfortable at times, but in a good way. It makes you reflect on things you don’t usually want to admit out loud — jealousy, comparison, wanting validation. I caught myself thinking, “Okay… that’s a little too relatable.”
The writing isn’t over-the-top flowery, which I appreciated. It lets the emotions do the heavy lifting. Some scenes just linger. Not because they’re dramatic explosions, but because they feel intimate. Quiet tension. Small moments that mean more than they seem to at first.
It’s not a fast, flashy read. It’s more of a slow burn. The kind of story where the impact sneaks up on you. By the end, I didn’t feel wrecked — I felt thoughtful. A little unsettled. In a way that makes you sit with the story instead of just closing the book and moving on.
It’s the kind of book that doesn’t scream for attention but definitely deserves it.
And honestly? I’m still thinking about it.
What I loved most is that it doesn’t feel like a shiny, perfect fairytale. It feels raw. Messy. The characters aren’t these untouchable, flawless people — they make choices that frustrate you, they doubt themselves, they feel insecure in ways that feel very real. And honestly? That made it hit harder. I didn’t feel like I was watching characters. I felt like I was sitting next to them while everything unfolded.
There’s this undercurrent through the whole story about beauty and worth and what it means to be “the fairest,” and it’s not handled in a preachy way. It’s uncomfortable at times, but in a good way. It makes you reflect on things you don’t usually want to admit out loud — jealousy, comparison, wanting validation. I caught myself thinking, “Okay… that’s a little too relatable.”
The writing isn’t over-the-top flowery, which I appreciated. It lets the emotions do the heavy lifting. Some scenes just linger. Not because they’re dramatic explosions, but because they feel intimate. Quiet tension. Small moments that mean more than they seem to at first.
It’s not a fast, flashy read. It’s more of a slow burn. The kind of story where the impact sneaks up on you. By the end, I didn’t feel wrecked — I felt thoughtful. A little unsettled. In a way that makes you sit with the story instead of just closing the book and moving on.
It’s the kind of book that doesn’t scream for attention but definitely deserves it.
And honestly? I’m still thinking about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews