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Folkloric #5

Folkloric Guile

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My fury isn’t just emotional, it’s botanical, noxious and spreading fast.
The town’s pride-and-joy battle reenactment festival is in full swing. Think chainmail, fake weapons, and a level of enthusiasm that borders on alarming. The trouble is, fae are flaunting it, swanning around without glamours because they fit right in with the crowds of medieval infantry and overly keen LARPers. My temper is fraying. But there isn’t going to be a fae incident. Not on my watch.
Lucas and I are already stretched thin, dealing with the excruciating black gouges in our Keeper bond markings whilst navigating our fledgling relationship—I’ve got decades of baggage, he’s got millennia. There are issues.
But when Elivorn turns up, we have a serious problem. He’s tracking my every move, whispering at the edges of my mind, twisting everything until I can’t tell where my fury ends and he begins. Casting a glamour would be handy, but I’m failing spectacularly, sprouting hallucinogenic, toxic, irate henbane each time I try. I’m losing it, and the damn plants are freaking me out.
Worse still, the heart of darkness has arisen once more, and Elivorn has plans for it. We have to stop him before he destroys the festival and the town. Only thing is, my uncontrollable fury might just get there first.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2026

36 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Karenza Grant

9 books78 followers
Karenza Grant writes folklore-inspired fantasy of all kinds, often with delectable slow-burn romance.

Her early years in Cornwall were largely the source of her fascination with all things mysterious. She lived below a hill reputed to be the Cornish residence of the Unseelie Court, and the local myths got their claws in. Now she’s inspired by a broad range of creators, from Jim Henson and Arthur Rackham to a whole host of amazing contemporary authors.

She has three black cats known as The Three Guardians, and a crazy lab x spaniel who is just about the only thing that can extract Karenza from her writing desk—if the pooch isn’t walked, the legions of hell will be released.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,982 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2026
Dealing with fae at a medieval re-enactment

This is a brilliantly written UF read, and the series just keeps getting better, set in a small village in the south of France. With French folklore, myths, magic, curses, humor, banter, family and friendships, action, adventure, great characters, a dash of romance and an army of tiny prehistoric warriors who live for pillaging and a good fight (though they're very polite about it).

Following on sealing their mate bond they realise it's been infected with the malum they'd stopped Lucas' family from using. Though Lucas can deal with the pain it's starting to become too much for Camille who also needs to make sure the fae don't interfere too much with the re-enactment festival (with many of the fae not going in glamor as they fit in too well as they are). She also needs to find a way to tell Grampi that their bond isn't just a keeper one. She knows he still doesn't trust Lucas as he's a Rouseau but too many people are starting to draw attention to them. And what is it with the bane plants that keep on sprouting up?

"Grampi's footfall thudded its way to the landing.
Lucas stood there glaring at me, plate in hand. "No way," he growled. "I'm not going out the bathroom window again."

We also get to see Lucas struggling with his drac form more than once in this, and learn more about him. You can't help but love him, no matter what from he's in, as he so devoted to protecting Camille.

With Elivorn also around, threatening Camille and getting in her head (she's quick to temper in this book), he's obviously up to something. The D&D gang are still trying to help (and getting in the way in the process) and we also see plenty more folkloric creatures including the Bruxa (I love how they are with Lucas and Camille) and the Cauchmar.

Another great story by Karenza Grant, with a huge mix of fae, goblins, elves, gods, and other creatures; and not forgetting the Men of Bédeilhac. It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next in this fantastic series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria Golby.
1,982 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2026
Dealing with fae at a medieval re-enactment

This is a brilliantly written UF read, and the series just keeps getting better, set in a small village in the south of France. With French folklore, myths, magic, curses, humor, banter, family and friendships, action, adventure, great characters, a dash of romance and an army of tiny prehistoric warriors who live for pillaging and a good fight (though they're very polite about it).

Following on sealing their mate bond they realise it's been infected with the malum they'd stopped Lucas' family from using. Though Lucas can deal with the pain it's starting to become too much for Camille who also needs to make sure the fae don't interfere too much with the re-enactment festival (with many of the fae not going in glamor as they fit in too well as they are). She also needs to find a way to tell Grampi that their bond isn't just a keeper one. She knows he still doesn't trust Lucas as he's a Rouseau but too many people are starting to draw attention to them. And what is it with the bane plants that keep on sprouting up?

"Grampi's footfall thudded its way to the landing.
Lucas stood there glaring at me, plate in hand. "No way," he growled. "I'm not going out the bathroom window again."

We also get to see Lucas struggling with his drac form more than once in this, and learn more about him. You can't help but love him, no matter what from he's in, as he so devoted to protecting Camille.

With Elivorn also around, threatening Camille and getting in her head (she's quick to temper in this book), he's obviously up to something. The D&D gang are still trying to help (and getting in the way in the process) and we also see plenty more folkloric creatures including the Bruxa (I love how they are with Lucas and Camille) and the Cauchmar.

Another great story by Karenza Grant, with a huge mix of fae, goblins, elves, gods, and other creatures; and not forgetting the Men of Bédeilhac. It ends with a bit of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to find out what happens next in this fantastic series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
784 reviews17 followers
March 2, 2026
Camille and Lucas are still trying to figure out what happened with their bond markings. Keeping the pain at bay with a potion, Camille is not making sure the re-enactment festival goes off without any Fae interference. But when Elivorn shows up and threatens Camille, Camille's emotions start to go haywire and a deadly plant keeps popping up whenever she gets too angry. Now she must keep her emotions in check and try to find a way to get Elivorn out of her head before she does something really regrets.
Camille is really out of sorts in this book. With the malum infecting her keeper bonds, she is almost constantly in pain and quick to anger due to that. She has a very difficult time reigning in her anger and gets into some very unfortunate situations. She has the added stress of former rivals testing her as well. As much as she wants to figure this out, she is still tentative and afraid (I mean, I don't want to step through a portal made by a toxic plant, so I don't blame her). But she does manage to push herself to do things she doesn't want to, like meeting a childhood "friend" of Lucas's. And luckily, she has Lucas and their bond to help keep her from doing anything too disastrous.
This was another book packed full of French folklore and I love getting to learn about all the different creatures and lore. The world building was again fantastic. We got to meet the Bruxa and the Cauchmar in this book. And of course, there was still the Men causing their hijinks as well. There was a perfect balance of humor and tension throughout this book, with another exciting ending to this book. This subplot wrapped up perfectly and after that ending, I can't wait for the next book (again!).
Profile Image for Lisa Burns.
8 reviews
March 16, 2026
Karenza Grant and her Folkloric series continue to be one of my favorites. Folkloric Guile is another clever entry into this world.

I loved the anthropomorphism of the henbane plants. They were rather cheeky and fun in their pungent, poisonous way. The descriptions of the plants appearance in the areas where Camille was struggling with her own emotions were wonderful.

Elivorn was his usual pompous, bloviating self. He didn’t disappoint with his endeavor, but I wonder what his game plan was if he hadn’t seen Camille’s bond markings.

Camille’s continued mental disgust with Lucas’ natural state is getting tiresome because she ponders it so much, and Lucas is aware of her abhorrence. It will be interesting to see what breaks her out of that.

Ms. Grant’s masterful use of the English language delights me sometimes. “That worm of anger you had against Rodrigo from accounts for stealing your stapler could be healthily explored by bludgeoning him” is probably my favorite here. The hat tip to a popular movie and the expansion of a thought that many of us have probably had at some point helped drive the idea of visiting the festival home.

However, the Men continue to be the icing on the Folkloric cake! Don’t pass on this book –the Festival of Charlemagne and the big reveal are worth the price of admission!
1,253 reviews36 followers
March 5, 2026
Book five in this fun, humorous, fantasy series. Set in the modern day in a small French mountain village and through the boundary into Fae.

Protecting the boundary isn’t easy, when others are trying to break it open. Camille and Lucas are bent on protecting it. But as a historic festival unfurls in the village, Camille finds herself so angry, just about - everything and everyone. Lucas, more years under his belt than he would wish to shout about, is her calming influence. His brother definitely less so, and up to his dirty deeds once more.

There’s darkness within, all around, and in the path that Camille must take. Meanwhile Grampi is showing he doesn’t like Lucas. Which is a problem because Camille is quite set on him; when he’s in his human form anyway.

Read the series from the beginning if you can. There’s so much fun reading to be had, and you’ll understand this book much better. It will be worth it!

This book seemed in some ways a stepping stone on the journey towards the climax of the series. Will Camille and Lucas come out victors? I look forward to finding out.

Thank you to Karenza Grant for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
Profile Image for Caprice.
171 reviews3 followers
March 13, 2026
A Charming Return to Folkloric World

Folkloric Guile, the fifth instalment in the Folkloric series by Karenza Grant, is another engaging and enjoyable addition to a world that continues to grow richer with each book.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this instalment is its strong focus on French folklore. It brings a refreshing change of atmosphere and adds a distinctive cultural flavour to the story. The myths, creatures, and traditions woven into the narrative create an interesting backdrop that sets this book apart from earlier entries in the series. At times, however, the depth of folklore references felt as though it assumed a bit of prior familiarity. Without that background knowledge, certain elements were slightly confusing and required a moment to piece together.

That said, this didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. The plot remains engaging, the world-building continues to expand in satisfying ways, and the familiar tone of the series is very much intact. It’s always a pleasure returning to this universe and seeing how the characters navigate new challenges and folkloric twists.
425 reviews
April 5, 2026
I’ve enjoyed this series written by Karenza Grant and I’ve been introduced to some very interesting Fae characters along with coming to know our two Keepers human Camille Amiel and drac Lucas Rousseau with each book being full of folklore and fae-tastic action but this book was rather different because it took a turn from the continuous nail-biting fae fighting action to have Camille looking more introspective into what is fueling her raging anger as she deals with Lucas’ brother Elivorn. There’s still some action in fighting but I felt this one lacked on the folklore and fantastical fae characters and dragged on about Camille’s reactions to everything from Elivorn to not telling Grampi about her mated relationship with Lucas. It was a more emotional story with Camille struggling in many areas. I loved that Lucas is able to show his more possessive loving side finally now and hope to see more along those lines in the future book and that Camille can totally come to grips with who she is mated to.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kris Cobb.
194 reviews3 followers
March 2, 2026
Camille and Lucas are already stretched thin at the best of times, maintaining the bounds between the mortal world and fae lands, trying to maintain a relationship that her Grampi does not approve of, helping take care of the farm and the goats, and helping train their friends to help them. All this while she works at the cafe and he is the town doctor. More, their bond markings are painful and eating into their arms.

Then, during a festival celebrating Charlemagne and Roland, the town is invaded by the "heart of darkness". They have to protect the townsfolk and the tourists from the new danger.

What is causing their bond markings to be so painful? Can they cure that? Can they stop the "heart of darkness"? How will the tourists react to this "heart of darkness"? Will they stay safe, or will they, untrained in the ways of the fae realm, try to help fight it?

Don't ask the book's AI! Read the book for yourself; it will be worth the time.
373 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2026
What a rage filled roller coaster this book was! Camille and Lucas are really in the thick of it now. Their French Village is hosting a celebration this week with war reenactments, vendors, fae on full display, and a nightmare being unleashed all around them. Their keeper and mate bonds are still causing pain and turning black, with no answers from anyone, and Camille wants to rage at all of them. Not that I blame her in the least.

I continue to be amazed at the story the author weaves for us. She pulls up the most beautiful imagery with her folklore and fae peoples. I could see the landscape and hamlet she created as well as it's very colorful inhabitants. The growth of Camille and Lucas individually and together is also lovely to see. I cannot wait for the finale and hope against all the drac influence that things will go differently than I imagine.

“This is Fae, Camille. All kinds of peculiar things happen.”
Profile Image for Kendra.
75 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
Book five in the series.
The Folkloric series is set in modern day France in a small village.
Camille and Lucas are actively working on preventing Lucas' family from breaking the boundary, all the while trying to protect the people in the village during a reenactment from destruction.

They are yet to discover how or why their bond marks are turning black and why the hell Camille can't stop being so angry. Everything seems to set her off and it doesn't help that Grampi hates Lucas.

This is a wonderful story and bringing in the old folklore is a wonderful addition to this urban fantasy. The plot is engaging and I can't wait to find out what the final outcome is. I only wish I could experience it all myself!
I definitely recommend picking up this series and putting your imagination into the french countryside to enjoy all the wonders of the Fae!
Profile Image for Mandi.
Author 12 books78 followers
March 15, 2026
Who knew you could learn so much from a fantasy book?

Well, honestly, I did, but I love learning new things, especially while enjoying what I'm reading.

Grant's books have shown me that there is so much more to France than Paris. The mountains, the folklore, the history. She's drawn me in more with each book.

Camille and Lucas are great leading characters, but I have to admit, I love the Men. Slaughter is a great sidekick. I can't figure out why Grampi is so bothered about Dracs when his partner was the daughter of evil incarnate. I hope that gets revealed before the series ends.

The Bruxes were a fun addition to this book, and I can't help wonder if they still have a part to play.

I can't wait to see what happens in book 6!
195 reviews6 followers
April 17, 2026
This is the 5th instalment in the Folkloric series and this works just keeps getting better. I feel as if I could walk through this town and recognise all the people as I walked by, as they are all so clear in my imagination.

Camille is facing so many obstacles, and that pesky Elivorn keeps living up to his bad boy image, while trying to destroy the world. Luckily for us, we have his brother Lucas to even out the playing field!

This story has so much going on. There is plenty of tension and the pace is fast, which kept me wanting to keep reading. And I love the little touches of humour that are woven through all of it.

Bring on book 6!!

Thank you Karena Grant for my copy of this ebook.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,235 reviews88 followers
March 3, 2026
One of the reasons I like this series is its uniqueness in its mythology. I love learning about new things. In this latest, Camille has an anger that seems to keep going out of control and a way with plants she never had before. Elivorn is also around causing trouble with her, and he’s up to something with the darkness. We are taken on quite the journey with all our favorite characters, and it’s definitely a wild ride. The festival is a nice touch to the book, too, because the fae can be themselves and don’t have to wear glamour. Well-written, entertaining and fun, this is a great installment to the series. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,956 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2026
I'm shamelessly addicted to this series.
Lots of interesting characters in folklore, a bit of romance, and a great cast in a supportive role.
As the story proceeds the depth of our main characters becomes deeper, and as always there is always a lot going on in different levels of the story and a new character or two to learn about.

If you like folklore and an author who knows how to articulate the story in a manner that will have you wanting more, this is a great series to read. Highly anticipate the next book!
165 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2026
Yet another fantastic book, this series seems to just get better and better.
Lucas and Camille's relationship continues to evolve and develop even with the outside forces continuing to try to force them apart.
I love that this series is so different from a lot of the other books that are out there.
It keeps me gripped wondering what is going to happen next.
I can highly recommend this series but please start from the first book you won't regret it.
1,402 reviews7 followers
March 14, 2026
This is the next book in the series and is not a standalone. I couldn't put this book down. There was so much action and a few surprises as well as Lucas, Camille deal with the next problem with help from the gang. I loved the emotional depth and how much Camille has grown in this one. There was a hint at the end as to what they'll have to face in the next book, and I can't wait for it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
Another insrallment of the adventures of Camile and Lucas is ready for you to enjoy. They're keeper bond seems to be somehow tainted and creating them both issues. Camile is being affected at an emotional level that is causing some odd manifestations. Elivorn is up to something and they have to figure it out because it is creating issues at the festval of Charlemagne. As always, the path to solving the problems is a winding and grueling one. Dive into the latest release for all the fun details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
388 reviews10 followers
April 3, 2026
Picking up with issues from the previous book, Camille and Lucus are still trying to figure out what in the seven hecks is going on. But that's not all they have to contend with. There's 'plants gone wild,' Song of Roland reenactments, sibling issues, and trying to keep Grampi in the dark.

I llove seeing the characters develop more and learning more about this mixture of fantasy and folklore that I was generally unaware of until this series. Keep up the awesome work, Author Grant. Please!
4,613 reviews21 followers
March 3, 2026
Its festival time and things are a bit crazy as tourists and Fae are in town to enjoy it all. So of course things go wrong but it made for some funny and nail biting situations to enjoy. Loved it all and seeing Lucas and Camille grow closer and deal with everything else they must as the festival. And of course Elivorn is present to add to all the confusion. Loved it all.
2,335 reviews6 followers
March 27, 2026
Folkloric Guile book 5 in The Folkloric series by Karenza Grant is another great addition to this unputdownable series! I'm loving learning all about the folklore of France, the worldbuilding, the different characters and the fabulous storyline! This series just keeps getting better and better, I need more!

I received an ARC from the author and leaving my review freely and happily.
Profile Image for Cleocutie.
3,196 reviews25 followers
March 3, 2026
Camille and Lucis are back and have to deal with the reenactment and the fae it brings as well as their own relationship problems and figuring out what is going on with their bond marks. I loved the magic, history, and fae all woven together.
64 reviews
March 8, 2026
Things are getting darker in this book, as Lucas' brother decides to drive Camille to her breaking point. Since he's not allowed to kill her, driving her crazy might just do the trick. How she and Lucas deal with the mayhem that ensues makes for another fast-paced story.
Profile Image for Suzette  Stephens.
54 reviews15 followers
March 11, 2026
The story and characters are developing so well. It still seems that if I wasn't told the setting was France, I would have no idea, despite the story of Charlemagne in this one. The lore and what is to come has me looking forward to the next chapter though.
42 reviews
April 9, 2026
Guile

4-4.5* this was a good read and continuation of the series. A little slow in places, but I love the the story, the characters and need book 6 as soon as possible! Magical, mythical and very entertaining.
Profile Image for Nichole Martin.
154 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 28, 2026
How utterly fabulous! It was fun, intense at moments, and emotional. I love Lucas, and his devotion to Camille. An ending to bring much excitement for the next book! I can't wait to read it!
208 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2026
I like the story line and the characters. Mystic and fantasy coming together. The adventure and danger is very good. The world building is amazing. I recommend this book to urban fantasy lovers
129 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2026
What a tough ride for Camille again, with the new relationship, the mating bond marks causing so much pain and concern and Elivorn being, well.. Elivorn 😵‍💫. The emotional ride of feeling out of control while fighting the ongoing battles that the Keepers are responsible for, and fighting the pain from the bond damage as well.. my heart ached for Camille.

I do love the way the whole gang comes together in a crisis, and indeed so many townsfolk, and the wonderful love between Camille and Lucas. Once again I wait eagerly for the next instalment, but at least I know they have each other ❤️
Profile Image for Tina Maldonado.
58 reviews
March 20, 2026
another exciting read with twists and turns. Camille figuring out were her anger comes from and in the end both grampi and Lucas let everything settle. cant wait for the next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katrina Smith.
10 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2026
I will be biased but I just love this series! The lore is fantastic and it just keeps me wanting more. Its a decent length and I really couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one
Profile Image for Raeleane.
643 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
Book 5 in the Folkloric series by Karenza Grant and it is as good if not better than the last. I was absolutely captivated from the first page to the very last word. The story has action, adventure, A bit of romance, and magic. The characters are all well written with depth. Each character seems to come alive more in each story. And of course the brilliant and beautiful world that Karenza writes in weaves magically throughout the book! I absolutely enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews