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Of Flesh and Fable: Book 1 of The Darkling Series
★★★★★ "The high fantasy sapphics have been yearning for for decades."
★★★★★ "Syn took a very popular genre and made it her own. The intrigue and plot twists were so well executed and unexpected, I loved every second."
A cursed hunter and her captive, both ensnared by the grips of fate and immortal power...
Elowen was born with a blood debt hanging over her head, one the Shade Lord will collect upon her twenty-first year. Unwilling to succumb to a fate of having the life siphoned out of her in order to extend the shade’s, she flees the mortal settlement and makes for the Fae Realm of Aetherya with a single dagger in hand.
Leijla is bound to the Fae Queen by a terrible curse, which forces her to do unspeakable things in accordance with The Queen’s will. Her latest to hunt down the fugitive Elowen Lockwood. But when Leijla takes Elowen captive, The Compulsion goes inexplicably silent, and she’s forced to choose between delivering Elowen to her doom, or risk the promise of freedom and ever seeing her homeland again.
In an unexpected turn of events, a deep and primal connection forms between huntress and captive. As their relationship evolves, Elowen and Leijla must navigate Fae, meddling gods, fell beasts, and Leijla’s mysterious past–which may very well be the key to undoing the dark plot to enslave all of humanity.
★★★★★ "Syn took a very popular genre and made it her own. The intrigue and plot twists were so well executed and unexpected, I loved every second."
A cursed hunter and her captive, both ensnared by the grips of fate and immortal power...
Elowen was born with a blood debt hanging over her head, one the Shade Lord will collect upon her twenty-first year. Unwilling to succumb to a fate of having the life siphoned out of her in order to extend the shade’s, she flees the mortal settlement and makes for the Fae Realm of Aetherya with a single dagger in hand.
Leijla is bound to the Fae Queen by a terrible curse, which forces her to do unspeakable things in accordance with The Queen’s will. Her latest to hunt down the fugitive Elowen Lockwood. But when Leijla takes Elowen captive, The Compulsion goes inexplicably silent, and she’s forced to choose between delivering Elowen to her doom, or risk the promise of freedom and ever seeing her homeland again.
In an unexpected turn of events, a deep and primal connection forms between huntress and captive. As their relationship evolves, Elowen and Leijla must navigate Fae, meddling gods, fell beasts, and Leijla’s mysterious past–which may very well be the key to undoing the dark plot to enslave all of humanity.
526 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2025
77 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
Emily M. Syn
2 books37 followersEmily M. Syn writes high fantasy with sapphic main characters. Of Flesh & Fable (Book I in the Darkling series) is available now. Of Venom & Virtue will release in 2026. She currently lives in NY with her wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 24, 2025
I ate this book up!
I love that Elowen begins her journey very afraid and unsure of the world around her, but she quickly takes her life into her own hands (literally). She decides to fight for herself and the ones she loves, including new friendships.
Leijla wants to let down her guard but knows that it would be the hardest thing for her to do and probably kill her emotionally. She wants to keep her humanity, which is very admirable and makes me love her even more. She's also fighting for those she loves but has to be careful - playing her cards right - about letting herself go and losing herself. It was really nice seeing her character change and develop in different ways.
I'm very interest to see how more gods play into this book. It's a twist/plot point that I'm not used to seeing in my fantasy stories and I'm all here for it.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the the sequel - although I'm terrified; need my girls to make it out okay!
If you want a fun, refreshing fantasy book, please read Of Flesh and Fable!
I love that Elowen begins her journey very afraid and unsure of the world around her, but she quickly takes her life into her own hands (literally). She decides to fight for herself and the ones she loves, including new friendships.
Leijla wants to let down her guard but knows that it would be the hardest thing for her to do and probably kill her emotionally. She wants to keep her humanity, which is very admirable and makes me love her even more. She's also fighting for those she loves but has to be careful - playing her cards right - about letting herself go and losing herself. It was really nice seeing her character change and develop in different ways.
I'm very interest to see how more gods play into this book. It's a twist/plot point that I'm not used to seeing in my fantasy stories and I'm all here for it.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the the sequel - although I'm terrified; need my girls to make it out okay!
If you want a fun, refreshing fantasy book, please read Of Flesh and Fable!
June 4, 2025
Book 1 in the darkling series holds all the delicious elements, tropes, and classic fairy tale details true fantasy die hard fans love. I found myself enamored, inspired and enchanted by her poetic prose and world building that spoke to my inner magic loving heart. Second, the book has a dual pov, and the main female characters are so strongly written that I took notes. Female readers, regardless of orientation and expression will appreciate the strength, vulnerability and growth of both female arcs AND fantasy lovers from all backgrounds will love two SHEroes they can get behind. If you’re here for the romance, I want to be clear it does not take center stage, rather organically amplifies the story, (this is a compliment), adding the inherited investment in high stakes you want in good epic fantasy. The main thing I look for in my fantasy is creativity and good characters, which Emily provides in spades- faes, the magic system, fun monsters and my fav mysterious gods- all show up in true glorious fashion. In short, im hooked, and I find Emily’s book to be a kindred spirit in its respect to old fantasy, with new takes, and diverse characters. I’ll be along for the entire darkling series ride.
May 27, 2025
A perfect blend of world building and strong female characters. Both of the FMCs had an amazing arc and I cant wait to find out what happens in the next book! 😍
November 29, 2025
I’ve not read many high fantasy books, so this did take me a bit to get into (but that’s 100% a me issue not a reflection on the book) but once I did, I really enjoyed it. I tandem read with the audiobook which really helped, especially with pronunciations 😂 this book has lots of plot and a sapphic romance as a subplot.
This book is written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Danni Deguire. The Darkling series Book One. Sapphic Fantasy, Slow Burn Romance, Captor/Captive, Enemies to Lovers. 1x Spicy Scene.
This book is written in third person with 2x POV’s. Narrated by Danni Deguire. The Darkling series Book One. Sapphic Fantasy, Slow Burn Romance, Captor/Captive, Enemies to Lovers. 1x Spicy Scene.
August 18, 2025
I read this book as an ARC reader, and I loved every minute. The characters were so well developed and the pacing was really nice. The world building wasn't overdone and added a lot of really good details.
Following the story of Elowen first, seeing what she went through to try and escape a debt given to her by her father was intense at some moments. She does what she needs to and meets some pretty incredible folks along the way.
Following the backstory for Leijla, you see what led her to the position she's in during the current story. A life of safety and having her dad with her gets ripped away by an unknown entity, thrusting her into her current life.
Seeing the two MCs meet, there is a lot of tension and distrust. Leijla continues to make decisions that affect her relationship with Elowen, despite the calming effect Elowen has over her. The pair continue their journey, facing challenges and hardship along the way.
Overall, I loved absolutely everything about this book. Elowen and Leijla were written so well, you could really connect to their individual stories. The world was built in a way that you could understand the distances traveled between different areas. The intrigue and plot twists were so good, I loved every single one.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, a unique magic system, and strong female characters.
Following the story of Elowen first, seeing what she went through to try and escape a debt given to her by her father was intense at some moments. She does what she needs to and meets some pretty incredible folks along the way.
Following the backstory for Leijla, you see what led her to the position she's in during the current story. A life of safety and having her dad with her gets ripped away by an unknown entity, thrusting her into her current life.
Seeing the two MCs meet, there is a lot of tension and distrust. Leijla continues to make decisions that affect her relationship with Elowen, despite the calming effect Elowen has over her. The pair continue their journey, facing challenges and hardship along the way.
Overall, I loved absolutely everything about this book. Elowen and Leijla were written so well, you could really connect to their individual stories. The world was built in a way that you could understand the distances traveled between different areas. The intrigue and plot twists were so good, I loved every single one.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy, a unique magic system, and strong female characters.
April 11, 2025
I loved this book so much. The plot, the characters, the representation, the empathy, the complexity!! While about a magical world, it is so entirely rooted in the human experience. I was one of Emily’s ARC readers and her writing is unmatched. Sometimes I feel that dual POVs lack emotion or attention to one character. She gives us equal insight to both girls’ thoughts and feelings. She is so artful with her words - she is literally painting a picture. The crafting of the magic in this book is unparalleled. It is unique in its own way, but the world building doesn’t make you overwhelmed. Elowen, Leijla, and Nightlark have my whole heart I love them so much - I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
May 25, 2025
Emily M. Syn’s immersive debut swept me off my feet. Darkly poetic and emotionally raw, this sapphic fantasy feels like a fever dream, part myth, part nightmare, and wholly unforgettable.
I don’t usually reach for romantasy because most of what I’ve read lets the romance and spice overpower the actual plot. Here it’s the opposite. The story is richly layered and the pacing is just right. I found myself enjoying every step of the journey, drawn into the worldbuilding, the lore, and the careful unfolding of character dynamics. The two POVs were handled so well and the romance developed in a way that felt earned and grounded. The spice was minimal, which I actually appreciated, letting the emotional weight and stakes of the story shine through.
For me, this isn’t just another fae fantasy. It’s a beautifully brutal tale about identity, survival, and reclaiming your voice. Gritty, lyrical, and surprisingly soulful, Of Flesh and Fable is a fierce addition to the genre and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the next book.
I don’t usually reach for romantasy because most of what I’ve read lets the romance and spice overpower the actual plot. Here it’s the opposite. The story is richly layered and the pacing is just right. I found myself enjoying every step of the journey, drawn into the worldbuilding, the lore, and the careful unfolding of character dynamics. The two POVs were handled so well and the romance developed in a way that felt earned and grounded. The spice was minimal, which I actually appreciated, letting the emotional weight and stakes of the story shine through.
For me, this isn’t just another fae fantasy. It’s a beautifully brutal tale about identity, survival, and reclaiming your voice. Gritty, lyrical, and surprisingly soulful, Of Flesh and Fable is a fierce addition to the genre and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on the next book.
June 2, 2025
“She was grateful that their fate lines had intertwined, however sordid their beginning had been.”
I don’t have enough words to sing the praises this book deserves.
It’s fantasy
It’s romance
It’s sapphic
And best of all? It’s indie!
I love Elowen and Leijla and I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here
I don’t have enough words to sing the praises this book deserves.
It’s fantasy
It’s romance
It’s sapphic
And best of all? It’s indie!
I love Elowen and Leijla and I can’t wait to see where their story goes from here
December 11, 2025
Okay, I lived this.
This book was so good. I never could have predicted the twist at the end. Maybe I should have but I was so invested in everything the twist never even crossed my mind. I can’t wait for the next one.
This book was so good. I never could have predicted the twist at the end. Maybe I should have but I was so invested in everything the twist never even crossed my mind. I can’t wait for the next one.
September 17, 2025
wtf this shit was fire, Emily hurry up w the next one girl
May 3, 2025
Fae, foxes, prophesies, favoring gods, and romantic tension all woven into a creative and intricate world. The adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat. Both riveting and poetic, I will replay this book in my head like my favorite scenes from a movie.
June 24, 2025
Get ready to be enveloped in the worlds of Elowen and Leijla. A beautiful and dangerous Fae world is the setting for this epic tale of blood debts, curses, loyal horses, and mystical creatures. I loved every page and can't wait for the next installment.
April 11, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I giggled. I cried. I fell in love with the characters. There aren't many Sapphic high fantasy novels and the representation here is done so well. I can't wait to read more of Emily's stories!
April 20, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
✨ Sapphic High Fantasy
✨ Third Person, Dual POV
✨ 2.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ First in a Series
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
Right when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I love sapphic high fantasies, and I really didn’t even need to know any more than that. (I am super notorious for not reading book blurbs.)
Very early on I was intrigued by the story and the characters. The world building was interesting and felt fresh while still being very distinctly fantasy. Despite there being multiple locations and factions within the world, I didn’t find myself confused (which admittedly happens at times!), so I was able to follow along well. I did get a little turned around at the beginning because of the time jumps between Elowen and Leijla’s chapter, but I think this was due to my kindle settings messing up the format a bit and me missing one of the headers. I got it sorted out after a few chapters.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. The plot felt fresh for the genre. I’m not sure I’m the person to speak on predictability because my brain is very “in the moment” when I’m reading, and I don’t try to get ahead of myself. However I was able to look back and see some foreshadowing which I thought was neat (and made me a little proud of myself), and I didn’t feel like this was a story I had read before.
As for Elowen and Leijla… obsessed. I love them. Usually in stories like this I tend to prefer one MC to other, but nope. They are both so great in their own ways, and I’m not sure I could choose between them if I tried. The relationship between them was so caring and sweet. The way they spoke to each other and reassured one another warmed my heart. (Also I loved Isolde!)
I took off half a star just because at the beginning there was a lot of background/setup before getting to the main storyline, so it took a while for our main characters to meet. This is not uncommon for high fantasies, but made the pacing feel a bit off toward the beginning. The rest of the book’s pacing was good, and the writing throughout was solid.
I cannot wait for the second book and to see where Elowen and Leijla’s story goes (along with the side characters!). I suspect it will be even better.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ “Beautiful girl”
✨ “I will not hurt you.”
✨ Self-sacrifice
✨ Wound tending
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
vomiting/purging, captivity, compulsion, de*th/violence, animal de*th, s*xual assault/threats of SA
✨ Sapphic High Fantasy
✨ Third Person, Dual POV
✨ 2.5/5 Spice Level
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ First in a Series
> micro-tropes and content warnings after review
Right when I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I love sapphic high fantasies, and I really didn’t even need to know any more than that. (I am super notorious for not reading book blurbs.)
Very early on I was intrigued by the story and the characters. The world building was interesting and felt fresh while still being very distinctly fantasy. Despite there being multiple locations and factions within the world, I didn’t find myself confused (which admittedly happens at times!), so I was able to follow along well. I did get a little turned around at the beginning because of the time jumps between Elowen and Leijla’s chapter, but I think this was due to my kindle settings messing up the format a bit and me missing one of the headers. I got it sorted out after a few chapters.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. The plot felt fresh for the genre. I’m not sure I’m the person to speak on predictability because my brain is very “in the moment” when I’m reading, and I don’t try to get ahead of myself. However I was able to look back and see some foreshadowing which I thought was neat (and made me a little proud of myself), and I didn’t feel like this was a story I had read before.
As for Elowen and Leijla… obsessed. I love them. Usually in stories like this I tend to prefer one MC to other, but nope. They are both so great in their own ways, and I’m not sure I could choose between them if I tried. The relationship between them was so caring and sweet. The way they spoke to each other and reassured one another warmed my heart. (Also I loved Isolde!)
I took off half a star just because at the beginning there was a lot of background/setup before getting to the main storyline, so it took a while for our main characters to meet. This is not uncommon for high fantasies, but made the pacing feel a bit off toward the beginning. The rest of the book’s pacing was good, and the writing throughout was solid.
I cannot wait for the second book and to see where Elowen and Leijla’s story goes (along with the side characters!). I suspect it will be even better.
(beware potential spoilers below)
Micro-tropes
✨ “Beautiful girl”
✨ “I will not hurt you.”
✨ Self-sacrifice
✨ Wound tending
Content Warnings
(may not be all inclusive)
vomiting/purging, captivity, compulsion, de*th/violence, animal de*th, s*xual assault/threats of SA
November 7, 2025
amazing storyline, great plot twists, but terrible writing (and so so many grammatical mistakes)
November 7, 2025
This book was a bit slow to start, but that's par for the course for high fantasy. I am SO glad I stuck out the slow beginning because this book was incredible. Usually with dual viewpoints, there's one POV I like more than the other, but I was equally invested in both Leila and Elowen. Can't wait for book 2.
October 12, 2025
amazing
In a world of fantasy and magic. Worlds will collide while evil tries to destroy and take over and conquer the human race. Allies form in the strangest of places to help break the cycle of violence and war.
In a world of fantasy and magic. Worlds will collide while evil tries to destroy and take over and conquer the human race. Allies form in the strangest of places to help break the cycle of violence and war.
June 20, 2025
Flesh and Fable by Emily M. Syn is a gripping and deep fantasy that pulls you in from the first page and gets you hooked.
At its center are two unforgettable heroines, Elowen and Leijla. Elowen begins her journey filled with fear and uncertainty, but seeing her take control of her destiny is nothing short of empowering. She goes from scared and passive to brave and determined, fighting not only for herself but for those she loves. Her transformation is beautiful and inspiring.
Leijla, on the other hand, has been cautious and emotionally distant, but fiercely loyal. Her struggle is internal, protecting her humanity in a world that threatens to tear her apart. The slow and vulnerable development and growth is handled with such care and depth that I can’t help but love her character even more.
Both perspectives in this book are handled with rare skill. Each voice feels distinct, emotionally resonant, and fully developed. The bond that forms between the two main characters feels genuine and earned.
It’s not just another romance or adventure. It’s a brutal, lyrical story about identity, survival, and reclaiming your power. The writing is beautiful. Each sentence feels like a brush on a canvas, painting a fantastic and deeply human story.
If you want fantasy that is brutal, emotional, romantic and refreshing, and weird, read Of Flesh and Fable. I can’t wait for the sequel, even though I’m terrified of what’s to come.
At its center are two unforgettable heroines, Elowen and Leijla. Elowen begins her journey filled with fear and uncertainty, but seeing her take control of her destiny is nothing short of empowering. She goes from scared and passive to brave and determined, fighting not only for herself but for those she loves. Her transformation is beautiful and inspiring.
Leijla, on the other hand, has been cautious and emotionally distant, but fiercely loyal. Her struggle is internal, protecting her humanity in a world that threatens to tear her apart. The slow and vulnerable development and growth is handled with such care and depth that I can’t help but love her character even more.
Both perspectives in this book are handled with rare skill. Each voice feels distinct, emotionally resonant, and fully developed. The bond that forms between the two main characters feels genuine and earned.
It’s not just another romance or adventure. It’s a brutal, lyrical story about identity, survival, and reclaiming your power. The writing is beautiful. Each sentence feels like a brush on a canvas, painting a fantastic and deeply human story.
If you want fantasy that is brutal, emotional, romantic and refreshing, and weird, read Of Flesh and Fable. I can’t wait for the sequel, even though I’m terrified of what’s to come.
April 1, 2025
When I tell you I've been pining after this for literally months... I'm dead serious. Emily probably thinks I'm some kind of creepy super fan (heheh Misery reference) with how closely I've been following the release of this book.
And yall, it lived up to it. I felt separated from a child when I couldn't be reading this book. I love me an enemies to lovers trope and Leilja and Elowen DELIVERED. Grumpy and salty conversations turn into concerned caring and YEARNING. The useless lesbian yearning is strong here and I'm all for it😝
The plot is heavily woven throughout, all characters have strong reasons for their behavior, and the FMCs have complex emotions and beautiful moral strengths.
This book has magical elements I've never encountered in prior fantasy novels. Emily took a very popular genre and made.it.hers.
This delivered everything I wanted from it and now Emily will have to put up with me bothering her about what I can read next of hers. Thank you so much for a fantastic read!
And yall, it lived up to it. I felt separated from a child when I couldn't be reading this book. I love me an enemies to lovers trope and Leilja and Elowen DELIVERED. Grumpy and salty conversations turn into concerned caring and YEARNING. The useless lesbian yearning is strong here and I'm all for it😝
The plot is heavily woven throughout, all characters have strong reasons for their behavior, and the FMCs have complex emotions and beautiful moral strengths.
This book has magical elements I've never encountered in prior fantasy novels. Emily took a very popular genre and made.it.hers.
This delivered everything I wanted from it and now Emily will have to put up with me bothering her about what I can read next of hers. Thank you so much for a fantastic read!
April 4, 2025
If you’re into witty banter, sapphic enemies to lovers, complex, diverse and rooted characters, and high fantasy- then this is the book for you!! Great ready for a fantastic adventure. I loved the rich background and facets of these characters, their flaws and all. The characters felt so grounded and I loved seeing the intricacies and tensions in their relationships. The difficult journey and mental struggles of each made the FMC’s connection that much stronger.
The author, Emily, does such an incredible job with really immersing the reader into this world and the magic of it. Her writing is simply amazing.
These FMCs hold a special place in my heart and I can’t wait for the next novel from Emily!
The author, Emily, does such an incredible job with really immersing the reader into this world and the magic of it. Her writing is simply amazing.
These FMCs hold a special place in my heart and I can’t wait for the next novel from Emily!
April 30, 2025
real fantasy, slow build, good payoff
It took a while to get going, as there’s so much world building that happens, but this is a proper fantasy. Something that has been relatively rare to find in the wlw book world.
Proper adventure, dark themes, but perseverance, and a good set up for the next stage of the story. Spice is light, but meaningful.
It took a while to get going, as there’s so much world building that happens, but this is a proper fantasy. Something that has been relatively rare to find in the wlw book world.
Proper adventure, dark themes, but perseverance, and a good set up for the next stage of the story. Spice is light, but meaningful.
June 2, 2025
I received this book as an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have to start off by (vehemently) thanking Emily for writing such a beautiful story and sharing it with the world, let alone allowing me an early copy of it. When I got a hold of this ARC, life was moving quickly and it hindered how fast I got through the book. But that is in no way reflective of how much I enjoyed this story. If you were to look at my fable account you see my longest streak is thanks to this story because, even if it was only 5 pages, I could not go a day without reading it.
Elowen and Leijla are both so beautifully written. The dual POV serves to immerse the reader well within the MCs thoughts, and I felt the voices were very distinct. In Elowen, we are able to see the beauty in the unknown. She gives grace to those around her despite the world proving less than forgiving. She is brave and quick on her feet, and remains headstrong despite the perils that she is facing.
Leijla is tortured in so many ways. From a childhood of not fitting in and being bullied, to watching her home burn, to being compelled into horrible acts, it is no wonder she is unable to find the sun in the darkened prison of her mind. Watching her fall in love with Elowen and, by default, regaining her desire to truly live was such a beautiful thing.
I am a fan of fantasy and I have found some parallels in the love stories that I can relate to my own life, regardless of the genders involved. However, having these two queer women as MCs was a game changer. I saw the love and tenderness between these two, felt the passion, and it made me care about them all the more because in it I saw pieces of my love for my wife more vividly than I have in other books.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes and I will be recommending this book for a long time to come.
"Until my last breath."
I have to start off by (vehemently) thanking Emily for writing such a beautiful story and sharing it with the world, let alone allowing me an early copy of it. When I got a hold of this ARC, life was moving quickly and it hindered how fast I got through the book. But that is in no way reflective of how much I enjoyed this story. If you were to look at my fable account you see my longest streak is thanks to this story because, even if it was only 5 pages, I could not go a day without reading it.
Elowen and Leijla are both so beautifully written. The dual POV serves to immerse the reader well within the MCs thoughts, and I felt the voices were very distinct. In Elowen, we are able to see the beauty in the unknown. She gives grace to those around her despite the world proving less than forgiving. She is brave and quick on her feet, and remains headstrong despite the perils that she is facing.
Leijla is tortured in so many ways. From a childhood of not fitting in and being bullied, to watching her home burn, to being compelled into horrible acts, it is no wonder she is unable to find the sun in the darkened prison of her mind. Watching her fall in love with Elowen and, by default, regaining her desire to truly live was such a beautiful thing.
I am a fan of fantasy and I have found some parallels in the love stories that I can relate to my own life, regardless of the genders involved. However, having these two queer women as MCs was a game changer. I saw the love and tenderness between these two, felt the passion, and it made me care about them all the more because in it I saw pieces of my love for my wife more vividly than I have in other books.
I cannot wait to see where this series goes and I will be recommending this book for a long time to come.
"Until my last breath."
May 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I enjoyed this so much and could barely put it down after the halfway point! 😍
A fantastic sapphic, adult high fantasy with:
🗡 adventure
✨ fae
🗡 blood-debts
✨ prophecies
🗡 gods
✨ slow-burn romance subplot
🗡 animal "sidekick"
✨ double-POV
I absolutely loved the world-building and the development of character dynamics in this novel! The author created a fascinating world inhabited by humans, fae, and shades (dark faes), adding layers through folk tales and the existence of multiple gods. One protagonist is on the run from a blood debt to a shade, the other is forced to hunt mortals for the Fae queen to earn back her freedom. Fate, and the queen's orders, bring them into each other's path as captive and huntress, only to discover an unexpected connection, both magical and emotional, that leads to revelations which might be the key to saving humanity from a dark plot unfolding in the shadows.
Elowen and Leijla are two very compelling main characters, whose stories were already captivating before their paths even crossed - and became even more so afterward!! I appreciated the unusual choice to begin one storyline in the present (Elowen's), while starting Leijla’s years in the past to build essential context for her character. Without that, her motives and inner struggles might have been harder to understand. The plot twists in Leijla's arc are particularly exciting, and one in particular caught me completely off guard 🦊
The writing style is beautifully evocative, painting scenes and emotions with perfect clarity. If you're a fan of immersive high fantasy with rich folklore and strong female leads, Of Flesh and Fable is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I just finished this yesterday afternoon, and am already looking forward to the sequel!
Thank you so much to the author for the review copy.
I enjoyed this so much and could barely put it down after the halfway point! 😍
A fantastic sapphic, adult high fantasy with:
🗡 adventure
✨ fae
🗡 blood-debts
✨ prophecies
🗡 gods
✨ slow-burn romance subplot
🗡 animal "sidekick"
✨ double-POV
I absolutely loved the world-building and the development of character dynamics in this novel! The author created a fascinating world inhabited by humans, fae, and shades (dark faes), adding layers through folk tales and the existence of multiple gods. One protagonist is on the run from a blood debt to a shade, the other is forced to hunt mortals for the Fae queen to earn back her freedom. Fate, and the queen's orders, bring them into each other's path as captive and huntress, only to discover an unexpected connection, both magical and emotional, that leads to revelations which might be the key to saving humanity from a dark plot unfolding in the shadows.
Elowen and Leijla are two very compelling main characters, whose stories were already captivating before their paths even crossed - and became even more so afterward!! I appreciated the unusual choice to begin one storyline in the present (Elowen's), while starting Leijla’s years in the past to build essential context for her character. Without that, her motives and inner struggles might have been harder to understand. The plot twists in Leijla's arc are particularly exciting, and one in particular caught me completely off guard 🦊
The writing style is beautifully evocative, painting scenes and emotions with perfect clarity. If you're a fan of immersive high fantasy with rich folklore and strong female leads, Of Flesh and Fable is definitely worth adding to your TBR. I just finished this yesterday afternoon, and am already looking forward to the sequel!
Thank you so much to the author for the review copy.
November 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, especially the beginning, but there were two problems. One, it needed more editing, there were way too many typos and two, there were a few too many similarities to Sarah J. Maas's books. It wasn't obvious at first and then there were a few quite subtle elements that reminded me of the aforementioned books, which wasn't bad, but when the Iccar were mentioned it felt like a little too much. And it's a real pity because the original elements of this book's world-building were quite good, numerous and compelling. The characters were great too, Elowen especially, I loved how determined and clever she was. The romance was enemies to lovers but it wasn't a slow burn. Still, it was pretty cute.
I really hope these problems will be resolved in the sequel, because with improved editing and world-building this series has the potential to be really good.
I really hope these problems will be resolved in the sequel, because with improved editing and world-building this series has the potential to be really good.
November 15, 2025
This was good once it got going which admittedly took a little bit. But coming off a book slump where in those books everything was rushed, it was refreshing to have a story line that was fleshed out. We got a chance to know these characters before the action really took off which is worth it if you push through the slow start. Also just a tiny dash of spice at the very end so if that’s what you’re looking for this book is not it. I’ll for sure be picking up book two, I have a feeling our characters are going to spend the majority of it apart but I’m hoping for a faster reunion.
Here’s the spoiler part (or trigger warning I guess)
Elkin!! Seriously wtf?! That horse fought so hard and did not deserve to die. I seriously thought about knocking my rating down because of it, it hurt that bad and I’m mad about it. I just have a hard time with animal death and that one hurt.
Here’s the spoiler part (or trigger warning I guess)
Elkin!! Seriously wtf?! That horse fought so hard and did not deserve to die. I seriously thought about knocking my rating down because of it, it hurt that bad and I’m mad about it. I just have a hard time with animal death and that one hurt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
Good story, subpar writing.
The story itself is quite intriguing, but it takes nearly half the book for the 2 main characters to even meet. There are quite a lot of missed grammatical errors, and I say this as someone with ADHD where I can usually ignore errors because my brain automatically fixes it. But this was different. There were many times I had to re-read a section because the errors just made it confusing to comprehend. That being said, the storyline itself made sense even if it took half the book to get to the main plot.
The story itself is quite intriguing, but it takes nearly half the book for the 2 main characters to even meet. There are quite a lot of missed grammatical errors, and I say this as someone with ADHD where I can usually ignore errors because my brain automatically fixes it. But this was different. There were many times I had to re-read a section because the errors just made it confusing to comprehend. That being said, the storyline itself made sense even if it took half the book to get to the main plot.
December 14, 2025
Slow Burn
I’ll be honest, it was really hard for me to get into this book. I felt like the first 100 or so pages were a bit of a drag through exposition and I almost quit reading it. And I’m so glad that I didn’t! It ended up being a fun and unique journey and the romance was endearing and so nice to have a sapphic slow burn instead of them rushing into each others arms from the start. I feel like the world is fresh and unique and the story has been so fun to adventure through. I’ll be reading the next one as soon as it releases!
I’ll be honest, it was really hard for me to get into this book. I felt like the first 100 or so pages were a bit of a drag through exposition and I almost quit reading it. And I’m so glad that I didn’t! It ended up being a fun and unique journey and the romance was endearing and so nice to have a sapphic slow burn instead of them rushing into each others arms from the start. I feel like the world is fresh and unique and the story has been so fun to adventure through. I’ll be reading the next one as soon as it releases!
April 18, 2025
The plot was SO GOOD. The world building took a minute to get into, but I had heard such great reviews about this book that I pushed through and I’m so glad I did. I felt like I was holding my breath, being chased by a monster and starving the whole time I was reading. Not every author can evoke that kind of feeling while reading. Which says a lot about how great Emily did writing this. It was seriously a great fantasy. Very excited to see where book 2 will take us!
August 2, 2025
This book was truly so so good!!!! The author does a wonderful job of not only connecting you to the main characters but to supporting characters as well. Her world building transcends reality and takes you deep into the world of sapphic fantasy (which I LOVE). It went beyond my expectations and I can’t wait to read book #2 later this year.
September 3, 2025
This book is one of the most suspenseful books I’ve read! So many plot twists kept me excited to read what will happen next. Best of all, the author’s imagination and level of detail made me feel like I was watching a movie. This book is great for fantasy lovers, yet can definitely be enjoyed by those who don’t typically read fantasy!
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