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Fair Folk #3
A Heart So Green
Once in a land of swan princesses and star-touched changelings two sisters were on opposite sides of a war. The cost will be high but balance must be struck in this heart-pounding and enchanting conclusion to this internationally bestselling romantasy trilogy.
After the explosive finale of the Tournament of Kings, Fia and Irian manage to escape to the wildlands, dodging pursuit by her cunning sister Eala. With Fia locked in her own mind, battling a powerful celestial entity, Irian must form new alliances to come up with a plan to defeat Eala’s terrifying magic.
With both the human and fae realm under threat, Eala's rampage must be stopped, no matter the cost. On Bealtain Eve, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, Fia and Irian will finally face off against the swan princess and forge the ending to their love story that was written in the stars.
After the explosive finale of the Tournament of Kings, Fia and Irian manage to escape to the wildlands, dodging pursuit by her cunning sister Eala. With Fia locked in her own mind, battling a powerful celestial entity, Irian must form new alliances to come up with a plan to defeat Eala’s terrifying magic.
With both the human and fae realm under threat, Eala's rampage must be stopped, no matter the cost. On Bealtain Eve, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, Fia and Irian will finally face off against the swan princess and forge the ending to their love story that was written in the stars.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2026
63 people are currently reading
1952 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Selene
8 books645 followersLyra Selene was born under a full moon and has never quite managed to wipe the moonlight out of her eyes. She grew up on a steady diet of mythology, folklore, and fantasy, and now writes tall tales of twisted magic, forbidden romance, and brooding landscapes.
Lyra lives in New England with her husband and daughter, in an antique farmhouse that probably isn’t haunted. She is the author of the young adult duology AMBER & DUSK. A FEATHER SO BLACK is her adult debut.
Twitter: @LyraSelene
Instagram: @lyraselene
Lyra lives in New England with her husband and daughter, in an antique farmhouse that probably isn’t haunted. She is the author of the young adult duology AMBER & DUSK. A FEATHER SO BLACK is her adult debut.
Twitter: @LyraSelene
Instagram: @lyraselene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 9, 2026
What a bittersweet but hopeful, stunning conclusion to this trilogy. My heart hurts. And it’s also full.
A perfect story to end one year and begin another. This turned out to be one of my favorite series that I started (and almost finished) in 2025. Selene’s stunning prose, soulful character depiction, and achingly beautiful love story has me enchanted.
I feel like the overarching theme that stands out in this trilogy’s conclusion is the heartbreaking cost of power. The fact that it is never those who wield its destructiveness that fully pay for the aftermath. From self discovery in book one, to self preservation in book two, Fia’s lesson seems to be surrender and sacrifice in this final book.
Throughout this series every time Fia gains something precious she turns around to lose it just as quickly: blood family, a husband, a grasp on her magic. And she takes it all in stride. While she was often reckless in book two, her actions are more thoughtful and measured here.
And her relationship with Irian? Tragically beautiful. His devotion is profound, unwavering, selfless. “Not in a thousand lifetimes will I ever let you go.” These two are constantly in an unfair dance of yearning, heated glances, stolen touches. I can’t go into what keeps them apart without giving too much away, but their love feels so unbreakable yet fragile.
Fia’s found family is incredible. The multiple points of view help us experience and appreciate their devotion to Fia and saving both humans and Folk from a war none of them started. And the sacrifices they make had me in tears.
The ending? Full circle. Devastating, optimistic, perfect. I can’t wait to see what Selene writes next. Without question, I will be reading it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A perfect story to end one year and begin another. This turned out to be one of my favorite series that I started (and almost finished) in 2025. Selene’s stunning prose, soulful character depiction, and achingly beautiful love story has me enchanted.
I feel like the overarching theme that stands out in this trilogy’s conclusion is the heartbreaking cost of power. The fact that it is never those who wield its destructiveness that fully pay for the aftermath. From self discovery in book one, to self preservation in book two, Fia’s lesson seems to be surrender and sacrifice in this final book.
Throughout this series every time Fia gains something precious she turns around to lose it just as quickly: blood family, a husband, a grasp on her magic. And she takes it all in stride. While she was often reckless in book two, her actions are more thoughtful and measured here.
And her relationship with Irian? Tragically beautiful. His devotion is profound, unwavering, selfless. “Not in a thousand lifetimes will I ever let you go.” These two are constantly in an unfair dance of yearning, heated glances, stolen touches. I can’t go into what keeps them apart without giving too much away, but their love feels so unbreakable yet fragile.
Fia’s found family is incredible. The multiple points of view help us experience and appreciate their devotion to Fia and saving both humans and Folk from a war none of them started. And the sacrifices they make had me in tears.
The ending? Full circle. Devastating, optimistic, perfect. I can’t wait to see what Selene writes next. Without question, I will be reading it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐️
this book delivered an emotionally charged conclusion to the trilogy, and I’m so happy I had the chance to read it early! from the start, the stakes felt high as Fia grappled with the weight of her changing nature while Eala’s rise threatened both realms. I think one of the book’s biggest strengths is how it deepened the character arcs, especially Fia’s journey toward understanding her past and her role as a whole. additionally, the added POVs were a nice touch as they managed to make the conflict feel more layered and real.
that said, while the prose remained lush and evocative, I did occasionally struggle with pacing and clarity around some of the magic sections. there were many moments where the mechanics of the world felt harder to follow than in the previous books, and this lead a disconnect, particularly in the first 25% of the book.
all in all, I’m happy with how everything wrapped up in the end and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for new Lyra Selene books!
thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
this book delivered an emotionally charged conclusion to the trilogy, and I’m so happy I had the chance to read it early! from the start, the stakes felt high as Fia grappled with the weight of her changing nature while Eala’s rise threatened both realms. I think one of the book’s biggest strengths is how it deepened the character arcs, especially Fia’s journey toward understanding her past and her role as a whole. additionally, the added POVs were a nice touch as they managed to make the conflict feel more layered and real.
that said, while the prose remained lush and evocative, I did occasionally struggle with pacing and clarity around some of the magic sections. there were many moments where the mechanics of the world felt harder to follow than in the previous books, and this lead a disconnect, particularly in the first 25% of the book.
all in all, I’m happy with how everything wrapped up in the end and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for new Lyra Selene books!
thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
I absolutely loved A Feather So Black. It was the perfect swan princess story. I loved Rogan and thought it a little sad he didn’t end up with Fia but hoped the ending would show him go free and Eala get her just rewards. But alas this was not a standalone so that didn’t happen.
We got book two A Crown So Silver. I didn’t love book two, it had that dreaded middle book syndrome. I did enjoy the side characters (mainly Wayland, Balor, and Linn.) I did not like Irian in book 2. Fia was not great as well. Plus my boy Rogan was still missing and Fia didn’t seem to care at all. I thought book three will get us to the end and it’ll be excellent. Sadly it was not.
Book three A Heart so Green starts off with Fia trapped inside her own mind fighting off the Bright one Talah. She stays this way for a good 35-40% of the book. Irian is a mourning lover with no use and is extremely boring. Because of this the author decides to use 4 different narrators. We have Fia, Irian, Wayland, and Laoise. I didn’t particularly care for Laoise and still don’t. Wayland was the only one I cared for but feel like his was added just to show that he loved Fia so much too (like does this girl have super lips?!) but falls for Laoise’s brother. Even with all the narrators this part was horribly tedious. The character development was not there.
The middle part of the book is Fia awakening and they all decide to get treasures. Then they decide to go to war. You would think the war part would be the end of the book but no the characters go on journey after journey like they got all the time in the world.
Then the end, my boy Rogan gets absolutely nothing for no reason, and the ending is just a huge tragedy for what? Vibes? Like what reason for all this sadness? Is there another book on the horizon? Or do we just want our readers upset and unhappy? I thought reading the third book would give me the happy ending feeling of a finished series but it just made me mad and kind of unhappy about reading the whole series.
The well written characters in book 1 just kind of went to ash. I honestly wish this was a standalone book instead of the three.
Did I enjoy parts? Yes but I had to skim a lot to find them. The first 1/2 of the book was I’m sorry, really boring. Fia fighting inner demons, Irian being a little bitch boy, Wayland flirting. Then middle quest but like everything was easy? It seemed too easy. The pre-end was the best(?) part. The visit to the castle, the battle. But then we have the horrid ending. I just don’t know why it was done. It seems unnecessary? Unless like I said there is a spin off coming along?
I know others will enjoy this but for me sadly it was not love.
I appreciate and thank Orbit and NetGalley for the arc.
We got book two A Crown So Silver. I didn’t love book two, it had that dreaded middle book syndrome. I did enjoy the side characters (mainly Wayland, Balor, and Linn.) I did not like Irian in book 2. Fia was not great as well. Plus my boy Rogan was still missing and Fia didn’t seem to care at all. I thought book three will get us to the end and it’ll be excellent. Sadly it was not.
Book three A Heart so Green starts off with Fia trapped inside her own mind fighting off the Bright one Talah. She stays this way for a good 35-40% of the book. Irian is a mourning lover with no use and is extremely boring. Because of this the author decides to use 4 different narrators. We have Fia, Irian, Wayland, and Laoise. I didn’t particularly care for Laoise and still don’t. Wayland was the only one I cared for but feel like his was added just to show that he loved Fia so much too (like does this girl have super lips?!) but falls for Laoise’s brother. Even with all the narrators this part was horribly tedious. The character development was not there.
The middle part of the book is Fia awakening and they all decide to get treasures. Then they decide to go to war. You would think the war part would be the end of the book but no the characters go on journey after journey like they got all the time in the world.
Then the end, my boy Rogan gets absolutely nothing for no reason, and the ending is just a huge tragedy for what? Vibes? Like what reason for all this sadness? Is there another book on the horizon? Or do we just want our readers upset and unhappy? I thought reading the third book would give me the happy ending feeling of a finished series but it just made me mad and kind of unhappy about reading the whole series.
The well written characters in book 1 just kind of went to ash. I honestly wish this was a standalone book instead of the three.
Did I enjoy parts? Yes but I had to skim a lot to find them. The first 1/2 of the book was I’m sorry, really boring. Fia fighting inner demons, Irian being a little bitch boy, Wayland flirting. Then middle quest but like everything was easy? It seemed too easy. The pre-end was the best(?) part. The visit to the castle, the battle. But then we have the horrid ending. I just don’t know why it was done. It seems unnecessary? Unless like I said there is a spin off coming along?
I know others will enjoy this but for me sadly it was not love.
I appreciate and thank Orbit and NetGalley for the arc.
February 4, 2026
This just had me checked out. And a bit too bittersweet of an ending for me.
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
December 29, 2025
I can’t believe this trilogy is over. I put off reading it for as long as I could because I wasn’t ready to let the characters go yet. This ending is achingly beautiful and yet so bittersweet. I loved the lore, the duality, the balance. I loved the themes of love and sacrifice. I loved the lyrical prose and the lush world-building. Most of all, I loved the promise of many more stories to be told.
The Fair Folk trilogy is perfect for readers who love fairytales, for whom once upon a time is both a beginning and an ending. Get ready to lose your whole heart to this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Fair Folk trilogy is perfect for readers who love fairytales, for whom once upon a time is both a beginning and an ending. Get ready to lose your whole heart to this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ooft. This one hurt, in a number of ways.
Let me start off by making it clear that I’m a massive fan of this series and would still overall recommend it to romantic fantasy readers. However, this third book felt a bit like it bit off more than it could chew.
The biggest shift was moving from Fia’s single POV (with very occasional Irian POV chapters) to a full multi-POV style. And because I had to spend so much time getting to grips with these new perspectives, the unputdownable pace of the first two books fell off a cliff. It took until the 50% mark to find its stride. It was a bit of a slog getting there and the strength of the first two books was at times the only thing propelling me along.
The jump between 1st (Fia) and 3rd person (all other characters) was also quite jarring and impeded the flow of pace. While the extra POVs showed scenes away from Fia and Irian, I’m not sure the length of them added enough to the plot to justify the slower momentum.
That said, when the story did fully kick in, I was invested once again in these characters. The romance between Fia and Irian was a highlight for me, even if those moments were thinner on the ground this time around.
Overall, it was bit of a sluggish ride. I love these characters to bits, but the change in writing style and the lack of narrative space in the 3rd act meant the ending didn't feel quite as satisfying as I’d hoped.
Let me start off by making it clear that I’m a massive fan of this series and would still overall recommend it to romantic fantasy readers. However, this third book felt a bit like it bit off more than it could chew.
The biggest shift was moving from Fia’s single POV (with very occasional Irian POV chapters) to a full multi-POV style. And because I had to spend so much time getting to grips with these new perspectives, the unputdownable pace of the first two books fell off a cliff. It took until the 50% mark to find its stride. It was a bit of a slog getting there and the strength of the first two books was at times the only thing propelling me along.
The jump between 1st (Fia) and 3rd person (all other characters) was also quite jarring and impeded the flow of pace. While the extra POVs showed scenes away from Fia and Irian, I’m not sure the length of them added enough to the plot to justify the slower momentum.
That said, when the story did fully kick in, I was invested once again in these characters. The romance between Fia and Irian was a highlight for me, even if those moments were thinner on the ground this time around.
Overall, it was bit of a sluggish ride. I love these characters to bits, but the change in writing style and the lack of narrative space in the 3rd act meant the ending didn't feel quite as satisfying as I’d hoped.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Arc review*
4.75
This is by far my fave of the trio. Absolutely devoured it and loved it.
*found family
*fae vs humans
*bargains
*folklore
*war
It had it all, it picked up where the last book left off and that ending wow wow
Thank you Netgalley, Orbit and the author, for this arc in exchange for an honest review
4.75
This is by far my fave of the trio. Absolutely devoured it and loved it.
*found family
*fae vs humans
*bargains
*folklore
*war
It had it all, it picked up where the last book left off and that ending wow wow
Thank you Netgalley, Orbit and the author, for this arc in exchange for an honest review
February 5, 2026
4.5-4.75 ⭐️
I’m going to have to sit with this book and rating for a bit. As a scholar I try blend both subjectivity and objectivity in my reviews. On an objective level I feel this book leans closer to a 4.75 though I’d also accept 4.5 depending on your rubric. However, on a subjective level I’m left wrestling over the end which while objectively and even subjectivity isn’t bad—I accept it—pushes against my world-view in a bit of a fundamental way. Though that is also not bad within and of itself. Personally I believe art, yes even a fantasy trilogy, should at minimum contain the ability to challenge your thoughts, beliefs and viewpoint.
Let’s get into it. Buckle in this will be a long one with both review of technical aspects of the novel like plot, pacing, characters and writing, some gushing, and an overall final thoughts on the series + story as a whole.
This book is by far the strongest book in the series. Ironically this is a bit of a double edged sword because I do love watching authors grow and truly discover their voice and hone their craft. I also love when a series ends on a really strong and powerful conclusion which this series definitely does but part of me mourns what this series could have been had it not been Selene’s first big adult trilogy. I think had Selene had some time to really develop and voice, style and craft this would have been a transformative, amazing, perfect story and given that she does a lot of craft and story discovery during this trilogy not in a bad way but a definitely noticeable way this series falls just a bit short of being ‘perfect’ or transformative + god tier for me which is ever so slightly disappointing.
Issues that Selene had struggled with in the first two books I felt she mainly overcame in this one. The pacing felt better. I was more invested in the story and the characters who really came into their own in this final installment. Most noticeably I feel Selene really nailed her voice and lush, decant writing style in this one which had come across as dense to me in the past books. Many readers will still find Selene’s writing style even in this book to be quite dense. Her voice and style is not for everyone but I personally think that she does a really wonderful job blending traditional folklore and opulent, honey-combed, rich, vivid, archaic yet oddly timeless imagery and metaphors. Selene’s ability to create imagery and emotion through purple proses is truly evocative. There were several moments in this book that were so beautiful I felt them settle in my heart with the weight of a feather touch. It’s the exact kind of storytelling and experience that I personally want from a dark, more folklore + fairytale based story. There are little swear words. She doesn’t have modern enmities or phrases cloaked in fantasy-inspired langue. Her writing is complex and requires the reader to really engage with the prose, the text, the glossary, and yes even maybe a dictionary. While I think you could still get the how do you spell just gist of story without doing those things but there will be moments of confusion, inference, and you will probably find the writing dense and indigestible. I had felt a bit that way in the past books though not to an extent that truly docked my rating since I enjoy that a bit more than the average reader but I really think that Selene hit her stride in this final book. I enjoyed the reading process a lot more this time around. The usage of what many might find obscure or thesaurus words felt naturally and her heavy handed similes and imagery had a cadence and flow to them that lacked and felt a bit more forced and clunky in the first two novels.
Part of me felt like a proud teacher and I suppose fan as I read this book because I really felt like Selene had come into herself with her writing in this and that makes me so beyond excited to see what the future holds in store for her.
While this series overall is a bit of a slower, less adrenaline based story, I felt like the pacing of this story overall worked better. There were high moments of plot and engagement followed by softer, quieter moments that felt very balancing and kept me invested as a reader. Each side quest and plot felt a bit more like it served the story whereas in the past a couple narrative threads felt awkward and unresolved to me. The characters which I always liked but felt were a bit fledgling really shined in this book. All the work that was done in the previous books really allows them to grow and shine in their own authenticity in this book in ways they weren’t quite able to reach in the first two. I thought the inclusion of other POVs was a really marvelous addition and ended up giving the story and characters a lot more depth and impact. I kind wish that we had done this blend of third person semi-omniscient with close psychic distance and first person narration in the earlier books (sorry for the total nerd out on style there). I feel that for a story that is so complex and epic that narration style fits best and allows for the best understanding, engagement and reader experience whereas again in the past books there was some bumps in the road due to Fia the main character being or main source or narration. It made the story seem almost too vast and slow at times. On a technical and critical level, Selene’s ability to combine these two different narrative styles in a seamless and effective manner was really impressive to me. I actually didn’t even realize that she was blending voices and narration styles until about 40% of the way through and I was really impressed because doing that risks breaking continuity in voice and taking your reader out of the story which was not my experience.
I think the inclusion of the other characters POVs was brilliant. It really added layers to this world, made me more invested, and honestly just elevated the story overall. Not to mention that the side characters are all wonderful and almost deserving of their own spotlight moment given how complex and compelling their stories ended up being. Again a bit of a missed opportunity for this to be included in the first two but I’m so glad was included in this last one because it made the final impact quite a bang.
I also think the villain for this story is really incredibly strong and powerful. Sometimes authors get a little stereotype or caricature-y with villains especially in fantasy + romantasy but Eala was deeply haunting, despicable, tragic, and horrifying all wrapped up in one. Her character truly gave me the chills whenever she was on the page because she was just so deluded while also being such a victim. Personally I like more complex and ‘morally’ grey characters that are not just copy and paste and that truly challenge my perception of an idea or trope and Eala did that.
This whole story really challenges perceived expectations and asks the reader to examine some deep thematic truths. I think this is best executed in this final book but Selene accomplishes it in book with the moral of the story being a story of self-love. This installment really explore love, loss, sacrifice, storytelling, and destiny in all its raw beautiful, damming, and brutal forms. We are forced to question when does an act of love become no longer self-less but fueled by selfishness causing harm to both self and others. We find comfort in the inescapable collar of destiny yet still feel compelled to rebel against it and author our own fate. Selene forces us to examine which is best free-will or the freedom to rest in the knowledge that the story would have ended the same way no matter what. We explore sacrifice. What makes a good sacrifice? What are you wiling to sacrifice and for what and whom? Is the loss worth it? Does love for another or country or even duty, out way the harm caused? It is not you linear, easy digestible romantasy or fantasy read. Selene plays with every shade of grey and makes you feel it while exploring some really deep and beautiful thematic topics throughout the entire series.
The backbone for this entire series amongst all the muck and hardship is storytelling and balance. I’d even go as far to argue as that the only way to attain balance is through the act of storytelling. Living out one’s story no matter what ends and beginnings may come. As the story says we are all bound by circles. Truly beautiful and profound while also deeply heartbreaking and human.
Selene’s exploration of fate, storytelling, nature, balance and love are truly some of the most beautiful I’ve encountered in a hot second. The way Selene writes about nature is so incredibly moving and spiritual. Yes at times there can be moments of confusion due to the lushness of the proses but I think that is part of the point. There is so much life and eternal, god-touched understanding of art and storytelling weaved into this book. How do we distill the awe inspiring power of nature and the wonder that is the existence of humanity and our on-going lives on earth into words? I’m not sure but if you are a dreamer you will feel that thread of star-touched wonder in this series. At times this does lead to some confusion mainly in the execution of the magic system which is built on the foundation of the stars both in a literal and metaphorical sense. There are moments both in dream sequence and in plot that again have these very spiritual natures to them and can lead to a bit of a muddied understanding of what is actually occurring in scene but it was so beautiful to me that I almost didn’t mind as long as I got the essence of the moment which I felt that I did but again I think that would be a big turn off for a lot of readers.
I’m really glad we didn’t have another love triangle in this book. I’ll give a pass for book one but looking on the whole story I really feel the inclusion of a second love triangle in book two was deeply unnecessary. Irain was just astounding in this book. The love that he has for Fia and that Selene describes in this book is truly the reason I believe we as humans exist and create art. The devotion. The endless love. It really touched my heart while simultaneously making me question the level of health that type of love can be. But DAMN speak so eloquently and emotionally to me Irain! It was just profound and stunning. His love for Fia really moved me in this novel and while it might be naive of me I do believe that type of love while incredibly rare to be true. I also loved the depiction of a mother’s love which I could tell Selene has personal experience with given how purely it was portrayed.
My main gripe with this book and series is the ending. While the middle and last bit of the book are truly epic in proportion I felt that the ending fell a bit short. Most of the message of this book had been the power of love and sacrifice—that I truly can defeat all—just to have it yes defeat the big bad but leave rivers of loss and destruction. While I suppose more accurate to real life, the final choices made in the ending chapters of this book were a bit out of place to me. I don’t always need a happily ever after though I would have loved one for my characters especially after all the fucking generational trauma and bullshit they had to go through but the end is just more loss and pain with the ever so smallest sliver of hope at the end. I just don’t quite understand why we’d lean so deeply into the message of love being the healing salve just to have it be the price and end without love prevailing as the force of light and good. Yes there is hope that they can learn to love again, maybe not in the same way or with the same parties but again with the slight exception for Fia and Irain though I loved the cyclical ending of their tale but still just an unusual choice to make. Not bad, just doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the narrative. It almost seems dare I say cruel. I read another review that discusses this book and series focusing on the destruction of power and the quest for power can be and I agree especially given how unforgiving this magic system can be. I’m not sure I like that on a personal level. I accept it and it technically works story wise but I just don’t like it. It rubs up against my belief that love and goodness have the ability to prevail even in the darkest of situations. Again that’s not a bad exploration or even message but I’m just not sure I like it. I would have preferred a bit more of an uplifting and hopeful ending especially given the toll and stakes of not only this book, but the entire series and even the characters pasts. There is a lot of suffering but perhaps that is the point. Love and light cannot exist without pain and suffering they must be one.
Overall I think this is a 4.25 ⭐️ series for me with some major critics for each book. I think the story unfolds well. I don’t think less or more books were needed. The story fits wonderfully within the three books. The story does grow with each installment and ultimately culminates in a satisfying, believable and impactful ending. I loved drawing on Swan Lake and then how Selene succeeds readers expectations in each book and what a dark fantasy/ romantasy can be overall. I will be following Selene’s career and more than likely reading what she publishes in the future. I will recommend this series to certain readers and I think it has the ability to be a favorite though it’s just a little bit lower than a couple of my all time favorite reads. Still quite a special read for me personally and I’m walking away changed which I think is the main point of reading so take that for what you will.
I’m going to have to sit with this book and rating for a bit. As a scholar I try blend both subjectivity and objectivity in my reviews. On an objective level I feel this book leans closer to a 4.75 though I’d also accept 4.5 depending on your rubric. However, on a subjective level I’m left wrestling over the end which while objectively and even subjectivity isn’t bad—I accept it—pushes against my world-view in a bit of a fundamental way. Though that is also not bad within and of itself. Personally I believe art, yes even a fantasy trilogy, should at minimum contain the ability to challenge your thoughts, beliefs and viewpoint.
Let’s get into it. Buckle in this will be a long one with both review of technical aspects of the novel like plot, pacing, characters and writing, some gushing, and an overall final thoughts on the series + story as a whole.
This book is by far the strongest book in the series. Ironically this is a bit of a double edged sword because I do love watching authors grow and truly discover their voice and hone their craft. I also love when a series ends on a really strong and powerful conclusion which this series definitely does but part of me mourns what this series could have been had it not been Selene’s first big adult trilogy. I think had Selene had some time to really develop and voice, style and craft this would have been a transformative, amazing, perfect story and given that she does a lot of craft and story discovery during this trilogy not in a bad way but a definitely noticeable way this series falls just a bit short of being ‘perfect’ or transformative + god tier for me which is ever so slightly disappointing.
Issues that Selene had struggled with in the first two books I felt she mainly overcame in this one. The pacing felt better. I was more invested in the story and the characters who really came into their own in this final installment. Most noticeably I feel Selene really nailed her voice and lush, decant writing style in this one which had come across as dense to me in the past books. Many readers will still find Selene’s writing style even in this book to be quite dense. Her voice and style is not for everyone but I personally think that she does a really wonderful job blending traditional folklore and opulent, honey-combed, rich, vivid, archaic yet oddly timeless imagery and metaphors. Selene’s ability to create imagery and emotion through purple proses is truly evocative. There were several moments in this book that were so beautiful I felt them settle in my heart with the weight of a feather touch. It’s the exact kind of storytelling and experience that I personally want from a dark, more folklore + fairytale based story. There are little swear words. She doesn’t have modern enmities or phrases cloaked in fantasy-inspired langue. Her writing is complex and requires the reader to really engage with the prose, the text, the glossary, and yes even maybe a dictionary. While I think you could still get the how do you spell just gist of story without doing those things but there will be moments of confusion, inference, and you will probably find the writing dense and indigestible. I had felt a bit that way in the past books though not to an extent that truly docked my rating since I enjoy that a bit more than the average reader but I really think that Selene hit her stride in this final book. I enjoyed the reading process a lot more this time around. The usage of what many might find obscure or thesaurus words felt naturally and her heavy handed similes and imagery had a cadence and flow to them that lacked and felt a bit more forced and clunky in the first two novels.
Part of me felt like a proud teacher and I suppose fan as I read this book because I really felt like Selene had come into herself with her writing in this and that makes me so beyond excited to see what the future holds in store for her.
While this series overall is a bit of a slower, less adrenaline based story, I felt like the pacing of this story overall worked better. There were high moments of plot and engagement followed by softer, quieter moments that felt very balancing and kept me invested as a reader. Each side quest and plot felt a bit more like it served the story whereas in the past a couple narrative threads felt awkward and unresolved to me. The characters which I always liked but felt were a bit fledgling really shined in this book. All the work that was done in the previous books really allows them to grow and shine in their own authenticity in this book in ways they weren’t quite able to reach in the first two. I thought the inclusion of other POVs was a really marvelous addition and ended up giving the story and characters a lot more depth and impact. I kind wish that we had done this blend of third person semi-omniscient with close psychic distance and first person narration in the earlier books (sorry for the total nerd out on style there). I feel that for a story that is so complex and epic that narration style fits best and allows for the best understanding, engagement and reader experience whereas again in the past books there was some bumps in the road due to Fia the main character being or main source or narration. It made the story seem almost too vast and slow at times. On a technical and critical level, Selene’s ability to combine these two different narrative styles in a seamless and effective manner was really impressive to me. I actually didn’t even realize that she was blending voices and narration styles until about 40% of the way through and I was really impressed because doing that risks breaking continuity in voice and taking your reader out of the story which was not my experience.
I think the inclusion of the other characters POVs was brilliant. It really added layers to this world, made me more invested, and honestly just elevated the story overall. Not to mention that the side characters are all wonderful and almost deserving of their own spotlight moment given how complex and compelling their stories ended up being. Again a bit of a missed opportunity for this to be included in the first two but I’m so glad was included in this last one because it made the final impact quite a bang.
I also think the villain for this story is really incredibly strong and powerful. Sometimes authors get a little stereotype or caricature-y with villains especially in fantasy + romantasy but Eala was deeply haunting, despicable, tragic, and horrifying all wrapped up in one. Her character truly gave me the chills whenever she was on the page because she was just so deluded while also being such a victim. Personally I like more complex and ‘morally’ grey characters that are not just copy and paste and that truly challenge my perception of an idea or trope and Eala did that.
This whole story really challenges perceived expectations and asks the reader to examine some deep thematic truths. I think this is best executed in this final book but Selene accomplishes it in book with the moral of the story being a story of self-love. This installment really explore love, loss, sacrifice, storytelling, and destiny in all its raw beautiful, damming, and brutal forms. We are forced to question when does an act of love become no longer self-less but fueled by selfishness causing harm to both self and others. We find comfort in the inescapable collar of destiny yet still feel compelled to rebel against it and author our own fate. Selene forces us to examine which is best free-will or the freedom to rest in the knowledge that the story would have ended the same way no matter what. We explore sacrifice. What makes a good sacrifice? What are you wiling to sacrifice and for what and whom? Is the loss worth it? Does love for another or country or even duty, out way the harm caused? It is not you linear, easy digestible romantasy or fantasy read. Selene plays with every shade of grey and makes you feel it while exploring some really deep and beautiful thematic topics throughout the entire series.
The backbone for this entire series amongst all the muck and hardship is storytelling and balance. I’d even go as far to argue as that the only way to attain balance is through the act of storytelling. Living out one’s story no matter what ends and beginnings may come. As the story says we are all bound by circles. Truly beautiful and profound while also deeply heartbreaking and human.
Selene’s exploration of fate, storytelling, nature, balance and love are truly some of the most beautiful I’ve encountered in a hot second. The way Selene writes about nature is so incredibly moving and spiritual. Yes at times there can be moments of confusion due to the lushness of the proses but I think that is part of the point. There is so much life and eternal, god-touched understanding of art and storytelling weaved into this book. How do we distill the awe inspiring power of nature and the wonder that is the existence of humanity and our on-going lives on earth into words? I’m not sure but if you are a dreamer you will feel that thread of star-touched wonder in this series. At times this does lead to some confusion mainly in the execution of the magic system which is built on the foundation of the stars both in a literal and metaphorical sense. There are moments both in dream sequence and in plot that again have these very spiritual natures to them and can lead to a bit of a muddied understanding of what is actually occurring in scene but it was so beautiful to me that I almost didn’t mind as long as I got the essence of the moment which I felt that I did but again I think that would be a big turn off for a lot of readers.
I’m really glad we didn’t have another love triangle in this book. I’ll give a pass for book one but looking on the whole story I really feel the inclusion of a second love triangle in book two was deeply unnecessary. Irain was just astounding in this book. The love that he has for Fia and that Selene describes in this book is truly the reason I believe we as humans exist and create art. The devotion. The endless love. It really touched my heart while simultaneously making me question the level of health that type of love can be. But DAMN speak so eloquently and emotionally to me Irain! It was just profound and stunning. His love for Fia really moved me in this novel and while it might be naive of me I do believe that type of love while incredibly rare to be true. I also loved the depiction of a mother’s love which I could tell Selene has personal experience with given how purely it was portrayed.
My main gripe with this book and series is the ending. While the middle and last bit of the book are truly epic in proportion I felt that the ending fell a bit short. Most of the message of this book had been the power of love and sacrifice—that I truly can defeat all—just to have it yes defeat the big bad but leave rivers of loss and destruction. While I suppose more accurate to real life, the final choices made in the ending chapters of this book were a bit out of place to me. I don’t always need a happily ever after though I would have loved one for my characters especially after all the fucking generational trauma and bullshit they had to go through but the end is just more loss and pain with the ever so smallest sliver of hope at the end. I just don’t quite understand why we’d lean so deeply into the message of love being the healing salve just to have it be the price and end without love prevailing as the force of light and good. Yes there is hope that they can learn to love again, maybe not in the same way or with the same parties but again with the slight exception for Fia and Irain though I loved the cyclical ending of their tale but still just an unusual choice to make. Not bad, just doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the narrative. It almost seems dare I say cruel. I read another review that discusses this book and series focusing on the destruction of power and the quest for power can be and I agree especially given how unforgiving this magic system can be. I’m not sure I like that on a personal level. I accept it and it technically works story wise but I just don’t like it. It rubs up against my belief that love and goodness have the ability to prevail even in the darkest of situations. Again that’s not a bad exploration or even message but I’m just not sure I like it. I would have preferred a bit more of an uplifting and hopeful ending especially given the toll and stakes of not only this book, but the entire series and even the characters pasts. There is a lot of suffering but perhaps that is the point. Love and light cannot exist without pain and suffering they must be one.
Overall I think this is a 4.25 ⭐️ series for me with some major critics for each book. I think the story unfolds well. I don’t think less or more books were needed. The story fits wonderfully within the three books. The story does grow with each installment and ultimately culminates in a satisfying, believable and impactful ending. I loved drawing on Swan Lake and then how Selene succeeds readers expectations in each book and what a dark fantasy/ romantasy can be overall. I will be following Selene’s career and more than likely reading what she publishes in the future. I will recommend this series to certain readers and I think it has the ability to be a favorite though it’s just a little bit lower than a couple of my all time favorite reads. Still quite a special read for me personally and I’m walking away changed which I think is the main point of reading so take that for what you will.
December 8, 2025
.While there are still some things to like about this book (and the series) I was ultimately disappointed with this. The writing is pretty good, but the characters become very two dimensional, especially the main characters who are supposed to carry the story. The incessant Mary Sueness of Fia became very dull as the book went on. And the ending was disappointing, for reasons stated in the spoiler section.
January 14, 2026
5 ⭐️ eARC
The story picks up right from where book two ended. The group sets off for safe harbor until they can figure out what to do with Fia and her ever-changing body. All while Fia's sister Eala has won her silver crown and has raised her army of the dead. Ela starts spreading rot and decay with her undead army, with eager power to control both human and fae realms. Will this hunger for power be her demise?
Let’s talk about a new character, an addition to the fellowship, and she may be my new favorite, about the size of a cat, red in color, and round with stumpy wings. I won’t give away spoilers, but you will not be disappointed! And because Wayland is my favorite character in this book, I would love to read more of his adventures post-war.
In the end, Love is the ultimate sacrifice one must pay. This was such a bittersweet, sad, slightly happy-ish ending. And oh, did it hurt. Great ending to a great trilogy.
I can't thank you enough, Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Lyra Selene for my early copy to review the novel before it’s published.
Pub Date: Jan 20 2026
The story picks up right from where book two ended. The group sets off for safe harbor until they can figure out what to do with Fia and her ever-changing body. All while Fia's sister Eala has won her silver crown and has raised her army of the dead. Ela starts spreading rot and decay with her undead army, with eager power to control both human and fae realms. Will this hunger for power be her demise?
Let’s talk about a new character, an addition to the fellowship, and she may be my new favorite, about the size of a cat, red in color, and round with stumpy wings. I won’t give away spoilers, but you will not be disappointed! And because Wayland is my favorite character in this book, I would love to read more of his adventures post-war.
In the end, Love is the ultimate sacrifice one must pay. This was such a bittersweet, sad, slightly happy-ish ending. And oh, did it hurt. Great ending to a great trilogy.
I can't thank you enough, Netgalley, Orbit Books, and Lyra Selene for my early copy to review the novel before it’s published.
Pub Date: Jan 20 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )
Initial thoughts: I have been on Team Firian since the beginning (I am the person who penned the ship name in fact hehe) and I cannot believe that I have now read their entire journey.
About the book: Fia, Irian, and the rest of our characters flee from Wayland's now destroyed home and find shelter at Laoirse's secret home. They must find a way to stop Eala and the devastation she wants to bring while keeping the fae heirs alive and untithed.
What I liked 🤩: I liked we saw Wayland's pov a lot. He is such a fan character, and I would absolutely love to read a spin-off focused on him and his loved one. He changed so much in this book; he truly embraced who he is and left all uncertainties and that evil little voice that told him he wasn't good enough.
Irian, my man, the man, he is everything. I loved how Fia and Irian finally realized that Irian has been bound by oaths and promises all his life. What is Irian without his oaths? That was a significant question that I have had since the first book. And I may have cried at the scene with his mother; they are so similar with their mannerisms and personality. Oh the Fates have been so cruel to Irian. But he trusts Fia, he believes in Fia, and I must say, for a guy who doesn't talk much, Irian was the glue that kept them together in this book. Unstoppable and dependable.
I also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation ofc. We have both a f/f and a m/m romance in this book, and I read their scenes with so much interest haha
As always, I enjoyed the Irish lore the book is built on. I found it refreshing and fascinating.
What I didn’t like 🙃: It was too wordy for me, to be honest. I mean, I loved it a lot, but it felt like the book could have been shorter and yet not lose anything valuable.
Overall: 4.5 stars rounded up! I take half a star for the wordiness, but otherwise, A Heart So Green definitely lived up to my expectations. The ending is what it is, and I agree with Lyra's statement in acknowledgments that it was symbolically necessary and that it stayed true to the Irish lore she built the story on. This trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart: a beautifully heartbreaking romance in a fascinatingly brutal world.
SE info: Fairyloot will surely do a matching edition.
Initial thoughts: I have been on Team Firian since the beginning (I am the person who penned the ship name in fact hehe) and I cannot believe that I have now read their entire journey.
About the book: Fia, Irian, and the rest of our characters flee from Wayland's now destroyed home and find shelter at Laoirse's secret home. They must find a way to stop Eala and the devastation she wants to bring while keeping the fae heirs alive and untithed.
What I liked 🤩: I liked we saw Wayland's pov a lot. He is such a fan character, and I would absolutely love to read a spin-off focused on him and his loved one. He changed so much in this book; he truly embraced who he is and left all uncertainties and that evil little voice that told him he wasn't good enough.
Irian, my man, the man, he is everything. I loved how Fia and Irian finally realized that Irian has been bound by oaths and promises all his life. What is Irian without his oaths? That was a significant question that I have had since the first book. And I may have cried at the scene with his mother; they are so similar with their mannerisms and personality. Oh the Fates have been so cruel to Irian. But he trusts Fia, he believes in Fia, and I must say, for a guy who doesn't talk much, Irian was the glue that kept them together in this book. Unstoppable and dependable.
I also loved the LGBTQIA+ representation ofc. We have both a f/f and a m/m romance in this book, and I read their scenes with so much interest haha
As always, I enjoyed the Irish lore the book is built on. I found it refreshing and fascinating.
What I didn’t like 🙃: It was too wordy for me, to be honest. I mean, I loved it a lot, but it felt like the book could have been shorter and yet not lose anything valuable.
Overall: 4.5 stars rounded up! I take half a star for the wordiness, but otherwise, A Heart So Green definitely lived up to my expectations. The ending is what it is, and I agree with Lyra's statement in acknowledgments that it was symbolically necessary and that it stayed true to the Irish lore she built the story on. This trilogy will always hold a special place in my heart: a beautifully heartbreaking romance in a fascinatingly brutal world.
SE info: Fairyloot will surely do a matching edition.
November 30, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own!
A Heart So Green is the final installment in the Fair Folk trilogy, and I have been all in on this series since I picked up book one. Beautiful and descriptive writing paired with Irish/Celtic mythology, for me thats the perfect combo.
This book picks up right where the second book left off after the Tournament of Kings when Eala has become a treasure with horrifying magic and Fia is fighting to not lose herself to the new powers in her. We get multiple new POVs in addition to Fia's, which I found enjoyable. I was especially glad to get so many chapters from Irian's perspective. We follow all of the characters journey as they try to find a way to stop Eala.
I wish I could just give Irian a hug LOL, it feels like he has just been through too much and deserves to be happy.
I did have a difficult time following some of the magic and rituals throughout this book, but I was able to get the gist enough to enjoy it.
The ending of this series is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It is most definitely not your traditional HEA. But as Lyra Selene said in the dedication of this book, "'the end' is just 'once upon a time' in disguise."
A Heart So Green is the final installment in the Fair Folk trilogy, and I have been all in on this series since I picked up book one. Beautiful and descriptive writing paired with Irish/Celtic mythology, for me thats the perfect combo.
This book picks up right where the second book left off after the Tournament of Kings when Eala has become a treasure with horrifying magic and Fia is fighting to not lose herself to the new powers in her. We get multiple new POVs in addition to Fia's, which I found enjoyable. I was especially glad to get so many chapters from Irian's perspective. We follow all of the characters journey as they try to find a way to stop Eala.
I wish I could just give Irian a hug LOL, it feels like he has just been through too much and deserves to be happy.
I did have a difficult time following some of the magic and rituals throughout this book, but I was able to get the gist enough to enjoy it.
The ending of this series is both beautiful and heartbreaking. It is most definitely not your traditional HEA. But as Lyra Selene said in the dedication of this book, "'the end' is just 'once upon a time' in disguise."
December 18, 2025
Omg this ending was 😭🔥💚
The dedication: "For the ones who believe that “the end” is just “once upon a time” in disguise." was so gorgeous and with each passing page it became more and more clear. This was such a delight and brought out all the favorite parts of book 1!
Wayland is a treasure and he is like a mix of Matthew Fairchild and Finnick Odair, and his addition to this tale has allowed the author to show off more of her banter writing skills!
"Truth is an untrustworthy sovereign, child. For what is a story but a lie? And what is a story but the utmost truth?"
Fia's discovery of her past was paced well and never felt like it came out of nowhere, i loved every single reveal!
the love story was done so well reconnecting and anchoring the story. i loved the aching sadness that permeated it, and the payoff for the end was EVERYTHING
I will be recommending this series to everyone! i so love the tale and the bittersweet ending was spot on for this tale!
Thank you netgalley for this earc!
The dedication: "For the ones who believe that “the end” is just “once upon a time” in disguise." was so gorgeous and with each passing page it became more and more clear. This was such a delight and brought out all the favorite parts of book 1!
Wayland is a treasure and he is like a mix of Matthew Fairchild and Finnick Odair, and his addition to this tale has allowed the author to show off more of her banter writing skills!
"Truth is an untrustworthy sovereign, child. For what is a story but a lie? And what is a story but the utmost truth?"
Fia's discovery of her past was paced well and never felt like it came out of nowhere, i loved every single reveal!
the love story was done so well reconnecting and anchoring the story. i loved the aching sadness that permeated it, and the payoff for the end was EVERYTHING
I will be recommending this series to everyone! i so love the tale and the bittersweet ending was spot on for this tale!
Thank you netgalley for this earc!
January 23, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.
I can’t believe it’s over, like what do we do now?! It’s been a mystical and turbulent journey, but I’ve had a fab time along the way.
This story unfolds in the trenches after the previous book, our main characters are not having the best time but we see them navigate the circumstances and it leads us on quite the path. Love and bargains, folklore and myth are still at the heart of the plot and it makes for an interesting ending after an epic head to head between our characters and the villain.
The ending made me a little sad, I almost shouted at the book because everyone went through so much and I felt like they deserved more, BUT although a little ambigious I feel like it all works out, it felt like fate.
I can’t believe it’s over, like what do we do now?! It’s been a mystical and turbulent journey, but I’ve had a fab time along the way.
This story unfolds in the trenches after the previous book, our main characters are not having the best time but we see them navigate the circumstances and it leads us on quite the path. Love and bargains, folklore and myth are still at the heart of the plot and it makes for an interesting ending after an epic head to head between our characters and the villain.
The ending made me a little sad, I almost shouted at the book because everyone went through so much and I felt like they deserved more, BUT although a little ambigious I feel like it all works out, it felt like fate.
January 25, 2026
4.5⭐️ I really love this series and this final installment did not disappoint. This one picks up right where the second ended, and unsurprisingly if you’ve read the second book, Fia is not as quite in the forefront which allows us to get several other characters povs. This series is so unlike anything that I have read. It’s beautiful, and the setting and world really comes to life through the writing. I was nervous about the ending after seeing people say it was bittersweet and I am a HEA girl through and through. Maybe slight spoilers……..
And I will confirm, yes it is bittersweet, the themes that have thread throughout the series staying true, but we are left more with the feeling of hope. And I think that this hope grew to give the characters the life that they all deserved.
It is a series that will definitely stick with me and one that I will highly recommend!
And I will confirm, yes it is bittersweet, the themes that have thread throughout the series staying true, but we are left more with the feeling of hope. And I think that this hope grew to give the characters the life that they all deserved.
It is a series that will definitely stick with me and one that I will highly recommend!
January 23, 2026
**Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
5 ⭐️
2 🌶
All fairytales are bittersweet. This one broke my heart and put it back together again, but still it aches. A Heart So Green is the perfect end to the Fair Folk trilogy, and I will be living in denial a little longer.
☆war
☆fae & magic
☆"my wife"
☆prophecies
☆fairytale vibes
☆bittersweet endings
5 ⭐️
2 🌶
All fairytales are bittersweet. This one broke my heart and put it back together again, but still it aches. A Heart So Green is the perfect end to the Fair Folk trilogy, and I will be living in denial a little longer.
☆war
☆fae & magic
☆"my wife"
☆prophecies
☆fairytale vibes
☆bittersweet endings
February 1, 2026
another fucking devastating ending; it’s fucking fine
January 29, 2026
DNF at 11% story felt like it wasn’t written as well as the first book. I stopped caring about these characters sadly and just couldn’t connect again. It felt stale and flat.
December 28, 2025
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
I absolutely loved the first book in this trilogy. I thought it was so beautiful. I loved the use of mythology, the setting, the conflict in the main character. So I have been really excited to continue this series. I went into this book fully expecting to love it. That didn’t end up being my experience.
I still find the use of mythology in this third book fascinating and these elements are worth reading for. There are the bones of a good story here. It’s just overwritten to the point of being distracting. As I read an arc, I’m hoping there will be final edits to let the plot shine through. The author has some lovely and interesting ideas.
The first half of the book in particular suffered from repetition. This did improve in the second half, where the plot became a bit sharper. There are too many instances of multiple metaphors being used to describe the same thing. There’s too much repetition of colour description. Every time we see a character we’re reminded of their eye colour and their hair colour even though we’ve heard this many times before. Even peripheral unnamed characters that appear for seconds have their hair colour described. The number of times the colours gold, red-gold, black and silver were described was excessive to the point it was dragging me out of the narrative. I do enjoy flowery and descriptive writing but this was done to a level that made it hard to concentrate on the story.
Some fascinating ideas from the author but this could use some further editing to really shine.
I absolutely loved the first book in this trilogy. I thought it was so beautiful. I loved the use of mythology, the setting, the conflict in the main character. So I have been really excited to continue this series. I went into this book fully expecting to love it. That didn’t end up being my experience.
I still find the use of mythology in this third book fascinating and these elements are worth reading for. There are the bones of a good story here. It’s just overwritten to the point of being distracting. As I read an arc, I’m hoping there will be final edits to let the plot shine through. The author has some lovely and interesting ideas.
The first half of the book in particular suffered from repetition. This did improve in the second half, where the plot became a bit sharper. There are too many instances of multiple metaphors being used to describe the same thing. There’s too much repetition of colour description. Every time we see a character we’re reminded of their eye colour and their hair colour even though we’ve heard this many times before. Even peripheral unnamed characters that appear for seconds have their hair colour described. The number of times the colours gold, red-gold, black and silver were described was excessive to the point it was dragging me out of the narrative. I do enjoy flowery and descriptive writing but this was done to a level that made it hard to concentrate on the story.
Some fascinating ideas from the author but this could use some further editing to really shine.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(4.5⭐)
The last two chapters genuinely broke me; I was in tears. My eyes are still burning as I write this. Truly this series has been such a journey, I will never be over it... just wow. If I had to describe the Fair Folk trilogy in one word, it would be "beautiful." Never has the dedication of a book hit more deeply than in here.
I've been lucky enough to have been reading this series through ARCs since the beginning and I've adored every single book. Ironically enough, rating-wise book 2 would be my favourite (while that's the book I know has a lot of mixed opinions), but if you asked me to choose between them all I wouldn't be able to. Each book has been such a core part of Fia's development; In A Feather So Black, Fia is overcoming her self-hatred and finding that she is worth loving, in A Crown So Silver, it was accepting the changes within her following the events of book 1 while still keeping the core parts of herself, and in A Heart So Green, Fia's finally discovering her past and taking up the role she was destined for. The only reason why I do give AHSG 4.5 is because I did feel like there were some pacing issues for me personally throughout the book, but overall I adored it.
Fia has come such a long way I always love seeing the difference between the FMC at the beginning of the series and the end🥹 IM SO PROUD OF MY GIRL. Yes she made so many decisions I would've never made but she grew from those mistakes and honestly she's just so good, you can't resist cheering for her (at least I couldn't). There was a decision she briefly made in this book that I was like uhhhh but thankfully it resolved pretty quickly (and I did understand in a way why she thought that). Seeing her growth along with Irian's was so heartwarming to see, I love them your honour.,
The romance throughout this series has been so achingly beautiful and in A Heart So Green especially do you really see just how far Fia and Irian's relationship has come. All the hardships they faced both together and individually--truly they saw everything. The love and devotion Fia and Irian have towards one another makes me want to cry. Like please give me a love like theirs??? I know many disliked how their relationship spiraled in A Crown So Silver but not only did I find it realistic after everything they had gone through in A Feather So Black but the fact that they experienced the ugliest parts of their relationship and managed to grow so much from that--accepting all the good and the bad of one another--really just makes me appreciate book 2 even more so. Yes it hurt to read about but I just love Fia and Irian even more because of all that. And in this book, I was in even more pain watching those two, for different reasons, but man does this author love to torture them😭 Just felt sad like really Fia and Irian needed to catch a break. And yet, despite the situation they were in, I still highlighted like crazy over the beautiful scenes the love of my lives had ugh why are they everything🥹 You know it's serious when I almost cry over some lines. And the end??? I don't want to give anything away but while it made me sob, it fits so well with the story and I think it's so beautiful. The parallels between book 1 and here!!!! Like my jaw dropped as the tears were falling, like hello??!! I felt as though I was stabbed repeatedly in the chest while given life. Honestly if there was one thing in this book regarding the romance that I wish had been done differently, it would be that .
And then side characters!!! Getting Laoise, Wayland and Irian's POVs!!! It was SO fun to have, I adored all their POVs so much. I fell in love even more with Laoise, her love for the draiglings??? (which btw the addition of them was the cutest thing ever) And Wayland!! Oh I want to give him a hug, he's so sweet and I love that he got to experience a new happiness with the gang after being alone for so long. Irian's POVs genuinely hurt because we got most of them in the beginning and if you read the end of book 2 you can see what I mean... but in those chapters you could really see his devotion for Fia, it melted my heart like wow this guy!!! Constantly was just thinking, why can't they all just be happy already??? Which speaking of, I will vaguely mention something in regards to the ending:
The prose as always was gorgeous to the point where I either wanted to cry, melt, or laugh many times. I have never really been one to comment too much on an author's writing in reviews but seriously, if there was one thing I told you to believe me for about this series, it's that the writing felt like magic. I always feel as though I've been transported into a book but especially here did I feel everything so vividly as if I was standing on the grounds of Tír na nÓg. The writing here truly is beyond anything I could ever hope to convey into words.
This series and its characters really will be sticking with me for the rest of my life. I cannot imagine a world where I didn't meet Fia and Irian; they mean everything to me, I've never been more thankful to Fairyloot for putting A Feather So Black on my radar like wow I so would've been missing out!! I can't wait to see what else this authors writes and you better believe I will 1000% be reading it.
Thank you Orbit Books for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
"Every ending was its own beginning. And every story began somewhere."
The last two chapters genuinely broke me; I was in tears. My eyes are still burning as I write this. Truly this series has been such a journey, I will never be over it... just wow. If I had to describe the Fair Folk trilogy in one word, it would be "beautiful." Never has the dedication of a book hit more deeply than in here.
I've been lucky enough to have been reading this series through ARCs since the beginning and I've adored every single book. Ironically enough, rating-wise book 2 would be my favourite (while that's the book I know has a lot of mixed opinions), but if you asked me to choose between them all I wouldn't be able to. Each book has been such a core part of Fia's development; In A Feather So Black, Fia is overcoming her self-hatred and finding that she is worth loving, in A Crown So Silver, it was accepting the changes within her following the events of book 1 while still keeping the core parts of herself, and in A Heart So Green, Fia's finally discovering her past and taking up the role she was destined for. The only reason why I do give AHSG 4.5 is because I did feel like there were some pacing issues for me personally throughout the book, but overall I adored it.
Fia has come such a long way I always love seeing the difference between the FMC at the beginning of the series and the end🥹 IM SO PROUD OF MY GIRL. Yes she made so many decisions I would've never made but she grew from those mistakes and honestly she's just so good, you can't resist cheering for her (at least I couldn't). There was a decision she briefly made in this book that I was like uhhhh but thankfully it resolved pretty quickly (and I did understand in a way why she thought that). Seeing her growth along with Irian's was so heartwarming to see, I love them your honour.,
The romance throughout this series has been so achingly beautiful and in A Heart So Green especially do you really see just how far Fia and Irian's relationship has come. All the hardships they faced both together and individually--truly they saw everything. The love and devotion Fia and Irian have towards one another makes me want to cry. Like please give me a love like theirs??? I know many disliked how their relationship spiraled in A Crown So Silver but not only did I find it realistic after everything they had gone through in A Feather So Black but the fact that they experienced the ugliest parts of their relationship and managed to grow so much from that--accepting all the good and the bad of one another--really just makes me appreciate book 2 even more so. Yes it hurt to read about but I just love Fia and Irian even more because of all that. And in this book, I was in even more pain watching those two, for different reasons, but man does this author love to torture them😭 Just felt sad like really Fia and Irian needed to catch a break. And yet, despite the situation they were in, I still highlighted like crazy over the beautiful scenes the love of my lives had ugh why are they everything🥹 You know it's serious when I almost cry over some lines. And the end??? I don't want to give anything away but while it made me sob, it fits so well with the story and I think it's so beautiful. The parallels between book 1 and here!!!! Like my jaw dropped as the tears were falling, like hello??!! I felt as though I was stabbed repeatedly in the chest while given life. Honestly if there was one thing in this book regarding the romance that I wish had been done differently, it would be that .
And then side characters!!! Getting Laoise, Wayland and Irian's POVs!!! It was SO fun to have, I adored all their POVs so much. I fell in love even more with Laoise, her love for the draiglings??? (which btw the addition of them was the cutest thing ever) And Wayland!! Oh I want to give him a hug, he's so sweet and I love that he got to experience a new happiness with the gang after being alone for so long. Irian's POVs genuinely hurt because we got most of them in the beginning and if you read the end of book 2 you can see what I mean... but in those chapters you could really see his devotion for Fia, it melted my heart like wow this guy!!! Constantly was just thinking, why can't they all just be happy already??? Which speaking of, I will vaguely mention something in regards to the ending:
The prose as always was gorgeous to the point where I either wanted to cry, melt, or laugh many times. I have never really been one to comment too much on an author's writing in reviews but seriously, if there was one thing I told you to believe me for about this series, it's that the writing felt like magic. I always feel as though I've been transported into a book but especially here did I feel everything so vividly as if I was standing on the grounds of Tír na nÓg. The writing here truly is beyond anything I could ever hope to convey into words.
This series and its characters really will be sticking with me for the rest of my life. I cannot imagine a world where I didn't meet Fia and Irian; they mean everything to me, I've never been more thankful to Fairyloot for putting A Feather So Black on my radar like wow I so would've been missing out!! I can't wait to see what else this authors writes and you better believe I will 1000% be reading it.
"A feather so black will rise from pain.
A crown so silver will rise to reign.
A heart so green must bleed once more.
For light and dark to one restore."
Thank you Orbit Books for the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
November 5, 2025
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
📚eARC
Themes/Tropes: Fae vs. Humans, price of love, cost of war/greed, found family, sacrifice
Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Lyra Selene, and Orbit for giving me a chance to read an advanced copy of A Heart So Green. These books are so incredibly colorful and Lyra has such a descriptive way of writing that really makes you feel like you’re in that world. Her writing reminds me a great deal of the style of Rebecca Ross. Truly beautiful prose.
A Feather So Black was one of my favorite reads of early 2025 and then I gobbled up A Crown So Silver right after. I was so excited to dive back into the world of
Tír na nÓg and its star-crossed characters. This story really bounces perspectives a great deal between Fia, Irian, Wayland, and Laoise. Now, I’m not normally a fan than anymore than 2 POVs in a book. I feel like it waters down my connection to any one character, but it works well in this book. Really helps you quickly get to know Laoise and Wayland who are central to the finale of the book.
There are some absolutely precious new characters you meet in this book, like Laoise’s brother Idris and a baby dragon named Hog who will make you kick, scream, and giggle at her antics. She reminds me a lot of Poco from Blood of Hercules (IYKYK) except a chonky baby dragon and not a trash panda.
🚨 Possible loose plot spoilers below (no big giveaways, but flagging to stop here if you don’t even want the ending to be eluded to). 🚨
The plot does come to a head where we learn the price of stopping the blight that Eala has brought about the fae and human realms. I will not give any spoilers but it it’s steap. I will say if you like a neat and clean HEA, this book isn’t that. It gave me a similar vibe to the ending of Where the Dark Stands Still by AB Poranek; which is to say, it’s HEA adjacent. Possibly HEA with a case of maybe not?! Open to interpretation. Hard to explain, but 1000% worth the read. Great series.
I will say the expression I’m left with from this book is “Life sucks and then you die…” unless you’re a fae. Then life just sucks and then keeps on sucking. Ha! For me, I wanted a bit more of a HEA for the tortured souls of this book because they earned that. Their fates almost seemed as bad or worse than the fates of their enemies, which maybe is the moral of the story. Life’s not fair or kind to anyone, but you have to treasure the beautiful moments even if they may be fleeting and stay truth to yourself.
Here are some quotes I ❤️’d:
“Blood family is the tether we’re born with, but that rope is not always woven with love. Chosen family, though - some people stitch themselves into the gaps left by blood, and love by choice instead of duty. Even then, it’s a gamble. Those who choose to love you can just as easily choose to stop. And the ache of love unreturned is the most profound wound”
“I think the cost of free will is the burden of choice.”
“You’re alive, Idris. That makes you a fighter. You don’t need a blade in your hand to be strong. Strength comes in standing even when fear grips you. All it takes is one step. Then another. Be your own shield.”
“Power is not freedom - it is merely the illusion of control over a force that is always, in some way, in control of you.”
“You cannot make a fist and call it peace. Nor can you deal death and say you have ended suffering.”
“How different would our lives have been, had we not been children abused by the careless intrigues and hungry ambitions of others far more powerful than us?”
2🌶️
📚eARC
Themes/Tropes: Fae vs. Humans, price of love, cost of war/greed, found family, sacrifice
Firstly, a big thank you to NetGalley, Lyra Selene, and Orbit for giving me a chance to read an advanced copy of A Heart So Green. These books are so incredibly colorful and Lyra has such a descriptive way of writing that really makes you feel like you’re in that world. Her writing reminds me a great deal of the style of Rebecca Ross. Truly beautiful prose.
A Feather So Black was one of my favorite reads of early 2025 and then I gobbled up A Crown So Silver right after. I was so excited to dive back into the world of
Tír na nÓg and its star-crossed characters. This story really bounces perspectives a great deal between Fia, Irian, Wayland, and Laoise. Now, I’m not normally a fan than anymore than 2 POVs in a book. I feel like it waters down my connection to any one character, but it works well in this book. Really helps you quickly get to know Laoise and Wayland who are central to the finale of the book.
There are some absolutely precious new characters you meet in this book, like Laoise’s brother Idris and a baby dragon named Hog who will make you kick, scream, and giggle at her antics. She reminds me a lot of Poco from Blood of Hercules (IYKYK) except a chonky baby dragon and not a trash panda.
🚨 Possible loose plot spoilers below (no big giveaways, but flagging to stop here if you don’t even want the ending to be eluded to). 🚨
The plot does come to a head where we learn the price of stopping the blight that Eala has brought about the fae and human realms. I will not give any spoilers but it it’s steap. I will say if you like a neat and clean HEA, this book isn’t that. It gave me a similar vibe to the ending of Where the Dark Stands Still by AB Poranek; which is to say, it’s HEA adjacent. Possibly HEA with a case of maybe not?! Open to interpretation. Hard to explain, but 1000% worth the read. Great series.
I will say the expression I’m left with from this book is “Life sucks and then you die…” unless you’re a fae. Then life just sucks and then keeps on sucking. Ha! For me, I wanted a bit more of a HEA for the tortured souls of this book because they earned that. Their fates almost seemed as bad or worse than the fates of their enemies, which maybe is the moral of the story. Life’s not fair or kind to anyone, but you have to treasure the beautiful moments even if they may be fleeting and stay truth to yourself.
Here are some quotes I ❤️’d:
“Blood family is the tether we’re born with, but that rope is not always woven with love. Chosen family, though - some people stitch themselves into the gaps left by blood, and love by choice instead of duty. Even then, it’s a gamble. Those who choose to love you can just as easily choose to stop. And the ache of love unreturned is the most profound wound”
“I think the cost of free will is the burden of choice.”
“You’re alive, Idris. That makes you a fighter. You don’t need a blade in your hand to be strong. Strength comes in standing even when fear grips you. All it takes is one step. Then another. Be your own shield.”
“Power is not freedom - it is merely the illusion of control over a force that is always, in some way, in control of you.”
“You cannot make a fist and call it peace. Nor can you deal death and say you have ended suffering.”
“How different would our lives have been, had we not been children abused by the careless intrigues and hungry ambitions of others far more powerful than us?”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this advanced copy! You can pick up A Heart So Green on January 20, 2026.
I have never in my LIFE experienced a more epic comeback for a book series. The way I swore off these books after the disaster of A Crown So Silver must be studied, but I decided to give A Heart So Green a chance because I was genuinely curious how Fia's story ended. And boy, I was NOT disappointed.
From the beginning, this book hooked me right back into the world of Tir na Nog. I found myself invested in the new POVs and eager to learn more about our favorites' next steps. Fia's growth, both individually and with Irian, FINALLY happened and made a ton of sense. I loved her trajectory, and all of her decisions felt right and true to her character.
The plot was quick-paced but slowed down at key moments to let characters breathe and reflect. We saw new romances develop, new friendships form, and we explored more of this world and the gods that created it. Learning about the extent of the magic system alongside Fia helped me FEEL her reactions to it more and sympathize with her.
I did not sympathize with Eala, our antagonist, and just an all-around awful human being. She's so corrupted by power and control that she can't see the destruction she wreaks, and I truly felt the stakes at all times in this book as she commanded her army of the dead. Plus, the way her and Fia's fates intertwined was beautifully executed and reminiscent of a fairytale.
As for the romance between Fia and Irian... it was so good, y'all. Mature, adult conversations were had about their future, the upcoming war, what they would do after the war, what would happen if they didn't survive it. Did we really have to go through a relationship crisis in Book 2 to reach this spot? My vote is no, but I'm just a creature obsessed with happy endings.
Did we get a happy ending in this book? Debatable in the best way. No spoilers here, but it did make me tear up and yell, "WHAT" when I got to the last page. I'll be thinking about this book and these characters for a long time, I fear.
All in all, if you loved A Feather So Black but weren't sure where things were going after A Crown So Silver, this is your sign to PLEASE pick up A Heart So Green and buckle up for the ride.
I have never in my LIFE experienced a more epic comeback for a book series. The way I swore off these books after the disaster of A Crown So Silver must be studied, but I decided to give A Heart So Green a chance because I was genuinely curious how Fia's story ended. And boy, I was NOT disappointed.
From the beginning, this book hooked me right back into the world of Tir na Nog. I found myself invested in the new POVs and eager to learn more about our favorites' next steps. Fia's growth, both individually and with Irian, FINALLY happened and made a ton of sense. I loved her trajectory, and all of her decisions felt right and true to her character.
The plot was quick-paced but slowed down at key moments to let characters breathe and reflect. We saw new romances develop, new friendships form, and we explored more of this world and the gods that created it. Learning about the extent of the magic system alongside Fia helped me FEEL her reactions to it more and sympathize with her.
I did not sympathize with Eala, our antagonist, and just an all-around awful human being. She's so corrupted by power and control that she can't see the destruction she wreaks, and I truly felt the stakes at all times in this book as she commanded her army of the dead. Plus, the way her and Fia's fates intertwined was beautifully executed and reminiscent of a fairytale.
As for the romance between Fia and Irian... it was so good, y'all. Mature, adult conversations were had about their future, the upcoming war, what they would do after the war, what would happen if they didn't survive it. Did we really have to go through a relationship crisis in Book 2 to reach this spot? My vote is no, but I'm just a creature obsessed with happy endings.
Did we get a happy ending in this book? Debatable in the best way. No spoilers here, but it did make me tear up and yell, "WHAT" when I got to the last page. I'll be thinking about this book and these characters for a long time, I fear.
All in all, if you loved A Feather So Black but weren't sure where things were going after A Crown So Silver, this is your sign to PLEASE pick up A Heart So Green and buckle up for the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an end...
This book was very something else to say the least. I'm not really sure where I stand with it. To be completely transparent, I almost didn't read it. I got about 5% in, and I just couldn't. But I decided to push myself through it, and I can't say I regret finishing it, but also mixed feelings. There were good elements, some that were even great, but there were also areas that just felt lacking. I will say, I liked this book more than the last one. But I still was wishing for more.
Let's talk characters. Our FMC, Fia...goodness I've got feelings. Most good but some not so good. I really wanted to root for her in this book, but it took awhile for me to get there. MMC, Irian...love hate relationship again with him in this one. Side characters though! They all slayed. I was honestly rooting for them more than our MCs. But my favorite, without a doubt, was Wayland. Once again, I loved reading his chapters and embracing his character. His ending broke my heart and made me so sad. I think the side characters are really what kept me going. They were the ones I felt that were doing the most work to move the story forward especially in that first 30%.
Pacing was weird again. For a finale book, I felt like there was a lot of nothing happening too often throughout. It dragged, but it felt like it really dragged in the first 30%. Also after the FMC rejoined the story, it felt like the multiple POVs were less which I didn't love because I was mostly enjoying the side characters. It honestly just felt super underwhelming in several places. And then the ending happened. I just didn't like it...I felt like after everything our characters went through that I needed something more resolute, more HEA than what we were given.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book, and I did enjoy this one more than the previous book. I still just left this world wanting better, wanting more for the characters. It wasn't a bad finale...just underwhelming.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
This book was very something else to say the least. I'm not really sure where I stand with it. To be completely transparent, I almost didn't read it. I got about 5% in, and I just couldn't. But I decided to push myself through it, and I can't say I regret finishing it, but also mixed feelings. There were good elements, some that were even great, but there were also areas that just felt lacking. I will say, I liked this book more than the last one. But I still was wishing for more.
Let's talk characters. Our FMC, Fia...goodness I've got feelings. Most good but some not so good. I really wanted to root for her in this book, but it took awhile for me to get there. MMC, Irian...love hate relationship again with him in this one. Side characters though! They all slayed. I was honestly rooting for them more than our MCs. But my favorite, without a doubt, was Wayland. Once again, I loved reading his chapters and embracing his character. His ending broke my heart and made me so sad. I think the side characters are really what kept me going. They were the ones I felt that were doing the most work to move the story forward especially in that first 30%.
Pacing was weird again. For a finale book, I felt like there was a lot of nothing happening too often throughout. It dragged, but it felt like it really dragged in the first 30%. Also after the FMC rejoined the story, it felt like the multiple POVs were less which I didn't love because I was mostly enjoying the side characters. It honestly just felt super underwhelming in several places. And then the ending happened. I just didn't like it...I felt like after everything our characters went through that I needed something more resolute, more HEA than what we were given.
Overall, it wasn't a bad book, and I did enjoy this one more than the previous book. I still just left this world wanting better, wanting more for the characters. It wasn't a bad finale...just underwhelming.
I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Lyra Selene, Orbit, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of A Heart So Green in exchange for my honest review.
A Heart So Green is the conclusion to the Fair Folk trilogy. When it comes to my overall thoughts of this book, I do want to be careful that I keep my hopes out of it. Because the reality is, after book one I was expecting more of a romantasy or fantasy romance leaning story. However, while this series does have romance in it, the fantasy is very much the forefront of this series and I would not under any circumstance consider it to even really be fantasy romance. Maybe that is just me though. However, the series itself and this book is good. It is fast paced and enjoyable. There is heartbreak and sacrifice. There is this conclusion to this longstanding battle/face-off. There is the journey towards expectance and growth. When I take my hopes out of it, this book is outstanding. There is little to complain about other than I wish there was more battle forward scenes and that we could see more of the plotting for how the battle ended. The characters have come a long way since book one. Additionally, while it was not what I wanted, it is still a great series that I will enjoy rereading one day. Honestly, now that I have an idea of what I am getting myself into and how it ends, I likely will enjoy each book in the series more than I did the first go around. There is not much things that are negative that I can say about this book. I highly recommend everyone start this series. I will say the ending it bitter sweet. It leaves some aspects open to interpretation but honestly that is what I like about it. I also appreciate how the author left room for more stories to be told in this world. Now, that might never happen but there is small portions left open that I could see follow up series being created on, or maybe not. That is what is nice about this conclusion, there is room for more with other characters, or there is room to say goodbye. It leaves that hope and interpretation, which is always the key.
A Heart So Green is the conclusion to the Fair Folk trilogy. When it comes to my overall thoughts of this book, I do want to be careful that I keep my hopes out of it. Because the reality is, after book one I was expecting more of a romantasy or fantasy romance leaning story. However, while this series does have romance in it, the fantasy is very much the forefront of this series and I would not under any circumstance consider it to even really be fantasy romance. Maybe that is just me though. However, the series itself and this book is good. It is fast paced and enjoyable. There is heartbreak and sacrifice. There is this conclusion to this longstanding battle/face-off. There is the journey towards expectance and growth. When I take my hopes out of it, this book is outstanding. There is little to complain about other than I wish there was more battle forward scenes and that we could see more of the plotting for how the battle ended. The characters have come a long way since book one. Additionally, while it was not what I wanted, it is still a great series that I will enjoy rereading one day. Honestly, now that I have an idea of what I am getting myself into and how it ends, I likely will enjoy each book in the series more than I did the first go around. There is not much things that are negative that I can say about this book. I highly recommend everyone start this series. I will say the ending it bitter sweet. It leaves some aspects open to interpretation but honestly that is what I like about it. I also appreciate how the author left room for more stories to be told in this world. Now, that might never happen but there is small portions left open that I could see follow up series being created on, or maybe not. That is what is nice about this conclusion, there is room for more with other characters, or there is room to say goodbye. It leaves that hope and interpretation, which is always the key.
February 9, 2026
Reading A Heart so Green felt like living two lives at once. On the outside, I was going about my normal day, but inside I was completely wrapped up in a world that felt dreamy, dark, and mythical. This final book in the Fair Folk trilogy pulled me in fully and stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The Deep-Dream was amazing and felt powerful, very Neptunian and Shamanic. It’s hard to put into words how it made me feel, but it was so vivid that it even entered my own dreams.
Fia is the perfect character to drive the story and bring everyone together. She really comes into her own in this conclusion.
I loved the different narrations. Fia, Irian, Wayland and Laoise are the perfect wounded heroes. I enjoyed this story going more in depth for Laoise. Those scars on the inside for our heroes go pretty deep. The coming to terms with and acceptance was one of the most heart-warming (if bittersweet) parts of the story. So much sacrifice and selflessness. I fell a little bit in love with Wayland!
Each quest kept the story moving, and there was never much time to relax! Irian and Fia stopping over in the village provided a lighter moment. Seeing Irian in a more ordinary setting, experiencing everyday life, was very amusing. It still makes me smile when I think about it.
As the story moved towards the final battle, I felt anxious about what would happen. This author always manages to surprise me, and this was no exception. The battle scene was powerful and drew on everything Fia had learned during the Deep-Dream. Even then, there was a twist I hadn’t expected, and the ending didn’t go the way I thought it would.
I knew I wouldn’t like the ending, but it was the right one. Not everything is neatly resolved, and that felt honest. Some stories don’t need a perfect ending.
That said, I wish this wasn’t truly the end of the Fair Folk trilogy. Each character feels strong enough to have their own story afterwards. I think I’m just not quite ready to say goodbye to them yet.
The Deep-Dream was amazing and felt powerful, very Neptunian and Shamanic. It’s hard to put into words how it made me feel, but it was so vivid that it even entered my own dreams.
Fia is the perfect character to drive the story and bring everyone together. She really comes into her own in this conclusion.
I loved the different narrations. Fia, Irian, Wayland and Laoise are the perfect wounded heroes. I enjoyed this story going more in depth for Laoise. Those scars on the inside for our heroes go pretty deep. The coming to terms with and acceptance was one of the most heart-warming (if bittersweet) parts of the story. So much sacrifice and selflessness. I fell a little bit in love with Wayland!
Each quest kept the story moving, and there was never much time to relax! Irian and Fia stopping over in the village provided a lighter moment. Seeing Irian in a more ordinary setting, experiencing everyday life, was very amusing. It still makes me smile when I think about it.
As the story moved towards the final battle, I felt anxious about what would happen. This author always manages to surprise me, and this was no exception. The battle scene was powerful and drew on everything Fia had learned during the Deep-Dream. Even then, there was a twist I hadn’t expected, and the ending didn’t go the way I thought it would.
I knew I wouldn’t like the ending, but it was the right one. Not everything is neatly resolved, and that felt honest. Some stories don’t need a perfect ending.
That said, I wish this wasn’t truly the end of the Fair Folk trilogy. Each character feels strong enough to have their own story afterwards. I think I’m just not quite ready to say goodbye to them yet.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review: A Heart So Green by Lyra Selene
Rating: ★★★★
The Official Blurb;
After the explosive finale of the Tournament of Kings, Fia and Irian escape to the wildlands, dodging pursuit by Fia's cunning sister, Eala. With Fia battling a powerful celestial entity within her own mind, Irian must form new alliances to defeat Eala's terrifying magic. On Bealtain Eve, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, they will finally face off against the swan princess to forge the ending to their love story.
My Thoughts;
I must admit, I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to read this final installment. While I enjoyed book one a lot, I struggled a bit with book two. However, I am so glad I decided to finish the trilogy because I loved this book. My enjoyment had nothing to do with having an early copy; the story genuinely won me over through the incredible character growth and the way all the pieces finally came together.
Fia has been my favorite character throughout the series. Her journey from book one to book three has been a total rollercoaster, but I loved her resilience. No matter what happened, she kept picking herself up and trying to save the people she loved while also trying to save the world.
The whole series is beautifully written. As a reader with dyslexia, I did struggle at times with the names of places, beings, and objects, but the writing is so clear and descriptive that I could always work out what was happening. It is a testament to the author’s skill that the world remains accessible even with complex folklore terms.
The Verdict;
I would highly recommend this series, especially if you love Irish folklore. It is a beautiful, high-stakes conclusion that makes the whole journey worth it.
Acknowledgements;
Thank you to NetGalley, Lyra Selene, and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★★★★
The Official Blurb;
After the explosive finale of the Tournament of Kings, Fia and Irian escape to the wildlands, dodging pursuit by Fia's cunning sister, Eala. With Fia battling a powerful celestial entity within her own mind, Irian must form new alliances to defeat Eala's terrifying magic. On Bealtain Eve, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest, they will finally face off against the swan princess to forge the ending to their love story.
My Thoughts;
I must admit, I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to read this final installment. While I enjoyed book one a lot, I struggled a bit with book two. However, I am so glad I decided to finish the trilogy because I loved this book. My enjoyment had nothing to do with having an early copy; the story genuinely won me over through the incredible character growth and the way all the pieces finally came together.
Fia has been my favorite character throughout the series. Her journey from book one to book three has been a total rollercoaster, but I loved her resilience. No matter what happened, she kept picking herself up and trying to save the people she loved while also trying to save the world.
The whole series is beautifully written. As a reader with dyslexia, I did struggle at times with the names of places, beings, and objects, but the writing is so clear and descriptive that I could always work out what was happening. It is a testament to the author’s skill that the world remains accessible even with complex folklore terms.
The Verdict;
I would highly recommend this series, especially if you love Irish folklore. It is a beautiful, high-stakes conclusion that makes the whole journey worth it.
Acknowledgements;
Thank you to NetGalley, Lyra Selene, and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2026
First of all: I actually squealed when I got approved for the eARC. This series has had me in a chokehold since book one, and being able to return to Fia and Irian early felt like being handed my favourite comfort blanket and then immediately being emotionally stabbed with it.
I’ll be honest, the very beginning was a little slow for me, but not because the book itself dragged. It had simply been a while since I’d read books one and two, and my brain needed a minute to catch back up with the world, the politics, the emotional state of literally everyone involved. Once things clicked back into place though???? I was GONE. Fully submerged.
This book really feels like the emotional culmination of everything the series has been building toward. Fia’s growth hit me hard!! And the relationship between Fia and Irian continues to be one of the most tender, painful, and deeply earned romances I’ve read in fantasy. They’ve been through hell separately and together, I love them so much!!!!
The side characters are such a light in this series. Getting deeper insight into them added so much warmth and heartbreak, and there were multiple moments where I had to pause just to sit with how much I cared. Lyra Selene truly knows how to make you fall in love with a cast and then gently (or not so gently!!!) ruin you with it.
The prose remains absolutely stunning, lyrical without being overwrought, emotional without tipping into melodrama. There were lines that genuinely made my throat tight, scenes that felt like watching wounds heal and reopen at the same time. The ending in particular left me staring into space, feeling hollow in that quiet, reverent way that only books you love can manage.
Four stars instead of five purely because of that initial adjustment period at the start - but once I was back in, I WAS IN!! I adored this. This series means a ridiculous amount to me, and A Heart So Green is a beautiful, painful, heartfelt continuation that reminded me exactly why.
Thank you so much to Lyra Selene, Little Brown, and NetGalley for the eARC!
I’ll be honest, the very beginning was a little slow for me, but not because the book itself dragged. It had simply been a while since I’d read books one and two, and my brain needed a minute to catch back up with the world, the politics, the emotional state of literally everyone involved. Once things clicked back into place though???? I was GONE. Fully submerged.
This book really feels like the emotional culmination of everything the series has been building toward. Fia’s growth hit me hard!! And the relationship between Fia and Irian continues to be one of the most tender, painful, and deeply earned romances I’ve read in fantasy. They’ve been through hell separately and together, I love them so much!!!!
The side characters are such a light in this series. Getting deeper insight into them added so much warmth and heartbreak, and there were multiple moments where I had to pause just to sit with how much I cared. Lyra Selene truly knows how to make you fall in love with a cast and then gently (or not so gently!!!) ruin you with it.
The prose remains absolutely stunning, lyrical without being overwrought, emotional without tipping into melodrama. There were lines that genuinely made my throat tight, scenes that felt like watching wounds heal and reopen at the same time. The ending in particular left me staring into space, feeling hollow in that quiet, reverent way that only books you love can manage.
Four stars instead of five purely because of that initial adjustment period at the start - but once I was back in, I WAS IN!! I adored this. This series means a ridiculous amount to me, and A Heart So Green is a beautiful, painful, heartfelt continuation that reminded me exactly why.
Thank you so much to Lyra Selene, Little Brown, and NetGalley for the eARC!
January 29, 2026
*ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley*
I wish I loved this more than I did. It's a bittersweet ending to a series I had my ups and downs with. It got off to a VERY slow start despite picking up in the chaos where Crown So Silver ended. Fia was asleep for the first 35% of the book and we just bounced around POVs between Fia, Laosie, Wayland, and Irian. I understood why it went that way, but It felt like it went on far too long. Once she woke up, she got up to her typical levels of brash impulse decisions. She got called out for it though immediately which was nice. I feel like in a number of fantasy series the main character gets to do unquestioned stupid things far too often despite the consequences.
I was confused by the whole Bright Ones plot for a while and didn't remember some things from Crown So Silver relating to the Treasures themselves. Talah was very annoying throughout Fia's internal chapters. I did really enjoy the aughiskies as Linn acted as some brief snarky comedic relief with her mental messages to Fia and how COMPLETELY unhinged Eala became. I was always intrigued when she was on page because she was unpredictable and kept going farther than previously. I wanted a better resolution for Rogan but it was in line with the story. It was also nice to get a few moments with Corra again, as she was one of my favorite parts of A Feather so Black.
The ending conflict and confrontation between Fia and Eala was a little bit of a let down for me. Eala needed to suffer more for all that she wrought. Fia's fate in the end didn't feel too drastic a deviation from the prophecy and build up to the climax of the trilogy. Seeing how the heir's sacrifices changed them in the end showed how important those things were to who they were as a person and their characters. Definitely a bittersweet ending.
I wish I loved this more than I did. It's a bittersweet ending to a series I had my ups and downs with. It got off to a VERY slow start despite picking up in the chaos where Crown So Silver ended. Fia was asleep for the first 35% of the book and we just bounced around POVs between Fia, Laosie, Wayland, and Irian. I understood why it went that way, but It felt like it went on far too long. Once she woke up, she got up to her typical levels of brash impulse decisions. She got called out for it though immediately which was nice. I feel like in a number of fantasy series the main character gets to do unquestioned stupid things far too often despite the consequences.
I was confused by the whole Bright Ones plot for a while and didn't remember some things from Crown So Silver relating to the Treasures themselves. Talah was very annoying throughout Fia's internal chapters. I did really enjoy the aughiskies as Linn acted as some brief snarky comedic relief with her mental messages to Fia and how COMPLETELY unhinged Eala became. I was always intrigued when she was on page because she was unpredictable and kept going farther than previously. I wanted a better resolution for Rogan but it was in line with the story. It was also nice to get a few moments with Corra again, as she was one of my favorite parts of A Feather so Black.
The ending conflict and confrontation between Fia and Eala was a little bit of a let down for me. Eala needed to suffer more for all that she wrought. Fia's fate in the end didn't feel too drastic a deviation from the prophecy and build up to the climax of the trilogy. Seeing how the heir's sacrifices changed them in the end showed how important those things were to who they were as a person and their characters. Definitely a bittersweet ending.
January 13, 2026
4.5
I’m just sitting here thinking that that was the way to end this triology. Now I’m not going to lie to you. The beginning of this for me was a bit slow. We do have added POV’s from characters we’ve met or heard about and I really did like that.. now at the end of part one I really do think it picks up a lot more. But I was never really bored the story still captured my interest and this is a trilogy. I’m going to be thinking about for a long time. I love Fia. I love Irian. And I’m so happy. I did wait a little bit longer to start this because in my opinion, reading them closer if not back to back is the way to consume this series because keeping up the momentum and just remembering everything that happens is important. I do know that this is Lyra Selena’s big adult series and I really think she did an amazing job with it and it makes me really excited to see what she does next I think her world building is fantastic. I really like her magic system and how it all ends up flushing out throughout the entire series I like her character building and growth throughout the series as a whole. I don’t even loved all the side characters. I don’t think I’ve been excited as much about an author as I have about her in a while. I will definitely be coming back to this trilogy again in the future. Another thing I would recommend is I did not read this one with the audio . But I do recommend picking up the audios for this series as I did listen to the first two as an immersion read. And I do plan to reread this one with the audio at some point.. it will probably be when I do a reread of the series. You will not regret it!
Thank you to Orbit for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own .
I’m just sitting here thinking that that was the way to end this triology. Now I’m not going to lie to you. The beginning of this for me was a bit slow. We do have added POV’s from characters we’ve met or heard about and I really did like that.. now at the end of part one I really do think it picks up a lot more. But I was never really bored the story still captured my interest and this is a trilogy. I’m going to be thinking about for a long time. I love Fia. I love Irian. And I’m so happy. I did wait a little bit longer to start this because in my opinion, reading them closer if not back to back is the way to consume this series because keeping up the momentum and just remembering everything that happens is important. I do know that this is Lyra Selena’s big adult series and I really think she did an amazing job with it and it makes me really excited to see what she does next I think her world building is fantastic. I really like her magic system and how it all ends up flushing out throughout the entire series I like her character building and growth throughout the series as a whole. I don’t even loved all the side characters. I don’t think I’ve been excited as much about an author as I have about her in a while. I will definitely be coming back to this trilogy again in the future. Another thing I would recommend is I did not read this one with the audio . But I do recommend picking up the audios for this series as I did listen to the first two as an immersion read. And I do plan to reread this one with the audio at some point.. it will probably be when I do a reread of the series. You will not regret it!
Thank you to Orbit for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Heart So Green was such a brilliant finale to Lyra Selene’s trilogy! I’ve been thinking about how to review it for a few days now, because I loved it so much but am struggling to keep my thoughts spoiler-free 😅
Building on a very eventful second book, A Heart So Green is packed with twists and unexpected turns that genuinely left me reeling. I loved the unique direction the story took, and how it managed to feel entirely its own while still occasionally tying back (sometimes only symbolically) to Swan Lake, which inspired the series. I honestly struggled to imagine how such an intricate story could be wrapped up, but the author did a wonderful job. She made me cry, because it was so bittersweet... but it was perfect, too.
Unlike the previous books, which were fully told from Fia’s first-person perspective, A Heart So Green is narrated through four POVs (with Fia still in first person among them). I really enjoyed this shift and the way the author gave each character a distinct and recognisable voice. Irian, or “Scary Husband” (Balor’s nickname really stuck, sorry) is so precious... and his "mask" is finally melting as he slowly learns to trust others and steps back from trying to control Fia “for her own safety.” And Wayland!! I love him so much, and it absolutely warmed my heart to see him growing closer to his brother again. Fia herself remains a wonderful protagonist: less reckless than before, more invested in staying alive, yet still willing to do whatever it takes to stop Eala.
I’ll stop here to avoid spoilers, but let me say it once more: this was SO good. I’d highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fairytale-inspired fantasy (even if Swan Lake is little more than a distant echo by this point), rich world-building, and a truly original take on a familiar story.
Building on a very eventful second book, A Heart So Green is packed with twists and unexpected turns that genuinely left me reeling. I loved the unique direction the story took, and how it managed to feel entirely its own while still occasionally tying back (sometimes only symbolically) to Swan Lake, which inspired the series. I honestly struggled to imagine how such an intricate story could be wrapped up, but the author did a wonderful job. She made me cry, because it was so bittersweet... but it was perfect, too.
Unlike the previous books, which were fully told from Fia’s first-person perspective, A Heart So Green is narrated through four POVs (with Fia still in first person among them). I really enjoyed this shift and the way the author gave each character a distinct and recognisable voice. Irian, or “Scary Husband” (Balor’s nickname really stuck, sorry) is so precious... and his "mask" is finally melting as he slowly learns to trust others and steps back from trying to control Fia “for her own safety.” And Wayland!! I love him so much, and it absolutely warmed my heart to see him growing closer to his brother again. Fia herself remains a wonderful protagonist: less reckless than before, more invested in staying alive, yet still willing to do whatever it takes to stop Eala.
I’ll stop here to avoid spoilers, but let me say it once more: this was SO good. I’d highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fairytale-inspired fantasy (even if Swan Lake is little more than a distant echo by this point), rich world-building, and a truly original take on a familiar story.
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