Fae Tithe is an adult fantasy inspired by 'Taken' and 'Hand Maid's Tale.' Book 1 in Chronicles of the Cursed Courts, Fae Tithe features cosy romance between a Merman and a woman, found family, body and neurotype diversity, political intrigue, high stakes, heist, Fae Courts, hidden identities, resistance, elemental magic, magical bargains, care and comfort, female rage, protection and devotion and has two older main characters (30+).
Fae Tithe is told in third person, past tense and from three different points of view.
In Seelieland, the Fae demand a Tithe. They didn’t count on a mother’s fury - or a Merman’s vow. Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Neycur was meant to chart her own course. A final year of school, a future at sea, and a life beyond the limitations of her coastal village. But when the Seelie Court revives its ancient Tithe and claims her without warning, Eleanor is torn from everything she knows and thrown into a glittering world built on control, secrets, and servitude.
Back home, Helena Neycur’s world shatters. She has spent her life drawing a Circle around those she loves, and protecting her daughter at any cost. Now, she must fight against a kingdom that sees humans as chattel - and she will not do it alone. Beneath the waves, Lance, the Merman Helena once saved and now loves, is bound by the laws of the sea. But for Eleanor, he will test every boundary of his limited reach, even if it means risking war between land and sea.
As Eleanor uncovers the truths hidden behind the Tithe and Helena gathers allies from both coast and current, mother and daughter are set on a collision course with the very heart of Seelieland’s power. And the Fae have never faced a storm like this one.
They took the wrong girl. They underestimated her mother. And the tide is turning
Alicia is the single parent to one offspring. They live together in the beautiful South West of Western Australia. Alicia's day job is being a Laboratory Technician. When she is not working, she enjoys reading and writing fantasy. Her other hobbies include, with offspring in tow, karate, archery, walks in the woods, and going to the beach. She finds great inspiration in the the natural world around her. Alicia loves myths, legends, and fairy tales, which is strongly represented in the stories she writes. Her main goal with her debut book and series is to tell stories about relatable characters – be it a 30-something plus-sized mother, a teenage girl who struggles to fit in, or a Merman who worries that he is not enough. Alicia's main hope for her readers is that they will see themselves in the characters she writes. If you would like to support Alicia, please consider following her on social media and leaving a review for her debut novel Fae Tithe. Instagram: @chronicleofthecursedcourts Tiktok: @authoraliciadingley Threads: @chroniclesofthecursedcourts
I was lucky to be chosen to read this book as an ARC and this review is made up of my own opinions.
I liked this, but I have questions. I will be the first to admit, if a book is a slow start I struggle, and that's nothing on the author that was me, it took me a while to get into this book but once it picked up it was SO GOOD! There were more elements to this book than I thought, tbh I never look to far into a book before reading it I want it to be a surprise!
I will say though, the ending is my pull back, obviously I don't want to go into detail but it reads as a standalone not as a continuation, and like we all hate cliff hangers but was that it? like it's a good ending but how does it translate into another book??
This book started off a little slow for me, but once the pace picked up, I found myself enjoying it.
I really loved that the FMC was older and that the story was told through multiple POVs. Having Eleanor’s (Helena’s daughter) perspective added so much depth and helped the story flow well.
Having a mix of humans, mermaids, fae, and even a dragon (my personal favourite) made the story and world that much more exciting.
I especially loved the dynamics between Helena and Eleanor, as well as Helena and Lance. The spice was perfectly balanced enough to add heat without overshadowing the plot.
Thank you so much to @chroniclesofthecursedcourts for a copy of this ARC to read and review. I look forward to continuing with this series 💜
How can I sum up why this book is amazing? - finally we have relatable characters!! A mum in her 30s with a real body! So sick of all these teens/early 20yr olds with society’s version of the perfect body! - this book demonstrates the power of a mother’s love and how a mother will rip the world apart to protect her family - a male who truly loves and encourages his family - a healthy relationship with communication! - fast paced and action filled - warm fuzzy moments - 3rd person narrative so it doesn’t feel like you’re reading a diary - narrative changes between the three main characters - so descriptive that I could visualise the whole story like I was actually there walking alongside them
A single mom just minding her own business, falling in love with a merman, when her daughter’s life is threatened and she makes it her mission to upend the fae patriarchy!!! I couldn’t NOT read this book!
Fae Tithe by Alicia Dingley is a fairytale for adults. The storyline felt fresh and relatable, being a mother myself. I enjoyed seeing strong bonds between family members and healthy relationships. A little spice on the side is always a bonus, too!
I can recommend this if you’d like something unique compared to standard romantasies. A mother setting out to save her daughter.
The reason I haven’t rated it higher is because I believe it still needs more editing. There are parts of the book that don’t add to the story, and repetitive explanations and word choices.
It was a fantastic first release, Alicia. Congratulations!
Fae Tithe is everything I crave in fantasy: lush worldbuilding, fierce maternal love, and a plot that pulses with rebellion and magic. Alicia Dingley’s writing is immersive and emotionally rich. Helena’s fury and Eleanor’s resilience had me cheering, crying, and gasping in equal measure. The romance between Helena and Lance? Tender, mature, and beautifully done. And the themes of found family, neurodiversity, and elemental magic are woven in with care and power.
This book doesn’t just tell a story, it rages, heals, and soars. If you love fae courts, high-stakes heists, and characters who fight like hell for those they love, this one’s for you.
Fae Tithe Chronicles Of the Cursed Courts Book One By Alicia Dingley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶
🪻 Adult Fantasy Romance 🔥 Fae / Human 🪻 Mermen and other magical beings 🔥 Curses 🪻 Adventure 🔥 Fierce FMC 🪻 F0rced Prox¡mity 🔥 Found family
A mother's love knows no bounds, she will do anything to make sure her daughter is safe 💕
This first instalment of the Chronicles of the Cursed Courts blew my mind.
This tale follows the story of Eleanor a human girl going to Portson Finishing School for Girls (essentially a girls' boarding school) where she is taken by the Fae for Tithe, an old tradition that hasn't happened in centuries where human girls are tak-en to be us-ed as wives for high up Fae Lords and the King. Of course, she is unlucky enough to catch the eye of the King himself 🙄 who stakes his claim on her while she is l0cked away in the Tithe Manor undergoing a regime of tea drinking...IYKYK okay?
Anyways while all of this is going on her mum is on her way to visit her at the school like they had planned and when she turns up and El isn't there? Yeah, mumma is LIVID! And what do mummas do to find and protect their babies? Exactly, literally everything in their powers, or in this case their powers and then some 😉
This incredible debut novel is filled with magic, adventure, fierce protectiveness, a dragon and his fire 🔥, and a merman with his powers willing to start wa-rs for his family.
Truly such a beautiful fantasy romance adventure 🖤
The chapter artwork in this beautiful book is breathtaking 😍 as is the cover of course!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars for Alicia Dingley’s Fae Tithe
Thank you so much for letting me be an ARC reader for your fast paced, incredible romantasy!
This book really took me on an adventure, and I loved every second of it! The split POV’s really help you see each angle of this story as it comes together.
We have an older FMC (which I LOVE!!) and her daughter, who live with their found family. I love this dynamic for so many reasons! Alicia really has a talent for writing and portraying such healthy relationships!! Both romantic and platonic, it is such a beautiful book about how far you will go to save the ones you love.. and doing the next right thing! .. with a dash of sass!
How each character shows resilience and bravery in each part of their journey is just fantastic to see! There is no miscommunication, every conflict is healthily approached and resolved, it is so refreshing to see this! I love the love in this book, the representation for LGBTQ is such so sweet!
Aside from the emotionally rounded characters, the storyline is fantastic! I felt like I was there with each of them during their scary ordeals in this new world! And I will definitely be signing up for book 2 immediately when given the chance!! .. I need more Atlas too!
As always this review is my opinion and I understand that not everyone will agree. But for me personally, I loved it!!
I have been eagerly anticipating this book for months and can joyously announce it totally delivered!
Fae Tithe is an adventure fantasy with flavors of romantasy and vibes of ‘Taken.’ You’ll find danger, fear, heart, and spice. The cast of characters is unique, dynamic, and I’m truly excited to continue their adventures in future books.
Doing my best to avoid spoilers, one of the standout features of Fae Tithe was the author’s ability to tighten the tension and raise the stakes without introducing miscommunication or toxicity. At its heart, Fae Tithe is a story about family and the risks they will take to protect their own against insurmountable odds.
The core message of resistance, the power of the many over the governing few, is so timely and rewarding. I cheered out loud at a certain point. I wanted to see it and the book delivered. Huzzah!
A resounding positive of this book is Helena. It is so refreshing to follow a mom of a teenager as one of our protagonists, see her be competent, formidable, and absolutely alive and at home in herself, especially in a fantasy with a good helping of spice. There are low-hanging tropes that the author side-stepped, and the book is so much more memorable for it.
I am so excited to order the physical book for my shelves and to read the next installment. What a debut!
Fae Tithe draws readers into a vivid and layered fantasy world where love, loyalty, and resistance are woven through elemental magic and high-stakes intrigue.
I was immediately pulled in by the dynamic between Eleanor and her parents, Helena and Lance, and the way their devotion shapes the story. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy where the focus includes not only a younger character’s journey, but also the fierce determination of older main characters, with love, protection, and family bonds at the heart of the narrative.
The worldbuilding feels rich and expansive, extending far beyond the main characters to reveal complex Fae courts, elemental balances, and political power struggles. I especially enjoyed that the Fae are portrayed as villains in this world, which added an unexpected edge and tension to the lore.
Alicia Dingley’s writing is beautifully balanced, seamlessly blending action, dialogue, and quiet moments of care and reflection. The pacing builds steadily, creating a momentum that carried me right through to a deeply satisfying conclusion.
I’m very excited to see what Alicia Dingley brings next in this series, as this first instalment has set the stage for an epic and emotionally resonant saga.
I received an ARC of this book, and this review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions and is shared voluntarily.
Fae Tithe is an emotionally resonant fantasy that blends cozy character dynamics with high-stakes political intrigue, elemental magic, and a swoon-worthy romance that brings both tenderness and heat. It’s the first in the Chronicles of the Cursed Courts series, and it's already setting up a world I want to spend more time in.
Told through three POVs — a captured teen girl, her fiercely determined mother, and a loyal Merman with a quiet strength — the story explores themes of resistance, magical servitude, found family, and personal freedom. What makes this really stand out, though, is the presence of older main characters (30+), a mature love story, and an approach to romance that blends emotional depth with genuinely spicy moments.
I also really appreciated the body and neurotype diversity, the exploration of power structures within the Fae world, and the slow-burn rebellion building under the surface. The first half leans more on setup and character relationships, while the second half delivers more tension, action, and twists.
In short: If you’re looking for a fantasy with real heart, mature protagonists, found family, magic, rebellion, and some well-earned steam, Fae Tithe is a great start to what promises to be a compelling series.
huge shoutout to Alicia Dingley for the early copy
Fae Tithe hooked me from the very first chapter. The world feels so alive, I could almost smell the sea breeze, hear the hum of the markets, and sense the tension woven into every corner of Seelieland. It’s the kind of setting that wraps around you and makes you forget you’re reading.
Eleanor instantly became a character I cared about. She’s stubborn in the best way, deeply loyal, and quietly determined, the kind of person who would protect the people she loves no matter the cost. Following her felt real, like watching someone you know navigate both beautiful moments and ones that test every bit of her strength.
What really stood out for me was how Alicia Dingley blends warmth and tension so seamlessly. One moment, you’re smiling at the small, tender interactions; the next, there’s this pulse of unease that makes it impossible to put the book down. The friendships feel genuine, the worldbuilding is rich without ever feeling heavy, and the pacing keeps you invested all the way through.
It’s a story that lingers after you finish, because it’s not just about the plot, it’s about the emotions it stirs. Huge thank you to Alicia Dingley for trusting me with this ARC. This is my honest opinion, and I’m so glad I got to experience this world early.
It was my honour to ARC read for a fellow Indie Author.
All in all, I give this book five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, but had to put it down sometimes because IRL circumstances prevented me from focussing on the details.
While I love the cosmology of the world, but the naming of the lands and the courts and provinces feels like it could’ve used a bit more attention.
Other parts that could’ve been better fleshed out is the overall experience of living under Fae rule. I feel like there’s a lot of ground to be won in that regard, simply by showcasing events as seen by Helena. There are more parts of the general world / daily life on the Archipelago that I would’ve been interested in reading about.
Another fact that came seemingly out of nowhere is the declining birth-rate for fae. Could’ve really used a bit more preface and ties in to the larger world politics.
However, these missing details didn’t subtract from the story of a mother going after her daughter to keep her safe. I LOVED that theme and the (found) family supporting each other. I loved El’s unwavering trust in her mom, and Lance’s unerring support. THAT is what family is about.
Fae Tithe was honestly such a great debut! I was fully pulled into this world — which doesn’t always happen for me with first-time novels. The fae vibes, the danger, the family bonds… all of it just worked so well together.
The things I really loved: Helena and the prince!! Total plot twist there — I did not see that coming. I really hope we get to dive more into his world in book two. And can we please get a side story about Rose and the boys? Their dynamic was so fun and added so much warmth to the story. I loved the strong sense of family throughout, and how the female leads were fierce but still had a solid, supportive male character backing them up.
I ended up giving it 4 stars because there were a few writing choices that threw me off. Once El became a changeling, she suddenly started being called “the changeling” instead of by her name, which just felt… weird? Like, we know who she is, we can still call her El! And the ending felt a little rushed — I wanted just a bit more punch leading into book two.
Still, such a promising start for a debut! I’m really excited to see where Alicia Dingley takes this next.
I was given this as an e-ARC from the author, and I want to say thank you for the opportunity to read this.
Fae Tithe, book One of Chronicles of the Cursed Courts follows mother and daughter duo Helena and Eleanor in Seelieland, in a "taken/handmaids tale" type of fantasy adventure. On paper, the idea sounded amazing, and I was looking forward to a fresh new take, especially having a mother's POV. However, this fell flat for me. The book is heavy on dialogue, so everything felt told to me instead of shown. The character development was non-existent and lacking. Eleanor floated from meek and mild to rebel, within mere lines, instead of a natural progression and character arc. I felt that there was too much that the author tried to accomplish in book one, that had this been fleshed out, it could have been two. I didn't care for any of the characters. The plot twists felt underdeveloped and anticlimactic, and the worldbuilding also felt lacking.
Overall, I think this idea had potential. It just didn't hit the mark for me. I do wish this Aussie indie author all the very best.
Fae Tithe is the first book in the Chronicles of the Cursed Courts series. I loved the concept of the storyline and the characters. It follows Helena, a middle aged mother, and her daughter Eleanor who is 'taken' by a fae king.
As a mum, I loved the older FMC representation! I liked Helena and her partner Lance's relationship and their communication..miscommunication is my least favourite trope! Also Helena's willingness to do absolutely anything to get her daughter back.
I really liked the fantasy world the author created. There were some parts that felt a little drawn out and others that went way too quickly, leaving me with many questions. I would have loved to see more of Eleanor and the King while he held her captive.
Overall it was a good read, although the ending felt 'wrapped up' like a standalone, rather than leaving me wanting more and excited to dive straight into the next book!
If you enjoy a low spice fantasy with lush world building and a relatable middle aged FMC then definitely give this a go!
What an enchanting journey of life for humans, fae, merman/siren and dragons. All in one beautifully imagined story. I’m a sucker for Merfolk and this story had that & much more.
Dingley stunningly set the stage for an immersive, ethereal fairytale-esk setting. I was easily picturing each word and character that crossed the page. Each character becoming what felt like friends, family.
This epic journey was one to save Eleanor, a teenage human, from a life of servitude, as a result of a fae tithe. Together Helena and Lance, a merman, battled the odds of getting her back. A perilous journey and one that would leave its eternal mark on all of them.
I loved this in entirety. It was so fun to read. It had a coziness to it but also created worry, adventure, hope and an endless amount of wholesomeness due to strong relationships and love. I can’t wait for book two ♥️🧜🏼♂️🧚♂️🐉🌊 (4.5⭐️ rounded up!)
Thank you to the author for kindly providing me an ARC ✨
Fae Tithe is an atmospheric fantasy set in Seelieland, where fae bargains and human survivals intertwine. The author builds and enchanting yet eerie world full of ocean-touched imagery, dangerous promises and the pull of something otherworldly. I love the FMC, as she is strong. She is practical yet vulnerable and her dynamic with Lance feels so real against the background of fae politics and pearling life.
This books will appeal most to readers who enjoy: - Dangerous fae courts and tricky bargains - atmospheric pace over fast action - merman x human
“I could stare at you for a thousand mornings, and never grow sick of the sight. I plan on committing your face to memory by touch, and that is how I will know you when I am old and I can no longer see,” “They stole my daughter from me, before I even had the chance to ask to make it official”
Thank you for letting me read and review this ARC book!
This was a fascinating read. It contained multiple POV’s across a mother, Len, her lover the Merman, Lance and her teenage daughter, Eleanor. When El is taken for the Fae Tithe, ‘Len’ goes to save her. The bravery and sheer determination from this mother was amazing to watch. Showcasing such a strong love for her daughter that she would do anything to get her back. I enjoyed reading the multiple povs as it showcased the desperation between both mother and daughter to be reunited plus the strong love between them. It also showcased the intense love between Len and Lance and what a found family can mean. It had some good spice (merman x human hehe) I really enjoyed this book and I’m really looking forward to seeing where book two takes us!!
This book was so much fun from start to finish! I thought I knew what to expect and my expectations were far exceeded! This story takes some of our well-known fantasy tropes and dangles them in front of you just to throw them away and blind side you with pure brilliance instead! I will admit there were some parts that made me mad at the author (she knows what she did) but I couldn’t fault it! The story, the imagery, the writing, the graphic details - there’s so much I loved.
If you want a story about an FMC riding into battle to save her daughter from the shitty patriarchy and look damn good while doing it, this book is for you!
Truly a breath of fresh air for the fantasy genre and the mama bear energy was an absolute joy to read!!
I had been following the lead up to this book for weeks and was blessed with the opportunity to read the ARC. So many elements of this story I just really loved... Cosy romantasy with a sexy merman, YES! Older FMC, YES! Magical kingdom full of faeries, YES! If you love these things, then this book is for you!! The twists and turns in the story were so good. The plot is excellent - developing such wholesome and realistic characters and an adventure that had me feeling like I was apart of the journey was great! Lance’s secret shocked me! Helena’s love and strength for her daughter, Eleanor is so heart warmingly sweet. I cannot wait for the second book in the series and to learn more about Atlas too!
Hands down one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. We’ve got Helen and Eleanor, mother/daughter duo of the century! their bond is everything. When Eleanor gets “taken” & claimed by the fairy king (rude), Helen literally goes to the ends of the earth and beyond to save her. F*ck ancient traditions that give women no rights! We also have… a sexy merman 🧜♂️ (yes, you read that right) and a romance so pure and healthy it makes you wanna raise your standards immediately. There’s drama, secrets, political tea, cozy romance, a sprinkle of spice, a dragon (!!), and all the magic you could wish for. Everything you want in an adult fantasy!!
the artwork? Stunning! You can tell the author poured their whole heart into this debut. Looking forward to book 2 so much!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m used to multiple POVs for different love interests but in this case it was mom - Helena, mom’s partner- Lance, and the daughter -Eleanor.
Lance is such a good guy with a surprise identity, Helena was a kick butt Mom with a tragic past, and I’m excited to see how Eleanor grows considering all the changes she went through.
I struggled a little bit with the third person perspective and actions being explained rather than showed through the story, but I also was on vacation and liken it to me being distracted.
First off I’d like to say thank you so much for allowing me be chosen for this beautiful arc read!
Far Tithe is a fast paced romantasy with multiple POV to see from all sides of the story.
The FMC is older which I absolutely loved considering the stories now a days is early adult years so it was a breath of fresh air!
Alicia has incredible writing skills, she was able to tighten the tension and raise the stakes while doing it in an extremely healthy way with no toxicity or miscommunication. I love my red flags and toxic relationships but it was nice actually reading about healthy relationships (romantic and platonic) and how they worked through it.
“The five Fae Lords and King of the Seelie Court of Solas exert their right to Tithe. They may take their choice of young human ladies from the aristocratic houses once in a Fae generation.”
This was such a fun read. It had the perfect balance between cosy fantasy and suspense. I was glued from start to finish and genuinely cared about each of the emotionally-rounded characters. I didn't know how the plot would play out and was pleasantly surprised throughout the story.
This book was inspired by "Taken" and "The Handmaid's Tale". Recommended for readers of these stories but with a gentler vibe.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story. The short paragraphs made it easy to sink into the flow and stay immersed. The concept of the tithe was new to me, and I found it fascinating to explore through the narrative. The writing style struck a nice balance—it had the comforting feel of a cozy, calm novel yet still delivered bursts of action and vivid scenes. What stood out most were the unique themes, which brought a refreshing twist to the fantasy genre. Appeared really nicely on a kobo as well.
I absolutely loved this sweet, adventurous romantasy. Thank you so much to Alicia for the chance to have an E-Arc. I was hooked and finished in a day (was a nice escape in this gloomy, New Zealand winter) I loved the strong (and older) FMC. The 'Taken' vibes were great and I loved the mother/daughter relationship. Loved the Mer romance and spice, well written and paced. Can't wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed Fae Tithe! The premise hooked me right away, and I loved the mix of politics and the strong mother/daughter focus (plus the cosy romance was such a nice touch). There is a lull in the middle where not much happens, but once the story picks up again, it moves fast, and the stakes get really high. The ending came too soon but it left me wanting more, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Huge thanks to the publisher/author for giving me access to the e-ARC.
I made a mid-year resolution to read for joy above all else and Fae Tithe delivered. The imagery is beautiful and cosy and the storyline is a fun fairytale for grown ups with characters that you can imagine being friends with. If you’re looking for a warm hug in the form of a book, this is it. Highly recommend reading by a fireplace or with a cup of tea, it will feel like you’re re-reading a childhood comfort read with a more grown up spin.