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Faery Realms #2
Owl King
'An elegant, dreamy tale steeped in folklore' - Irish Times on Nettle
A dark, captivating 12+/YA tale of deception and survival, set in the Realm of Never Moon where faeries live in fear of the Owl King.
Welcome to a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery…
Long ago, kings and queens of the faery realms exchanged talismans with one another to maintain harmony in their world. The Stag King gave up a shard of antler, the Owl King a feather, the Minnow Queen a shimmering, silver scale. But the Owl King has grown restless, and his kingdom has become dangerous as he feeds off the magic of others. Always he hunts for a new bride to sustain him.
When devoted sisters, Ilsette and Lyla, are summoned to court, the Owl King's eye soon falls on the beautiful Lyla. Determined to save her sister from a terrible fate, Ilsette sets out on a quest to find the prized feather and change the balance of power.
Lyla bewitches the king with her stories, but time is running out. Meanwhile, Ilsette's search leads her to a realm with two moons and scarlet stars. Here she must trick King Locryn into revealing the feather's secret whereabouts, so that she can steal it. She's befriended by a strange magpie and two shadow faeries, but all the while, she faces an impossible truth – to save her sister, she must destroy peace among the realms.
A dark, captivating 12+/YA tale of deception and survival, set in the Realm of Never Moon where faeries live in fear of the Owl King.
Welcome to a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery…
Long ago, kings and queens of the faery realms exchanged talismans with one another to maintain harmony in their world. The Stag King gave up a shard of antler, the Owl King a feather, the Minnow Queen a shimmering, silver scale. But the Owl King has grown restless, and his kingdom has become dangerous as he feeds off the magic of others. Always he hunts for a new bride to sustain him.
When devoted sisters, Ilsette and Lyla, are summoned to court, the Owl King's eye soon falls on the beautiful Lyla. Determined to save her sister from a terrible fate, Ilsette sets out on a quest to find the prized feather and change the balance of power.
Lyla bewitches the king with her stories, but time is running out. Meanwhile, Ilsette's search leads her to a realm with two moons and scarlet stars. Here she must trick King Locryn into revealing the feather's secret whereabouts, so that she can steal it. She's befriended by a strange magpie and two shadow faeries, but all the while, she faces an impossible truth – to save her sister, she must destroy peace among the realms.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2025
7 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
October 6, 2025
3.5 stars
November 22, 2025
4.5 ⭐
Oh, how magical and cosy but utterly heartbreaking at the same time!
I am so glad I picked up this book; the cover alone was what sold me, and I had zero expectations going into it. But oh boy, was this a magical and whimsical good time. I am so surprised I have not seen this book on my social media pages, not just because of how gorgeous the covers are in this series, but also how wholesome the stories are.
Despite starting with the Owl King, I will definitely be going back and picking up Nettle in preparation for the next book in the Faery Realms next year!
Without giving spoilers, this book takes you on the journey of Ilsette, who is determined to do whatever it takes to save her sister Lyla from the Owl King. Though predominantly told through Ilsette's pov, we still get a couple of chapters from Lyla's pov on how her relationship with the Owl King plays out.
I absolutely adored the in-between chapters, which featured stories about other types of birds and how the moral of their story helped advance the current narrative. Also, as the realm of the Never Moon is one for Faery who transform into birds, I found the stories that focus on birds to be so fitting for this book.
Oh, how magical and cosy but utterly heartbreaking at the same time!
I am so glad I picked up this book; the cover alone was what sold me, and I had zero expectations going into it. But oh boy, was this a magical and whimsical good time. I am so surprised I have not seen this book on my social media pages, not just because of how gorgeous the covers are in this series, but also how wholesome the stories are.
Despite starting with the Owl King, I will definitely be going back and picking up Nettle in preparation for the next book in the Faery Realms next year!
Without giving spoilers, this book takes you on the journey of Ilsette, who is determined to do whatever it takes to save her sister Lyla from the Owl King. Though predominantly told through Ilsette's pov, we still get a couple of chapters from Lyla's pov on how her relationship with the Owl King plays out.
I absolutely adored the in-between chapters, which featured stories about other types of birds and how the moral of their story helped advance the current narrative. Also, as the realm of the Never Moon is one for Faery who transform into birds, I found the stories that focus on birds to be so fitting for this book.
January 1, 2026
The first book, Nettle was amazing. You want cozy fantasy, this series is a good stop in.
November 16, 2025
Owl King is a wonderful fairytale filled with magic and lore. I absolutely loved the sibling relationship, the pure love and devotion for me felt more raw than putting oneself in danger over a man. So straight away I was invested in these characters! The quest is fun, full of fae tricks and peril. There’s newly forged friendships along the way and Nettle from the other book also features, which I really loved! Throughout we also get other tales in short story form that focus on different themes and enrich the world. This series is the kind that you could read to your child at bedtime or escape into yourself, uncomplicated yet delightful and full of heart! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
August 15, 2025
Another beautiful story from Bex that I couldnt hey enough of! I hope there's lots more books in this series because I love all these different realms and stories!
Owl King is a curious and captivating tale about sisters and love. This story is told from 2 different povs and I loved the different stories scattered in between the chapters too! Also loved the fact that we were reuinted with a couple of other characters too but I won't name names 🤭🤭😍
If you're in the mood for a magical and mysterious adventure then I cant reccomend this book enough!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Owl King is a curious and captivating tale about sisters and love. This story is told from 2 different povs and I loved the different stories scattered in between the chapters too! Also loved the fact that we were reuinted with a couple of other characters too but I won't name names 🤭🤭😍
If you're in the mood for a magical and mysterious adventure then I cant reccomend this book enough!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2025
I was so excited to read this book set in the Faery Realms series. I adored Nettle and was racing to read this book. It did not disappoint, Hogan writes beautiful stories that sweep you up in the faery world. I loved that we followed a new character but had appearances from familiar faces. These are modern day fairy tales that remind me so much of the ones I read as a child. Ilsette is another fierce female lead that I would happily rally behind. She is companionate and Kind, and really finds her feet as the story goes along. This book is a magical hug in a book, and you should pick it up now.
Thank you to Bex Hogan, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Thank you to Bex Hogan, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
September 15, 2025
Welcome back to the Faery Realms. This is where the king once kind and wise has grown miserable and cruel, where two sisters love each other above all else, where love is tested and magic is tricky. This time, we discover the true power of stories and love. Inspired by the Tales of 1001 Nights, Layla steps into the role of a Celtic Scheherazade. This book is so comforting, filled with adventures, loneliness and courage. There is a touch of cruelty (but never too much for young readers). And for those who’ve been missing Nettle… don’t worry, she’s back!
September 17, 2025
After loving Viper this fell really flat for me. I wasn't a fan of the characters or the Quest.
The sister really grew on me but I am not the biggest fan of stories in stories. They feel like information is being thrown at you with loosely veiled messages they either over explain or hope stick.
Not one for me, thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
The sister really grew on me but I am not the biggest fan of stories in stories. They feel like information is being thrown at you with loosely veiled messages they either over explain or hope stick.
Not one for me, thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC
October 4, 2025
This book is so unique compared to the other fae books I’ve read. They can all shift but Ilsette has a secret that her sister has been helping her keep. The owl king is such a good read for stories of love, deception, trickery, grief, and trying to fit in a world that makes it difficult. Would highly recommend when this comes out 🥰
November 28, 2025
This was such a beautiful book!
November 27, 2025
loved it🩵❤️🩵❤️🩵❤️🩵
December 31, 2025
It was fine. I think it was very Y of the YA with a lot of of holes and suspension of disbelief. It had all the elements of folklore without being too gruesome but the very black/white nature of all the decisions made made me itchy.
November 3, 2025
This was an okay read. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, and it felt like it skewed quite young — which makes sense since it’s a younger YA novel and not really aimed at me. We follow Ilsette as she tries to save her sister from the Owl King, while her sister is essentially being tortured by him… but then falls for him? I’m sorry, but it’s giving Stockholm Syndrome….
Overall, not for me.
Overall, not for me.
August 25, 2025
OWL KING - BEX HOGAN
I honestly feel like I could happily read Bex Hogan's faery realm books for the rest of my days and be perfectly content. Nettle, the first book in her Faery Realms series, was one of my favourite reads of last year, and I RAN when I heard that Owl King was on NetGalley.
Set within the same world as Nettle, Ilsette, a half-mortal, half-faery, tasks herself with saving her sister, Lyla, who's wed to the notorious Owl King and doomed to a slow death as he steals her magic. Ilsette travels through faery courts - some new, some familiar - to find a talisman that could set her sister free.
Once again, Bex Hogan's writing is beautiful and crisp, feeling very much like a fairytale within itself. But it's one that's steeped in folklore, where faery stories are weaved into the main storyline. This, as well as the fact that Ilsette's travels introduce us to new faery courts, lends a wholeness to the faery world that Bex started to create in book #1.
I loved everything about Owl King, from Ilsette's stubbornness and tenacity to the sweet and unexpected romances. A favourite moment had to be when the reader gets to revisit favourite characters from the first book. Ultimately? I'll read anything that Bex Hogan writes.
Thank you to Bex Hogan, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Release date: 9 Oct 2025
Review score: 5/5
I honestly feel like I could happily read Bex Hogan's faery realm books for the rest of my days and be perfectly content. Nettle, the first book in her Faery Realms series, was one of my favourite reads of last year, and I RAN when I heard that Owl King was on NetGalley.
Set within the same world as Nettle, Ilsette, a half-mortal, half-faery, tasks herself with saving her sister, Lyla, who's wed to the notorious Owl King and doomed to a slow death as he steals her magic. Ilsette travels through faery courts - some new, some familiar - to find a talisman that could set her sister free.
Once again, Bex Hogan's writing is beautiful and crisp, feeling very much like a fairytale within itself. But it's one that's steeped in folklore, where faery stories are weaved into the main storyline. This, as well as the fact that Ilsette's travels introduce us to new faery courts, lends a wholeness to the faery world that Bex started to create in book #1.
I loved everything about Owl King, from Ilsette's stubbornness and tenacity to the sweet and unexpected romances. A favourite moment had to be when the reader gets to revisit favourite characters from the first book. Ultimately? I'll read anything that Bex Hogan writes.
Thank you to Bex Hogan, the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Release date: 9 Oct 2025
Review score: 5/5
October 17, 2025
🌿 ‘The thing that no one ever tells you, is that we right our own stories. How do you want yours to go?’ 🌿
Owl King is a magical tale of love, sisterhood, friendship and finding freedom, interwoven with tales of folklore and fairytales. It was such an intriguing short read! I loved how there were so many life messages within all of the stories that Lyla and Ilsette told, and how when they told or sung them to other characters that they resonated with them in ways they never expected. I loved the characters in this book, and loved how it had both a whimsical and dark fairytale feel! 🩵
🌿 ‘I had lived and breathed stories of far-off places for as long as I could remember. I’d told Lyla that stories would save her and I’d meant it.’ 🌿
Welcome to a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery… 🌙
Long ago, the kings and queens of the faery realms each exchanged talismans with eachother to create harmony between their kingdoms. The Stag King gave up a shard of antler, the Owl King a feather, the Minnow Queen a shimmering silver scale. These items were hidden, and must stay that way. The Owl King didn’t know, however, that when he decided to give up one of his feathers that it would have huge consequences. His power has been dwindling ever since, the only way for him to survive to take feathers from his faery wife, stealing her power for himself. But his wive’s power doesn’t last forever, so he is always hunting for a new bride to sustain him.
To find his new bride, the Owl King hosts a ball at his court in which all faeries that are summoned must attend. Sisters Ilsette and Lyla have heard the fearful tales of the Owl King and his wives, so when they received invitations to attend his court they vowed to do whatever it took to remain inconspicuous. But as fate would have it, the Owl King’s eyes fall instantly on Lyla, and he declares her as his new bride. 🌙
The only way Ilsette knows to save Lyla from her terrible fate is to find the Owl King’s hidden feather and return it to him, restoring his power before he can take it from Lyla. Her search leads her to a realm with two moons and scarlet stars and to an impossible task- here she must trick King Locryn into revealing the feather’s secret whereabouts so she can steal it. Time is running out for Lyla- she has bewitched the owl king with with her stories, but the distraction will only last so long. 🍃
🌿 “Do you ever count the stars, Ilsette? I have tried endless times but there are too many.”
'They're like scattered seeds. Blown from some winged plant and caught on the wind. Perhaps they're all trying to find their way home?' 🌿
One of my favourite parts about this book is Lyla and Ilsette’s relationship as sisters. I love how Lyla has protected Ilsette, even when her parents turned against her, even though they are different and the world tries to tell them that humans and faeries shouldn’t get along. I love that their lives and their mindsets were built so much around the stories and tales that they would tell each other, and that throughout the book they would use them to make an impression on others they meet- through Lyla’s storytelling and Ilsette’s songs. The sisterhood and writing style of this book reminds me of a combination between The Cruel Prince and OUABH, 2 books that I love! 🩵
The Owl King was a character with a lot of complexity- he was known to be evil, cruel and careless about anyone but himself. And we definitely see this darkness in him from the moment we are introduced to him. But, through Lyla’s goodness and her story telling, we learn that there are deeper reasons behind his actions. There is also a strong message throughout the book that no person is solely good and solely evil- that they can have actions of both, and that they can be changed.
Pi was also another character that I really enjoyed reading about! I love how from meeting Ilsette to the ending of the book he gradually grew to become completely loyal to her. I enjoyed him as an MMC throughout the whole book, in all of his forms.
🌿 ‘I surveyed the stars. Beneath them I felt reassuringly insignificant. My troubles were nothing to the infinite vastness of the sky. If I did fail, it would be forgotten.
There would be no stories passed from faery to faery about the nightingale who tried to save a swan.’ 🌿
I also loved that in the book we get to see both Ilsette and Lyla’s stories together and then apart, that we get introduced to 2 different MMC’s, and while we see Ilsette’s adventures throughout different worlds we get updated with how Lyla is dealing with being inside the Owlking’s castle alone. It really helped you to stay immersed in both of their stories, which helped to make sure that when they are ultimately reunited we feel eager to see them together again, and even more connected to them both than at the start of the book when they were together. 🌙
Tropes:
🧚 sisterhood
🧚 found family
🧚 dark fairytales & folklore
🧚 enemies to lovers
🧚 allies to lovers
🧚 court drama
🧚 dangerous quests
🧚 pov’s of 2 sisters
🧚 magic & dark magic
🧚 fae & mythical creatures
If you love fantasy books inspired by dark fairytales and folklore, stories with great friendships and sisterhood, set in a mystical world of fae and mythical creatures, be sure to check out this book!! 🩵
Owl King is a magical tale of love, sisterhood, friendship and finding freedom, interwoven with tales of folklore and fairytales. It was such an intriguing short read! I loved how there were so many life messages within all of the stories that Lyla and Ilsette told, and how when they told or sung them to other characters that they resonated with them in ways they never expected. I loved the characters in this book, and loved how it had both a whimsical and dark fairytale feel! 🩵
🌿 ‘I had lived and breathed stories of far-off places for as long as I could remember. I’d told Lyla that stories would save her and I’d meant it.’ 🌿
Welcome to a world of glittering courts, dangerous bargains and dazzling trickery… 🌙
Long ago, the kings and queens of the faery realms each exchanged talismans with eachother to create harmony between their kingdoms. The Stag King gave up a shard of antler, the Owl King a feather, the Minnow Queen a shimmering silver scale. These items were hidden, and must stay that way. The Owl King didn’t know, however, that when he decided to give up one of his feathers that it would have huge consequences. His power has been dwindling ever since, the only way for him to survive to take feathers from his faery wife, stealing her power for himself. But his wive’s power doesn’t last forever, so he is always hunting for a new bride to sustain him.
To find his new bride, the Owl King hosts a ball at his court in which all faeries that are summoned must attend. Sisters Ilsette and Lyla have heard the fearful tales of the Owl King and his wives, so when they received invitations to attend his court they vowed to do whatever it took to remain inconspicuous. But as fate would have it, the Owl King’s eyes fall instantly on Lyla, and he declares her as his new bride. 🌙
The only way Ilsette knows to save Lyla from her terrible fate is to find the Owl King’s hidden feather and return it to him, restoring his power before he can take it from Lyla. Her search leads her to a realm with two moons and scarlet stars and to an impossible task- here she must trick King Locryn into revealing the feather’s secret whereabouts so she can steal it. Time is running out for Lyla- she has bewitched the owl king with with her stories, but the distraction will only last so long. 🍃
🌿 “Do you ever count the stars, Ilsette? I have tried endless times but there are too many.”
'They're like scattered seeds. Blown from some winged plant and caught on the wind. Perhaps they're all trying to find their way home?' 🌿
One of my favourite parts about this book is Lyla and Ilsette’s relationship as sisters. I love how Lyla has protected Ilsette, even when her parents turned against her, even though they are different and the world tries to tell them that humans and faeries shouldn’t get along. I love that their lives and their mindsets were built so much around the stories and tales that they would tell each other, and that throughout the book they would use them to make an impression on others they meet- through Lyla’s storytelling and Ilsette’s songs. The sisterhood and writing style of this book reminds me of a combination between The Cruel Prince and OUABH, 2 books that I love! 🩵
The Owl King was a character with a lot of complexity- he was known to be evil, cruel and careless about anyone but himself. And we definitely see this darkness in him from the moment we are introduced to him. But, through Lyla’s goodness and her story telling, we learn that there are deeper reasons behind his actions. There is also a strong message throughout the book that no person is solely good and solely evil- that they can have actions of both, and that they can be changed.
Pi was also another character that I really enjoyed reading about! I love how from meeting Ilsette to the ending of the book he gradually grew to become completely loyal to her. I enjoyed him as an MMC throughout the whole book, in all of his forms.
🌿 ‘I surveyed the stars. Beneath them I felt reassuringly insignificant. My troubles were nothing to the infinite vastness of the sky. If I did fail, it would be forgotten.
There would be no stories passed from faery to faery about the nightingale who tried to save a swan.’ 🌿
I also loved that in the book we get to see both Ilsette and Lyla’s stories together and then apart, that we get introduced to 2 different MMC’s, and while we see Ilsette’s adventures throughout different worlds we get updated with how Lyla is dealing with being inside the Owlking’s castle alone. It really helped you to stay immersed in both of their stories, which helped to make sure that when they are ultimately reunited we feel eager to see them together again, and even more connected to them both than at the start of the book when they were together. 🌙
Tropes:
🧚 sisterhood
🧚 found family
🧚 dark fairytales & folklore
🧚 enemies to lovers
🧚 allies to lovers
🧚 court drama
🧚 dangerous quests
🧚 pov’s of 2 sisters
🧚 magic & dark magic
🧚 fae & mythical creatures
If you love fantasy books inspired by dark fairytales and folklore, stories with great friendships and sisterhood, set in a mystical world of fae and mythical creatures, be sure to check out this book!! 🩵
October 18, 2025
What the hell happened?
"Nettle" was also YA, with some dumb plot decisions and an annoying protagonist, but it had immaculate worldbuilding, great imagery, and mythology done right. In comparison, "Owl King" is incredibly juvenile: the plot is messy, worldbuilding is shallow, the rules of magic change as the plot demands, there are no stakes (it looks like there are, but the protagonist gets help left and right with at least two deus ex machina moments, and even the "tough choice" situation is fixed two chapters later), and Ilsette is much more obnoxious than Nettle ever was. Gone is the creepy beauty of the fey, all we are left with is an annoying brat.
Two stars because I liked Lyla and the stories she told (the whole heron interaction was really sad and the hawk and the wren story was predictable but no less terrifying).
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
The premise of the token exchange "to keep peace" would have worked better if some thought were put into it. As it is, it raises more and more questions the more you think of it. What exactly was the point? Were all monarchs supposed to be weakened as a result, like Cato? (it is presented very much like his was the only case) And if he was the only one who got weakened to the point of dying after losing a single feather (!), again, how was this beneficial to keeping peace? Was Lady Elder planning to kill him by this (which would make no sense, as prior to this he was actually an okay king)? In that case she failed spectacularly, as he immediately found a loophole. And what prevented him from going on a conquering rampage with the magic he got from his queens?
Even the magic of the feather itself is inconsistent: so losing a single feather almost killed Cato though he didn't know it was possible (this is supposed to be dramatic, but birds moult, ffs!), then to counteract the loss of his "strength" he has to pluck multiple wives, but all of it can be restored if he got his feather back, okay, so far so good. But then out of nowhere we are told that he'll have to drain the magic and life of the person who gives him his feather back? Why? And it is played as if the moment he sees the feather he loses all his free will, even though nothing worked like this previously.
Same with Gammi's lace: it is supposed to help magic cross the borders and work in different realms, but it also somehow allows Ilsette to understand Pi in his bird form, and the book outright tells you "oh, who knows why" (and no, it's not because he's a shapeshifter, that only works outside of the Moorland Realm).
And I know it's basically a fairy tale, but I don't buy the romance between Cato and Lyla. On his part, he's been a paranoid asshole for far too long and she didn't do anything extraordinary, she was just kind to him - because she was trying to prevent him from painfully stripping her of her magic. On her part, just no. The author made him too much of a monster, and his kinda-sorta-redemtion doesn't negate multiple queens he slowly and painfully killed over the centuries.
"Nettle" was also YA, with some dumb plot decisions and an annoying protagonist, but it had immaculate worldbuilding, great imagery, and mythology done right. In comparison, "Owl King" is incredibly juvenile: the plot is messy, worldbuilding is shallow, the rules of magic change as the plot demands, there are no stakes (it looks like there are, but the protagonist gets help left and right with at least two deus ex machina moments, and even the "tough choice" situation is fixed two chapters later), and Ilsette is much more obnoxious than Nettle ever was. Gone is the creepy beauty of the fey, all we are left with is an annoying brat.
Two stars because I liked Lyla and the stories she told (the whole heron interaction was really sad and the hawk and the wren story was predictable but no less terrifying).
SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT!
The premise of the token exchange "to keep peace" would have worked better if some thought were put into it. As it is, it raises more and more questions the more you think of it. What exactly was the point? Were all monarchs supposed to be weakened as a result, like Cato? (it is presented very much like his was the only case) And if he was the only one who got weakened to the point of dying after losing a single feather (!), again, how was this beneficial to keeping peace? Was Lady Elder planning to kill him by this (which would make no sense, as prior to this he was actually an okay king)? In that case she failed spectacularly, as he immediately found a loophole. And what prevented him from going on a conquering rampage with the magic he got from his queens?
Even the magic of the feather itself is inconsistent: so losing a single feather almost killed Cato though he didn't know it was possible (this is supposed to be dramatic, but birds moult, ffs!), then to counteract the loss of his "strength" he has to pluck multiple wives, but all of it can be restored if he got his feather back, okay, so far so good. But then out of nowhere we are told that he'll have to drain the magic and life of the person who gives him his feather back? Why? And it is played as if the moment he sees the feather he loses all his free will, even though nothing worked like this previously.
Same with Gammi's lace: it is supposed to help magic cross the borders and work in different realms, but it also somehow allows Ilsette to understand Pi in his bird form, and the book outright tells you "oh, who knows why" (and no, it's not because he's a shapeshifter, that only works outside of the Moorland Realm).
And I know it's basically a fairy tale, but I don't buy the romance between Cato and Lyla. On his part, he's been a paranoid asshole for far too long and she didn't do anything extraordinary, she was just kind to him - because she was trying to prevent him from painfully stripping her of her magic. On her part, just no. The author made him too much of a monster, and his kinda-sorta-redemtion doesn't negate multiple queens he slowly and painfully killed over the centuries.
November 16, 2025
I adored my time reading Owl King!
What I didn't expect to see, though, was my dear Nettle and Ellion showing up to be part of this story! But that's beside the point... as this story really is perfect. And honestly, even though I would absolutely recommend reading Nettle first before going into Owl King, you can easily read this one first. Naturally, if you read Nettle first, you'll understand more about Nettle and Ellion and their backstory.
Just like Nettle, the atmosphere and world-building are incredible; it felt very whimsical and beautiful, but with darker elements thrown in. It felt super rounded out, and I was immersed.
The Owl King follows the tale of two sisters. Lyra vows to protect her sister Ilsette, no matter the cost. It is for this reason that she falls into the hands of the Owl King, who will use her abilities to boost his powers while draining Lyra. For Ilsette, she will do what she must to save her sister from the Owl King, for she cannot live in a world without her sister. But Ilsette has her own problems, as she is half fae, half human. Someone who is shunned by most, if the truth is revealed about who she is. She has but one task - Find the Owl King's feather, for it is this talisman that will restore his power, and save her sister. But, at what cost?
I adored both of the POV's we get throughout Owl King. With Ilsette, my heart felt so strongly for her as she just wanted to exist in a land where she wouldn't have to hide. She would go to the ends of the earth for her sister Lyra, even if it meant death. But along the way, you see her starting to open up to others, and soon discovering that she can be whoever she wants to be. I love that for her, and I really hope we see her again.
As for Lyra, I loved the moments we got with her trapped inside the castle of the Owl King. Not only does she pray that her sister Ilsette is safe, albeit hearing of her death, but wants the Owl King to open up. She knows that he is more than his wickedness, and starts to tell him various stories. I loved seeing how she kept a level head throughout, and my heart broke for her several times.
Also, as a side note, I hope nothing bad ever happens to Pi. You leave my magpie fae boy alone!!
A lovely, heartwarming story, filled with whimsy, twists, and cameos from previous characters from Nettle! A must-read
What I didn't expect to see, though, was my dear Nettle and Ellion showing up to be part of this story! But that's beside the point... as this story really is perfect. And honestly, even though I would absolutely recommend reading Nettle first before going into Owl King, you can easily read this one first. Naturally, if you read Nettle first, you'll understand more about Nettle and Ellion and their backstory.
Just like Nettle, the atmosphere and world-building are incredible; it felt very whimsical and beautiful, but with darker elements thrown in. It felt super rounded out, and I was immersed.
The Owl King follows the tale of two sisters. Lyra vows to protect her sister Ilsette, no matter the cost. It is for this reason that she falls into the hands of the Owl King, who will use her abilities to boost his powers while draining Lyra. For Ilsette, she will do what she must to save her sister from the Owl King, for she cannot live in a world without her sister. But Ilsette has her own problems, as she is half fae, half human. Someone who is shunned by most, if the truth is revealed about who she is. She has but one task - Find the Owl King's feather, for it is this talisman that will restore his power, and save her sister. But, at what cost?
I adored both of the POV's we get throughout Owl King. With Ilsette, my heart felt so strongly for her as she just wanted to exist in a land where she wouldn't have to hide. She would go to the ends of the earth for her sister Lyra, even if it meant death. But along the way, you see her starting to open up to others, and soon discovering that she can be whoever she wants to be. I love that for her, and I really hope we see her again.
As for Lyra, I loved the moments we got with her trapped inside the castle of the Owl King. Not only does she pray that her sister Ilsette is safe, albeit hearing of her death, but wants the Owl King to open up. She knows that he is more than his wickedness, and starts to tell him various stories. I loved seeing how she kept a level head throughout, and my heart broke for her several times.
Also, as a side note, I hope nothing bad ever happens to Pi. You leave my magpie fae boy alone!!
A lovely, heartwarming story, filled with whimsy, twists, and cameos from previous characters from Nettle! A must-read
December 21, 2025
Quality Rating: Two Stars
Enjoyment: Three Stars
◆ Thank you NetGalley for this eBook copy for review ◆
Around this time last year, I read two books next to each other with Nettle in the title. One was great (Nettle and Bone, turns out), the other was meh. I mistakenly thought this was the sequel to the first, but it was the latter. Oops.
I think overall, I found it unsatisfying as it felt like a children's book (but with a more mature world?). There is charm in the 1001 Nights structure (though it misses the opportunity to truly expand the worldbuilding within it), but the pacing is all over the place. I read Owl King in four sittings, and while the adventure isn't that expansive, an awful lot is going on that I had to remind myself of between readings. There's also a significant role by the first book's protagonist, Nettle, but frankly all of it was lost on me because I have no memory of the actual events of the first one.
My primary resistance to this book itself (rather than just being confused) was the romance and portrayal of abuse, especially as it's a novel intended for younger readers. The titular Owl King is the well-trodden tyrant who takes multiple wives after the last one mysteriously perishes - but worry not, our protagonist's sister will be forced to marry him and, wait for it, fix him of course! I'm being hyperbolic, but 'the magic was too strong' is an awfully convenient excuse for a supposedly reformed serial killer of women to revert to their old ways. However much the plotline may be 'tied up' by the end doesn't relieve the uncomfortable feeling that sat with me through most of the book.
I'm not sure when it happened but the 'save my sister' storyline needs to go into the YA cliche canon. It has very little room for anything other than repetition and seems to just excuse any life-threatening or impossible tasks completely out of its own stakes. I do appreciate the genre's evolution beyond true love's devotion, but I think we've hit another rut - or maybe we just need to be more creative with the concept? Either way, it's another one for the cliche list.
Enjoyment: Three Stars
◆ Thank you NetGalley for this eBook copy for review ◆
Around this time last year, I read two books next to each other with Nettle in the title. One was great (Nettle and Bone, turns out), the other was meh. I mistakenly thought this was the sequel to the first, but it was the latter. Oops.
I think overall, I found it unsatisfying as it felt like a children's book (but with a more mature world?). There is charm in the 1001 Nights structure (though it misses the opportunity to truly expand the worldbuilding within it), but the pacing is all over the place. I read Owl King in four sittings, and while the adventure isn't that expansive, an awful lot is going on that I had to remind myself of between readings. There's also a significant role by the first book's protagonist, Nettle, but frankly all of it was lost on me because I have no memory of the actual events of the first one.
My primary resistance to this book itself (rather than just being confused) was the romance and portrayal of abuse, especially as it's a novel intended for younger readers. The titular Owl King is the well-trodden tyrant who takes multiple wives after the last one mysteriously perishes - but worry not, our protagonist's sister will be forced to marry him and, wait for it, fix him of course! I'm being hyperbolic, but 'the magic was too strong' is an awfully convenient excuse for a supposedly reformed serial killer of women to revert to their old ways. However much the plotline may be 'tied up' by the end doesn't relieve the uncomfortable feeling that sat with me through most of the book.
I'm not sure when it happened but the 'save my sister' storyline needs to go into the YA cliche canon. It has very little room for anything other than repetition and seems to just excuse any life-threatening or impossible tasks completely out of its own stakes. I do appreciate the genre's evolution beyond true love's devotion, but I think we've hit another rut - or maybe we just need to be more creative with the concept? Either way, it's another one for the cliche list.
August 9, 2025
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
OWL KING is another gorgeous faery tale from Bex Hogan.
This is a book about sisters. Yes, there are traces of romance in it, but it is first and foremost about how far sisters will go for one another - even if that is a wildly impossible quest that risks upending the delicate balance between realms.
I really liked the folktales woven throughout. They're all avian in theme, the characters mostly all birds as befits a magical bird faery realm. They fit the overall faery tale theme of this series, little snippets of the folklore that inspired the series.
They reflect the book's theme of the different types of love. Some are good, real forms of love, reciprocated and true - though some end tragically. There's romantic love and platonic and familial. But there are also jealous and fickle loves in this book, selfish loves and deceptive loves.
I loved this focus on the breadth of different types of love (and what we call love even when it might not be.) It felt very appropriate for a faery story, fitting the ethereal, lyrical feel of the series.
This is set in the same series of faery realms as NETTLE and does feature Nettle and Ellion as secondary characters. However, it is a standalone and not a sequel as it follows a new heroine with new adventures of her own. You can read it without reading NETTLE, but I'd definitely recommend reading both!
As well as spending some time in Nettle's realm, we get to travel and see others. There's the Owl King's realm and those Islette crosses between them. I liked the Riverbed King's river and the bargains he demands. It's blood thirsty and fits so well with the darker edge Bex's faeries have.
I hope we get more books in this world!
OWL KING is another gorgeous faery tale from Bex Hogan.
This is a book about sisters. Yes, there are traces of romance in it, but it is first and foremost about how far sisters will go for one another - even if that is a wildly impossible quest that risks upending the delicate balance between realms.
I really liked the folktales woven throughout. They're all avian in theme, the characters mostly all birds as befits a magical bird faery realm. They fit the overall faery tale theme of this series, little snippets of the folklore that inspired the series.
They reflect the book's theme of the different types of love. Some are good, real forms of love, reciprocated and true - though some end tragically. There's romantic love and platonic and familial. But there are also jealous and fickle loves in this book, selfish loves and deceptive loves.
I loved this focus on the breadth of different types of love (and what we call love even when it might not be.) It felt very appropriate for a faery story, fitting the ethereal, lyrical feel of the series.
This is set in the same series of faery realms as NETTLE and does feature Nettle and Ellion as secondary characters. However, it is a standalone and not a sequel as it follows a new heroine with new adventures of her own. You can read it without reading NETTLE, but I'd definitely recommend reading both!
As well as spending some time in Nettle's realm, we get to travel and see others. There's the Owl King's realm and those Islette crosses between them. I liked the Riverbed King's river and the bargains he demands. It's blood thirsty and fits so well with the darker edge Bex's faeries have.
I hope we get more books in this world!
August 24, 2025
I’ll admit this from the start, I’m totally biased towards anything written by Bex Hogan. And when my wish was granted and I was sent the arc of Owl King, the second book in the Fairy Realms series, I did a happy dance!
Bex Hogan weaves such beautiful stories that draw you in and hypnotise you from start to end. Set in the same world as Nettle (which of course I loved,) Owl King is a wholly separate story of romantic and sisterly life. Yes, it does feature Nettle and Ellion but, as supporting rather than main characters.
This story focuses on Ilsette, a half human, half faery and her mission to save her sister, Lyla a full faery who has fallen to the fate of Swan Queen to the Owl King, which will ultimately result in her death.
Bex weaves a tapestry of multiple faery tales to create a timeless, dark, magical, and unsettling world of faery politics, myth and realms that will have you simultaneously enchanted and on the edge of your seat, following Ilsette’s mission to save her sister.
Whilst I felt for Ilsette, sometimes her choices were questionable but, ultimately understandable in light of her goal, adding to the twists and turns of a plot that packs a truly emotional but, most satisfying punch.
I love the dark and unsettling feel that a faery tale can leave you with and IMO Bex Hogan is truly a faery godmother, delivering enchanting, beautifully crafted storytelling and granting the wish of escape from reality!
Thank you so much ahead of Zeus for sending me the arc of Owl King in exchange for my honest and sincere review.
Bex Hogan weaves such beautiful stories that draw you in and hypnotise you from start to end. Set in the same world as Nettle (which of course I loved,) Owl King is a wholly separate story of romantic and sisterly life. Yes, it does feature Nettle and Ellion but, as supporting rather than main characters.
This story focuses on Ilsette, a half human, half faery and her mission to save her sister, Lyla a full faery who has fallen to the fate of Swan Queen to the Owl King, which will ultimately result in her death.
Bex weaves a tapestry of multiple faery tales to create a timeless, dark, magical, and unsettling world of faery politics, myth and realms that will have you simultaneously enchanted and on the edge of your seat, following Ilsette’s mission to save her sister.
Whilst I felt for Ilsette, sometimes her choices were questionable but, ultimately understandable in light of her goal, adding to the twists and turns of a plot that packs a truly emotional but, most satisfying punch.
I love the dark and unsettling feel that a faery tale can leave you with and IMO Bex Hogan is truly a faery godmother, delivering enchanting, beautifully crafted storytelling and granting the wish of escape from reality!
Thank you so much ahead of Zeus for sending me the arc of Owl King in exchange for my honest and sincere review.
June 9, 2025
Thanks to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the free eARC.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Nettle by Bex Hogan and so was delighted to be able to read the sequel, Owl King. We are back in the realm of faery and this time we get to learn more about the different courts within the realm.
Islette has a secret and her older sister, Lyra, has helped her keep both it, and herself, safe. But when everybody is told to attend the Owl King's Court she knows she will be in grave danger. Lyra steps up once more to protect her sister but suffers a terrible fate when she herself gains the attention of the Owl King. Islette is determined to save her sister and sets out on a journey across the faery realm.
The book follows Islette as she struggles to keep her secret hidden on her journey. We are also kept up to date with Lyra as she tries to find a way to survive her situation. Interwoven with the sisters' stories are tales of love, loss and betrayal that have occurred to other faeries.
The whole book comes together as a delightful tale with teeth. The prose is lyrical and each court has a distinct and well written atmosphere. You feel transported to the realm of faery. But it is not all whimsy and light. This is very much a faery tale of old, with cruelty and darkness ready to snatch up the unwary.
A great story to lose yourself in for a while.
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Nettle by Bex Hogan and so was delighted to be able to read the sequel, Owl King. We are back in the realm of faery and this time we get to learn more about the different courts within the realm.
Islette has a secret and her older sister, Lyra, has helped her keep both it, and herself, safe. But when everybody is told to attend the Owl King's Court she knows she will be in grave danger. Lyra steps up once more to protect her sister but suffers a terrible fate when she herself gains the attention of the Owl King. Islette is determined to save her sister and sets out on a journey across the faery realm.
The book follows Islette as she struggles to keep her secret hidden on her journey. We are also kept up to date with Lyra as she tries to find a way to survive her situation. Interwoven with the sisters' stories are tales of love, loss and betrayal that have occurred to other faeries.
The whole book comes together as a delightful tale with teeth. The prose is lyrical and each court has a distinct and well written atmosphere. You feel transported to the realm of faery. But it is not all whimsy and light. This is very much a faery tale of old, with cruelty and darkness ready to snatch up the unwary.
A great story to lose yourself in for a while.
July 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus and for the free eARC.
Owl King is a nice short fairy tale read. The world is rich and vivid. Readers follow two sisters Ilsette and Lyla. Once Lyla ends up putting herself in danger by protecting Ilsette, it is up to Ilsette to go on a quest and find a way to save her most important person. Ilsette needs to travel across faery realms to reach her goal and she is ready to do anything for her sister.
I liked the sisterhood aspect and the world. It is a great take on faeries. The prose is also good.
But I have felt that maybe this story was a bit too ambitious for its length. It is short enough, yet there are actually 2 POVs from Ilsette and Lyla. Plus there are stories told within the story and multiple of them. Which at times felt too rushed to be invested. Felt like would be nice to spend more time with characters and get a bit more chemistry between them.
The main conflict resolution has also left me questioning things. It felt that one plot was resolved without much need of another.
Also a small warning about romance. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it was fitting because of the fairy tale nature of this novel. And love does concur all in some fairy tales.
Good read recommended to those who like fairy tales and faeries.
Owl King is a nice short fairy tale read. The world is rich and vivid. Readers follow two sisters Ilsette and Lyla. Once Lyla ends up putting herself in danger by protecting Ilsette, it is up to Ilsette to go on a quest and find a way to save her most important person. Ilsette needs to travel across faery realms to reach her goal and she is ready to do anything for her sister.
I liked the sisterhood aspect and the world. It is a great take on faeries. The prose is also good.
But I have felt that maybe this story was a bit too ambitious for its length. It is short enough, yet there are actually 2 POVs from Ilsette and Lyla. Plus there are stories told within the story and multiple of them. Which at times felt too rushed to be invested. Felt like would be nice to spend more time with characters and get a bit more chemistry between them.
The main conflict resolution has also left me questioning things. It felt that one plot was resolved without much need of another.
Also a small warning about romance. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for me it was fitting because of the fairy tale nature of this novel. And love does concur all in some fairy tales.
Good read recommended to those who like fairy tales and faeries.
July 31, 2025
6 stars, I really loved this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Owl king is a dark and utterly gorgeous fairytale that I read in a single sitting. It is a beautifully told story of two sisters, both relying on their knowledge of stories of the faerie realm, Lyla is counting on telling compelling enough stories to the monstrous Owl King to distract him from killing her and Ilsette is counting on the stories Lyla told her to help her navigate the treacherous Faerie realms to find the one thing that can save her sister.
I hadn’t read Nettle, an earlier book in this series before starting this (although it is now top of my to buy list) and thought it worked well as a standalone story even though characters from the earlier book make an appearance here.
What I loved in particular:
- the writing, Bex Hogan’s gorgeous descriptions made the faerie locations like the diamond river and the thorn lands come to life.
- Lyla’s stories, I liked that there were little stories that complemented the main plot scattered throughout the story.
- Pi, I liked him in both bird and faerie form.
- this book had the best depiction of wicked and trickster traditional fae that I have read in a really long time.
This book is for anyone who loved the folk of the air or Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of the Faeries.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Owl king is a dark and utterly gorgeous fairytale that I read in a single sitting. It is a beautifully told story of two sisters, both relying on their knowledge of stories of the faerie realm, Lyla is counting on telling compelling enough stories to the monstrous Owl King to distract him from killing her and Ilsette is counting on the stories Lyla told her to help her navigate the treacherous Faerie realms to find the one thing that can save her sister.
I hadn’t read Nettle, an earlier book in this series before starting this (although it is now top of my to buy list) and thought it worked well as a standalone story even though characters from the earlier book make an appearance here.
What I loved in particular:
- the writing, Bex Hogan’s gorgeous descriptions made the faerie locations like the diamond river and the thorn lands come to life.
- Lyla’s stories, I liked that there were little stories that complemented the main plot scattered throughout the story.
- Pi, I liked him in both bird and faerie form.
- this book had the best depiction of wicked and trickster traditional fae that I have read in a really long time.
This book is for anyone who loved the folk of the air or Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of the Faeries.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the opportunity to read this ARC.
August 11, 2025
I was exceptionally blessed to receive an ARC of Bex Hogan's next book, OWL KING. I am a slightly feral fan of Bex and I made excited squeaky noises and danced about with the book when I got it.
This to say thank you to Zephyr Books, and that when it comes to Bex I'm a teensy bit biased.
But that's because she's earned it and continues to. Owl King is a standalone, set in the same Faery as Nettle and indeed Nettle makes a cameo however this is not a true sequel. It's a tale of a different kingdom and two sisters, Lyla and Ilsette. It's pitched as Swan Lake meets 1001 Nights and the parallels are obvious BUT it's still a uniquely Bex tale, by turns heartwarming and heart wrenching, (still not over Black Heat #JusticeForRayn) and it sweeps you along on Ilsette's adventure as she tries desperately to save her sister from a fatal marriage to the heartless Owl King, whilst Lyla does her best to survive and reach through the shattered heart shards of the king. Ilsette's journey is tense but fun as she journeys to find the one thing that would stop the King draining her sister's life force and watching her interact with Pi and others is gorgeous as we learn about them from the tales Lyla tells the king as they forge a bittersweet relationship that will break your heart.
All in all another triumph from Bex.
This to say thank you to Zephyr Books, and that when it comes to Bex I'm a teensy bit biased.
But that's because she's earned it and continues to. Owl King is a standalone, set in the same Faery as Nettle and indeed Nettle makes a cameo however this is not a true sequel. It's a tale of a different kingdom and two sisters, Lyla and Ilsette. It's pitched as Swan Lake meets 1001 Nights and the parallels are obvious BUT it's still a uniquely Bex tale, by turns heartwarming and heart wrenching, (still not over Black Heat #JusticeForRayn) and it sweeps you along on Ilsette's adventure as she tries desperately to save her sister from a fatal marriage to the heartless Owl King, whilst Lyla does her best to survive and reach through the shattered heart shards of the king. Ilsette's journey is tense but fun as she journeys to find the one thing that would stop the King draining her sister's life force and watching her interact with Pi and others is gorgeous as we learn about them from the tales Lyla tells the king as they forge a bittersweet relationship that will break your heart.
All in all another triumph from Bex.
June 27, 2025
I loved Nettle for its fantasy elements, including the goblin market and fairy tale atmosphere, and Owl King delivered on these too. It's not necessary to read both books, but I would recommend doing so, starting with Nettle, as they do overlap but I won't spoil it by saying how.
I felt the faery world expanded in this book, which I really enjoyed, as I liked getting to know more characters and realms.
I will say that I still struggled with the writing style, so I am hoping to listen to the audiobook when it comes out because I enjoyed Nettle much more on audio. In both books, I felt some parts dragged and others were rushed and the ending felt way too convenient.
Also, I did find a certain romance quite problematic, seeing it more as domestic abuse, but I understand the thinking behind "people can change" and think this can be true. That said, it's a very fine line and the way it was handled didn't really sit right with me.
Overall, I still liked this story because it reminded me of folklore and other timeless fantasy stories. For that reason, I'd rate it 3.5 stars and I'm happy to have read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with the advanced reader copy.
I felt the faery world expanded in this book, which I really enjoyed, as I liked getting to know more characters and realms.
I will say that I still struggled with the writing style, so I am hoping to listen to the audiobook when it comes out because I enjoyed Nettle much more on audio. In both books, I felt some parts dragged and others were rushed and the ending felt way too convenient.
Also, I did find a certain romance quite problematic, seeing it more as domestic abuse, but I understand the thinking behind "people can change" and think this can be true. That said, it's a very fine line and the way it was handled didn't really sit right with me.
Overall, I still liked this story because it reminded me of folklore and other timeless fantasy stories. For that reason, I'd rate it 3.5 stars and I'm happy to have read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with the advanced reader copy.
September 13, 2025
A dark and captivating fairy tale that will draw you in as easily as any fae circle.
I haven't read the previous book in this series (but would love to). I don't think I lost anything from not having read that, I trusted Nettle at once from the way she is written and this book stands on its own merits.
It's a beautiful tale of love and loss, of two sisters who would break the world for each other. They sacrifice for each other time and time again, and its their love, their bond that drives the story despite them being separated for the majority of the tale.
It's incredibly ambitious and could have easily been twice the length. It may even have improved it too but I also enjoyed this short length, the way it skimmed over some things because this is a fairy tale, this is how they flow and there is a lyrical, almost magical feeling to the writing which could easily be lost in a longer story.
There are plenty of twists and turns, betrayals and revelations. There isn't a 'happier ever after' in the modern sense, this is more like an older fairy tale, there is blood because there has to be balance.
I'm already hungrily awaiting the next one, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I haven't read the previous book in this series (but would love to). I don't think I lost anything from not having read that, I trusted Nettle at once from the way she is written and this book stands on its own merits.
It's a beautiful tale of love and loss, of two sisters who would break the world for each other. They sacrifice for each other time and time again, and its their love, their bond that drives the story despite them being separated for the majority of the tale.
It's incredibly ambitious and could have easily been twice the length. It may even have improved it too but I also enjoyed this short length, the way it skimmed over some things because this is a fairy tale, this is how they flow and there is a lyrical, almost magical feeling to the writing which could easily be lost in a longer story.
There are plenty of twists and turns, betrayals and revelations. There isn't a 'happier ever after' in the modern sense, this is more like an older fairy tale, there is blood because there has to be balance.
I'm already hungrily awaiting the next one, I cannot recommend this highly enough.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
July 31, 2025
I haven’t read the first book in this series (Nettle) and didn’t find that to be an issue. There is an obvious crossover with some characters but the story stands well on its own.
Here we have a dark faery kingdom with a cruel ruler summoning his subjects to a ball to find his next bride. Not a role anyone is keen to take on as the brides soon disappear, never to be seen again. The main character, Ilsette, is at a disadvantage being a hated half faery and when her sister is taken as the Owl King’s new bride, she is forced to flee, setting off on a quest through other realms to save her sister.
All the elements of fairy tales are included- danger, challenges and trickery. It did seem a little too easy though to work out where what she was looking for was. I would have liked to see more visiting of different realms. The ending was fitting, not exactly the happy ever after that you may have expected, which worked well with this style of story. It is branded as being like ‘The Cruel Prince’, I was not a fan of that book, but did enjoy this.
I really enjoyed the short, traditional style fairy tales woven within the main story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
Here we have a dark faery kingdom with a cruel ruler summoning his subjects to a ball to find his next bride. Not a role anyone is keen to take on as the brides soon disappear, never to be seen again. The main character, Ilsette, is at a disadvantage being a hated half faery and when her sister is taken as the Owl King’s new bride, she is forced to flee, setting off on a quest through other realms to save her sister.
All the elements of fairy tales are included- danger, challenges and trickery. It did seem a little too easy though to work out where what she was looking for was. I would have liked to see more visiting of different realms. The ending was fitting, not exactly the happy ever after that you may have expected, which worked well with this style of story. It is branded as being like ‘The Cruel Prince’, I was not a fan of that book, but did enjoy this.
I really enjoyed the short, traditional style fairy tales woven within the main story.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
September 19, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4.25/5
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, Nettle, I was pleased to see there was a sequel. First of all, my favourite thing about this book and series is the worldbuilding. The author has such a fun and unique take on faeries, especially with the bird transformations. The faeries feel very faerie-like with their fickleness and bargains. I also appreciated the inclusion of the in-world folklore. The sections containing the folklore stories were my favourite parts and gave the story a very fairy-tale like feeling.
One thing I do wish was that the characters had a bit more to them. They had interesting backstories and dynamics, and had potential but ultimately fell flat. I preferred the previous book in that aspect and was glad to see Nettle and Ellion again.
I wasn't fully satisified with the ending, either, which felt a bit rushed. The romance felt like it came out of nowhere and left me confused. This book could've easily been longer and more fleshed out in these aspects, but ultimately it was a decent read.
Rating: 4.25/5
After reading and enjoying the first book in this series, Nettle, I was pleased to see there was a sequel. First of all, my favourite thing about this book and series is the worldbuilding. The author has such a fun and unique take on faeries, especially with the bird transformations. The faeries feel very faerie-like with their fickleness and bargains. I also appreciated the inclusion of the in-world folklore. The sections containing the folklore stories were my favourite parts and gave the story a very fairy-tale like feeling.
One thing I do wish was that the characters had a bit more to them. They had interesting backstories and dynamics, and had potential but ultimately fell flat. I preferred the previous book in that aspect and was glad to see Nettle and Ellion again.
I wasn't fully satisified with the ending, either, which felt a bit rushed. The romance felt like it came out of nowhere and left me confused. This book could've easily been longer and more fleshed out in these aspects, but ultimately it was a decent read.
October 9, 2025
E-Arc provided through NetGalley, by Head of Zeus and the author
🦉 Owl King by Bex Hogan✨
Owl King is the second book in the Faery Realms series. I read Nettle first and loved it! Both are YA/12+ books. It’s a faerietale that feels older somehow. It felt familiar, but also different from the first page. Sisters torn between realms, secrets in the wings, and a perilous quest. I appreciated how diverse the bonds and kinds of love felt within the story. Oftentimes there is focus on romantic elements, but here a wide range of them was on display.
The heart of the story for me was the power of sisterhood: Islette’s willingness to risk everything for Lyla, even in a world that is stacked against her. Their relationship to me feels foundational. The prose dances between lyrical and sharp; the faerie realms are rich, dangerous, and full of whispers. Some court intrigue, some darker magic, and a sense that every bargain has its price.
If you like atmospheric fantasy where magic feels intimate, love is tested, and where the world is layered with folklore, do yourself a favor and read Owl King.
🦉 Owl King by Bex Hogan✨
Owl King is the second book in the Faery Realms series. I read Nettle first and loved it! Both are YA/12+ books. It’s a faerietale that feels older somehow. It felt familiar, but also different from the first page. Sisters torn between realms, secrets in the wings, and a perilous quest. I appreciated how diverse the bonds and kinds of love felt within the story. Oftentimes there is focus on romantic elements, but here a wide range of them was on display.
The heart of the story for me was the power of sisterhood: Islette’s willingness to risk everything for Lyla, even in a world that is stacked against her. Their relationship to me feels foundational. The prose dances between lyrical and sharp; the faerie realms are rich, dangerous, and full of whispers. Some court intrigue, some darker magic, and a sense that every bargain has its price.
If you like atmospheric fantasy where magic feels intimate, love is tested, and where the world is layered with folklore, do yourself a favor and read Owl King.
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