A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes

Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom #1

by Jada McCrary

A devastating plague, the missing cure, and a healer who didn’t plan for love…

I’m Faelynn, a healer and servant of the fae God. I’d sworn off every fae male who set his sights on me … until him. Dreythis was … unexpected. He has the answers to the questions I face, and resisting his pull on our journey will be no easy feat.

The fae in my city are sick with a mysterious plague, and my healer magic has done little to help. With so many dying, I never expected that crossing paths with this fae warrior would lead me to the cure. But will solving one problem only bring me to another?

And what sort of ancient power have we stumbled upon that should have stayed buried?

A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is the first in a thrilling new series set in the same world as both the Fae-blessed and Wicked Fae series. It was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, a multi-author collection of short stories. While this is a novelette, the rest of the series will be full-length books. As such, there is not much world-building or character development until the next book.

54 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

Reviews

[Mia S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but packs a punch! Story absolutely sets up the continuation against dark magic that is sprouting up. Yes fantasy with fae! Zero spice but hint of an attraction, but a possible looming battle between a warrior and his father and brother who practice dark magic. Can’t wait for the series to start!

[Samantha Millican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick them with the pointy end 😂

Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom book one, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a fantasy novelette to introduce Jada’s new series within the shared world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae. An unknown plague is causing the fae in the city to become sick, and Faelynn’s magic may not be enough to heal them. Faelynn is a healer who serves the fae God, and would rather be devoted to her God than be tied down in marriage. Plus the upside seems to be stronger powers when one is devout and chaste. She is also very determined and optimistic. Dreythis is out looking for an eclipse petal, after the one he had was stolen, or face being exiled. Just before he meets Faelynn, someone he thought was an enemy has shown him something disturbing, and now he must go face his brother Lord Gaius and father before they use dark magic. Faelynn and Dreythis have a fun banter between them, but also an undercurrent of yearning for each other. Fantasy with mystery, adventure, sweet characters, and twists! Eagerly waiting for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Pazzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jada McCrary’s A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes kicks off a brand-new novella series, and despite its compact size, it manages to deliver a surprisingly full and engaging adventure. In just about 50 pages, the author crafts a story that blends romance, comedy, and mystery in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

One of the highlights for me was the chemistry between the two main characters. Their dynamic feels natural and fun, with just the right mix of humor and heartfelt moments. McCrary balances romance and lightheartedness really well, making it easy to connect with the characters.

That said, I wasn’t completely sold on the confrontation with the brother toward the end. It felt a little rushed, but I understand that’s the trade-off with a novella — there’s limited space to explore every plot point in depth.

Overall, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a quick, enjoyable read, perfect for a short bedtime escape. If you like bite-sized stories filled with charm, chemistry, and a dash of mystery, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m curious to see where McCrary takes the series next!

[Rune Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

It might be a novella, but it doesn’t waste a single page. Dreythis totally steals the show with his perfect mix of flirtation and humor—he had me smiling more than once. I’m already invested in how things will unfold between him and Faelynn. Their chemistry is electric, and you can tell there’s more to come beneath the surface.

The pacing is tight, the dialogue is on point, and the whole story has a sharp, addictive feel.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really quick read, but I love having the intro going into The Wicked Fae series. Faelynn is a healer and just wants to be devoted to her God, doesn't care about being with a man. But then she meets Dreythis and she is a little intrigued. He is a warrior that has to face his brother before he does something very devastating. Faelynn and Dreythis' bantering is so good and I can't wait to see what happened between them.

[Brandie Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. It is short and gives a great back story of the healer and the warrior. The book is well written with great details and world building. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If the author is able to pack so much into this short read, then I can't wait to see what is done in a full novel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! a great start for a new series !! love Faelyn and Dreythis...this is their story... a well paced short drama... Faelyn is a healer and the fae of her city are growing sick with a plague that she can't heal... she must find a cure... Dreythis is a fae warrior looking for a petal... they meet and... she's devoted to her god and has never wanted to be with a male until now... ! this is so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series, it had that element that I was looking for and thought worked as a fantasy romance novel. Everything was what I was hoping for from a epic fantasy element going on. that I was looking for. The characters were wonderfully done and worked in this universe. Jada McCrary has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thalitha Lambregts vd Oest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and short introduction into a new series of Jada. While a novella is usually too short to reel me in, this one again set a path for a series I hope to be able to continue. The banter between the MC'S is fun and instantly give a feel of their chemistry. I can't wait to see where that takes them!

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very short Novelette. This is how Faelynn a healer and Dreythis is a warrior. We will be following their journeys in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is perfect in dishing out what’s to come in this series. I not only liked the story line but the characters were interesting and has chemistry. Jada knows how to tell a story and I look forward to reading where the story goes next.

[Lina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a short read in a world we already know in a wicked far series. It will pull you in. At fae era!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Let'S Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was a good book, good storyline and loved the characters only missed a little spice but maybe that's just me.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for a novelletta. It is a small taster of what is to come, I feel. I'd love to read more following this story. Very good.