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The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire #1
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire
An irresistible dark fae romantasy debut, inspired by Welsh mythology and perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Faebound, Leigh Bardugo and Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince.
Ceridwen Parry has run away with the fairies.
But this is not her story.
For Sabrina Parry, the world is tough, cruel and practical. With her father in prison, her aims in life are: 1. hold onto her job, 2. hold her tongue and 3. set up her sister Ceridwen with a man rich enough to look after her.
Ceridwen is lovely, romantic, timid – everything that Sabrina isn’t. But then Ceridwen vanishes into the eerie woods leaving only an iron ring behind and Sabrina is drawn into a beautiful but decaying world of fairies and monsters of old. And when an annoyingly handsome fairy prince offers her a dangerous deal, Sabrina is forced to put her own freedom at risk to save her sister.
Ceridwen Parry has run away with the fairies.
But this is not her story.
For Sabrina Parry, the world is tough, cruel and practical. With her father in prison, her aims in life are: 1. hold onto her job, 2. hold her tongue and 3. set up her sister Ceridwen with a man rich enough to look after her.
Ceridwen is lovely, romantic, timid – everything that Sabrina isn’t. But then Ceridwen vanishes into the eerie woods leaving only an iron ring behind and Sabrina is drawn into a beautiful but decaying world of fairies and monsters of old. And when an annoyingly handsome fairy prince offers her a dangerous deal, Sabrina is forced to put her own freedom at risk to save her sister.
Audiobook
First published August 28, 2025
About the author
Anna Fiteni
4 books98 followersAnna Fiteni is an author from Cardiff. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick, before going on to the University of Oxford to complete a PGCE. When not writing, Anna enjoys travelling, fashion history, and daydreaming about writing.
Her debut YA fantasy novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, is due out on August 28th 2025 from Electric Monkey in the UK and on September 9th 2025 from Little, Brown Young Readers in the USA.
Her debut YA fantasy novel, The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, is due out on August 28th 2025 from Electric Monkey in the UK and on September 9th 2025 from Little, Brown Young Readers in the USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
August 13, 2025
Mean girls deserve love too, sometimes from mean boys, and sometimes mean girls aren’t actually mean, they’re just a bit misunderstood.
Do you want to get lost in a faerie filled forrest, make a bargain with a handsome fae prince, and go on a quest to find your missing sister? Maybe find yourself along the way? Definitely lie your ass off - because what good is being able to lie if you don’t use it to protect yourself from wicked fae?
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is a wickedly fun, fast-paced story with lush prose and an atmospheric world rooted in Welsh folklore and history. I wanted to get lost in Eu Gwald with Sabrina!
Sabrina is prickly, a bit unlovable, and definitely hot tempered. She lies and steals, and might complain about her responsibilities but never fails to take care of the people she loves. At its heart this is a story about sisters with a hint of romance and splash self-discovery. It’s easy to binge and will leave you wanting more
What’s to love…
- Mean girls deserve love
- morally grey MMC (and maybe the FMC is a bit morally grey too)
- he loves her prickly parts
- family forward story
- STANDALONE
- Grade A banter
- rich world built on Welsh history and folklore
- QUEST! (my favorite!)
What might not work for some…
- This is less romantasy and more fantasy with a romantic subplot imho. If you head in with tempered expectations I think you’ll love this one.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Little Brown & Novl for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
Do you want to get lost in a faerie filled forrest, make a bargain with a handsome fae prince, and go on a quest to find your missing sister? Maybe find yourself along the way? Definitely lie your ass off - because what good is being able to lie if you don’t use it to protect yourself from wicked fae?
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is a wickedly fun, fast-paced story with lush prose and an atmospheric world rooted in Welsh folklore and history. I wanted to get lost in Eu Gwald with Sabrina!
Sabrina is prickly, a bit unlovable, and definitely hot tempered. She lies and steals, and might complain about her responsibilities but never fails to take care of the people she loves. At its heart this is a story about sisters with a hint of romance and splash self-discovery. It’s easy to binge and will leave you wanting more
What’s to love…
- Mean girls deserve love
- morally grey MMC (and maybe the FMC is a bit morally grey too)
- he loves her prickly parts
- family forward story
- STANDALONE
- Grade A banter
- rich world built on Welsh history and folklore
- QUEST! (my favorite!)
What might not work for some…
- This is less romantasy and more fantasy with a romantic subplot imho. If you head in with tempered expectations I think you’ll love this one.
5⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you Little Brown & Novl for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2025
4.25 ★— If I had a nickel for every story about a human girl with a complicated bond with her sister, a ruthless streak, and a dark-haired trickster fae… well, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice.
That’s right: this book is absolutely a fit for The Folk of the Air lovers, while still standing firmly on its own and telling a compelling, original story.
The plot centers on Sabrina, whose life has been marked by hardship. At sixteen, she’s working as much as she can, taking care of her sickly older sister, and acting as the main breadwinner of her household. When her sister vanishes one day, there’s no hesitation. Sabrina heads straight into the faerie forest people regularly disappear into.
This book delivers so many of the elements I love and always look for in faerie stories: fae who are truly inhuman, vicious, and tricky, as well as a heroine who isn’t a moral ideal, but instead flawed in deeply human, teenage ways. I especially appreciated how Fiteni wove these traits into Sabrina, letting them influence her journey through the faerie world.
When she meets Neirin, a fae and the story’s male lead, their dynamic becomes interesting immediately. You see his trickster side respond to the darker parts of her. As the two journey through the forest together, their banter and interactions were pure chef’s kiss!
The land of the faerie itself felt like the story’s third major character and the author captured its strangeness and danger so well, giving it an eerie sense of timelessness. I’d also add that the inclusion of the Welsh language and some of its history was beautifully done, too!
Overall, this is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a YA fantasy story filled with layered characters and sharp, intriguing fae, but still compact enough to devour in an afternoon.
That’s right: this book is absolutely a fit for The Folk of the Air lovers, while still standing firmly on its own and telling a compelling, original story.
The plot centers on Sabrina, whose life has been marked by hardship. At sixteen, she’s working as much as she can, taking care of her sickly older sister, and acting as the main breadwinner of her household. When her sister vanishes one day, there’s no hesitation. Sabrina heads straight into the faerie forest people regularly disappear into.
This book delivers so many of the elements I love and always look for in faerie stories: fae who are truly inhuman, vicious, and tricky, as well as a heroine who isn’t a moral ideal, but instead flawed in deeply human, teenage ways. I especially appreciated how Fiteni wove these traits into Sabrina, letting them influence her journey through the faerie world.
When she meets Neirin, a fae and the story’s male lead, their dynamic becomes interesting immediately. You see his trickster side respond to the darker parts of her. As the two journey through the forest together, their banter and interactions were pure chef’s kiss!
The land of the faerie itself felt like the story’s third major character and the author captured its strangeness and danger so well, giving it an eerie sense of timelessness. I’d also add that the inclusion of the Welsh language and some of its history was beautifully done, too!
Overall, this is a perfect pick for anyone looking for a YA fantasy story filled with layered characters and sharp, intriguing fae, but still compact enough to devour in an afternoon.
July 14, 2025
This is for all my The Cruel Prince fans.
I binged this.
It was addictive, funny, spiky, and filled with Welsh history.
In 1842, Habren follows her sister into the Land of the Fair Ones seeking to rescue her by entering into a partnership with a trickster Fae, Nerin, to become the King’s champion.
Imagine what magic smells like to you (we can't all love wisteria and cooking bread) then picture wonders to rival the ocean. Imagine the place where the fairy tales of your childhood took place, when your mother lay beside you in bed and whispered stories in your ear.
You're halfway there.
This is I-hate-you-so-much-I-will-cut-your-finger-off.
Habren is spiky, constantly compared to her soft, beautiful sister. She is the shadow.
Spiteful, jealous, but loyal.
How strange. How lovely.
How awful.
"You used me, I say. "I hate you.”
“I missed you too,” he replies.
Great familiar relationships.
Morally grey epitomised.
History about the sordid Welsh mining past and the English incursion.
Great snappy back and forth.
LGBTQ representation.
Disability representation.
A very satisfying standalone that could expand into a sequel.
Physical arc gifted by Electric Monkey.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
I binged this.
It was addictive, funny, spiky, and filled with Welsh history.
In 1842, Habren follows her sister into the Land of the Fair Ones seeking to rescue her by entering into a partnership with a trickster Fae, Nerin, to become the King’s champion.
Imagine what magic smells like to you (we can't all love wisteria and cooking bread) then picture wonders to rival the ocean. Imagine the place where the fairy tales of your childhood took place, when your mother lay beside you in bed and whispered stories in your ear.
You're halfway there.
This is I-hate-you-so-much-I-will-cut-your-finger-off.
Habren is spiky, constantly compared to her soft, beautiful sister. She is the shadow.
Spiteful, jealous, but loyal.
How strange. How lovely.
How awful.
"You used me, I say. "I hate you.”
“I missed you too,” he replies.
Great familiar relationships.
Morally grey epitomised.
History about the sordid Welsh mining past and the English incursion.
Great snappy back and forth.
LGBTQ representation.
Disability representation.
A very satisfying standalone that could expand into a sequel.
Physical arc gifted by Electric Monkey.
Bookstagram
Tiktok
October 19, 2026
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🌿≋🪨≋🗡️ The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire 🗡️≋🪨≋🌿
꒰➛ Stars: 4 ⭐!
꒰➛ Pov: First-person FMC
꒰➛ Spice: 1 / 5
꒰➛ Content: Mild swearing; violence; just kisses
꒰➛ This review is spoiler-free!
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Story! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, a young woman goes on an adventure to save her sister. But whatever you're imagining in your head from that plot, that's not this book! For starters, the FMC is the sister who most often would get left behind in the usual take on that story. The one without Sight, who the Teg didn't choose, and sees herself as much more spiteful and ugly than her sister, is the protagonist. Also, the responsible one is actually the younger sister (who you know is usually the impulsive one) and the older one who goes off into Eu Gwlad - fairyland - isn't doing so recklessly 🫢 *Gasps all around*
I haven't really read anything Welsh-inspired before, so this was fun and new for me! Don't even ask me how to pronounce some the words (Y Lle Tywyll, for one), but I loved how the chapters had English and Welsh names! It also introduced me to a bit of history, since a main idea that permeates the plot is the brutal colonization and exploitation of the Welsh. I'll have to read up more on that
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Characters! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
╰┈➤ 𝒮𝒶𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒶
If you're confused about why the FMC of the The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is named Sabrina, it's because she gives a fake name to the Teg throughout the story (smartly). I loved how unabashedly morally gray she is, because I feel like FMCs in particular usually have conflicting feelings about being so. But here, yes, she's selfish. Yes, she's spiteful. Yes, she's angry. But it's out of a need for survival. I mean, if you lived in a Welsh mining village being exploited by a rich English family, you're dad was just sentenced away to Australia for leading a riot, you're sister ran off to Eu Gwladand turns out to be a lesbian with a mermaid which is cute, but you don't know that, and you know there's zero hope in your life, wouldn't you be like that too?
Somehow, though, Sabrina never comes across as unlikable. Maybe it's the fact she's so blunt about her feelings, but you can empathize with her quite a bit. I did also get a few good laughs out of her sheer brazenness lol XD Listen, when there's the one bed, she put up a slight fight, but ceded pretty quickly because who cares?
╰┈➤ 𝒩𝑒𝒾𝓇𝒾𝓃
I swear, the cover of the book is the calmest Neirin ever is 🙏 If you're looking for slightly chaotic, somewhat vain, and possessing a flair for the dramatics, you've found it in Neirin. I actually really loved him, because I can't help laughing at characters who are accidentally arrogant. Like, he doesn't even realize that some of his questions about humans might be offensive 😭 But his genuine curiosity was also adorable, and like I said, his definite theatrical personality really wormed into my heart!
There are times, though, where his utter otherness comes through in ways that make your eyes go wide. In the same way he can be helpful, there are a few moments where the cruelness of the Teg really hit home, and again, he doesn't even realize. I think the most fascinating thing about him is the way he's so close to human, but just not quite
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Romance! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sabrina and Neirin have a real grumpy x sunshine going on, where Sabrina is stoic and annoyed and Neirin is chattery and enigmatic 🤭 Their romance is very soft and slow, but the bantering during their adventure is always funny! If you're expecting plenty of romantic romance, it's not here. But their dynamic is fascinating to watch!
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Conclusion! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We need more theatrical, fun MMCs like Neirin and more blunt, sharp-tongued FMCs like Sabrina 👀
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
🌿≋🪨≋🗡️ The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire 🗡️≋🪨≋🌿
꒰➛ Stars: 4 ⭐!
꒰➛ Pov: First-person FMC
꒰➛ Spice: 1 / 5
꒰➛ Content: Mild swearing; violence; just kisses
꒰➛ This review is spoiler-free!
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Story! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire, a young woman goes on an adventure to save her sister. But whatever you're imagining in your head from that plot, that's not this book! For starters, the FMC is the sister who most often would get left behind in the usual take on that story. The one without Sight, who the Teg didn't choose, and sees herself as much more spiteful and ugly than her sister, is the protagonist. Also, the responsible one is actually the younger sister (who you know is usually the impulsive one) and the older one who goes off into Eu Gwlad - fairyland - isn't doing so recklessly 🫢 *Gasps all around*
I haven't really read anything Welsh-inspired before, so this was fun and new for me! Don't even ask me how to pronounce some the words (Y Lle Tywyll, for one), but I loved how the chapters had English and Welsh names! It also introduced me to a bit of history, since a main idea that permeates the plot is the brutal colonization and exploitation of the Welsh. I'll have to read up more on that
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Characters! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
╰┈➤ 𝒮𝒶𝒷𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒶
If you're confused about why the FMC of the The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is named Sabrina, it's because she gives a fake name to the Teg throughout the story (smartly). I loved how unabashedly morally gray she is, because I feel like FMCs in particular usually have conflicting feelings about being so. But here, yes, she's selfish. Yes, she's spiteful. Yes, she's angry. But it's out of a need for survival. I mean, if you lived in a Welsh mining village being exploited by a rich English family, you're dad was just sentenced away to Australia for leading a riot, you're sister ran off to Eu Gwlad
Somehow, though, Sabrina never comes across as unlikable. Maybe it's the fact she's so blunt about her feelings, but you can empathize with her quite a bit. I did also get a few good laughs out of her sheer brazenness lol XD Listen, when there's the one bed, she put up a slight fight, but ceded pretty quickly because who cares?
╰┈➤ 𝒩𝑒𝒾𝓇𝒾𝓃
I swear, the cover of the book is the calmest Neirin ever is 🙏 If you're looking for slightly chaotic, somewhat vain, and possessing a flair for the dramatics, you've found it in Neirin. I actually really loved him, because I can't help laughing at characters who are accidentally arrogant. Like, he doesn't even realize that some of his questions about humans might be offensive 😭 But his genuine curiosity was also adorable, and like I said, his definite theatrical personality really wormed into my heart!
There are times, though, where his utter otherness comes through in ways that make your eyes go wide. In the same way he can be helpful, there are a few moments where the cruelness of the Teg really hit home, and again, he doesn't even realize. I think the most fascinating thing about him is the way he's so close to human, but just not quite
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Romance! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sabrina and Neirin have a real grumpy x sunshine going on, where Sabrina is stoic and annoyed and Neirin is chattery and enigmatic 🤭 Their romance is very soft and slow, but the bantering during their adventure is always funny! If you're expecting plenty of romantic romance, it's not here. But their dynamic is fascinating to watch!
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
✎𓂃 Conclusion! 𓂃✎
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We need more theatrical, fun MMCs like Neirin and more blunt, sharp-tongued FMCs like Sabrina 👀
═══ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ═════ ≪ °✿° ≫ ════
Read
September 24, 2025firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
dnf @ 35% — this was heavily reminiscent of the cruel prince, which i also did not enjoy, and unfortunately i just couldn’t immerse myself into this world.
i know this book will find its audience but it’s not me
dnf @ 35% — this was heavily reminiscent of the cruel prince, which i also did not enjoy, and unfortunately i just couldn’t immerse myself into this world.
i know this book will find its audience but it’s not me
September 13, 2025
Carden and Jude have met their match with this one. Such fun banter and an epic quest through the faelands, all inspired by Welsh mythology. This was so fun! 250 pages and v immersive.
Did Not Finish
September 25, 2025dnf
I wanted so desperately to like this one. The cover and the premise were right along my alley. But, this just fell flat. The book was just sooooo slow. I just couldn't get into it. Sabrina was just so irritating, and while others enjoyed it-- I just did not like her immature attitude. And none of the other characters were any better. This is could definitely be a "right book, wrong time" situation, so there is a chance I would pick up this book again and attempt to finish it.
*a special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me this book early in exchange for a honest review. all opinions are my own.*
I wanted so desperately to like this one. The cover and the premise were right along my alley. But, this just fell flat. The book was just sooooo slow. I just couldn't get into it. Sabrina was just so irritating, and while others enjoyed it-- I just did not like her immature attitude. And none of the other characters were any better. This is could definitely be a "right book, wrong time" situation, so there is a chance I would pick up this book again and attempt to finish it.
*a special thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me this book early in exchange for a honest review. all opinions are my own.*
August 15, 2025
This may be the craziest thing I’ve said about a book but I feel this book WITHIN me.
Cymru, 1842. We follow Sabrina, a sharp tongued girl who follows her older sister, Ceridwen into Eu Gwlad in an attempt to save her. Sabrina quickly realises that the stories her dad shared about Tylwyth Teg, aren’t just fairytales after all…
Sabrina is forced take on a dangerous mission, break her own heart and make sacrifices to not only save her sister, but also to save Eu Gwlad from a strange sickness that is killing the Teg.
I LOVED this book in every physically way possible. Am I bias because I am also a Welsh woman who feels the internal female rage that Sabrina feels? Possibly, but that doesn’t change how amazing this book was. This is a beautiful and incredible debut from Anna Fiteni and I am truly honoured I was given the chance to read it.
I will acknowledge is that this is being marketed as a romantasy which I personally disagree with, this is a story of self discovery, sacrifice and sisterhood with a lovely slice of romance on the side. 🍰
This book was able to teach me things about my heritage that no school ever did. It brings attention to our harrowing history, the exploitation but also the beauty of our language and heritage. It felt like an encyclopedia for Tylwyth Teg which I loved too!
Going back to how I started this review, I do truly mean it. Whilst this is a fantasy book, I am reading about my heritage, my family’s story and everyone who came before me.
I think this book will stay with me for a very long time.
Diolch Electric Monkey for gifting me an arc✨
Cymru, 1842. We follow Sabrina, a sharp tongued girl who follows her older sister, Ceridwen into Eu Gwlad in an attempt to save her. Sabrina quickly realises that the stories her dad shared about Tylwyth Teg, aren’t just fairytales after all…
Sabrina is forced take on a dangerous mission, break her own heart and make sacrifices to not only save her sister, but also to save Eu Gwlad from a strange sickness that is killing the Teg.
I LOVED this book in every physically way possible. Am I bias because I am also a Welsh woman who feels the internal female rage that Sabrina feels? Possibly, but that doesn’t change how amazing this book was. This is a beautiful and incredible debut from Anna Fiteni and I am truly honoured I was given the chance to read it.
I will acknowledge is that this is being marketed as a romantasy which I personally disagree with, this is a story of self discovery, sacrifice and sisterhood with a lovely slice of romance on the side. 🍰
This book was able to teach me things about my heritage that no school ever did. It brings attention to our harrowing history, the exploitation but also the beauty of our language and heritage. It felt like an encyclopedia for Tylwyth Teg which I loved too!
Going back to how I started this review, I do truly mean it. Whilst this is a fantasy book, I am reading about my heritage, my family’s story and everyone who came before me.
I think this book will stay with me for a very long time.
Diolch Electric Monkey for gifting me an arc✨
June 28, 2025
This story follows Sabrina as she goes into the woods into fairyland in search of her sister Ceridwen after promising her father she would take care of her family after he is imprisoned.
Sabrina finds out the woods are a lot more dangerous than they seem. The fairy world is starting to decay and she eventually teams up with Neirin a fairy prince, as she makes a deal for her freedom in exchange for help finding her sister. She finds out her sister is trying to become the King’s Champion by getting rid of the decay on her own in exchange for immortality.
The story is very descriptive and brings you right into the unique world and is very atmospheric. There is Welsh folklore interwoven into the story and the fae are of the more traditional variety (tricksters).
There is strong ties of family and sisterly love. The romance between Sabrina and Neirin is there but it is not the forefront of the story. There is also LGBTQ representation with Ceridwen and her mermaid girlfriend.
I liked the ending with the idea of Gran being reunited with someone from her past, and I enjoyed Sabrina’s decision at the end.
Overall this was a very fun and quick read, and I would recommend to any readers who love and enjoy YA fantasy with a bit of romance splashed in and strong themes of familial and sisterly love.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Sabrina finds out the woods are a lot more dangerous than they seem. The fairy world is starting to decay and she eventually teams up with Neirin a fairy prince, as she makes a deal for her freedom in exchange for help finding her sister. She finds out her sister is trying to become the King’s Champion by getting rid of the decay on her own in exchange for immortality.
The story is very descriptive and brings you right into the unique world and is very atmospheric. There is Welsh folklore interwoven into the story and the fae are of the more traditional variety (tricksters).
There is strong ties of family and sisterly love. The romance between Sabrina and Neirin is there but it is not the forefront of the story. There is also LGBTQ representation with Ceridwen and her mermaid girlfriend.
I liked the ending with the idea of Gran being reunited with someone from her past, and I enjoyed Sabrina’s decision at the end.
Overall this was a very fun and quick read, and I would recommend to any readers who love and enjoy YA fantasy with a bit of romance splashed in and strong themes of familial and sisterly love.
Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2025
3 Stars
A quick, fun and magical read!
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is based in 1842 in a little village in Wales. It is about two sisters, Sabrina and Ceridwen who are in difficult circumstances. Their Mother has died and Ceridwen is ill from that same illness, plus their Father has been sentenced to 10 years in Australia. They live with their Grandmother and Sabrina is the only one able to work. Then Ceridwen goes missing, walking herself into the forest and everything changes...
This story is based around a Fae world in some woods in Wales. There is a ton of Welsh mythology which I enjoyed and the Welsh history and background was really well researched and written.
The Fae include tons of different species which made for a fun read and I enjoyed hearing about all the different mythological creatures as well. The worldbuilding was good, if a little basic, but hooked me into the story.
For me, the actual story is what let the book down. I found it all took place and went by too easily, the challenges and mission were faced and beaten quickly and just not enough tension. So for me, that really let down the book and so I could only give it 3 stars.
The characters were interesting, but again I felt them lacking in personality and I wanted more from their journeys and character arcs. Sabrina, the lead character was brave and had a sharp tongue. She was the character with the most depth but was still missing some personality.
The banter between Sabrina and a certain Fae called Neirin gave a little comic relief. However I sadly didn't find the romance believable and from the covers, I thought there would have been more focus on the romance than there is. I also sadly found Neirin a little boring which wasn't ideal.
The writing was good and held my attention, plus the Welsh aspects were the best I've read in a Fantasy which made it more unique.
Although this was a good read and I liked many aspects, sadly it didn't live up to my hopes. I would definitely read books by this author again though!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
A quick, fun and magical read!
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is based in 1842 in a little village in Wales. It is about two sisters, Sabrina and Ceridwen who are in difficult circumstances. Their Mother has died and Ceridwen is ill from that same illness, plus their Father has been sentenced to 10 years in Australia. They live with their Grandmother and Sabrina is the only one able to work. Then Ceridwen goes missing, walking herself into the forest and everything changes...
This story is based around a Fae world in some woods in Wales. There is a ton of Welsh mythology which I enjoyed and the Welsh history and background was really well researched and written.
The Fae include tons of different species which made for a fun read and I enjoyed hearing about all the different mythological creatures as well. The worldbuilding was good, if a little basic, but hooked me into the story.
For me, the actual story is what let the book down. I found it all took place and went by too easily, the challenges and mission were faced and beaten quickly and just not enough tension. So for me, that really let down the book and so I could only give it 3 stars.
The characters were interesting, but again I felt them lacking in personality and I wanted more from their journeys and character arcs. Sabrina, the lead character was brave and had a sharp tongue. She was the character with the most depth but was still missing some personality.
The banter between Sabrina and a certain Fae called Neirin gave a little comic relief. However I sadly didn't find the romance believable and from the covers, I thought there would have been more focus on the romance than there is. I also sadly found Neirin a little boring which wasn't ideal.
The writing was good and held my attention, plus the Welsh aspects were the best I've read in a Fantasy which made it more unique.
Although this was a good read and I liked many aspects, sadly it didn't live up to my hopes. I would definitely read books by this author again though!
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2025
This a beautifully written stroy that has properly burrowed under my skin. From the start, I was behind Sabrina, someone who is both strong willed and highly relatable for me. Her sense of wanderlust is endearing, and I couldn't help but feel for her as she grapples with living in her sister's shadow. The feeling of being trapped by familial obligations, even when her love for her family is so clear, is something many can empathise with. It’s a classic conflict: duty versus personal happiness. Watching her journey, and seeing her finally claim agency for herself, was genuinely touching. Fiteni, created a wonderful, messy, and realistic exploration of what is it to come of age. It’s not a clean, neat journey, and this book embraces all the grey areas.
The relationship between Sabrina and Neirin is great. Their constant bickering is absolutely adorable and had me grinning from ear to ear. It’s one of those classic 'will they, won't they' dynamics that's so well executed it doesn't feel cliché. The "just kiss" meme from Adventure Time was basically playing on a loop in my head every time they were together.
Fiteni's social and political commentary woven throughout the story is excellent. The line, "We're all being used by a big house somewhere," really stuck with me. It’s a powerful statement that hints at the larger themes of control and exploitation, in all it's guises. The way the story delves into the history of Wales and how it affects the characters journey is flawless. It feels like more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative. This book is a poignant ode, a memorial, and a heartfelt love letter to Welsh history and culture. I will absolutely be adding Fiteni to my auto buy list.
The relationship between Sabrina and Neirin is great. Their constant bickering is absolutely adorable and had me grinning from ear to ear. It’s one of those classic 'will they, won't they' dynamics that's so well executed it doesn't feel cliché. The "just kiss" meme from Adventure Time was basically playing on a loop in my head every time they were together.
Fiteni's social and political commentary woven throughout the story is excellent. The line, "We're all being used by a big house somewhere," really stuck with me. It’s a powerful statement that hints at the larger themes of control and exploitation, in all it's guises. The way the story delves into the history of Wales and how it affects the characters journey is flawless. It feels like more than just a backdrop; it’s an integral part of the narrative. This book is a poignant ode, a memorial, and a heartfelt love letter to Welsh history and culture. I will absolutely be adding Fiteni to my auto buy list.
October 25, 2026
✴︎⋆°.⋆༺ ⚔ 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓦𝓲𝓬𝓴𝓮𝓭 𝓛𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓗𝓪𝓫𝓻𝓮𝓷 𝓕𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓮 ⚔ ༻⋆.°⋆✴︎
"𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉?" 𝐼 𝓈𝒶𝓎. "𝐼𝓉'𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓌." "𝒴𝑒𝓈," 𝒩𝑒𝒾𝓇𝒾𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝓅𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝓃𝒶𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹, "𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝐼𝓈𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑜𝒹𝒹?"
It had so much potential.😩I mean, look at that name, the tropes, the enemies-to-lovers romance and the riveting plot. The possibilities were endless and the potential was so high, but it did not live up to its name. I wanted to love this book with all my heart and all my soul but just couldn’t get behind most of Sabrina’s choices and actions and that ENDING. 😞
Anyway, you can read what it’s about but think dark fairy/The Cruel Prince vibes/Welsh myths/folklore core. It started out pretty well, with a fast-moving storyline and a clear goal very early on. Then we got into the magical world of Eu Gwald, where Sabrina meets Neirin.
I honestly think Neirin was one of my favorite parts. I mean, he’s mysterious but so caring at the same time, literally the first fae prince I’ve read that isn’t a brooding psychopath (*cough* Cardan *cough*) but instead is a literal golden retriever. (I do like my brooding psychopaths though 😉) However, his character seemed to change halfway through–in the beginning he was dark and cocky, then his character morphed into that golden retriever energy I was talking about and almost seemed childish at times! Liked him, but very disappointed 😞
SPEAKING OF CHILDISH. Sabrina is probably my most disliked FMC–and I honestly love my FMC queens 9.9/10 times! She was so petty and jealous of Ceridwen, her sister. It was like Ceridwen was Jude in the story and somehow we got stuck with Taryn times one hundred. She made horrible decisions, was so childish, and while I respect her for making that decision at the end of the book for herself and not chaining herself to you-know-who, it just seemed very anti-climactic and lacking.
So, yeah. Did not like this book, but maybe you will? I recommend you read it and find out for yourself, then come let me know why! I did just find out there’s a second one coming out, so I will read it to see if it’s better. Who knows.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆tropes and the few things i loved:⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
🗡 No-spice romance (as always)
🗡One good, one bad sister trope
🗡No one can lie–except her 😏
🗡Morally gray main characters
🗡Sister bond
🗡Tension and BETRAYALLL
Content warnings below, thank you for reading my review and I hope you have a lovely day!! 😘
CW: No spice, kisses only, no language, death, magical curses, minimal gore. Two supporting characters are lesbian.
"𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉?" 𝐼 𝓈𝒶𝓎. "𝐼𝓉'𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓌." "𝒴𝑒𝓈," 𝒩𝑒𝒾𝓇𝒾𝓃 𝓇𝑒𝓅𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓈, 𝒻𝒶𝒸𝑒 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓌𝓃 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈 𝓃𝒶𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓌𝑒𝒹, "𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝐼 𝒹𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝑔𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒸𝑒. 𝐼𝓈𝓃'𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝑜𝒹𝒹?"
It had so much potential.😩I mean, look at that name, the tropes, the enemies-to-lovers romance and the riveting plot. The possibilities were endless and the potential was so high, but it did not live up to its name. I wanted to love this book with all my heart and all my soul but just couldn’t get behind most of Sabrina’s choices and actions and that ENDING. 😞
Anyway, you can read what it’s about but think dark fairy/The Cruel Prince vibes/Welsh myths/folklore core. It started out pretty well, with a fast-moving storyline and a clear goal very early on. Then we got into the magical world of Eu Gwald, where Sabrina meets Neirin.
I honestly think Neirin was one of my favorite parts. I mean, he’s mysterious but so caring at the same time, literally the first fae prince I’ve read that isn’t a brooding psychopath (*cough* Cardan *cough*) but instead is a literal golden retriever. (I do like my brooding psychopaths though 😉) However, his character seemed to change halfway through–in the beginning he was dark and cocky, then his character morphed into that golden retriever energy I was talking about and almost seemed childish at times! Liked him, but very disappointed 😞
SPEAKING OF CHILDISH. Sabrina is probably my most disliked FMC–and I honestly love my FMC queens 9.9/10 times! She was so petty and jealous of Ceridwen, her sister. It was like Ceridwen was Jude in the story and somehow we got stuck with Taryn times one hundred. She made horrible decisions, was so childish, and while I respect her for making that decision at the end of the book for herself and not chaining herself to you-know-who, it just seemed very anti-climactic and lacking.
So, yeah. Did not like this book, but maybe you will? I recommend you read it and find out for yourself, then come let me know why! I did just find out there’s a second one coming out, so I will read it to see if it’s better. Who knows.
⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆tropes and the few things i loved:⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
🗡 No-spice romance (as always)
🗡One good, one bad sister trope
🗡No one can lie–except her 😏
🗡Morally gray main characters
🗡Sister bond
🗡Tension and BETRAYALLL
Content warnings below, thank you for reading my review and I hope you have a lovely day!! 😘
CW: No spice, kisses only, no language, death, magical curses, minimal gore. Two supporting characters are lesbian.
January 2, 2026
Lush, lyrical and deliciously addictive; I absolutely devoured this!
Since reading Holly Black’s The Folk of The Air series, I’ve been consuming every book with a human female protagonist and fae prince love interest/antagonist I could get my hands on. And had all but failed in capturing the magic, emotional intensity and sheer joy that I felt reading that series… until I picked up The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire.
Anna Fiteni’s gorgeous prose is intricately detailed and full of emotion in that mythical, fairytale-like way that made me initially fall back in love with this genre.
I also loved the inclusion of welsh mythology and the personal meaning it has for our FMC, Sabrina (and playing a huge role in how she interacts in the Fae realm “Gwlad y Tylwyth Teg.”)
Our characters are beautifully in depth as well! Especially Sabrina, who was such an endearingly complex yet morally grey protagonist, willing to do literally anything (even lie, steal or maim) to survive. Which is honestly one of my fave kinds of female characters.
And her interactions with the Fae (and Neirin in particular) were really good to. Their slowburn chemistry and banter was both swoon-worthy and entertaining (think black cat meets golden retriever/ thief versus trickster-type dynamics.) And had me on the edge of my seat, reading long into the night.
But I have to say, the emotional impact of the damage caused by industrialisation (along with the effects of colonisation and cultural oppression in Wales) was what really made this such a standout and powerfully compelling read for me. Well that and the lovingly complex ties of family and sisterhood, which I also found relatable.
So, if you love Fantasy but haven’t picked this one up yet, I thoroughly urge you to do so ASAP!
Since reading Holly Black’s The Folk of The Air series, I’ve been consuming every book with a human female protagonist and fae prince love interest/antagonist I could get my hands on. And had all but failed in capturing the magic, emotional intensity and sheer joy that I felt reading that series… until I picked up The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire.
Anna Fiteni’s gorgeous prose is intricately detailed and full of emotion in that mythical, fairytale-like way that made me initially fall back in love with this genre.
I also loved the inclusion of welsh mythology and the personal meaning it has for our FMC, Sabrina (and playing a huge role in how she interacts in the Fae realm “Gwlad y Tylwyth Teg.”)
Our characters are beautifully in depth as well! Especially Sabrina, who was such an endearingly complex yet morally grey protagonist, willing to do literally anything (even lie, steal or maim) to survive. Which is honestly one of my fave kinds of female characters.
And her interactions with the Fae (and Neirin in particular) were really good to. Their slowburn chemistry and banter was both swoon-worthy and entertaining (think black cat meets golden retriever/ thief versus trickster-type dynamics.) And had me on the edge of my seat, reading long into the night.
But I have to say, the emotional impact of the damage caused by industrialisation (along with the effects of colonisation and cultural oppression in Wales) was what really made this such a standout and powerfully compelling read for me. Well that and the lovingly complex ties of family and sisterhood, which I also found relatable.
So, if you love Fantasy but haven’t picked this one up yet, I thoroughly urge you to do so ASAP!
April 2, 2026
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire was amazing! I honestly don't understand why it's so underrated, more people need to read this!!!
Foaming at the mouth for Anna Fiteni's next book.
4.5 stars
Foaming at the mouth for Anna Fiteni's next book.
4.5 stars
October 3, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
This was okay. I liked the creative Welsh setting/folklore but the story was way too short and rushed. No character development, nothing was fleshed out, plot holes galore. And you can ignore any review that says it’s Cruel Prince vibes, besides a dark haired fairy boy and 2 sisters there are no similarities at all 🤷🏻♀️
This was okay. I liked the creative Welsh setting/folklore but the story was way too short and rushed. No character development, nothing was fleshed out, plot holes galore. And you can ignore any review that says it’s Cruel Prince vibes, besides a dark haired fairy boy and 2 sisters there are no similarities at all 🤷🏻♀️
October 9, 2025
Unfortunately, these were not my vibes. However, the vibes were in fact strong and if a magical, soft yet eery adventure sounds like your thing; go for it. I can see this being in a lot of people's favorites of the year
January 13, 2026
2,5*
Dit zou een boek voor mij moeten zijn, maar het was zo niet boeiend🥲
Dit zou een boek voor mij moeten zijn, maar het was zo niet boeiend🥲
February 3, 2026
Enjoyable overall. The story was interesting. I enjoyed the character development and the writing, but the pace was slow. The cover drew me in instantly when I saw it on the shelf at the book store, and I had not heard of this book before.
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If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, traveling books, and a lot more!
August 10, 2025
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is a beautifully written YA fantasy that feels like a dark fairytale. Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince trilogy or readers with an interest in Welsh mythology.
It took me a while to feel fully immersed in the world, but once it settled, I appreciated the richness of the folklore and the slightly eerie tone that ran throughout. The fae are dangerous and manipulative, and the magic feels old and unknowable in a way that really suits the story and gives it a timeless quality. The atmosphere is definitely one of the book’s strongest elements!
Sabrina Parry is a compelling heroine. She’s flawed and not always likeable, but she’s brave, determined, and driven by love for her sister. (Heavily reminding me of Jude from The FOTA books) I really liked how her relationship with Neirin developed slowly and subtly. It made it feel like the romance is more of a thread than a focus, which I appreciated. It never overshadows Sabrina’s personal journey.
There’s also some gentle LGBTQ+ representation woven into the story that felt natural and thoughtfully done! I just wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out. It felt a little rushed, and it left a few things unresolved that I was curious about. I also wanted more clarity around certain characters.
Overall, this was a beautifully written and atmospheric debut I recommend to fans of The Cruel Prince books.
It didn’t fully land for me but still had a lot to admire. A solid 3.5-star read!
It took me a while to feel fully immersed in the world, but once it settled, I appreciated the richness of the folklore and the slightly eerie tone that ran throughout. The fae are dangerous and manipulative, and the magic feels old and unknowable in a way that really suits the story and gives it a timeless quality. The atmosphere is definitely one of the book’s strongest elements!
Sabrina Parry is a compelling heroine. She’s flawed and not always likeable, but she’s brave, determined, and driven by love for her sister. (Heavily reminding me of Jude from The FOTA books) I really liked how her relationship with Neirin developed slowly and subtly. It made it feel like the romance is more of a thread than a focus, which I appreciated. It never overshadows Sabrina’s personal journey.
There’s also some gentle LGBTQ+ representation woven into the story that felt natural and thoughtfully done! I just wish the ending had been a little more fleshed out. It felt a little rushed, and it left a few things unresolved that I was curious about. I also wanted more clarity around certain characters.
Overall, this was a beautifully written and atmospheric debut I recommend to fans of The Cruel Prince books.
It didn’t fully land for me but still had a lot to admire. A solid 3.5-star read!
March 30, 2026
The plot had me intrigued however I felt the execution was lacking throughout.
I struggled to connect with Sabrina as she's only 16 and her immaturity showed from the start. The romance gave me the ick because of her age. At the start I loved Neirin but the more time we spent with him, the more I started to dislike him.
I loved the Welsh folklore and history throughout, that was a high point for me. I loved the descriptions of the fae and at times I felt I was there.
The pacing was all over the place for me. We have a big long build up throughout the book, and then it was over within a few pages.
It was an easy read though and it kept me amused for the afternoon/evening.
I struggled to connect with Sabrina as she's only 16 and her immaturity showed from the start. The romance gave me the ick because of her age. At the start I loved Neirin but the more time we spent with him, the more I started to dislike him.
I loved the Welsh folklore and history throughout, that was a high point for me. I loved the descriptions of the fae and at times I felt I was there.
The pacing was all over the place for me. We have a big long build up throughout the book, and then it was over within a few pages.
It was an easy read though and it kept me amused for the afternoon/evening.
February 17, 2026
The main character starts out kind of awful, she goes into a magical forest with the excuse to "save" her sister, but she's truely going because she doesn't want to be alone, she wants her sister to return and marry a man with money that can support them, she's jealous her sister has the gift to see the creatures of the forest and she doesn't, but above all she's jealous her sister left and she was left behind.
The book has Welsh folklore/fairytale creatures and magic. There's also a good lesson learned like in all fairytales.
The main character does do a lot of growing in the last 25% of the book. Interesting ending.
The book has Welsh folklore/fairytale creatures and magic. There's also a good lesson learned like in all fairytales.
The main character does do a lot of growing in the last 25% of the book. Interesting ending.
November 30, 2025
I really enjoyed this considering I didn’t know what to expect when I started. I loved all the Welsh language, colloquialism and mythology!! I also partly listened to the audio book as well which was great for the pronunciation.
* changing to a 5 star read after meeting Anna. It was so refreshing to hear her story and behind the book ✨
* changing to a 5 star read after meeting Anna. It was so refreshing to hear her story and behind the book ✨
October 18, 2026
تم انهاء الكتاب يوم الاثنين تاريخ 19 اكتوبر 2026 الساعه 1:19 ص
——
2,25/5⭐️
مدري وش اقول ووش اخلي..
بالبداية الكتاب كان عاجبني وكنت مستمتعه شوي ولكن اكتشفت ان الكتاب مليان تمطيط للأسف ، ومليان وصف ل اشياء مالها داعي من الاساس ( وصف زايد عن حده ) وهالشي بدال لا يخليني اتخيل العالم بشكل افضل صرت ضايعه مره وما حبيت هالشي ابدا!
من بداية الكتاب الى نصه تقريبا او بعد النص ماكان فيه اي شي مهم مافيه اي تقدم بالأحداث وهالشي خلاني احس بملل ، ولكن نهاية الكتاب بدت الاحداث تصير فوضوية اكثر وكأن الكاتبة كانت تبي تخلص كل شي دفعه وحدة على نهاية الكتاب مع انه كان يمديها تختصر الكثييير 👎🏻.
السبب اللي خلاني اعطيه 2,25 حرفيا ماعندي سبب!
وعندي ملاحظات كثيرة تجاه البطلة ابدا ماحبيت شخصيتها وحتى البطل كلهم كانت شخصيتهم بالنسبة لي اشوفها جدا بشعة وسيئة
ودي اكتب زيادة بس احس لو كتبت مارح اخلص للأسف
——
2,25/5⭐️
مدري وش اقول ووش اخلي..
بالبداية الكتاب كان عاجبني وكنت مستمتعه شوي ولكن اكتشفت ان الكتاب مليان تمطيط للأسف ، ومليان وصف ل اشياء مالها داعي من الاساس ( وصف زايد عن حده ) وهالشي بدال لا يخليني اتخيل العالم بشكل افضل صرت ضايعه مره وما حبيت هالشي ابدا!
من بداية الكتاب الى نصه تقريبا او بعد النص ماكان فيه اي شي مهم مافيه اي تقدم بالأحداث وهالشي خلاني احس بملل ، ولكن نهاية الكتاب بدت الاحداث تصير فوضوية اكثر وكأن الكاتبة كانت تبي تخلص كل شي دفعه وحدة على نهاية الكتاب مع انه كان يمديها تختصر الكثييير 👎🏻.
السبب اللي خلاني اعطيه 2,25 حرفيا ماعندي سبب!
وعندي ملاحظات كثيرة تجاه البطلة ابدا ماحبيت شخصيتها وحتى البطل كلهم كانت شخصيتهم بالنسبة لي اشوفها جدا بشعة وسيئة
ودي اكتب زيادة بس احس لو كتبت مارح اخلص للأسف
September 22, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
January 22, 2026
3.5 stars
September 14, 2026
Super easy YA fantasy to read. I liked the incorporation of the Welsh folklore and the eeriness ae of the faerie world.
July 25, 2025
It’s giving Alice in Wonderland but with a Welsh Mythology twist!! This book was well written as well as researched appropriately. Sabrina was such a strong lead and really held the book together from start to finish!
April 29, 2025
If you read one book in 2025, let it be this one. Sabrina Parry, you have my whole heart and I love you and all your spiteful ways (Neirin you have may have one sliver of my heart but absolutely no more)
In the interest of transparency, I should say that the author is my best friend, and I have been lucky enough to read this book in all its stages. However, even if you take the personal connection out of it, I am left with a book that had me utterly captivated from the very first sentence. Anna has taken ideas that have become commonplace in fantasty (a romance with a fae prince, an epic quest, and a stubborn heroine to name but a few) and completely turned them on their head, breathed new life into them, and imbued them with a sense of magic that I truly think few writers have been able to capture. The writing is lush and beautiful, and there are several quotes that I would get tattooed if I was brave enough and not terrified of needles. The craftsmanship is truly outstanding, and I could happily spend many more days leafing through pages on pages of her writing.
If the writing won't capture your heart, the characters will. Sabrina is a character who bulldozed her way into my heart - she is all the things you think a fantasy heroine wouldn't be, and so much more. She is spiteful, she lies, she cheats, she irritates, she actively tries to ruin people's lives, and yet you love her for it. She sees the story laid out for her and actively chooses to face the other way, giving the original path the finger and probably punching whoever told her to go there in the first place. And yet, she cares. She cares and she loves and she knocks people out and cuts off their fingers and I love her. Neirin too managed to take up far too much of my brain space reading this - he is a stereotypical fairy in a way I wish we saw more in modern fantasy - vain, self-absorbed, obsessed with humanity and glamour, and somehow both supremely clever and supremely dumb. There are other characters too I adore, but I suppose I should let people discover them for themselves. One thing they all have in common is they all feel so real that they could be sat beside me telling their story rather than buried within the page.
And yet, despite Sabrina's spite and Neirin's annoyingness, this is a book filled with love in the best possible way - it's filled with a love for family, for stories, for Wales, for history. Sabrina's love for her sister is the beating core of this novel, and I defy those of you with sisters to finish this novel without wanting to go and find your own and envelop them in a hug. There is a scene in chapter 28 specifically that, the first time I read it, had me openly weeping - I had to put the book down and take several minutes to calm down, it just hits that hard. It strikes that beautiful balance between gripping fantasy, swoon-worthy romance and beautiful, heartwrenching moments that feel utterly human in a world of mythical creatures, and leaves you reaching for more even after the last page.
It would have been easy to write another romantasy that hits all your classic tropes, but instead, Anna has written a story that feels transformative and somehow utterly unique. She has done so with a skill and talent that makes this novel feel like the product of a veteran author, rather than a debut. Poetic, atmospheric and utterly enchanting, this is one of my favourite books not just of 2025, but of all time.
In the interest of transparency, I should say that the author is my best friend, and I have been lucky enough to read this book in all its stages. However, even if you take the personal connection out of it, I am left with a book that had me utterly captivated from the very first sentence. Anna has taken ideas that have become commonplace in fantasty (a romance with a fae prince, an epic quest, and a stubborn heroine to name but a few) and completely turned them on their head, breathed new life into them, and imbued them with a sense of magic that I truly think few writers have been able to capture. The writing is lush and beautiful, and there are several quotes that I would get tattooed if I was brave enough and not terrified of needles. The craftsmanship is truly outstanding, and I could happily spend many more days leafing through pages on pages of her writing.
If the writing won't capture your heart, the characters will. Sabrina is a character who bulldozed her way into my heart - she is all the things you think a fantasy heroine wouldn't be, and so much more. She is spiteful, she lies, she cheats, she irritates, she actively tries to ruin people's lives, and yet you love her for it. She sees the story laid out for her and actively chooses to face the other way, giving the original path the finger and probably punching whoever told her to go there in the first place. And yet, she cares. She cares and she loves and she knocks people out and cuts off their fingers and I love her. Neirin too managed to take up far too much of my brain space reading this - he is a stereotypical fairy in a way I wish we saw more in modern fantasy - vain, self-absorbed, obsessed with humanity and glamour, and somehow both supremely clever and supremely dumb. There are other characters too I adore, but I suppose I should let people discover them for themselves. One thing they all have in common is they all feel so real that they could be sat beside me telling their story rather than buried within the page.
And yet, despite Sabrina's spite and Neirin's annoyingness, this is a book filled with love in the best possible way - it's filled with a love for family, for stories, for Wales, for history. Sabrina's love for her sister is the beating core of this novel, and I defy those of you with sisters to finish this novel without wanting to go and find your own and envelop them in a hug. There is a scene in chapter 28 specifically that, the first time I read it, had me openly weeping - I had to put the book down and take several minutes to calm down, it just hits that hard. It strikes that beautiful balance between gripping fantasy, swoon-worthy romance and beautiful, heartwrenching moments that feel utterly human in a world of mythical creatures, and leaves you reaching for more even after the last page.
It would have been easy to write another romantasy that hits all your classic tropes, but instead, Anna has written a story that feels transformative and somehow utterly unique. She has done so with a skill and talent that makes this novel feel like the product of a veteran author, rather than a debut. Poetic, atmospheric and utterly enchanting, this is one of my favourite books not just of 2025, but of all time.
August 3, 2025
Thanks to Electric Monkey for providing me with a proof in exchange for an honest review.
I am in love with this world and these characters. I'm so sad that this book had to end and yet it finished at the perfect moment.
The combination of classic Fae folklore, a new adventure and subtle political commentary was absolute perfection.
This is a book about the Teg, who are dangerous. You don't tell them your name or get involved in their games. This is the type of Fae story I love - one bound up in the stories, myths and legends that I have always been obsessed with.
It's also a story about Wales and the way the country and it's people were used badly. The mining stories were absolutely heartbreaking but told so well.
I absolutely adored the characters and really enjoyed Sabrina's/Hebrew's development. She even managed to surprise me at the end, which doesn't happen a whole lot.
For a book that's fewer than 300 pages, a lot is included but it's all explored beautifully. I would happily read about Sabrina's next adventure.
I am in love with this world and these characters. I'm so sad that this book had to end and yet it finished at the perfect moment.
The combination of classic Fae folklore, a new adventure and subtle political commentary was absolute perfection.
This is a book about the Teg, who are dangerous. You don't tell them your name or get involved in their games. This is the type of Fae story I love - one bound up in the stories, myths and legends that I have always been obsessed with.
It's also a story about Wales and the way the country and it's people were used badly. The mining stories were absolutely heartbreaking but told so well.
I absolutely adored the characters and really enjoyed Sabrina's/Hebrew's development. She even managed to surprise me at the end, which doesn't happen a whole lot.
For a book that's fewer than 300 pages, a lot is included but it's all explored beautifully. I would happily read about Sabrina's next adventure.
September 16, 2025
I am totally ok with crying on a train as I finish this. Welsh mythology combined with Welsh mining history. Class divides. Yearning. A supremely wonderful ending that was so very fitting for Sabrina. Ugh. Yes. Give me books that make me feel like this all the time. (But maybe not ALL the time because I’m not sure I could handle it). Very excited for what comes next from Fiteni.
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