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Hidden Courts of the Fae #0.5
Court of Treason and Fate
One small act. So many dire consequences that set the prophecy into motion.
My treasonous act of freeing the unicorns and pegasi from the cruel fae's clutches has left me despised by my own people - made worse just by being a half-breed orphan.
On the run and broken, I stumble upon a gorgeous yet grumpy human female who nurses me back to health--making me feel things I shouldn't feel since it leads to the fae kidnapping her to draw me back. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to save her from certain torture and death.
With the resurfacing demonic skáth attacking, and my need to hide from the fae sworn to kill me, I must figure out how to save the woman I love before the fae destroy her. But doing that will certainly bring me to my own execution.
If you love the reverse grumpy sunshine of Jinx in Heather G. Harris' Other Realm Series, you'll love the feral, golden-retriever male main character in Court of Treason and Fate.
Download your gifted copy of Court of Treason and Fate that reveals the morally gray act which triggers a realm-altering prophecy, and ignites a burning love story, by subscribing to Heather's newsletter today.
My treasonous act of freeing the unicorns and pegasi from the cruel fae's clutches has left me despised by my own people - made worse just by being a half-breed orphan.
On the run and broken, I stumble upon a gorgeous yet grumpy human female who nurses me back to health--making me feel things I shouldn't feel since it leads to the fae kidnapping her to draw me back. I'm not sure I'm strong enough to save her from certain torture and death.
With the resurfacing demonic skáth attacking, and my need to hide from the fae sworn to kill me, I must figure out how to save the woman I love before the fae destroy her. But doing that will certainly bring me to my own execution.
If you love the reverse grumpy sunshine of Jinx in Heather G. Harris' Other Realm Series, you'll love the feral, golden-retriever male main character in Court of Treason and Fate.
Download your gifted copy of Court of Treason and Fate that reveals the morally gray act which triggers a realm-altering prophecy, and ignites a burning love story, by subscribing to Heather's newsletter today.
370 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2025
About the author
Heather D. Grace
11 books107 followersHeather D. Grace is a fast paced urban fantasy author that loves to add a slow burn romance. When she's not busy writing about tough as nails female leads and their alluring protective mates, she and her husband spend time with their 4 children and 7 fur-babies, spending time exploring the beautiful mountains near her home and she helps in the veterinary field as an Registered Veterinary Technician.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2026
I received a copy of this as a subscriber to the authors newsletter.
This is the prequel I have been waiting for since I read book 1 in the series!
I'd always wondered what the story was behind Tessa's parents and now I've finally found out.
Far from the slow-burn romance Tessa experiences, this one is a whirlwind between human Merry and half-fae Carson.
We learn the horror that led to the equine release, how the Skaith were able to attack in Aurellia and see how trust between unlikely allies can pay off.
I really enjoyed reading this one and meeting Carson for the first time.
If you loved the first books in this series, this is the one that helps pull it all together.
This is the prequel I have been waiting for since I read book 1 in the series!
I'd always wondered what the story was behind Tessa's parents and now I've finally found out.
Far from the slow-burn romance Tessa experiences, this one is a whirlwind between human Merry and half-fae Carson.
We learn the horror that led to the equine release, how the Skaith were able to attack in Aurellia and see how trust between unlikely allies can pay off.
I really enjoyed reading this one and meeting Carson for the first time.
If you loved the first books in this series, this is the one that helps pull it all together.
January 30, 2026
I really enjoyed reading the prequel of the series “HIDDEN COURTS OF THE FAE”. In this book, we get to know both Merry and Carson, Tessa’s parents love story and the trials that they went through together and before they met/after Carson left. I love it I definitely recommend and love seeing the bond and love that Merry and Carson has!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
It took me a while to compose myself, to be able to pen my thoughts. With this read, I felt as though I was staggering trying to find my balance, because, trust me, this author pulled the very earth from under me, I had absolutely no traction to brace myself. I was helplessly dragged into a heartless world of Fae, Skalth and Small folk. Having read Heather's series in the same world, I thought I knew what to expect. That would be a captivating, darker toned read, full of colour, vibrancy and angst. This prequel showed me just how unprepared I was for the dramatic events, how skilfully the author manipulated the storyline, how fresh the plot and world building is and I was reeling from the onslaught of emotions coursing through me....
As I've mentioned, the first few chapters had me gnawing at my knuckles, a half Fae, Carson, is barely tolerated by the arrogant and cruel Fae, his only friends are the unicorns and Pegasus in his care. The Fae are uncaring, pompous, self righteous and see themselves as superior to all other races. So when he discovers a very nefarious plot, one that reeks of more than cruelty, he knows he has to do something to aid them. That aid nearly costs him his life. A desperate ploy, by his desperate leath (like a familiar) sees him in the human realm, half dead, right on Merry's doorstep. Her family equestrian sanctuary farm in fact. She, naturally kind and caring, definitely out of her depth, nurses him back to health. But, being on the rebound, she could not have envisaged the effect this strange man has on her....The depth of her character is awesome, her wants, her needs, her inner strength, her capabilities, her resolve, grow throughout the book.
Oh do I love Carson! His flirtatious jocular manner brings a smile to my face, every time he squares off Merry, it's cute, it's infectious, it's sexy as heck. As is he, sooooo sexy! The two of them together set my pulse racing, so hot and tender and respectful of each other. Which is something the Fae have no clue about, respect...they take and take and take. My heart cried for Carson, for his upbringing, for WHAT he endured at the hands of the rulers and flipping heck, THAT betrayal nearly did me in! I was flabbergasted, I didn't see it coming, so saying this author excels at "twists" doesn't even come close! Oh dear heavens, sooooo much happens in this book, I'm beyond impressed with how much this author hookwinked me with her beguiling prose and events. I was completely ensnared in this fast paced and unforgettable, unputdownable read. Ms Grace lined up the various players perfectly, I bled for them and with them, through every cut, through every horrendous slay, on their person as well as on their psychi. My heart stopped many times (defibrillator paddles, remember?) my heart cried many times, my heart rejoiced many times. All I can say, with complete conviction, THIS read was spectacular, stunning, superb and sublime!
I knew, before I began, this book was an insight into Tessa's parents, Carson and Meredith and how they met but I wasn't warned how intense this book was 😱 Like OMG INTENSE!!! I thought I was going to have an embolism from the opening few chapters! Which eased slightly and then charged up again! Hells, it was as though someone was standing over my body, repeatedly holding defibrillator paddles in their hands and yelling "CLEAR!" before bringing me "back"! I thought once Carson arrived on Merry's farm, I can breathe easier, more fool me! This is one of those reads that has my brain trying to catch up on itself, the whiplash after whiplash, the sinking of my stomach, the adrenaline pumping through my entirely body, doesn't even begin to explain WHAT this read did to me. This book, these characters, shall forever live rent free in my head. And while it doesn't have a HEA, in the romantic sense, it has a new beginnings HEA, which, quite frankly, makes me want to go and reread the series, Hidden Courts of the Fae.
As I've mentioned, the first few chapters had me gnawing at my knuckles, a half Fae, Carson, is barely tolerated by the arrogant and cruel Fae, his only friends are the unicorns and Pegasus in his care. The Fae are uncaring, pompous, self righteous and see themselves as superior to all other races. So when he discovers a very nefarious plot, one that reeks of more than cruelty, he knows he has to do something to aid them. That aid nearly costs him his life. A desperate ploy, by his desperate leath (like a familiar) sees him in the human realm, half dead, right on Merry's doorstep. Her family equestrian sanctuary farm in fact. She, naturally kind and caring, definitely out of her depth, nurses him back to health. But, being on the rebound, she could not have envisaged the effect this strange man has on her....The depth of her character is awesome, her wants, her needs, her inner strength, her capabilities, her resolve, grow throughout the book.
Oh do I love Carson! His flirtatious jocular manner brings a smile to my face, every time he squares off Merry, it's cute, it's infectious, it's sexy as heck. As is he, sooooo sexy! The two of them together set my pulse racing, so hot and tender and respectful of each other. Which is something the Fae have no clue about, respect...they take and take and take. My heart cried for Carson, for his upbringing, for WHAT he endured at the hands of the rulers and flipping heck, THAT betrayal nearly did me in! I was flabbergasted, I didn't see it coming, so saying this author excels at "twists" doesn't even come close! Oh dear heavens, sooooo much happens in this book, I'm beyond impressed with how much this author hookwinked me with her beguiling prose and events. I was completely ensnared in this fast paced and unforgettable, unputdownable read. Ms Grace lined up the various players perfectly, I bled for them and with them, through every cut, through every horrendous slay, on their person as well as on their psychi. My heart stopped many times (defibrillator paddles, remember?) my heart cried many times, my heart rejoiced many times. All I can say, with complete conviction, THIS read was spectacular, stunning, superb and sublime!
I knew, before I began, this book was an insight into Tessa's parents, Carson and Meredith and how they met but I wasn't warned how intense this book was 😱 Like OMG INTENSE!!! I thought I was going to have an embolism from the opening few chapters! Which eased slightly and then charged up again! Hells, it was as though someone was standing over my body, repeatedly holding defibrillator paddles in their hands and yelling "CLEAR!" before bringing me "back"! I thought once Carson arrived on Merry's farm, I can breathe easier, more fool me! This is one of those reads that has my brain trying to catch up on itself, the whiplash after whiplash, the sinking of my stomach, the adrenaline pumping through my entirely body, doesn't even begin to explain WHAT this read did to me. This book, these characters, shall forever live rent free in my head. And while it doesn't have a HEA, in the romantic sense, it has a new beginnings HEA, which, quite frankly, makes me want to go and reread the series, Hidden Courts of the Fae.
November 14, 2025
From the very first page, Court of Treason and Fate absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way 😭💖. I wasn’t prepared—at all—for how deeply this prequel would pull me into the world, the prophecy, and the heartbreak that shaped everything to come. The emotions!! The twists!! The way my heart kept clenching and I still kept turning the pages like I was starved for more 💔✨.
This story followed Carson—already broken, already hunted—after one brave, treasonous act set an entire prophecy into motion 🦄🔥. Freeing the unicorns and pegasi cost him everything, and the depth of his loneliness just… hit me. Being a half-breed orphan despised by his own people made every choice feel heavy. Then he met Merry—a grumpy, gorgeous human who nursed him back to health—and their connection absolutely destroyed me in the most tender, aching way 💕😭. Their moments together felt so fragile and warm, like two lost souls finding a reason to breathe again.
And then the kidnapping, the skath attacks, the looming execution, the desperation… my heart was in shreds. The stakes were so high, and still the love between Carson and Merry burned brighter.
The pacing felt perfect, the worldbuilding flowed beautifully, and the ending?? I need so much more of these two. The ache they left in my chest hasn’t gone away yet 😭💫.
🌟 Perfect for fans of…
🐺 Grumpy x Sunshine (Reverse!)
💔 Star-crossed lovers
🔥 Morally grey choices
🌙 Prophecies & fate-bound destinies
⚔️ Runaway fugitives & dangerous quests
✨ Feral golden retriever MMC energy
💖 Human + Fae forbidden romance
😭 Beautiful emotional destruction (in a good way)
If you love stories that blend danger, destiny, and soul-deep connection—this prequel was everything. I genuinely felt captivated by this world, these characters, and the way their story intertwined with the larger saga 🌌💕
Thank you so much to Heather D. Grace and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💖✨
This story followed Carson—already broken, already hunted—after one brave, treasonous act set an entire prophecy into motion 🦄🔥. Freeing the unicorns and pegasi cost him everything, and the depth of his loneliness just… hit me. Being a half-breed orphan despised by his own people made every choice feel heavy. Then he met Merry—a grumpy, gorgeous human who nursed him back to health—and their connection absolutely destroyed me in the most tender, aching way 💕😭. Their moments together felt so fragile and warm, like two lost souls finding a reason to breathe again.
And then the kidnapping, the skath attacks, the looming execution, the desperation… my heart was in shreds. The stakes were so high, and still the love between Carson and Merry burned brighter.
The pacing felt perfect, the worldbuilding flowed beautifully, and the ending?? I need so much more of these two. The ache they left in my chest hasn’t gone away yet 😭💫.
🌟 Perfect for fans of…
🐺 Grumpy x Sunshine (Reverse!)
💔 Star-crossed lovers
🔥 Morally grey choices
🌙 Prophecies & fate-bound destinies
⚔️ Runaway fugitives & dangerous quests
✨ Feral golden retriever MMC energy
💖 Human + Fae forbidden romance
😭 Beautiful emotional destruction (in a good way)
If you love stories that blend danger, destiny, and soul-deep connection—this prequel was everything. I genuinely felt captivated by this world, these characters, and the way their story intertwined with the larger saga 🌌💕
Thank you so much to Heather D. Grace and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity 💖✨
January 27, 2026
I was instantly enamored by this story!! I loved it so much!! For a prequel to a series it surprised me by being so indepth and a full length story. It was an intense and gripping read that immediately drew me in and didn't let go! It was also quite emotional and tugged at my heart. It was so saddened by what the fae were doing to the equines. I immediately loved Carson for his compassion and dedication to helping them.
I loved Carson's magic of being able to talk to the equines. I work with horses, and while they can speak if you know how to listen, it would be so much easier if I could have an actual conversation with them!
I liked Merry and was able to easily relate to her when it came to the horses and barn setting. There were a few times she frustrated me but overall she was a likeable character.
I really liked the magic system and the gifts they were bestowed. I enjoyed that this was duel points of view and that they were quite detailed. The writing was very well done and painted a beautiful picture of the farm and fae lands. Anything to do with horses is a plus in my book and I enjoyed that the equine parts were accurate and correct. I can't wait to continue the series because I am hooked! I would definitely recommend it!!
I loved Carson's magic of being able to talk to the equines. I work with horses, and while they can speak if you know how to listen, it would be so much easier if I could have an actual conversation with them!
I liked Merry and was able to easily relate to her when it came to the horses and barn setting. There were a few times she frustrated me but overall she was a likeable character.
I really liked the magic system and the gifts they were bestowed. I enjoyed that this was duel points of view and that they were quite detailed. The writing was very well done and painted a beautiful picture of the farm and fae lands. Anything to do with horses is a plus in my book and I enjoyed that the equine parts were accurate and correct. I can't wait to continue the series because I am hooked! I would definitely recommend it!!
January 26, 2026
Thanks to Heather D Grace for the ebook, you can get a copy if you sign up to her newsletter!
I read this between books 2 and 3, so it gave me nice timing for the history of Tessa's parents Carson & Merry. This one was faster paced on the romance side of things than the slow burn that has been going on between Tessa & Neil!
It had great world building & insight into the inner workings & politics of the fae court. I think for me it was perfectly placed between books 2 & 3, and all the details lead nicely into following Tessa & Neil into the continuation of their story. It also delved into the background to what caused the issues with the skath gaining power and the prophecy that has Tessa in line as the chosen one.
It was an enjoyable rounding out of the story and I hope we get to see Tessa meet her father Carson and their relationship develop.
I read this between books 2 and 3, so it gave me nice timing for the history of Tessa's parents Carson & Merry. This one was faster paced on the romance side of things than the slow burn that has been going on between Tessa & Neil!
It had great world building & insight into the inner workings & politics of the fae court. I think for me it was perfectly placed between books 2 & 3, and all the details lead nicely into following Tessa & Neil into the continuation of their story. It also delved into the background to what caused the issues with the skath gaining power and the prophecy that has Tessa in line as the chosen one.
It was an enjoyable rounding out of the story and I hope we get to see Tessa meet her father Carson and their relationship develop.
January 4, 2026
Carson is a national treasure and should be treated as such! This man ♥️ Just read the series already! The prequel definitely added so much to the story and I absolutely loved it! The ending was obviously always going to end how it did to set up the series, but girl was it still a gut punch 💔😭 There is some spice in this book and one encounter, not with the mmc, that has a forced kiss. So I guess if you're very sensitive to that situation you may want to skip over that part. The betrayl was crazy! What a lil shit for that! Not a super likeable character anyway, but 🙄 Overall the prequel was a crazy ride that only made me love this series so much more! I cannot recommend it enough 🔥 Please give this series a shot on your tbr and support a very genuine author ♥️
January 20, 2026
This prequel is so incredibly gripping and filled with emotions that take you on a fast paced journey of a determined fae who helps release the unicorns imprisoned by the queen who cruelly steals their magic for her own purpose. On the run, hunted by the court, he stumbles into the portal leading into the human realm, hurt and alone. Little does he know that what awaits him is the most amazing and magical love story that is so incredible, so deep, it is mesmerizing. But, his fears are valid, and he is forced to run. What happens next is a gripping, breathholding saga that becomes unputdownable. Action packed battles, capture and escape and a need to return will keep you glued to the pages while the details revealed set the scene for the beautifully crafted series!
January 15, 2026
I tend to think that prequels are weaker than the main books in a series. Not so with this one! It was still very engaging, and unpredictable, with fantastic characters! And it did the most important thing—it's great for people brand-new to the world, and for those who've already read a few books in the series! It doesn't over-explain, info dump, or leave you feeling lost and confused.
[Spice warning!] There are a couple of spicy scenes, if that's not your jam you should be able to skip them without missing out.
[Spice warning!] There are a couple of spicy scenes, if that's not your jam you should be able to skip them without missing out.
January 20, 2026
This book is related to the Hidden Courts of the Fae series. It’s a reverse grumpy/sunshine urban fantasy romance. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The world building is detailed and imaginative. This book has strong, well-developed characters and an interesting story line that keeps you turning the pages. This is a fast-paced intriguing read! This review is based on an early review copy I was sent by the publisher, but this didn't affect the content of my review that I am voluntarily providing.
January 30, 2026
It was wonderful to read prequel.
I was hooked from the 1st few pages and needed to keep going to find out what happened to the equine.
Because I have read the first 3 books of the hidden courts series it really helps explain what's happening within them and I cant wait to read book 4!
I won't say to much because I dont want to spoil it all I will say is this is such an underrated fantasy series!
Tropes:
✨ Fast Burn Strangers to Lovers
✨ Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ Portal Fae Urban Fantasy Romance
✨ Found Family
✨ Bonded Animal Companions
✨ Hidden Magic
I was hooked from the 1st few pages and needed to keep going to find out what happened to the equine.
Because I have read the first 3 books of the hidden courts series it really helps explain what's happening within them and I cant wait to read book 4!
I won't say to much because I dont want to spoil it all I will say is this is such an underrated fantasy series!
Tropes:
✨ Fast Burn Strangers to Lovers
✨ Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
✨ Portal Fae Urban Fantasy Romance
✨ Found Family
✨ Bonded Animal Companions
✨ Hidden Magic
October 2, 2025
📖 Arc review 📖 (sorry if its a little late)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Blurb (His POV)
One small act. So many dire consequences that set the prophecy into motion."( It's set before all the other books)
This book.... This godamn book broke me in all the best ways!
I honestly think this is mt favourite book in this series so far!!
The twists and turns the emotions! Omg!! The ending 😭 I need more of these two!
I'm so privileged to be apart of this lovely ladies arc team 💜
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
"Blurb (His POV)
One small act. So many dire consequences that set the prophecy into motion."( It's set before all the other books)
This book.... This godamn book broke me in all the best ways!
I honestly think this is mt favourite book in this series so far!!
The twists and turns the emotions! Omg!! The ending 😭 I need more of these two!
I'm so privileged to be apart of this lovely ladies arc team 💜
January 3, 2026
Oh my! I have loved all of her books I’ve read so far!
This book is about Merry and Carson, Tessa’s parents…and how they got together and the adventure they go through.
Carson is the MMC and he is the sweet, strong type that puts everyone else first.
Merry is the FMC and she is fiery, doesn’t give up and won’t back down.
The is book has spice, adventure, romance, fighting and betrayal!
I was so excited to get to read this book and can’t wait for more!
This book is about Merry and Carson, Tessa’s parents…and how they got together and the adventure they go through.
Carson is the MMC and he is the sweet, strong type that puts everyone else first.
Merry is the FMC and she is fiery, doesn’t give up and won’t back down.
The is book has spice, adventure, romance, fighting and betrayal!
I was so excited to get to read this book and can’t wait for more!
January 3, 2026
I enjoy reading prequels and gaining little tidbits into the characters lives when they were younger or characters that came before the main ones in a series. This was no different! I loved meeting Carson and getting to meet a young Merry (she is sassy and stubborn....sounds like someone else we know from the main series haha). A great look into the past that gives me insight to what might be coming in the next Hidden Courts of the Fae book. I'm excited to find out!
October 16, 2025
Oh my heart… I have been absolutely captivated by this story, this world and these characters. This prequel was so beautifully done and I can’t wait to see when this part of the story intertwines with the present day world in the first books of the series. Carson and Merry’s story is everything I hoped for, and it explains so much of Tessa’s personality. 💜💜💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
In those prequel, readers meet Carson, Tessa’s father and alleged horse thief.
It was a little unusual going in knowing she would get pregnant. It made the relationship feel more rushed and not genuine. Like what happened had to happen to get to the pregnant part. Who says they love each other after like a week where you barely spent time together?
It was a little unusual going in knowing she would get pregnant. It made the relationship feel more rushed and not genuine. Like what happened had to happen to get to the pregnant part. Who says they love each other after like a week where you barely spent time together?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2026
I LOVED this book. Action from the very start and kept me on the edge of my seat. Very hard to put down because I needed to know what happens next. I was only able to read this from joining her newsletter. Here's the link https://BookHip.com/DBNNPZH join it to get a copy it is worth it the book was awesome. You'll love the mmc n fmc in this book!
January 29, 2026
This was an amazing prequel that had me hooked start to finish even though I knew how it had to end. It was wonderful to learn about a young Merry and meet Carson. I loved their romance. There were still some surprises along the way to the unavoidable ending. This story added to the series. If you haven’t started Tessa’s story yet you definitely should. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book.
December 28, 2025
I don’t even know where to begin on this book. This was the cutest love story and background of Merry and Carson!! I didn’t think I’d get so emotionally invested for the main character’s parents, but wow. Love love love. Thank you Heather for letting me be apart of your arc team!!
January 7, 2026
I love a prequal. just gaining that extra info always adds to a story. you get some a great adventure with some spice sprinkled in. This series has been amazing so far, I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
January 27, 2026
Absolutely loved this one. Both POV characters were fun to read, the story was so engaging and had a ton of plot twists! Carson is swoon worthy to the max. Fantastic world building, rich voices, great writing, wonderful adventure of characters beating the odds.
January 31, 2026
This prequel was gripping, emotional and action packed. This is about Tessa's parents. Carson had released the unicorn and pegasi from the Cruel Fae and human Merry is dragged into the world. Fast paced with wonderful characters.
February 4, 2026
Oh how I loved this story! I highly recommend reading this as the 4th book, before reading Court of Earth and Sky. I really can’t say much without giving anything away but I loved the equines, the biscuits and the leath. The spice was spicing!!!
September 26, 2025
I really really loved this!!! Can’t wait to find out more! Ahhh so many questions! Lol
November 22, 2025
Omg!
This prequel was what I needed.
The ending…..!!! I was NOT expecting that!!!
This honestly made me love this series even more!
Carson and Merry, ugh, I love them!!!!
This prequel was what I needed.
The ending…..!!! I was NOT expecting that!!!
This honestly made me love this series even more!
Carson and Merry, ugh, I love them!!!!
January 20, 2026
I absolutely fell in love with this book. It had me drawn in from the cover and the story was just even better. As a prequel, it was the best!!!
February 22, 2026
I liked this POV of Tessa’s parents. We get a little insight to how they met & went thru, but still unclear where Carson ended up going unless he was/is still constantly on the move.
April 9, 2026
eARC Review: Court of Treason and Fate by Heather D. Grace
3.5 / 5
This prequel had so many elements I loved. Especially the bond between the MMC Carson and the FMC Merry, which gave the story so much heart. And the magical familiars? Obsessed. Carson's Cerberus Cerenia absolutely stole the spotlight.
A few things didn’t land as strongly. Carson is repeatedly described as a highly skilled fighter, yet in almost every combat scene he’s nearly taken out by the first opponent he faces. It created a bit of a disconnect between the narrative and the action. I also wasn’t a fan of . I understand why it’s there since this is a prequel about the FMC’s parents from the main series, but it still felt abrupt.
And I’ll admit, I was secretly hoping Merry’s favourite horse would turn into her talking familiar. It would’ve been adorable.
Overall, this was an engaging prequel with strong emotional beats and fantastic magical creatures, even if some plot choices weren’t quite for me. If you love magical creatures, court intrigue, and character-driven fantasy, this one’s worth picking up.
3.5 / 5
This prequel had so many elements I loved. Especially the bond between the MMC Carson and the FMC Merry, which gave the story so much heart. And the magical familiars? Obsessed. Carson's Cerberus Cerenia absolutely stole the spotlight.
A few things didn’t land as strongly. Carson is repeatedly described as a highly skilled fighter, yet in almost every combat scene he’s nearly taken out by the first opponent he faces. It created a bit of a disconnect between the narrative and the action. I also wasn’t a fan of . I understand why it’s there since this is a prequel about the FMC’s parents from the main series, but it still felt abrupt.
And I’ll admit, I was secretly hoping Merry’s favourite horse would turn into her talking familiar. It would’ve been adorable.
Overall, this was an engaging prequel with strong emotional beats and fantastic magical creatures, even if some plot choices weren’t quite for me. If you love magical creatures, court intrigue, and character-driven fantasy, this one’s worth picking up.
December 24, 2025
Loved this fun filled book that answered some questions that I had from the previous ones as well as the romance and steaminess in the book!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews