The Fae Guardian

by Elle Thrasher

When the fae princess needs protecting, there is only one man for the job.

Freija has spent her life shaping herself into the perfect Fjell Fae heir—disciplined, dutiful, and ready to defend her mountain realm. But when a hidden threat rises, the king assigns her a new bodyguard. That’s when her flawless façade begins to crack.

Halvar is a weapon carved from war—stoic, ruthless, and drenched in a blood-soaked past. The general is everything she has been taught to avoid… and the only person she cannot resist. With every lingering glance, every tense training session, the line between princess and guard blurs.

But death lurks in the mountain's tunnels, and the pressure to secure the royal line rises. When Freija is forced to make an appropriate marriage, she faces an impossible choice: follow her dreams, including the man she is falling for, or be the perfect crown princess.

What will prevail? Duty or desire?

The Fae Guardian is a standalone fantasy romance set in the Nordic Fae world. With sizzling chemistry, elemental magic, slow burn tension, and an mmc that would burn the world down for her, this Nordic inspired book is perfect for fans of Helen Scheuerer and LJ Andrews.

Genres: Romance, Romantasy, Fae, Fantasy

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 14, 2026

About the author

Raised on old English fairytales and Nordic folklore, Elle Thrasher is a romantasy author who writes stories about relatable heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and places that will give you wanderlust. You're also likely to find cute small towns, unique and epic magic systems, banter that will make you giggle at 2am, plus a cabin... there is always some sort of cabin.

When she isn't writing, you can find her drinking a cup of tea, frolicking at the beach with a book, or staring at the yoga mat she probably should use for those mental health benefits.

Join her mailing list to keep up with her work!
www.ellethrasher.com

Reviews

[rosie (jason todd's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ʚɞ the fae guardian by elle thrasher ⋆.˚

⋆.˚ 16/4/26— 23/4/26

⊱ ۫ ׅ book no. 52 of 2026 ── .✦

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

𑣲 ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ɪᴍᴘʀᴇꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ/ᴘʀᴇ-ʀᴇᴀᴅ:

thank you so much to behind the pages LLC for this e-ARC!! this one sounds soooo good eeee i’m so excited!! apparently there’s amazing banter in here 🥹🤞

₊˚ ✧ ━━━━⊱⋆⊰━━━━ ✧ ₊˚

╰› (⭐4.5)

❝ until the ancestors call me home, princess. ❞

⋆.˚ ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:

oh this was PHENOMENAL 😭😭

when i finished this book, i genuinely was distraught that this was not a series. i got SO attached to freija and halvar, i think they have carved out a little space in my heart just for them 🥹❤️

imagine the sheer joy on my face when i saw ms elle thrasher has written not only more books in this world, but WHY CHOOSE too?? girl i'm in LOVE with this universe 😭♡︎

the fae guardian gripped me from page one. i was reading this so fast, i genuinely think i directly injected it into my brain somehow.

i did manage to guess a major plot point, but it still shocked me tbh! and i absolutely did not guess the other one, so i'm glad for that 🙂‍↕️ when i tell you my flabbers were GASTED. girl!! i was suspecting everybody... my bad everyone, for all the strays i sent your way 🫡

also can we mention the incredibly relieving detail that freija, our FMC, is NOT PHYSICALLY EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD?! thank youuuu thank you oh my gosh 😭 like there's still an age gap between halvar and freija, but it's not teetering on the edge of barely-immortally-legal, for ONCE! that is (freakily?) uncommon in romantasy nowadays, so thank you so much 🙏

i absolutely love how unique the norwegian take on romantasy and fae is, it's so so refreshing - and i adore how each "faction" of the fae is set up! i'd absolutely be a forest fae and frolick around in the woods with my animal companions, are you kidding me that is SO COOL?? 🥹

and may i just say, the overarching plot was so intriguing?? it kept me guessing and i was fully immersed! and the deep passion freija has for her plants... omg she's my baby i love her 😭❤️

lowkey hans was such a cutie, i feel so bad for him 💔 why was i kinda hoping he'd be freija and halvar's third for a second... insane foresight for ms thrasher's next books (one of which i picked up IMMEDIATELY after finishing this btw 😋)

and yea, the banter was adorable, as prophesied 🙂‍↕️

the fae guardian releases on may 14th!

・・・・・

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this advanced copy. I’m giving 3.5 and rounding to 4⭐️

This was good but it didn’t pull me in and I didn’t really connect with the characters. It was easy to read and has all the right ingredients but I just didn’t love it. It is a standalone so that was nice to have the story wrapped up in one book. Overall, enjoyable.

[Chelsea Reinmiller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I just start with this…. There is a part where the MMC literally rips a man’s arm off for threatening the FMC. *swoon*

Halvar is assigned as Princess Freija’s bodyguard due to threats on her for a ransom. In order to uncover the threat, she must be guarded at all times.

Halvar would rather grumble his responses than voice them (and is definitely called “grumbling glacier” at one point), but he starts to develop a soft spot for Freija, even though their romance is forbidden.

He really does just walk around spouting the most obscene threats to anyone who comes near her. I can’t even quote them, they are so vulgar (in the best way obviously).

Tropes
Forbidden romance
Princess/bodyguard
Forced proximity
Slow burn
Touch her & die

The Nordic aspect was really neat and unique. I did find myself skimming quite a bit though. I can’t pinpoint why exactly. I loved the characters and the banter between them, but I think the story itself felt a little off? I found myself ONLY caring about the relationship between the main characters and not really caring about anything else that was going on around them.

Overall, it was a good standalone romantic fantasy, and Halvar is an incredible MMC!

[Candi.Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Broody bodyguard guardian said “touch her and lose a limb”…

Thank you between the pages and Elle thrasher for the ALC.

This would be a 3.75 if only Goodreads would have .stars.

This felt more cozy Romantasy about choosing love over duty, wrapped in mountain magic and danger. This standalone follows Freija as she fights for her version of a happily ever after.

What I liked

I loved the romance-forward storyline—if you’re here for feelings first, plot second, this delivers. Freija’s journey of choosing true love over an arranged marriage felt heartfelt and easy to root for.

Havalar? Elite energy. Sweet only for her but absolutely unhinged when it comes to protecting her (and yes… the arm situation 👀).

The setting was also a standout—mountain kingdom vibes mixed with botany and survival added a cozy, slightly unique layer to the world.

What I didn’t like
I did find myself a little unsure of where the main plot was heading at times. It leans heavily into romance, so if you’re looking for a strong, driving fantasy plot, this might feel a bit light or meandering.

If you like…

* Romance-heavy romantasy
* Arranged marriage vs true love
* protective MMC
* Standalones that wrap up cleanly

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the opening of The Fae Guardian as the dedication immediately set the tone, and the first chapters pulled me in quickly. The Nordic-inspired setting, mountain kingdom atmosphere, and elemental magic gave the story a strong foundation.
This is very much a romance-forward romantasy. The main focus is on Freija and Halvar’s relationship rather than a plot-heavy fantasy storyline. Their dynamic was the strongest part for me. The princess x bodyguard tension worked well, and I liked the slow-burn build, and the way their sense of duty clashed with what they wanted for themselves. Halvar had that classic stoic, battle-scarred protector energy, and their chemistry kept me turning the pages.
That said, I would have liked more development of the wider plot and the political stakes.
Overall, this was an enjoyable romantic fantasy with strong character chemistry and plenty of emotional tension. If you go in expecting a relationship-driven story rather than a plot-heavy epic fantasy, it delivers well.

What to expect:
- princess x bodyguard
- slow burn
- forbidden romance
- duty vs desire
- morally grey MMC
- touch-her-and-☠️
- perfectionist eldest daughter

Big thanks to NetGalley and Elle for the opportunity to read this in advance!

[Paty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Far Guardian by Elle Thrasher
4⭐

Thank you to Behind the Pages and Elle Thrasher for the ARC opportunity!

This story was so beautifully written, and honestly, a standalone was exactly what I needed in the middle of so many series.

It follows Freija, a princess, and Halvar, the guard sworn to protect her. The story blends mystery, romance, and action with the coziest atmosphere—I genuinely wanted to live in that mountain setting.

This is very much a romance-focused story, centered on the relationship between the main characters. Even so, the author’s writing really pulled me in, especially through the vivid descriptions of the landscapes and setting. It felt immersive and atmospheric in the best way.

If you enjoy cozy fantasy, romance, yearning, a bit of (slightly predictable) conflict, and a broody, protective MMC, this one might be for you.

[Taylen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian is a Nordic standalone fantasy romance with elemental fae magic, a slow burn romance, death threats, and some battle scenes with a fierce, intelligent FMC!

This was such a quick, fun read! If you are needing a break from reading thick plot lines spread out among multiple books, but still wanting that romantasy feel this would be a great book for you. I love a good Nordic, Viking type of book with strong characters and storyline that is easy to follow while still hooking me in! I really enjoyed this book and loved her style of writing. The book was perfectly paced and continued to keep me guessing and intrigued throughout!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited about the premise behind this standalone but unfortunately it missed the mark for me. Forbidden romance is my favorite trope but I didn’t get that forbidden tension that I was hoping for which ultimately led me not to feel fully invested in the characters. Some areas of the plot also felt contradictory to me as the food shortage was stressed multiple times but her research into the solution never felt rushed. I did think the eldest daughter and Freija’s struggle with always wanting to do everything perfectly was represented well. I also enjoyed Halvar’s touch her and die vibes and protective nature. Overall, if you are looking for an easy Nordic inspired fantasy standalone with some great microtropes then check this one out.

✨Forbidden romance
✨Perfectionist FMC
✨Touch her and die
✨One horse/bed
✨Wound care
✨Training scenes

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the review copy!

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing Co-op, and Elle Thrasher for the advance reader copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Fae Guardian is a standalone set in an unspecified Nordic time. Humans are present but not aware of the fae, and as such are referenced but avoided. So this didn’t feel historical in nature, rather solely fantasy focused. I appreciated that it is genuinely a standalone with the necessary world building and context to support. I did wish for a more immersive fantasy feel as it’s fairly straight forward. I would have loved a map and perhaps some glossary notes at the back. Partially because I had some trouble envisioning the fae boundaries and how the different factions differed from each other. I had some questions about the rest of the world and even some of the workings of the characters’ type of fae.

I would say this story is character-driven. Freija (h) is the heir to one of the fae factions and she’s giving her all to do each task exactly, precisely right. She’s confined by her role and expectations, but has dreams of pursuing her passions that could help her people, as well as give her an opportunity to see more than her mountains. However, a threat is uncovered and Freija gets herself a constant shadow to protect her in the form of the general of their fae forces, Halvar (H). He’s handsome, but scary, and ohhhh the little frissons of attraction and chemistry that immediately spring up. This is a slow burn and slow build, despite the instant interest, because princesses are forbidden from being with soldiers.

Written in first person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny bit of om drama when the h is pressured into having a suitor test out a courtship and she’s more into her bodyguard than the suitor, but no real drama. I couldn’t get a sense of the h’s experience and I believe the H had a one-off thought about having had some experience. The focus was very much on the two of them in the present and they were so into each other.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Princess x bodyguard
☆ Mysterious threat
☆ Age gap where they’re both hundreds of years old lol
☆ Forbidden romance
☆ Perfectionist, eldest daughter FMC
☆ Stoic, grumbly MMC
☆ FMC loves research and botany
☆ MMC has a fierce reputation
☆ Both care greatly about their people
☆ Hiding/fighting their attraction
☆ Fae living hidden among humans
☆ Different factions have different powers
☆ Side quest
☆ One horse/one bed
☆ Some folks die violently

Some elements of this story were smoother than others. I think the author captured Freija’s cares and concerns extremely well and she was a fully rounded out character. Halvar was mostly fleshed out as well, some of his background was a little foggy and he seemed very opposed to personal relationships without a strong explanation, just hints at how others’ relationship set an example for him. His title as general was mentioned often, as were his skills, and I did wonder about his main duties while he was prioritizing the princess.

I also felt that the stakes and pacing were too fluid. Freija desperately wants to complete her research and get ahead of a food distribution problem for her people, however when she had time to work on this, she seemed to take her time, with little urgency. Even the threat against her would almost fall to the background in places before it ramped up to the highest degree. TAt times, my attention did wane. Then someone’s arm would get ripped off or another fae would piss Halvar off with how they spoke to Freija, pulling my focus back in.

I did enjoy how Halvar and Freija trained together, how protective he was of her, and how she felt supported by him. There were some pains at the start of the assignment, but fairly quickly, they were a unit that trusted the other implicitly. She can even interpret some of his grumbles. In that sense, the relationship development does payoff for the buildup. Steam-wise, there’s only one steamy scene and it has some spicy language but isn’t super explicit either. I think there was one other scene that is started on page but not finished.

Frieja's best friend was the standout side character. Her parents were present, but felt removed somewhat given how they also added pressure to Freija, and her sister makes a short appearance at the end. Some soldiers and other fae filter in. The focus is on the forced proximity of the main characters though.

Regarding plot, this story seemed to split between Freija’s future as a ruler with the threats against her. Both of these are firmly addressed by the end of the book. There’s a climax with twists and reveals. I do think some of the characters’ reactions were stifled somewhat given the seriousness of a couple of these scenes. However, the author doesn’t rush the ending either, thankfully. I would classify this as a HEA, with the caveat that even though Halvar and Freija are committed, their relationship is effectively labeled as no one else’s business. I didn’t think this was practical for the long-term, once they have kids for example, however I could understand why Freija placed boundaries around them given the prior pressures she endured. I do think some readers may rate this higher than I did, given my personal preferences for fantasy reads.

[Magg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 1🌶️
Is this book a fun time? Yes! Does it feel unlike anything I’ve read before? No.
With that said, I think that people looking to support an indie author and readers looking for a fun bodyguard romance with a hint of fantasy would really enjoy this. Vibes readers would also like it.
Some bits of the plot felt rushed. Like how Freija was looking to leave to research food production methods for their land; it was mentioned once with the stakes but wasn’t reiterated to show how urgent this was. If people are going to be starving, I want to see her and the council stressing about this more, rather than her taking her time to find a solution and using it mostly as a reason to travel instead of a way to keep people alive. The stakes were high but the writing made them feel low, so I didn’t care about her side quest because it wasn’t feeling like a priority. And the ending didn’t tie up all of the loose ends with the romance, so I felt like I needed more from the epilogue.
There’s also some modern slang woven in, most notably “I’m quaking in my boots” that took me out of the immersion of the world, but it wasn’t near as many as some other books I’ve read.

TROPES
Princess x Bodyguard
Forced Proximity
One Horse
One Bed
Touch Her and Die
Possessive MMC
Medium Burn

THE WORLD
It’s a pretty simple world for anyone who is familiar with fae lore, so it’s easy to dive in and not feel overwhelmed.
Some of the magical abilities felt like they needed more clarity though. Like glamours and other magic that all the fae had but only some can use, and the healing power that randomly passes to someone. There were tiny tidbits that left me with unanswered questions, but overall it was straightforward.

THE CHARACTERS
I thought the characters were fun and relatable, and I really resonated with Freija’s anxiety around the pressures of her role in the kingdom. The messaging about removing perfectionism and impossible self expectations was loud and clear and came across well in the story.
I noticed early on that Freija and Halvar kept saying that they started to get to know eachother really well in their time together, but it only felt like a week had passed at MOST. It was as if their comments about eachother didn’t add up to the timeline of things, or the author didn’t do a great job showing how much time had really passed.
To be honest, I didn’t trust Ragnhild AT ALL. I think because when her character was introduced, there was backstory to show that they were friends but the conversations felt one-sided as if she was hiding things. That paired with her constantly asking questions about Freija and her plans (and wanting to be the only one to know her plans and facilitate them) made me suspicious that she would be betraying Freija down the line.

THE ROMANCE
This is probably my favorite part of the book! While some of it did feel like a faster burn, it ended up slowing down about midway through. I appreciated that a lot because I live for a slower burn! So I’d say it’s a medium burn overall.
I loved the bodyguard x princess dynamic here because both Freija and Halvar were stubborn and bossy, so their compromises and bossing eachother around worked well for me.

QUOTES:
*quotes are from an Advanced Readers Copy. Please refer to the final publication for official quotes!*

“In my almost two-hundred years, I'd come to find that men were the common culprits in power struggles and nefarious deeds. Money, power, and greed were usually to blame.
That, and women tended to be far more cunning and underhanded. If a woman were behind this, I'd likely already be locked up in these chains he was talking about.”

"Because someone needs to inform your stubborn ah"—he cleared his throat as if he just realized who he was calling stubborn-"that there is happiness right in front of you. Don't miss it because of whatever fears you might have or risks that might come. Sometimes it really is worth the potential hardship."

“It took every ounce of effort not to roll my eyes. Why were so many men willing to draw blood on the battlefield, but when it came to a woman's monthly bleed, they scurried away in fear?”

"Perfection isn't real, my dear. It's a myth."

Thank you to Elle and Behind the Pages for the ARC!

[Beba Andric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love a book that's predictable, I know what I'm getting, just not the how. It's the author flair who gives that predictability a nuanced unpredictability. And that's exactly what Ms Thrasher did, taking me where I expected, unexpected. This was a really fun read, the antics of the very conscientious heir to the throne, saddled with a bodyguard. Predictable what's going to happen, right? Yes...but...

Queen in waiting, Freija feels stifled by her family, the court, the council. Duty, duty, duty, that's all she ever hears and, bless her, she does take her responsibility seriously. Maybe too seriously. Definitely too seriously according to her friend and heir apparently to another Fae court. I felt so much pain for her, how could I not say "awww..." when she uttered this, “I’m the heir. I don’t have the freedom of choice. That died upon my birth.” Her dream of being being valued for her brain and not her position, is dashed when she learns there's a threat against her. But, dutifully Freija does what's expected of her... not prepared for what ensues, and trust me, THAT was far from the meek acquiesce everyone expected from her. I felt so much pain for her, no voice, no outlet, except with Ragnhild, her bestie, who I adored. Impetuous, snarky, and sassy, she's a force to be reckoned with.

Halvar, now here's an interesting character, not only is he a hunk of note, his dedication to his job is absolute, and his... aggressive side is thoroughly active around Freija. His stoicism is tested, to the hilt, geez, but his churning emotions, what he feels, goes beyond duty, he even ripped off someone's arm for goodness sake! I just adore how this slip of a woman gets through all the barriers he's erected, he will protect her “Until the ancestors call me home, princess.” And it's far from one sided, what HE does to Freija, how HE makes Freija feel, well, this explains it all, "My body shouldn’t react to him like this. Like lightning had struck and awoken me from a long-lasting slumber." The yearning, oh my heck, the yearning wrapped itself round me so strongly, l was swooning. Halvar is a dichotomy on legs, he's arrogant, he's kindness; he's stoic, he's passionate; he's deadly, he's gentle; he's stubborn, he's broad minded, he's just the coolest MMC!

Heck did I enjoy the no nonsense attitude of Vigdis! Old, wise, all seeing and I loved the sage advice she gave Freija, “Perfection isn’t real, my dear. It’s a myth. Strive for excellence, not perfection” And she did, Freija rose above all the odds, stronger, fiercer, more determined than ever, taking her fate into her own hands. Which delighted me. She delighted me. This author set a beautiful stage, she produced an incredible cast and created a perfect story, of duty vs love and all the trappings involved.

This is a standalone, covering all the bases, from forbidden love to introspection of duty vs heart, from a grumpy sunshine MC to touch her and die, a beautiful slow burn romance, with delightful banter and, of course, a gorgeous HEA. Between the cool action, the mystery of WHO wants Freija, and why, and the forbidden romance, I was utterly enthralled. The emergence of very interesting characters, especially Henrik and Ragnhild, had my brain screaming "I want to know more of them!" With one at least in the pipeline, I'm really looking forward to Henrik story....I really enjoyed the Nordic elements, the 4 distinct factions and the author's take on it. She did a magnificent job of presenting this world eloquently, visually a delight, I was able to picture it all, vividly, the prose so effortlessly flowing. I raced through this read, the plot and pacing perfect, the read an easy wonderfully heartening one and I was more than sorry when I reached the end, I just wanted more!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. I was sad when it was over because it's a standalone, is a fast read, and there won't be any more to the story. You can feel how deeply Freija's parents love her, and she truly is such a loveable character. And who doesn't swoon for the stoic, hardened warrior who finds himself absolutely smitten?

I felt this book did a great job of balancing the longing/yearning of this forbidden romance with the main plot of Freija being under threat from forces unknown. And the few spicy scenes felt well-placed in the story. I did feel that perhaps the attraction between Freija and Halvar was a little fast (pretty much instantaneous) for a Fae story without the concept of fated mates, but the tension was well written, and I enjoyed their relationship dynamic, from the teasing nicknames and headbutting over command to the more tender moments.

As the eldest daughter with perfectionist tendencies, I also appreciated seeing Freija struggle with being pulled between perfectly performing what is expected of her and the desires of her own heart, especially with a Council that seems to treat her as though she needs training wheels. The message of being good enough, that perfection is unattainable because it doesn't exist, was soothing. I loved seeing her passion for her people, her love for her garden, and how the two converged.

I also loved the friendship between Freija and Ragnhild. It was also interesting getting a Nordic Fae story, as many I've read tend to be set elsewhere. The various factions of Fae were an interesting element, as well.

And I found the mystery of who is after her to be well done. The story had me guessing right up until the end, suspecting first one character and then another, only to be surprised when the answer was revealed.

While the story is a sweet one, you will also find danger, violence, and death within these pages. Some of the scenes made me wince, and a couple made me tear up. It was a wonderful blend of action and watching their relationship develop. I appreciated the dual POV, as it's always nice to have more than one perspective in these books, especially with the romance element.

You will find these tropes/themes:
- touch her and die
- only one bed/horse
- forbidden romance
- overcoming perfectionism
- fight training
- initially reluctant bodyguard
- forced proximity
- she's pressured to consider marrying someone else

If you enjoy Captain Henrik in this book, he has his own book coming out in September. And her Nordic Fae series is set 200 years after this book, if you want more of this universe.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fun short standalone Romantasy this would be a perfect read especially for those who are just starting out in this genre.

The book starts of strong and settles into a story with some adventure, political intrigue, with a who done it plot with a cute twitterpated romance.

The book is 1st person dual POV following Freija and Havlar.

Freija, has a first born daughter mentality always needing to strive for perfection with the pressure of being the next heir of her Kingdom on her shoulders. Her character was really well written show casing the struggles that come with the constant responsibilities of always needing to perform to the highest of standards and not having your life be your own and fighting to have that sense of self.

Havlar, our brooding royal guard assigned to protect the princess from an on going threat against her life. Would have loved to have more of his back ground, it was very surface level and I just wanted more from him. He feels like the type of man that would have secrets deep down.

I adored the romance between Havlar and Freija. Although there is an instant attraction this is a slow burn with good banter and great chemistry between the characters. Havlar is very protective and when it says touch her and unalive vibes the author means it. He is also has a soft side but only for Freija and it had my heart fluttering, (Swoon).

Love Raghnild, she brought much needed sass and humor to the story. Would love to see her story unfold in her own book.

The world building was really well done with great description. I do think the plot was very easy and could have used a little more conflict that a fantasy novel typically has. The magic system is fairly basic following the four different elements Earth, Rock, Water, Fire. Although basic the author did a great job show casing how it works on page throughout the book.

Things that I think that could've had taken this book to the next level:
A map would have been nice so you could visualize the different kingdoms and where they are situated. A glossary explaining the different factions of fae as an easy resource to flip back to. This is a Standalone just over 400 pages, it probably could have been a little longer to flesh out the story a little more and get some of those high fantasy element without it needing to be a drawn out series.

Thank you Elle Thrasher and Behind The pages for the opportunity to arc read ‘The Fae Guardian’

[McKenzie Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian was such a refreshing read for the fact that it was a stand-alone romantasy. Sometimes a girl just wants to read a romantasy without having to get through 3-4 books to reach a conclusion!
Elle Thrasher did a wonderful job in representing eldest daughters that put the entire world and responsibilities on their shoulders through Freija. While reading the novel, you can see multiple times where Freija struggles with the idea of perfection and having this thought process of needing to perform in order to receive praise from others. This is so relatable for any eldest daughter who has dealt with the struggle of wanting to be the most perfect child they can be to receive the highest of compliments from one's parents or other authority figures in their lives. Not only does the eldest daughter complex hinder Freija with the ideology of perfection, but it also results in many situations where she's faced with panic attacks or high levels of anxiety because she struggles with putting herself first and standing up for herself. Once again, being an eldest daughter, this is super relatable in the aspect of wanting to make sure everyone else is happy with your choices and feels taken cared of without being a burden yourself. However, in all the aspects that Freija struggles, Thrasher created Halvar who compliments her in every way possible. While Halvar relates to the anxieties and pressures Freija faces due to being General and the weight that title carries, he has no problem providing support to Freija in what she wants and how she feels. There are multiple scenes in The Fae Guardian where Halvar gives Freija the attentive care, validation, and love that she needs to blossom into the confident woman she was born to be. Not only does he have a thoughtful/loving side to him, he also has NO PROBLEM in kicking someone's face in when threatening his love. The dichotomy of Halvar was one of my favorite aspects of the book. Thrasher created main characters that show the perfect balance of one another and provide relatable aspects to both that any reader can see themselves in.
The Fae Guardian created a love story that was worth swooning over, a storyline that was well-paced, and twists and turns that gave me the action I needed to keep my mind stimulated the whole way through. Be sure to give this book a read when it comes out May 14th!

[Padmavathy Divakaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing an Advanced Reader’s Copy/Uncorrected Proof from Net Galley

For someone who had no real idea about the Nordic fae fantasy/folklores going in, I thought this book did a great job explaining the four different factions-their magic, how they function, and their roles-without making it feel overwhelming. The story mainly focuses on the Fjord (or Mountain) Fae and what unfolds within their community, especially around the ascension to the throne. At the same time, we do see glimpses of the other factions, with the Forest Fae and Water Fae feeling more closely connected to the main plot.

The plot itself really kept me hooked. At its core, it follows a princess growing into her role and rising to the responsibility of the throne, while also navigating her own personal growth and a romantic storyline that added a lot of emotional depth.

The world-building was one of my favorite parts. The fjords, the ship journeys, the different villages (especially the one Vigdis lived in), the night camp scenes, and even Grim village-all of it felt vivid and easy to picture. I didn’t expect to get so pulled into the setting, but I really did.

Freija and Halvar’s dynamic was a highlight for me-their chemistry felt intense but still grounded, and I liked how their shared sense of duty toward protecting the fjord shaped their relationship. It made their interactions feel meaningful beyond just the romance.

Supporting characters like Vigdis, Astrid and Ragnhild bring warmth and richness to the story, while Vigi, Finn, and Mikkel leave a lasting emotional impact, especially as the story unfolds. Aksel, on the other hand, stands out as a character easy to dislike due to his derogatory behavior toward Freya-making his eventual fate feel well-earned.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with strong world-building, engaging characters, and a good balance of romance and character growth. It’s a solid starting point if you’re new to Nordic or Fae-based fantasy.

I’d recommend this to readers who:
• are new to Nordic/Fae fantasy and want something easy to get into
• enjoy character-driven stories with strong romantic subplots
• like immersive settings and steady world-building
• appreciate a coming-of-age journey with political undertones

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian is a Nordic-inspired romantasy that said “plot, but make it optional” and then fully committed to vibes, yearning, and one very overworked princess trying not to spiral.
Freija? I got her immediately. Eldest daughter syndrome in full force. The pressure, the perfectionism, the need to prove she’s more than just a future political pawn while everyone around her is like “but have you considered marriage?” Yeah. Been there. That part hit harder than I expected and honestly carried a lot of the book for me.
Now enter Halvar—resident grump, professional brooder, communicates primarily in grunts and violence. A man of few words but MANY stares. And listen… the princess x bodyguard trope? It’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do here. The tension is there, the restraint is there, the “we absolutely should not but also absolutely will” energy is strong. It’s a slow burn, but not the painful kind—the kind where you’re just watching two people orbit each other while pretending they’re being professional.
The romance is definitely the backbone of this story. It leans way more emotional than spicy (don’t come here expecting chaos—there’s like one real open-door scene), but the payoff works because their dynamic feels natural. They train together, trust builds quickly, and before you know it, they’re basically a unit whether they admit it or not.
World-building wise… it’s there. It exists. It does what it needs to do. But I did want more. The different fae factions and boundaries felt a little vague, and I would’ve killed for a map or even a quick glossary because I was occasionally just nodding along like “yes, mountains… magical… understood.” It’s very much a “don’t think too hard, just enjoy the ride” kind of setup.
The pacing is where things wobble a bit. There’s technically a threat. It is important. But sometimes it just… politely steps out of the room while Freija does research or has a moment, and then comes back later like “miss me?” The urgency isn’t always there, which made parts of it drag a little—until suddenly someone loses a limb or Halvar is two seconds away from committing murder over disrespect, and then I’m locked back in.
Side characters? The best friend absolutely understood the assignment. Everyone else kind of exists in varying levels of “present but not doing the most,” which is fine because this is very much Freija and Halvar’s show.
Overall, this is a romance-forward, easy-to-binge romantasy that doesn’t try to be overly complex. If you’re here for intricate political plots and deeply layered world-building, this might feel a little light. But if you want yearning, forced proximity, grumpy bodyguard energy, and a princess trying to hold it all together while falling in love anyway? You’ll have a good time.

[Ashley (alwaysbooksandtea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm going to die in that mountain without ever having lived."

The Fae Guardian is another fantastic fantasy romance from Elle Thrasher. It's a standalone novel set in the world of Thrasher's Nordic Fae series. Fans of the series will be delighted to read Halvar's story. It's also a great standalone for those who are new to Thrasher's writing.

Freija has felt the weight of her people, her parents, and the royal council her entire life. She struggles with feeling worthy of her role as princess and heir. When threats are made against her, a bodyguard is assigned to Freija. Enter Halvar Haraldson, the general of Fjell fae army, and feared among the masses. Forced proximity leads to feelings that neither are permitted nor can they resist.

The Fae Guardian is a beautiful character driven story. It is perfect for eldest daughters looking to be seen. Freija's struggles with her confidence and worth are so relatable, and I love watching her grow over the course of the story. There's amazing tension between Freija and Halvar due to their forbidden romance. It has all of my favorite historical romance moments, and with Halvar they were perfection. Thrasher once again has brilliant side characters, who are captivating and help in the MCs characterization. Ragnhild and Mikkel are my personal favorites!

Here's a list of some things you can look forward to in The Fae Guardian:
✨️ Princess x Bodyguard
✨️ Touch her and die
✨️ “Indulge me, princess"
✨️ Elemental magic
✨️ Age gap
✨️ Forbidden romance
✨️ Dual POV

I adore this addition to the Nordic Fae series so much!! This lovely book releases May 14th, 2026!! Make sure it's on your calendars!

*A huge thank you to Elle for an eARC of The Fae Guardian! All thoughts and comments are my own.*

"Fears can be armor or an injury. We all have them, whether we want to acknowledge that fact or not."

"...I watch everything you do, princess."

"I like the way you say my name."

"Ancestors help me. This woman was making me laugh and smile."

"It can be worth it, even if it was or is only for a short amount of time."

"Death was here. And it was me."

[Nicola Reynoldson (nics_timetoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all thank you Elle Thrasher for gifting me this ARC read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A beautifully atmospheric Nordic fantasy with heart and tension

The Fae Guardian by Elle Threasher is a lovely, Nordic-inspired tale that blends duty, desire, and danger into a compelling character-driven story.

Freija is a protagonist shaped by expectation—disciplined, controlled, and determined to be the perfect Fjell Fae heir. I really enjoyed watching the cracks form in her carefully constructed façade as the story progresses. Beneath the poise is someone yearning for choice, and that internal conflict is one of the book’s strongest elements.

Enter Halvar: brutal, stoic, and forged by war. He’s the exact kind of man Freija has been raised to avoid, which of course makes their dynamic all the more irresistible. Their slow-burn tension is charged without feeling rushed, every glance and every training scene adds another layer to their connection. The push and pull between them feels earned, not forced.

The setting is another highlight. The mountain realm is vividly drawn, with an almost mythic Nordic atmosphere that seeps into every page. There’s a quiet sense of danger threaded throughout, especially with the lurking threat in the tunnels, which keeps the stakes steadily rising.

What really elevates the story, though, is the central dilemma: duty versus desire. Freija’s struggle between fulfilling her role as crown princess and pursuing her own happiness feels genuinely difficult, not melodramatic. The added pressure of an “appropriate” marriage only tightens that emotional knot.

If I had one critique, it’s that some plot elements could have been explored a bit more deeply, particularly the external threat compared to the romance. Still, the emotional core more than carries the story.

Overall, this is a captivating fantasy with a strong heroine, a magnetic love interest, and a richly imagined world. Perfect for readers who love slow-burn romance wrapped in political and personal stakes.

Perfectionist eldest daughters (like myself) are absolutely going to love this story.

[Books &Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian is a Nordic-inspired Romantasy standalone filled with action, mystery, and a slow-burn romance that will have you in love with love.

Both of the main characters were incredibly likable and their banter was *chefs kiss*. It was the kind of banter that has you kicking your feet and smiling down at your kindle.

The world-building was perfectly done. The author really brought the mountains and forests to life. While humans are mentioned, the story stays firmly rooted in the lives of the fae, which really sticks with that magical, fantasy story feeling.

I especially loved the elemental magic—being able to pull stone from the earth and shape it into weapons at a moments notice was such a unique and interesting touch. (And also very helpful when finding yourself under attack!)

The pacing was good throughout the book and I was completely locked in from start to finish. The action scenes were detailed and easy to follow, adding the perfect amount of intensity.

There is an instant attraction between the MMC and FMC, which isn’t always my favorite but in this case, the slow burn burned. And the tension? Talk about absolute perfection! I was absolutely screaming at times. it’s been a while since I’ve read a book with chemistry this good.

I would absolutely recommend reading this book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Release Date: May 14, 2026

Tropes ✨:
Princess x Bodyguard
Slow Burn
Forbidden Romance
Touch her and 💀
Morally gray MMC
Only soft for her
He trains her
Elemental magic
Age gap
One horse / One bed

🖤: “I love you with every fiber of my being. I want to be the man who destroys your demons, the man who shares your pillow, the man who will bow at your feet and hold you up when you are feeling low. I want to be everything for you without ever hurting you.”

Thank you to the author and Behind The Pages PA for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars

What to expect:
✨ Princess x Bodyguard
✨ Elemental Magic
✨ Age gap
✨ One horse/ One bed
✨ Dual POV
✨ Touch her and ☠️

This book was great.
We follow our FMC Freija, a fae princess who has been learning everything she needs to know so she’s ready to defend her mountain realm when she becomes queen.

Unfortunately for her there are those who don’t want her to take the throne. They would like things to go a little differently so they make threats and try to take the Princess.

Thats when our MMC General and Head Guard Halvar is called back to by the King to protect the Princess.
This man is very well known and feared for this ruthlessness. So really he’s the perfect man for the job.

I love the character growth for both the MC’s in this book.

Freija was a strong FMC she’s sassy and very likeable. Although while trying to be the perfect heir to the throne she does everything for everyone else and never puts herself first.
I love that by the end she knows what she wants and she goes for it!

And Halvar this man was so sweet. He fell for her so hard and fast! He put his life on the line for her many times.
He was respectful to her but also had a cheeky side to him.
I enjoyed their training sessions, really getting to see their personalities coming through.

“Until the ancestors call us home, princess.”

The tension in this book was fantastic 🤌🏽 gotta love a one horse/one bed trope 😉

The world building was descriptive and well written. I loved the Nordic Fae World this book was set in.

The plot was good. High stakes. Pacing was a little funny at times but didn’t take away from the book for me.

I really enjoyed this and would recommend.

Thank you to the Author and Behind the Pages for sending me a copy of this book 😊

[The Readers Speakeasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It's not very often that I am hooked immediately - I read this in a day! You couldn't have taken my Kindle away if you tried!!

Our FMC, Freija, has dedicated her life to preparing to take the throne. From the beginning, it is apparent how much love she has for her realm and the people who depend on her, making the sacrifices she believes to be expected of her as a future queen. When the future of the realm is threatened, she is assigned a bodyguard.

Halvar isn't just her assigned bodyguard; he is a ruthless General with a reputation that precedes him. Much like Freija, he has dedicated his life to duty. There is no room for vulnerability or distraction, as that could jeopardize him and his men.

Throughout the book, we get to see our MCs battle with what they want and what is expected of them. There's yearning, banter, and an interesting elemental magic system.

I personally would have loved to learn just a touch more about the world and the magic system,m but that is purely because I didn't want to leave! Tins is no way hindered the story. I also hear that there is a novella to follow, so that will likely provide more!

Something I really want to highlight is how well the author balances accessibility with world-building. This Fae/Nordic fantasy is easy to follow without sacrificing depth. I never felt overwhelmed or lost in the terminology or lore, which allowed me to stay fully immersed from cover to cover (even at 3:00 am). If you're newer to this genre or are just looking for a story with great readability, I'd definitely recommend this! And if not for those, the romance!

A standalone?! I want more!

Huge congratulations to Elle Thrasher! Thank you for sharing this story with us!

Thank you to Netgalley & Victory Editing for the Advance Reader Copy!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freija has spent her life preparing to be the perfect heir to her mountain realm, disciplined and unwavering in her duty. When a growing threat puts her safety at risk, her father assigns her a new bodyguard—Halvar, a hardened general with a brutal past and a reputation to match. He is everything she’s supposed to avoid, yet impossible to ignore. As their proximity begins to blur the line between duty and want, outside pressures mount, including expectations for Freija to secure an advantageous marriage. With danger closing in, she must decide whether to follow the role she’s been shaped for or the path she actually wants.

This was a really strong fantasy romance. The worldbuilding feels rich without becoming overwhelming, and the Nordic-inspired setting gives the story a distinct atmosphere. Freija is an excellent lead. She feels grounded and human despite her position, balancing strength with vulnerability in a way that makes her easy to connect with. Her internal conflict is particularly well done, and the emotional stakes come through clearly. The romance delivers exactly what it promises: plenty of tension, yearning, and a satisfying mix of sweet and heat. It also helps that the pacing is tight, this was very easy to fly through.

The story uses its page count well, giving enough depth to both the world and the characters, but not feeling overextended. The side characters are genuinely charming, and the balance between action and relationship development keeps things engaging throughout. It also fully commits to the princess-and-bodyguard dynamic and executes it well. Overall, this is a polished, compelling standalone that hits the right beats. Many thanks to the author and Sarah from Behind the Pages LLC for this ARC. This is my honest review.

4.5/5 So what if he severs a few limbs? No one’s perfect.

[MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Status: Standalone
Genre/Subgenres: Fantasy, Romance, Nordic, Elemental Magic
Romantic Spice Level: Open Door (Few Scenes)
Point of View: Alternating 1st Person

Much gratitude to the author Elle Thrashet and the PA (@behindthepagespa on IG) for the opportunity, along with NetGalley, for the early copy of The Fae Guardian to read! All opinions are my own and shared freely.

I need more standalone fantasy books like this one in my life! I thoroughly enjoyed ✨ The Fae Guardian by Elle Thrasher ✨, a Nordic-inspired, Fae standalone fantasy romance/romantasy.

The FMC Freija is the royal heir to the Fjell Fae kingdom, and she clearly has spent time studying and preparing for her future time as a ruler. Her newly assigned bodyguard and captain of the king’s forces, Halvar, is several centuries older and one of the strongest warriors, and he is unhappy to be assigned as a personal bodyguard to the princess after death threats have been made on her life. In his new role, he must protect and train her.

I felt transported as I read of the Fae who lived hidden among the humans in the Nordic countries. The story provided solid explanations of the elemental magic and political structure without bogging down the reader in lengthy prose or political machinations, yet it didn’t feel simplistic or rushed. I was engaged as I read the plot, and I found scenes in the last portion to be heart-tugging and emotional as I concluded my read.

The story has elements of suspense, thanks to the anonymous threats against Freija and political schemes. The friendship between Freija and a neighboring princess provides affectionate teasing and heartfelt warmth. The romantic subplot provided forced proximity and banter as the two got to know one another and train.

📚
#arcreader #bookstagram #NetGalley #bookrecs #TheFaeGuardian

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian hit me in a way I was not expecting, and honestly, that alone would have earned it five stars.

Freija’s story felt way too familiar. As an eldest daughter who grew up feeling like I had to be perfect at everything while watching my siblings get a little more freedom, I understood that pressure on a very personal level. The expectations, the constant need to prove yourself, the feeling that one wrong move could change everything, it’s all there. Connecting with her was immediate and intense, and it made this book unforgettable for me.

But that’s not the only reason this is a five-star read.

The world-building is fantastic. Elle Thrasher doesn’t just give us humans and fae, she gives us layers within the fae world itself. Different kingdoms, each with their own specialties, their own identities, their own feel. It made the world feel expansive and alive without ever becoming overwhelming.

The plot follows a princess trying to be everything everyone expects her to be while also finding her own voice, and doing it under pressure, because people are actively trying to harm her. Enter Halvar, her very intimidating, very violent bodyguard. Together, we follow Freija as she tries to prove she’s worth listening to while also uncovering who’s behind the attacks.

And the characters? I loved them.

Freija, obviously, but Halvar too. He’s moody, gruff, communicates mostly in grunts, but when he does speak? The banter between him and Freija is so good. Their dynamic adds just the right balance of tension and humor to the story.

This book blends emotional depth, strong character work, and immersive world-building into something that really sticks with you.

Highly recommend, go add this to your TBR.

[Minty Margins · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up for me!

Thank you so much to Elle Thrasher and Behindthepagespa for the eARC!!

The Fae Guardian was such a tasty romantasy! I really enjoyed the world building and landscape where Fae Guardian takes place. Our story follows eldest daughter and heir to the Fjell Fae thrown, Freija. As with most eldest daughters(if you can’t tell I really identify with her), Freija feels a deep sense of responsibility and struggles quite a bit with perfectionism— we see her relax a bit on this throughout the story. She is most happy when tending to her garden, and wants to be able to help the citizens in their realm to the best of her ability. However, with court politics at play- you know we’ve got some underhanded meddling taking place. Some want to rid the Fjell fae of a monarchy entirely. Enter our fae guardian, Halvar, who has quite the reputation as a warrior! He’s assigned to protect Freija from threats that are on the rise. He’s quiet, strong, and steady. However, he carries a huge weight on his shoulders from the years of being a warrior and having his own regrets. I enjoyed his witty one-liners and cleverness. He’s a big softie for Freija.

Obviously, neither are thrilled at the prospect of being thrown together in a bodyguard x princess scenario, but that’s where we get some particularly tasty tropes and micro-tropes! We see some witty banter, training sequences that fill with a little more tension each time, yearning, stolen glances, one horse…..one bed….and then we get to one of my favorite parts…

“Indulge me, Princess.”

Let me tell you— this part had my brain doing a system reboot. MintyMargins-error.exe was in full force for a little bit there LOL. After the reboot though… 😏 . You can experience your own brain reboot upon its release: May 14th!!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fae Guardian by Elle Thrasher

YES!!!! 😭🔥

Ok but I need to start with the energy of this book because it is very much “he will literally maim someone for breathing wrong near her” and I was eating it up the entire time.

Halvar as a bodyguard MMC is exactly that grumpy, silent, emotionally constipated type who would rather intimidate the entire world than admit he has feelings. Freija is his assigned duty… and then very quickly becomes his problem in the best way.

Their dynamic is peak forbidden slow burn. All tension, all restraint, all those moments where you can feel things shifting even when they’re both pretending nothing is happening.

And honestly the vibe of Halvar is basically: “Stay away from her. That’s not a suggestion.”

Which… yeah. That’s the appeal. - SWOON

I really liked the Nordic-inspired feel of the world too—it gave it a slightly different flavour than a lot of fae romances I’ve read lately. Freija also stood out to me as a FMC because she isn’t just reactive; she’s thoughtful, intelligent, and trying to survive the weight of expectations while still holding her ground.

The romance is definitely the strongest part for me. Forced proximity + bodyguard/princess + forbidden attachment is just always going to work in my favour, and this delivered that tension really well.

That said, I did find myself more invested in them than everything happening around them. The wider plot didn’t always hold my attention the same way, but the chemistry absolutely carried it for me.

Overall, this is a fun, fast romantasy read with a strong MMC, great tension, and exactly the kind of “touch her and die” energy I will always show up for.

Thank you to Elle Thrasher and Behind the Pages for the ARC 💫

[Margielalalovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

The Fae Guardian by: Ella Thrasher

The Fae Guardian feels like a breath of fresh air that fantasy lovers will devour.

Freija has trained her entire life to be the perfect heir for the Fjell Fae (the Fae who control and protect the Mountain realm) for the day when her father passes, and the ancestors decide if she is worthy to have the magic recycled to her and gifted the strength and power needed to protect her people. But when mysterious threats against Freija threaten her future, the king assigns her a bodyguard to protect her.

For hundreds of years, Halvar has served the Fjell King as the Head Guard. Halvar’s loyalty is to the realm and has never let anything get in the way of fulfilling his duty. But when he is tasked to protect the beautiful princess, he finds it difficult to keep his desire at bay. Ferija is kind, brave, smart and does not shy away from his brutality when it comes to protecting their people, but both of them know that he will never be an acceptable match for the princess.

As the threats against Freija become more brazen and reach closer to home, Freija and Halvar work together to uncover the truth. Freija finds that she cannot trust anyone but the deadly Fae Guardian sworn to protect her.

The Fae Guardian is a perfect standalone fantasy that you will not want to put down. Its fast pacing and delicious slow burn make this forbidden romance one of my favorite reads of this year. I loved the banter between Freija and Halvar, and found that they were a perfect match for each other, making their love seem believable and well earned. The magic system was beautiful and unique to anything I have ever read, but not overly complicated or confusing. With the introduction of many interesting side characters, I am excited to see how this author will develop future plot lines (specifically, Henrik).

It is rare to find a standalone fantasy as good as this, and it feels like a breath of fresh air that fantasy lovers will devour.

[Danelle Clavelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ as a romance, 2.75 ⭐️ as a fantasy – Perfect if you want a lighter version of From Blood and Ash

Thank you NetGalley, Elle Thrasher, and Behind The Pages for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

As a romance book, The Fae Guardian is an enjoyable read that's fun, quick and easy. It very much gave me a romance set in a fantasy world rather than a true fantasy book. Freija and Halvar were a cute match with great banter! The Norse mythology was also interesting and I liked that this was a standalone.

Unfortunately, as a fantasy book, the story fell a little flat for me. The emotional development of both the characters and the plot was too rushed for me and made me feel disconnected from the characters and story, so I struggled to buy into what was being said.

I also would have liked to see Freija be more mature and strong on her own. She is 200 years old but is treated and acts more like an 18 year old. I think for someone of her age, wisdom and education, she would be more mature and have more of a backbone.

Everything also happened a little too easily or quickly for me for a fantasy. For a romance this works, but for a fantasy it would really benefit from slowing down and adding more depth and world building. I also didn't find it to be a slow burn, it felt very insta-love.

The friendships in the book are lovely and much more well rounded and fully developed. There were lots of funny moments that make you giggle too!

Overall this is a great palate cleanser, romance, or intro to fantasy for romance readers! If you want something similar to From Blood and Ash without the heavy worldbuilding and fantasy elements, this would be for you!

[timeleftinbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a light and punchy romantasy with political intrigue, nordic fae, a little bit of adventure and a lot of feelings ✨️

Freija is our FMC, a crown princess who's kingdom is set inside a mountain. She's a green-fingered bookworm who loves her family and strives to be perfect. She's a brilliant character, sassy, smart and desperate for an adventure. 🌿

Halvar, our MMC, is the General of her fathers armies and renowned for his battle prowess. He's also her bodyguard.

The story is told in dual POV which I adore in this genre and Halvars chapters were fiesty which were a nice contrast to Freijas.

The magic system and world building in this story were light which I would expect from a standalone. We know enough but it isnt over-embellished - the focus is really on the romance which I was grateful for! 💙

The side characters were intriguing, particularly the flirty pirate captain. I realised from the end-notes that he will have his own story which is super exciting 🏴‍☠️ Also I was obsessed with Ragnhild, Freijas bestfriend, she was a riot 👯‍♀️

Selfishly, I would have loved the adventure to have happened earlier in the story so that it lasted longer ❤️ The pace was great but the last 30% felt a little fast. There is also a particular scene in Ch.31 which broke the spell a little as I felt Freija acted out of character.

That said, this book was exactly what I needed. Its a short and powerful romance in a fantasy setting that gives just enough of everything to be a well-balanced story without too much complexity. I really enjoyed it and will be adding the authors other books to my TBR immediately! 📚🫶

[Becky Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Since staring in the Nordic Fae world, I’ve been hoping for Halvar’s story. And while this is quite his origin story, it’s scratches the itch.

Freija was a realistic eldest daughter, striving for the unobtainable ideal of perfection (aren’t we all)? Despite what the council implies, she is set up to be an exceptional ruler, truly caring for the wellbeing of her people before she is even close to being on the throne, working to ensure they have the resources to sustain their growing population. Her life revolves around making every right decision, making her parents and the fjell fae proud, and doing everything exactly as the council and ancestors would want from her. Until one day, a surly general marches into the council chamber and things may not be so straightforward.

I truly enjoyed that there was no enemies to lovers or true conflict between the MCs, just the small fact their love was forbidden. They prove time and time again how much they truly care for each other, until they finally come to the realization there was no fighting this.

I loved getting to see the other characters we hear about in the rest of the series when they were younger, especially Ragnhild and Vigdis. I hope we get more of them maybe in the next book!

Overall, I do think this read as more of an informative prequel to add to the rest of the Nordic Fae books than a true adventure for the characters. I found the plot may have fallen a little flat after how much excitement was in the other books in the series, but it was still quite a joy to read.

I received an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author, but the opinions above are all my own.