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The Fox Heir

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Ancient fae lore. A castle in ruins. An heir who must survive winter in a den of Wolves.

Snowbound in a crumbling castle until spring, Sienna is trapped with the dark, brooding Wolf who betrayed her. She knows he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to uncover it. But the more she learns about him, the harder it is to deny the pull between them—one that could ruin them both.

The only thing more unsettling than the Dead Queen and her mysterious Wolf is the ghost that visits Sienna in the night. It lures her into forbidden dungeons and shadowed corners of the castle, where fae with dark appetites wait to claim her. Sienna can’t tell if the wraith is trying to warn her about the castle's secrets or lead her to her death.

When an unexpected visitor washes up on the frozen shore, he brings a warning that turns her blood to ice: the Fox King is coming. Sienna knows her father will stop at nothing to see her dead and the succession secured for his illegitimate son. Her power is volatile, but if she can master it, she won’t just defend this cursed castle, she’ll kill the Fox King and take his throne for herself.

As copper-clad soldiers and a bloodthirsty king march north, whispers stir in the frost—of broken bargains, ravenous monsters, and ancient fae kings and queens who have slumbered for thousands of years.

The ghost knows something.

The Wolf won’t say.

And the ancient fae are done hiding.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 9, 2026

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Briar Knightly

3 books50 followers

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5 stars
61 (34%)
4 stars
58 (33%)
3 stars
43 (24%)
2 stars
11 (6%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for whitneys_litventure.
129 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2026
A dark, wintry fae fantasy dripping with secrets, tension, and forbidden attraction. ⭐

The Fox Heir by Briar Knightly pulled me straight into a frozen world of fae politics, betrayal, and simmering romance.

Snowed in at a crumbling castle, Sienna is trapped with the very Wolf who once betrayed her. The problem? He refuses to tell her the truth—and the closer she gets to uncovering it, the more dangerous (and complicated) their connection becomes. The slow-burn tension between them is messy, emotional, and impossible to ignore.

Let’s talk about the atmosphere in this book...Ghostly visits in the night, secret dungeon passages hiding frighteningly powerful ancient fae, and whispers of long-forgotten rulers echoing through the halls.

Every page feels steeped in gothic tension and creeping dread. And when word arrives that the ruthless Fox King is marching north to secure his throne—and Sienna’s death—the story erupts with danger, urgency, and rising stakes. Sienna is such a standout heroine: clever, resilient, and determined to claim her own power even when the world is stacked against her.

Now let me tell you the real tragedy…
Believing you’re reading the final book in a series, only to discover there’s another one coming.

Because WOW—this one was so good. The story keeps its momentum the whole way through, with a couple twists at the end I genuinely didn’t see coming. And the second half? Let’s just say the spice definitely turns up the heat. 🌶️🔥

❄️ Dark fantasy
🐺 A brooding wolf
👑 Ruthless fae politics
💔 Betrayal + slow-burn tension
🌶️ Some very steamy moments

I will absolutely be continuing this series and recommending it to anyone who loves atmospheric fae fantasy with intrigue, danger, and romance.

And I have to say, Briar Knightly is truly amazing. You can tell how much she cares about her readers and the experience they have with her stories, and that love really shines through in this series. --- Book three, The Cursed Court, will immediately go to the top of my TBR!
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
801 reviews45 followers
February 18, 2026
A dark and mysterious castle, a badass heroine blended in an action fae fantasy!

The author is a fantastic storyteller, the magic pulled me in and the gothic suspense didn’t let go!

The ending was perfect for this book! 😎.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chelsea Vitale.
107 reviews131 followers
March 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Do you know what is the actual worst? When you think you’re on the last book of a series only to learn you’re not 🤦‍♀️

Ugh! This book was so good. The spice in part two was some steammmmmy reading.

The plot line kept going strong with a couple of twists at the end that you didn’t see coming.

I will absolutely be finishing this series and will continue to recommend this to anyone who asks.
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
42 reviews18 followers
March 22, 2026
Holy crap this was SOOO good!!! Definitely better than the first, although I loved the first book.

This one is WAY darker than the first. I was actually scared a few times.

The story picks up a lot in this one. There are a lot of moving pieces in this. Action, magic, battles, training, a semi-love triangle, more romance, etc. There is a lot of character and relationship development in this one. Some beginnings of a found family are forming. Loyalties are tested.

I found the Fae lore in this one so interesting. It’s unlike any I’ve ever read. I’m all the books I read, the Fae are like elves. But in this one, some were described as creatures similar to squirrels, some were 3 feet tall with different colored skin, some seemed to be shape shifters. It was all very different and very cool.

A lot of secrets are unraveled in this one and I was genuinely surprised by a lot of them! The ending had my jaw on the floor! I cannot wait to see where Briar goes with the rest of the books in the series!!

Themes in this book: betrayal, he trains her, enemies to lovers, spice, war, grief, death, abuse, assault, human sacrifice, fae lore, morally gray characters

If you haven’t read this series yet, you need to!
Profile Image for Jess Bohanick.
432 reviews12 followers
August 22, 2026
When the first book is good but the second book is incredible... WOW.

I loved seeing Sienna learn to use her powers more, even when they're unreliable at best, especially as the tension between her and Tristan continues to build. Then Hunter comes back and we start uncovering more of the deadly secrets hidden within Annwyn, and I was completely hooked.

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite Gothic fantasy series. The atmosphere is SO well done—you can practically feel the cold wind biting at you while you're reading. Everything feels dark, eerie, and just a little dangerous.

I'm officially invested in this world and need to know where this story goes next!
355 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2026
Just as good as book 1

So with this book you get to see another side to life in the world. They're now in the Dead Queen's lands, stuck in a harsh winter landscape. She's forced to train with weapons and when she gets her powers back she has to learn to control them. Now while that's happening she's got a wraith pulling her from her room in the middle of the night to show her certain things and open her eyes more to whats going on. Her and Tristan begin to have more of an attraction that they act on a couple times but they know they can't become anything. Lies and betrayals plus some manipulation is revealed throwing daggers into their ever precarious relationship.
This book ends with them winning a battle, suffering significant losses but the Fox King tricks them and comes into a deadly power. Now they must go fond and awaken them sleeping fae to convince them to help take down her father.
1 review2 followers
February 1, 2026
I’m not sure if I loved The Dead Queen or The Fox Heir more. Sienna’s character is so rich and so honestly relatable. She’s fierce and loyal, tender hearted and fiery.

I had no idea what would come of her wandering into enemy territory, but I was loving every minute of it.

And the ending was *chefs kiss*
Profile Image for Botanical Book Nook.
28 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2026
I picked up the first book in the series, The Dead Queen, without knowing what I was getting into, but the gorgeous cover immediately caught my eye, so I went for it. I am so glad I did because it’s been a wild ride.

Book two, The Fox Heir, is somehow even better, which I didn’t think would be possible. Briar Knightly keeps expanding on the incredible world-building, and the personalities of the characters just keep getting stronger. The romance and spice is sooo satisfying, and the plot twists just kept coming. I so badly wish I had book three to binge read right now, but I’ll wait as long as necessary until then.

Just like in book one, the subtle vibes that remind me of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy are still there. So, if you love shadow daddies, strong female leads, and witty banter accompanied by smirks, this series is absolutely for you.
7 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2026
A badass MC with feminine rage? A spooky castle with creatures luring her into dark corners? Forced proximity enemies to lovers? Yes. Yes. Yes. And the cherry on top? This book was deliciously spicy. I can't get enough of Briar's writing. This scratched an itch I didn't know I had.
Profile Image for Melissa Willis.
399 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2026
Sienna, Tristan, Hunter and secrets

Oh my goodness!!!!! Loved Following Sienna on her journey in discovering the many secrets of the kingdom she is trapped in. Following her in discovering her power and readying for the fight against her father the fox king. The twists and turns of this book were absolutely amazing!!!! Hunter being the hidden true Heir to the North!!!! Wow!!!! Now her father after the battle, is the dead Rogue King, What!!!! Hunter, Tristan and Sienna must work together to find and wake the last 6 Fae Royals to save them all. That's only the beginning. I can't wait to read the next book!!!! Bring! It! On!
Profile Image for Tiffany Taylor.
Author 6 books20 followers
February 17, 2026
Well she’s done it again!
Second books in a series always worry me but not in this case. The Fox Heir is incredible. Think medieval battle, gothic castle, sacred fae magic, unlikely loyalty and a journey of sacrifice and hope and you have a perfect story! I had high hopes following The Dead Queen and was not disappointed. Book two is beautifully written, I felt as if I was living right there with Sienna walking through torch lit dungeons, feet crunching on fallen snow, encountering all the peculiar castles going-on’s as she prepares for the final standoff with the fox king!
Without wanting to give any spoilers, the last 40% had me completely hooked and literally on the edge of my seat with me inhaling sharply through shock!
It’s got me so excited to book three!! If you haven’t picked up The Dead Queen yet then you must!!
Profile Image for Makayla.
235 reviews5 followers
February 18, 2026
Okay, the world building in this was amazing! It was so descriptive that it was like standing there next to everyone the entire time. And the story itself was written beautifully. The FMC was so fierce and strong. I loved her determination. Yet she was kind and had a wonderful heart at the same time. This was action and chaos, intense and spicy, all rolled into one. I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Rae.
17 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2026
As if this series could have gotten more addicting, I was absolutely enthralled with this book and couldn’t put it down all day! The Fox Heir really built upon the established back stories of the fae of Annwyn and the twisted history with Llewyn. If you’re a fan of ACOTAR, Shield of Sparrows, or Fourth Wing then there is a little bit of everything for you in this series! I can’t wait to read The Cursed Court!!
500 reviews
March 15, 2026
Book two of the Thrones of Ruin, Sienna’s story continues down a twisted path of secrets. Secrets that are coming to light, but not too quickly that it loses steam in the plot. Sienna is a strong character that you root for the entire way, complex, yet also simple. Again, Knightly writes an intense plot with twists you don’t see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alexa.
31 reviews
February 26, 2026
not as good as the first book which is a bit sad
the last like 5 chapters felt so rushed and i felt like this could've wrapped up so nicely to be a beautiful duology and it would have given so much more satisfaction than the ending.

there was absolutely no reason for the father to continue being awful and the death of nalina just seems like the author thought things were going too well/like one of the main/side characters HAD to die.
don't get me wrong, the book up until ~ 96% was absolutely amazing. there were some reveals that blew my mind and the love/attraction between sienna x tristan in comparison to sienna x hunter is just so well done, the juxtaposition of who she was compared to who she will be/who she is, it's very well done and it highlights maybe a lesson of letting the past remain and not trying to reignite old flames.
i just dont think it needed the last like, 3 chapters because it was so rushed that i barely even remember the information given /the new challenges they have...
Profile Image for Tatiana.
169 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2026
Meh. I hoped book 2 would be better than book 1, but unfortunately not. It just wasn''t engaging and it just felt flat. I was skim reading by the end. I won't continue with the series.
13 reviews
August 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐ fooled again... Thought this was a completed duet - spoiler - it's not! 😭 Kept me entertained & reading. Hasn't been mind blowing but good enough. Could do without the love triangle 👎 and just hoping this doesn't turn into a why chose 🙄
Profile Image for Lilith's_Library_.
1,020 reviews43 followers
January 22, 2026
The Fox Heir is a stunning fantasy that blends magic, intrigue, and emotion into a story that feels both timeless and fiercely original. Briar Knightly crafts a world steeped in mystery and folklore, where power is inherited, loyalty is tested, and nothing is ever quite as it seems.

From the first pages, the story pulls you in with its sharp prose and layered storytelling. The fox imagery and symbolism are woven beautifully throughout, giving the book a distinct identity and a sense of quiet magic. Every reveal feels deliberate, every choice weighted with consequence.

The characters are richly developed, especially the heir at the center of the story. Clever, resilient, and deeply human, they carry the narrative with a balance of vulnerability and strength that makes their journey impossible to look away from. Relationships—whether built on trust, rivalry, or love—feel earned and emotionally resonant.

The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming. Political tension, ancient magic, and whispered legends all intertwine, creating a setting that feels alive and dangerous. The pacing is excellent, with moments of stillness giving way to sharp twists and unforgettable reveals.

What truly sets The Fox Heir apart is its emotional depth. This is a fantasy that understands the cost of power and the weight of legacy. It’s thoughtful, gripping, and quietly devastating in the best way.

Overall, The Fox Heir is a masterfully written fantasy that deserves every one of its five stars. A must-read for fans of folklore-inspired worlds, clever protagonists, and stories where cunning can be just as powerful as strength.

Perfect for readers who love:
🦊 folklore & animal symbolism
✨ magic and inheritance
👑 political intrigue
📖 immersive, emotional fantasy
Profile Image for Adrianna Heaney-velu.
1,126 reviews17 followers
February 18, 2026
“I want to step into the storm I know will break me.”

“The Fox Heir,” by Briar Knightly

The winter setting of the book seeps into everything; the forest, the tension, the family. The forbidden romance was very messy (in a good way) with a love triangle, and serious political intrigue layered in. Everyone has their motives. Everyone is hiding something. With the family dynamics, complicated doesn’t scratch the surface. The family issues had so much emotional weight and it kept me glued. The gothic vibe to the book added the extra spice I wanted from a book that has a undead court, it’s bleak, beautiful, and eerie. What I loved the most was the emotional stakes matched the political ones; it’s all about loyalty, legacy, survival, and who gets the power.

4 out of 5 stars. The cover is also so beautiful.

-Winter Setting
-Gothic
-Dark Fae
-Enemies To Lovers
-Slowburn
-Forbidden Romance
-Love Triangle
-Magic
-Undead/ Zombies
-Family Issues
-Political Intrigue

Thank you for the free copy, Booksprout.

“It’s an odd thing, realizing people believe in you when you hardly believe in yourself.”

“If you can’t control your own light, then how do you expect to battle his?”

“One person’s fairy tale is another person’s faith.”

“We stand there too long for friends and not long enough for lovers…”

Profile Image for Susan.
120 reviews
February 17, 2026
The Fox Heir completely pulled me in from the start. It has this dark, wintry atmosphere mixed with fae lore, political tension, and just the right amount of mystery that keeps you turning pages. The crumbling castle setting, the secrets, the ghostly moments — it all feels eerie in the best way.

The FMC is a huge highlight for me. She is clever and resilient which had me emotionally connected to their journey. I didn't read book 1 so this was a new story for me and the authors writing.

I received this ebook as an ARC so I am voluntarily leaving a review. Overall, The Fox Heir is beautiful fantasy with strong FMC, mystery and moody feel. Definitely a great pick if you love fae stories, morally complex characters and slow-burn tension,
Profile Image for Melinda.
915 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2026
Fantasy mixed with a little horror

There were a lot of creepy and scary things lurking in this book. I don't usually like horror, but this was fantasy too.

Sienna was insufferable at the beginning of this book. She thinks the Dead Queen and Tristan have betrayed her and she basically has a temper tantrum. I was almost ready to dnf, but she got over herself quick enough.

There's feelings between Sienna and Tristan, but her relationship with Hunter bugs me. It actually turns me off and ticks me off. I'm going to be so mad if this turns out to be a why choose romance.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,835 reviews36 followers
March 4, 2026
Suspenseful and highly entertaining, this book was a fascinating read. Mystery, drama, and intrigue are woven together to create a compelling narrative. Each character added something unique to the story driving it towards the finale. I can’t wait to read more.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tegan novelteereads.
181 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2026
epic danger!

Although it had a slow start for me, from the midway point on I couldn’t put it down. I love how this author writes danger in a spooky setting with vicious monsters all around. My heart was pounding and not at any point did this feel like a pointless middle book like some other romantasy trilogies. I also felt more of the longing from the broken love triangle.
Profile Image for Alba Dorado.
353 reviews6 followers
February 16, 2026
I've enjoyed a lot this book. Sienna - the FMC - is still lovable and relatable. There is political tension, ancient magic, twists and whispered legends - all intertwine, creating a setting that feels alive and dangerous: but worthy, for the twists. Overall; 4,5⭐.
9 reviews1 follower
Did Not Finish
September 9, 2026
I tried to read it. Because I wanted to point out all the places it was ridiculously appalling but it was too terrible
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews