A Beautifully Crafted Lie

by Evelyn Ash

A LIE CAN SAVE A LIFE,
UNTIL IT DEMANDS A PRICE

A creature lurks in Bryndis Ashglo’s mind. It sees what she sees and hears what she hears, and it won’t be silenced any longer. In the town of Bouldermore, governed with stringent laws and nightmarish tales of monsters, no one will be spared if found harbouring magic. Not even Bryndis, the governor’s daughter.

​On the cusp of Samhain, Bryndis attracts the unwanted attention of the famed and feared bastard prince tasked to enforce the king’s laws and conduct this year’s witch reaping. He is the last person she should provoke… yet now he watches her with calculating interest, enjoying every second of her discomfort.

​Prince Odhran doesn’t address her numerous transgressions according to the law, but no good deed comes without a cost. In exchange for her freedom, Bryndis is dragged into the faerie realm—tasked with lying to royalty on his behalf. Of all the atrocious things the bastard prince has done and can do, lying is the one thing out of his reach, but something Bryndis excels in.

​As dangerous truths unravel, Bryndis faces two terrifying revelations:

Odhran is a monster—a blood-drinking faerie.

And on some level, she is a monster too.

Genres: Fantasy

436 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 26, 2026

Reviews

[Martina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh what the hell am I doing to myself?!?

Odhran & Bryn

This book far exceeded my expectations and left me broken and angry. Yeah I’m angry. That ending is too cruel and heartbreaking. For whatever is to come next.

Tension. A slow burn that burns for so long. Possessive. Inner demons.

🔥Shadow Daddy MMC
🔥Magic
🔥Witches
🔥Forbidden magic
🔥Realms
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Lies and Secrets
🔥Slow burn
🔥Touch her and die
🔥Gothic romance

Be prepared to want to scream at your book. Throw your book across the room. Cry at choices made that you can’t even change.

While this book was heartbreaking I’m looking forward to continuing Odhran and Bryn’s story.

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Evelyn Ash & Raven Court Publishing for this opportunity to read an amazing book.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a dark, gothic fantasy that weaves witchcraft, madness, and forbidden love into a hauntingly atmospheric story. Bryndis, the eldest daughter of Bouldermore’s governor, is tormented by a creature in her mind, a legacy of her mother’s witchcraft, and relies on nightshade to silence it. When she accidentally breaks a sacred mushroom circle in the forbidden woods, she draws the attention of Prince Odhran, a ruthless prince with a mysterious connection to her. As Bryndis endures abuse from her stepmother and grapples with her feelings for Declan, her childhood friend, she reaches her breaking point and must decide whether to embrace her true nature or succumb to the madness threatening to consume her.

The atmosphere described in this book is rich. The forbidden woods, the manor, all very detailed. They give a perfect unsettling sense of dread. This is very nicely done and makes that you feel the world around you.
I love the complex characters with lots of emotional depth. Bryndis who struggles with the creature in her head, her witchcraft, but also the abuse she endures and her relation with Declan. Prince Odhran is very mysterious. He is enigmatic and sounds very dangerous. I'm very intrigued by the connection he has with Bryndis (and I hope the next book delved deeper into that). The moment where she begs Declan to run away with her and he refused! I screamed! That was so devastating.
I'm very intrigued with Bryndis's her heritage, and I wish to know more of that. I expect that it will have a very large role in the continuation of the story.
The book has unresolved questions, what is normal for a first book in a series, but it is still frustrated at times. I want to know all the things! Haha. Especially that last confrontation with Odhrian.... What will her choice be?

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this advance readers copy!

*contains some spoilers* I started A Beautifully Crafted Lie 2.5 days ago. It was an easy read and I welcomed that as my past few books felt like they dragged on.

Things I loved:
-Different perspectives
-quotes at the beginning of the chapters from books
-Chapters that weren’t too long
-the FMC’s relationship with her sister (I felt this part of the book was well done and I easily could imagine their relationship)
-The first half of the book I really loved and flew through. I was able to imagine the world and all the characters
-The ravens
-Memories of her mom and seeing her on Samhain

Things that I didn’t love as much:
-I felt the FMC changed a lot once she entered the new realm (I feel it happens in a lot of books once the new love interest gets going I find the personality fades a bit)
-I felt the last bit was a bit rushed and a lot happened. I didn’t love that they were intimate already after knowing each other a short time but maybe I felt like this because I felt no connection to Odhran.
-I wanted to get to know more about Odhran and his friends. I felt like they were still strangers by the end of the book but I feel we will learn more in the next book!
-It had some similarities to my favourite books and I don’t know if I loved or didn’t like that (one dark window, plated prisoner, quicksilver)
-This could be my mistake and maybe I missed something but I swear in the book it said she can’t eat faerie fruit at breakfast but later in the book Sloan brings her cheesecake with fresh strawberries (he ends up eating it but not because she can’t) so I was a bit confused by that but maybe they weren’t faerie fruit!

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I would recommended it to Romantasy readers!

[Vasoulaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash - I literally couldn't put this book down!

I received this book as an ARC by the author and I cannot thank her enough 🙏

Do you know how it feels like to read a book and get so addicted to it that you cannot stop reading? That you think about it day and night? That you wish it never ends? That you feel all the feels? You want to smile, laugh, cry and scream?! You feel nervous about what's to come, feel nervous about the characters' decisions? That you NEED the next book as If your life depends on it? THAT'S how I felt!

I love it when the book characters aren't perfect, but flawed. They all struggled through life and its difficulties, but this made them stronger and more determined. Bryn Ashglo and her secrets and Prince Odhran and his darkness. So different yet so suited for each other. There were plenty of side characters who caught my attention. Some of them likable and others... UGH! The twists and revelations made me SCREAM from frustration! I loved it 🤣

Extra points to the author for multiple POVs and flasbacks. Adding little poems in the beginning of some chapters was a very nice touch!

This is everything a Dark Fantasy should be:
📚 Beautifully written
📚 Dark and utterly immersive world-building
📚 Dangerous but also beautiful setting
📚 Character development
📚 Multiple POVs
📚 Undeniable chemistry and attraction between the book characters
📚 Strong, fierce but also scarred (physically and emotionally) book characters
📚 Likable and NOT so likable side characters
📚 Twists and revelations

Book Tropes:
📚 Shadow Daddy MMC
📚 Secret Witch FMC
📚 Forbidden Magic
📚 Forced Proximity
📚 Morally Grey Characters
📚 Lies and Betrayals

If you love reading a good Fantasy book, then I highy recommend this ☺️

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book devastated me in a way that only a 5 star read can. I’m holding on by a thread waiting for the next book because of something mentioned in the bonus chapter. The utter mess my heart was left in, easily makes it one of my top reads.

This book is a gothic fantasy romance. Through her words, you can picture the world and scenes that come along with that. I felt myself turning page after page needing to see what happens next. The characters were done so well, some of them making it easy to get attached to. The banter was great! If you like fae and witches, this book is for you. There also may be a surprise along the way, I didn’t expect it, but it is one of my favorites.

If there are two things I learned from this book, it’s careful who you trust, and be specific with your bargains.

The flashbacks were at good times and just enough to add what you needed to the characters and the story. There was a chapter I loved so much, I read it twice before moving on. I should have known then, I was going to be wrecked 😆.

Something that really stuck out to me, is the author gives you a heads up on the spicy chapter. This makes it friendly to those who both prefer or may not prefer spice in their reading. So if spice isn’t your thing, don’t let it deter you. For those who like spice…enjoy😉.

This book will live in my brain for a long time. Reading it, is a must! Time for me to read something a little lighter while my heart heals.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️ Yes, but you are warned
ARC Copy
Recommend to my Book Bestie: Yes!! Is it bad that I want her to feel the same devastation I did? 😁

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely captivated by this book from the very first page and found it impossible to set aside. The author’s stylistic choices immediately drew me in—particularly the use of varied fonts to distinguish internal thoughts and songs. These subtle design elements added depth and texture to the narrative. I also greatly appreciated the clear labeling of each point of view and flashback at the beginning of chapters. This thoughtful structure allowed the story to flow seamlessly while ensuring clarity about whose perspective was guiding the moment.

Beyond its technical strengths, the story itself was utterly consuming. It kept me turning pages late into the night, fully immersed in its world and reluctant to return to the responsibilities of everyday life.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel was witnessing Brandis Ashglo’s character development. Her journey from vulnerability to strength was portrayed with remarkable care and authenticity, making her growth both believable and deeply moving. In contrast, Prince Odhran remains an intriguing enigma throughout the story. His layered characterization and quiet intensity left me eager to uncover every hidden detail about him.

This is a narrative that evokes a wide spectrum of emotion, carrying the reader from moments of tenderness to tension and everything in between. Without revealing spoilers, I can confidently say that this installment has left me eagerly anticipating the continuation of the series. I look forward to delving even deeper into this richly imagined world and discovering what lies ahead.

[Kendra Oosterhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 3.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and Evelyn Ash for the opportunity to read this book before its release!

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a fascinating story about two realms colliding, magic, and the pursuit of figuring out who you are.

I thought the plot concept was interesting and definitely not the copy/paste that has become a staple with so many romantasies lately. I liked the FMC’s growth in confidence throughout the book (even if it left us on a major cliffhanger) and I always root for a broody, morally gray MMC.

On the other hand, I felt like the book was rushed with significant gaps in the plot and world building. I was often left with figurative whiplash wondering where certain “key” pieces came from. Having read a lot of fantasies before, I could put two and two together but for someone who may not know all this before the book, they may be left guessing. Also - the “monster” inside her - a lot more explanation about this is needed since it’s basically the reason for the cliffhanger. Her being a witch? Would have loved to know more about the witch culture. And the bond between FMC and MMC? I didn’t understand their journey. I get the formula is loathing to love but I didn’t feel the slow burn yearning that seemed to be the goal.

Overall, it was a fun, fast read and I would definitely read the next book. Does she get the dragon out? Do they reject the bond? Does he get the kingdom? I need to know! I think a lot of my critiques could be answered in book #2.

[Stefania Kourepi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I overall thoroughly enjoyed this book! The premise is incredibly engaging, and the author has a wonderful way of setting the scene and building a world that keeps you hooked from the start.
​The chemistry between the protagonists was a major highlight for me. Although it took some time to get there, the moment they finally came together was absolutely flawless and beautifully executed. The author captured their connection perfectly.
​If I had one critique, it would be regarding the female protagonist's development in the first half of the story. Despite her age, her approach to conflict felt somewhat underdeveloped, as she often favored heightened emotional responses over open dialogue. At times, her reluctance to sit down and discuss things made her feel a bit immature, which was slightly frustrating. However, once she moved past that, she became exactly the character I was rooting for!
​The pacing in the second half is where the story truly shines. So many things begin to happen in quick succession that it barely leaves you time to catch your breath! As for the ending... I am left completely stunned, wondering 'what the hell is happening here?' in the best possible way. The twists were so unexpected that I’m still in shock and don't even know which character to talk about first.
​A very engaging read with a finale that I never saw coming. I’m definitely looking forward to more!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beautifully Crafted Lie by Evelyn Ash is a super quick, easy read that still manages to pack an emotional punch. It’s very character-led, with no complicated world building to wade through, which makes it effortless to dive straight into the heart of the story.

The novel unfolds through multiple points of view, giving depth and dimension to the central conflict. The shifting perspectives add tension and nuance, allowing you to see how each character interprets the same events differently. I especially appreciated the use of dual timelines, showing their pasts and how those experiences shaped their personalities. Watching those earlier moments slowly connect to the present-day consequences was both satisfying and emotionally impactful.

One of the highlights for me was the growth of the female main character. Her journey from quiet and reserved to strong, confident, and unapologetically opinionated felt authentic and earned. Her development anchors the entire story and gives the emotional arc real weight.

Overall, this is an engaging, emotionally driven story that balances depth with accessibility. The strong character focus, layered perspectives, and meaningful development make it a compelling read from start to finish. A thoughtful and satisfying novel that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was actually my very first ARC and what an ARC to start with.

The book was incredible start to finish… started off a little slow with a lot to digest and understand about the first part of the human world. And then it explores more into the fae realm. The world building was a lot and there was a lot of information to understand throughout so it did take me a couple of times to re read certain parts to understand it fully. But once you got into the last part holey Christ I couldn’t put it down.

The characters were fantastic and the banter between the main characters was just perfect…. The romance between them had tension that you were just waiting to explode and when it does it is glorious.

The story itself is about Bryndis who is a human.. who has a visitor in her head which leads to a running commentary throughout the book and we find out more about them later on. And the MMC is Odhran who is the second prince of the kingdom.

The twists and turns and the betrayals and the very clever way of thinking really made this book stand out to me. And I can’t wait to go back in this world with the next book.

And the rejection at the end whaaaaaaat

Such a cracking book by Evelyn Ash

[Ainsley Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that I was a bit lost at parts reading this book. There was some good foundational work for world building and some fresh reworkings of faerie magic that made it interesting. I also really enjoyed that the author gave us different character’s viewpoints and experiences in different chapters. The flashbacks were a nice window into the character’s pasts.

But as I kept reading, the overall story line felt disjointed and there was a lot of information that never went anywhere. Like the FMC is a witch by her mothers bloodline, but other than brewing teas and her inner voice (no true spoilers) we don’t learn what that means. Is she really a witch? Can she do any type of spell work or magic herself? Are there other witches?
There was also some moments where the text would not cohesively make sense. Like a person would leave the room and then a few sentences later they were still in the room? It was at times confusing and I had to go back to reread sections to make sure I didn’t miss something.
Overall, I’d say this book has some really good ideas and I like the concepts in theory. Maybe if there’s a second book these gaps would be cleared up?

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of an advanced copy received through NetGalley:

A Beautifully Crafted Lie was an enjoyable adventure into the fae realm. I loved how often the plot took turns that I didn’t see coming, I don’t usually find myself so taken by surprise!

Many of the characters really stuck with me as well. Personally, I am especially fond of Aed and highly enjoyed the developing interaction between himself and Bryn. If I ask for one thing as the story continues, it would be to delve further into their relationship with each other and his role in her history.

I burned through the last 30% of the book without taking a break and would definitely suggest you read the last bit at home and not in public as I did, just to be overwhelmed by the concluding events and without any privacy to take it all in 🤣

The only real frustration I would share about this novel is that the flow of the story often felt a little off and caused me to stumble a few times while reading. I would find myself backtracking to make sure I was understanding what was happening.

I am eager for the continuation of this series to see how all the pieces will come together!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you so much NetGalley and Evelyn Ash for the opportunity for this ARC**

This is the first fantasy book I’ve read in a LONG time that completely consumed me. From the very beginning, I was hooked. I loved the dark, fantasy vibes. The multiple POVs added so much depth, and the slow-building tension was absolute torture in the best possible way. This book had me clutching my Kindle, wanting to scream, and maybe throw it across the room more than once—but I loved every second of it.

Odhran and Bryn were such a beautiful, infuriating pairing. Watching them fight their feelings for so long made every moment between them feel earned. Bryn was exactly the kind of FMC I love—strong-willed, stubborn, and impossible to break. And Odhran? Protective, possessive, devastatingly gorgeous, and everything you want in an MMC. 🔥

The world building was immersive without being overwhelming, and the character development kept me completely invested. Every reveal, every interaction, every moment mattered. And the twists? Yes. THISnis how you write a book.

Honestly, 10/10. No notes. Just emotional damage and the unbearable realization that I now have to wait for the next book. 😭

[RosewynReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this early!

A witch abducted by a fae prince and forced to choose between her childhood love and the very male who took her? Say less.

This book completely pulled me in. Brynis is fiery in every sense of the word strong, stubborn, and burning bright even while dealing with Aed, the presence living inside her head. Her internal struggle added so much depth to her character and made every decision feel heavier.

And Odhran… shadow-wielding, silver-tipped hair, ravens acting as his eyes and ears? The atmosphere around him was dark, intense, and impossible to ignore. The tension between Brynis and Odhran had me internally screaming, “Just kiss already!” Every interaction felt charged.

I was rooting for Brynis and Odhran so hard. The push and pull, the tension, the emotional weight it all worked.

And that ending? I’m not okay. It genuinely left me a little heartbroken. I am absolutely rooting for the opposite outcome in the next installment, and I will 100% be hunting down a physical copy for my shelf.

Nothing but love for this one. I need the sequel immediately.

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a dark romantasy and filled with some epic banter and one liners. The author does a great job with world building and character growth. Oh and the foreshadowing is beautifully executed. A raven to some is a dirty bird but if you get close enough they are beautiful, strong and a survivor just like our fmc Bryndis.
Bryn’s life is anything but lovely yet she is a fighter. Her step mother is a vial excuse for a parent in my opinion and yet no matter what she puts Bryn through Bryn rises above. Bryndis has a secret of her own that is quickly noticed by Prince Odhrian.
Prince Odhrian is morally black to all but Bryn. He saves her in more ways than one. This man had his own troubled past and yet he loves something fierce.
The book has pov’s from both the main characters and has some flashbacks to when both were younger. Normally flashbacks drive me crazy, but these ones were written so beautifully that it only adds to the story and makes you fall in love with the characters even more.
With all the foreshadowing I feel we aren’t done with Odhran and Bryn’s bond.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

A Beautifully Crafted Lie is a gothic fantasy romance filled with Old Lore, hidden motives and enemies to lovers!

Over all rating 4⭐️ 3🌶️

First of all, the wold building- chefs kiss 😘. Evelyn Ash has created a realm that you immerse, submerge and drown in.

The characters? Witchy herbalist FMC with a voice in head, love it, especially when they banter. Character growth in a reasonable fashion, like we love to see. MMC with secrets and shadows? You know the book girlies are going to eat him up. Side characters? They were actually pretty fun- kinda wish we saw more of them.


Tropes? Enemies to lovers ✅ inner circle ✅ betrayal of the highest order ✅ kingdom battle royale ✅

My only minor issue with this book? The chapters were so short- and the multi pov made it hard to follow, I did find myself re reading a few parts so I could fully work out who what when where and why?

[Dharika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book.

To me this book is a mix between a classic fae romantasy (ACOTAR style) mixed with some One Dark Window. It had a spooky gothic theme.

I struggled with what to rate this book. It started off strong and then slowly started to go downhill as I felt like things were just happening with no rhyme or reason. With Bryn being a witch, that aspect was talked about a lot but never explored. The relationship and mate bond kind of just happened in a way that didn't make sense and was very instalovey to me. I also found Bryn's actions and behaviour to not match the character or the natural progression of development from my perspective.

WITH THAT SAID - If you're looking for a masterpiece unique story, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for fast relationship, fae and you liked One Dark Window's nightmare and you're a vibes reader then you will enjoy it.

[Inês Fonseca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC of this book - this is my honest feedback.

This book completely consumed me!
I’m a slow reader who averages two books a month, and I read A Beautifully Crafted Lie in just over two days, I could not put it down.

The story is intriguing from the very start, with great pacing and world-building that unfolds naturally as the FMC experiences it, so it never feels overwhelming. It constantly kept me on my toes, every time I thought I knew what was coming, the opposite happened.

The ending is both brilliant and painful, and it’s the kind of book that stays in your head long after you finish.

I already can’t wait for the sequel.

This book is perfect if you like witches, faeries and political intrigue, for fans of Throne of Glass and Quicksilver.

[Kristen Weeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhm is it too early to ask when book two is coming because… I need answers.

The journey through this book will show major character development, unwanted/wanted yearning, mysteries waiting to be answered. The clash between faeries and mortal witches is one I’ve never seen and it is just so intriguing.

Bryn was such a likeable character throughout, the hidden rebellious blossoms into a true force.

Odhran glamouring Bryn so she would forget that he cared for her will drive me crazy to no end, cause why couldn’t we have gotten to where they were sooner.

I am however completely gutted by the ending, there was no way I was expecting the events to happen as they did.

Eadan !! AED!! The bond !!

note: one thing I thought was super great of the author is putting a warning on chapter 34 , though of course I didn’t skip.

[Jess Kellick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world building is incredible, and the development of the FMC/MMC was wonderful too! I was hooked from the first page.
I enjoyed the fact that there was yearning and tension between the main characters, with a great sprinkle of *spice*, without overshadowing the plot.

The ending made me swipe vigorously to get to the next page, and I will be in torment until the next book comes out!

Absolutely pick up this book, it was fantastic.

[Lauren Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Raven Court Publishing (pty) ltd for allowing me to read this book.
I am relatively new to the scene when it comes to the world of magic and fantasy and so, I don't have much to compare to. I did however, find the descriptive writing of this story so captivating, that I was fully emersed into the world of Bryndis Ashglo.
I had no issues in painting a picture in my mind of the magical beings, the surroundings and the feelings they endured throughout the story.
It was beautifully written and has left me longing for more. I need to know what happens next? This can't be it!
It is a book full of battle, both physical, emotional moral. It is a magnificent blend of betrayal, forbidden love and character progression.

[Fabia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance reader review - received via NetGalley

Wow! I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a single day. The first half felt fresh and completely immersive and original. The second half carried hints of familiar fantasy and romantasy elements, blending vibes from a few beloved tropes, yet it still managed to stand on its own and feel uniquely crafted.

[Kellie Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously dark, intense, and quite a page turner. Evelyn Ash, your storytelling is incredibly captivating, and I simply devoured A Beautifully Crafted Lie. SOLID FIVE STARS.