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Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom #1
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes: Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom, Book 1
A devastating plague, the missing cure, and a healer who didn’t plan for love…
I’m Faelynn, a healer and servant of the fae God. I’d sworn off every fae male who set his sights on me … until him. Dreythis was … unexpected. He has the answers to the questions I face, and resisting his pull on our journey will be no easy feat.
The fae in my city are sick with a mysterious plague, and my healer magic has done little to help. With so many dying, I never expected that crossing paths with this fae warrior would lead me to the cure. But will solving one problem only bring me to another?
And what sort of ancient power have we stumbled upon that should have stayed buried?
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is the first in a thrilling new series set in the same world as both the Fae-blessed and Wicked Fae series. It was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, a multi-author collection of short stories. While this is a novelette and only about an hour long, the rest of the series will be full-length audiobooks. As such, there is not much world-building or character development until the next audiobook.
I’m Faelynn, a healer and servant of the fae God. I’d sworn off every fae male who set his sights on me … until him. Dreythis was … unexpected. He has the answers to the questions I face, and resisting his pull on our journey will be no easy feat.
The fae in my city are sick with a mysterious plague, and my healer magic has done little to help. With so many dying, I never expected that crossing paths with this fae warrior would lead me to the cure. But will solving one problem only bring me to another?
And what sort of ancient power have we stumbled upon that should have stayed buried?
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is the first in a thrilling new series set in the same world as both the Fae-blessed and Wicked Fae series. It was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, a multi-author collection of short stories. While this is a novelette and only about an hour long, the rest of the series will be full-length audiobooks. As such, there is not much world-building or character development until the next audiobook.
Audible Audio
Published February 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 15, 2025
Short but packs a punch! Story absolutely sets up the continuation against dark magic that is sprouting up. Yes fantasy with fae! Zero spice but hint of an attraction, but a possible looming battle between a warrior and his father and brother who practice dark magic. Can’t wait for the series to start!
March 14, 2026
This is another great palate cleanser. It’s short and sweet and a fun read. I’m really liking this author for in between my bigger series reads. ☺️
March 4, 2026
Duet Narration - always love Jacci and and Anthony in narrations!
Another super quick fantasy listen, not a ton of world building but enough for us to understand a bit about what's going on and what to expect in the series.
We meet Faelynn, a healer who's been trying to find a cure for a new plague effecting the fae, we see she's also guided by god, or her "master" who speaks in her mind and shows her visions to help her quest. Her master leads her to Dreythis, guardian of the eclipse petal, which has been stolen. She's determined to cure this illness and insists on helping him find it.
I really enjoyed that there wasn't any sort of romance with this one, just tiny hints here and there. Dreythis and Faelynn are mission focused with decent friendly banter that doesn't feel romantic but at the same time you can tell they have chemistry and can tell that romance between them later is definitely possible.
This was a great set up for the next book as it definitely leaves an open ending leaving us curious on what is going to happen next after seeing the actions of Dreythis' family.
Another super quick fantasy listen, not a ton of world building but enough for us to understand a bit about what's going on and what to expect in the series.
We meet Faelynn, a healer who's been trying to find a cure for a new plague effecting the fae, we see she's also guided by god, or her "master" who speaks in her mind and shows her visions to help her quest. Her master leads her to Dreythis, guardian of the eclipse petal, which has been stolen. She's determined to cure this illness and insists on helping him find it.
I really enjoyed that there wasn't any sort of romance with this one, just tiny hints here and there. Dreythis and Faelynn are mission focused with decent friendly banter that doesn't feel romantic but at the same time you can tell they have chemistry and can tell that romance between them later is definitely possible.
This was a great set up for the next book as it definitely leaves an open ending leaving us curious on what is going to happen next after seeing the actions of Dreythis' family.
March 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Momentum Media and Publishing LLC for the opportunity to listen to an Advanced Listener's Copy (ALC). All thoughts are my own.
This book was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, which is a multi-author collection of short stories (anthology). It is noted that this is a novelette and the rest of the series will be full-length books; thus, there is not much world-building or character development until the next book.
This audiobook is narrated in duet-style by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, with a run time of 58 minutes. I enjoyed listening to these two narrators together as they brought this novelette to life. I went for a walk and the book was over, leaving me wanting more. I would be interested in seeing what else this author has written!
This book was initially released in Tales of the Lost Things, which is a multi-author collection of short stories (anthology). It is noted that this is a novelette and the rest of the series will be full-length books; thus, there is not much world-building or character development until the next book.
This audiobook is narrated in duet-style by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini, with a run time of 58 minutes. I enjoyed listening to these two narrators together as they brought this novelette to life. I went for a walk and the book was over, leaving me wanting more. I would be interested in seeing what else this author has written!
March 29, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨
3.5 rounded down!
I saw Anthony Palmini was one of the narrators and I requested so fast 😂 This was short and sweet and a good introduction to the rest of the series. I think it helps knowing the authors note about it being incredibly short else I would've judged a lot harsher
3.5 rounded down!
I saw Anthony Palmini was one of the narrators and I requested so fast 😂 This was short and sweet and a good introduction to the rest of the series. I think it helps knowing the authors note about it being incredibly short else I would've judged a lot harsher
March 1, 2026
3.5★ Rounded Up
This was short, but well written. As explained during the introduction, it was originally a short story as part of an anthology, so even by a novella standards it’s short. It obviously doesn’t go into a lot of in-depth world building, but I do think it gives you a good idea of where the series will be going and what the main plot line is likely to be.
I will say our FMC is a little too blindly pious for me, but I didn’t find it off putting. If nothing else, I think that gives her a lot of room to grow if she is part of the main series plot. I would love to see this expanded into a longer novella someday because I think there is definitely a good base to add more detail.
The audiobook is, of course, fantastic which is to be expected of Jacci Prior an Anthony Palmini. I always love them together!
Thank you so much for this ALC opportunity! My opinions are entirely my own.
This was short, but well written. As explained during the introduction, it was originally a short story as part of an anthology, so even by a novella standards it’s short. It obviously doesn’t go into a lot of in-depth world building, but I do think it gives you a good idea of where the series will be going and what the main plot line is likely to be.
I will say our FMC is a little too blindly pious for me, but I didn’t find it off putting. If nothing else, I think that gives her a lot of room to grow if she is part of the main series plot. I would love to see this expanded into a longer novella someday because I think there is definitely a good base to add more detail.
The audiobook is, of course, fantastic which is to be expected of Jacci Prior an Anthony Palmini. I always love them together!
Thank you so much for this ALC opportunity! My opinions are entirely my own.
March 1, 2026
5⭐️ ⋆˚꩜｡ 5🎧 ⋆˚꩜｡0🌶️
These are so cute!!! Just a little Fae Romance for another palette cleanser!
It’s been a while since I have heard Anthony Palmini.
This is a first for me with Jacci Prior! Loved it!
Made me giggle a couple of times and the description of powers and the different scenes were so on point 🤌🏻
novellas = perfect palette cleansers!
These are so cute!!! Just a little Fae Romance for another palette cleanser!
It’s been a while since I have heard Anthony Palmini.
This is a first for me with Jacci Prior! Loved it!
Made me giggle a couple of times and the description of powers and the different scenes were so on point 🤌🏻
novellas = perfect palette cleansers!
March 10, 2026
I’m not sure where to even go with this. This was an extremely short read. Literally an hour, if that. It was good, but there wasn’t much to go on for what was happening. It starts with a male fae lost in the woods, and a female fae finding him. But he’s afraid of her at first. They go on a quest to find a specific item and when they find it, she uses it as needed and it disappears again. They part ways and the end lol.
The best part of this book was the audio that goes with it. Anthony Palmini is absolutely the star lol, but Jacci Prior adds just the right touch to bring the audio to what gives this book a 3 star. They did absolutely amazing with what they were given.
The best part of this book was the audio that goes with it. Anthony Palmini is absolutely the star lol, but Jacci Prior adds just the right touch to bring the audio to what gives this book a 3 star. They did absolutely amazing with what they were given.
March 14, 2026
This is the second book of Jada's I've been lucky to grab from NetGalley, and I'm so glad I've discovered her!
This little snippet of these worlds has me so invested already, and I can't wait to find out more when the next book is available.
It was fast paced, but gave so much of a story. And the narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and Jada for the advanced audio book.
This little snippet of these worlds has me so invested already, and I can't wait to find out more when the next book is available.
It was fast paced, but gave so much of a story. And the narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher and Jada for the advanced audio book.
March 7, 2026
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a solid introduction to Jada McCrary’s Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. This novella (novellette?) is light on world building and character development, but it sets the stage for the full-length books to come.
A mysterious sickness is spreading across Faerie, leaving its people weakened and desperate for answers. At the center of the crisis is Faelynn, a devout healer whose magic is tied to her faith, has long chosen a life of spiritual devotion over romance. But when the plague begins to threaten those closest to her—including her sister—she can no longer remain on the sidelines. At the same time, Dreythis faces a crisis of his own. He is racing to recover a stolen item vital to his standing and survival. When fate brings him into Faelynn’s path, their separate missions (and destinies?) begin to intertwine in unexpected ways.
The story moves quickly but still delivers political intrigue, fae deities, forced proximity, shared adventure, cute banter, and only one bed/one horse. Faelynn’s steady determination and discipline pairs well with Dreythis’s earnest charm and warmth, creating a dynamic that feels poised for amazing character arcs and a satisfying slow-burn romance in the series.
The audiobook narration by Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior adds even more depth, bringing the characters and tension to life through a captivating duet performance. These are two of my favorite voice actors and they never disappoint. You can always expect them to deliver great pacing and unique voices for each character.
Though brief, this novella never feels incomplete. It is an enticing window into a magical world facing mounting danger and characters whose interconnected journeys feel worth following. The mystery surrounding the spreading illness adds urgency to the plot, while subtle hints of political intrigue and darker magic suggest deeper conflicts lurking beneath the surface. I’m eager to see where the story goes next and to see how this story fits into the author’s expanding fae universe (check out her Of Fae and Wicked Kings novella if you want a taste of that series).
Thank you to NetGalley and Jada McCrary for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
A mysterious sickness is spreading across Faerie, leaving its people weakened and desperate for answers. At the center of the crisis is Faelynn, a devout healer whose magic is tied to her faith, has long chosen a life of spiritual devotion over romance. But when the plague begins to threaten those closest to her—including her sister—she can no longer remain on the sidelines. At the same time, Dreythis faces a crisis of his own. He is racing to recover a stolen item vital to his standing and survival. When fate brings him into Faelynn’s path, their separate missions (and destinies?) begin to intertwine in unexpected ways.
The story moves quickly but still delivers political intrigue, fae deities, forced proximity, shared adventure, cute banter, and only one bed/one horse. Faelynn’s steady determination and discipline pairs well with Dreythis’s earnest charm and warmth, creating a dynamic that feels poised for amazing character arcs and a satisfying slow-burn romance in the series.
The audiobook narration by Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior adds even more depth, bringing the characters and tension to life through a captivating duet performance. These are two of my favorite voice actors and they never disappoint. You can always expect them to deliver great pacing and unique voices for each character.
Though brief, this novella never feels incomplete. It is an enticing window into a magical world facing mounting danger and characters whose interconnected journeys feel worth following. The mystery surrounding the spreading illness adds urgency to the plot, while subtle hints of political intrigue and darker magic suggest deeper conflicts lurking beneath the surface. I’m eager to see where the story goes next and to see how this story fits into the author’s expanding fae universe (check out her Of Fae and Wicked Kings novella if you want a taste of that series).
Thank you to NetGalley and Jada McCrary for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2026
Other than memoirs I don't really listen to audiobooks of books I haven't first read on paper but when netgalley posted these books I had to do it. A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a novella which first appeared in a collections of short stories. For that reason, there is not much character development or world building which as a fantasy reader is something I expect to see. However, this story was so fast paced and exciting to listen and it is said that the next book in the series will be full length! Voice actor, my lord and savior of male main characters, Anthony Palmini, voices the male main character. Jada McCrary is a closed-door author so there is no spice but who doesn't enjoy love?
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes has dual POV, one being a healer set to find a cure to a devastating plaque and a guardian who is set to guard a most valuable item. Both need to work together for the greater good. Our FMC is devoted to her God and role as a healer and has no time for love but is thrown into a quest with a charming, charismatic MMC whose pull she must resist. There are secrets and soo much more to uncover that I hope are features in the next book. I saw some complaints about the FMC being too into her religion and rules but being from a small town who had a large religion presence, those devout in their god would be well ya know devout, its part of her character. You aren't always going to read about people just like you. I can't wait to see the story unfold!
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes has dual POV, one being a healer set to find a cure to a devastating plaque and a guardian who is set to guard a most valuable item. Both need to work together for the greater good. Our FMC is devoted to her God and role as a healer and has no time for love but is thrown into a quest with a charming, charismatic MMC whose pull she must resist. There are secrets and soo much more to uncover that I hope are features in the next book. I saw some complaints about the FMC being too into her religion and rules but being from a small town who had a large religion presence, those devout in their god would be well ya know devout, its part of her character. You aren't always going to read about people just like you. I can't wait to see the story unfold!
March 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for providing a ALC of A Whisper Of Secrets and Ashes by Jada McCrary and narrated by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini. I really enjoyed this first book of the series. I love soothing the narraters are. Both Jacci and Anthony's voices conveyed the emotions and I could for sure feel like / was in the story like a little movie playing in my head and I also love the world building as well! Thank you again! I really appreciate this opportunity to ALC to this book! I can't wait to know what happens next!
March 5, 2026
This was an okay listen. There isn't a lot going on but that's to be expected from a story this short. It has very minimal character development, no real world building and no spice at all. However it did have some cute banter. I think it's a decent start to the series especially if you have a spare hour to listen to an audiobook.
I won't lie I grabbed this because of the male narrator, I have never heard of this author before. I think this story has great potential and I do plan to check on the other books in this series once they are released.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I won't lie I grabbed this because of the male narrator, I have never heard of this author before. I think this story has great potential and I do plan to check on the other books in this series once they are released.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 31, 2026
A wicked curse has spread over the kingdom and is spreading illness to the fae. Faelynn is a healer and is determined to find a cure to help them. Her fae god directs her to Dreythis who is to be believed to be able to help her find this cure.
A nice novella! It definitely sets up for the rest of the story. No spice but definitely some attraction and slight tension there which I can definitely see building for future books.
A nice novella! It definitely sets up for the rest of the story. No spice but definitely some attraction and slight tension there which I can definitely see building for future books.
April 23, 2026
Super cute and super short story. The audio is fantastic and the story was a nice little palate cleanser.
💗 Fae
💗 Powers
💗 Plague
💗 Flirty Allies
🫑 no spice at all, no language
💗 Fae
💗 Powers
💗 Plague
💗 Flirty Allies
🫑 no spice at all, no language
March 6, 2026
Great intro into the world and characters, beautifully delivered by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini! I definitely want more!
February 24, 2026
I went into this story knowing it would be short and limited on the details - as the author mentions this in the author note at the beginning.
With the limited info, I was intrigued from the start and immediately pulled into the story. However, I feel there were some things that could’ve been answered but weren’t such as where the cure was. I can understand not giving details as to what the MMC’s brother did so it can lead into the next book though so now I’m eagerly waiting for that one to continue this story!
With the limited info, I was intrigued from the start and immediately pulled into the story. However, I feel there were some things that could’ve been answered but weren’t such as where the cure was. I can understand not giving details as to what the MMC’s brother did so it can lead into the next book though so now I’m eagerly waiting for that one to continue this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2026
This was actually an audiobook. This novella is the fantastic beginning of what promises to be an amazing series. I’m excited to see where the author takes this series. Promises to be an epic adventure.
The narrators did a wonderful job for both the FMC and MMC. The pronunciation was spot on and they enunciated everything perfectly. It was well timed and the pace of narrating was perfect. Very excited by this story so far.
The narrators did a wonderful job for both the FMC and MMC. The pronunciation was spot on and they enunciated everything perfectly. It was well timed and the pace of narrating was perfect. Very excited by this story so far.
August 2, 2026
Too ambitious for the short length
This wasn’t my first novelette, but it was my first novelette in audio.🎙️
Most novelettes I’ve read tend to be short, instalove-heavy, and focused more on smut than story - so this one definitely tried to do something different.
It’s also not my first book by Jada McCrary.
A few days earlier I listened to Of Fae and Wicked Kings, which is a novella serving as a teaser into a series, ending on plot twist.
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes delivers a complete story, even though it’s clearly also the start of a series.
We get the MMC and FMC meeting through divine intervention, them going on a queste together in search of a missing cure, because - dun dun dunnn - her sister got sick as well! And all that got wrapped up in just 53 minutes. ⏱️
That’s also where the book struggled for me. There’s simply too much story for such a short runtime, which made the pacing feel rushed. Oddly enough, the romance itself is a slow burn (they share a bed roll together, how scandalous!?), which felt a bit mismatched with how fast the plot moved. I kept wishing the story had more space to breathe.
Also: she keeps hearing "God"... It is a different one, because "romantasy", but it still gave me the ick... 🤢
Best part of the audiobook: the narrators.
This was my first listen with Jacci Prior, and she left a great impression. Anthony Palmini was already a favorite - still delicious, still a highlight. 🔥 Their performances really carried the story and made it more enjoyable than the pacing alone would have.
Summary
Good concept, strong narration, but overcrowded for its length. Enjoyable, but not fully satisfying -solidly a 3-star listen for me. ⭐⭐⭐
I won't be continuing the rest of the series, but I will for Of Fae and Wicked Kings which has an evil Gregory Salinas! 😈
This wasn’t my first novelette, but it was my first novelette in audio.🎙️
Most novelettes I’ve read tend to be short, instalove-heavy, and focused more on smut than story - so this one definitely tried to do something different.
It’s also not my first book by Jada McCrary.
A few days earlier I listened to Of Fae and Wicked Kings, which is a novella serving as a teaser into a series, ending on plot twist.
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes delivers a complete story, even though it’s clearly also the start of a series.
We get the MMC and FMC meeting through divine intervention, them going on a queste together in search of a missing cure, because - dun dun dunnn - her sister got sick as well! And all that got wrapped up in just 53 minutes. ⏱️
That’s also where the book struggled for me. There’s simply too much story for such a short runtime, which made the pacing feel rushed. Oddly enough, the romance itself is a slow burn (they share a bed roll together, how scandalous!?), which felt a bit mismatched with how fast the plot moved. I kept wishing the story had more space to breathe.
Also: she keeps hearing "God"... It is a different one, because "romantasy", but it still gave me the ick... 🤢
Best part of the audiobook: the narrators.
This was my first listen with Jacci Prior, and she left a great impression. Anthony Palmini was already a favorite - still delicious, still a highlight. 🔥 Their performances really carried the story and made it more enjoyable than the pacing alone would have.
Summary
Good concept, strong narration, but overcrowded for its length. Enjoyable, but not fully satisfying -solidly a 3-star listen for me. ⭐⭐⭐
I won't be continuing the rest of the series, but I will for Of Fae and Wicked Kings which has an evil Gregory Salinas! 😈
February 28, 2026
This is a short Novella (58 mins), originally part of a joint author project, and leads into a series, which are all full-length books moving forward. It's important to know this going in as it's more of a taste of two characters and a world. Our FMC is Faelynn, a healer who has chosen to help the sick over finding love. She is connected to a God that guides her healing practices. I immediately liked her. She comes across as mature, strong, and has a sense of humour. Currently, a disease is sweeping the land, no cure has been found, and she's determined to find one.
Then our MMC, a Fae warrior named Dreythis, meets Faelynn (oh, I need to know so much more about him 😂😂). He is looking for the Eclipse Petal that could heal the sickness but in the wrong hands curse.
So the two end up on a quest to find the cure, save someone important to our FMC, and stop it being used for evil.
The banter, the humour, and two characters to love! The bedroll, teeth chattering scene, LOVED!
This is like a tease, giving you a taste of what's to come, and it most definitely worked!!! I will absolutely be reading this series.
The audio is narrated by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini. Oh my gosh, did I love them, YES!!! Both did an incredible job, Anthony's voice is 🔥 and I really hope they are both doing the full-length audiobooks.
Thank you, Momentum Media and Netgalley for the ALC. Available now!
Then our MMC, a Fae warrior named Dreythis, meets Faelynn (oh, I need to know so much more about him 😂😂). He is looking for the Eclipse Petal that could heal the sickness but in the wrong hands curse.
So the two end up on a quest to find the cure, save someone important to our FMC, and stop it being used for evil.
The banter, the humour, and two characters to love! The bedroll, teeth chattering scene, LOVED!
This is like a tease, giving you a taste of what's to come, and it most definitely worked!!! I will absolutely be reading this series.
The audio is narrated by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini. Oh my gosh, did I love them, YES!!! Both did an incredible job, Anthony's voice is 🔥 and I really hope they are both doing the full-length audiobooks.
Thank you, Momentum Media and Netgalley for the ALC. Available now!
August 16, 2025
Stick them with the pointy end 😂
Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom book one, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a fantasy novelette to introduce Jada’s new series within the shared world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae. An unknown plague is causing the fae in the city to become sick, and Faelynn’s magic may not be enough to heal them. Faelynn is a healer who serves the fae God, and would rather be devoted to her God than be tied down in marriage. Plus the upside seems to be stronger powers when one is devout and chaste. She is also very determined and optimistic. Dreythis is out looking for an eclipse petal, after the one he had was stolen, or face being exiled. Just before he meets Faelynn, someone he thought was an enemy has shown him something disturbing, and now he must go face his brother Lord Gaius and father before they use dark magic. Faelynn and Dreythis have a fun banter between them, but also an undercurrent of yearning for each other. Fantasy with mystery, adventure, sweet characters, and twists! Eagerly waiting for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom book one, A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a fantasy novelette to introduce Jada’s new series within the shared world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae. An unknown plague is causing the fae in the city to become sick, and Faelynn’s magic may not be enough to heal them. Faelynn is a healer who serves the fae God, and would rather be devoted to her God than be tied down in marriage. Plus the upside seems to be stronger powers when one is devout and chaste. She is also very determined and optimistic. Dreythis is out looking for an eclipse petal, after the one he had was stolen, or face being exiled. Just before he meets Faelynn, someone he thought was an enemy has shown him something disturbing, and now he must go face his brother Lord Gaius and father before they use dark magic. Faelynn and Dreythis have a fun banter between them, but also an undercurrent of yearning for each other. Fantasy with mystery, adventure, sweet characters, and twists! Eagerly waiting for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 11, 2026
I need a longer version!! 🙏
Going into this read I knew we wouldn’t get as much world building. With that said, I was surprised by how much world building and character development there was in such a short book. The world is intriguing and captivating. I wouldn’t mind reading an entire series in this world!
I am also a huge fan of the dual narration! The narrators did an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Whenever the MMC called the FMC “little healer” I swooned!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read for me is that I wish some information about the characters or the world were revealed in a more natural manner. There were a few times I felt like facts about the world, for example the plague back story, were just thrown at me in a listed off monologue. I would have liked to see something like this be explained through dialogue or naturally occurring circumstances. It wasn’t enough to throw me out of the story but it did make me pause a bit.
Overall it was a lovely quick read and if you’re wanting something with fun banter and a (semi) resolved ending then I definitely recommend this book!
Going into this read I knew we wouldn’t get as much world building. With that said, I was surprised by how much world building and character development there was in such a short book. The world is intriguing and captivating. I wouldn’t mind reading an entire series in this world!
I am also a huge fan of the dual narration! The narrators did an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Whenever the MMC called the FMC “little healer” I swooned!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star read for me is that I wish some information about the characters or the world were revealed in a more natural manner. There were a few times I felt like facts about the world, for example the plague back story, were just thrown at me in a listed off monologue. I would have liked to see something like this be explained through dialogue or naturally occurring circumstances. It wasn’t enough to throw me out of the story but it did make me pause a bit.
Overall it was a lovely quick read and if you’re wanting something with fun banter and a (semi) resolved ending then I definitely recommend this book!
March 16, 2026
~Thank you to the publisher and author for the e-ALC on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.~
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a short but engaging introduction to the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. Since it was originally written for an anthology, it’s light on world-building, but it sets up an interesting premise and hints at a larger story to come.
Faelynn, a devout healer, is searching for answers as a mysterious sickness spreads across Faerie. When she meets the mysterious warrior Dreythis, their paths begin to intertwine in ways that suggest bigger dangers ahead.
The audiobook narration by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini is excellent and really brings the story to life. Overall, it’s a quick and engaging read that left me curious to see where the series goes next.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes is a short but engaging introduction to the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. Since it was originally written for an anthology, it’s light on world-building, but it sets up an interesting premise and hints at a larger story to come.
Faelynn, a devout healer, is searching for answers as a mysterious sickness spreads across Faerie. When she meets the mysterious warrior Dreythis, their paths begin to intertwine in ways that suggest bigger dangers ahead.
The audiobook narration by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini is excellent and really brings the story to life. Overall, it’s a quick and engaging read that left me curious to see where the series goes next.
March 1, 2026
ALC Review:
Duet Narration by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini
Tropes:
Fae Fantasy
Healer FMC
Warrior MMC
Journey quest
Faelynn is a healer devoted to her people and her faith, struggling to stop a mysterious plague devastating her city. When she meets Dreythis, a warrior with knowledge that could lead to answers, their shared quest reveals hidden dangers and secrets better left undisturbed. I found Faelynn’s boldness and unwavering resolve especially refreshing—she faces impossible circumstances head-on. Though brief, it sets up a promising series that I’m excited to continue.
Huge thanks to Momentum Media, NetGalley, and the author for this ALC.
Duet Narration by Jacci Prior and Anthony Palmini
Tropes:
Fae Fantasy
Healer FMC
Warrior MMC
Journey quest
Faelynn is a healer devoted to her people and her faith, struggling to stop a mysterious plague devastating her city. When she meets Dreythis, a warrior with knowledge that could lead to answers, their shared quest reveals hidden dangers and secrets better left undisturbed. I found Faelynn’s boldness and unwavering resolve especially refreshing—she faces impossible circumstances head-on. Though brief, it sets up a promising series that I’m excited to continue.
Huge thanks to Momentum Media, NetGalley, and the author for this ALC.
May 17, 2026
Source: Thank you to the author for this netgslley listen!
Title: A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes
Narration: Jacci Prior & Anthony Palmini
This was a fun and quick fae palette cleanser, that opens the door to the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. These two had fun banter and I enjoyed the glimpse into the world building that’s to come. Jacci and Anthony did a wonderful job bringing these two to life and elevating the story and characters. I thought their performance was magical and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
Title: A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes
Narration: Jacci Prior & Anthony Palmini
This was a fun and quick fae palette cleanser, that opens the door to the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. These two had fun banter and I enjoyed the glimpse into the world building that’s to come. Jacci and Anthony did a wonderful job bringing these two to life and elevating the story and characters. I thought their performance was magical and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
March 1, 2026
Fantasy
Novella
1st person
Duet narration - Jacci Prior & Anthony Palmini
Fast paced and short easy listen. This leaves you wanting more. My second book by this author and I think I have found a new fantasy author that I like. The short story is captivating and intriguing.
Novella
1st person
Duet narration - Jacci Prior & Anthony Palmini
Fast paced and short easy listen. This leaves you wanting more. My second book by this author and I think I have found a new fantasy author that I like. The short story is captivating and intriguing.
February 28, 2026
✨ALC Review✨
A short, quick listen that gives you a good teaser into the story and makes you want to read on!
Magical vibes, with a splash of adventure and suspense that will have you wanting more.
A short, quick listen that gives you a good teaser into the story and makes you want to read on!
Magical vibes, with a splash of adventure and suspense that will have you wanting more.
April 23, 2026
Super cute and super short story. The audio is fantastic and the story was a nice little palate cleanser.
💗 Fae
💗 Powers
💗 Plague
💗 Flirty Allies
🫑 no spice at all, no language
💗 Fae
💗 Powers
💗 Plague
💗 Flirty Allies
🫑 no spice at all, no language
March 4, 2026
I received an ALC from Victoria Editing NetGalley Co-Op and this is my honest review.
- ✌🏻Dual POV
- 2️⃣ Duet narration
- 📕 Short story
- 😘 Plot & relationship development (less world building)
- 🐴 One horse & one bedroll 🛏️
- ⭐️ Shared goal
- 🧐 God told her to find him
- ❤️🩹 Healer & warrior ⚔️
- 🦠 Disease killing the fae
- ☀️ He’s sunshine, she’s grumpy 😠
- 🫑Spice free
Alright, let’s start off with a review of the narration. ❤️ Jacci Prior ❤️ is my #1 female narrator and, of course, she was AMAZING. She had such unique voices for each character and brought each person to life. Jacci used her voice to create vocals that matched the scene. She changed her tone, added passion, and/or added grit/scratchiness to the vocals when needed in order to bring what was happening on paper to life. Then, Anthony Palmini, one of my favorite male narrators. He was like Jacci. He brought each character to life in such a unique way. I really appreciated that, during the parts of the story when the MMC would lower his voice and whisper or be more coy, Anthony would match it perfectly by lowering his voice or decreasing his tone and inflection. I listened to this at 1.75 speed through the NetGalley app, finding it to be a perfect pace for me.
Onto the story. This was a short story I listened to in under an hour, especially at a faster speed. The author made it very clear from the beginning that this story was intentionally written in a short manner to be published alongside other short stories. She warned that, because of this, there was little world building. I appreciated the author set up realistic expectations and then matched those expectations. I often become frustrated when an author tells us to expect one thing and then the story does not match that expectation set. I am happy to say the author’s up front honesty matched exactly what she wrote!
We had two strong, complex characters with a forward pacing plot. Although this story was short, there was so much to the characters and overarching story. For example, the MFC was a woman living her life alongside her sister, working as a healer, and closed off to romantic and intimate relationships. She could hear their God’s voice in her head, who told her what to do and where to go, never steering her in the wrong direction nor ever lying to her. The MFC was working hard to find a cure to a plague killing fae. Then, we had the MMC. He was raised by a thoughtful and warm mother. He also had a cold and evil father and brother. The MMC was a soldier working hard to undo all the damage his father and brother had done in the world. He was the guardian of a special item, which he lost to his evil family, knowing they planned to use it for nefarious reasons. God directed the MFC to the MMC, where she learned of the special item he had been guarding and how it could be used to cure the plague. The MC’s then go on a journey together to get the item back.
Through this journey, we learned about the MMC’s magic, his family history, and his goals in life. We also learned about the MFC’s life, why she was so rigid in not finding a life partner (i.e., mate), and what she valued most (e.g., listening to her God and healing people). Together they bonded, having shared a horse, bedroll, and goal. The MMC was respectful, thoughtful, and a true gentleman. The MFC was determined and an honorable person. They found each other right when they needed each other. I enjoyed both of them and how they grew independently and together.
The pace was fast the whole time and I am so glad I was able to listen to this in one sitting, as I would have had a hard time stopping this to do something else. I enjoy stories that are more focused on character growth, relationship development, and plot, with less world building. Don’t get me wrong, I love a story with world building, but sometimes it is nice to have a shorter story that moves things along at a faster pace by removing some of the overarching details. This book got to the point and I loved it!
The story ended with a big question… what is going to happen next? I definitely plan to pick up the next book in this series! I cannot wait to learn more about the characters and their relationship, world, and magic. I also cannot see how the plot unfolds from how it ended (as it was not resolved!).
- ✌🏻Dual POV
- 2️⃣ Duet narration
- 📕 Short story
- 😘 Plot & relationship development (less world building)
- 🐴 One horse & one bedroll 🛏️
- ⭐️ Shared goal
- 🧐 God told her to find him
- ❤️🩹 Healer & warrior ⚔️
- 🦠 Disease killing the fae
- ☀️ He’s sunshine, she’s grumpy 😠
- 🫑Spice free
Alright, let’s start off with a review of the narration. ❤️ Jacci Prior ❤️ is my #1 female narrator and, of course, she was AMAZING. She had such unique voices for each character and brought each person to life. Jacci used her voice to create vocals that matched the scene. She changed her tone, added passion, and/or added grit/scratchiness to the vocals when needed in order to bring what was happening on paper to life. Then, Anthony Palmini, one of my favorite male narrators. He was like Jacci. He brought each character to life in such a unique way. I really appreciated that, during the parts of the story when the MMC would lower his voice and whisper or be more coy, Anthony would match it perfectly by lowering his voice or decreasing his tone and inflection. I listened to this at 1.75 speed through the NetGalley app, finding it to be a perfect pace for me.
Onto the story. This was a short story I listened to in under an hour, especially at a faster speed. The author made it very clear from the beginning that this story was intentionally written in a short manner to be published alongside other short stories. She warned that, because of this, there was little world building. I appreciated the author set up realistic expectations and then matched those expectations. I often become frustrated when an author tells us to expect one thing and then the story does not match that expectation set. I am happy to say the author’s up front honesty matched exactly what she wrote!
We had two strong, complex characters with a forward pacing plot. Although this story was short, there was so much to the characters and overarching story. For example, the MFC was a woman living her life alongside her sister, working as a healer, and closed off to romantic and intimate relationships. She could hear their God’s voice in her head, who told her what to do and where to go, never steering her in the wrong direction nor ever lying to her. The MFC was working hard to find a cure to a plague killing fae. Then, we had the MMC. He was raised by a thoughtful and warm mother. He also had a cold and evil father and brother. The MMC was a soldier working hard to undo all the damage his father and brother had done in the world. He was the guardian of a special item, which he lost to his evil family, knowing they planned to use it for nefarious reasons. God directed the MFC to the MMC, where she learned of the special item he had been guarding and how it could be used to cure the plague. The MC’s then go on a journey together to get the item back.
Through this journey, we learned about the MMC’s magic, his family history, and his goals in life. We also learned about the MFC’s life, why she was so rigid in not finding a life partner (i.e., mate), and what she valued most (e.g., listening to her God and healing people). Together they bonded, having shared a horse, bedroll, and goal. The MMC was respectful, thoughtful, and a true gentleman. The MFC was determined and an honorable person. They found each other right when they needed each other. I enjoyed both of them and how they grew independently and together.
The pace was fast the whole time and I am so glad I was able to listen to this in one sitting, as I would have had a hard time stopping this to do something else. I enjoy stories that are more focused on character growth, relationship development, and plot, with less world building. Don’t get me wrong, I love a story with world building, but sometimes it is nice to have a shorter story that moves things along at a faster pace by removing some of the overarching details. This book got to the point and I loved it!
The story ended with a big question… what is going to happen next? I definitely plan to pick up the next book in this series! I cannot wait to learn more about the characters and their relationship, world, and magic. I also cannot see how the plot unfolds from how it ended (as it was not resolved!).
March 1, 2026
A Whisper of Secrets and Ashes serves as an enticing gateway into Jada’s expanding fae universe, connecting the larger world of Fae-Blessed and Wicked Fae while launching the Echoes of the Cursed Kingdom series. Though brief, it manages to pack in magic, danger, and the spark of something more.
A mysterious sickness is sweeping through Faerie, leaving its people weakened and without answers. At the heart of the crisis is Faelynn, a devoted healer whose faith in her fae God strengthens her abilities. She has intentionally chosen a life of spiritual dedication over romance, believing that remaining unattached deepens her power. Marriage—and the distractions that come with it—have no place in her carefully ordered plans. Yet when the plague begins threatening those closest to her, including her sister, standing on the sidelines is no longer an option.
Meanwhile, Dreythis is racing against consequences of his own. An eclipse petal—vital to his standing and possibly his survival—has been stolen, and failure to retrieve it could mean exile. Worse, troubling revelations about Lord Gaius and his father hint at dark magic that could make an already dire situation catastrophic. When his path collides with Faelynn’s, their goals align in unexpected ways.
What follows is a swift-moving quest layered with intrigue. The journey delivers beloved fantasy tropes: forced proximity, a single horse shared between them, and only one bedroll at night. The setup naturally fuels the chemistry simmering beneath their exchanges. Dreythis may be mission-focused, but he’s also warm, attentive, and more than capable of charming a reaction out of the steadfast healer. Faelynn, determined not to be swayed by any fae male, meets his lighthearted energy with resolve and the occasional exasperation. Their dynamic—sunshine meeting steel—creates a delightful tension that feels primed for a slow-burn romance in future installments.
Despite its compact length, the story never feels rushed. Instead, it functions as a sharp introduction to a kingdom in peril and characters worth investing in. The central mystery surrounding the cursed illness provides urgency, while hints of deeper political and magical conflicts promise greater stakes ahead. By the final moments, there’s a satisfying sense of progress, yet enough threads remain to spark anticipation for what comes next.
The audiobook experience elevates the tale even further. Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior deliver a compelling duet performance, each bringing distinct personality and emotional nuance to their roles. Their vocal range ensures side characters feel just as vivid as the leads, and the pacing keeps the adventure engaging from start to finish.
For listeners who gravitate toward fae lore, quest-driven plots, and romantic tension built on banter and proximity, this novelette is an easy recommendation. Faelynn’s determination and Dreythis’s earnest charm make a memorable pair, and the unfolding dangers surrounding Lord Gaius add a darker edge beneath the sweetness. By the end, it’s hard not to wish for more time in this world—and fortunately, it feels like this is only the beginning.
A mysterious sickness is sweeping through Faerie, leaving its people weakened and without answers. At the heart of the crisis is Faelynn, a devoted healer whose faith in her fae God strengthens her abilities. She has intentionally chosen a life of spiritual dedication over romance, believing that remaining unattached deepens her power. Marriage—and the distractions that come with it—have no place in her carefully ordered plans. Yet when the plague begins threatening those closest to her, including her sister, standing on the sidelines is no longer an option.
Meanwhile, Dreythis is racing against consequences of his own. An eclipse petal—vital to his standing and possibly his survival—has been stolen, and failure to retrieve it could mean exile. Worse, troubling revelations about Lord Gaius and his father hint at dark magic that could make an already dire situation catastrophic. When his path collides with Faelynn’s, their goals align in unexpected ways.
What follows is a swift-moving quest layered with intrigue. The journey delivers beloved fantasy tropes: forced proximity, a single horse shared between them, and only one bedroll at night. The setup naturally fuels the chemistry simmering beneath their exchanges. Dreythis may be mission-focused, but he’s also warm, attentive, and more than capable of charming a reaction out of the steadfast healer. Faelynn, determined not to be swayed by any fae male, meets his lighthearted energy with resolve and the occasional exasperation. Their dynamic—sunshine meeting steel—creates a delightful tension that feels primed for a slow-burn romance in future installments.
Despite its compact length, the story never feels rushed. Instead, it functions as a sharp introduction to a kingdom in peril and characters worth investing in. The central mystery surrounding the cursed illness provides urgency, while hints of deeper political and magical conflicts promise greater stakes ahead. By the final moments, there’s a satisfying sense of progress, yet enough threads remain to spark anticipation for what comes next.
The audiobook experience elevates the tale even further. Anthony Palmini and Jacci Prior deliver a compelling duet performance, each bringing distinct personality and emotional nuance to their roles. Their vocal range ensures side characters feel just as vivid as the leads, and the pacing keeps the adventure engaging from start to finish.
For listeners who gravitate toward fae lore, quest-driven plots, and romantic tension built on banter and proximity, this novelette is an easy recommendation. Faelynn’s determination and Dreythis’s earnest charm make a memorable pair, and the unfolding dangers surrounding Lord Gaius add a darker edge beneath the sweetness. By the end, it’s hard not to wish for more time in this world—and fortunately, it feels like this is only the beginning.
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