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Faery Realms #3
Rowan
A third story laced with faery beauty set in the Shadow Mountains, under the ominous light of a single star.
Many years ago, Rowan's ancestor followed a white hare and disappeared without trace. Since then, her descendants have warned the women of the family against the magic of the cunning, shape-shifting hare – known often to be witches in disguise. Centuries later, Rowan, heartbroken and yearning to escape, ignores the warnings and follows the hare to a new world.
She finds herself in the mysterious yet beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient rivalry between witch and faery lord, entwined in the fickle nature of the fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all her skills to survive.
Many years ago, Rowan's ancestor followed a white hare and disappeared without trace. Since then, her descendants have warned the women of the family against the magic of the cunning, shape-shifting hare – known often to be witches in disguise. Centuries later, Rowan, heartbroken and yearning to escape, ignores the warnings and follows the hare to a new world.
She finds herself in the mysterious yet beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient rivalry between witch and faery lord, entwined in the fickle nature of the fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all her skills to survive.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 16, 2026
I love these weird little fairytales. I would read a million of these!!
October 22, 2026
I absolutely inhaled this book and read it completely in one sitting, as it is a wonderfully weird fairytale full of glamour and mystery. Dealing with the fae and witches constantly puts our female main character in jeopardy, making her such a badass protagonist to follow as she navigates the danger. There is plenty of threat and peril afoot throughout the story, but it is presented in such a whimsical manner that gives the book a completely unique feel. Alongside the magical stakes, I loved the thoughtful exploration of love and friendships woven into the narrative. Ultimately, the novel is a healing one in the best possible way, offering a beautiful emotional journey alongside its fantastical adventure.
November 10, 2026
The first book remains my favourite of the series but I enjoy reading these quirky little fairytales; they’re very easy to read, they’re charming, and they feel like a little escape from the world. I’m excited that there’s another book that will be coming out next year!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in preparation for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.
ROWAN is the latest dreamy modern faery tale from Bex Hogan.
This is very obviously a modern faery tale as the protagonist slips from our world in her dungarees and trainers into ours. It has a dreamier, more whimsical feel rather than a dark, edginess (unlike some other modern faery tales). The darkness in this tale is about the ways grief can twist us if we let it so it's a morose flavour of darkness that feels very human.
I liked that this is a book that begins with two heartbreaks - one from a best friend and one thanks to a boyfriend. I think we can often as a society overlook the heartbreaks from best friends, and just how potent they are. We have come to expect romantic relationships to have the potential to hurt but we don't expect that of best friends. In fact, the heartbreak that stays with Rowan longest, that she dwells on most, is her best friend's rejection. I appreciated the importance and devastation of that friendship ending being front and centre.
It's also not a tale about "reclaiming" that lost love. Rowan does not end up in a romantic relationship - with her ex or someone else. Instead, she heals without feeling the need to immediately seek romance, to be enough on her own. While some people do go straight for another romance, not everyone does and that is something we need to see more of in fiction. Plus the lord and the witch are a cautionary tale of how "reclamation" can stem from jealously and possessiveness and end very, very badly.
Like others in this world, this book draws on folklore. While it is not a retelling of any specific story, there are recognisable elements from many tales; there's a mysterious tower, there's a witch with a broken heart, a poisoned apple. It is its own story, but I liked how that faery tale aspect was so obvious in the book, feeling like a rediscovered tale that would fit in alongside the classics on shelves.
This is the third book in the Faery Realms world, and another standalone. Unlike OWL KING, which contained cameos from some characters in NETTLE, ROWAN doesn't have any cameos. There is a very oblique reference to the previous books, but it's very much a "blink and you'll miss it". It very much can stand on its own, so you can start with this book rather than going in order, should you so wish.
ROWAN is the latest dreamy modern faery tale from Bex Hogan.
This is very obviously a modern faery tale as the protagonist slips from our world in her dungarees and trainers into ours. It has a dreamier, more whimsical feel rather than a dark, edginess (unlike some other modern faery tales). The darkness in this tale is about the ways grief can twist us if we let it so it's a morose flavour of darkness that feels very human.
I liked that this is a book that begins with two heartbreaks - one from a best friend and one thanks to a boyfriend. I think we can often as a society overlook the heartbreaks from best friends, and just how potent they are. We have come to expect romantic relationships to have the potential to hurt but we don't expect that of best friends. In fact, the heartbreak that stays with Rowan longest, that she dwells on most, is her best friend's rejection. I appreciated the importance and devastation of that friendship ending being front and centre.
It's also not a tale about "reclaiming" that lost love. Rowan does not end up in a romantic relationship - with her ex or someone else. Instead, she heals without feeling the need to immediately seek romance, to be enough on her own. While some people do go straight for another romance, not everyone does and that is something we need to see more of in fiction. Plus the lord and the witch are a cautionary tale of how "reclamation" can stem from jealously and possessiveness and end very, very badly.
Like others in this world, this book draws on folklore. While it is not a retelling of any specific story, there are recognisable elements from many tales; there's a mysterious tower, there's a witch with a broken heart, a poisoned apple. It is its own story, but I liked how that faery tale aspect was so obvious in the book, feeling like a rediscovered tale that would fit in alongside the classics on shelves.
This is the third book in the Faery Realms world, and another standalone. Unlike OWL KING, which contained cameos from some characters in NETTLE, ROWAN doesn't have any cameos. There is a very oblique reference to the previous books, but it's very much a "blink and you'll miss it". It very much can stand on its own, so you can start with this book rather than going in order, should you so wish.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Zephyr for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Faery Realms series (although they are also standalone stories), starting with Nettle and then Owl King, and I've loved it.
The magic she has infused into this book, and the series as a whole, is delightful. She doesn't hide the fact that magic can be frightening and powerful and should be respected, but she's also given it that essence of what we think magic is like - magical.
It's not a long book and it's effortless to read so I finished it in one sitting.
I read it at a period of my time where I was not feeling well and my depression had reared its ugly head once more. And it can be hard to lose yourself in a book when this is the case, but there's so much love and hope and joy that comes from this story and these characters that it really did help perk me up a bit and made me want to run away to a mystical, magical realm (even if it wasn't quite what Rowan thought it was).
What I particularly liked about this one was Rowan's sense of wonder and imagination. I can't now remember how old she's meant to be but she's not a small child anymore, and the people around her believe she is old enough to no longer believe in magic and to get her head out of the clouds and stop being so childish. But Rowan isn't childish, but imaginative and creative, and honestly, the real world can be so terrible at times, why wouldn't you rather exist in a magical land for a while.
I really wanted to like these characters but I didn't. Rowan herself is great, I liked her. She was very human, whimsical, creative, trusting, and just seemed very lovely. But the two other main characters annoyed me. That is probably their indented characteristics, so I applaud their writing, but I kept trying to see from their sides to try and find some sort of redeeming qualities but then they'd do something or say something that would get my back up a bit.
It has, of course, got another stunning cover.
I wonder how many more instalments she will write because I really do enjoy them immensely.
This is the third book in the Faery Realms series (although they are also standalone stories), starting with Nettle and then Owl King, and I've loved it.
The magic she has infused into this book, and the series as a whole, is delightful. She doesn't hide the fact that magic can be frightening and powerful and should be respected, but she's also given it that essence of what we think magic is like - magical.
It's not a long book and it's effortless to read so I finished it in one sitting.
I read it at a period of my time where I was not feeling well and my depression had reared its ugly head once more. And it can be hard to lose yourself in a book when this is the case, but there's so much love and hope and joy that comes from this story and these characters that it really did help perk me up a bit and made me want to run away to a mystical, magical realm (even if it wasn't quite what Rowan thought it was).
What I particularly liked about this one was Rowan's sense of wonder and imagination. I can't now remember how old she's meant to be but she's not a small child anymore, and the people around her believe she is old enough to no longer believe in magic and to get her head out of the clouds and stop being so childish. But Rowan isn't childish, but imaginative and creative, and honestly, the real world can be so terrible at times, why wouldn't you rather exist in a magical land for a while.
I really wanted to like these characters but I didn't. Rowan herself is great, I liked her. She was very human, whimsical, creative, trusting, and just seemed very lovely. But the two other main characters annoyed me. That is probably their indented characteristics, so I applaud their writing, but I kept trying to see from their sides to try and find some sort of redeeming qualities but then they'd do something or say something that would get my back up a bit.
It has, of course, got another stunning cover.
I wonder how many more instalments she will write because I really do enjoy them immensely.
October 7, 2026
Bex Hogan is fantastic at writing atmospheric fairytales that feel timeless and authentic. The fae folk in her works are not to be trifled with and the worst of them dole out cruel and unusual punishments. Rowan is the third in the author's Faery Realm series but it's a stand-alone book set in the same universe rather than a one which follows on from Nettle and Owl King.
The Faery Realm books are written for a Young Adult audience and Rowan, while it will still appeal to a much broader age range, has an opening that I felt catered a little more to a teenage audience as the book opens with the titular character heartbroken at the loss of both her best friend, who has made cruel comments, and her boy friend who has split up with her. Many older readers will empathise with Rowan's pain but I think teenage readers, who may be experiencing such feelings for the first time, will especially relate to it.
The book follows Rowan into the world of faery where she falls under the spell of a witch whose glamours hide a horrifying reality. Caught up in an ancient feud between ex-lovers, Rowan must learn to have confidence in herself and to see the truth of things if she is to escape with her life.
I like that these books transport the reader to a whimsical, magical world that is tempered with the existence of faeries who disdain mortals and which is filled with ways for the humans who find themselves there to become trapped or worse. The cruel actions of the faeries make me hesitant to call this a cosy fantasy, but there is comfort to the fact that it is very clearly a fairytale fantasy which offers escape from reality and it is an easy, enjoyable read. I felt Rowan had a slightly darker tone than the first two books. The faeries are at their most gruesome and there is little in the way of support for Rowan, or even the relief of a non-antagonistic character, until late in the story. It's something to be potentially be aware of for younger readers but I know there are plenty for whom the more macabre aspects of the story will be a draw.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing/Zephyr for the eARC.
The Faery Realm books are written for a Young Adult audience and Rowan, while it will still appeal to a much broader age range, has an opening that I felt catered a little more to a teenage audience as the book opens with the titular character heartbroken at the loss of both her best friend, who has made cruel comments, and her boy friend who has split up with her. Many older readers will empathise with Rowan's pain but I think teenage readers, who may be experiencing such feelings for the first time, will especially relate to it.
The book follows Rowan into the world of faery where she falls under the spell of a witch whose glamours hide a horrifying reality. Caught up in an ancient feud between ex-lovers, Rowan must learn to have confidence in herself and to see the truth of things if she is to escape with her life.
I like that these books transport the reader to a whimsical, magical world that is tempered with the existence of faeries who disdain mortals and which is filled with ways for the humans who find themselves there to become trapped or worse. The cruel actions of the faeries make me hesitant to call this a cosy fantasy, but there is comfort to the fact that it is very clearly a fairytale fantasy which offers escape from reality and it is an easy, enjoyable read. I felt Rowan had a slightly darker tone than the first two books. The faeries are at their most gruesome and there is little in the way of support for Rowan, or even the relief of a non-antagonistic character, until late in the story. It's something to be potentially be aware of for younger readers but I know there are plenty for whom the more macabre aspects of the story will be a draw.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing/Zephyr for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The third entry of the Faery Realms series. An interconnected but stand alone series of dark fairy tales and unsettling stories.
There was a little Easter Egg reference to one of the previous books but otherwise this completely stands on its own, in a different area of faery.
This is another deeply dark, creepy tale of a mortal caught between warring fae. Rowan is nursing heartbreak and looking to escape from her life. When the family legend comes to life, she grabs it as a means of escape and is flung into faery.
Rowan falls under their spells and is very much the mouse between two cats.
It was wonderful to follow this dream of a tale, to see faery through her enchanted eyes as glamour's are thrown on her and the world constantly changes. Its a dizzying shift from perfect to horror as the scales fall from her eyes.
This is not a nice fairy tale. Almost everything in this world is out to get you and the unsettling atmosphere is ever present. The collections are horrible and wonderful in equal measure.
The ending is darker than the previous ones and horrific if a young person is reading it. It's still a fantastic book, it is creepy and delicious.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
There was a little Easter Egg reference to one of the previous books but otherwise this completely stands on its own, in a different area of faery.
This is another deeply dark, creepy tale of a mortal caught between warring fae. Rowan is nursing heartbreak and looking to escape from her life. When the family legend comes to life, she grabs it as a means of escape and is flung into faery.
Rowan falls under their spells and is very much the mouse between two cats.
It was wonderful to follow this dream of a tale, to see faery through her enchanted eyes as glamour's are thrown on her and the world constantly changes. Its a dizzying shift from perfect to horror as the scales fall from her eyes.
This is not a nice fairy tale. Almost everything in this world is out to get you and the unsettling atmosphere is ever present. The collections are horrible and wonderful in equal measure.
The ending is darker than the previous ones and horrific if a young person is reading it. It's still a fantastic book, it is creepy and delicious.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many years ago, Rowan's ancestor followed a white hare and disappeared without trace. Since then, her descendants have warned the women of the family against the magic of the cunning, shape-shifting hare – known often to be witches in disguise. Centuries later, Rowan, heartbroken and yearning to escape, ignores the warnings and follows the hare to a new world.
She finds herself in the mysterious yet beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient rivalry between witch and faery lord, entwined in the fickle nature of the fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all her skills to survive.
A charming, easy-to-read fairytale. At times it seemed a little childish but the themes of redemption, bravery and selflessness were beautifully portrayed.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing plc for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
She finds herself in the mysterious yet beautiful realm of the Shadow Mountains, underneath the green light of a single bright star. Entranced by its beauty, she is lured deeper into the embrace of the faery realm. But the hare is revealed as a witch and all its promises of happiness and healing turn to dust as Rowan finds herself a pawn in an ancient rivalry between witch and faery lord, entwined in the fickle nature of the fae. As the danger beneath the glamour around her grows, Rowan will need all her skills to survive.
A charming, easy-to-read fairytale. At times it seemed a little childish but the themes of redemption, bravery and selflessness were beautifully portrayed.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing plc for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2026
Please don’t be too put off by my rating, this book is not really bad but unfortunately it just didn’t work at all for me. I do regret to say that I was immensely bored.
The plot moved sooo fast there was hardly any time or space to process the actually quite traumatic events or revelations that the main character, Rowan, had to face. Everything was barely dealt with, just shoved under the rug to finish up the story, which was a shame! Perhaps if the book had been longer, and the different parts of the story more fleshed out, I would’ve liked it more.
The characters were equally sadly boring. I did really like Alba and Rowan, but as the book continued, it was kind of hard to really distinguish all the characters from each other because they spoke very similarly.
Perhaps I just loved the first book in this series, Nettle, too much; even the Owl King was a minor let down compared to Nettle, and Rowan even more so. This might be the end for me in the Faery Realms, which is really sad because I really want to love it!! The magic, the fairies, the folklore and fairytale retellings all speak to me so much, but it all fell a little flat in this book.
The plot moved sooo fast there was hardly any time or space to process the actually quite traumatic events or revelations that the main character, Rowan, had to face. Everything was barely dealt with, just shoved under the rug to finish up the story, which was a shame! Perhaps if the book had been longer, and the different parts of the story more fleshed out, I would’ve liked it more.
The characters were equally sadly boring. I did really like Alba and Rowan, but as the book continued, it was kind of hard to really distinguish all the characters from each other because they spoke very similarly.
Perhaps I just loved the first book in this series, Nettle, too much; even the Owl King was a minor let down compared to Nettle, and Rowan even more so. This might be the end for me in the Faery Realms, which is really sad because I really want to love it!! The magic, the fairies, the folklore and fairytale retellings all speak to me so much, but it all fell a little flat in this book.
October 14, 2026
Another fantastic faerie tale from Bex that I got swept up in! Rowan is a brilliant tale filled with magic, mystery and twists and trickery.
I was hooked right from the moment the white hare was mentioned and I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't be tempted to follow it too. Especially with the state of this planet atm 🙄
Alba was an interesting character and reminded me alot of Madam Mim/Mother Gothel for some reason which amused me throughout the story.
Miral was also an intriguing presence and could be quite charming when he wanted. I must have Disney on the brain lately as I saw him as a young Frollo.
I had such a great time reading this and loved the setting of this story. If you're in the mood for a magical and mysterious read that will keep you on your toes then grab this book now!
This is the third installment in the Nettle series but can also be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early finished copy for review.
I was hooked right from the moment the white hare was mentioned and I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't be tempted to follow it too. Especially with the state of this planet atm 🙄
Alba was an interesting character and reminded me alot of Madam Mim/Mother Gothel for some reason which amused me throughout the story.
Miral was also an intriguing presence and could be quite charming when he wanted. I must have Disney on the brain lately as I saw him as a young Frollo.
I had such a great time reading this and loved the setting of this story. If you're in the mood for a magical and mysterious read that will keep you on your toes then grab this book now!
This is the third installment in the Nettle series but can also be read as a standalone.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early finished copy for review.
July 22, 2026
Another atmospheric fairy tale from Bex. As with her other books, this is the darker side of fairy tales.
A heartbroken young girl (Rowan) follows a hare into the faery realms. The hare transforms into a woman and asks Rowan to stay. At first, everything seems perfect, but little hints of something not quite right start to appear. Bex skilfully builds up a sense of unease before Rowan is sent on a quest to retrieve something. On meeting the faery lord, an alternative story is presented and again that sense of something wrong is present. This builds a sense of uncertainty, leaving the reader wondering who to trust. Who is good, or bad? Unfortunately, the next section loses that tension and is a bit slow before building up again to a satisfying, if a bit macabre, ending.
A heartbroken young girl (Rowan) follows a hare into the faery realms. The hare transforms into a woman and asks Rowan to stay. At first, everything seems perfect, but little hints of something not quite right start to appear. Bex skilfully builds up a sense of unease before Rowan is sent on a quest to retrieve something. On meeting the faery lord, an alternative story is presented and again that sense of something wrong is present. This builds a sense of uncertainty, leaving the reader wondering who to trust. Who is good, or bad? Unfortunately, the next section loses that tension and is a bit slow before building up again to a satisfying, if a bit macabre, ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another lovely entry in the Faery Realms series. It has that quality all three books share: the feel of a proper old folktale, but told with a freshness that makes it fly by.
The suspense is well-handled and there's a great twist. Hogan has a real knack for keeping you just uncertain enough about where things are heading.
It's not my favourite of the three, the other books edged it out for me personally, but that's a high bar. On its own terms this is a fun, atmospheric quick read that fans of the series will enjoy. If you like modern folktales with a dark streak, Bex Hogan is doing awesome work in that space right now.
The suspense is well-handled and there's a great twist. Hogan has a real knack for keeping you just uncertain enough about where things are heading.
It's not my favourite of the three, the other books edged it out for me personally, but that's a high bar. On its own terms this is a fun, atmospheric quick read that fans of the series will enjoy. If you like modern folktales with a dark streak, Bex Hogan is doing awesome work in that space right now.
October 11, 2026
It’s my favourite of Bex Hogan’s fairy realm series so far. I really enjoyed it especially because normally I hate it when books don’t have any romance. It often feels like it’s missing something and I love love. Though it didn’t bother me this time because it was about Rowan learning to love herself instead. I liked that she wasn’t an action hero and her superpower was being who she was. It also helped that Alba and Miral’s so called relationship was as toxic as they were. The only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 was because the animal cruelty was a bit much.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is a charming, fairytale‑feeling YA fantasy that captures the same soft magic and whimsical atmosphere found in the author’s earlier work. It’s enjoyable, well written, and leans into a slower, more gentle pace that gives the characters and world room to breathe. Even with that shift in tempo, it keeps its heart, warmth and sense of wonder, making it an ideal pick for younger YA readers or anyone who loves a cosy, magical escape.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rowan is a beautifully atmospheric fantasy, steeped in folklore and the dangerous allure of the fae. I loved the mysterious Shadow Mountains and the unsettling idea of following a white hare into another realm. Rowan is a sympathetic heroine, and her grief gives the story real emotional depth.
The pacing felt a little uneven in places, but the enchanting setting, darker twists and sense of danger kept me invested. A captivating and magical addition to the Faery Realms series.
The pacing felt a little uneven in places, but the enchanting setting, darker twists and sense of danger kept me invested. A captivating and magical addition to the Faery Realms series.
October 14, 2026
I love this series so much, and cannot recommend it enough to everyone who loves fairytales.
October 30, 2026
This didn’t work for me, but I see it’s the 3rd in a series. That would explain a lot! 🤓
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is book three in the Fairy Realms series, its is an interconnected standalone. I loved this one, it felt almost like a grimm fairytale story. Its magical and as always Hogan's writing is beautiful. I got sucked into the world and didn't want to leave. Its very atmospheric and makes you wonder how you would deal with this Fae situation. A lovely addition to the series.
I was given a copy from Netgalley, But all opinions, are my own.
I was given a copy from Netgalley, But all opinions, are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Rowan is a truly beautiful, gripping and magical read that I very quickly fell in love with. Not only is it a little on the darker side but it's also incredibly thought-provoking and whimsical.
Rowan is a fantastic character who you cannot help but root for. She's imaginative and incredibly trusting of those in her life. She's going through her own grief and heartbreak and when the opportunity to escape appears she runs at it full force. I loved the discussion of friendships causing as much heartbreak as romantic ones in this one. Bex Hogan does a phenomenal job at showing how much of an impact of a broken friendship can have on you, which is so important and relatable.
Honestly I could go on and on about how much I loved this addition to the Faery Realms series that Bex has created. Bex's writing is captivating and just truly beautiful. I've been a huge fan of Bex's for years now and have yet to read anything from them that I didn't absolutely adore. Bex is also such a wonderful and caring human being so I absolutely recommend picking up their books! I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next!
Rowan is a fantastic character who you cannot help but root for. She's imaginative and incredibly trusting of those in her life. She's going through her own grief and heartbreak and when the opportunity to escape appears she runs at it full force. I loved the discussion of friendships causing as much heartbreak as romantic ones in this one. Bex Hogan does a phenomenal job at showing how much of an impact of a broken friendship can have on you, which is so important and relatable.
Honestly I could go on and on about how much I loved this addition to the Faery Realms series that Bex has created. Bex's writing is captivating and just truly beautiful. I've been a huge fan of Bex's for years now and have yet to read anything from them that I didn't absolutely adore. Bex is also such a wonderful and caring human being so I absolutely recommend picking up their books! I cannot wait to read whatever she writes next!
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