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Liar in the Hollow Court
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26 A standalone enemies-to-lovers fae fantasy—except she’s the only one who thinks they’re enemies. With the high-stakes intrigue of The Cruel Prince, the cozy found-family banter of FRIENDS, and the no-spice romantic tension of Pride and Prejudice.
Brynn never believed in fairytales—until one stole her mother.
Everyone says she ran off, but Brynn saw the truth. Her mother was taken by something not quite human.
When her father and sisters vanish next, dragged into the winter woods by the same strange creatures, Brynn follows and falls head over heels into the Hollow Court: an underground fae kingdom rife with dangerous bargains.
In a realm where fae can’t lie, Brynn’s human ability to do just that becomes her greatest weapon. It gives her leverage when dealing with Soren—a handsome, unreadable fae who offers help in exchange for the power of her words. But there’s always a cost. The more she bargains, the more tangled everything becomes.
When a mysterious fae prince provides Brynn with a shortcut to the truth, she must decide who to trust as the veil between worlds begins to close.
Perfect for fantasy readers who love:
- no-spice romantic tension
- fae bargains
- found family
- a cursed prince
- cozy fantasy worlds but with faster pacing and higher stakes
- a grumpy Mr. Darcy who lost his wings
- a shy Elizabeth Bennett whose family was taken by the fae
Brynn never believed in fairytales—until one stole her mother.
Everyone says she ran off, but Brynn saw the truth. Her mother was taken by something not quite human.
When her father and sisters vanish next, dragged into the winter woods by the same strange creatures, Brynn follows and falls head over heels into the Hollow Court: an underground fae kingdom rife with dangerous bargains.
In a realm where fae can’t lie, Brynn’s human ability to do just that becomes her greatest weapon. It gives her leverage when dealing with Soren—a handsome, unreadable fae who offers help in exchange for the power of her words. But there’s always a cost. The more she bargains, the more tangled everything becomes.
When a mysterious fae prince provides Brynn with a shortcut to the truth, she must decide who to trust as the veil between worlds begins to close.
Perfect for fantasy readers who love:
- no-spice romantic tension
- fae bargains
- found family
- a cursed prince
- cozy fantasy worlds but with faster pacing and higher stakes
- a grumpy Mr. Darcy who lost his wings
- a shy Elizabeth Bennett whose family was taken by the fae
326 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 1, 2026
About the author
Bethany Atazadeh
22 books1,142 followersOnce upon a time, Bethany Atazadeh escaped into writing YA fantasy—and never came back. Now she’s the award-winning author of The Stolen Kingdom Series, a wife, mom of two, and professional chocolate taster (unofficial title), who shares her writing adventures and helpful tips she’s learned about publishing on YouTube. To find out when her next book arrives, sign up at bethanyatazadeh.com.
CONNECT WITH BETHANY ON:
Website: www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
Instagram: @authorbethanyatazadeh
YouTube: www.youtube.com/bethanyatazadeh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B077FRKJGW
CONNECT WITH BETHANY ON:
Website: www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Patreon: www.patreon.com/bethanyatazadeh
Instagram: @authorbethanyatazadeh
YouTube: www.youtube.com/bethanyatazadeh
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Profile: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B077FRKJGW
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 21, 2026
I absolutely loved Liar at the Hollow Court by Bethany Atazadeh. From the very first page, I was completely hooked—I genuinely couldn’t put it down. The story pulls you in with its tension, intrigue, and emotional depth, and it only gets better with every chapter.
The characters felt vivid and real, and I found myself deeply invested in their journeys.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It’s one of those stories that stays with you even after you’ve finished the last page.
The characters felt vivid and real, and I found myself deeply invested in their journeys.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It’s one of those stories that stays with you even after you’ve finished the last page.
Currently Reading
May 26, 2026I don’t think I can accurately describe how much I adored this book!! Ever since the author began marketing for her Kickstarter, I knew that I had to get my hands on a special edition copy!! And boy am I glad that I trusted my instincts!!!
Atazadeh delivers a fun story full of lovable characters, immaculate cozy vibes, a perfect amount of love and yearning, and a book that made me laugh out loud multiple times! I’m already planning on rereading this as soon as my physical Kickstarter copy comes!!
Every single page of this book absolutely DELIVERS!!! Brynn and Soren were seriously the cutest ever! And I am hoping that the whole friend groups keeps showing up in the next books because I loved them so much!!!
I can’t wait to reread this book and enjoy this masterpiece again!!
Atazadeh delivers a fun story full of lovable characters, immaculate cozy vibes, a perfect amount of love and yearning, and a book that made me laugh out loud multiple times! I’m already planning on rereading this as soon as my physical Kickstarter copy comes!!
Every single page of this book absolutely DELIVERS!!! Brynn and Soren were seriously the cutest ever! And I am hoping that the whole friend groups keeps showing up in the next books because I loved them so much!!!
I can’t wait to reread this book and enjoy this masterpiece again!!
April 6, 2026
⭐️4.5—this book was like a vacation you were anticipating so bad, and then it ends and you want more. cannot wait for the next one. had so much fun!
May 10, 2026
I have some feelings on this one. Part of me wants to give it 1 star and the other part 5 stars. Most of the irritation is related to the marketing. So the good first: I loved the story, the writing, the characters, and oh my goodness the swoon! It was a really well done book that I loved right up to the ending.
Why didn't I like the ending? I found this book on KickStarter and it was clearly labeled as a STANDALONE. There was no hint that it was book one of interconnected “standalones” or should have any sort of unresolved or hook for continuation ending. It was such a disappointment. The main conflict was resolved, but not wrapped up. The romance started, and could I guess?, be considered done enough. Then the epilogue was just a hook for book two. There should not be marketing for a second book in a standalone. This is not what was marketed.
That being said… will I read the next book? Yeah, probably. The writing is amazing and I LOVED the characters. But endings seem to be a weak point for this author in general.
Why didn't I like the ending? I found this book on KickStarter and it was clearly labeled as a STANDALONE. There was no hint that it was book one of interconnected “standalones” or should have any sort of unresolved or hook for continuation ending. It was such a disappointment. The main conflict was resolved, but not wrapped up. The romance started, and could I guess?, be considered done enough. Then the epilogue was just a hook for book two. There should not be marketing for a second book in a standalone. This is not what was marketed.
That being said… will I read the next book? Yeah, probably. The writing is amazing and I LOVED the characters. But endings seem to be a weak point for this author in general.
April 20, 2026
I’m soooo glad I supported this book on Kickstarter!
This is such a refreshing book in the fae romantasy genre. I didn’t realize it until reading this book, but the fae romantasy genre has gotten SOOO trope-y lately that I forgot how books used to pull inspiration from myths and legends and that I had missed that and none of them do anymore (that I know of, anyway), but in this book, the fae as a race were so creatively build by Bethany, and I loved seeing some of the original lore being added into them which, like I said, you don’t typically see anymore. The romance isn’t spicy but more than that, it’s clear what both characters see in each other and why they fall in love, which is a question I always like to ask that most often doesn’t really get answered in a lot of typical romantasy books because it’s about spice, but this one really worked well with their character arcs. It was very cozy and relaxing but still had enough stakes to keep me interested. I loved the lies and the court aspects to this and the friends. It made it such an enjoyable read, and I also really loved the main female character because I related to her a lot and she was so much more relatable compared to most female leads that know everything and do everything perfectly. I loved the main male character, that he gave off “rhysand” vibes but without the spice and a lot more of a good guy, if that makes sense. I don’t normally read ya fantasy or cozy fantasy but this book blew me away.
5 stars!
This is such a refreshing book in the fae romantasy genre. I didn’t realize it until reading this book, but the fae romantasy genre has gotten SOOO trope-y lately that I forgot how books used to pull inspiration from myths and legends and that I had missed that and none of them do anymore (that I know of, anyway), but in this book, the fae as a race were so creatively build by Bethany, and I loved seeing some of the original lore being added into them which, like I said, you don’t typically see anymore. The romance isn’t spicy but more than that, it’s clear what both characters see in each other and why they fall in love, which is a question I always like to ask that most often doesn’t really get answered in a lot of typical romantasy books because it’s about spice, but this one really worked well with their character arcs. It was very cozy and relaxing but still had enough stakes to keep me interested. I loved the lies and the court aspects to this and the friends. It made it such an enjoyable read, and I also really loved the main female character because I related to her a lot and she was so much more relatable compared to most female leads that know everything and do everything perfectly. I loved the main male character, that he gave off “rhysand” vibes but without the spice and a lot more of a good guy, if that makes sense. I don’t normally read ya fantasy or cozy fantasy but this book blew me away.
5 stars!
May 25, 2026
Thank you Bethany Atazadeh and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
I’m not going to lie, the beginning of this story was tough, but I’ve thought that about many of my favorite books, so I didn’t give up there. I expected the main character to go into the fae world a bit sooner and didn’t really understand why that was delayed, but maybe that’s just me! After the halfway mark though, I was invested. (And after the fae wine scene, it got so good! 😍)
Although the fmc, Brynn, got on my nerves at times—especially with her “you’re so evil” mentality toward the mmc, Soren, for literally no reason—she usually redeemed herself.
"My struggle to trust him didn't make logical sense—I knew that. After all, he hadn't done anything to me personally."
~exactly! there's no reason for her to hate him 😭
I kinda wish that the book wasn't written in first person because although it's very common in this genre, the main character did a lot of telling rather than showing—which distracted me from the plot—and her voice bogged down parts of the story.
Like this:
“the atmosphere was relaxed. It was more cozy than anything.”
Saying the atmosphere was cozy didn’t make it cozy, if that makes sense.
But can I just say, after reading Liar in the Hollow Court’s ending (both of them!) I’ll continue this series. I seriously need the author to finish the sequel in the next year or I’ll die from anticipation!
Note: I’m very intrigued what counts as ‘lying’ for the fae. I really wish this book would’ve gone deeper than just saying ‘they used fae misdirection’ …whatever that is! Like, if it’s Tuesday and someone asks a fae, “Is it Tuesday?” Could they mishear the question and say, “No.” or just lie and trick their minds to think the question was something different? Or can they ‘lie’ about things that they’re not sure the true answer to? Idk if that makes any sense, but I have other questions too that the world building didn’t quite satisfy lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
‼️Release Date: June 1, 2026‼️
(Go grab a copy if you want to enjoy a fun, relaxing, clean read this summer!) 📖
I’m not going to lie, the beginning of this story was tough, but I’ve thought that about many of my favorite books, so I didn’t give up there. I expected the main character to go into the fae world a bit sooner and didn’t really understand why that was delayed, but maybe that’s just me! After the halfway mark though, I was invested. (And after the fae wine scene, it got so good! 😍)
Although the fmc, Brynn, got on my nerves at times—especially with her “you’re so evil” mentality toward the mmc, Soren, for literally no reason—she usually redeemed herself.
"My struggle to trust him didn't make logical sense—I knew that. After all, he hadn't done anything to me personally."
~exactly! there's no reason for her to hate him 😭
I kinda wish that the book wasn't written in first person because although it's very common in this genre, the main character did a lot of telling rather than showing—which distracted me from the plot—and her voice bogged down parts of the story.
Like this:
“the atmosphere was relaxed. It was more cozy than anything.”
Saying the atmosphere was cozy didn’t make it cozy, if that makes sense.
But can I just say, after reading Liar in the Hollow Court’s ending (both of them!) I’ll continue this series. I seriously need the author to finish the sequel in the next year or I’ll die from anticipation!
Note: I’m very intrigued what counts as ‘lying’ for the fae. I really wish this book would’ve gone deeper than just saying ‘they used fae misdirection’ …whatever that is! Like, if it’s Tuesday and someone asks a fae, “Is it Tuesday?” Could they mishear the question and say, “No.” or just lie and trick their minds to think the question was something different? Or can they ‘lie’ about things that they’re not sure the true answer to? Idk if that makes any sense, but I have other questions too that the world building didn’t quite satisfy lol.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
‼️Release Date: June 1, 2026‼️
(Go grab a copy if you want to enjoy a fun, relaxing, clean read this summer!) 📖
April 20, 2026
Ok where do I start but to say this book was AMAZING! First book of Bethany’s I’ve got round to reading and now I’m so excited to read the rest on my tbr! I was one of the kickstarter backers so that’s how I got an early copy and she is someone I really admire and I keep up on her YouTube videos - but her writing really is incredible!
The story which is perfectly defined as pride and prejudice meets the friendship group of friends the tv show reminded me of the vibes of the cruel prince but in a much easier way to understand. Brynns family is taken by the fae and she follows them into the fae world to save them making some friends along the way: Soren (the love interest), Peregrin (chef extraordinaire), Julian (dude who seems like he flirts with everyone but is really just down to earth), Gwen (badass knife wielding Queen) and Lore (fashion icon and ethereal goddess).
I’d recommend this to someone who doesn’t know any thing about fae novels as Bethany explains everything in a really easy way as well as adding her own unique take on it. As the main character doesn’t know anything about the fae, we learn things with her and are along for the ride. It makes you feel really immersed and I feel like that’s the sign of a good storyteller.
The romance !!! So wholesome, I love how Soren and Brynn accept each other for who they are and the tension throughout the book between them had me giggling and kicking my feet 🤭
Every character I felt was fleshed out and was so vivid on the page - I’m exited to see where she takes the rest of the novels in this series (begging for more Peregrin and Lore content they’re my fave duo 🤞)
So excited for my physical copy to come in the post, probably one of my faves I’ve read this year 💕
Ok appreciation rant over I’m off to read her entire backlist now 🙂↕️🤏
The story which is perfectly defined as pride and prejudice meets the friendship group of friends the tv show reminded me of the vibes of the cruel prince but in a much easier way to understand. Brynns family is taken by the fae and she follows them into the fae world to save them making some friends along the way: Soren (the love interest), Peregrin (chef extraordinaire), Julian (dude who seems like he flirts with everyone but is really just down to earth), Gwen (badass knife wielding Queen) and Lore (fashion icon and ethereal goddess).
I’d recommend this to someone who doesn’t know any thing about fae novels as Bethany explains everything in a really easy way as well as adding her own unique take on it. As the main character doesn’t know anything about the fae, we learn things with her and are along for the ride. It makes you feel really immersed and I feel like that’s the sign of a good storyteller.
The romance !!! So wholesome, I love how Soren and Brynn accept each other for who they are and the tension throughout the book between them had me giggling and kicking my feet 🤭
Every character I felt was fleshed out and was so vivid on the page - I’m exited to see where she takes the rest of the novels in this series (begging for more Peregrin and Lore content they’re my fave duo 🤞)
So excited for my physical copy to come in the post, probably one of my faves I’ve read this year 💕
Ok appreciation rant over I’m off to read her entire backlist now 🙂↕️🤏
May 11, 2026
Cozy YA fantasy with fae, court politics, intrigue and a bit of sweet romance. The book got better towards the end and now I'm a little bummed that this was a stand-alone.
But maybe a sequel in the same world offers a glimpses into Brynn's life which became more and more interesting and into the lives of all her new friends. I can recommend this book to YA fae romance fans.
Thanks to Grace House Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!
But maybe a sequel in the same world offers a glimpses into Brynn's life which became more and more interesting and into the lives of all her new friends. I can recommend this book to YA fae romance fans.
Thanks to Grace House Press and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!
April 14, 2026
My, oh my! I am so, so endeared to this book. You have no idea. I’ve been following the writing and Kickstarter process for a while now and it was very much one of those things where you just have a good feeling (I mean, who doesn’t want a Butter Book? IYKYK). I am thrilled that I trusted my instincts because… Liar in the Hollow Court made me so happy!!
The overall cozy feel of the burrows mixed with a tiny spot of danger and impending doom hit the spot. Also, there is something nostalgic about a character from the very modern human world falling into the fae realm. All of the lying and word vomit (I’m calling this the Falsehood Factor) was fabulous! Honestly, this story could have been a thousand more pages and I would have eaten it up.
The romance was sweet and I loved catching glimpses of Pride and Prejudice here and there. Brynn and Soren are so cute! I love how they come out of their shells when they are together. There is sass, spunk, and touching moments. LOVE IT!!!
That ending though!!! I cannot wait for more!
No-Spice Rating: 1 (light kissing)
Language: Clean (unless you consider “crap”)
Faith-Elements: None
The overall cozy feel of the burrows mixed with a tiny spot of danger and impending doom hit the spot. Also, there is something nostalgic about a character from the very modern human world falling into the fae realm. All of the lying and word vomit (I’m calling this the Falsehood Factor) was fabulous! Honestly, this story could have been a thousand more pages and I would have eaten it up.
The romance was sweet and I loved catching glimpses of Pride and Prejudice here and there. Brynn and Soren are so cute! I love how they come out of their shells when they are together. There is sass, spunk, and touching moments. LOVE IT!!!
That ending though!!! I cannot wait for more!
No-Spice Rating: 1 (light kissing)
Language: Clean (unless you consider “crap”)
Faith-Elements: None
May 27, 2026
Imagine coming home in time to see your mom getting kidnapped by the fae and you cannot tell anybody and people think you’ve gone mad when you try to tell them what happened 😩😩 that’s what happens to our FMC in this book. Then not only is her mom kidnapped, but her entire family is as well leaving her behind which isn’t unusual for her because she’s always left behind 😅😅 Brynne is super relatable for that.
I read this book with a quickness this was incredibly hard to put down! I adored every character especially the fae beings! There is also unseelie and seelie courts in this book which I always adore in a fantasy. The MMC also has this Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle vibe about him.
If you are looking for a fantasy book to read with lies and deception, hidden identities and a young girl trying her hardest to get her family back, kind of like in David Bowies Laybrinth when Sarah tries to get her brother back, you’re going to enjoy Liar in the Hollow Court!
I read this book with a quickness this was incredibly hard to put down! I adored every character especially the fae beings! There is also unseelie and seelie courts in this book which I always adore in a fantasy. The MMC also has this Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle vibe about him.
If you are looking for a fantasy book to read with lies and deception, hidden identities and a young girl trying her hardest to get her family back, kind of like in David Bowies Laybrinth when Sarah tries to get her brother back, you’re going to enjoy Liar in the Hollow Court!
May 13, 2026
Okay so I loved this book!!!!
..but a part of me is wondering if I should call my mom (an immigrant)… and ask if she’s been hiding anything from me my entire life… 🤣🤣🤣
But seriously this book was enchanting from the first chapter. I was hooked. I read this book in one day, and fell in love with Soren!!!
We’ve got the Fae aspect here, complete with fancy Fae wine and fancy Fae parties. We’ve got enemies to lovers but really it’s kind of one sided. Found family (we love to see it). Romance, one bed, no spice.
This was my first book by this author and I know I’ll be jumping into her backlog for sure.
Thanks for NetGalley, Grace House Press and the author for this advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.
..but a part of me is wondering if I should call my mom (an immigrant)… and ask if she’s been hiding anything from me my entire life… 🤣🤣🤣
But seriously this book was enchanting from the first chapter. I was hooked. I read this book in one day, and fell in love with Soren!!!
We’ve got the Fae aspect here, complete with fancy Fae wine and fancy Fae parties. We’ve got enemies to lovers but really it’s kind of one sided. Found family (we love to see it). Romance, one bed, no spice.
This was my first book by this author and I know I’ll be jumping into her backlog for sure.
Thanks for NetGalley, Grace House Press and the author for this advanced copy! All thoughts are my own.
May 16, 2026
★★★★☆
Liar in the Hollow Court was such an enjoyable surprise for me. I’m not usually a cozy fantasy reader - I tend to lean more towards darker, heavier fantasy books - but this felt incredibly refreshing. The fae world was engaging without being overwhelming, and the lighter atmosphere made it such an easy, comforting read.
The writing was spot on throughout, flowing beautifully and making it hard to put down. I especially loved the characters and the way they developed over the course of the story; they felt genuine, layered, and easy to become attached to. The relationships and emotional growth really stood out to me.
Overall, an excellent read and a perfect palate cleanser if you usually read darker fantasy but want something magical with warmth and charm.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the advanced reader copy in return of an honest review.
Liar in the Hollow Court was such an enjoyable surprise for me. I’m not usually a cozy fantasy reader - I tend to lean more towards darker, heavier fantasy books - but this felt incredibly refreshing. The fae world was engaging without being overwhelming, and the lighter atmosphere made it such an easy, comforting read.
The writing was spot on throughout, flowing beautifully and making it hard to put down. I especially loved the characters and the way they developed over the course of the story; they felt genuine, layered, and easy to become attached to. The relationships and emotional growth really stood out to me.
Overall, an excellent read and a perfect palate cleanser if you usually read darker fantasy but want something magical with warmth and charm.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the advanced reader copy in return of an honest review.
May 13, 2026
Netgalley ARC.
I like the concept of the story, honestly the atmosphere alone is pulling me in. The whole hollow/fae court setting feels magical, eerie, and cozy at the same time like wandering through an enchanted forest where something is definitely watching you. The writing has that fairytale like vibe without feeling too heavy, and the mystery keeps me wanting to read “just one more chapter.” I’m especially enjoying the tension between the characters and the secrets slowly unfolding in the story.
I like the concept of the story, honestly the atmosphere alone is pulling me in. The whole hollow/fae court setting feels magical, eerie, and cozy at the same time like wandering through an enchanted forest where something is definitely watching you. The writing has that fairytale like vibe without feeling too heavy, and the mystery keeps me wanting to read “just one more chapter.” I’m especially enjoying the tension between the characters and the secrets slowly unfolding in the story.
May 17, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the free arc in exchange for my honest review! Honestly the cover, title, and synopsis is what drew me in when I first saw it. I ended up really enjoying it!! It was more cozy than I thought it would be. It says it’s a stand alone and I guess it is if you don’t read the epilogue lol but THAT ends on a cliff hanger! Also there was a moment at the end where it said someone was hiding something so to me the story isn’t standalone if it’s not completely done and all secrets revealed lol🖤
May 20, 2026
Such a charming, cozy fantasy filled with fae court politics, lovable characters, sweet romance, and found family moments. I really enjoyed the magical atmosphere and mischievous fae antics woven throughout the story.
The pacing felt a little slow for my taste at times, but I still found it easy to binge and enjoyed the emotional stakes woven into the story.
Overall, a fun and comforting no-spice romantasy that’s definitely worth picking up if you love cozy fantasy vibes.
Thank you Bethany Atazadeh and Grace House Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The pacing felt a little slow for my taste at times, but I still found it easy to binge and enjoyed the emotional stakes woven into the story.
Overall, a fun and comforting no-spice romantasy that’s definitely worth picking up if you love cozy fantasy vibes.
Thank you Bethany Atazadeh and Grace House Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 28, 2026I really loved reading this book!
It has secrets and mystery which I loved trying to figure out while I read it.
This book exceeded my expectations, I had a feeling I’d really like this book and I loved it, I liked the characters and their uniqueness even when she thinks that MMC is her enemy I thought the characters and their personalities just fit together so well in this book.
It’s a fast paced read but it also had higher stakes which I really liked and enjoyed, and the coziness of the new world our fmc finds herself in was so fun.
Highly recommend checking out this read!
It has secrets and mystery which I loved trying to figure out while I read it.
This book exceeded my expectations, I had a feeling I’d really like this book and I loved it, I liked the characters and their uniqueness even when she thinks that MMC is her enemy I thought the characters and their personalities just fit together so well in this book.
It’s a fast paced read but it also had higher stakes which I really liked and enjoyed, and the coziness of the new world our fmc finds herself in was so fun.
Highly recommend checking out this read!
April 24, 2026
I can't find the words to explain how much I loved this book! I don't usually read fantasy books, but since I saw Bethany's videos back on 2023 where she first started plotting this book, I was eager to read it. I got an early online copy from being one of the Kickstarter backers. It hooks you from the first page, it is cozy yet high stakes, definitely Pride and prejudice vibes (Brynn and Soren are so cute), and makes you want to be friends with the main friend group! I loved the world building, and the "word-vomit" spell and Toddy Wobbles were genius!
I will definitely reread when my physical copy arrives, and probably will reread the book once I finish typing this review.
Can't wait for book two!
Congrats Bethany for bringing this wonderful story to life!
I will definitely reread when my physical copy arrives, and probably will reread the book once I finish typing this review.
Can't wait for book two!
Congrats Bethany for bringing this wonderful story to life!
May 6, 2026
Where to even start….if you like pride and prejudice and/or the cruel prince…READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
It was amazing!!! 🤩 I love it so much!! All of the characters were amazing and I fell in love with all of them ♥️ can’t wait for book 2
It was amazing!!! 🤩 I love it so much!! All of the characters were amazing and I fell in love with all of them ♥️ can’t wait for book 2
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed reading about Soren and Brynn!
May 16, 2026
I received my copy Liar in the Hallow Court via NetGalley and I wasn’t expecting such a nice YA 4-star read! I definitely wanted the story to continue by the end! I was very invested and couldn’t put this one down!
April 22, 2026
Review to come, but this is Bethany Atazadeh's best book yet and I can't wait to have the physical copy on my shelf!
May 21, 2026
4.5✨
This book was such a comfort for me! Paired with ACOTAR vibes as well as the cozy, mystery I had so much fun with this book! I truly read it at the perfect time. Not to mention getting to see the FMC and MMC grow into theirselves with more confidence and courage. This book was like a big warm hug and I loved the added layer of mystery.💕
This book was such a comfort for me! Paired with ACOTAR vibes as well as the cozy, mystery I had so much fun with this book! I truly read it at the perfect time. Not to mention getting to see the FMC and MMC grow into theirselves with more confidence and courage. This book was like a big warm hug and I loved the added layer of mystery.💕
October 25, 2025
Can’t wait!🥰
April 26, 2026
I love the characters and the found family. They’re all unique with their own story that fits together into the bigger picture.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Grace House Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Liar in the Hollow Court” by Bethany Atazadeh was such a ridiculously cozy and addictive romantasy read that I genuinely did not want to leave the Hollow Court by the end. This book basically feels like if Pride and Prejudice and The Cruel Prince had a softer, more wholesome fae-fantasy baby with found family chaos, magical bargains, witty banter, and just enough danger to keep things exciting without making you emotionally spiral.
The story follows Brynn, whose family is taken by the fae, so naturally she follows them into the underground fae realm to try and save them. Since Brynn knows basically nothing about fae culture, readers get to learn everything alongside her, which makes the world super approachable even if you’re newer to fantasy. Bethany Atazadeh does such a good job explaining the fae politics, trickery, bargains, and different creatures without making it feel overwhelming or lore-dumpy.
But honestly? The best part of this book is the characters. The found family vibes were absolutely everything. Every member of the crew felt distinct and lovable in their own way — from knife-wielding queens to flirty chaos gremlins to fashion-icon ethereal fae. I already need ten more books featuring this entire group immediately. The cozy burrow atmosphere mixed with looming danger somehow worked perfectly, and the book managed to feel high stakes while still being comforting at the same time, which is honestly kind of impressive.
And then there’s Soren. He is finally a shadowy fae love interest who actually smiles occasionally instead of acting emotionally closed-off for 400 pages. The romance between Brynn and Soren was adorable. So much tension, so much softness, so much mutual acceptance. The slow-burn chemistry felt so authentic. It’s definitely more of a sweet YA romance with emotional payoff rather than spice, and honestly the story was better for it.
I also really liked Brynn’s character growth. She starts off insecure, awkward, and very attached to her phone and her normal human life, but slowly becomes more confident as she adjusts to the fae world. The detail of her phone battery slowly dying as she came more into herself was such a clever touch.
The writing itself was really easy to sink into too. I flew through this book because it’s one of those stories that constantly makes you say “okay one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’ve ignored all your responsibilities. The atmosphere is magical and warm, with rainy-day fantasy energy all over it.
My only tiny complaint is that because the book is on the shorter side, some side characters and plot points could’ve used even more page time. Also Brynn occasionally acted a little younger than her age, which frustrated me once or twice, but honestly, she still felt believable as a teen figuring things out in an absolutely bonkers fae situation. I would definitely recommend this book to younger YA readers rather than older ones.
Overall, “Liar in the Hollow Court” is such a charming, cozy, bingeable fantasy with lovable characters, sweet romance, fae trickery, and found family goodness. If you want a no-spice romantasy that feels magical, comforting, and fun while still having genuine emotional stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. And that ending? Yeah, I’m going to need the next book immediately.
“Liar in the Hollow Court” by Bethany Atazadeh was such a ridiculously cozy and addictive romantasy read that I genuinely did not want to leave the Hollow Court by the end. This book basically feels like if Pride and Prejudice and The Cruel Prince had a softer, more wholesome fae-fantasy baby with found family chaos, magical bargains, witty banter, and just enough danger to keep things exciting without making you emotionally spiral.
The story follows Brynn, whose family is taken by the fae, so naturally she follows them into the underground fae realm to try and save them. Since Brynn knows basically nothing about fae culture, readers get to learn everything alongside her, which makes the world super approachable even if you’re newer to fantasy. Bethany Atazadeh does such a good job explaining the fae politics, trickery, bargains, and different creatures without making it feel overwhelming or lore-dumpy.
But honestly? The best part of this book is the characters. The found family vibes were absolutely everything. Every member of the crew felt distinct and lovable in their own way — from knife-wielding queens to flirty chaos gremlins to fashion-icon ethereal fae. I already need ten more books featuring this entire group immediately. The cozy burrow atmosphere mixed with looming danger somehow worked perfectly, and the book managed to feel high stakes while still being comforting at the same time, which is honestly kind of impressive.
And then there’s Soren. He is finally a shadowy fae love interest who actually smiles occasionally instead of acting emotionally closed-off for 400 pages. The romance between Brynn and Soren was adorable. So much tension, so much softness, so much mutual acceptance. The slow-burn chemistry felt so authentic. It’s definitely more of a sweet YA romance with emotional payoff rather than spice, and honestly the story was better for it.
I also really liked Brynn’s character growth. She starts off insecure, awkward, and very attached to her phone and her normal human life, but slowly becomes more confident as she adjusts to the fae world. The detail of her phone battery slowly dying as she came more into herself was such a clever touch.
The writing itself was really easy to sink into too. I flew through this book because it’s one of those stories that constantly makes you say “okay one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and you’ve ignored all your responsibilities. The atmosphere is magical and warm, with rainy-day fantasy energy all over it.
My only tiny complaint is that because the book is on the shorter side, some side characters and plot points could’ve used even more page time. Also Brynn occasionally acted a little younger than her age, which frustrated me once or twice, but honestly, she still felt believable as a teen figuring things out in an absolutely bonkers fae situation. I would definitely recommend this book to younger YA readers rather than older ones.
Overall, “Liar in the Hollow Court” is such a charming, cozy, bingeable fantasy with lovable characters, sweet romance, fae trickery, and found family goodness. If you want a no-spice romantasy that feels magical, comforting, and fun while still having genuine emotional stakes, this one is absolutely worth picking up. And that ending? Yeah, I’m going to need the next book immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars rounded up
0 Spice
Liar in the Hollow Court is book 1 in a standalone interconnected series that takes place in the Hollow Court of the fae. Brynn is a normal awkward 18 year old. She lives at home with her parents and 2 younger sisters. Overall it's a mundane monotonous life where she tries to fit in but never really finding a place to take up space in her small town. Her world gets flipped when she sees people with wings kidnap her family.
As she pursues the kidnappers she unknowingly falls into the Hollow Court, a treacherous places for humans where they are put under life contracts to be slaves to the fae.
Brynn is an interesting FMC. At times she is almost too naive- she lets her pride and first poor impression of the fae conform to all fae. It does have a Pride and Prejudice feel to the storyline in terms of first impressions aren't always correct and to not base someone's character fully on what they present to the public.
Soren is a unseelie fae who lives in the Hollow Court as a records keeper for the portal that goes into the human realm. Him and Brynn enter into a fae contract where she becomes a liar and passes untruths to the Hollow Court and in exchange he will help find her family. But Soren has his own secrets and they keep changing the more he gets to know Brynn. I love that he sees her value and worth **as she is.**
No cliffhanger but the epilogue sets up for the next book. Though personally I can't wait for Olive! The last few chapters gave me hope she might be the FMC in book 3.
Overall this book was just a FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC cozy fantasy read. For those that love Sarah Beth Durst or Amy Coombs this will fit right in. Beautiful writing and storytelling with a sweet romance to make you swoon.
Tropes
- no-spice romantic tension
- portals
- fae bargains
- found family
- a cursed prince
- cozy fantasy worlds but with faster pacing and higher stakes
- a grumpy Mr. Darcy who lost his wings
- a shy Elizabeth Bennett whose family was taken by the fae
0 Spice
Liar in the Hollow Court is book 1 in a standalone interconnected series that takes place in the Hollow Court of the fae. Brynn is a normal awkward 18 year old. She lives at home with her parents and 2 younger sisters. Overall it's a mundane monotonous life where she tries to fit in but never really finding a place to take up space in her small town. Her world gets flipped when she sees people with wings kidnap her family.
As she pursues the kidnappers she unknowingly falls into the Hollow Court, a treacherous places for humans where they are put under life contracts to be slaves to the fae.
Brynn is an interesting FMC. At times she is almost too naive- she lets her pride and first poor impression of the fae conform to all fae. It does have a Pride and Prejudice feel to the storyline in terms of first impressions aren't always correct and to not base someone's character fully on what they present to the public.
Soren is a unseelie fae who lives in the Hollow Court as a records keeper for the portal that goes into the human realm. Him and Brynn enter into a fae contract where she becomes a liar and passes untruths to the Hollow Court and in exchange he will help find her family. But Soren has his own secrets and they keep changing the more he gets to know Brynn. I love that he sees her value and worth **as she is.**
No cliffhanger but the epilogue sets up for the next book. Though personally I can't wait for Olive! The last few chapters gave me hope she might be the FMC in book 3.
Overall this book was just a FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC cozy fantasy read. For those that love Sarah Beth Durst or Amy Coombs this will fit right in. Beautiful writing and storytelling with a sweet romance to make you swoon.
Tropes
- no-spice romantic tension
- portals
- fae bargains
- found family
- a cursed prince
- cozy fantasy worlds but with faster pacing and higher stakes
- a grumpy Mr. Darcy who lost his wings
- a shy Elizabeth Bennett whose family was taken by the fae
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had such a great time reading Liar in the Hollow Court by Bethany. If you’re into fae fantasy with cunning and dangerous bargains, court intrigue, found family, and slow-burn romantic tension with no spice, this one absolutely delivers.
The story follows Brynn, who never believed in fairytales until her mother disappears under mysterious circumstances. When she watches her father and sisters get taken by strange creatures, Brynn follows them straight into the Hollow Court—an underground fae kingdom full of secrets, bargains, and dangerous politics.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the fae world itself. The idea that fae can’t technically lie, but constantly twist words and loopholes to manipulate people, made every conversation feel tense and clever. Brynn’s ability to lie as a human gives her a unique advantage, and I really enjoyed watching her navigate all the schemes and bargains. She’s not quite on Jude Duarte levels of cunning from The Cruel Prince, but I definitely understood that comparison while reading.
The romance was also really well done. It’s very much enemies-to-lovers energy… except Brynn seems to be the only one convinced they’re enemies, which honestly made the dynamic even more entertaining. The tension between her and Soren was excellent—lots of banter and emotional tension without any spice, which worked perfectly for the tone of the story.
I also loved the found family aspect. The group dynamics and banter gave the story a cozy feeling underneath all the danger and intrigue. I already want to know more about the side characters, which is sounds like the other books in this series will deliver on based on the exciting epilogue.
Overall, this was such a fast-paced and addictive read. Every time I sat down to read “just one chapter” I completely lost track of time. Between the world building, cursed prince vibes, fae bargains, emotional tension, and court politics, this was an incredibly fun fantasy read from start to finish.
The story follows Brynn, who never believed in fairytales until her mother disappears under mysterious circumstances. When she watches her father and sisters get taken by strange creatures, Brynn follows them straight into the Hollow Court—an underground fae kingdom full of secrets, bargains, and dangerous politics.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the fae world itself. The idea that fae can’t technically lie, but constantly twist words and loopholes to manipulate people, made every conversation feel tense and clever. Brynn’s ability to lie as a human gives her a unique advantage, and I really enjoyed watching her navigate all the schemes and bargains. She’s not quite on Jude Duarte levels of cunning from The Cruel Prince, but I definitely understood that comparison while reading.
The romance was also really well done. It’s very much enemies-to-lovers energy… except Brynn seems to be the only one convinced they’re enemies, which honestly made the dynamic even more entertaining. The tension between her and Soren was excellent—lots of banter and emotional tension without any spice, which worked perfectly for the tone of the story.
I also loved the found family aspect. The group dynamics and banter gave the story a cozy feeling underneath all the danger and intrigue. I already want to know more about the side characters, which is sounds like the other books in this series will deliver on based on the exciting epilogue.
Overall, this was such a fast-paced and addictive read. Every time I sat down to read “just one chapter” I completely lost track of time. Between the world building, cursed prince vibes, fae bargains, emotional tension, and court politics, this was an incredibly fun fantasy read from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
If you are obsessed with the world of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you will devour this book. As a Cruel Prince girlie, I simply could not help myself. I have been practically begging authors to create more stories in the fae realm. I can’t resist. This story did not disappoint. It is a cozy, enjoyable read filled to the brim with deception, secrets, and surprises. And maybe a lie or two.
The pace of the book is relatively slow to moderate. I am not going to complain too much because I enjoyed nearly every second of it. I will say that I am disappointed that the pace at the end of the book was alarmingly fast. There were quite a few revelations that could have been drawn out. The book did not feel complete. It felt like Brynn’s story abruptly ended. I wanted MORE. I could have settled for another 300+ pages. I am probably exaggerating, but I honestly would have read this book at whatever length the author deemed necessary because it was that good.
Bethany is an excellent writer. I was immediately immersed in the fae realm and court system. I could envision every type of fae mentioned with crystal-clear clarity. She does a phenomenal job describing the setting throughout the entire book. It felt like I was on the other side of the veil. I love her small nod to Holly Black. The author spent a lot of time focusing on misdirection, which is absolutely crucial to the story. Wording is important when creating contracts with the fae because they cannot lie. This doesn’t stop Brynn from trying to outsmart the fae she encounters, but it turns out she is a terrible liar. It was cute.
I am dissatisfied with the marketing of this book. It is marketed as a standalone book, which is simply untrue. The last chapter of this book switches POV to allude to a lesser-known character’s story (Gwen). While I wouldn’t mind reading her story, I am dying for more Brynn and Soren content. Please. I will sign any contract you send without a second glance. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
If you are obsessed with the world of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you will devour this book. As a Cruel Prince girlie, I simply could not help myself. I have been practically begging authors to create more stories in the fae realm. I can’t resist. This story did not disappoint. It is a cozy, enjoyable read filled to the brim with deception, secrets, and surprises. And maybe a lie or two.
The pace of the book is relatively slow to moderate. I am not going to complain too much because I enjoyed nearly every second of it. I will say that I am disappointed that the pace at the end of the book was alarmingly fast. There were quite a few revelations that could have been drawn out. The book did not feel complete. It felt like Brynn’s story abruptly ended. I wanted MORE. I could have settled for another 300+ pages. I am probably exaggerating, but I honestly would have read this book at whatever length the author deemed necessary because it was that good.
Bethany is an excellent writer. I was immediately immersed in the fae realm and court system. I could envision every type of fae mentioned with crystal-clear clarity. She does a phenomenal job describing the setting throughout the entire book. It felt like I was on the other side of the veil. I love her small nod to Holly Black. The author spent a lot of time focusing on misdirection, which is absolutely crucial to the story. Wording is important when creating contracts with the fae because they cannot lie. This doesn’t stop Brynn from trying to outsmart the fae she encounters, but it turns out she is a terrible liar. It was cute.
I am dissatisfied with the marketing of this book. It is marketed as a standalone book, which is simply untrue. The last chapter of this book switches POV to allude to a lesser-known character’s story (Gwen). While I wouldn’t mind reading her story, I am dying for more Brynn and Soren content. Please. I will sign any contract you send without a second glance. Overall, I recommend reading this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"A good Pride and Prejudice retelling always trumps reality."
This book is a lovely, quick read perfect for fans of Holly Black (and I caught that Easter Egg!), especially if they also love Pride and Prejudice, which happens to be one of my comfort movies (yes, I've read the book, as well, haha). Full of danger, slow-burning romance, and the tension we all love between Elizabeth and Darcy, this story left me feeling giddy by the end.
When her family is taken, Brynn follows them into the Hollow Court, where she finds herself entangled in a plot larger than just bringing them home. With limited knowledge about the fae, she (rightfully) is slow to trust. Her prejudice against them leaves her unsure of how to feel about the handsome fae helping her, leading to a dynamic very similar to that of Elizabeth and Darcy - and the few lines added in that refer to dialogue in Pride and Prejudice were such sweet treats.
While this definitely feels inspired by Pride and Prejudice, there is more than enough deviation and originality to not feel like a mere re-telling. I loved the tension between the Hollow Court and the Shadow Court, and the main characters are all lovable.
Brynn starts the story feeling like she doesn't fit in anywhere, doesn't want to be noticed, and certainly isn't the "strong female lead" type. But by the end of this book, she finds a sense of belonging, a found family, and her voice. Watching her come into her own was satisfying.
I also appreciated the illustrations throughout the book. They were such a nice touch.
Follow instructions at the end of the book for a bonus chapter from Soren's POV! It really helps drive home the "he fell first" trope of this book.
And yes, while this is considered a stand-alone, I can't wait to read about Gwen's story in the next book!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and am leaving a fair and honest review.
This book is a lovely, quick read perfect for fans of Holly Black (and I caught that Easter Egg!), especially if they also love Pride and Prejudice, which happens to be one of my comfort movies (yes, I've read the book, as well, haha). Full of danger, slow-burning romance, and the tension we all love between Elizabeth and Darcy, this story left me feeling giddy by the end.
When her family is taken, Brynn follows them into the Hollow Court, where she finds herself entangled in a plot larger than just bringing them home. With limited knowledge about the fae, she (rightfully) is slow to trust. Her prejudice against them leaves her unsure of how to feel about the handsome fae helping her, leading to a dynamic very similar to that of Elizabeth and Darcy - and the few lines added in that refer to dialogue in Pride and Prejudice were such sweet treats.
While this definitely feels inspired by Pride and Prejudice, there is more than enough deviation and originality to not feel like a mere re-telling. I loved the tension between the Hollow Court and the Shadow Court, and the main characters are all lovable.
Brynn starts the story feeling like she doesn't fit in anywhere, doesn't want to be noticed, and certainly isn't the "strong female lead" type. But by the end of this book, she finds a sense of belonging, a found family, and her voice. Watching her come into her own was satisfying.
I also appreciated the illustrations throughout the book. They were such a nice touch.
Follow instructions at the end of the book for a bonus chapter from Soren's POV! It really helps drive home the "he fell first" trope of this book.
And yes, while this is considered a stand-alone, I can't wait to read about Gwen's story in the next book!
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley and am leaving a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy
Review coming when I wake! (it was basically midnight when I finished reading lol)
I knew that Liar in the Hollow Court, before I even started reading it, was going to be a 5-star read for me. Some things you just feel in your bones. Especially when you know it is a book meant for a reader like you. I am the target audience for this book.
Liar in the Hollow Court delivers exactly what it promises to be:
♥ Pride and Prejudice? Check!
♥ F.R.I.E.N.D.S. vibes? Check!
♥ I have not read The Cruel Prince, so I cannot confirm the fae world comparison. But I can absolutely confirm the that this fae fantasy world is everything you’d expect it to be. Check!
It brought me so much joy to read this book; I giggled and kicked my feet, and I gasped out loud at some parts. The story is well written, with intention and I cared about the characters. And the worldbuilding was just the right amount. I’m the kind of reader who can feel overwhelmed with too much worldbuilding. I know, this coming from a girl who LOVES getting lost in a fantasy world. But that’s the truth.
The book is told from the single POV of Brynn. Her character development throughout the story really shows and she grows into herself at a really great pace. The plot itself was quite fast-paced, but not so quick that you lose track of things.
Soren Valerde was so Darcy-coded. So, yes, familiar, but I love that about him! Oh, and my Kickstarter copy has a bonus chapter from his POV.
There was a plot twist I did not see coming. You will have to read for yourself to know what that is, and then come back to me so we can chat about it!
Would I like more of Soren and Brynn? Absolutely! But I did feel like the story was tied with a bow and has a satisfying ending, in a “Happy For Now” kind of way.
All this to say, I loved this book and I think other will love it too. And if you don’t… that’s okay. You’ve got different tastes than me.
**I received a copy of this book through the Kickstarter campaign. I volunteer my thoughts to you.**
I knew that Liar in the Hollow Court, before I even started reading it, was going to be a 5-star read for me. Some things you just feel in your bones. Especially when you know it is a book meant for a reader like you. I am the target audience for this book.
Liar in the Hollow Court delivers exactly what it promises to be:
♥ Pride and Prejudice? Check!
♥ F.R.I.E.N.D.S. vibes? Check!
♥ I have not read The Cruel Prince, so I cannot confirm the fae world comparison. But I can absolutely confirm the that this fae fantasy world is everything you’d expect it to be. Check!
It brought me so much joy to read this book; I giggled and kicked my feet, and I gasped out loud at some parts. The story is well written, with intention and I cared about the characters. And the worldbuilding was just the right amount. I’m the kind of reader who can feel overwhelmed with too much worldbuilding. I know, this coming from a girl who LOVES getting lost in a fantasy world. But that’s the truth.
The book is told from the single POV of Brynn. Her character development throughout the story really shows and she grows into herself at a really great pace. The plot itself was quite fast-paced, but not so quick that you lose track of things.
Soren Valerde was so Darcy-coded. So, yes, familiar, but I love that about him! Oh, and my Kickstarter copy has a bonus chapter from his POV.
There was a plot twist I did not see coming. You will have to read for yourself to know what that is, and then come back to me so we can chat about it!
Would I like more of Soren and Brynn? Absolutely! But I did feel like the story was tied with a bow and has a satisfying ending, in a “Happy For Now” kind of way.
All this to say, I loved this book and I think other will love it too. And if you don’t… that’s okay. You’ve got different tastes than me.
**I received a copy of this book through the Kickstarter campaign. I volunteer my thoughts to you.**
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