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Since his childhood, Brieden Lethiscir has admired The Sidhe, the beautiful and magical beings native to the Faerie world outside his homeland of Villalu. Though he grew up in a culture accepting of Sidhe enslavement by Villalu’s elite, Brieden finds that he can no longer tolerate the practice when he becomes a steward to Prince Dronyen, who is viciously abusive of his sidhe slave Sehrys. Captivated by the handsome and mysterious sidhe slave, Brieden vows to free and return Sehrys to his homeland.

As they escape the capital and navigate a treacherous path to the border, Breiden and Sehrys grow close. Breiden soon learns both the true power of The Sidhe, and that the world that he thought he knew is not what it once seemed. If they survive to reach the border, he will have to make a choice: the love of his life, or the fate of his world.

442 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2015

16 people are currently reading
978 people want to read

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Charlotte Ashe

2 books74 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Dani (Dani Reviews Things).
547 reviews292 followers
May 30, 2016
Rating: 1.5 stars because there were some ok elements
DNF @ 26% because I just had more interesting things to read

I liked the start. I did. But then it went downhill.

I'll keep this simple. This is fanfiction with the names changed, and it reads like fanfiction. But with original names.

I was getting along ok until I put this down to read other things. A month later, I figure I should finish one of the several books set to currently reading on Goodreads, so I pick this up again. A couple pages in, and I thought 'nope'.

I actually like fanfic, but I read it to get more of characters and pairings that I already love. Fanfic is different from original fiction. With original fiction, you have to start from the beginning with everything: characters, world, background, etc. With fanfic, you have a lot of that worked out for you. Sure you might put the characters in an AU, but you and your readers already know the characters. So that's where this fell down. While there was some world-building (and a map), there was barely any character development.

The other thing about fanfic is that readers will tend to seek out pairings they like and then have the fanfic fulfil their need to see the pairings together. You can get away with a lot of gratuitous gooeyness and sex in fanfic that would just seem ridiculous in original fiction. (Except for erotica. There is a lot of gratuitous sex in erotica. I mean...that's basically what it is.)

Once the two characters had had sex, it was just...too much. I love romance, but this was overwhelming. You know how you feel when you see two loved up teenagers constantly making goo goo eyes at each other, ignoring the rest of the world? That slightly ill feeling? I mean, my threshold is quite high, but UGH. Even I started to feel sick and annoyed and bored...TWO PAGES INTO READING IT AGAIN.

So no more. I'm done.
Profile Image for multitaskingmomma.
1,359 reviews44 followers
July 21, 2015
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, eARC Review, Author Interview, Excerpt & #Giveaway: The Sidhe by Charlotte Ashe

Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars

The Sidhe is one huge book in both number of pages (450 total) and content. There is no rushing through this one and to be honest, I did take a rest in between reads. Why? Because I did not want to miss a detail because of either rushing through the pages or getting tired from the details. No, it is far from a boring book. And best of all, would you believe I actually read something that was once a fan fiction work?

Fear not, this is no 50. This is a fantasy where we finds the beautiful Sidhe (elves) enslaved through the corrupt practices of the humans they share their world with. One such human did not like what was going on. Brieden Lethiscir had always admired the legendary beings and it hurt his heart to see them abused so. One such sidhe he got close to is Sehrys and Brieden decides to risk all by rescuing him. They both knew it was a futile attempt but Brieden could not stomach Sehrys' abuse much longer. They run and their master, Prince Dronyen, exhausts every means possible to get both back. In the meanwhile, there is some other intrigue going on in the palace.

This is an ongoing saga of how Brieden and Sehrys escape, get captured, escape once more and meet all manner of people on the road to freedom. There is a lot of power play happening here which makes for one interesting and hugely entertaining read.

I love fantasy stories told the right way. This is one of them. This has an MM twist making it even more entertaining and oh, so worth it.

Note: the tale is not over yet....


Recommended read.
Profile Image for Riina Y.T..
Author 7 books60 followers
September 5, 2015
Gods, I'm so glad I stumbled upon this! What a wonderful tale!




#endearing characters, #charming, #lovely storytelling, #page turner, #amazing world building, #tearjerker!, #forever favorites, #sweet romance, #sexiest sexy times.


Truly, truly enjoyed every single page!!

Loved that I could get lost in their world.


-----

“A dairy farm.”

“Um, yes?”

“And what skills do you possess that would make this occupation a fitting one?”

“I… um… like cheese.”

She stared at him.

“A… a lot. I like cheese a lot,” he amended, trying to put force behind the words.

Unbidden, Jaxis’s argument for why Brieden’s love of cheese qualified him to become a cheese-maker popped into his mind, and the Sphinx roared—actually roared—with laughter.





Oh Brieden. Precious Brieden.

I ADORED Brieden, with his pure, pure heart and deepest love for Sehrys.

And Sehrys, dangerous and caring Sehrys, so sweet and sexy with his violet hair and green, green eyes.



***
*patiently waiting for more*




*sneaks out to get some cheese*
Profile Image for Paul.
648 reviews
November 27, 2016
4.5 STARS Note to Publisher and or author, this is the first novel I've ever read where the text-to-speech didn't work properly. It was terrible, not even books from pre 2010 read like this did
This is a very different take on the lore and legends of The Sidhe, there is no Summer or Winter Courts, but don't let that put you off. If you love a great fantasy which is really well written and has excellent MC's then look at it more of a fantasy with Sidhe in it. It is action packed with multiple sub-plot that will hopefully come together in the next book which is released in about 2 weeks. Post @ 2016, Nov 25. Book #2 release date is 2016, Dec 8 and I can't wait for it
Profile Image for Moriah Gemel.
Author 17 books56 followers
February 24, 2016
I was given the entirely amazing honor of an advance copy of Charlotte Ashe’s The Sidhe.

It started as the epitome of a good story. It had everything–fantasy, epic soulmate romance, battles, magic, thrilling escapes, religion, politics. It ran the gamut for entertainment. You can’t get much better than that.

This book? Is better even than that.

This story has been expanded and refined and changed and polished, and it comes out like the kind of gem you put in museums. It’s vast, it’s detailed, it’s faceted, it shines. The politics and the battles are more vicious; the romance and the journey are more epic. There’s a map you will consult multiple times, and a whole new language to be fascinated by. There are new storylines threaded throughout, all while focusing on the perilous journey of Sehrys and Brieden, our protagonists.

If you’re new to this story? You’ve got everything in store for you. It’s the journey of a pair of fugitives from a corrupt, cruel royal. It’s a journey from one side of the continent to the other; it’s a journey of their selves, from strangers to tentative friends to the most passionate of lovers. It’s the denial, and the ache, and the doom of making choices for themselves or for their world when the two are in opposition. It’s the dichotomy of earth and heaven, of a personal world and the entire universe. It’s love, love, above all else love, and how powerful it can be.

I suggest you order it, ASAP, because the moment it arrives, you’re going to feel it, whether it’s in your hands or on your eReader. The moment I receive it, I felt it–the heaviness of a good story, framed by beautiful art that absolutely portrays the stunning work within. It’s almost religious. And I really hope you feel it.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,801 reviews
January 1, 2016
3.5 stars
A gift from my Santa Tara!!!

I'm kind of torn on how to rate this one honestly. I think I'm going with 3.5 stars. I did like it, but there were a few things that just took away from the story and times when I was making myself pick it back up.

There was too much sex. Some of the sex scenes were incredibly important for the story and the characters and the development of the relationship. Sehrys choosing to be with Brieden was very important and very sweet and at times a little heartbreaking. And there was often an urgency and desperation to their lovemaking because of the constant reminder of what little time they had left together, but this was also part of the problem for me. I was frustrated with the way the two carried on. I was frustrated that Brieden got no answers from Sehrys, because ultimately I felt it was incredibly selfish of Sehrys to not let Brieden know what lay ahead. And while I felt their affection for each other (Brieden fell in love with him on sight!), there seemed little real substance to it because they communicated so often just through the "intensity of sex" and while I get that, I would have preferred a little more conversation, a little more sharing, because while we get a little insight into what they are feeling and fearing, Sehrys doesn't share!

"Brieden disentangled his hand from Sehry's and wrapped his arm around Sehrys's waist. They rode in silence for most of the day. Neither could think of anything to say that wouldn't make everything hurt more."

Also...I get traveling was to take a while and this is where the relationship develops, but it felt like Brieden gets threatened/captured, Sehrys freaks out, shows the strength of his powers, they cling to each other making love and declaring their love for each other, Sehrys weeps, they hold hands. Lather, rinse, repeat. Maybe that isn't fair, but that's how it felt, almost like something got lost there in the middle, the plot, the plot got lost, I think.
The whole thing with broke my heart and I wanted to stab Sehrys in the face. In my tags I put love triangle, but that's not really accurate.

I know it sounds like I'm bitching about everything, but there were a lot of things I did really like. I thought the beginning was well done, it moved quickly but I felt everything deeply.
"He didn't see Sehrys sneaking gazes of his own when Brieden's breathing evened into sleep. He didn't see him tracing the curve of his body, from shoulder to hip, with his eyes. He didn't see him falling asleep with a smile on his lips when he had finally stared so long that he could no longer keep his eyes open. And he did not realize that, for the first time in many, many years, Sehrys slept without fear."

There were a few surprises in there, not all of them happy, but things that held my interest. There is a HEA which I appreciated after everything I was put through!
Jaxis was a most welcome character, he was rude and crude but he injected some much needed humor and friendship into a really crappy situation.

"But only if you agree to go to the baths with me this afternoon. Heartbreak is awful, friend, but it's no excuse for allowing yourself to become an unfuckable mess."

I will read the next one because I found Tash to be an interesting character and I'm eager to see how all this plays out with Brissa as well.
Profile Image for Becca.
9 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2015
Where do I even begin? This book is the perfect book. I started it with no idea what to expect, and was instantly drawn in. Like, staring-at-the-clock-hoping-to-get-home-from-work-so-I-could-keep-reading drawn in. The Sidhe has everything I could want in a book. It's an adventure story but it's also sexy and funny at times but dark at others, with well developed characters and mystery and romance in all the right proportions. I loved reading about Sehrys and Brieden's journey, and all the obsticles they had to cross in order to get where they needed.

When I reached the end the only thought I had was "thank god there's going to be another book." I can't wait for more and I'm going to miss Sehrys and Brieden dearly until then.
Profile Image for Jamie (Books and Ladders).
1,429 reviews212 followers
April 18, 2016
DNF @ 33%

I wanted to like this one and to keep going because of the premise but I just couldn't do it anymore. Honestly, I was skeptical after 34 pages because the whole first chapter was so rushed and contained basically all of the worldbuilding. Which blew my mind because this book is over 400 pages long! What should have been AT LEAST 100 or 150 pages at the beginning to introduce characters, setting, the world, etc. was reduced to a single chapter. And it wasn't enough -- or good enough -- to really keep my interest. But for sake of trying, I soldiered on.

But I was even more disappointed. I was hoping for a lush world of fae and humans but got a lot of, well, not that. I'm not quite sure what we got except a couple who was travelling through any generic "Fantasy" world, basically. None of the characters were introduced properly and because of this, I couldn't understand their motives or really stand behind their relationships. It was just assumed I would know who these people are which confused the crap out of me.

Then I found out this story was originally a fanfic (which you can read here) which is 100% fine, except it also explains why I didn't enjoy the introduction. Fanfic runs on the premise that we know the characters already and therefore doesn't spend a lot of time introducing the characters or the setting. And that is exactly the downfall of this story here. As well, the sex scenes that I read felt like fanfic sex stories.

I really wanted to like this one but I just could NOT get there. The lack of character development from the beginning combined with rushing through worldbuilding and way too much travelogue made this a DNF for me.

Books and Ladders | Queen of the Bookshelves | Books Are My Fandom | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin'
Profile Image for Inked Reads.
824 reviews19 followers
July 25, 2015
FourStars
This epic human/elf love story spans a whole world in a long journey of more than 400 pages. Brieden's world starts out small. Poor but smart, he becomes steward to the Prince. When the Prince enslaves a "Sidhe," Brieden's compassion stirs him to heroics. He rescues the Sidhe, Sehrys, and they begin a long journey toward the Faerie lands.

Make no mistake, gentle reader, Sehrys is extensively sexually abused. Though it happens off-screen, this novel is not coy. There's also graphic violence. The world is an ugly place where people suffer. The deft writing carries the love story through. Brigden and Sehrys are pure storybook. This is a fairy tale.

The sex is generous and infused with alluring magic. The descriptions of elven and natural beauties are beautiful themselves. Transportation into this world happens easily. The story is lushly welcoming.

There are some minor but intriguing political machinations that will pay off in the sequels, but The Sidhe is mostly a love story that's very worth reading.

I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
C.E. Case
Profile Image for Jude Sierra.
Author 7 books110 followers
July 30, 2015
Highly recommended!

This was my very much anticipated beach vacation read, and boy it didn't let down! I found myself wanting to skip beach stuff just to keep reading.

There are two ways in which this book really demonstrates how skillful Ashe is as a writer. The plot kept me wanting to know what happens next the whole time. There is a boatload of beautifully written sex and intimacy here too. I found that I often rushed through those parts to find out what happened plot wise, and then would come back to savor the beautiful and very hot sexy stuff. I love a book I can savor like that. Once I was done, I found myself going back to favorite moments. This is a long book, but it never felt too long, or drawn out in a way that was boring or frustrating. Instead, I found myself checking my progress and feeling a happy glow that there was so much more of the story left.

I will warn readers that there is very difficult subject matter in here, including rape and human/sidhe slavery. But Ashe treats the subject with care and incredible respect.
Profile Image for Misty Fritz.
24 reviews23 followers
July 30, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of The Sidhe to review for Charlotte Ashe, and I am almost at a loss as to what to say about it, because nothing I could possibly say could even remotely come close to doing justice for this beautiful, beautiful book (and I'm not just talking about that gorgeous cover by Sarah Sanderson).

With this novel – the first in what I hope will be a very long series – Ashe has turned a wonderful, widely beloved fanfiction and turned it into something even richer and more complex. She takes readers into her vividly built lands (Villalu and Yestralekrezerche) and into the lives of Brieden, a human working for the dreadful Prince Dronyen, and Sehrys, a sidhe slave who catches Dronyen's eye – and Brieden's. Over the course of the story, we learn more about both the two main characters and the history of their regions, complete with political strife dating back generations and coming to a head once more with the introduction of Brissa, a bright, mysterious woman betrothed to Dronyen. What little background information Ashe gives about Brissa, her ladies, and her homeland only serves to whet the appetite, so I'm glad there are more books to come, hopefully with more detail. I would gladly read books upon books upon books about Brissa's background.

This is not a short novel, but it's a fast-paced one, with no shortage of excitement, danger, and, eventually, scorching romance. The bond between Brieden and Sehrys builds gradually from rocky beginnings, but once it is established, it is a thing of beauty. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's completely solid, especially once Sehrys comes into contact with someone from his past.

All in all, this is a splendid debut from Ashe, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. In the mean time, I'll just have to reread this one over and over again.
Profile Image for Carrie Pack.
Author 7 books88 followers
July 21, 2015
At its core, The Sidhe is a love story, but it’s also *much* more than that. It’s a compelling, fun read that is also a smart commentary on race, gender and what those labels do to society over time. If you love fantasy romance and strong world-building, this novel is for you. Plus, at over 400 pages, it’s definitely a book you can submerse yourself in for some truly epic summer reading. But don’t let the size dissuade you. It’s a page-turner.

The story follows Brieden Lethiscir as he tries to free a sidhe slave known as Sehrys. Throughout the story you learn about the land of Villalu and the mysterious elfin race known as The Sidhe who are sought as slaves by the human race for their exotic beauty. When Sehyrs is bought by Brieden’s cruel master, Dronyen, he is abused brutally. Brieden is so intrigued by this particular sidhe, he decides to free him, even though it puts his own life at risk.

It’s an adventurous tale punctuated by passionate love (and sex) that will keep you turning the page with excitement. A complete story on its own, The Sidhe is part of the Heart of All Worlds trilogy, so don’t worry about getting sucked into a world and being left with a book hangover. There’s more to come.

Personally, I can’t wait for The King and the Criminal and look forward to anything Charlotte Ashe writes in the future.
7 reviews
September 4, 2016
Update: 50% I give up. It is totally predictable, lame, boring.

42% in.
Tbh, I am wondering to drop this or not ?

- the ten first chapters were good. seriously, I liked the writing, the pace, the action even I have started to connect with the characters.
-Then, all go to a downhill. In the next few chapters which I am stuck in right now.
TBH I feel nauseous from all that love and that love making -cats in heat -
I felt that there is a switch in characters personality - irritating -
the elf is a god, He can heal, he can manipulate the earth and the trees, he control a fire that melt the iron in seconds and he can use some kind of channeling power to find anybody.
Ok, the main elf is gary-stu and the only flaw that he got it surpassed by love.
The others elves also have a great magical power. It made me wonder, why in the hell those elves-I mean gods- don't attack the humans in one go and free their kin from slavery. I can think of 100 ways for them to control the humans and reverse there situation.

If it did't get any better after I rich 50% I will drop it.



Profile Image for C.B. Lee.
Author 16 books829 followers
August 6, 2015
A rich and intricate love story alight with political machinations, magical worldbuilding, and immerse details of lush scenery, The Sidhe is that delicious summer read you've been dying to sink into.

Brieden is determined to set the elf Sehrys free from slavery in the king's palace, but their escape sets off a whirlwind reaction of events and political upheaval as they try to make their way back to the Sehry's home. The romance is a gradual and aching delight, and how they learn to trust one another and start falling for each other on this journey is handled well, with open communication and respect for one another.

An exciting page-turner packed with love and passion bundled with smart commentary on gender politics and class systems, The Sidhe is a bold beginning. Magical and romantic, and I am on the edge of my seat for the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Brandilyn.
1,126 reviews50 followers
November 29, 2016
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Life is a Journey. Sound cliche? Maybe, but it is one of my favorite cliches, and it is quite true. You rarely end up where you think you will when you start said journey. Every decision you make and person you encounter has the potential to change the course of your life. The Sidhe by Charlotte Ashe is a fantasy that takes on this very subject.

For full review see Prism Book Alliance® http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?p=4...

Profile Image for Isabella Basile.
122 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2021
Not to be like this book has everything, BUT THIS BOOK HAS EVERYTHING!! Fantasy, romance, adventure, great world building, lesbians overthrowing the government, complicated politics, porn, etc. Off to the sequel I go!
Profile Image for Mila.
78 reviews36 followers
December 31, 2015
Loved every minute of this book and I would like the next one right away !
minor details that bother me, that's why 4 stars.
Can't wait to read more from this author :)
Profile Image for Katie.
269 reviews29 followers
Read
September 4, 2021
I don't know what happened to my original review, and other review, but they're gone.

Basically what this is about is a man named Brieden saves a sidhe named Seyrhs from slavery in the human world and does his best to bring him back to the Faerie Lands and they fall in love in the process.

I've read this story countless times and for that reason, I can't be fully objective. It'll always be one of those stories I love despite various things.

The writing for example, isn't the greatest. It's really strong at times, but also has noticeable issues like the overuse of names and flowery language. That said, it has the ability to draw me into the story and I'm able to ignore it and get used to it. The writing when it comes to descriptions and world building is very strong.

The plot is also ok. It's a travel book, so that's the story at it's core. However, getting to see different places, and learn about different cultures in those places, and see the love story unfold is all really lovely.

The characters feel two dimensional at times, but also have unique differences that I really like seeing. Brieden and Seyrhs have a tendency to be annoying at times because they fall into the same patterns and say the same things over and over. I love them and the actual deep conversations they have though. I adore Brissa and Cliope and Tash and Firae. They're all fantastic, and in some ways, better written than our protagonists.

Finally, the world building. This is the strongest element of the book to me. Learning about Sidhe culture and religion and the history of Villalu and how things became the way they are, etc. is all fantastic. The magic and caste systems of the sidhe and scenery descriptions were some of my favorite parts.

All in all, I will always love this book (this series honestly) despite seeing things differently with each reread, and it's one I'll revisit over and over.

CW/TW: graphic sexual content, slavery, violence, rape, blood, confinement, abuse (physical and emotional), gore, grief, injury, murder, sexual violence, xenophobia
Profile Image for Lily Laverick.
Author 4 books9 followers
April 22, 2023
Book 7 of 2023 out of my Goodreads challenge of reading 21 books this year. Why 21? Because I turn 21 this year obviously.
I only read 7 books last year, so I feel like I’m on the right track. Yes, I’m a slow reader, as well as an on-and-off reader, which doesn’t help but with my fingers crossed I hope to at the very least double that number.
So here is the 7th book I have read this year and why it is now my most favourite book I have read so far!

Firstly, how did I find this book?
Well, it was thanks to my own book writing research.
I was looking up the mythical creatures called the Sidhe, and during my search this book popped up for obvious reasons.
And I am so glad I stumbled upon this gem!

What did I love about it?
This was my first LGBT themed book I’ve read, and I was not disappointed. I do love YA, but sometimes you just need a bit of M M Romance to spice things up. Speaking of spice, this book had it. I thought it was well done and nicely spaced out in the storyline and well placed too.
I loved the chemistry behind the characters and the characters themselves are so lovable! I don’t think I can pick between the two main characters which was my favourite… Maybe Sehrys… But I mean come on! He has Voilet-Red hair and green eyes and magic! But that’s not to say tall, dark, and handsome Breiden isn’t a bit of a dishy snack!
Also, the world building was fabulous! It was beautiful and, in my mind, I could see it as it was described. Think Avatar crossed with Winx Club.

That leaves with the main question. So, here it is…

Would I recommend this book? Why?
To anyone who loves fantasy, LGBT themed books with dark twists and turns, this is the book for you.
It would now be my most favourite book if I didn’t want to recommend it to people or shove it in their face and implore them to read it more like.

For more go to my website: https://lilylaverick.com/2023/04/22/t...
Profile Image for Sacha Purvis.
79 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2015
(this is cluster fluff of review as I'm feeling many feelings)


Oh... what can I really say? It was so beautiful and an amazing reading experience that it's going to difficult putting it into words. Here I go..

The Sidhe was and is one of my favourite fan-fiction stories of all time (across all fandoms) and the wonderful Charlotte Ashe has transformed it into an original work. I cried when I first opened the package to see the gorgeous cover. I'm beyond proud of the origins of this story and I'm so thankful that the original text is still online.

Reading it was like taken a dive into a calm lake surrounded by lush woodland, where it is calm and only the sound of nature disturbs you. I pictured it all so well. The world was beautifully crafted and I never felt info dumped. It all just washed over me. Sure the story was the same (often word for word) but it didn't feel like just a reread. That was certainly one of my fears that the names were just going to swapped and that was it. She has broadened the world and introduced great side characters.

The romance honestly blew me away (once again! she must have elfin powers to get through this pessimist) and it felt genuine. Often love at first sight and the idea of soul mates can seem far fetched but this never felt like that. It was also about recovery from trauma, how someone can enter your life and tip it upside down and that it's better to love passionately and have deal with pain than to go with safe and easy.

The million dollar question ... which do I prefer? The fan-fiction or this original story? Honestly I've been such a fan of the story for 4 years that I love both. I'll always love the fan-fiction more as it was taking characters that I love and putting into a great AU and I have fond memories of the time I read it. But yet this original story is going to be a trilogy! How can I not love that? One of my favourite stories is going to be expanded. AMAZING

To end I address you Charlotte Ashe... you take my breath away
Profile Image for Helene.
23 reviews
August 6, 2015
The first thing you need to know about this book is that it is explicit. Explicitly explicit. Like absolutely for the adults.

The second thing you need to know is not to judge it by the cover. It gives the impression that what lies within is more of a cartoon fairy tale and nothing could be farther from the truth.

I've been aware of and interested in the growing LGBT presence in fiction publishing, but the novels I've seen have mostly been romances and I don't read romance. Fantasy, however, is what made me fall in love with books in the first place, as a little kid reading Susan Cooper and Zilpha Keatley Snyder. And I've always felt that the science fiction and fantasy genres have been ripe for explorations of different sexual orientations and gender identities and they haven't really lived up to that potential. So I was very interested to check this story out.

And it's a lovely book. The romance is an important part of the story but it's not all of the story. The author has built a very full and detailed world with interesting characters and complex dilemmas. It's a political story. And I especially love the way the main characters' homosexuality is handled. It's not a non-issue - in the Sidhe lands it's completely accepted but the human lands have a strong don't-ask-don't-tell policy - but the things that threaten to tear Brieden and Sehrys apart ultimately don't have anything to do with their sexual orientation. Them (and others) being gay is just part of the fabric of this intriguing world. And I love the fact that strong female characters abound and contribute to driving the plot.

Then yes, of course it's romantic, heart-tugging, sexy, and edge-of-your-seat exciting. I'm happy this book exists and will have sequels to continue to add to the LGBT fantasy canon.
8 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2015
The world that Brieden and Sehrys live in is expansive and well developed with colorful descriptions that make you wish this world was the one you lived in. (Maybe in another life, eh?) Charlotte pulls you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the last page (and, arguably, even longer because this is only the first book in the series). You fall in love with her characters, you cheer on their triumphs and cry when they cry, you laugh over silly things and you wonder about the more serious aspects and the truth they ring from our world’s own twisted history (though we don’t have any cool fae kicking ass around here). The book is long and action packed from one side to the other and once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down.

It’s a sure winner for any fantasy book lover out there and the end will have you clamoring for the next book, which frankly looks amazing. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Molly Lolly.
834 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Amazing. One simple word to sum up this book. But it’s so much more than the word. You follow this journey Brieden and Sehrys take so they can be free. But along the way so many things change that it brings new meaning to the word for both. Ms. Ashe created this beautiful world that is so deep and complete I want to go and visit and truly feel like it’s a place that exists somewhere. I grew to love Sehrys and Brieden quickly and hoped for the happy ending the happy ending they deserved. There are many obstacles in their way but I have faith they will be together for centuries to come. Their story isn’t over and I cannot wait to read the next book when it’s out. Ms. Ashe is a beautiful story weaver and I am eager to read more by her in the future.
4 reviews
September 26, 2015
This book is an epic love story that really pull you in and I can't wait for the next book. The struggle, the pain, the politics and the complexity of the protagonists relationship make you want to root for them since the beginning and wish for a happy ending even though through the progress of the book it may seemed hopeless. The exploration of the characters' vulnerability really tugged on the heart of readers. I just want to cry and laugh and certainly had giggled out loud during various sections of the story. The way the author described the journey and the landscape made me feel like I'm traveling with the characters and the gorgeous map is fascinating. I really want to see a real life sidhe house and pixies and explore the various lands. Counting down days for the next installation of this series.
3 reviews
July 26, 2015
There is a risk in some fantasy novels that the task of explaining the fantasy world overwhelms the characters and the story. No problem of that sort with this book; I fell effortlessly into the Breiden and Serys' worlds.

I cared about these two characters immediately and couldn't put the book down until the very end. Some critics have said that the sex scenes (of which there are several) bogged down the progress of the story. Personally, I felt they furthered character development in important ways.

This was an entertaining read that was well worth the time and the money. A few questions were left unanswered, so I anxiously await book two.
Profile Image for Kaye.
Author 3 books47 followers
December 10, 2015
Dramatic, surprising, inclusive, epic fantasy romance and adventure story ripe with politics and sex but so, so aware and cautious. Charlotte Ashe takes very heavy issues like slavery and rape seriously, doesn't back away but lets her characters hurt and heal and makes you wonder why so many stories try to breeze through these subjects that she writes so tenderly. At it's core it is a beautiful, consensual love story, and also the exciting beginning to a series I am very much looking forward to.
Profile Image for Amy Stilgenbauer.
Author 12 books20 followers
September 18, 2015
It's clear from page one how much effort and love was put into building this world. For me, that can make or break a fantasy. Worldbuilding can be hard and if done lazily, it's obvious. Even if most of that work never makes it onto the page itself, it's probably one of the most important parts. Despite everything that happens, this is a world created in love. That emotion is exactly what you can feel through every page of this work. It's a tough, harsh world, but its a world in which love exists and there is the hope of finding it.
Profile Image for Tori.
747 reviews
June 3, 2016
I don't even know if I should mark this as read (as opposed to currently reading) because this is the sort of book that I will continue to read and reread for the rest of my life.

This is such an epic, beautiful fantasy love story. I actually can't think of the proper words to even describe this story. It's beyond my (usually extensive) vocabulary.

I don't believe in fate and soulmates and insta-love. But more than anything, I believe in Brieden and Sehrys.

Miss Ashe, you have out done yourself. And I eagerly await the next book!
Profile Image for Naomi Tajedler.
Author 5 books11 followers
March 8, 2017
I've always loved fantasy novels, and The Sidhe was a fresh take on a concept fantasy writers have been toying with for years - and I'm not talking about the fact that the two main characters who have to go against the World (literally, if this first opus is any indication) are gay characters.
No, the fresh take resides in the pace of it, in the intricate web of characters, and in the absolute desperation to read the next part of their adventures !!!!!
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