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Betrothed: A Faery Tale
Faery royalty have always married for duty rather than love. Prince Chrysanths should be no different—except with a human for a father, the prince known as Puck already is different. When he is betrothed against his will to Prince Sky, Puck flees to his father in the human world, only to have Sky follow.
Prince Sky Song of the Clouds isn’t thrilled with the prospect of marriage either, but is bound by duty to follow through. If he can’t win Puck over, the faery realm might very well dissolve into utter chaos. Too busy arguing, Puck and Sky are unaware there are others with a vested interest in seeing the betrothal fail. In a bid for Puck’s crown, they’ll seek to keep them apart, even as Puck and Sky realize that duty and love don’t always have to be mutually exclusive.
Prince Sky Song of the Clouds isn’t thrilled with the prospect of marriage either, but is bound by duty to follow through. If he can’t win Puck over, the faery realm might very well dissolve into utter chaos. Too busy arguing, Puck and Sky are unaware there are others with a vested interest in seeing the betrothal fail. In a bid for Puck’s crown, they’ll seek to keep them apart, even as Puck and Sky realize that duty and love don’t always have to be mutually exclusive.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2015
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September 20, 2016
A Hearts On Fire Review
4.25 HEARTS--Must love faeries, brats and faery tales.
Thankfully, I enjoy all of the above.
Fantasy is very much my go-to genre. My favorite magical beings after unicorns and mermaids are the fae. They're not just twee little folk when written right. (Yes, they're open for interpretation)
Therese Woodson did a very interesting version of faeries. They're separated by four elements: sun, water, air and earth. Each element ruled by their respective kingdom. Due to a war hundreds of years ago between the greedy Sun King and the other elements, a marriage treaty was created between the air, water and earth (the winners). The elements must be married to maintain peace...it's been arranged.
Enter Puck aka half-human/ half- earth faery, Prince Chrysanths who is sort of a black sheep of both the faery and human world. He doesn't fit in either realm. While faeries have tattoo like colorful markings all over their body that depict their base element, his human side mutes it to faint colors. And he doesn't have wings and can't fly like his full blooded mother or subjects. His ears are rounded like a human, his magic isn't as strong and he's regulated to seeing his father once a year, if that.
When his mother, Queen Bellis tells Puck it's time for his arranged marriage to air faery prince Sky to happen, in three weeks, Puck does the only logical thing. He runs to Earth. Thus begins a fish out of water like experience for (Prince Sky) because of course he has to follow his betrothed into the human world (where he's never traveled).
The story has a lot of great themes going for it that I like to read in budding romances. This reads like New Adult. Puck still has growing up to do. Sky is definitely more responsible. They're opposites in a lot of ways. But where the author created magic (despite the obvious subject) is the little moments. Puck is frustrating but Sky can't help but charmed by the color in his eyes, or the way he thinks about something. That makes or breaks a romance for me. I'm more of a small gestures kind of reader.
And the young men learn one another while virtually strangers in a short amount of time (about three weeks) in America (?) guessing by the narrator's accent.
And this narrator. He is 5 Hearts all the way I want him to narrate all the things for me, especially fantasy books. I can name 5 GLBT fantasy books I want him to narrate for me right now. It'd be epic. EPIC!
My list of audiobook narrators I've listened to isn't long, but I'm telling you Matthew Lloyd Davies is on my list of best narrators ever. He does the voices, the inflections, breaks at the right moment. He put thought into the characters, he breathed life into the characters. They were all distinct! I felt like I was at a production with my audiobook. (My favorite words Mr. Davies said? The dirty ones, of course!)
My one quibble with the narration is the American accents are read with a British pronunciation, so it made the American in me pause for a bit. Hearing the "mall" pronounced 'mell' rather than MALL with a long 'A' gave me acute screw face. Just for a teeny bit. Hell after awhile, Jim (Puck's dad) accent grew on me. I thought it added charm after awhile, Jim's accent like sounding syrupy British with marbles in the mouth. I was all for it.
Narration skills aside, the story is a modern day faery tale. We get an arranged marriage where love blossoms organically. Yes, there is a short amount of time. And there is a villain so to speak and a little outside action (very minor) But Woodson made sure to add little details from the Puck and Sky's first meeting to detail their attraction and chemistry.
So much so, I would have been fine if they didn't have any kind of sexual contact. And the story was strictly PG-13. Don't worry smutsters, it's not. ;D
I wanted to give this book 5 Hearts. It pains me not to especially with that top notch narration. Because all the romance details work so wonderfully. But...I can't. There were two areas where elaboration and development should have happened. The story is chugging along at a nice pace, a twist that I had a feeling was coming, happens. Cool. And then another plot twist happens, even better. But the way it just fizzled, to rush to a HEA. I need answers.
1) What the hell was the malady?
2) What the hell happened with the 'villain'? One doesn't just plot for so long and do...that.
Unless there is a sequel? (I wouldn't mind a sequel)
I really enjoyed the world Therese wooden created, the faery mythology and background. I even love the ingenious way faery babies are created. (So how are Sun babies made, just curious?)
This is different. Puck will try the patience of some - his brattiness can test the patience of a saint. I think Sky is a good foil for him and they make a great couple. The outcome despite the hiccups in the the last 20% or so was a good faery tale.
I'm charmed by the whole kit and caboodle that is Betrothed. I do hope to see more fantasy by this author, more from this world.
A copy provided for an honest review
4.25 HEARTS--Must love faeries, brats and faery tales.
Thankfully, I enjoy all of the above.
Fantasy is very much my go-to genre. My favorite magical beings after unicorns and mermaids are the fae. They're not just twee little folk when written right. (Yes, they're open for interpretation)
Therese Woodson did a very interesting version of faeries. They're separated by four elements: sun, water, air and earth. Each element ruled by their respective kingdom. Due to a war hundreds of years ago between the greedy Sun King and the other elements, a marriage treaty was created between the air, water and earth (the winners). The elements must be married to maintain peace...it's been arranged.
Enter Puck aka half-human/ half- earth faery, Prince Chrysanths who is sort of a black sheep of both the faery and human world. He doesn't fit in either realm. While faeries have tattoo like colorful markings all over their body that depict their base element, his human side mutes it to faint colors. And he doesn't have wings and can't fly like his full blooded mother or subjects. His ears are rounded like a human, his magic isn't as strong and he's regulated to seeing his father once a year, if that.
When his mother, Queen Bellis tells Puck it's time for his arranged marriage to air faery prince Sky to happen, in three weeks, Puck does the only logical thing. He runs to Earth. Thus begins a fish out of water like experience for (Prince Sky) because of course he has to follow his betrothed into the human world (where he's never traveled).
The story has a lot of great themes going for it that I like to read in budding romances. This reads like New Adult. Puck still has growing up to do. Sky is definitely more responsible. They're opposites in a lot of ways. But where the author created magic (despite the obvious subject) is the little moments. Puck is frustrating but Sky can't help but charmed by the color in his eyes, or the way he thinks about something. That makes or breaks a romance for me. I'm more of a small gestures kind of reader.
And the young men learn one another while virtually strangers in a short amount of time (about three weeks) in America (?) guessing by the narrator's accent.
And this narrator. He is 5 Hearts all the way I want him to narrate all the things for me, especially fantasy books. I can name 5 GLBT fantasy books I want him to narrate for me right now. It'd be epic. EPIC!
My list of audiobook narrators I've listened to isn't long, but I'm telling you Matthew Lloyd Davies is on my list of best narrators ever. He does the voices, the inflections, breaks at the right moment. He put thought into the characters, he breathed life into the characters. They were all distinct! I felt like I was at a production with my audiobook. (My favorite words Mr. Davies said? The dirty ones, of course!)
My one quibble with the narration is the American accents are read with a British pronunciation, so it made the American in me pause for a bit. Hearing the "mall" pronounced 'mell' rather than MALL with a long 'A' gave me acute screw face. Just for a teeny bit. Hell after awhile, Jim (Puck's dad) accent grew on me. I thought it added charm after awhile, Jim's accent like sounding syrupy British with marbles in the mouth. I was all for it.
Narration skills aside, the story is a modern day faery tale. We get an arranged marriage where love blossoms organically. Yes, there is a short amount of time. And there is a villain so to speak and a little outside action (very minor) But Woodson made sure to add little details from the Puck and Sky's first meeting to detail their attraction and chemistry.
So much so, I would have been fine if they didn't have any kind of sexual contact. And the story was strictly PG-13. Don't worry smutsters, it's not. ;D
I wanted to give this book 5 Hearts. It pains me not to especially with that top notch narration. Because all the romance details work so wonderfully. But...I can't. There were two areas where elaboration and development should have happened. The story is chugging along at a nice pace, a twist that I had a feeling was coming, happens. Cool. And then another plot twist happens, even better. But the way it just fizzled, to rush to a HEA. I need answers.
1) What the hell was the malady?
2) What the hell happened with the 'villain'? One doesn't just plot for so long and do...that.
Unless there is a sequel? (I wouldn't mind a sequel)
I really enjoyed the world Therese wooden created, the faery mythology and background. I even love the ingenious way faery babies are created. (So how are Sun babies made, just curious?)
This is different. Puck will try the patience of some - his brattiness can test the patience of a saint. I think Sky is a good foil for him and they make a great couple. The outcome despite the hiccups in the the last 20% or so was a good faery tale.
I'm charmed by the whole kit and caboodle that is Betrothed. I do hope to see more fantasy by this author, more from this world.
A copy provided for an honest review
October 6, 2024
Oh! I enjoyed this very much. Some of it was absolutely ridiculous but that just made it better. I love, love, love Fairy stories and even more I love, love, love Fairy Tales. And this was definitely a Fairy Tale. No matter which way you spell it ;)
I would love for there to be a second book. I think that the big bad in this one needs to really be addressed and even more I would love to see Puck and Sky living their own Happlily Ever After.
Jesus, could I say love more times in this review?
I would love for there to be a second book. I think that the big bad in this one needs to really be addressed and even more I would love to see Puck and Sky living their own Happlily Ever After.
Jesus, could I say love more times in this review?
October 22, 2015
3.5 stars
It took me a little while to get into the story -- I guess the combination between all the faeries names (I have troubles when boks have weird names and customs, one of the reasons I avoid high fantasy and sci-fi genre) and Puck being a mischievous selfish brat didn't exactly lure me in smoothly. Puck threw tantrums without thinking of the troubles he brought into his kingdom, his people, and his Queen mother. I think I got the groove of the story when I realized that Puck and Sky were going to spend more time in the human world and it was more about Puck and Sky learning about each other. I warmed up to Puck afterwards and I liked that he realized what he had done.
I loved Sky immediately, though -- he was noble, determined, and endearing. I also found him quite surprising because well, apparently even if Sky was a virgin of the human world, and I had delightful time reading about Sky trying to adapt and navigate this new place, but he wasn't a virgin in 'THAT' sense, you know? He also wasn't fragile. In fact, Sky showed that there were more than meets the eye, and I was wholeheartedly entertained by that.
I wasn't really sure about the 'mystery/threat' aspect though. It felt like it was introduced quickly but then also diffused quickly. What was the point of that threat? Because in the end, it didn't do anything to the whole story-line. I wonder if this was a hook for a sequel, that we would find out more about that situation in the next book? Or not. If it's not, well, then for me that plot had potential but it wasn't effectively executed.
It took me a little while to get into the story -- I guess the combination between all the faeries names (I have troubles when boks have weird names and customs, one of the reasons I avoid high fantasy and sci-fi genre) and Puck being a mischievous selfish brat didn't exactly lure me in smoothly. Puck threw tantrums without thinking of the troubles he brought into his kingdom, his people, and his Queen mother. I think I got the groove of the story when I realized that Puck and Sky were going to spend more time in the human world and it was more about Puck and Sky learning about each other. I warmed up to Puck afterwards and I liked that he realized what he had done.
I loved Sky immediately, though -- he was noble, determined, and endearing. I also found him quite surprising because well, apparently even if Sky was a virgin of the human world, and I had delightful time reading about Sky trying to adapt and navigate this new place, but he wasn't a virgin in 'THAT' sense, you know? He also wasn't fragile. In fact, Sky showed that there were more than meets the eye, and I was wholeheartedly entertained by that.
I wasn't really sure about the 'mystery/threat' aspect though. It felt like it was introduced quickly but then also diffused quickly. What was the point of that threat? Because in the end, it didn't do anything to the whole story-line. I wonder if this was a hook for a sequel, that we would find out more about that situation in the next book? Or not. If it's not, well, then for me that plot had potential but it wasn't effectively executed.
March 28, 2017
Overall book rating: 3.5
Audio Book: Matthew Lloyd Davies – 3.8
Book Cover: 3
I have to honestly say that I enjoyed this one. It was light and full of fantasy. In fact, even a little childlike in some ways I venture to say. I was preparing for epic drama and battle and wham bam all was magically fixed and back on track.
A Perfect little in between when you just need something to make you think happy thoughts. I personally don’t like mean/evil faeries, they don’t fit my minds profile so these did very well thank you.
Audio Book: Matthew Lloyd Davies – 3.8
Book Cover: 3
I have to honestly say that I enjoyed this one. It was light and full of fantasy. In fact, even a little childlike in some ways I venture to say. I was preparing for epic drama and battle and wham bam all was magically fixed and back on track.
A Perfect little in between when you just need something to make you think happy thoughts. I personally don’t like mean/evil faeries, they don’t fit my minds profile so these did very well thank you.
October 26, 2016
Audiobook Review
I do love me a good faery tale and when a narrator with a voice like Matthew Lloyd Davies can read to me a magical tale like this one, I’m a really happy Peach. Anything I’ve read by Therese Woodson I have loved. Side Note: If you love a quality Merry Jizzmas story, definitely read The Trouble With Elves, definitely listen to the audiobook too, it’s freakin’ adorable.
Back to the land of the Fae; the author gave a really unique take on the land of the Fae in Betrothed. There are four lands based on the elements and two princes have been promised to one another as royalty is want to do. Prince Chrysanths, or Puck to his pals is none too happy to be betrothed to Prince Sky so he hightails it to the human realm and hides out at his father’s place. Puck is ½ human BTW. It’s nothing personal against Prince Sky, he’s never met the man, but Puck is not one to do as he’s told, he can be a smidge contrary when he gets wound up.
Prince Sky, on the other hand, is a good princely boy and recognizes the importance of tradition. He’s also a bit naïve with his limited experiences especially in comparison to Puck and his more wild ways. Sky is a man of honor though and he is going to do right by his family and he follows Puck to the human realm.
What follows is an amusing test of wills as Puck throws a lot of human experiences and nonsense at Sky in an attempt to drive him off, but Puck underestimates Sky’s tenacity and the push and pull the two go through was fun to listen to. The animosity evolves into a friendship and slowly into something more. Of course, along the way there were misunderstandings and miscommunications but nothing overly angsty and it gave the story just enough bite to keep it from being too easy. The two end up connecting so well and I appreciated the growing up that Puck did, it made me believe in a future for them.
I absolutely loved the distinctive voices the narrator used for Puck and Sky. He really paid attention to the descriptions of the characters and it was always easy to follow conversations between the MC’s and his depiction of Sky made me swoony. I need to listen to every book this man has narrated. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks while I commute and Matthew Lloyd Davies is top notch, he can read me a tech manual and I would be completely enamored.
I would love to have more of the author’s writing in this world. While nothing was left hanging, the villain did bail out pretty easily and the bulk of the setting was in the human realm. I’d love to read/hear a smackdown set in the Fae world and just get more of their universe in general. All the little things that happened with the Fae’s made the story so colorful (the mating marks for example, how amazing was all that?) I just plain and simple would love more. Then Matthew Lloyd Davies could read it to me and all would be right in all the worlds.
a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review
I do love me a good faery tale and when a narrator with a voice like Matthew Lloyd Davies can read to me a magical tale like this one, I’m a really happy Peach. Anything I’ve read by Therese Woodson I have loved. Side Note: If you love a quality Merry Jizzmas story, definitely read The Trouble With Elves, definitely listen to the audiobook too, it’s freakin’ adorable.
Back to the land of the Fae; the author gave a really unique take on the land of the Fae in Betrothed. There are four lands based on the elements and two princes have been promised to one another as royalty is want to do. Prince Chrysanths, or Puck to his pals is none too happy to be betrothed to Prince Sky so he hightails it to the human realm and hides out at his father’s place. Puck is ½ human BTW. It’s nothing personal against Prince Sky, he’s never met the man, but Puck is not one to do as he’s told, he can be a smidge contrary when he gets wound up.
Prince Sky, on the other hand, is a good princely boy and recognizes the importance of tradition. He’s also a bit naïve with his limited experiences especially in comparison to Puck and his more wild ways. Sky is a man of honor though and he is going to do right by his family and he follows Puck to the human realm.
What follows is an amusing test of wills as Puck throws a lot of human experiences and nonsense at Sky in an attempt to drive him off, but Puck underestimates Sky’s tenacity and the push and pull the two go through was fun to listen to. The animosity evolves into a friendship and slowly into something more. Of course, along the way there were misunderstandings and miscommunications but nothing overly angsty and it gave the story just enough bite to keep it from being too easy. The two end up connecting so well and I appreciated the growing up that Puck did, it made me believe in a future for them.
I absolutely loved the distinctive voices the narrator used for Puck and Sky. He really paid attention to the descriptions of the characters and it was always easy to follow conversations between the MC’s and his depiction of Sky made me swoony. I need to listen to every book this man has narrated. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks while I commute and Matthew Lloyd Davies is top notch, he can read me a tech manual and I would be completely enamored.
I would love to have more of the author’s writing in this world. While nothing was left hanging, the villain did bail out pretty easily and the bulk of the setting was in the human realm. I’d love to read/hear a smackdown set in the Fae world and just get more of their universe in general. All the little things that happened with the Fae’s made the story so colorful (the mating marks for example, how amazing was all that?) I just plain and simple would love more. Then Matthew Lloyd Davies could read it to me and all would be right in all the worlds.
a copy of this audiobook was provided for an honest review
May 4, 2016
So…I don’t like Fae, fairies, or fairy dust. Which may be a bit odd since this is the second book I’ve read this week that had them in them. And I have loved both of them. So there’s me being schooled. But even if the character origins are something I usually go three miles out of my way to avoid, I have loved the other stories by this author, so I really wanted to read this novel.
Also, the cover is so pretty. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover.
So even though I don’t like Fae-stories, I really liked this one. Therese Woodson actually created a world that feels worth reading, and knowing more about. And even if one of her characters is named Puck, she avoided the whole Shakespeare-fairy-cliche thing that drives me batty. It is mostly just a pet peeve-–and not one that makes much sense-–but I hate Shakespeare fairies. I was a bit worried when I saw one of the character was named Puck, but since it is more a nickname than a recreation of an overplayed character, I didn’t mind all that much.
And this seems like an awful lot of complaining at the front end of this review. Especially for a book I don’t have many complaints about. I guess I just wanted people to understand why I liked this so much. Woodson made me like fairies. That is a big thing for me.
Therese Woodson did a great job of making a world that fit her characters, and characters that fit her world. The whole four-elements thing is hardly new, but it works. Maybe because the characters seemed more than your average fairy princes. Maybe it was just well constructed-–enough that you get a sense of the place, but not so much that it feels like you are getting every minute detail thrown at you.
Puck is…well, he is a bit of an asshole during the first half of this book. Ok, it is probably more towards self-centered jerk territory than actual assholeness, but the dude–-for all that I like him–-really needed that reality check by his dad. But despite the fact I’m surprised Sky didn’t just slap the dude, I think the struggles they had to get thru together made the romance all the better.
My only issue with this story is that the whole fire-fairy thing seemed to go nowhere. It sorta flashed up a bit and then burnt out in rather a short time period. I don’t know if there is a second book planned where it will be explored in more depth, but here it seemed to fizzle out way too soon.
Despite that, and my almost instinctual avoidance of fairy-tales, I really enjoyed this story. Add to that a cover that well worth the price of admission, and you have a winning mix. So if you are looking for a light-hearted forced-marriage story I totally recommend this one. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Also, the cover is so pretty. I’m a sucker for a pretty cover.
So even though I don’t like Fae-stories, I really liked this one. Therese Woodson actually created a world that feels worth reading, and knowing more about. And even if one of her characters is named Puck, she avoided the whole Shakespeare-fairy-cliche thing that drives me batty. It is mostly just a pet peeve-–and not one that makes much sense-–but I hate Shakespeare fairies. I was a bit worried when I saw one of the character was named Puck, but since it is more a nickname than a recreation of an overplayed character, I didn’t mind all that much.
And this seems like an awful lot of complaining at the front end of this review. Especially for a book I don’t have many complaints about. I guess I just wanted people to understand why I liked this so much. Woodson made me like fairies. That is a big thing for me.
Therese Woodson did a great job of making a world that fit her characters, and characters that fit her world. The whole four-elements thing is hardly new, but it works. Maybe because the characters seemed more than your average fairy princes. Maybe it was just well constructed-–enough that you get a sense of the place, but not so much that it feels like you are getting every minute detail thrown at you.
Puck is…well, he is a bit of an asshole during the first half of this book. Ok, it is probably more towards self-centered jerk territory than actual assholeness, but the dude–-for all that I like him–-really needed that reality check by his dad. But despite the fact I’m surprised Sky didn’t just slap the dude, I think the struggles they had to get thru together made the romance all the better.
My only issue with this story is that the whole fire-fairy thing seemed to go nowhere. It sorta flashed up a bit and then burnt out in rather a short time period. I don’t know if there is a second book planned where it will be explored in more depth, but here it seemed to fizzle out way too soon.
Despite that, and my almost instinctual avoidance of fairy-tales, I really enjoyed this story. Add to that a cover that well worth the price of admission, and you have a winning mix. So if you are looking for a light-hearted forced-marriage story I totally recommend this one. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
January 2, 2016
The faerie world is broken into four parts: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. Over a thousand years ago King Flare of the Sun Throne grew arrogant and marched his army against the combined forces of the Air, Earth, and Water. However, in a glorious battle which lasted two weeks the Trio of Elements army obliterated the Sun faery force and the Kingdom of the Sun fell.
The story begins with Prince Chrysanths, who prefers to be called Puck, being informed in order to ensure peace between the three kingdoms of Earth, Air and Water the Elder Council is demanding the Earth and the Air to be joined immediately. So Puck's mother, the Queen has called in the betrothal agreement between Puck and the Air prince. They will have three weeks to get to know one another and then be married.
Puck is stunned and furious and scared and doesn't want to get married to a stranger. Because Puck is half human, a youthful indiscretion on his mother's part, he has spent quite a bit of time in the human world and immediately packs and flees to the human world to stay with his father certain the other faerie will not follow him.
It falls to Prince Sky Song of the Clouds to seal the relationship with the wood faeries of the Earth Kingdom. Though he's not happy with the decision, he is duty and honor bound to agree to the travel to the Earth kingdom and marry Puck. When he arrives and is informed Puck has gone, he immediately follows after him.
Puck was a difficult character for me to like for much of the story. He does finally come around to not being a total waste of skin eventually but the time it takes to get there was painful. Sky was understanding, wonderful, and definitely trying to make the best of a bad situation. Though I liked Sky, he wasn't enough to make up for Puck's behavior.
The story has some sweet moments, and a bit of mystery, but it left me bored for most of it, and I wasn't a fan of the twist.
All in all it's a sweet at times story that just didn't do anything for me at all.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
To ensure one kingdom never raised arms against the others again, the three remaining kingdoms created an Elder Council. The elder faeries decreed the royal lines must be tied by marriage. The marriage law has kept peace between the three kingdoms for the last millennium.
The story begins with Prince Chrysanths, who prefers to be called Puck, being informed in order to ensure peace between the three kingdoms of Earth, Air and Water the Elder Council is demanding the Earth and the Air to be joined immediately. So Puck's mother, the Queen has called in the betrothal agreement between Puck and the Air prince. They will have three weeks to get to know one another and then be married.
Puck is stunned and furious and scared and doesn't want to get married to a stranger. Because Puck is half human, a youthful indiscretion on his mother's part, he has spent quite a bit of time in the human world and immediately packs and flees to the human world to stay with his father certain the other faerie will not follow him.
It falls to Prince Sky Song of the Clouds to seal the relationship with the wood faeries of the Earth Kingdom. Though he's not happy with the decision, he is duty and honor bound to agree to the travel to the Earth kingdom and marry Puck. When he arrives and is informed Puck has gone, he immediately follows after him.
Puck was a difficult character for me to like for much of the story. He does finally come around to not being a total waste of skin eventually but the time it takes to get there was painful. Sky was understanding, wonderful, and definitely trying to make the best of a bad situation. Though I liked Sky, he wasn't enough to make up for Puck's behavior.
The story has some sweet moments, and a bit of mystery, but it left me bored for most of it, and I wasn't a fan of the twist.
All in all it's a sweet at times story that just didn't do anything for me at all.
Advanced Review Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
January 12, 2016
This book was so good!!!
You get a stubborn fairy named Puck who does not want to get married so he sneaks away in the night to go to the human realm to be with his father. At first his character did kind of annoy me with the way he treated Sky who was only trying to get to know him and honor the betrothal. But once he realizes how real Sky is being with him and how he is not a snotty, spoiled fairy... He does a complete one eighty and I ended up loving his characters!
Sky chases Puck to his realm to try and get to know Puck and see if they could make this betrothal work. He went through so much and was so understanding I absolutely 100% loved his character from the start.
This book is equal parts sweet and cute don't let that scare you because it worked so well together with this story! You also get your very steamy scenes which were so good!!
You get to meet some different characters their family and friends in this. Then you get to meet the evil woman that I did not like from the start. Then what she did to Puck.. Lets just say I did not like her character at all.
There was just so much about this book I loved and I have to admit I hope there will be another book for Puck and Sky. I would love to see more of them.
So all together I 100% loved this book!
I would definitely recommend this book!
Rating ~ 5 stars
#M/M #Fairies
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
You get a stubborn fairy named Puck who does not want to get married so he sneaks away in the night to go to the human realm to be with his father. At first his character did kind of annoy me with the way he treated Sky who was only trying to get to know him and honor the betrothal. But once he realizes how real Sky is being with him and how he is not a snotty, spoiled fairy... He does a complete one eighty and I ended up loving his characters!
Sky chases Puck to his realm to try and get to know Puck and see if they could make this betrothal work. He went through so much and was so understanding I absolutely 100% loved his character from the start.
This book is equal parts sweet and cute don't let that scare you because it worked so well together with this story! You also get your very steamy scenes which were so good!!
You get to meet some different characters their family and friends in this. Then you get to meet the evil woman that I did not like from the start. Then what she did to Puck.. Lets just say I did not like her character at all.
There was just so much about this book I loved and I have to admit I hope there will be another book for Puck and Sky. I would love to see more of them.
So all together I 100% loved this book!
I would definitely recommend this book!
Rating ~ 5 stars
#M/M #Fairies
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
September 24, 2015
Okay, so… This is an interesting story. We have Prince Chrysanth (aka Puck) a half fairy half human who is basically being told he needs to marry Prince Sky. Arranged marriages *sigh* what can you do, right? Well this was fascinating because, as much as I was like, WHAT! No! That’s just not right, we need to be allowed to love who we love… I, well, LOVE Sky. He’s fantastic and Puck needed to get past his whole arrogant jerky self to see that. Now, I get Puck’s feeling. He was an ass, but rightly so for a while. I put myself in his wings and saw how his reactions were warranted for a time. Thing is, Sky isn’t dead set on this as a fabulous idea but he’s willing to try and Sky pulls out a lot of stops to get Puck to see this. Others want them to fail. THE FATE OF THEIR LIVES DEPEND ON IT! Oh the drama!!!
So Puck hates Sky, Sky isn’t thrilled with Puck at first BUT, those are the best books. Seeing sorta enemies become lovers.
This book has a lot: Sex, drama, little fluff. Fun all around!
So Puck hates Sky, Sky isn’t thrilled with Puck at first BUT, those are the best books. Seeing sorta enemies become lovers.
This book has a lot: Sex, drama, little fluff. Fun all around!
Read
August 8, 2017I enjoy a fairy tale and this is a cute little twist on one.
I am probably rounding this up but my enjoyment of it suffered more from my continual belief that I knew where the story was going, than from where the story actually went. My assumptions were always wrong.
Even at the end I thought Puck was a self-centered asshole, but I loved Sky from the start.
I am probably rounding this up but my enjoyment of it suffered more from my continual belief that I knew where the story was going, than from where the story actually went. My assumptions were always wrong.
Even at the end I thought Puck was a self-centered asshole, but I loved Sky from the start.
November 18, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up
Lots of fluff, put a smile on my face without too much sweetness.
Lots of fluff, put a smile on my face without too much sweetness.
August 8, 2016
Audiobook Production 5 STARS
Story 4.5 STARS
If you're in need of a romantic warm fuzzy, a good faery tale usually does the trick
Story 4.5 STARS
If you're in need of a romantic warm fuzzy, a good faery tale usually does the trick
May 12, 2017
This book reminded me so much of the fairy tales I used to read as a child. I remember getting a little older, maybe 11 or 12, and wondering why there were no fairy tales about gay men or women who got an HEA, and now my question has been answered: because they’re all too hot for 11 and 12 year olds to read!
I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I thought I was going to! When I started reading it I half expected it to be a mirror of a Disney classic but with a little M/M twist, but I was so very wrong.
Puck was a very interesting character for me to read about because as he made decisions and drew conclusions I found myself simultaneously thinking wow, so immature and yep, that’s me. There was a constant push and pull attraction for me and it made Puck as a character appear to be much more complex.
I had a lot of conflicting feelings about this book, mainly because I so very badly wanted to read it from Sky’s perspective. He’s definitely my favorite out of the two MC’s and it’s no question why. He’s determined and has a strong sense of loyalty, not only to his kingdom and the faeries, but eventually to Puck as well.
Despite their rough beginning…
…Sky and Puck eventually formed a close bond (after Puck finally dropped the attitude). This book was a little bit of a slow burn, but eventually these two became each other’s rock and primary support.
Betrothed: A Faery Tale was a fun, lighthearted, and easy read. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for Therese Woodson’s future works for sure!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
“It’s a delicate situation, but it involves me and a law and a marriage. And I might have started a faery war.” Puck’s dad paled and let out a low whistle.
“This sounds like a breakfast and coffee kind of conversation.”
I enjoyed this book a whole lot more than I thought I was going to! When I started reading it I half expected it to be a mirror of a Disney classic but with a little M/M twist, but I was so very wrong.
Puck was a very interesting character for me to read about because as he made decisions and drew conclusions I found myself simultaneously thinking wow, so immature and yep, that’s me. There was a constant push and pull attraction for me and it made Puck as a character appear to be much more complex.
You are strong, and you are beautiful, and you have the sky in your veins and in your name.
I had a lot of conflicting feelings about this book, mainly because I so very badly wanted to read it from Sky’s perspective. He’s definitely my favorite out of the two MC’s and it’s no question why. He’s determined and has a strong sense of loyalty, not only to his kingdom and the faeries, but eventually to Puck as well.
Despite their rough beginning…
Jim laughed, loud and sudden, doubling over in his chair. He slapped his knee, shoulders shaking. “Sorry,” he said, still chuckling and giving Puck an indecipherable look. “Sorry, but when you said they were forcing you to marry, I thought you meant to a troll or something.”
…Sky and Puck eventually formed a close bond (after Puck finally dropped the attitude). This book was a little bit of a slow burn, but eventually these two became each other’s rock and primary support.
Betrothed: A Faery Tale was a fun, lighthearted, and easy read. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for Therese Woodson’s future works for sure!
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
September 26, 2016
I started reading this book last night and couldn't put it down. This was a fairy tale romance with real fairy princes, adventures, evil plots,romance and a HEA. I really liked Sky, and was rooting for him all the way. His relationship with Jim was adorable. Puck was way more difficult to like. He had his moments, but then he reverted back to childish, self pitying behaviour. But then he saw the light, grew up and redeemed himself. I just wish the story line with Amy was more fleshed out, as it was not resolved at all.
April 10, 2016
Sometimes it is tough to be a royal. Specifically when arranged marriages are the norm, as they are in the world of ‘Betrothed’. Neither of the two selected grooms is happy about the fact they have to get married, even though they have seen it coming. They are even less enthusiastic about the partner who has been chosen for them. And while Prince Sky pulls himself together and is ready to do his duty, Prince Puck is far less mature – and runs. What follows is a suspenseful adventure that had me turning the pages, wanting to find out if Puck is going to grow up before Sky loses his temper. There is a lot at stake – the fate of the faery realm and peace depends on their tying their kingdoms to maintain the peace.
Puck, whose real name is Prince Chrysanths, does his name honor. He is irreverent, couldn’t care less about court protocol, and has no intention whatsoever to get married to some snobbish Sky fairy. He is very unusual as princes go, what with a human father, but he is the only heir and there is no way out of the arrangement without throwing the entire faery realm into chaos. Even knowing the possible consequences, Puck decides to run for it and crosses into the human world to see his father. He never expected Sky to follow – and is shocked when he does. But it also means they have time away from prying eyes, time to get to know each other. And even though Puck does not expect his opinion to change, he accepts the opportunity, if somewhat grudgingly.
Sky is not ready either, if for different reasons. He does not want to leave his home, and he does not want to marry someone he doesn’t know. The fact that Puck is half human does not enter the equation for him, the bigger issue for Sky is that he hates the unknown. He is in for a shock when he finds out that Puck has run, but he is too stubborn to give up and follows him to the human realm. Talk about stepping from the frying pan into the fire! Sky has never been to the human world, so he has a lot to learn. All while trying not to strangle Puck who is less than ready to keep an open mind.
As expected, with all the animosity, the relationship between Puck and Sky is not comfortable. But much is preconceptions that quickly dissolve as they get to know each other. Both have grown up without the presence of a father, and both know about the pressures of being royal. They share being stubborn, and their banter quickly changes from being serious fighting to more of a fun exchange of barbs. And when feelings develop between them, neither knows what to do with them. Very cute!
If you like stories about faeries and their interaction with the human world, if potent threats by mysterious enemies and the fate of whole kingdoms hanging in the balance are your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, emotional, suspenseful and full of adventure, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Puck, whose real name is Prince Chrysanths, does his name honor. He is irreverent, couldn’t care less about court protocol, and has no intention whatsoever to get married to some snobbish Sky fairy. He is very unusual as princes go, what with a human father, but he is the only heir and there is no way out of the arrangement without throwing the entire faery realm into chaos. Even knowing the possible consequences, Puck decides to run for it and crosses into the human world to see his father. He never expected Sky to follow – and is shocked when he does. But it also means they have time away from prying eyes, time to get to know each other. And even though Puck does not expect his opinion to change, he accepts the opportunity, if somewhat grudgingly.
Sky is not ready either, if for different reasons. He does not want to leave his home, and he does not want to marry someone he doesn’t know. The fact that Puck is half human does not enter the equation for him, the bigger issue for Sky is that he hates the unknown. He is in for a shock when he finds out that Puck has run, but he is too stubborn to give up and follows him to the human realm. Talk about stepping from the frying pan into the fire! Sky has never been to the human world, so he has a lot to learn. All while trying not to strangle Puck who is less than ready to keep an open mind.
As expected, with all the animosity, the relationship between Puck and Sky is not comfortable. But much is preconceptions that quickly dissolve as they get to know each other. Both have grown up without the presence of a father, and both know about the pressures of being royal. They share being stubborn, and their banter quickly changes from being serious fighting to more of a fun exchange of barbs. And when feelings develop between them, neither knows what to do with them. Very cute!
If you like stories about faeries and their interaction with the human world, if potent threats by mysterious enemies and the fate of whole kingdoms hanging in the balance are your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is funny, emotional, suspenseful and full of adventure, then you will probably like this novel.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 2, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
This was a short little story about two Faery princes who are being forced into an arranged marriage to keep the peace between the fairy clans. Long ago one of the clans decided to rise up against the other. It ended badly. So now each clan marries two of their princes or princesses off so their clans are united through that bond. It’s worked so far and it’s time to bond the beautiful Cloud Prince Sky with the half human Earth Prince, Puck. Puck is looked down upon because he’s half human. He spends most of his time in the Faery world but crosses over to be with his father in the human world from time to time. Puck is torn between two worlds and doesn’t really fit entirely in either. So he’s always kind of did his own thing. His mom the queen gives him leniency nobody else gets. Puck knows he pushes it but he’s a free spirit and the fairy court holds no interest for him. Until he’s told he’s to be married off for the sake of his people. So of course he runs off to the human world because arranged marriages just aren’t fair. Puck isn’t exactly honor bound in the way that the good of his people comes first. He just knows he doesn’t want to go through with it and gets away to think where he thinks nobody will come after him.
Sky isn’t happy to be traded off to a stranger either but he’s willing to do his duty if it means keeping his people safe and his sisters where they’ll be happiest. So he’s bound and determined to make this union work. Which is how he ends up in the human world without his magic or his wings. Puck does everything he can to push Sky away but Sky takes everything Puck throws at him. He will not lose this battle. Eventually that persistence breaks Puck down and he finally decides they should get to know each other.
I liked this book. Puck skirts the edge of likable and frustrating. He’s kind of bratty. On one hand you see him as being selfish but he’s also being asked to tie himself to a strange man to protect the same people who have treated him as less than them his entire life. Prince Sky is totally adorable and lovable. His sense of duty endeared me to him. He truly loves his family. Sky has no idea how attractive he is either. Which of course is attractive! Sky and Puck’s tension was pretty sexy. They had some fun bantering. The secondary characters were likable. The world building intriguing. I didn’t really think the story line with the baddie was all that great but the rest of the book was pretty good. I would have been happy for them to spend a little more time in the Faery world. Overall a sweet and unique happily ever after worth the read.
This was a short little story about two Faery princes who are being forced into an arranged marriage to keep the peace between the fairy clans. Long ago one of the clans decided to rise up against the other. It ended badly. So now each clan marries two of their princes or princesses off so their clans are united through that bond. It’s worked so far and it’s time to bond the beautiful Cloud Prince Sky with the half human Earth Prince, Puck. Puck is looked down upon because he’s half human. He spends most of his time in the Faery world but crosses over to be with his father in the human world from time to time. Puck is torn between two worlds and doesn’t really fit entirely in either. So he’s always kind of did his own thing. His mom the queen gives him leniency nobody else gets. Puck knows he pushes it but he’s a free spirit and the fairy court holds no interest for him. Until he’s told he’s to be married off for the sake of his people. So of course he runs off to the human world because arranged marriages just aren’t fair. Puck isn’t exactly honor bound in the way that the good of his people comes first. He just knows he doesn’t want to go through with it and gets away to think where he thinks nobody will come after him.
Sky isn’t happy to be traded off to a stranger either but he’s willing to do his duty if it means keeping his people safe and his sisters where they’ll be happiest. So he’s bound and determined to make this union work. Which is how he ends up in the human world without his magic or his wings. Puck does everything he can to push Sky away but Sky takes everything Puck throws at him. He will not lose this battle. Eventually that persistence breaks Puck down and he finally decides they should get to know each other.
I liked this book. Puck skirts the edge of likable and frustrating. He’s kind of bratty. On one hand you see him as being selfish but he’s also being asked to tie himself to a strange man to protect the same people who have treated him as less than them his entire life. Prince Sky is totally adorable and lovable. His sense of duty endeared me to him. He truly loves his family. Sky has no idea how attractive he is either. Which of course is attractive! Sky and Puck’s tension was pretty sexy. They had some fun bantering. The secondary characters were likable. The world building intriguing. I didn’t really think the story line with the baddie was all that great but the rest of the book was pretty good. I would have been happy for them to spend a little more time in the Faery world. Overall a sweet and unique happily ever after worth the read.
October 24, 2015
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls.
To stop a war from starting, Prince “Puck” Chrysanths and Prince Sky Song of the Clouds are forced to marry. They have one month to get to know each other before the actual marriage. Unfortunately, Puck is determined not to go through with the wedding and runs away to the human world to spend time with his father. He didn’t expect Sky to follow him so when Sky’s stubbornness means he’ll stay in the human world for the month instead of going back to the fae world, Puck’s determined to make Sky’s stay a living hell. But he never anticipated he’d start having feelings for Sky and when danger comes from an unlikely source, Sky and Puck’s newly formed emotions are put to the test.
This was a super cute story. I loved that Sky was so charming and duty-bound. It was interesting to see him try to settle into the human world when he had no idea how anything worked. I liked that he was willing to endure all that to show Puck his dedication to his duty. At the same time, I liked Puck for the most part. I liked how he changed and how he realized he wasn’t the center of the world and there were other people who weren’t happy with the situation. Most of all, I enjoyed seeing Puck and Sky start to get close and realize they have a kinship together.
I really enjoyed this one but I’ll admit, it took me a while to really get into it. For some reason, I didn’t like Puck in the beginning. I found him extremely annoying, childish and selfish. At one point, I even stopped reading, read something else and then went back to the story. However, about a third of the way through, I really got into it and started liking Puck more to where I was hooked on the story. My only other complaint is that I wished we saw more of them in the fae world and how they cope after their marriage.
In the end, this was an endearingly sweet story about two faeries who are forced into an arranged marriage and have one month to get to know each other. With vastly different personalities, it was interesting to see how they got along and I absolutely adored Sky. I hope Ms. Woodson considers writing more about these characters because I’d love to get to see more of them in the fae community.
To stop a war from starting, Prince “Puck” Chrysanths and Prince Sky Song of the Clouds are forced to marry. They have one month to get to know each other before the actual marriage. Unfortunately, Puck is determined not to go through with the wedding and runs away to the human world to spend time with his father. He didn’t expect Sky to follow him so when Sky’s stubbornness means he’ll stay in the human world for the month instead of going back to the fae world, Puck’s determined to make Sky’s stay a living hell. But he never anticipated he’d start having feelings for Sky and when danger comes from an unlikely source, Sky and Puck’s newly formed emotions are put to the test.
This was a super cute story. I loved that Sky was so charming and duty-bound. It was interesting to see him try to settle into the human world when he had no idea how anything worked. I liked that he was willing to endure all that to show Puck his dedication to his duty. At the same time, I liked Puck for the most part. I liked how he changed and how he realized he wasn’t the center of the world and there were other people who weren’t happy with the situation. Most of all, I enjoyed seeing Puck and Sky start to get close and realize they have a kinship together.
I really enjoyed this one but I’ll admit, it took me a while to really get into it. For some reason, I didn’t like Puck in the beginning. I found him extremely annoying, childish and selfish. At one point, I even stopped reading, read something else and then went back to the story. However, about a third of the way through, I really got into it and started liking Puck more to where I was hooked on the story. My only other complaint is that I wished we saw more of them in the fae world and how they cope after their marriage.
In the end, this was an endearingly sweet story about two faeries who are forced into an arranged marriage and have one month to get to know each other. With vastly different personalities, it was interesting to see how they got along and I absolutely adored Sky. I hope Ms. Woodson considers writing more about these characters because I’d love to get to see more of them in the fae community.
October 9, 2016
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
This is a delightfully sweet and fun faery tale romance between two royal faeries: one full-blooded, one half-human. Prince Chrysanths is half-human because, in her youth, his mom escaped the kingdom in a fit of temper and crossed through to the human world where she met a handsome stranger one day. The result was the prince, or Puck, as he likes to be called. His parents never married because his grandparents forbade it, but Puck has been allowed to go visit his dad occasionally and has a nice relationship with him.
When Puck finds out Prince Sky Song of the Clouds is on his way to marry him to fulfill a commitment to unite the sky kingdom with Puck’s earth kingdom, he shows his inherited temper by fleeing to his father’s home in the human world. Bound and determined to go through with the wedding, Sky asks Puck’s BFF to show him the way, and he arrives on Puck’s doorstep to Puck’s great surprise.
With Puck’s father’s support, the two hang out together and become friends. Though Puck continues to see a girl he once slept with, it’s more as a friend—at least from his perspective. But Sky doesn’t know that, and jealousy rears its ugly head. Then when Sky becomes ill, and Puck is mired in his own mess, things go from bad to worse. The good news is that this is indeed a faery tale, and our princes eventually make their way to a happy ending.
Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davis, this audiobook version feels very genuine and flows smoothly in his beautiful UK accent. I highly recommend the audiobook version to those thinking of picking this up.
This is a delightfully sweet and fun faery tale romance between two royal faeries: one full-blooded, one half-human. Prince Chrysanths is half-human because, in her youth, his mom escaped the kingdom in a fit of temper and crossed through to the human world where she met a handsome stranger one day. The result was the prince, or Puck, as he likes to be called. His parents never married because his grandparents forbade it, but Puck has been allowed to go visit his dad occasionally and has a nice relationship with him.
When Puck finds out Prince Sky Song of the Clouds is on his way to marry him to fulfill a commitment to unite the sky kingdom with Puck’s earth kingdom, he shows his inherited temper by fleeing to his father’s home in the human world. Bound and determined to go through with the wedding, Sky asks Puck’s BFF to show him the way, and he arrives on Puck’s doorstep to Puck’s great surprise.
With Puck’s father’s support, the two hang out together and become friends. Though Puck continues to see a girl he once slept with, it’s more as a friend—at least from his perspective. But Sky doesn’t know that, and jealousy rears its ugly head. Then when Sky becomes ill, and Puck is mired in his own mess, things go from bad to worse. The good news is that this is indeed a faery tale, and our princes eventually make their way to a happy ending.
Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davis, this audiobook version feels very genuine and flows smoothly in his beautiful UK accent. I highly recommend the audiobook version to those thinking of picking this up.
September 10, 2016
4.5 stars! I really needed this story to get me out of the funk that was the other book that shall not be named -- I just love the premise of this story -- it reminded me of old school Indian movies a little bit -- I loved loved loved Sky. He was so perfect. Too perfect, maybe even. I really liked how he went to the Human world to get puck and the slow build up towards love and Puck being an idiot and not telling Sky he felt right away. It was a bit dragging at times but 95% the pacing was well done.
An audiobook listen that I'll def. be purchasing on kindle!
I might be being a bit too generous simply b/c I just really hated the last book so much, it was so nice to read something where people weren't unnecessary assholes and everyone said what they meant. HAHA. I'm easy to please.
An audiobook listen that I'll def. be purchasing on kindle!
I might be being a bit too generous simply b/c I just really hated the last book so much, it was so nice to read something where people weren't unnecessary assholes and everyone said what they meant. HAHA. I'm easy to please.
October 11, 2015
I had high hopes for this story, but unfortunately, the plot was only mildly interesting to me and the romance did not feel solid or sufficiently credible.
October 14, 2015
I really liked this book. The plot was really great, I loved the action and the romance. Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
December 13, 2015
This was pretty great.
October 1, 2024
All surface-level storytelling, neither exhibits nor elicits any real emotion. I disliked Puck, who acted like a petulant teenager for much of the story, and I felt nothing for Sky.
April 24, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, it was nothing fancy, hence the 3 stars. It didn't really blow me away, but was good while it lasted.
I liked the 2 MC. Puck and Sky. They're forced into an arranged marriage, which Puck doesn't really want, so he flees to his Father in the human realm. Unfortunately Sky isn't one who abandons his duty and follows him. Puck tries everything to get Sky to break, but after a while i realizes that Sky isn't as bad as he thought.
The writing was good. Nothing to complain about really. What i didn't like was, that not every question was answered. Maybe there will be a second book about these two about what happened to Amy?
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers out there. This book is quite interesting, sweet and with only a little bit of angst.
I liked the 2 MC. Puck and Sky. They're forced into an arranged marriage, which Puck doesn't really want, so he flees to his Father in the human realm. Unfortunately Sky isn't one who abandons his duty and follows him. Puck tries everything to get Sky to break, but after a while i realizes that Sky isn't as bad as he thought.
The writing was good. Nothing to complain about really. What i didn't like was, that not every question was answered. Maybe there will be a second book about these two about what happened to Amy?
I recommend this book to all fantasy lovers out there. This book is quite interesting, sweet and with only a little bit of angst.
October 10, 2016
Betrothed, a Faery Tale
By Therese Woodson
Dreamspinner Press, 2015
Cover by Anna Sikorska
ISBN: 978-1634765152
Four stars
Woodson is a new author to me, and this fantasy novel offers an elegant take on the idea of a Faery world adjacent to ours. The set-up is a classic Faery problem: arranged marriage to cement political stability. The twist is that Prince Chrysanths of the Earth Kingdom is half human and goes by the nickname Puck. His humanity, a scandal within the Faery world, has given him familiarity with and access to the human world. When Puck responds to the pending visit by his betrothed – Prince Sky of the Air Kingdom – he disappears into the human world, assuming that no one will dare follow him.
The second twist is that Prince Sky – and, I note, that nothing much is made of the fact that Faeries seem to form same-sex pair bonds without much comment – breaks all precedent and simply follows Puck to his father’s house. Thus ensues the romantic comedy trope of City Mouse/Country Mouse dichotomy, where the rebellious Puck tries to discourage the dutiful Sky, only to learn that Sky’s façade of sincerity and courage is in fact a true portrait of the young Faery prince.
The surprise revelation that leads to the final, potentially disastrous romantic hurdle felt a little forced to me (although it was perfectly logical within the framework of Woodson’s narrative world). But that was small potatoes, since I really enjoyed the way the author manages both Puck and Sky’s emerging personalities. The two young men become more fully drawn as the story progresses, and the reader discovers all of their good qualities as they discover each other’s.
The presence of Puck’s human father, Jim Morris, was also really well handled. Denied custody of his half-Faery son, Jim asserts a gentle influence on Puck during his annual visits to the human world; and also becomes a surrogate parent to the fatherless Sky. Puck’s resistance to his Faery destiny seems to be something of a metaphor for his resistance to his own gayness, while Sky’s willingness to explore an alien culture in spite of the prejudice against it in his world suggests a young man with an open heart and mind.
I think I need to read more of Woodson’s books. They are nothing more than they claim to be, but there is an elegance to her wordsmithing and storytelling that is captivating.
By Therese Woodson
Dreamspinner Press, 2015
Cover by Anna Sikorska
ISBN: 978-1634765152
Four stars
Woodson is a new author to me, and this fantasy novel offers an elegant take on the idea of a Faery world adjacent to ours. The set-up is a classic Faery problem: arranged marriage to cement political stability. The twist is that Prince Chrysanths of the Earth Kingdom is half human and goes by the nickname Puck. His humanity, a scandal within the Faery world, has given him familiarity with and access to the human world. When Puck responds to the pending visit by his betrothed – Prince Sky of the Air Kingdom – he disappears into the human world, assuming that no one will dare follow him.
The second twist is that Prince Sky – and, I note, that nothing much is made of the fact that Faeries seem to form same-sex pair bonds without much comment – breaks all precedent and simply follows Puck to his father’s house. Thus ensues the romantic comedy trope of City Mouse/Country Mouse dichotomy, where the rebellious Puck tries to discourage the dutiful Sky, only to learn that Sky’s façade of sincerity and courage is in fact a true portrait of the young Faery prince.
The surprise revelation that leads to the final, potentially disastrous romantic hurdle felt a little forced to me (although it was perfectly logical within the framework of Woodson’s narrative world). But that was small potatoes, since I really enjoyed the way the author manages both Puck and Sky’s emerging personalities. The two young men become more fully drawn as the story progresses, and the reader discovers all of their good qualities as they discover each other’s.
The presence of Puck’s human father, Jim Morris, was also really well handled. Denied custody of his half-Faery son, Jim asserts a gentle influence on Puck during his annual visits to the human world; and also becomes a surrogate parent to the fatherless Sky. Puck’s resistance to his Faery destiny seems to be something of a metaphor for his resistance to his own gayness, while Sky’s willingness to explore an alien culture in spite of the prejudice against it in his world suggests a young man with an open heart and mind.
I think I need to read more of Woodson’s books. They are nothing more than they claim to be, but there is an elegance to her wordsmithing and storytelling that is captivating.
November 28, 2015
This is an enemies to lovers kind of book...it's set (and forgive me if it's not) in an alternate universe...where there are 4 kingdoms...one for each element...it's not gender ruled...it's colorful and for me it felt kind of magical...Sky and Puck are arranged in a forced marriage and Puck is against it (like Hell NO!!!)...the thing is I understand Puck but the way he went about it was not the best and felt very childish...so for a moment there I thought I was in the young adult section...and if that's so...I'm team Sky...he is my favorite MC...sometimes I felt like his personality waves from Macho to too emotional but I'm going to forgive that because the situation for him was not an easy one...I think Puck needed to grovel more and Sky was too understanding for the little understanding he got in return...but once they go through that stage of their relationship...it takes a turn for the best...I liked very much the ending and I would like a book that it takes where this one was left.
November 28, 2023
Story: 7
First MC: 7
Second MC: 6
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 3
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 6
Hotness: 4
Product placement: 2
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 4
Audio: 10(6h 25min)
To re-read: 8
This was fun. Fairy creatures in far far away lands. Human live modern lives as we know it, they are unaware of the fairies. A lighthearted read, and glad for the limited sex scenes. Too bad we didn't get see much of the fairy. So much potential, could have been so much better. First book I read of the author so I can't tell if this is as good as it gets.
First MC: 7
Second MC: 6
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 3
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 6
Hotness: 4
Product placement: 2
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 4
Audio: 10(6h 25min)
To re-read: 8
This was fun. Fairy creatures in far far away lands. Human live modern lives as we know it, they are unaware of the fairies. A lighthearted read, and glad for the limited sex scenes. Too bad we didn't get see much of the fairy. So much potential, could have been so much better. First book I read of the author so I can't tell if this is as good as it gets.
September 26, 2016
This is a lovely story and an excellent audiobook!
The narrator really brings the story to life. Listening to it felt like a film for my ears. Each character has a different voice and the different accents and voices were superb. The story is lovely but it is the narrator who really made this a top class reading/listening experience.
The narrator really brings the story to life. Listening to it felt like a film for my ears. Each character has a different voice and the different accents and voices were superb. The story is lovely but it is the narrator who really made this a top class reading/listening experience.
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