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Fey
Nessa Donnelly never expected to see her estranged and eccentric father again, but a phone call summons her back to her hometown and to the hospital in which the elder Donnelly lies in a comatose state for which his doctors have no explanation. Bit by bit, long-buried family secrets emerge, and Nessa begins to realize that those secrets were kept hidden from her for a reason.
She also realizes that there is something in the woods behind her father’s house that he never told her about, something that can’t be explained.
And she is also not as alone in his house as she thought she was…
She also realizes that there is something in the woods behind her father’s house that he never told her about, something that can’t be explained.
And she is also not as alone in his house as she thought she was…
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 26, 2015
First of all I have to admit that when I started reading Fey I wasn't so sure if I was going to like the book but the more I read the more I got into story. I'm a big fan of stories involving fey/fae/faeries/fairies (however you want to spell it) and I gotta say that this one was really good.
Like I said, I really had to get into the story and it took me a good three chapters before I was really enjoying it but once I did I was cheering Nessa on to find whatever made her father ill and get to the bottom of the whole fey thing that was going on in the woods. Nessa was a fantastic character to read about, by the way. I loved her!
The villain in the story was pretty scary, at least to me. I won't say who or what it is because I don't want to spoil the book to anyone but it freaked me out. Fey villains always scare me, to be honest.
But anyway, the writing was excellent as I'm used to with this author and I thought she did a great job with her very first fantasy book so I can't wait to read more books by her in this genre!
Like I said, I really had to get into the story and it took me a good three chapters before I was really enjoying it but once I did I was cheering Nessa on to find whatever made her father ill and get to the bottom of the whole fey thing that was going on in the woods. Nessa was a fantastic character to read about, by the way. I loved her!
The villain in the story was pretty scary, at least to me. I won't say who or what it is because I don't want to spoil the book to anyone but it freaked me out. Fey villains always scare me, to be honest.
But anyway, the writing was excellent as I'm used to with this author and I thought she did a great job with her very first fantasy book so I can't wait to read more books by her in this genre!
November 19, 2025
You had me at Fey, but Feldman kept me with the new original tale.
Nessa is a happily married woman that left her home town and never looked back. Faced with a family emergency, Nessa discovers a family secret that will rock her childhood perceptions.
Will she find the strength to carry on and protect the one’s she loves?
This was a slow building story that eventually I realized I was completely sucked in.
I am a huge, HUGE, fey, fairy, fae, fan so when I was offered C. S. Feldman’s first Fey story of course I was on board. That being said, I am very picky about this topic and I was pleasantly delighted with Feldman’s story.
Although, it did have a good amount of suspense and a very creepy villain there was nothing that would keep recommending it to a fantasy teen reader.
I’m hopeful that this is a start to a new Feldman world to explore.
I received this copy of Fey from C. S. Feldman in exchange for a honest review.
Nessa is a happily married woman that left her home town and never looked back. Faced with a family emergency, Nessa discovers a family secret that will rock her childhood perceptions.
Will she find the strength to carry on and protect the one’s she loves?
This was a slow building story that eventually I realized I was completely sucked in.
I am a huge, HUGE, fey, fairy, fae, fan so when I was offered C. S. Feldman’s first Fey story of course I was on board. That being said, I am very picky about this topic and I was pleasantly delighted with Feldman’s story.
Although, it did have a good amount of suspense and a very creepy villain there was nothing that would keep recommending it to a fantasy teen reader.
I’m hopeful that this is a start to a new Feldman world to explore.
I received this copy of Fey from C. S. Feldman in exchange for a honest review.
October 29, 2015
I have to say, the timing of this book couldn't be better - though I wish I'd waited a few days and sat up late on Halloween night while I got my creepy fix. :)
The bulk of my fey knowledge stems from the Cicely Mary Barker flower fairies and the few YA books I've managed to get my hands on. So reading this story where the whimsical, fluttery, feel-good fairies that I am used to are replaced by a darker presence that is sneaky and cruel was fascinating. I loved learning about a different facet to this mythological being. And the way Feldman wove in the children's fairy tale that Nessa learned from her father - bit by bit - until it all comes out in the end. What a clever way to engage the reader while feeding them info in intriguing, manageable bites!
As someone else previously mentioned, this story does take a bit to get into - but hang in there, it's totally worth it! The last 45 minutes flew by. And the last sentence of the book - perfect. This was a wonderful introduction to the Donnellys VS the fey and I am very interested to see what future books have in store for Nessa and her father.
*** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
The bulk of my fey knowledge stems from the Cicely Mary Barker flower fairies and the few YA books I've managed to get my hands on. So reading this story where the whimsical, fluttery, feel-good fairies that I am used to are replaced by a darker presence that is sneaky and cruel was fascinating. I loved learning about a different facet to this mythological being. And the way Feldman wove in the children's fairy tale that Nessa learned from her father - bit by bit - until it all comes out in the end. What a clever way to engage the reader while feeding them info in intriguing, manageable bites!
As someone else previously mentioned, this story does take a bit to get into - but hang in there, it's totally worth it! The last 45 minutes flew by. And the last sentence of the book - perfect. This was a wonderful introduction to the Donnellys VS the fey and I am very interested to see what future books have in store for Nessa and her father.
*** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
October 26, 2015
Couldn't put it down
A very engaging and quick read-Ms. Feldman's foray into fantasy is a win. This could easily be a young adult book or a satisfying book for anyone at any age. The suspense and resolution are spot on. I was afraid it would turn into a cliffhanger that would force me to wait two years for the next segment, but it concluded nicely, yet left room for further sequels...which I WILL want to read. I highly recommend this book for entertainment and suspense.
A very engaging and quick read-Ms. Feldman's foray into fantasy is a win. This could easily be a young adult book or a satisfying book for anyone at any age. The suspense and resolution are spot on. I was afraid it would turn into a cliffhanger that would force me to wait two years for the next segment, but it concluded nicely, yet left room for further sequels...which I WILL want to read. I highly recommend this book for entertainment and suspense.
July 22, 2020
Brilliant short story
This story carried me back to my own time in the woods as a child and as an adult. I will definitely recommend it to my daughter and my granddaughter. If you remember taking a nap curled up into the tree roots of the forest behind the house where you grew up. If you ever believed in fairies this story is for you. Return to that place you loved as a child! Thank you Ms Feldman! It was a delight !
This story carried me back to my own time in the woods as a child and as an adult. I will definitely recommend it to my daughter and my granddaughter. If you remember taking a nap curled up into the tree roots of the forest behind the house where you grew up. If you ever believed in fairies this story is for you. Return to that place you loved as a child! Thank you Ms Feldman! It was a delight !
January 7, 2018
Twist on huntsman and princess
The twist on the huntsman and the princess is used as a part of what a father passed to his daughter, without appearing to. When strange and evil events place her in unknown jeopardy, the "story" comes to mind and helps her attempt to save the day.
The twist on the huntsman and the princess is used as a part of what a father passed to his daughter, without appearing to. When strange and evil events place her in unknown jeopardy, the "story" comes to mind and helps her attempt to save the day.
January 3, 2018
Wonderful
I had picked this book up a while ago, but got distracted and only returned to it today. I am so glad that I did. Very enjoyable story. I hope there are more.
I had picked this book up a while ago, but got distracted and only returned to it today. I am so glad that I did. Very enjoyable story. I hope there are more.
May 10, 2020
Great writer
Originality at its best I've read books about Fay before but this is the best by far. I would recommend this book for teens.
Originality at its best I've read books about Fay before but this is the best by far. I would recommend this book for teens.
March 12, 2016
Nessa Donnelly has been happily married to her husband Reg for four years. In all that time, she has never once mentioned her family - claiming only that she has been on her own for a long time. The truth is that Nessa Donnelly does have family - her father, Hugh and brother Orin - but she hasn't seen either of them for many, many years. Although she doesn't understand what caused their initial estrangement, she can't completely quell the sneaking suspicion that it is her choice of career - a sculptress in a family of stonemasons - that has made her something of a disappointment to her father.
While it seems that her career doesn't exactly please her father, Nessa would say that she absolutely loves sculpting and honestly can't see herself doing anything else. She may not be content with the current state of their relationship, but she has somehow managed to come to terms with the way things are between herself and her family. Nessa never actually expected to see her eccentric father ever again, so it comes as something of a surprise to her to receive a phone call from the hospital in her hometown. According to his doctors, Hugh Donnelly lies in a persistently comatose state for which they have no explanation.
Although he is comatose, his vital signs seem to be deteriorating; so his doctors are hoping that Nessa can shed some light on her father's inexplicable condition. Horrified to hear that her father's condition is so dire, Nessa rushes back home to be with him. Since she had always believed that the Donnelly family came from hardier stock, she is beyond stunned to discover her father is actually perilously close to death. As much as she would like to help them, Nessa isn't exactly sure how much information she can provide to her father's doctors - after all, her brother Orin is much closer to their father than she is - so he would have a better understanding of their father's medical issues.
However, Nessa assures his doctors that she will do her best to help them discover what is wrong with her father. The search requires that she move back in to her childhood home for a while, and she is astonished when she sees the dilapidated condition of her father's house. As Nessa begins her research, long-buried family secrets emerge, and she slowly begins to realize that those secrets were kept hidden from her for a specific reason; a reason that she can't fully comprehend.
She also realizes that there is something in the woods behind her father's house; something that he never told her about. Although she doesn't know how she knows it, Nessa understands that there is actually something in the woods that defies any sort of logical explanation. She has the vaguely unsettled feeling that whatever resides in the forest has been there since she was a child.
And, in what is perhaps the most disturbing realization of all, Nessa slowly comes to believe that she is not quite as alone in her father's house as she thought she was...
It probably won't come as much of a surprise to my readers, but I really do enjoy reading stories based on Irish folklore. In my opinion, the plot of this story was intriguing and I was curious to see how it would develop. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found that the story was very well-developed and easily paced for its length - definitely an A! Actually, I'd be very interested in finding out if Ms. Feldman will write a sequel to this story.
While it seems that her career doesn't exactly please her father, Nessa would say that she absolutely loves sculpting and honestly can't see herself doing anything else. She may not be content with the current state of their relationship, but she has somehow managed to come to terms with the way things are between herself and her family. Nessa never actually expected to see her eccentric father ever again, so it comes as something of a surprise to her to receive a phone call from the hospital in her hometown. According to his doctors, Hugh Donnelly lies in a persistently comatose state for which they have no explanation.
Although he is comatose, his vital signs seem to be deteriorating; so his doctors are hoping that Nessa can shed some light on her father's inexplicable condition. Horrified to hear that her father's condition is so dire, Nessa rushes back home to be with him. Since she had always believed that the Donnelly family came from hardier stock, she is beyond stunned to discover her father is actually perilously close to death. As much as she would like to help them, Nessa isn't exactly sure how much information she can provide to her father's doctors - after all, her brother Orin is much closer to their father than she is - so he would have a better understanding of their father's medical issues.
However, Nessa assures his doctors that she will do her best to help them discover what is wrong with her father. The search requires that she move back in to her childhood home for a while, and she is astonished when she sees the dilapidated condition of her father's house. As Nessa begins her research, long-buried family secrets emerge, and she slowly begins to realize that those secrets were kept hidden from her for a specific reason; a reason that she can't fully comprehend.
She also realizes that there is something in the woods behind her father's house; something that he never told her about. Although she doesn't know how she knows it, Nessa understands that there is actually something in the woods that defies any sort of logical explanation. She has the vaguely unsettled feeling that whatever resides in the forest has been there since she was a child.
And, in what is perhaps the most disturbing realization of all, Nessa slowly comes to believe that she is not quite as alone in her father's house as she thought she was...
It probably won't come as much of a surprise to my readers, but I really do enjoy reading stories based on Irish folklore. In my opinion, the plot of this story was intriguing and I was curious to see how it would develop. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found that the story was very well-developed and easily paced for its length - definitely an A! Actually, I'd be very interested in finding out if Ms. Feldman will write a sequel to this story.
February 11, 2018
Fey is about a young woman returning home when her father falls into a coma. As she settles back into her family home, strange things start happening.
I must say I was quite impressed with this story. For a shorter read, it packs quite a bit of danger and suspense, some mystery, and plenty of magic, all in a contemporary setting.
I found this to be an excellent story in a small package and would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy, fey and dark fairy tales.
I picked Fey up while it was on a free promotion.
I must say I was quite impressed with this story. For a shorter read, it packs quite a bit of danger and suspense, some mystery, and plenty of magic, all in a contemporary setting.
I found this to be an excellent story in a small package and would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy, fey and dark fairy tales.
I picked Fey up while it was on a free promotion.
March 16, 2016
Nessa has received a call about her father being very ill so she returns home to take care of him. The hard part is through her life her father has kept her out of everything him and her brother did so there is a bit of resentment. But Nessa discovers a strange wall in the forest behind her father’s house and a strange creature going through her father’s study. She is quickly introduced to the fey and quickly learns that they are making him sick and she will have to suspend her disbelief and anger to try and save her father’s life.
Nessa has not had a bad childhood but it has been lacking. Her father clearly kept her away from the stonework and her brother and father worked. It hurts worse when she learns that her brother died the year before and her father didn’t tell her. Then when she discovers the Eye in the wall her world takes a turn for the worse.
I love stories that include the darker aspects of the fey and this one fits right into that category for me. Everything flowed well and I couldn’t wait to see how the story was going to turn out. The only thing that felt off for me was the very beginning as Necca was packing to leave and the interaction with her husband. Something seemed disjointed with the rest of the story. Having said that, this is a great book and I hope that there will be more to follow.
I received Fey for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Nessa has not had a bad childhood but it has been lacking. Her father clearly kept her away from the stonework and her brother and father worked. It hurts worse when she learns that her brother died the year before and her father didn’t tell her. Then when she discovers the Eye in the wall her world takes a turn for the worse.
I love stories that include the darker aspects of the fey and this one fits right into that category for me. Everything flowed well and I couldn’t wait to see how the story was going to turn out. The only thing that felt off for me was the very beginning as Necca was packing to leave and the interaction with her husband. Something seemed disjointed with the rest of the story. Having said that, this is a great book and I hope that there will be more to follow.
I received Fey for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2016
This fantasy novella seems to be Ms. Feldman’s debut. I found this tale enthralling and well written. If you are not familiar with Fey folk this is an excellent introduction to them. I was a bit puzzled about Nessa in the beginning. She’s aloof and seems uncaring, but as the story unfolds one begins to understand why she is the way she is. Nessa’s story is unique and as it unfolds she is presented with a mystery that must be solved rather quickly to save herself as well as her sick father. The dynamics of the relationships in this story is what brings the story full circle. The fact that there was a majestic cock in the story was a bonus for me.
This is a quick story with some important lessons about looking at life or situations from different points of view to understand and see the full picture. The Fey puts an interesting spin on the whole story. I hope to see more stories like this from Ms Feldman in the future.
FYI: **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 29, 2015
This is a quick story with some important lessons about looking at life or situations from different points of view to understand and see the full picture. The Fey puts an interesting spin on the whole story. I hope to see more stories like this from Ms Feldman in the future.
FYI: **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** December 29, 2015
April 5, 2016
I love fey books. I should say I love GOOD fey books. C.S. Feldman wrote a GREAT fey book.
Fey is a dark fey story. I don’t know that I have ever read a book quite like this. These are not your typical fey. They aren’t all sweet and sparkly with pretty wings and good intentions. This fey is selfish, tricky, and mean. I loved it. It was different than what I was use to reading and it was perfect.
Nessa was interesting. I wasn’t sure why she wouldn’t want to bring her husband with her if she knew her dad was not doing well. As the story is told it makes more sense, except that she didn’t know that there were fey in the world. Just something that I picked up on that made me go hmmm…. I enjoyed the bedtime story her dad told her and how it plays into solving her puzzle. Ms. Feldman leaves clues and hints as to what has to be done to save herself and her dad and it was fun to try to put them together.
I certainly recommend checking out Fey. I cannot wait to read more by C.S. Feldman.
Fey is a dark fey story. I don’t know that I have ever read a book quite like this. These are not your typical fey. They aren’t all sweet and sparkly with pretty wings and good intentions. This fey is selfish, tricky, and mean. I loved it. It was different than what I was use to reading and it was perfect.
Nessa was interesting. I wasn’t sure why she wouldn’t want to bring her husband with her if she knew her dad was not doing well. As the story is told it makes more sense, except that she didn’t know that there were fey in the world. Just something that I picked up on that made me go hmmm…. I enjoyed the bedtime story her dad told her and how it plays into solving her puzzle. Ms. Feldman leaves clues and hints as to what has to be done to save herself and her dad and it was fun to try to put them together.
I certainly recommend checking out Fey. I cannot wait to read more by C.S. Feldman.
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March 18, 2016FEY is a short novel at 132 pages, but the author packs a mighty punch. A young woman, brought home by her father’s sudden illness, discovers a hidden family secret which could shatter her very existence. The attention to detail, the twists and turns, and the heavy characterization with few words, all combine to bring the reader an unexpected and wondrous tale - FEY.
November 15, 2015
I enjoyed this little fantasy story. I liked the flow and the characters. It was an adventure that kept building intensity until the end. It had everything you want in a few chapters a villain, a good guy, a sidekick helper, mystery. I was given a copy by author for honest review. Highly recommend.
January 7, 2016
My rating: 4.5 of 5
January 3, 2016
Great read
This book was wonderful. I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting from front to back. I hope there will b must read fore a second book. This is a fantasy lovers.
This book was wonderful. I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting from front to back. I hope there will b must read fore a second book. This is a fantasy lovers.
May 26, 2018
The walls we build sometimes have other purposes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews