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Fatal Fae #1
Fatal Illusion
Don't believe what you can see.
Fae are disappearing at an alarming rate and Rori MacNair must find out why before civil war ignites between the Seelie and Unseelie queens. When she wakes up alone in a strange forest, she must rely solely on her own wits to prevail against the dark forces rising against her people.
Assassins are taught to trust none but themselves, but Rori rarely plays by the rules. Dare she trust the mysterious stranger Therron when illusions cloud reality and nothing is as it seems? Her life, and those of Faerie might depend upon it.
Therron Mistwalker is hiding a secret. Having forsaken his kingdom, he lives as a thief among the fae, but when Rori enters his life he fears his days of autonomy are at an end. It's a day he's been dreading since he was born.
Relations between Faerie and the human realm are about to turn from respectful to hostile, and it's up to Rori and Therron to find the enchantress responsible. . . if they can get over their differences long enough to do so.
Begin the explosive adventures of the MacNair clan as they unravel a mystery that threatens an entire realm. Fatal Illusion is the exciting first book in the brand new Fatal Fae series from USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tameri Etherton.
Fae are disappearing at an alarming rate and Rori MacNair must find out why before civil war ignites between the Seelie and Unseelie queens. When she wakes up alone in a strange forest, she must rely solely on her own wits to prevail against the dark forces rising against her people.
Assassins are taught to trust none but themselves, but Rori rarely plays by the rules. Dare she trust the mysterious stranger Therron when illusions cloud reality and nothing is as it seems? Her life, and those of Faerie might depend upon it.
Therron Mistwalker is hiding a secret. Having forsaken his kingdom, he lives as a thief among the fae, but when Rori enters his life he fears his days of autonomy are at an end. It's a day he's been dreading since he was born.
Relations between Faerie and the human realm are about to turn from respectful to hostile, and it's up to Rori and Therron to find the enchantress responsible. . . if they can get over their differences long enough to do so.
Begin the explosive adventures of the MacNair clan as they unravel a mystery that threatens an entire realm. Fatal Illusion is the exciting first book in the brand new Fatal Fae series from USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Tameri Etherton.
186 pages, Paperback
Published June 21, 2018
150 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Tameri Etherton
34 books305 followersTameri Etherton is the USA Today Bestselling Author of fierce scorching fantasy and magical ever afters.
As a born storyteller, Tameri grew up inventing fictional worlds where the impossible was possible. It’s been said she leaves a trail of glitter in her wake as she creates new adventures for her kickass heroines, and the rogues who steal their hearts.
She lives an enchanted life traveling the world with her very own prince charming and their mischievous dragon, Lady Dazzleton.
Tameri loves to chat with readers! You can find her online at Facebook.com/TameriEtherton, Instagram @TameriEtherton, or tweet her @TameriEtherton.
To discover more about the author, visit her website at TameriEtherton.com and delve into the Aetherverse - Tameri's fantastical realms that are full of magical consequences. You can uncover maps, glossaries, and a complete cast of characters to further your reading experience.
Want to receive exclusives like advanced notice of upcoming releases, secret scenes, cover reveals, cool contests, and other enticing tidbits about Tameri's books? Join Tameri's VIP Dragons and receive the Dragon Dispatch newsletter today.
https://geni.us/DragonDispatch
As a born storyteller, Tameri grew up inventing fictional worlds where the impossible was possible. It’s been said she leaves a trail of glitter in her wake as she creates new adventures for her kickass heroines, and the rogues who steal their hearts.
She lives an enchanted life traveling the world with her very own prince charming and their mischievous dragon, Lady Dazzleton.
Tameri loves to chat with readers! You can find her online at Facebook.com/TameriEtherton, Instagram @TameriEtherton, or tweet her @TameriEtherton.
To discover more about the author, visit her website at TameriEtherton.com and delve into the Aetherverse - Tameri's fantastical realms that are full of magical consequences. You can uncover maps, glossaries, and a complete cast of characters to further your reading experience.
Want to receive exclusives like advanced notice of upcoming releases, secret scenes, cover reveals, cool contests, and other enticing tidbits about Tameri's books? Join Tameri's VIP Dragons and receive the Dragon Dispatch newsletter today.
https://geni.us/DragonDispatch
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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May 10, 2020🎁 The Fatal Fae Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2020)! 🎁
April 24, 2023
A bit immature writing.
It is probably written for young teenagers, which I'm not.
It is probably written for young teenagers, which I'm not.
July 19, 2020
Really 3.5 - it deserved more than a 3 with the intricate plot that left you wanting to know more but just isn’t fully worth a 4 in my mind due to the lack of full character development I like to see in books like this
December 1, 2021
Fun Fae story with Elves, assassins, spies, an enchantress, and a couple of queens. This is very much an action/adventure story with a subplot of romance.
It was a fast read, and I'll probably continue the series.
It was a fast read, and I'll probably continue the series.
March 29, 2021
I thought this was amusing, but shallow. There were too many elements plopped into the plot but not elaborated on. There's a curse to be broken and maybe a fated mate scenario, plus a potential war (that you never really feel the threat of since the queens get along well), evil sorceresses, and a mysterious threat from the human realm. But none of that is delved deeply enough into to grab the readers attention. Honestly, the fact that some of it is mentioned and not integrated into the plot is a big reason I won't rate this higher. The whole 'Rori could break Therron's curse' thing especially. What's the curse? How might she break it, etc? It felt VERY left out. Mentioned, but nothing more.
Also, Rori has to be the worst spy ever. And she's supposed to be a SPY in the book, even though the blurb says assassin. Maybe those two are one and the same and the words can be used interchangeably, but I'd expect to understand that to be the fact, having finished the book if it was the case. But, again, Rori has to be the worst spy ever. Everyone seems to openly know she is one and though Therron (not a spy) knows who she is (a spy), she doesn't know him or his name despite being the heir to a neighboring kingdom.
All in all, the writing is easily readable. I don't remember any editing mishaps and I liked the characters well enough. But I felt like I was reading an outline to a book, rather than a wholly developed one.
Also, Rori has to be the worst spy ever. And she's supposed to be a SPY in the book, even though the blurb says assassin. Maybe those two are one and the same and the words can be used interchangeably, but I'd expect to understand that to be the fact, having finished the book if it was the case. But, again, Rori has to be the worst spy ever. Everyone seems to openly know she is one and though Therron (not a spy) knows who she is (a spy), she doesn't know him or his name despite being the heir to a neighboring kingdom.
All in all, the writing is easily readable. I don't remember any editing mishaps and I liked the characters well enough. But I felt like I was reading an outline to a book, rather than a wholly developed one.
May 13, 2020
I loved this book from start to finish. The story is good, I like the characters and a very strong villain. Yes this was an excellent find.
The story starts with Rori. A badass spy for the Seelie Queen. She wakes up in a strange forest and does all she can to escape....only to find out that she'd been trapped in an amulet the whole time. She meets an elf and teams up with him to fight against the Enchantress who tries again and again to spell their minds.
Not giving anything more away but lets just say I'm very pleased to have book 2 waiting for me. Definitely a book I'd recommend to all of you who enjoy fantasy.
The story starts with Rori. A badass spy for the Seelie Queen. She wakes up in a strange forest and does all she can to escape....only to find out that she'd been trapped in an amulet the whole time. She meets an elf and teams up with him to fight against the Enchantress who tries again and again to spell their minds.
Not giving anything more away but lets just say I'm very pleased to have book 2 waiting for me. Definitely a book I'd recommend to all of you who enjoy fantasy.
December 8, 2024
Complex Complications for Rori and Cian
Rori woke in forest that was unfamiliiar to her. Something was wrong, but she didn't know what. After spending what felt like hours, Rori finds a small fae that wouldn't wake up. She placed the fae in her coat pocket and continued with looking for a way out of the forest. Encountering a glass wall, Rori attempts to break free.
Cian was in the human realm to meet his informant. He discovers 3 sckyvrs- creatures who fed upon magic. After killing them, he knew his informant would provide him with the remaining information he needed to report to Queen Midna.
Therron was following the enchantress Acelyne. Queen Midna had told him the enchantress had stolen something from her. To his surprise, Acelyne was laying small glass vials on a table in the market. Just before he could look closer, glass shattered and Rori appeared.
Suspense is intense from a slow burn romance that struggled to blossom due to denial of what Therron and Rori attempted to hide. There was also the belief that fae and elves were enemies. Cian wanted his Rori to no longer be a spy. He knew she was only following their brutal orders their father had driven into her. He also recognized she had built mental walls against emotions. The end of the story made me eager to keep reading. A solid foundation was made in this story that is filled with magic, secrets, romance, and vivid scenery details. I recommend this book to readers who are open minded as there are several imagery scenes that involve nudity and sexual acts.
Rori woke in forest that was unfamiliiar to her. Something was wrong, but she didn't know what. After spending what felt like hours, Rori finds a small fae that wouldn't wake up. She placed the fae in her coat pocket and continued with looking for a way out of the forest. Encountering a glass wall, Rori attempts to break free.
Cian was in the human realm to meet his informant. He discovers 3 sckyvrs- creatures who fed upon magic. After killing them, he knew his informant would provide him with the remaining information he needed to report to Queen Midna.
Therron was following the enchantress Acelyne. Queen Midna had told him the enchantress had stolen something from her. To his surprise, Acelyne was laying small glass vials on a table in the market. Just before he could look closer, glass shattered and Rori appeared.
Suspense is intense from a slow burn romance that struggled to blossom due to denial of what Therron and Rori attempted to hide. There was also the belief that fae and elves were enemies. Cian wanted his Rori to no longer be a spy. He knew she was only following their brutal orders their father had driven into her. He also recognized she had built mental walls against emotions. The end of the story made me eager to keep reading. A solid foundation was made in this story that is filled with magic, secrets, romance, and vivid scenery details. I recommend this book to readers who are open minded as there are several imagery scenes that involve nudity and sexual acts.
September 2, 2018
I was granted the honor of reading an ARC of one of my absolute favorite authors—Tameri Etherton—’s Fatal Illusion and let me tell you, it’s a treat!
As we travel along with the main heroine, Rori McNair, we embark on a journey to solve the mystery of why fae are disappearing. Rori is a spy and assassin, working for the Seelie Queen. When she awakes in a strange forest with a fuzzy memory, she knows something is wrong. Deciding whom to trust will play a huge part in Rori's adventure. Can she even trust herself at this point?
One of my favorite parts aside from the amazingly diverse characters is the crossover of Taryn from the Song of Sword's series that had me falling in love with Tameri's writing, to begin with!
The book is jam-packed with fantasy, romance, and adventure waiting for you to dive right in! If traveling to far off lands, falling in love against all odds, battling the fight of good vs evil, and discovering friendships and magic that traverses time is what you love, then this book was made for you! Come join the adventure!
As we travel along with the main heroine, Rori McNair, we embark on a journey to solve the mystery of why fae are disappearing. Rori is a spy and assassin, working for the Seelie Queen. When she awakes in a strange forest with a fuzzy memory, she knows something is wrong. Deciding whom to trust will play a huge part in Rori's adventure. Can she even trust herself at this point?
One of my favorite parts aside from the amazingly diverse characters is the crossover of Taryn from the Song of Sword's series that had me falling in love with Tameri's writing, to begin with!
The book is jam-packed with fantasy, romance, and adventure waiting for you to dive right in! If traveling to far off lands, falling in love against all odds, battling the fight of good vs evil, and discovering friendships and magic that traverses time is what you love, then this book was made for you! Come join the adventure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Possibly
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Possibly
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 4, 2021
Rori is a badass spy who has a lot to learn about the world. Her mission to the Unseelie Court shows her just how much she has deluded herself into believing what the world is truly like.
Therron is an awesome elf. I like how he holds himself. I’d like to learn more about him.
I like the way Faerie and the human realm stand apart yet intermingles.
The illusions Rori was subjected to hints at bigger worlds.
The opening scene was brilliantly crafted and drew me into the story immediately.
Too much swearing, though. Between the obvious swear words and the fae variety, Rori is in great need of a dictionary.
I liked the use of magic: everything from fae magic to that of the enchantress. So much fun!
Rori learned a lot more about herself in the Unseelie Court and will probably learn even more when she returns there.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Trigger warning: orgies, violence, loss of control, abduction
*I read this as part of the Relics and Runes boxset.
Therron is an awesome elf. I like how he holds himself. I’d like to learn more about him.
I like the way Faerie and the human realm stand apart yet intermingles.
The illusions Rori was subjected to hints at bigger worlds.
The opening scene was brilliantly crafted and drew me into the story immediately.
Too much swearing, though. Between the obvious swear words and the fae variety, Rori is in great need of a dictionary.
I liked the use of magic: everything from fae magic to that of the enchantress. So much fun!
Rori learned a lot more about herself in the Unseelie Court and will probably learn even more when she returns there.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Trigger warning: orgies, violence, loss of control, abduction
*I read this as part of the Relics and Runes boxset.
January 11, 2024
This sounded so promising and yet was so utterly repetitive it was a chore to read. Like I actually was annoyed every time I tried.
I was going to DNF but some part was like maybe it’s a standalone or only follows a character since the next book indicates it follows the brother…. Nope not the case. Not a stand alone. Not a romance. Not an action or drama or comedy or anything fun.
Just constant I have a curse. She is my mate. Hiding who I am. Hiding and scared of my powers. Gotta find the enchantress. The enchantress is so powerful. Woe is me. Then bam got the big bad enchantress with no fan fare and a dagger but oooooohhhhh she isn’t the big bad just a lackey.
Seriously end me now.
This hurt to attempt to read I couldn’t continue if I was paid by the author. Best of luck to everyone who tries. I’d say I’d accept spoilers but what’s there to spoiler when there’s no point to any of it as there was no progression from the beginning of this to the end.
I was going to DNF but some part was like maybe it’s a standalone or only follows a character since the next book indicates it follows the brother…. Nope not the case. Not a stand alone. Not a romance. Not an action or drama or comedy or anything fun.
Just constant I have a curse. She is my mate. Hiding who I am. Hiding and scared of my powers. Gotta find the enchantress. The enchantress is so powerful. Woe is me. Then bam got the big bad enchantress with no fan fare and a dagger but oooooohhhhh she isn’t the big bad just a lackey.
Seriously end me now.
This hurt to attempt to read I couldn’t continue if I was paid by the author. Best of luck to everyone who tries. I’d say I’d accept spoilers but what’s there to spoiler when there’s no point to any of it as there was no progression from the beginning of this to the end.
January 10, 2023
Etherton does a lovely job giving us a fantasy read that takes us into the popular lore of Faeries vs. Elves and the worlds to which they belong. Separated from the human realm but still deeply connected- the beginnings of a very intriguing adventure! Mystery, curses, secrets, and a touch of romance left me excited for more in the second book!! I do wish we got a little more character building before the female lead finally had her own epiphany and I really hope they expand more on the characters in the first book, because I feel like there is definitely a lot to unpack with the protagonists and still so much I don’t know! Also I would consider this more fantasy than Romance as I was left wanting more from the characters and the author on that front.
August 28, 2018
I won Fatal Illusion from Tameri's Giveaway and I must say this is one of the best books I have ever read! I took me only a day to read until the end. I'm really hooked.
*spoiler*
Aurora MacNair is a badass spy and trained to ensure missions are her priority. She works for Queen Eirlys , Seelie Queen. I really love how she tries hard to control her feelings (and her arousal , lol).
Therron Mistwalker is a trained spy and thief that's told to follow an enchantress named Acelyne, who's believed to be the one that kidnap Queen Midna(Unseelie Queen)'s sister.
They have to stop Acelyne by working together ,but can faerie and elf gets along?
*spoiler*
Aurora MacNair is a badass spy and trained to ensure missions are her priority. She works for Queen Eirlys , Seelie Queen. I really love how she tries hard to control her feelings (and her arousal , lol).
Therron Mistwalker is a trained spy and thief that's told to follow an enchantress named Acelyne, who's believed to be the one that kidnap Queen Midna(Unseelie Queen)'s sister.
They have to stop Acelyne by working together ,but can faerie and elf gets along?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2023
good
I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series or not. This book was good, but it was weird. The thing that I thought was strange about this book was the way that one of the Fay courts was portrayed. It was almost like the author wanted to talk about orgies and so she decided that the fake court was one of the places to do it. The book had an interesting story line, but I did feel that there was some references to sleeping beauty, and some other fairytales in this book.
I’m not sure if I’m going to read the next book in the series or not. This book was good, but it was weird. The thing that I thought was strange about this book was the way that one of the Fay courts was portrayed. It was almost like the author wanted to talk about orgies and so she decided that the fake court was one of the places to do it. The book had an interesting story line, but I did feel that there was some references to sleeping beauty, and some other fairytales in this book.
May 13, 2019
This book was a little off the genres that I read and I am so glad that I read this authors books as this one was so good. I started and then found myself so into the book that when I was close to finishing it I was surprised as I didn't realize that I was that far into the book. This was very well written and Tameri hit a out of this world home run !
July 16, 2020
Spies, witches, and secrets
One of the things that really stuck out was the incredible world building. I also liked how the point of view changed. While we get some background on Cian and Rori, Therron still has secrets yet to be revealed. The queens also remain secretive. I like how the story keeps you guessing about what people's motives are.
One of the things that really stuck out was the incredible world building. I also liked how the point of view changed. While we get some background on Cian and Rori, Therron still has secrets yet to be revealed. The queens also remain secretive. I like how the story keeps you guessing about what people's motives are.
January 7, 2023
A young elf finding herself in darkness.
The different worlds that this author writes are often deadly & lovely at the same time. This adventure taken by an elf sure of whom and what she is to become what she has pledged to be, is full of fun, death, suspense, and some romance. The characters are well written, and chemistry obvious. Looking forward to the second book.
The different worlds that this author writes are often deadly & lovely at the same time. This adventure taken by an elf sure of whom and what she is to become what she has pledged to be, is full of fun, death, suspense, and some romance. The characters are well written, and chemistry obvious. Looking forward to the second book.
May 24, 2023
I was intrigued by the plot, but it really wasn't executed very well. I don't think the multi-POV worked for me and I had issues knowing who's perspective I was supposed to be seeing things from. Characters also had thoughts that felt like they came out of nowhere. There was some interplay between the characters that I enjoyed, but I don't think I'll continue with this series.
March 3, 2024
DNF - 40% - For my tastes, it was bogged down by far too much detail, far too much character introspection, and far too much repetition of said introspection. I was able to scan (versus savouring each and every word) whole pages sometimes without missing anything pertinent to the plot or character development. Great potential, but weighed down by itself.
February 20, 2019
Review of version contained Relics and Ruins anthology. The writing was fine, but something about this story just didn't make sense. I slogged my way through but constantly felt that I missed some pages somewhere. No desire to read book two.
January 30, 2023
Epic
I loved the characters and the multiple storylines kept me engrossed. I recommend Tameri Etherton's Fatal Illusion to fans of magic, magical beings and mysteries. I will definitely be purchasing the rest of this series!
I loved the characters and the multiple storylines kept me engrossed. I recommend Tameri Etherton's Fatal Illusion to fans of magic, magical beings and mysteries. I will definitely be purchasing the rest of this series!
February 4, 2025
Where’s the rest of this story???? I feel like there’s at least a few chapters missing and I would’ve been okay with that if the second book in the series didn’t follow an entirely new couple. This was a miss for me.
April 7, 2019
I loved this book deeply, Tameri was new to me and now is my new one click author
June 17, 2019
It left me wanting more, not fair Tameri great book. Very determine Rori and a good plot.
July 17, 2021
This is a very good fantasy, starts good and keeps it up right through to the end. And guess what Rori is a feisty female lead, who would have thought it. Right up my street. Highly recommended.
April 7, 2022
fae, elf
Spies, courts, evil sorceress, and magic unknown. Forbidden relationships and desired skills all run together. Main arc resolved, finer details next book?
Spies, courts, evil sorceress, and magic unknown. Forbidden relationships and desired skills all run together. Main arc resolved, finer details next book?
April 23, 2023
it was okay. i don’t have much to add to that.
i think it had a good plot but i just didn’t feel any connection to the characters (except for Tug we all love Tug in this house)
i think it had a good plot but i just didn’t feel any connection to the characters (except for Tug we all love Tug in this house)
February 12, 2025
The magic system was interesting, but the book overall didn’t keep my interest long enough the characters needed more development
July 24, 2025
Good story line
I really like the storyline and characters! It definitely has the fae / elves plot but different from other books I've read, with a modern twist.
I really like the storyline and characters! It definitely has the fae / elves plot but different from other books I've read, with a modern twist.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews