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Arcatraissa

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Cassie has never believed in magic. Whatever her ailing aunt claims, and whatever Cassie wants to believe, fairies aren't real. The old storybook is just a storybook, and the whispering in the garden is just the wind.

Tae has spent all his life watching children grow up and stop believing in magic. Every companion he's ever had, lost to the human world. All but one.

When Tae and Cassie's worlds collide, both are instantly enchanted. Swept away to the magic of the faery world, Cassie thinks she's living a dream. But with the kingdom on the edge of disaster and the shadow of her aunt's illness hanging over her family, what begins as a fairytale quickly becomes complicated.

Maybe deadly.

Because someone is taking fae in the dead of night, and Cassie and Tae find themselves wrapped up at the center of it all with no idea which way to turn. Beneath every dazzling faery light of Arcatraissa is a shadow, and everybody, human and fae, has a secret to keep.

Magic is a dangerous thing to dabble in, but old lies are infinitely more so.

236 pages, Paperback

Published September 14, 2018

1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Lacy Sheridan

7 books20 followers
Lacy has been writing since she picked up a pencil at 5 years old and decided she had too many stories in her head to ignore. After devouring every book she could get her hands on and writing short stories for many years, she completed her first novel at 12 years old and began the path to publishing. Though that particular novel remains buried in the depths of her computer files, she published the first of a trilogy in 2016 just after turning 19, and has been working her way down her list of books ever since.

Lacy currently lives in Idaho with her partner, son, overenthusiastic dog, and socially awkward cat. When not writing or buried in mom life she enjoys crafting and cosplay. You can follow her publishing journey at lacysheridan.com.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for (Love, Stars and Books).
248 reviews28 followers
August 24, 2018
(I received a free eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.)



Book review: Arcatraissa by Lacy Sheridan (3.5 stars)



Arcatraissa by Lacy Sheridan
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 3.5 stars


(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: This review is based on my opinion only.)

Cassie has never believed in magic, despite her ailing aunt claiming that faeries are real, she knows they are not. When Tae, a faerie, has his sister taken, Cassie and Tae’s world collide at Arcatraissa.

I did wish it was slightly more distinct when switching POVs, but I enjoyed the book. The world building reminded me of the movie Epic. I liked the story progression and the simplistic storyline that was filled with drama.

Fans of faeries would enjoy this book (I’m not a big fan of faeries), but I did wish for more romance even though I enjoyed the world building.
Profile Image for Hilary.
228 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

You never have to look too far to find a faery book these days, but finding unique, well written ones can be a little more tricky. However, you don't need to look any further than Arcatraissa if you're looking for one of the good ones.

This book is a super fun adventure in both our world and the faery one that is almost impossible to put down and more addictive than a book probably should be. It's so easy to get invested in this story and to fall in love with the characters, and you find yourself rather disappointed that it's done when you hit the last page, despite the wonderfully satisfying ending.

The Good Points of Arcatraissa:

The world building is so cool throughout this book! The author keeps it fairy simple (it's not that long of a book, after all), but it works beautifully. It's just enough detail that you feel like you've got a good sense of the world, but it never gets in the way of the story.

The characters are great as well. It's another area where there's just enough detail that you feel like you know them well, and they are unique enough to stand apart, but it doesn't get in the way of telling the story. Though I honestly could have used a bit more of each of them.

I loved how the faeries and the faery world was handled in this story. It could so easily have been an overdone cliché, but Sheridan makes it feel less cheesy and overdone, and more awesome. 

The pacing and story telling throughout the story was brilliantly done. It was so hard to put this book down, because you just wanted to know what was going to happen next.

The Downsides of Arcatraissa:

I actually would have liked a little more from this book. I wanted more history and more development and more everything. The story was great, but a little more would have just made it better.

A little more differentiation between the points of view would have been nice. It was pretty easy to figure out who was the focus, but a more definitive break would have helped make the transitions easier.

There were a few things that just popped up when they were convenient and seemed a little out of nowhere. It all worked well, but it did throw me off at a couple of points, when someone was introduced to help save the day but hadn't been important up until that point.

All in all, this book was so much fun and definitely one worth picking up. It's a great story for younger YA readers, but also for anyone who enjoys fun, faery stories, great characters, and well done world building. 
Profile Image for Andreea.
1,853 reviews62 followers
September 14, 2018
I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Cassie and her family are moving in with her sick aunt and this is how Cassie enters the magical faery world that her aunt knows all about and we tag along, of course! The journey into this world is done gradually and I loved the pace, the buildup until we finally get to the world of Arcatraissa, first from the point of view of Tae, the next in line fae for the throne of Arcatraissa.

We have Cassies POV from the human world, and Tae’s from the fairy world, but while Cassie is our first-person narrator, in Tae’s POV we get a bigger outside view through a third-person narrator which I thought it was a smart way of building the magical world of Arcatraissa but also a great way to know Tae’s feeling regarding his kingdom. However, I think the switch from the two POVs should be made easier to distinguish as the first jump from first-person narrator to third was quite surprising – and it did not get any easier. But keep in mind that this was an ARC and it might not be the case for the final book.

The story captured me from the first chapters so much so that I finished this book in a couple of days – I might have even used it as an escape while at work. Although simple and a bit predictable, it was really enjoyable and easy to follow. I really appreciate that the romance in this book did not take all over the story and it was a thing that happened naturally alongside our main story, without changing the narrative.

It’s been so long since I read a book with fairies, and the faes in this book are charming, but also quite violent so it does capture the type of faes I like! If you need a little bit of magic in your life and some adventures with the fairies, then this book is perfect for that! It’s a quick read and there is enough action to keep you entertained, but it also emphasizes how important it is to always believe in magic.
Profile Image for Gordon Long.
Author 30 books58 followers
September 30, 2018
This story is based on the “only children can see fairies” plotline with a modern twist. Cassie is no longer a child but she can see them, as can her dying aunt. However, the rest of the adults consider this ability mental illness, with all the hush-hush and secrecy that abounds where that topic comes up.

And the fairies are not the sweet, tiny sprites we were brought up to expect. Small they may be, but they are as bloodthirsty and warlike as their human enemies. The political realities of the fae kingdom remind me of Oberon and Titania in Midsummer Night’s Dream.

This creates a nicely complex conflict, with little certainty as to who is on which side or how the interpersonal relationships in human and fairy families will affect everyone.

Adding to the richness of the reading experience is the depth of the world building and the lush description that brings it to us.

My only complaint is that the two main characters, fae and human, can be depended upon to do something completely senseless at every single plot juncture, thus furthering the conflict but drawing our attention to the needs of the author. I mean, Tae is several hundred years old. Does he have to do exactly the opposite of what his mother wants, 100% of the time? Likewise the actions and attitudes of Cassie’s parents will predictably cause the conflict required, leaving them little chance to develop as real people with a human relationship with their daughter.

Recommended for fans of the faery kingdoms who like their fantasy a touch realistic, gritty and modern.
Profile Image for Darque  Dreamer .
537 reviews68 followers
November 2, 2018
Arcatraissa is full of beauty and wonder. It's a perfect story book faerie tale. For those who love enchantment and faeries, you will adore this one.

This one was so magical. It was short and sweet and such a wonderous read. I adored the elegance of the writing and the enchanting world Lacy created.

Arcatraissa was definitely a faerie tale of its own. It involved a mysterious, fae, story book, a charming fae prince, and a beautiful faerie tale world. It had magic, danger, passion, a moral lesson, and a somewhat happy ending. It was a textbook faerie tale..

I loved the magic behind the book that Cassie's aunt possessed. I loved that the story boasted about not forgetting your inner child when you grow up. And I adored the characters and their journey.

I finished this one in one sitting because it was just so good. My only complaint was that there was no real separation between the switching of POV's, and that it was very predictable. But, it still had several unpredictable moments that made up for that fact.

I could have lived in the world of Arcatraissa. It was like a dream. There was magic and faeries everywhere. And, I just really loved how the book made me feel like it's okay to be a kid still sometimes. Stories like these are why I love faerie tales.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Stoller.
2,258 reviews44 followers
February 17, 2019
I am using "Arcatraissa" as my "Book by an Idaho Author" Category for Extreme Book Nerd

As a part of MLD's Meridian Writes competition, I was tasked with reading "Arcatraissa". (This competition seeks to recognize a local author.) It is the story of Cassie who encounters Fae. Fairies. But not Tinker Bell fairies as this book seeks to make VERY clear.

Fairies are being taken. There are sinister characters afoot (both human and magical). This is a world that only a few humans know....and only one that remembers past her childhood. But worlds must collide to save Arcatraissa.

You can tell and feel like this book is more or less self published/promoted. It's not spectacular. That being said, I was surprised at the descriptive world to which I was introduced. Flowers play an important part in communication and the floral girl l in me LOVED that. I did feel that the plotline ranged from exciting....to boring. And I spent the entire time worrying that there would be a romance between Cassie and Tae (the male fairy). It still remains ambivalent to me on that outcome.....so I was glad the book ended when it did.

Would I reread it again? No. But did I hate it? No.

9 reviews
November 15, 2018
Arcatraissa by Lacy Sheridan is a standalone young adult novel that demonstrates how limitations in life are directly related to the depth of one’s curiosity. Arcatraissa by Lacy Sheridan features Cassie, a quiet yet determined young woman with a love for reading. While visiting her dying estranged aunt, Cassie unearths an eccentric leather-bound book written in an indecipherable language. From her initial observations, it appears to be a well-loved fantasy novel, complete with unusual illustrations and handwritten comments. Unable to quiet her overactive imagination, Cassie questions her aunt about the distinctive manuscript; fearing it is nothing more than the ramblings of a delusional woman.

Instead, to her disbelief, Cassie’s aunt relays an extraordinary tale of Arcatraissa, an elusive underground kingdom that governs the world’s population of faeries. While the very existence of faeries has long been considered legend, only existing in children’s fairy tales, the mythological creatures that reside in Arcatraissa are not what their famous fictional counterparts would lead you to believe. Rather than embrace human kind, these faeries fear human beings for their notorious prejudice and violence towards the unknown. They avoid human contact at all costs, even forcing the human realm to be considered off-limits to all faery citizens.

However, among this frightened faery population, there lives a faery prince who does not conform to his people’s principles; a prince that believes the human population is rather intriguing, not dangerous. As an open-minded outcast among this rather close-minded society, this faery prince evades punishment by secretly visiting the human realm and its inhabitants; preferring to risk everything to admire the human world’s natural beauty rather than safely observing the unchanging scenery of his kingdom. Through these various unsanctioned trips to the human world, the faery prince and Cassie’s aunt form an unlikely friendship; a relationship of knowledge and trust that later involves the prince giving Cassie’s aunt the strange volume detailing the history of his faery kingdom.

To read the rest of my review, visit https://anewlookonbooks.com/2018/11/1...
Profile Image for Bri.
150 reviews23 followers
September 15, 2018
I absolutely adored this book! The characters bring to life a whole new side of the "children believing in magic, but forgetting as they turn into adults" plot line. In fact, the book blows it out of the water!
At first, this book may seem stereotypical, but it quickly takes a turn that sucks you into the magical world Sheridan has created. The alternating viewpoints bring the story and the world into focus, making you seem as if you're seeing the Fae world for yourself. But magic is also dangerous in this world; something you shouldn't take lightly.
All in all, this book was a fun, adorable, engaging read. It's sure to suck you in and make you cry, laugh, and smile with the characters!
Profile Image for Karyn.
432 reviews8 followers
October 6, 2018
3.5 stars

This book was so different from any story I have read. It was a great mix of fantasy and mystery. I loved that the author had two worlds in this book – the real world and the Fae world.

This story kept me guessing from the start and it threw in a couple of twists to keep me on my toes. The author did an amazing job bringing the Fae world to life from the characters to their home.

There were a few parts I found a little slow but still an overall great story!! One hint – in the back, there is a Fae dictionary as well as definitions of some of the Fae words/language used. This is a great addition especially when you know you’re saying a word wrong in your head.
Profile Image for Introvert Booklover.
155 reviews
August 21, 2018
Cassie stayed at the house with her parents, her aunt, and Mrs. Thurston for few weeks. She didn't think that fairies were real, but everything changed when she met a faery (or fae) at the garden.

Wow, this book was amazing! It was all about fairies and fantasy. The writing and plot were good. The ending of the story was a mix of happy and sorrow. The author did a great job writing this awesome book! If you're into fairy stories or want to read something magical, then this book is for you.

I received an ARC of this book from the author for review.
168 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2018
I was sent an ARC of the book from the author to read and review for her and I thought that this book was well written by the author. She wrote it really well.

The plot was quite intriguing and it had me gripping the book until I finished it.

This is a fantasy novel that will take you into the world of make believe and the book will make you read it until the very end.

Overall, I thought this was a very good book and would love to read again and again.
146 reviews4 followers
January 24, 2019
Cassie has to go with her parents to her mother's childhood home as her sister is ailing and not expected to last long. Cassie a young lady learns about an old storybook and faeries that live underground. She befriends Tae a faery and get involved with a mystery about the faeries that are being taken, but by whom and why? It's a fun story by a young author who shows much promise.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,293 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2020
The story idea was great, but the writing was sparse and felt like everything moved along too fast. Like it was written for a school assignment, or was a first book. I did like the main characters and the aunt. Too obvious where the danger was coming from.
Profile Image for Neha.
133 reviews34 followers
November 23, 2018
Loved the fantasy world of Arcataissa. Story is full of fairies, magic and one secret.
Full review to follow soon.
3 reviews
March 11, 2020
I absolutely loved it!

The world-building was extremely pleasant and I liked that even though romance was present, the entire book didn't revolve around it.

I recommend 100%!
Profile Image for Shirley.
988 reviews231 followers
October 9, 2018
3.5/5*

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Lacy Sheridan!

Arcatraissa
tells the story of Cassie who has never believed in magic. Cassie and her parents visit her aunt who’s dying of cancer and while she’s there, her aunt is determined to make Cassie believe in magic and fairies. Cassie doesn’t believe her until she meets Tae…

Arcatraissa was such a lovely story, I really liked how Lacy Sheridan created this world and characters and I couldn’t help myself and read it one day. I really loved Cassie and Tae and they were amazing characters.

The only negative thing I have to say about Arcatraissa is that it wasn’t always clear in whose perspective I was reading. Arcatraissa has multiple perspectives and there wasn’t a title or blank line (at least not in the Epub version of the book) which made it kind of confusing. Besides this one negative thing, I really enjoyed reading this book.

I also wanted to mention in this review that I really like the cover, it’s so pretty and it really matches the story!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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