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The Hawthorne Throne #1
The Unseelie Prince
The Unseelie Prince is the first Novella in The Hawthorn Throne Series
The Folk have never shied away from taking what they want. Legends speak of Faeries stealing people from their beds, swapping infants with changelings, and impregnating women they find beautiful. You should never trust them, though they cannot lie. Eat their food, and you may never see home again.
Noah Reid has spent his life seeking normalcy after a turbulent childhood with a superstitious mother who refused to answer questions about the father he never knew, and instead, attempted to impress upon him a real fear of Faeries.
Despite his mother's best efforts, Noah finds himself ripped from the life he knows and thrust into a palace of nightmares. Here, he must face the persistent attention of the Regent and discover the shocking truth his mother took to her grave.
Fàilte air ais, a Naoise. Welcome home...
Content Warning: This novella contains dark subject matter.
The Folk have never shied away from taking what they want. Legends speak of Faeries stealing people from their beds, swapping infants with changelings, and impregnating women they find beautiful. You should never trust them, though they cannot lie. Eat their food, and you may never see home again.
Noah Reid has spent his life seeking normalcy after a turbulent childhood with a superstitious mother who refused to answer questions about the father he never knew, and instead, attempted to impress upon him a real fear of Faeries.
Despite his mother's best efforts, Noah finds himself ripped from the life he knows and thrust into a palace of nightmares. Here, he must face the persistent attention of the Regent and discover the shocking truth his mother took to her grave.
Fàilte air ais, a Naoise. Welcome home...
Content Warning: This novella contains dark subject matter.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2018
12 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 5, 2019
At first I thought The Unseelie Prince was just a lush and very creative retelling of dozens of other fairy tales I’ve read before… it didn’t take long for me to see how wrong I was! There are so many clever twists and turns, and I had no idea which way the story would go. I got completely wrapped up in this amazing story.
Kaitlyn Abdou describes everything in stunning detail. From the faeries to horn wearing demons, and everything Noah experiences, this is a magical world and we’ve just seen the smallest bit. I’m looking forward to many more episodes in “The Hawthorne Throne”, and I definitely hope they’re all narrated by Liam Taylor.
Mr. Taylor’s rich and sultry voice adds an additional layer of mystery and romance to the story. His portrayal of Fearghas is seductive and devilishly wonderful, and his performance elevates the whole experience. I highly recommend enjoying The Unseelie Prince as an audiobook.
an audiobook copy of The Unseelie Prince was provided for the purpose of my review
Kaitlyn Abdou describes everything in stunning detail. From the faeries to horn wearing demons, and everything Noah experiences, this is a magical world and we’ve just seen the smallest bit. I’m looking forward to many more episodes in “The Hawthorne Throne”, and I definitely hope they’re all narrated by Liam Taylor.
Mr. Taylor’s rich and sultry voice adds an additional layer of mystery and romance to the story. His portrayal of Fearghas is seductive and devilishly wonderful, and his performance elevates the whole experience. I highly recommend enjoying The Unseelie Prince as an audiobook.
an audiobook copy of The Unseelie Prince was provided for the purpose of my review
December 12, 2018
They were terrifying creatures that had ripped Noah from his bed and locked him up in the underground palace. He is called ‘Naoise’ and he doesn’t know why.
Everything was neat. Enough delicious food, wine and fruit. He doesn’t understand a whit.
A creature enters his room and shows him his real face... he is very seductive and Noah’s resistance fades.
Fearghas was looking for Noah and now he has found him he will never let him go!
Noah doesn’t want to leave... he can’t guess Fearghas has ulterior motives.
Don’t expect a romantic story... it’s more a dark than light read.
Great written short story. Very captivating and with wonderful environments. I loved the seducing... I would love to see a continuation... there lies a whole story!!
The pictures between chapters were just stunning!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
Everything was neat. Enough delicious food, wine and fruit. He doesn’t understand a whit.
A creature enters his room and shows him his real face... he is very seductive and Noah’s resistance fades.
Fearghas was looking for Noah and now he has found him he will never let him go!
Noah doesn’t want to leave... he can’t guess Fearghas has ulterior motives.
Don’t expect a romantic story... it’s more a dark than light read.
Great written short story. Very captivating and with wonderful environments. I loved the seducing... I would love to see a continuation... there lies a whole story!!
The pictures between chapters were just stunning!!
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
January 23, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/06/27/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
November 15, 2018
This little novella seems intended to get us interested in what is happening in the fantasy world we've been plummeted into. The entire thing seems to read like a long prequel, which is intriguing. I must say the small glimpses into the world outside the confines of the little room have my attention. There seems to be an entire complex world we have only barely scratched the surface of here.
Most of the focus of the story, however, is on the erotic scenes. The book seems to rush through the fantasy elements, which drive the plot, and slow down for the erotic scenes between the lead characters. This left me feeling unconnected to either of the two main characters, Noah and Feargus, but somehow invested in their future together.
As this is listed as the first in a series, I'll be interested to see if Book 2 can explore more of what is going on with the other characters and Faeries mentioned.
A quick read. Recommended if you don't mind erotica.
Most of the focus of the story, however, is on the erotic scenes. The book seems to rush through the fantasy elements, which drive the plot, and slow down for the erotic scenes between the lead characters. This left me feeling unconnected to either of the two main characters, Noah and Feargus, but somehow invested in their future together.
As this is listed as the first in a series, I'll be interested to see if Book 2 can explore more of what is going on with the other characters and Faeries mentioned.
A quick read. Recommended if you don't mind erotica.
March 17, 2019
Will this series continue? I certainly wish so, however I was strangely satisfied with just this one installment and the way it ended. It was perfect.
There are also beautiful illustrations in this book, another huge perk.
5 stars from me.
There are also beautiful illustrations in this book, another huge perk.
5 stars from me.
November 15, 2018
Well written, but not great subject matter.
This should have come with a warning. If you can deal with incest, it's fine. Otherwise, I suggest you pass. Wish I had.
This should have come with a warning. If you can deal with incest, it's fine. Otherwise, I suggest you pass. Wish I had.
November 22, 2018
Faeries are used to scare children drinking down the wrong path. They will steal children and replaced with changlings. He has been told all the stories by his mother but he just wants to know who his father is. He may just learn in a way he did not want to. How will be fine out? Where will it lead him? Follow his adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2018
The Unseelie Prince is a quick Taboo read by Ksitlyn Abdou. It is the first book of The Hawthorn Throne series. Filled with Dark but intriguing content, the book captures your attention and keeps you reading to find out what happens to Noah and the Regent. Definitely a good read for those who love The dark, the forbidden, the Taboo. Do not read if you are looking for a romance... this well written book is more about gothic seduction, magical deception and definitely Taboo subject matter.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
January 15, 2019
3.5 stars.
It was ... fine? The writing is good and the story is interesting, but it's not totally my thing and, while I'm hoping The Regent isn't the monster he appears to be I can't really see myself continuing reading to find out. Maybe if it's free?
Basically, it's me not the book. Although the nephew/uncle thing might squick some out. They never knew each other so it didn't bother me much.
It was ... fine? The writing is good and the story is interesting, but it's not totally my thing and, while I'm hoping The Regent isn't the monster he appears to be I can't really see myself continuing reading to find out. Maybe if it's free?
Basically, it's me not the book. Although the nephew/uncle thing might squick some out. They never knew each other so it didn't bother me much.
November 13, 2018
I was intrigued by the blurb, and received an ARC in return for a unbiased review.
On the one hand, there’s a lot of unique world-building here, with an interesting take on the fae and their society. On the other hand, there is very little difference in narrative voice between Noah (Naoise) and the Regent (Feargus). Noah’s speech is human-colloquial, but the chapters in his POV sound exactly like the chapters in the Regent’s POV, which made it difficult for me to get a grip on Noah’s character. His backstory isn’t expanded much more than he’s a nursing student, which I already knew from the blurb.
I’m a picky reader, and while I will overlook the odd typo, blatant word confusion and messy punctuation are a huge turnoff. Between those errors and a lot of passive voice, my impression was of a less-than-polished manuscript—which is a shame, because the underlying story would shine with a bit more work.
Given the cliffhanger ending, this is apparently meant to be the first of a series. As much as I’d like to know what happens to Noah after this, the lack of polish probably means I will give the other stories in this series a pass.
On the one hand, there’s a lot of unique world-building here, with an interesting take on the fae and their society. On the other hand, there is very little difference in narrative voice between Noah (Naoise) and the Regent (Feargus). Noah’s speech is human-colloquial, but the chapters in his POV sound exactly like the chapters in the Regent’s POV, which made it difficult for me to get a grip on Noah’s character. His backstory isn’t expanded much more than he’s a nursing student, which I already knew from the blurb.
I’m a picky reader, and while I will overlook the odd typo, blatant word confusion and messy punctuation are a huge turnoff. Between those errors and a lot of passive voice, my impression was of a less-than-polished manuscript—which is a shame, because the underlying story would shine with a bit more work.
Given the cliffhanger ending, this is apparently meant to be the first of a series. As much as I’d like to know what happens to Noah after this, the lack of polish probably means I will give the other stories in this series a pass.
December 12, 2018
Okay, I am not totally sure what I think about this one. I understood it would be dark but didn’t expect Noah to basically be lied to the entire time. Though I am interested to see how the series progresses.
The story was written well but felt that the fae world was in the background to the sex and while I am all about the sex I wished there was the opportunity to learn more but that may be in the next book. I am interested to see if Noah gets a bit of a backbone in the next book because he seems to realize the situation he in in now.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
The story was written well but felt that the fae world was in the background to the sex and while I am all about the sex I wished there was the opportunity to learn more but that may be in the next book. I am interested to see if Noah gets a bit of a backbone in the next book because he seems to realize the situation he in in now.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
January 30, 2019
It was a really interesting dark novella. I knew a little bit what to expect going in and I'm glad for it because otherwise I guess I'd have been put off a little. So, yeah: it's definitely not a romance, it's dark and full of manipulation. Also, lots of sex scenes, which I'm not complaining about but since it's so important to the story, I feel like readers need to know about it.
I feel like the setting and worldbuilding are interesting but we only catch a glimpse of it in this novella, so I hope to get more in the sequel. I really love that we get a really dark take on the Fair Folks because there is so much potential to make them dark and twisted and I felt like this was well-done.
I was a little bit disappointed that I felt like I didn't know anything about who Noah/Naoise is and his personnality and pretty much anything about him. I guess with what's happening and all the manipulation it makes sense, and I hope I come to like him more later in the series. The Regent is a very interesting character and, yes, villain, too. Very Very Bad but well-done.
Also a little put off by a lot of typos/wrong words but I won't hold it against the author since what I received was an ARC and there was another round of edits before publication anyway so I don't think that still is an issue.
CW (some are spoilery so):
I feel like the setting and worldbuilding are interesting but we only catch a glimpse of it in this novella, so I hope to get more in the sequel. I really love that we get a really dark take on the Fair Folks because there is so much potential to make them dark and twisted and I felt like this was well-done.
I was a little bit disappointed that I felt like I didn't know anything about who Noah/Naoise is and his personnality and pretty much anything about him. I guess with what's happening and all the manipulation it makes sense, and I hope I come to like him more later in the series. The Regent is a very interesting character and, yes, villain, too. Very Very Bad but well-done.
Also a little put off by a lot of typos/wrong words but I won't hold it against the author since what I received was an ARC and there was another round of edits before publication anyway so I don't think that still is an issue.
CW (some are spoilery so):
November 10, 2018
(I received this book as an ARC to review)
First things first, all my other books involving the fae involve fighting and battles, so I couldn't file it under "Fairies who fight" unless you count the EPIC BATTLE OF WITS that's happening here.
As you can see from my feed, I am a huge fan of paranormal romance novels. This book is NOT a romance novel. It is a -->gothic<-- novella. So while there are some steamy as hell m/m scenes in here (oooh so steamy!) they are contained in a very gothic plot-line. And oh what a plot-line! Truly sinister!!! Not an HEA to be seen... or is there? (hopefully in next installment??)
This book is very well written and flows back and forth from court intrigues to seductions deftly. The Celtic/Gaelic references and glossary were well used and a nice touch. It is a relatively quick read that definitely hooks you at the end and makes you want to know what the heck is going to happen to Noah -- poor guy!!
Although not my usual genre, 5 stars for intrigue, suspense, and hot fairies!
First things first, all my other books involving the fae involve fighting and battles, so I couldn't file it under "Fairies who fight" unless you count the EPIC BATTLE OF WITS that's happening here.
As you can see from my feed, I am a huge fan of paranormal romance novels. This book is NOT a romance novel. It is a -->gothic<-- novella. So while there are some steamy as hell m/m scenes in here (oooh so steamy!) they are contained in a very gothic plot-line. And oh what a plot-line! Truly sinister!!! Not an HEA to be seen... or is there? (hopefully in next installment??)
This book is very well written and flows back and forth from court intrigues to seductions deftly. The Celtic/Gaelic references and glossary were well used and a nice touch. It is a relatively quick read that definitely hooks you at the end and makes you want to know what the heck is going to happen to Noah -- poor guy!!
Although not my usual genre, 5 stars for intrigue, suspense, and hot fairies!
February 14, 2020
This story was as deliciously dark and dangerous as the Sidhe who vie for control of the Hawthorne Throne. Noah is a regular young man going through college and dealing with the death of his mother. The last thing he expects is to be ripped away from bedroom in the middle of the night by beings he only thought existed in fairytales.
The story is full of manipulation and hot, sultry sex as Fearghas maneuvers his way onto the Hawthorne Throne. Poor Noah soon learns that nothing is as it seems, and trust should not be handed out so freely.
Kaitlyn Abdou has a wonderful writing style and it left me wanting more. The book also has beautiful illustrations done by Felix Avenier. The audiobook version of this book is well done. Liam Taylor was a wonderful choice for narrator. His voice was rich and full of depths that enhanced the sultry darkness of the story.
Overall, the book was four stars – it was extremely good, but the brevity of the book stifled the plot a little – it felt more like a prequel and I really hope Kaitlyn Abdou continues this series.
The story is full of manipulation and hot, sultry sex as Fearghas maneuvers his way onto the Hawthorne Throne. Poor Noah soon learns that nothing is as it seems, and trust should not be handed out so freely.
Kaitlyn Abdou has a wonderful writing style and it left me wanting more. The book also has beautiful illustrations done by Felix Avenier. The audiobook version of this book is well done. Liam Taylor was a wonderful choice for narrator. His voice was rich and full of depths that enhanced the sultry darkness of the story.
Overall, the book was four stars – it was extremely good, but the brevity of the book stifled the plot a little – it felt more like a prequel and I really hope Kaitlyn Abdou continues this series.
December 5, 2018
Very unusual, rather dark novella with a surprising twist. Loved it!
I also very much enjoyed the artwork in the book! It really helps to draw you into the eerie fantasy world this author created.
There's an unsettling vibe that runs throughout the story, danger lurking in hidden places, which I thought very well done.
Our MC, Noah Reid, is kidnapped from his home by the Folk, also known as Faeries, though definitely not of the Tinkerbell variety.
He's kept as a prisoner and only has one visitor, whom he depends on for food and information. Stockholm syndrome here we come... This prison guard/protector/... is an enigmatic, powerful figure who sets out to seduce Noah.
This is not a romance, at all, but a very intriguing story nonetheless. I can't wait to discover what will happen next in this series.
I also very much enjoyed the artwork in the book! It really helps to draw you into the eerie fantasy world this author created.
There's an unsettling vibe that runs throughout the story, danger lurking in hidden places, which I thought very well done.
Our MC, Noah Reid, is kidnapped from his home by the Folk, also known as Faeries, though definitely not of the Tinkerbell variety.
He's kept as a prisoner and only has one visitor, whom he depends on for food and information. Stockholm syndrome here we come... This prison guard/protector/... is an enigmatic, powerful figure who sets out to seduce Noah.
This is not a romance, at all, but a very intriguing story nonetheless. I can't wait to discover what will happen next in this series.
January 26, 2019
“I could come to love you”
If you don't mind uncle & nephew relations it’s a pretty good read.
Poor Noah is taken and has no clue where he is. All he knows is it doesn’t seem right.
The furnishings were grand, but whimsical—as if they had dragged him into some nightmarish version of a Disney movie.
Later he finds out he is a half Daoine Sith and is heir to the Hawthorn Throne. As if this new information isn’t too much at once, there is sex, talk of marriage, and a coronation.
This is a good start to a series I hope to get to finish reading. I enjoyed the deception from the King Regent and the little moment of truth Noah had regarding his father and the King Regent.
If you don't mind uncle & nephew relations it’s a pretty good read.
Poor Noah is taken and has no clue where he is. All he knows is it doesn’t seem right.
The furnishings were grand, but whimsical—as if they had dragged him into some nightmarish version of a Disney movie.
Later he finds out he is a half Daoine Sith and is heir to the Hawthorn Throne. As if this new information isn’t too much at once, there is sex, talk of marriage, and a coronation.
This is a good start to a series I hope to get to finish reading. I enjoyed the deception from the King Regent and the little moment of truth Noah had regarding his father and the King Regent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2018
The demon called him Naoise he’s says his name is Noah. The loss of Noah’s mom and dad leaves him the prince of faerie and Fearghas is active king until Noah takes the throne. The active regent is Fearghas who is Noah’s uncle his dads brother who seduces him and then asks him to marry him. In doing so this makes Fearghas the king leaving Noah as the prince. Unfortunately Noah realizes the mistake he made only after making it. This was different but interesting none the less.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2019
I picked this up because the author is attending GRL this year and I wanted to read something from each of the attending authors. I liked that it had a fantasy element to it and I immediately felt like I had fallen into a fairy tale. Not the sticky sweet Disney kind, but something much darker. Noah's been thrown into a world unlike anything he's ever known. And that's just the beginning. Be prepared for an erotic introduction into Noah's new reality. I can't wait to see what happens to him next.
December 16, 2018
This is the first book in The Hawthorn Throne Series. This is not a romance and not a book for everyone. There is a twist to the story that fits into taboo territory. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. There isn’t exactly a cliffhanger, but you are left with questions. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
July 6, 2019
Was not prepared!!
This dark short story was a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed it, though was a bit blind sided by the incest. I knew it had taboo content, as the warning stated, but wasn’t prepared for this kind of content. Made the rest of the work kind of weird for me, but it was still worth the read! And the artwork was beautiful, the voice of the Regent intriguing, and the descriptions of the royal attire was fabulous!
This dark short story was a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed it, though was a bit blind sided by the incest. I knew it had taboo content, as the warning stated, but wasn’t prepared for this kind of content. Made the rest of the work kind of weird for me, but it was still worth the read! And the artwork was beautiful, the voice of the Regent intriguing, and the descriptions of the royal attire was fabulous!
December 29, 2018
A Enticing Dark Fairy Tale
Just the thing I needed as I waited for the next Holly Black book. The writing was gorgeous and the art just as beautiful! I’ll admit the only reason it isn’t five stars is because I would have wanted to see MORE!! More Noah and more of the world! Can’t wait to read more in the series.
Just the thing I needed as I waited for the next Holly Black book. The writing was gorgeous and the art just as beautiful! I’ll admit the only reason it isn’t five stars is because I would have wanted to see MORE!! More Noah and more of the world! Can’t wait to read more in the series.
July 31, 2020
I love stories of the fae and this starts out good, has good bones even, but it just has a feel of a prequel. When I went to look for more of the series I couldn't find anything so I was left hanging.
It was short so there was room for more.
I listened to it on audio and the narration was pretty good.
It was short so there was room for more.
I listened to it on audio and the narration was pretty good.
January 7, 2023
If you love dark twisted stories about the Fae and royalty this book does not disappoint! The incest was unexpected, while I am not into incest, this book does it in such a way that it makes sense and doesn't make me cringe. Like just read it, it's a wonderfully dark and spicy short story, with some lovely art inside.
December 11, 2018
Wow...a huge story in less than an hour!
Noah finds himself in the midst of a nightmare. Snatched, fed, loved and made a Prince in less than a week, little does he know his uncle has plans for him!
Pretty cool plot...would love to read a full length version! Recommended.
Noah finds himself in the midst of a nightmare. Snatched, fed, loved and made a Prince in less than a week, little does he know his uncle has plans for him!
Pretty cool plot...would love to read a full length version! Recommended.
January 5, 2019
Whoa
Beautiful writing and dark; a thrilling, well written and woven novella. Never have I read anything so fast!
Oh my god!
(That’s holy-what I want to read more!)
I look forward to reading more books from this author!
Beautiful writing and dark; a thrilling, well written and woven novella. Never have I read anything so fast!
Oh my god!
(That’s holy-what I want to read more!)
I look forward to reading more books from this author!
January 10, 2019
Finished in 2 short sittings, left needing more
I was absolutely hooked all the way through. Creepy and mysterious, even though this riveting novella takes you inside the minds of the two main characters. I'm waiting very impatiently for the rest of the series!
I was absolutely hooked all the way through. Creepy and mysterious, even though this riveting novella takes you inside the minds of the two main characters. I'm waiting very impatiently for the rest of the series!
February 2, 2020
Hmmm - I LOVED the narration but the story is really the prelude to a bigger conflict that will clearly be developed in future books. And in this book, there is zero romance.
Narration: Liam Taylor. 5 stars. Loved his voice and characterisation.
Narration: Liam Taylor. 5 stars. Loved his voice and characterisation.
May 12, 2022
I enjoyed this story of Noah finding out his past and the other world that exists. There was some sexy scenes, unfortunately not romantic. I need the next installment to know what happens in this world.
December 11, 2018
oo dark and interesting novella.. im not always sure if i will like this genre but this was well written and very fun topic. i enjoyed it
December 12, 2018
A passable story with potential to follow in the footsteps of C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews