Born In Magic

by Basia Pike

Robin always knew she was different, but she never could have imagined she wasn’t human.

On the eve of Robin's eighteenth birthday, a man breaks into her home. First time she's alone at home with a guy, and he is certifiably insane. He tells her she is a fae princess from the kingdom of Taidel, and she doesn't believe him.

Until he proves magic exists, and her entire world crumbles around her. He presents her with a choice; Leave everyone and everything she knows behind, or let the fae die at the hands of the evil and darkness that has taken control of their lands.

They must head into the dangerous lands of Taidel where enemies lurk around every corner. To make matters worse, Robin’s feelings for Holden begin to surface, but she's already betrothed to a fae prince she's never met.

Fans of Julie Kagawa and Holly Black won’t be able to resist Born in Magic, the first installment of The Fae Queen Series, a new urban fantasy romance.

Scroll up and pre-order today the thrilling first installment in the fae queen series.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2019

About the author

Basia Pike is a self-published author who writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is a fantasy addict, be it books or films, and has taken to creating her own worlds and stories whenever she has spare time from her day job.
When she's not weaving stories together in her spare time, she enjoys swimming which she competes in, and reading. She lives in France with her husband, and her furry friend and writing companion, Mocha the cat.

You can connect with Basia via her website at https://basiapike.com.
email her at basiapike@gmail.com.
Or check out her twitter https://twitter.com/basiapike and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BasiaPikeAut...

You can sign up to her newsletter and stay up to date on new releases: http://eepurl.com/dB4Jx1

Reviews

[Shelleen Toland · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Robin turns 18 she is confronted by Holden who tells her she is a fae princess. She doesn't believe him or in magic. So he proves magic is real. Robin knew at 13 that she was adopted as a baby. The only thing her birth parents left her was a ring.
Holden tells her she has to go back to her birthplace, Taidel because it is being taken over by darkness. Evil is lurking everywhere and there is a bad man out to destroy everything. As Holden is taking here there and training her on how to use her magic they end up having feelings for each other. Then she finds out she is betrothed to a fae prince and has been since she was born. But she is going to fight it every way she can because she doesn't know him. There is evil lurking to kill her so she can not lay claim to the throne.
This book was fun and I am glad that I got the chance to read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Zoa Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin, a "normal human girl" suddenly finds out she is everything but normal on her 18th birthday. Instead she learns that she is the princess of Taidel, a faerie Kingdom, which she is destined to rule.
This throws her life into absolute mayhem as she is whisked away by a handsome stranger to save her Kingdom from darkness. No pressure.

Absolutely loved the story line. There are moments I'm laughing at the characters, and other's getting frustrated with them at the situations they find themselves in. In saying that, I often felt like the story moved too fast with little emotional connection to events. It also took quite a while to get into the book and connect to the characters. But once I did, it was very enjoyable! All in all I'd definitely recommend it, and can't wait to read the second book.

This book was sent to me for a honest review which I am voluntarily leaving.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical. A fun new fantasy series that peeks my interest. It was a little hard to get into and I would’ve loved more unpredictability. It felt like a typical fantasy with all the usual staples so it would’ve been nice to see something more original and creative. The dialogue felt awkward and unnatural at times. It was a little off putting. I do however like the different creatures and would like to see where the story goes. It has tons of potential.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 3 out of 5]

OMG! I didn’t think I was ever going to finish this! I received a free copy for a review from the author. Honestly, I can’t in good conscience recommend this to teens. The heroine Robin uses 4-letter words constantly in her grammar. If she isn’t using them to emphasize something or express her exasperation, she’s using them to bad mouth people (without having even met them on some occasions not to mention she uses the B-word to refer to a bunch of her classmates). I itched to wash out her mouth with soap. And there’s one rather graphic sex scene. For the first half of the book, there are British words and phrases scattered through, making it rather hard to believe that the heroine was supposed to be from Minnesota (we don’t use whilst on this side of the pond, btw. The word is “while”. And it wasn’t just that one. There were others like what’s a “hold all”? And meters (we use yards over here), knackered, takeaway, and doddle (no idea even what that is). The largest issue I had with this (besides the language) was I didn’t care for the heroine at all. She’s whiney, arrogant, self-centered, selfish, damsel-in-distress, doesn’t even try to be nice to others, and she’s really judgey (calling the first guy a creep just because he was watching her during dinner, calling Elion a d-word and a-word without even having met him). I hated how she stole the ball in the first scene, and then proceeded to play the soccer match completely on her own, refusing to pass the ball, and then whined when no one congratulated her. There is no I in team. The pacing is slow. It’s slow to start, dawdling on the contemporary teen drama before heading to the fantasy world at 25% in. There’s a stereotypical info-dump of the background/history of the fantasy world. Not to mention the faerie courts are the same ones you’ve read in Harry Dresden and Julie Kagawa and Melissa Marr’s books. And she takes FOREVER to make decisions (like 3 chapters long). I had expected more of the fantasy faerie world, but it was same old basic medieval fantasy world with castle and not really anything else to make it interesting. Most of the time in the book was spent hanging out at a cottage (boring!) and cue the expected training scene (I pictured it being set to music with cut scenes). There was nothing new with the elemental powers (seems like it’s the in-thing right now to give the heroes elemental powers since it’s in practically every other indie book I pick up). Even the hero was rather wooden and arrogant and I definitely don’t see what he sees in the heroine, other than her being beautiful. I did love the cover!

[Jennifer Ayre · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author.

Where to start. Born in magic has all the tropes of every fantasy book you've ever read. Loner girl, hot guy, unknown powers, faerie princess... The writing was unoriginal and very repetitive. Saying that, I did finish it in one day, but I was stuck on a plane with nothing else to do...
I would not recommend this to teens, the language is pretty strong and there is one very erotic sex scene that seemed slightly unnecessary. If you want an easy YA summer read then go for it, it's an alright book. If you want something that stays with you and makes you want to read the next in the series, this may not be for you .

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Born in Magic is the first book in the Fae Queen series by Basia Pike. The story follows Robin who doesn't really fit in anywhere and on her eighteenth birthday finds out that she is fae and the truth about her past. Holden has come to take her back to Taidel, the fairy kingdom that she was born because the kingdom has been taken over by the Unseelie and they need Robin to help defeat the evil. Robin is not prepared for the world she is from and she is going to have to face a lot if she has any hope of defeating the Unseelie.

The story piqued my interest because the story centers on the fae, however after reading it I realized it's a little different from how I thought it would be. Robin is not how I thought she would be. Robin is stubborn, indecisive, a bit of a crier, hot-tempered and has a slightly less foul-mouth than I do.

Robin was an okay character but certain things bothered me. She was very wish-washy, she would think about the consequences of things and then later completely ignore them, she get mad (and rightfully so) then apologize and she doesn't realize the scope of the situation until it's to late. But she doesn't runaway from the truly horrible things and she does care about people.

This is a paranormal romance so enter the love interest, Holden, the stoic determined guardian that escorts her back to Taidel. Holden (love that name) is one of those love interests that had to grow on me. Holden was a bit deceitful, rude, angry and at times lacked patience. The connection between Holden and Robin is there but they have to work on better communication. I understand it's because of the situation in Taidel but still his attitude could have been better. While my opinion of him has gotten better he is still not on my book-boyfriend list.

The general idea of the story was good but I had problems where parts of the story got boring and I felt some of the pages were filler. There was a lot of repeating and the characters left me frustrated (and not in a good way) at times. Be that as it may, I do like the story and by the end I was really excited about it again. I met a new character who has great promise and I would love to get to know more about.

Born in Magic is a nice start to the story and I am interested to see what will happen in the next book. My favorite part of the story was the elemental magic and I am looking forward to more of that in the next book.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born in Magic by Basia Pike is the beginning of a new fantasy romance series. In this book, we are introduced to 17-year-old Robin. In just a couple of days, she'll be 18 and she's more than ready to leave behind the bullies of her high school and move on to bigger and better things. What Robin isn't expecting is for some creepy guy to pull her aside in her favorite pizza place after staring at her the entire time! Add in another hot guy who comes to her rescue and it looks like her life is about to change in a huge way! Robin learns that she's from a different world and that it's time for her to return home to save her people from an evil that murdered her real parents.
Born in Magic is an engaging story that follows Robin and is told from her perspective. My first reaction to her when I started reading this story was sympathy. She's bullied by her peers and ostracized by most. Of course, the author sends me on a roller coaster ride with her, because the author reveals that, of course, Robin isn't perfect. When she learns she was "adopted" she was angry with her parents for not telling her sooner. Things go up and down with Robin. She's torn between helping the people her family once ruled and returning to the human realm.
I appreciate how the author has Robin pretty true to life as a character. She has selfish moments of where she does basically what she wants. I have to say though that I find some conflict in what she says and what she does. She says that she won't marry a man she doesn't know, but she'll sleep with a guy she barely knows? Seems a bit...opposed to each other. But often her selfishness crops up. She understands the predicament that Holden is in, but yet she still wants to get upset about it. I begin to wonder...does she want him to be killed?!
I will say also, that this book could use another once over by an editor/proofreader. There are places in the book, mostly in the beginning of where there are either misspelled words or sentences that don't 100% make sense.
In the end, I did enjoy this book and the surprises that the author gives the reader later in the book. I have to say that I am eager for the next book in this series. I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'm taking off half a star for the editorial issues and a couple other things. For those who enjoy familiar tropes - a young woman not knowing she's a princess, forbidden "love", shifters, etc then this is the book to pick up.
*Also! Please note that there IS sex in this story (one scene) but for those who like clean reads, this may not be a book you'll enjoy.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read from Basia Pike. It is an interesting story about Robin ( A Summer Court Princess) who was taken from the realm when she was little to the human realm where she was raised. Her fae parents have entrusted her care to guardian Holland and want her returned to the fae realm when she turns 18. All throughout her growing up years Robin felt she was different, and was often bullied. On her 18th birthday she encounters 2 fae men. One meant to get rid of her and the other one sent to bring her back to the fae realm.
My thoughts on the story were
The story felt like two different stories at the same time, one where Robin acted and sounded her years and did rash things then the other where she turned into a kick-ass heroine. Sometime the fight scenes didn't make sense to me as they jumped around a lot and it was hard to track.
Some characters where really intriguing such as Abe.
Overall the story ended with a bit of a cliffhanger and made me want to read the next one.
Overall I would recommend this series.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Born in Magic as a free copy from the author/publisher. The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.

I liked the writing, and the pacing, but the storyline was too close to standard tropes: secret fae princess, hidden in the Earth realm, must save her people, and learn to use her powers in a week. The writer didn't offer any new twist on the theme; although, there were some nice sub-plots which kept me reading, Robin seemed too accepting of her fate-- who'd take off with a perfect stranger--Holden-- and leave their family in order to marry another perfect stranger? Good action and forward progression in the storyline, and there's a lot of potential for the next book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born In Magic is Book 1 of The Fae Queen series. The author has an interesting story line and well developed and varied characters. Our MC Robin is 18 and is told by Holden on her birthday that she is adopted, is a fae princess, has magical powers, needs to return to Taidal to defeat the evil and save her people, and Holden has been sent to bring her home. Of course, Robin find this impossible to believe. The story moves at a good pace and holds your interest until the end. The story line was intriguing enough that I will continue with the series as it has great potential and because I want to see where the author is going to take us. It was a very enjoyable read and I recommend it. Receive a copy and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Sherry Christenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was good, adopted teenage girl doesn’t know she has magic now has to save her kingdom. This is a very popular storyline, I can’t even count how many books I’ve read with this storyline, born in magic doesn’t have anything that sets it apart but I did enjoy it. Ends on a cliffhanger which leave you wanting the next book. I found Robyn annoying so I just couldn’t connect with her. She was to Whiney for me, I wanted to know the meaning behind her mothers ring . There is a lot of errors that shouldn’t have been caught in the editing. Without the errors and if I was given the meaning of the ring I would have rated a 4.
I received an advance review copy for for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Susana Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story, finding out that your are a fae princess and the only hope to save of people from the dark. But, I have to say that I found that the heroine dwells too much in her inner thoughts. I know it is a dramatic situation and I do like to know what goes through the mind of the characters but in this case it is just a bit too repetitive for my liking. Even so, the story is great and well worth the slow start (most of the first half is just our main hero couple). By the end of this book you will definitely feel hooked and I'm really curious to know more about this fae world and this new threat.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The storyline is really good. I liked the fae and magic in it. I understand that Robin has no idea that she has magic in her due to how she was raised. She was a bit of a whiny girl but is starting to grow in the story. Holden is a very impatient character who should understand that some of this is going to take time. But we can also understand to a degree. I loved Abe in the story and think he is my favorite. The story has great promise and the series is going to be good. It is for sure worth reading. I voluntarily review an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jennifer Lil'n Dunski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and I'm pretty happy with the book. Magic, action, romance, dragons and a fae kingdom in chaos.
The characters are are unique and fun, the world building is alright, could use some work but doable and the storyline is fantastic. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Born In Magic (The Fae Queen Book 1) by Basia Pike is an awesome story I was able to read and I loved it. This is book number one and an awesome read. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic and fae in thiers stories then you definately will not be disappointed with this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all; romance, action, kidnapping, rescue, death and destruction followed by the hope of renewal.

Can't wait to read the next installment.

[Jenny Thorne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice

Good story line nice start to a set now just wait for the next one and hope it picks up a bit

[Tabi]

-DNF-
The book started off a bit odd to me, and I had a hard time connecting with the main character, even as the story went on.
DNFd at 25%, it didn’t hold my interest enough to keep reading.