Fae

State Changers #2

by Chris Fenwick

Even a ferocious shapeshifter, with magical Fae powers, can struggle to hold onto loved ones, especially with a murderous traitor in their midst.

Casidhe fought tooth and paw for her place in the world. Now, she has a new family and has found the love of her life. With their birthday around the corner, she’s excited to finally meet her twin brother, Cian. Life is good, right? Wrong!

Evil forces strike hard, killing her friends, and stretching the pack’s bonds to the limit. As they frantically search to find the ringleader, the pack discovers signs of a traitor among them.

All the while, Saoirse, the ancient and venerable White Wolf, leader of all State Changers, and Casidhe’s great grandmother, insists she train from a mysterious book and learn the ways of the Fae in secret.

Will Casidhe’s new powers be enough to hold on to those she has worked so hard to find? Or will her worst nightmares come true, as she helplessly watches those she holds most dear, killed one-by-one?

Lesbian fantasy thriller, FAE delivers a one-two punch of adventure and romance with break-neck speed.

255 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2020

About the author

I am a mother, a spouse, a writer, an editor, a marketer, and a part-time farmer. I grow, build, remodel and fix things. I spent over 25 years in a tech career that I didn't love but still excelled in. Now, I make books. Some I write myself. Some are the works of others. I live in a hollow surrounded by trees, a little piece of paradise in Pennsylvania, with my wife, our last teenage son, goats, chickens, dogs and occasionally pigs, turkeys, deer, ducks, and many other varieties of birds and wildlife.

Writing the State Changers series was the most fun I have had professionally, ever. The process of writing is like coming home. It is powerful and humbling at the same time. Casidhe became so real to me, inspiring and guiding me as we found our way through the words and pages together. I sincerely hope readers love her story as much as I have. I heard a quote recently and it made me think of writing this series. "If it delights, it delights." Writing the State Changer series truly delighted me.

I have always loved books, and almost never can part with them once they find their way into my library. I can think of no other job I am more clearly suited to. Sunbury Press' moto is, "Continue the Enlightenment!" Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?

Reviews

[Karin A · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the State Changers series was good fun. I got sucked into the world of Fae and the different Fae-gifts state changers have.

The coming of age element in this book, combined with becoming more and more comfortable in her own skin was well described and didn’t feel forced. In the end, Cashide became a leader. Not by choice, but by destiny and nature.

The relationship between Cashide and Dana becomes so serious they get mated at the tender age of 18. The bound they’re mating brings with itself makes for extra fun stuf they can do with their fae gifts.

Also taking frequents trips to the Tir Na nOg in this book were great to read about. Most pressing issue in this book is off course figuring out who is trying to close the portals between Topside and Tir Na nOg. The story has a great tempo and I think it wil speak to young adults as it won’t bore you because of all that’s happening. The plot is a little see-through but that doesn’t make it any less fun to read.

This book has no happy ending but a cliff hanger that gives you hope for the future.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[MiskaCZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ARC copy was given to me from BookSirens for a honest review.

This is the second book about Casidhe, who found a partner and a family in the pack. The book shows us more about the world, where Casidhe try to understand her new abilities, build a relationship with Dana and look forward to meet her only brother Cian. The story is very fast and the story twist almost to painful.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I will admit I am hooked. Now I have to wait until Sept 2020 for the next installment. It only took me a day to finish this one. back into the world of State Changers, wolves, magical beings, deceit, action and love. The story has it all wrapped up in a package. Although it doesn't have a lot of deep rooted character analysis or world building, it does fit a wonderful niche of same sex normalcy and paranormal urban fantasy. The main characters are young, but most heroic fantasy characters are, and so Casidhe both comes into her powers and comes of age at the same time by necessity. The supporting characters are good and provide both surprises and strength as Casidhe navigates both the human and Fae worlds. I will look forward to the upcoming books with delight.

[Gabriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this series took a dark and exciting turn! There are many new characters introduced, including Casidhe’s brother Cian, and they all brought something new. Casidhe’s journey toward accepting her fate was heartwarming to witness. Casidhe and Dana are lovely together as always, and it was wonderful getting to know Dana better. And that ENDING! I am definitely looking forward to continuing this series.

There are a few editing issues — misspellings, misplaced commas, and repeated information — but they didn’t detract much from the intrigue and readability.

I received a free copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hoped that Fae would be more tightly written than it was. It's still rough in places, but the story made me forget about that mostly. Casidhe has realized that Cian is living up to the curse. She and her allies are trying to stand up to him, but he has a head start, so to speak. She still mingles with the other fae but mostly this is about her coming of age, learning her strengths and weaknesses, and taking responsibility. It ends on a cliffhanger.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, beautifully written fantasy thriller, with all the imagination and descriptions you want from this genre. I haven’t read the first in this series but I’m certainly going to, however this is a stand alone read. I felt I was being whisked through this fantasy world at break neck speed but was still able to appreciate the details of the plotting and characters easily. In fact I wanted to read this in one go but made myself pace the reading to savour it better. Great read for anyone, whether you are a fantasy fan or not.

I received an ARC for free in exchange for an honest review

[Tory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down

I really was on the edge of my seat the whole way through this book. Very exciting and suspenseful. I can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this one.

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with well developed and interesting characters. Definitely recommended for fantasy lovers everywhere!

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an underrated series. Great LGBTQ characters, terrific plot.