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These Hallowed Hills #1
Trick of Fae
All the fairy tale stories told us they were right under our feet. If only we'd believed them...
The Fae arrived at twilight. Singing their magical nursery rhyme songs luring men and women to their death.
Everyone except Sarah. Her father told her to run, but in a game of hide and seek, the Fae will always win. Taken against her will violet-eyed, Janice offers Sarah an impossible choice: become a contender in the strange underground Fae games or die.
Can Sarah learn enough fairy magic to make it past the first challenge, or will she become another victim of the Fae games, locked in The Hallowed Hills for all time?
It’s a contest with one rule: compete to live.
The Fae arrived at twilight. Singing their magical nursery rhyme songs luring men and women to their death.
Everyone except Sarah. Her father told her to run, but in a game of hide and seek, the Fae will always win. Taken against her will violet-eyed, Janice offers Sarah an impossible choice: become a contender in the strange underground Fae games or die.
Can Sarah learn enough fairy magic to make it past the first challenge, or will she become another victim of the Fae games, locked in The Hallowed Hills for all time?
It’s a contest with one rule: compete to live.
- GenresFantasy
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 30, 2022
Somehow being here, I was being challenged. It was the biggest challenge of my life. This wouldn’t be about who could hold their breath the longest or climb the highest. This was life or death.
So... I liked the concept for the most part- Fae invade the human realm and start snatching up good looking and strong kids/young adults and bring them down Under the Hill to make them (the girls) compete in some kind of sick game of survival for the fate of pretty much everything. All this abducting is taking place however, while the Fae are killing off your neighbors, parents and pets.
I probably would have liked this if I was reading it as a tween, but as I am not there were some tropes I wasn't vibing with. Such as the whole "I'm not like other girls" bashing dialogue and misogynistic leanings that permeated a lot of the story. For example:
I wasn’t one of those big fatty Mcfat-fats, but I wasn’t a little pixie chick either. I was your average ordinary plain-Jane girl.
I wasn’t interested in being one of those flashy girls. You know, the ones who run around trying to be the most popular chick in school.
My mother covered her mouth with her hand as big fat tears rolled down her cheek. I loved my mom, but sometimes she was such a waste. I didn’t want Dad to go either, but I wasn’t going to cry about it.
“I’m not one of the beautiful people. I’m just boring old me.” I shrugged my shoulders.
I wanted to wait. I didn’t want to be one of those girls everybody at school slept with.
I couldn’t understand. I didn’t belong with the supermodels. I was some dorky, average girl next door who tripped over her own feet.
Okay girl.
Also, pretty much every woman/girl but the FL is either a bitch or weeping mess...so yeah fun. But will say I did like the music as part of the Fae magic and how it could be helped to shape and build the world around them.
So may read on? I dunno.
October 14, 2019
This is my first encounter with the writings of S.L.Mason. At first, I was not sure about it, because I am passed beyond fantasy stories, but I was willing to give it a try. And might I say that I am glad I did.
The story caught me from the first pages and I didn't even realize where time flew. I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you are a fantasy fan
It is light and easy to read but at the same time captivating and a page-turner.
The story caught me from the first pages and I didn't even realize where time flew. I recommend this book to everyone, especially if you are a fantasy fan
It is light and easy to read but at the same time captivating and a page-turner.
October 18, 2019
This is one of the best dark fantasy novels I've ever read and it's top of my list of fantasy reads this year. S.L. Mason has given the traditional fae mythology an entirely new twist and she does it flawlessly. I love the magical system she developed for the faerie realm. The attention to detail for the magic is impressive and really brought it all alive for me.
March 27, 2023
{2.5/5}
CW: death, gore
I have one word for this book and that is: Potential. It has so much potential, it just doesn’t quite execute it the way I had hoped. The base is there, the story is there, honestly even the structure is almost there. It just…doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The Fae have invaded the world. Or, more accurately, the surface world. And they’re slaughtering humans left, right, and center. Sarah is among those (debatably) lucky few who are captured instead of killed, and she’s taken to the Hallowed Hills. She’ll be competing for…something. But what she’s trying to win, and what the competition really is, are yet to be discovered.
Parts of this book were really well done. Once you get to the Hallowed Hills, the descriptions are lovely and detailed, the writing really starts to take off, and the plot becomes significantly more attention-grabbing (for me, anyway). But getting there, and at several parts once you’re there, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride. There were several statements that made me openly wince (“I wasn’t one of those big fatty Mcfat-fats, but I wasn’t a little pixie chick either…I bought my clothes in the junior section of the store like the rest of the girls, hoping that my jeans were skinny enough…to fit in and not be noticed.” Also a reference to her dad calling something a ‘lady gun’ and the MC’s addition that “it was really a p—-y gun”). There were a lot more statements like that than I was comfortable overlooking. The MC’s opinion of her mom (“I loved my mom, but sometimes she was such a waste” stands out as one particularly notable instance) also didn’t sit well with me. To be fair, her mom doesn’t handle the whole ‘the world has been invaded’ thing well at *all*, but this just seemed overly harsh.
There are numerous typos/formatting problems and a few continuity issues, but this is a digital copy, so I won’t be going into those here. The biggest issue for me was the flow. Sometimes the story moved along nicely, the content was engaging, and the banter was entertaining. Other times it became jumbled, confusing, or distracting. Where this story ends (I believe there are 5 or 6 in the series?) is rather jarring. It’s not really a cliff-hanger; it feels more like the last few chapters have been ripped out. This book has the potential to be an absolutely amazing story, and I think the author probably has what it takes to get it there, but this version felt more like an early/mid-round draft, not the final product.
CW: death, gore
I have one word for this book and that is: Potential. It has so much potential, it just doesn’t quite execute it the way I had hoped. The base is there, the story is there, honestly even the structure is almost there. It just…doesn’t quite hit the mark.
The Fae have invaded the world. Or, more accurately, the surface world. And they’re slaughtering humans left, right, and center. Sarah is among those (debatably) lucky few who are captured instead of killed, and she’s taken to the Hallowed Hills. She’ll be competing for…something. But what she’s trying to win, and what the competition really is, are yet to be discovered.
Parts of this book were really well done. Once you get to the Hallowed Hills, the descriptions are lovely and detailed, the writing really starts to take off, and the plot becomes significantly more attention-grabbing (for me, anyway). But getting there, and at several parts once you’re there, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride. There were several statements that made me openly wince (“I wasn’t one of those big fatty Mcfat-fats, but I wasn’t a little pixie chick either…I bought my clothes in the junior section of the store like the rest of the girls, hoping that my jeans were skinny enough…to fit in and not be noticed.” Also a reference to her dad calling something a ‘lady gun’ and the MC’s addition that “it was really a p—-y gun”). There were a lot more statements like that than I was comfortable overlooking. The MC’s opinion of her mom (“I loved my mom, but sometimes she was such a waste” stands out as one particularly notable instance) also didn’t sit well with me. To be fair, her mom doesn’t handle the whole ‘the world has been invaded’ thing well at *all*, but this just seemed overly harsh.
There are numerous typos/formatting problems and a few continuity issues, but this is a digital copy, so I won’t be going into those here. The biggest issue for me was the flow. Sometimes the story moved along nicely, the content was engaging, and the banter was entertaining. Other times it became jumbled, confusing, or distracting. Where this story ends (I believe there are 5 or 6 in the series?) is rather jarring. It’s not really a cliff-hanger; it feels more like the last few chapters have been ripped out. This book has the potential to be an absolutely amazing story, and I think the author probably has what it takes to get it there, but this version felt more like an early/mid-round draft, not the final product.
April 9, 2023
This book wasn’t that bad. It was pretty interesting. I feel like the idea came from The Hunger Games a little. Not exactly the same but it gave me vibes from it.
I gave 4 stars because the writing was a little cringey. I didn’t really like some of it. It could’ve been written a little better but everyone has their own writing styles. Some of what the MC said was weird and unrealistic. But overall, the story and the plot was good. I enjoyed it and I would love to enjoy more of the series.
I gave 4 stars because the writing was a little cringey. I didn’t really like some of it. It could’ve been written a little better but everyone has their own writing styles. Some of what the MC said was weird and unrealistic. But overall, the story and the plot was good. I enjoyed it and I would love to enjoy more of the series.
March 4, 2023
I dont know what i was expecting but it wasnt this!!
Nothing like other Fae books ive read which honestly i love!
By chapter 3 i was texting my sister telling her she had to read it
I was hooked practically straight away and downloaded the next book by like chapter 5!
And i cant wait to see what happens next!
Definitely recommend
Absolutely amazing now onto the next!!
Nothing like other Fae books ive read which honestly i love!
By chapter 3 i was texting my sister telling her she had to read it
I was hooked practically straight away and downloaded the next book by like chapter 5!
And i cant wait to see what happens next!
Definitely recommend
Absolutely amazing now onto the next!!
March 13, 2023
Sarah is a junior in high school walking home from her church’s youth group late at night when she sees a man-like shadow. Tall, long haired males come out of nowhere and sing a melodic song. Sarah is able to get away. When she gets home, she finds the world in chaos according to the media. The tall long haired males are Fae. The Fae are not what the myths and legends would have you believe. Set in a type of apocalyptic setting, Trick of Fae will have you rooting for our protagonist as she tries to survive being hunted, abducted, and forced to participate in a competition to save her friend Arty.
Sarah thinks she is your run of the mill normal girl, not popular or pretty. At first I didn’t really understand her point of view. What is refreshing about her character is she is a seventeen year old girl. Her perspective reflects how I think a seventeen year old would react in those circumstances. At times she doesn’t think situations all the way through and accidents happen. She doesn’t act like a victim and owns her mistakes. I loved the nursery rhyme and musical component of the story which added a mystical element.
Sarah thinks she is your run of the mill normal girl, not popular or pretty. At first I didn’t really understand her point of view. What is refreshing about her character is she is a seventeen year old girl. Her perspective reflects how I think a seventeen year old would react in those circumstances. At times she doesn’t think situations all the way through and accidents happen. She doesn’t act like a victim and owns her mistakes. I loved the nursery rhyme and musical component of the story which added a mystical element.
April 5, 2023
Let’s start off with some positives.
I think that this premise is amazing. I think that the author really had really great idea and plot for what could have been an amazing story. I think that the idea of using popular nursery rhymes that we grow up with as children to be true stories within the fae world that meandered into ours was truly inspired. I think the author had such amazing potential and had so many ways that she could go with this story... but it fell a bit flat.
I do absolutely love the magic system. I like that it’s a form of singing and connecting with the “tone” of objects. I think it’s truly inspired and unlike anything I’ve read before.
I truly believe that this book was set up for success and could have been great, if not for the below details that just personally ruined it for me.
Keep in mind these are MY opinions and while I am direct in my complaints, I am not trying to take away anything from the authors work. These are very targeted moments that ended up overshadowing the rest of the work for me. They made me unable to come away loving this book, but it is in No reflection of the author themselves.
Issue #1 -- Misogynistic Writing
I am aware that misogyny is a prevalent part of our society, and while I am aware that it is going to make its way into books, there are ways to go about it where it doesn't feel like its actually shaming you. This author did not do that.
A key part of this moment is that the FMC's dad used to be a military man. He hands her a 22 Cal hand gun and she makes a reference that he looks at them as "lady" guns. Only for the next sentence to tell his direct words and that being "It is a p---y gun."
Why was this necessary? The point was made with the dad referring to it as a lady gun and It didn't feel shaming of women. But for her to include that next sentence, it took it too far.
She then later on mentions that her dad isn't sexist, despite the fact that there is an entire paragraph revolving this gun and how he views it, proving he is.
#2 Fat Shaming Language
Between the sexist writing and then having the FMC say this to us:
"I'm not one of those big fatty mcfat-fats but I'm not a pixie girl either."
Why was this necessary? All it did was make me hate the FMC and not root for her. I wanted this girl to get killed at that point. She then went on repeatively to have the FMC say shes not good looking or one of the best looking girls ever, then say that she got taken along with "girls who look like they could be models" and having no idea why she was with them. It felt like she really wanted us to know "I'M NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS" which is a very irritating trope.
#3 Poor or Inconsistent Writing / Grammar / Editing
The writing was so simple it was frustrating with how short the sentences were because I didn’t see many complex sentences. She used the same words or phrases over and over in short time periods which just felt jarring. I am usually not one to judge on grammar or editing, but when the writing is bad it makes all those small things seem much bigger than they are.
As far as the inconsistency in her writing, the author contradicted herself numerous times in the story. Some key moments are as follows:
The girl figures out that she can use the special "music" magic of the fae and uses it to make a mirror disappear. She then immediately references that she looks a stranger in the eye (herself) in the mirror and doesn't know who is looking back at her. The fae woman in the room when this happens immediately after displays minor shock that the mirror vanished and mentions it. Then the author has the girl bring the mirror back. -- How was she looking herself in the mirror if she made it vanish?
Not to mention, aside from "You made the mirror disappear" the fae girl is not at all surprised that this HUMAN is using their magic. I just don’t understand why this wasn’t a bigger plot point for the fae woman. Why didn’t she act more surprised than she did?
A second moment to display the inconsistencies is when they are entering the throne room. The FMC very deliberately tells us that the fae friend is taking her through a hidden doorway into the room as to not be noticed. Only for the very next sentence to say, Nope. It's not hidden at all.
A third moment is when the competition starts getting mentioned. This fae man comes up to her and starts talking about how he thinks she won't make it through the competition and will end up dead. This is the first time we or the FMC hear of this and she starts asking questions. The man brushes her off saying that the Lord of the Castle will tell her everything about it later, then continues to talk about how she is going to die. -- When the FMC makes it to the Lord of the Castle, he tells her that no one is allowed to tell her about the competition. He tells her that she has to go in blind.
It seems to me like this is something the first guy would have known. We got our hopes up at getting some answers only for it to be let down. But later on, when shes about to enter the contest, she gets told that the human who is under one of the other lords will most likely be going into the first challenge with an advantage of knowing about it. --- Didn't she just say that no one can know anything?
#4 The FMC is a bit insufferable.
She is selfish and doesn't really care about other until the last section of the book.
For the moment that I am about to reference, let's go over key (non-spoilering) details.
1) The fae have invaded and are killing almost everyone.
2) Bodies are lining the streets from all their neighbors.
3) Military has come in and issued a curfew saying that anyone seen outside will be shot on sight.
4) FMC's father is talking about going outside to another house AFTER said curfew to get supplies.
5) Mother gets upset and asks him not to go, even starting to cry.
6) FMC gets irritated and says to us "I love my mom but she is a waste. I'm worried about dad too but there's no reason to cry."
Your world just got turned upside down and you are shaming your mother for caring about her husband and not wanting him to get shot? It just feels a bit disconnected from the family she supposedly cares about.
#5 No Answers
And lastly, We got no answers about anything. This is book one in a trilogy and it did end on a cliffhanger but I just don’t have the desire to keep reading to find out what’s going on.
We know absolutely nothing at the beginning of the book and we know just about the same at the end.
We are not told why the fae invaded, simply that it's a matter of life or death. We are not told what the competition is or what it's for, simply that it's a matter of life or death. We are told that the kidnappings and killings were needed but that they didn't kill as many people as it seems and that it was for good because its a matter of life and death... but again.. no answers.
I know that I did go into some major detail about this book and I feel bad about it, but I think that this could have been such a great story and such a great read. I just feel disappointed that it didn’t turn out how I was expecting.
I do think that if I would have read this in highschool, I would have probably loved it. I think it’s just that my adult mind and broader reading scope makes me aware of the flaws a bit more than I would have been in the past.
Just because I didn't like this book, doesn't mean that someone else will dislike it as well. Please take my review with a grain of salt as these are my opinions alone. I have no ill will towards anyone who loves it and in fact, good for you! I'm glad that you found something you liked, I simply could not.
I think that this premise is amazing. I think that the author really had really great idea and plot for what could have been an amazing story. I think that the idea of using popular nursery rhymes that we grow up with as children to be true stories within the fae world that meandered into ours was truly inspired. I think the author had such amazing potential and had so many ways that she could go with this story... but it fell a bit flat.
I do absolutely love the magic system. I like that it’s a form of singing and connecting with the “tone” of objects. I think it’s truly inspired and unlike anything I’ve read before.
I truly believe that this book was set up for success and could have been great, if not for the below details that just personally ruined it for me.
Keep in mind these are MY opinions and while I am direct in my complaints, I am not trying to take away anything from the authors work. These are very targeted moments that ended up overshadowing the rest of the work for me. They made me unable to come away loving this book, but it is in No reflection of the author themselves.
Issue #1 -- Misogynistic Writing
I am aware that misogyny is a prevalent part of our society, and while I am aware that it is going to make its way into books, there are ways to go about it where it doesn't feel like its actually shaming you. This author did not do that.
A key part of this moment is that the FMC's dad used to be a military man. He hands her a 22 Cal hand gun and she makes a reference that he looks at them as "lady" guns. Only for the next sentence to tell his direct words and that being "It is a p---y gun."
Why was this necessary? The point was made with the dad referring to it as a lady gun and It didn't feel shaming of women. But for her to include that next sentence, it took it too far.
She then later on mentions that her dad isn't sexist, despite the fact that there is an entire paragraph revolving this gun and how he views it, proving he is.
#2 Fat Shaming Language
Between the sexist writing and then having the FMC say this to us:
"I'm not one of those big fatty mcfat-fats but I'm not a pixie girl either."
Why was this necessary? All it did was make me hate the FMC and not root for her. I wanted this girl to get killed at that point. She then went on repeatively to have the FMC say shes not good looking or one of the best looking girls ever, then say that she got taken along with "girls who look like they could be models" and having no idea why she was with them. It felt like she really wanted us to know "I'M NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS" which is a very irritating trope.
#3 Poor or Inconsistent Writing / Grammar / Editing
The writing was so simple it was frustrating with how short the sentences were because I didn’t see many complex sentences. She used the same words or phrases over and over in short time periods which just felt jarring. I am usually not one to judge on grammar or editing, but when the writing is bad it makes all those small things seem much bigger than they are.
As far as the inconsistency in her writing, the author contradicted herself numerous times in the story. Some key moments are as follows:
The girl figures out that she can use the special "music" magic of the fae and uses it to make a mirror disappear. She then immediately references that she looks a stranger in the eye (herself) in the mirror and doesn't know who is looking back at her. The fae woman in the room when this happens immediately after displays minor shock that the mirror vanished and mentions it. Then the author has the girl bring the mirror back. -- How was she looking herself in the mirror if she made it vanish?
Not to mention, aside from "You made the mirror disappear" the fae girl is not at all surprised that this HUMAN is using their magic. I just don’t understand why this wasn’t a bigger plot point for the fae woman. Why didn’t she act more surprised than she did?
A second moment to display the inconsistencies is when they are entering the throne room. The FMC very deliberately tells us that the fae friend is taking her through a hidden doorway into the room as to not be noticed. Only for the very next sentence to say, Nope. It's not hidden at all.
A third moment is when the competition starts getting mentioned. This fae man comes up to her and starts talking about how he thinks she won't make it through the competition and will end up dead. This is the first time we or the FMC hear of this and she starts asking questions. The man brushes her off saying that the Lord of the Castle will tell her everything about it later, then continues to talk about how she is going to die. -- When the FMC makes it to the Lord of the Castle, he tells her that no one is allowed to tell her about the competition. He tells her that she has to go in blind.
It seems to me like this is something the first guy would have known. We got our hopes up at getting some answers only for it to be let down. But later on, when shes about to enter the contest, she gets told that the human who is under one of the other lords will most likely be going into the first challenge with an advantage of knowing about it. --- Didn't she just say that no one can know anything?
#4 The FMC is a bit insufferable.
She is selfish and doesn't really care about other until the last section of the book.
For the moment that I am about to reference, let's go over key (non-spoilering) details.
1) The fae have invaded and are killing almost everyone.
2) Bodies are lining the streets from all their neighbors.
3) Military has come in and issued a curfew saying that anyone seen outside will be shot on sight.
4) FMC's father is talking about going outside to another house AFTER said curfew to get supplies.
5) Mother gets upset and asks him not to go, even starting to cry.
6) FMC gets irritated and says to us "I love my mom but she is a waste. I'm worried about dad too but there's no reason to cry."
Your world just got turned upside down and you are shaming your mother for caring about her husband and not wanting him to get shot? It just feels a bit disconnected from the family she supposedly cares about.
#5 No Answers
And lastly, We got no answers about anything. This is book one in a trilogy and it did end on a cliffhanger but I just don’t have the desire to keep reading to find out what’s going on.
We know absolutely nothing at the beginning of the book and we know just about the same at the end.
We are not told why the fae invaded, simply that it's a matter of life or death. We are not told what the competition is or what it's for, simply that it's a matter of life or death. We are told that the kidnappings and killings were needed but that they didn't kill as many people as it seems and that it was for good because its a matter of life and death... but again.. no answers.
I know that I did go into some major detail about this book and I feel bad about it, but I think that this could have been such a great story and such a great read. I just feel disappointed that it didn’t turn out how I was expecting.
I do think that if I would have read this in highschool, I would have probably loved it. I think it’s just that my adult mind and broader reading scope makes me aware of the flaws a bit more than I would have been in the past.
Just because I didn't like this book, doesn't mean that someone else will dislike it as well. Please take my review with a grain of salt as these are my opinions alone. I have no ill will towards anyone who loves it and in fact, good for you! I'm glad that you found something you liked, I simply could not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
This was a free book that I thought I’d take a punt at and I am SOOOOO glad I did. I had never heard of the author and ‘fairy tale re-tellings’ are kind of a bit overdone in my opinion, so I wasn’t hoping for much, but I always live in hope with free books.
Sarah is an ordinary normal girl. She has two loving parents, her very practical and thorough father that prepares her for everything he can, and a mother who loves her daughter but lives in fear over everything. Her father is a military veteran so his preparation skills are top notch and he tried to pass on as many as he could to his 17 year old daughter. She is neither popular nor unpopular, but her best friend Arty says she is pretty and kind. She considers herself ordinary and is perfectly happy with that.
Then one night the Fae came. They killed so many people around the world, and stole thousands of young people. There were dead bodies lying in the streets and they just lined up to be taken away. Sarah and Arty were lucky enough to escape and Sarah’s practical father saved them. Then they had to work out how to stay free and alive when faced with not only the Fae but the remaining humans.
This book was incredibly well written. The style of narration was smooth and natural sounding. The description of the surrounding world was excellent and the characters shone through every word. Sarah is a very interesting character. Her keen mind and determination are blended with compassion and the kindness Arty described.
I loved that this really isn’t a fairy tale re-telling, but a brand new kind of fairy tale, one where the Fae attack the humans on a massive scale and nobody knows why. They come from nowhere with no warning and kill and kidnap. When we finally meet the Fae they are enigmatic, ruthless and arrogant, but they keep saying they have a reason for their actions.
I loved the plot for this book, and I have no idea where it is going next. Each chapter was a fresh and new direction and I loved how unpredictable it was. It felt like a very fresh approach to New Adult fiction with it’s blend of dystopia and urban fantasy. It was an incredibly enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Sarah is an ordinary normal girl. She has two loving parents, her very practical and thorough father that prepares her for everything he can, and a mother who loves her daughter but lives in fear over everything. Her father is a military veteran so his preparation skills are top notch and he tried to pass on as many as he could to his 17 year old daughter. She is neither popular nor unpopular, but her best friend Arty says she is pretty and kind. She considers herself ordinary and is perfectly happy with that.
Then one night the Fae came. They killed so many people around the world, and stole thousands of young people. There were dead bodies lying in the streets and they just lined up to be taken away. Sarah and Arty were lucky enough to escape and Sarah’s practical father saved them. Then they had to work out how to stay free and alive when faced with not only the Fae but the remaining humans.
This book was incredibly well written. The style of narration was smooth and natural sounding. The description of the surrounding world was excellent and the characters shone through every word. Sarah is a very interesting character. Her keen mind and determination are blended with compassion and the kindness Arty described.
I loved that this really isn’t a fairy tale re-telling, but a brand new kind of fairy tale, one where the Fae attack the humans on a massive scale and nobody knows why. They come from nowhere with no warning and kill and kidnap. When we finally meet the Fae they are enigmatic, ruthless and arrogant, but they keep saying they have a reason for their actions.
I loved the plot for this book, and I have no idea where it is going next. Each chapter was a fresh and new direction and I loved how unpredictable it was. It felt like a very fresh approach to New Adult fiction with it’s blend of dystopia and urban fantasy. It was an incredibly enjoyable read and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
April 29, 2023
“In a game of hide and seek, the Fae will always win.”
When I read that line in the synopsis, I knew I had to read Trick of Fae. You are quickly taken right into the chaos that is unfolding in Texas, the fae are invading and Sarah quickly has a close call with the massive mythical beings, but makes it home to her parents. Arty, her childhood best friend and neighbor, quickly joins her family in lockdown, but soon it’s just Arty and Sarah on their own trying to survive a post apocalyptic scene. Arty and Sarah soon find themselves in the land of the Fae, but in two very different realities. Sarah is soon to compete for their lives, yes both Arty and her own… however Sarah is prepared, quickly learning the way of the Fae. Will she have learned quickly enough how to be able to compete for their lives in the Fae Games or will she die to the trick of the Fae?
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed jumping into another fantasy world where Faeries are involved, but this time they’re the antihero! Mason brought a unique perspective of the Fae, still describing them as beautiful and seemingly perfect creatures, but with evil intentions. I enjoyed the nursery rhymes being woven throughout but in sinister way. It was a griping fast paced story that leaves you wanting more with a true cliffhanger at the end… it seemed like a kind of abrupt stop to me, but it definitely did its job of wanting to get into the second book of the series, Test of Fae, as soon as possible! If you’re looking for a fast paced entertaining fantasy read, Trick of Fae is definitely one to pick up!
When I read that line in the synopsis, I knew I had to read Trick of Fae. You are quickly taken right into the chaos that is unfolding in Texas, the fae are invading and Sarah quickly has a close call with the massive mythical beings, but makes it home to her parents. Arty, her childhood best friend and neighbor, quickly joins her family in lockdown, but soon it’s just Arty and Sarah on their own trying to survive a post apocalyptic scene. Arty and Sarah soon find themselves in the land of the Fae, but in two very different realities. Sarah is soon to compete for their lives, yes both Arty and her own… however Sarah is prepared, quickly learning the way of the Fae. Will she have learned quickly enough how to be able to compete for their lives in the Fae Games or will she die to the trick of the Fae?
Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed jumping into another fantasy world where Faeries are involved, but this time they’re the antihero! Mason brought a unique perspective of the Fae, still describing them as beautiful and seemingly perfect creatures, but with evil intentions. I enjoyed the nursery rhymes being woven throughout but in sinister way. It was a griping fast paced story that leaves you wanting more with a true cliffhanger at the end… it seemed like a kind of abrupt stop to me, but it definitely did its job of wanting to get into the second book of the series, Test of Fae, as soon as possible! If you’re looking for a fast paced entertaining fantasy read, Trick of Fae is definitely one to pick up!
November 17, 2019
Trick of Fae
WOW! What a story! I always used to love reading nursery rhymes but after having read this book I’m not so sure I like them anymore. Are they really the gruesome stories of the Fae? This book is absolutely fantastic. Not only has the author created a terrific, if slightly terrifying, world beneath our own but the two are so intertwined and ingeniously described you can’t help but think it might all be real. The Fae world is rich in description with sights, sounds and smells beautifully described. The characters are all very well developed with real personalities and great depth. The Fae ones, in particular, have thick layers of actions, truths and deception that are slowly peeled back to reveal so much more than was first apparent. Even the evil ones have redeeming features and past experiences revealed that stop you from completely hating them..
The whole Fae world in Trick is based on Irish lore and folktales that have been spun into an intricate web of mystery, intrigue and ancient elven battles against — or for? — humans. You will never hear the words of a nursery rhyme again without wondering what the true meaning of them really is. This story will keep you entertained from the first word to the last and will make you realise nothing is what it seems.
WOW! What a story! I always used to love reading nursery rhymes but after having read this book I’m not so sure I like them anymore. Are they really the gruesome stories of the Fae? This book is absolutely fantastic. Not only has the author created a terrific, if slightly terrifying, world beneath our own but the two are so intertwined and ingeniously described you can’t help but think it might all be real. The Fae world is rich in description with sights, sounds and smells beautifully described. The characters are all very well developed with real personalities and great depth. The Fae ones, in particular, have thick layers of actions, truths and deception that are slowly peeled back to reveal so much more than was first apparent. Even the evil ones have redeeming features and past experiences revealed that stop you from completely hating them..
The whole Fae world in Trick is based on Irish lore and folktales that have been spun into an intricate web of mystery, intrigue and ancient elven battles against — or for? — humans. You will never hear the words of a nursery rhyme again without wondering what the true meaning of them really is. This story will keep you entertained from the first word to the last and will make you realise nothing is what it seems.
July 27, 2023
17yo errant human foils Fae apocalypse
I could not put this book down! If you like Maas’ Court of Thorns and Roses, The Hunger Games and the murderous shifting maze in Harry Potter and can stomach the idea of fairies being evil, this apocalyptic tale is for you. When Fae wage war above top, 17yoSarah finds herself first immune to their siren song and next fighting for her and her BFF’s life in the underworld. I liked the fact that Sarah was raised a tomboy, taught how to shoot and keep a level head, which helped her adapt into a semblance of her enemy. The psychedelic underworld where song is part of creation was captivating as were the insights behind nursery rhymes. I definitely want to know how this trilogy ends and if Sarah will ever be back to her old self. Definitely recommend for young adult (and older) readers and especially lovers of action-spruced elven and fairy/pixie lore.
I could not put this book down! If you like Maas’ Court of Thorns and Roses, The Hunger Games and the murderous shifting maze in Harry Potter and can stomach the idea of fairies being evil, this apocalyptic tale is for you. When Fae wage war above top, 17yoSarah finds herself first immune to their siren song and next fighting for her and her BFF’s life in the underworld. I liked the fact that Sarah was raised a tomboy, taught how to shoot and keep a level head, which helped her adapt into a semblance of her enemy. The psychedelic underworld where song is part of creation was captivating as were the insights behind nursery rhymes. I definitely want to know how this trilogy ends and if Sarah will ever be back to her old self. Definitely recommend for young adult (and older) readers and especially lovers of action-spruced elven and fairy/pixie lore.
April 28, 2023
This was a great read! I loved how different it was from other fantasy novels with Fae. Instead of the Fae being powerful, beautiful creatures that everyone wants to be with or be themselves, it portrayed the fae as cold blooded killers. This may change in the next books, but that was the vibe in this one. The FMC is strong and we do really see her growth throughout the book, which I am excited to continue seeing in the next books. The book was fast paced and kept me entertained, with a cliffhanger at the end that has me rushing to download the next in the series.
The reason I am only rating this four stars is this book is in need of another round of editing. The typos and grammatical errors ruined the flow of the book for me and I think the book would’ve been so much better if these issues were resolved.
The reason I am only rating this four stars is this book is in need of another round of editing. The typos and grammatical errors ruined the flow of the book for me and I think the book would’ve been so much better if these issues were resolved.
October 21, 2019
This is a brilliant twist on old fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The story is so well laid out and draws you in to get immersed and invested in the characters. Everything is well developed; the settings, the sounds, the smells and the characters. If you enjoyed nursery rhymes as a child be prepared to find them a bit scary after reading this book. The Fae come at night to either kill you or take you away. At least if you're the right age and have the right looks. Or is it something else they're after? Sarah is only 17 but she won't give in to the Faeries' demands and she definitely won't play the game their way. But will she survive the battle that lays ahead? Only time will tell.
Amazing read for anyone from YA and up.
Amazing read for anyone from YA and up.
April 28, 2023
I absolutely adored this dark fantasy! Even though it is YA, it is High YA. Sarah is a kickass heroine of an MFC. She is courageous and never falters her beliefs. Sarah always stands up for what she believes in no matter what the cost. I love her sarcastic attitude. I also love her banter with Arty and Janice. The storyline was fun. It gives off Hunger Games and A Court Of Thorns And Roses vibes. The story was written well and fast-paced. The book dragged me in from the beginning that I read it in one sitting. There was so much detail that you can imagine being in the fae world. I feel the games are just getting started. I can not wait to dive in to book two.
#fantasy #YA #faeries #darkfantasy
#fantasy #YA #faeries #darkfantasy
October 19, 2019
Trick of Fae is a really interesting twist on a classic concept. And while I felt like it stumbled a little bit on some parts of the plot, I felt like the characters, the stakes and the way things were mostly handled well made up for it. It’s a really solid start into what is promising to be a fun trilogy, and I can’t wait to read the next installment. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys the darker side of fairytales, plots with a lot of action and high stakes, and of course, fairies that aren’t quite like Tinkerbell! 😉
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2020
This is not for me
I purchased this because I read the reviews and it was loved by everyone, they spoke of it be dark and everything you want in this type of story. I think the problem is that this seemed to be written for very young readers, much younger than the typical young adult I usually read. There were a few gory parts, but it was close to the end and that was as dark or creepy as it got. This was not dark, not at all. I also found that there was alot that just didn't make sense and things were just glossed over. This just wasn't for me.
I purchased this because I read the reviews and it was loved by everyone, they spoke of it be dark and everything you want in this type of story. I think the problem is that this seemed to be written for very young readers, much younger than the typical young adult I usually read. There were a few gory parts, but it was close to the end and that was as dark or creepy as it got. This was not dark, not at all. I also found that there was alot that just didn't make sense and things were just glossed over. This just wasn't for me.
December 13, 2023
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this story! I read it quickly and am interested in reading more of the series. It definitely hooked me from the beginning. However, if I were rating this just for the writing and grammar, it would be very very bad. There are a lot of small plot holes, repetition, child like phrasing, and punctuation issues. Thankfully, I know this was self-published and that the author is now working with an editor to remedy some of these issues. As I said though, the story hooked me and I want to keep reading the series!
December 31, 2019
Excellent! The true colours of the Fae show in this novel about their tricks. This is definitely a twist on the classic Fae story and I loved it! It’s fast paced and will keep you hooked! Trick of Fae is well written and very detailed so you will feel like you are in the world of faerie. I highly recommend this book!
I received a copy from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 2, 2020
Page one had me invested since the first paragraph. Seeing fairies in a new light and how it was rewritten and a bit creepy. But I kept reading as the nursery rhymes felt like you were in a scene from freddy. I loved the way Sarah was strong and a bit feisty. If I had been in her position I would probably given up. This is a classic story that can be put on a shelf next to the best stories ever retold. Looking forward to more from this author.
August 3, 2022
Trick of Fae was so unexpected! I definitely didn't see things going this way and it's an amazing read. I tore through it and devoured the next books in the series. Such a fabulous read and definitely a darker, grittier and more "Hunger Games" approach to the fae than I'm used to. It's also a YA take on something along the lines of Raymond Feist's "Faerie Tale".
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
October 3, 2019
That is not your normal approach to faries and was surprisingly very engaging. I was not sure what to expect as the author does not have a lot of books out but the description caught my eye. The story did not disappoint and I can see myself following this series.
October 6, 2019
I thought I knew my fairy stories, S.L Mason made me question everything. The stories are compelling and suspenseful. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Can't wait to see what happens next in the storyline!
November 27, 2023
I loved reading this book! Kept me on the edge of my seat couldn’t put the book down!
October 23, 2019
Best book I have read this month! I loved the evilness of the elves. I love the badassery of the heroine! A must read book for 2019!
November 26, 2019
a page turner!!! ... more reviews later ... trying to read the next book :)
January 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the book. Kinda started slow for me but it picked up. Once the action kicked in, I didnt want to put it down. I can't wait to get the next book and finish the series!
January 4, 2021
Great story and characters. Unfortunately, the editing/grammar was so bad in places that it took away from the story.
May 29, 2023
Fae/Fairies are kind, pixie, sparkling, little creatures that are filled with magic and goodness. Wrong, so very wrong. Sarah's eyes were opened wide as she watched many neighbors and friends killed on her way home, by Fae. The magical creatures were thought to belong only in fairytales, not in the real world.
Sarah and her friend Arty are surprised by her father when he escorts them through a hidden unground tunnel to escape the Fae when they approach her house. Almost like her father was preparing for the day the Fae invaded, or a doomsday of some sort.
Arty and Sarah encounter many obstacles while trying to escape the Fae and stay alive, but one mistake has them caught in their tracks and brought to a new world, the Fae world.
Separated and taken to different areas of the Fae realm, Sarah is put in a predicament. Many of the other kidnapped humans are entranced by the Fae song, however, for some unknown reason, Sarah can resist. She is to choose who she is enslaved to. She finds herself in a world of captivating beauty, magic, and unknowns. Even her own body is changing within the walls of these hills, surprising her.
To save herself and Arty, she must find a way to escape. A way to get back to the world of humans.
Will Sarah find Arty? Will she be able to escape dangerous obstacles put in her path? Will Sarah be able to understand why the Fae are killing and kidnapping humans?
My Review:
This is the first book I have read by S. L. Mason and I can say I was pleasantly surprised.
The story was well thought out and written and leaves you off on a cliffhanger to lead into book two of The Hallowed Hills Trilogy.
Unlike any Fae story, I have read before, the story itself gave off some Hunger Games vibes, fighting to survive.
Readers will enjoy the continuous build of the story, and the numerous realistic encounters and obstacles in Arty and Sarah's path which could be possible if a real-world Doom's Day approached.
The ending of book one, Trick of Fae was surprising. I am excited to read book two to find out where that storyline leads and what else is on the horizon for both Sarah and Arty.
The Hallowed Hills trilogy is as follows: Trick of Fae, Test of Fae, and Thorns of Fae.
Sarah and her friend Arty are surprised by her father when he escorts them through a hidden unground tunnel to escape the Fae when they approach her house. Almost like her father was preparing for the day the Fae invaded, or a doomsday of some sort.
Arty and Sarah encounter many obstacles while trying to escape the Fae and stay alive, but one mistake has them caught in their tracks and brought to a new world, the Fae world.
Separated and taken to different areas of the Fae realm, Sarah is put in a predicament. Many of the other kidnapped humans are entranced by the Fae song, however, for some unknown reason, Sarah can resist. She is to choose who she is enslaved to. She finds herself in a world of captivating beauty, magic, and unknowns. Even her own body is changing within the walls of these hills, surprising her.
To save herself and Arty, she must find a way to escape. A way to get back to the world of humans.
Will Sarah find Arty? Will she be able to escape dangerous obstacles put in her path? Will Sarah be able to understand why the Fae are killing and kidnapping humans?
My Review:
This is the first book I have read by S. L. Mason and I can say I was pleasantly surprised.
The story was well thought out and written and leaves you off on a cliffhanger to lead into book two of The Hallowed Hills Trilogy.
Unlike any Fae story, I have read before, the story itself gave off some Hunger Games vibes, fighting to survive.
Readers will enjoy the continuous build of the story, and the numerous realistic encounters and obstacles in Arty and Sarah's path which could be possible if a real-world Doom's Day approached.
The ending of book one, Trick of Fae was surprising. I am excited to read book two to find out where that storyline leads and what else is on the horizon for both Sarah and Arty.
The Hallowed Hills trilogy is as follows: Trick of Fae, Test of Fae, and Thorns of Fae.
November 3, 2023
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰↷
3.25⭐/5
𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @boundlessbookbrigade 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!!
🌷This was my first time reading any book by this author and I like this book.
🌷𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍:
The concept and story were unique. Generally, we have heard or read about the positive side of fae, them being good and helping others, but this story portrayed them as cold-blooded killers, destroying the world. It was fun to read the opposite side of them. Also, the use of normal nursery rhymes in an evil way by Fae was unique and interesting. I love the magic system of fae. There way to wield magic by singing and feeling "tone"/"music" of objects. The description of the fairy realm and the surrounding world was good. The author's writing was OK.
🌷Honestly, After reading the blurb of this book I was intrigued, so I read it. But.. I was just not able to connect with this book. There was no good plot and no answers. I know this is the first book in the series and more answers & major plot will be in the next other books, but still I was expecting atleast some better twists and turns and some answers.
🌷𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 :
>Sarah's attitude of "I'm not like other girls".I just hate that. It was just so cringy.
𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲: • ("I wasn't interested in being one of those flashy girls. You know, the ones who run around trying to be the most popular chick school.")
•("I wanted to wait. I didn't want to be one of those girls everybody at school slept with.")
> Sarah's opinion of her mother ("I loved my mom but sometimes she was such a waste"). I was like, WTF, you can't just call Your mother waste just because she is worried about her husband getting killed. It was such a b*tchy attitude.
🌷Overall, I like the book, but there were some elements that just don't sit well. I may read the next book in the series, but I'm not sure. I would recommend you to read this book if you love YA and don't have any issues with my "Things I Hated" part of the review. Just because I don't love this book doesn't mean you will also not love it. Do give it a try and I hope you love it.
3.25⭐/5
𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 @boundlessbookbrigade 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸!!
🌷This was my first time reading any book by this author and I like this book.
🌷𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚍:
The concept and story were unique. Generally, we have heard or read about the positive side of fae, them being good and helping others, but this story portrayed them as cold-blooded killers, destroying the world. It was fun to read the opposite side of them. Also, the use of normal nursery rhymes in an evil way by Fae was unique and interesting. I love the magic system of fae. There way to wield magic by singing and feeling "tone"/"music" of objects. The description of the fairy realm and the surrounding world was good. The author's writing was OK.
🌷Honestly, After reading the blurb of this book I was intrigued, so I read it. But.. I was just not able to connect with this book. There was no good plot and no answers. I know this is the first book in the series and more answers & major plot will be in the next other books, but still I was expecting atleast some better twists and turns and some answers.
🌷𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 :
>Sarah's attitude of "I'm not like other girls".I just hate that. It was just so cringy.
𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲: • ("I wasn't interested in being one of those flashy girls. You know, the ones who run around trying to be the most popular chick school.")
•("I wanted to wait. I didn't want to be one of those girls everybody at school slept with.")
> Sarah's opinion of her mother ("I loved my mom but sometimes she was such a waste"). I was like, WTF, you can't just call Your mother waste just because she is worried about her husband getting killed. It was such a b*tchy attitude.
🌷Overall, I like the book, but there were some elements that just don't sit well. I may read the next book in the series, but I'm not sure. I would recommend you to read this book if you love YA and don't have any issues with my "Things I Hated" part of the review. Just because I don't love this book doesn't mean you will also not love it. Do give it a try and I hope you love it.
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