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Dark Faerie Court #2
Mate of the Fae King
A reluctant queen. A desperate quest. A race to save his soul.
As the newly crowned Queen of the Fae, the pressure is on Neara to take control of her new kingdom from the clutches of Queen Melusina.
The task is daunting, and she relies more than ever on the help of King Drayce. But when an unexpected enemy curses Drayce to an eternal sleep, Neara is plunged into a deadly quest to awaken her mate.
Enemies surround her at every turn, and it’s hard to distinguish friend from foe. Now she must join forces with a group of the very beings she once set out to destroy.
Mate of the Fae King is book two of a vivid series featuring Celtic mythology, monstrous faeries, and a strong female heroine determined to save her mate. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black!
As the newly crowned Queen of the Fae, the pressure is on Neara to take control of her new kingdom from the clutches of Queen Melusina.
The task is daunting, and she relies more than ever on the help of King Drayce. But when an unexpected enemy curses Drayce to an eternal sleep, Neara is plunged into a deadly quest to awaken her mate.
Enemies surround her at every turn, and it’s hard to distinguish friend from foe. Now she must join forces with a group of the very beings she once set out to destroy.
Mate of the Fae King is book two of a vivid series featuring Celtic mythology, monstrous faeries, and a strong female heroine determined to save her mate. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black!
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 3, 2020
328 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Delia E. Castel
5 books77 followersDelia E Castel lives East of the Sun and West of the Moon, where she spends her time penning tales about faeries and the strong female characters who love them. You can sign up for updates at: www.DeliaECastel.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 22, 2020
The first book was a hard start but it got better. It was the last page that made me want to read the next book to figure out what happened. But dang I just didn’t really like this one. It was hard to get through because there was just too much shit going on and not enough story. I couldn’t emotionally connect with anyone in the book because it was constantly moving with chaos. It felt like the author was worried it was too slow of a book and threw in about ten different attacks for The Queen to get through before the last battle. But every fight they had was so crazy and then 100% fine at the end. I’m sorry but my heart wasn’t in this book at all. The last two pages had me interested just for it to be some kind of cliffhanger. Just a friendly reminder to the author, it’s okay for some parts of a story to be slow so we can learn and love the characters. It’s okay for more explanation on fights instead of making it so confusing I couldn’t follow it. I don’t like rating anything under 3 stars because of course this is someone’s baby but I doubt I’ll read the third one.
September 19, 2020
I really liked Book 1 and was looking forward to pickup the story in book 2. However I had a hard time following the storyline. It felt like a whiplash trying to understand what happened in some of the scenes. Some felt incomplete and then some scenes just changed subject all together like an incomplete sentence. I had the hardest time trying to envision what was happening especially the “carriage” they rode when Neara and her group left to find a cure to wake her mate. It was more like a floating small city. How is it a “carriage” could be equipped with living royal quarters, staff quarters, horse stalls, beds, dining tables, chairs and kitchen possible as a carriage and also could be flown in the air by horses with wings? It was so confusing and unrealistic. Even the last scene, the transition from killing the Fear Dorcha to the arrival of another Evil character was confusing. I was like “what? It’s over ? What did I miss “ Book 3 not out for another year means a definite end to trying to finish this series. The author needs some serious editing to make sense of this story. It’s all over the place and confusing as heck.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2022
Don’t bother, ends on a cliffhanger with no book 3
The story ends on a cliffhanger and you can’t find book three. It’s a waist of time to read 2 books and be left hanging. Don’t bother waist if your time.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and you can’t find book three. It’s a waist of time to read 2 books and be left hanging. Don’t bother waist if your time.
August 16, 2021
Even though I am rating this book at 3 stars, it was very nearly a DNF for me. I'm giving it 3 stars based on its sheer potential, because I stand by my statements on the first book in this series: If you like your fae fantasy-romance stories a little darker, a little more "gothic," you will love the world-building in this series. I ended up reading it almost as if I was an editor and not a reader, seeing the incredible potential while also filing away the mistakes that really could have been avoided.
While there were a few plot holes (easily glossed over in the first book, due to enjoying the story so much) and some characters that could have used some fleshing out, the biggest problem with this novel is its desperate need for a good, solid edit. I'm not even talking a developmental edit at this point (although that probably would have helped), but a good old-fashioned line-edit to catch some huge, egregious mistakes. Like entire paragraphs being repeated in the same chapter, word-for-word. That's not a formatting error or the sort of small typo that can creep into even a traditionally published book. These are the sort of mistakes that give indie pubs a bad name.
Still, the story was compelling enough that I wanted to keep going, and I really did adore the world the author created. My almost-DNF moment came during the MMC's enchanted sleep. Not going to get into spoilers, but there's this one scene that was weirdly emasculating and just ... ewww. I'm not passing judgment on the author's choices, because this was most likely a purely personal, kneejerk reaction on my part; another reader might not mind it at all. But it was very nearly a deal-breaker for me. It was creepy and not a fun scene to read, which was probably the intent, but it completely changed my impression of the MMC, and almost made me put the book down for good.
But honestly, even though I doubt I will continue the series, I have to bump it to 3 stars out of respect for what the book COULD be. It needs a really good editor. But the chops are there, and the imagination. If you want some darkness with your fae, give this series a shot. You might love it.
While there were a few plot holes (easily glossed over in the first book, due to enjoying the story so much) and some characters that could have used some fleshing out, the biggest problem with this novel is its desperate need for a good, solid edit. I'm not even talking a developmental edit at this point (although that probably would have helped), but a good old-fashioned line-edit to catch some huge, egregious mistakes. Like entire paragraphs being repeated in the same chapter, word-for-word. That's not a formatting error or the sort of small typo that can creep into even a traditionally published book. These are the sort of mistakes that give indie pubs a bad name.
Still, the story was compelling enough that I wanted to keep going, and I really did adore the world the author created. My almost-DNF moment came during the MMC's enchanted sleep. Not going to get into spoilers, but there's this one scene that was weirdly emasculating and just ... ewww. I'm not passing judgment on the author's choices, because this was most likely a purely personal, kneejerk reaction on my part; another reader might not mind it at all. But it was very nearly a deal-breaker for me. It was creepy and not a fun scene to read, which was probably the intent, but it completely changed my impression of the MMC, and almost made me put the book down for good.
But honestly, even though I doubt I will continue the series, I have to bump it to 3 stars out of respect for what the book COULD be. It needs a really good editor. But the chops are there, and the imagination. If you want some darkness with your fae, give this series a shot. You might love it.
November 12, 2022
UPDATE! Just a small disclaimer here. The third book is nowhere to be found. If I had known this beforehand, I would have never picked up this series.
Hmm. I had a hard time getting into this one. While I appreciate the author's unique spin on fairies—it added a certain spice to the story—however, other than Aengus, the secondary characters had NO backstory. It left me feeling little to no emotional attachment to them. Even Drayce, the leading man, was just there if you catch my drift. I guess I wanted more. And Melusina. I don't understand her. While I get that she however, she comes across as evil just for the sake of being evil. A little one-dimensional if you ask me.
Overall, I enjoyed this. While it could have benefited from some stronger characterization, however, the story really picked up in the last 20% of the book! I am interested to see where the author takes this! 3.5 stars.
Hmm. I had a hard time getting into this one. While I appreciate the author's unique spin on fairies—it added a certain spice to the story—however, other than Aengus, the secondary characters had NO backstory. It left me feeling little to no emotional attachment to them. Even Drayce, the leading man, was just there if you catch my drift. I guess I wanted more. And Melusina. I don't understand her. While I get that she however, she comes across as evil just for the sake of being evil. A little one-dimensional if you ask me.
Overall, I enjoyed this. While it could have benefited from some stronger characterization, however, the story really picked up in the last 20% of the book! I am interested to see where the author takes this! 3.5 stars.
September 10, 2020
DNF - quit at 26%.
I was on the fence with book 1, but thought I’d give book 2 a try, but it just wasn’t for me. Major issue was the flow, way too slow & muddled. When I find myself putting the book down to watch tv, says volumes for not holding my attention. There are a lot of new characters introduced, that seemed to throw off things too. The main characters seem different than they did from book 1, especially Drayce (the main male character). Maybe I’m remembering wrong since it’s been a while since I read book 1, but their personalities seem way off to me. Other readers may like this, but it just wasn’t my flavor of the day.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
I was on the fence with book 1, but thought I’d give book 2 a try, but it just wasn’t for me. Major issue was the flow, way too slow & muddled. When I find myself putting the book down to watch tv, says volumes for not holding my attention. There are a lot of new characters introduced, that seemed to throw off things too. The main characters seem different than they did from book 1, especially Drayce (the main male character). Maybe I’m remembering wrong since it’s been a while since I read book 1, but their personalities seem way off to me. Other readers may like this, but it just wasn’t my flavor of the day.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
October 4, 2021
This book/series goes down pretty easy but lord have mercy it’s a dang mess. The two main love interests are fun as far as those things go but the rest of the book is jam-packed with so many other secondary characters there isn’t enough time to flesh any of them out. Plot is the same way. We’re on a quest, but suddenly there’s a sub quest so then we do that and that barely gets resolved before there’s another sub-sub quest. She writes herself into a corner and has to use deus ex machina to get out of it in basically every other chapter. She writes faerie romance like my 5 year old plays Paw Patrol storylines. Also, as a faerie romance…. Needs WAYYY more sex.
BUT. Again. It goes down easy. Kinda fun. It was free with Kindle so I guess it was worth the rainy weekend.
BUT. Again. It goes down easy. Kinda fun. It was free with Kindle so I guess it was worth the rainy weekend.
September 4, 2020
I’m....conflicted about this book. I enjoyed the first and was looking forward to reading this one, but I’m not sure I enjoyed this one. It felt kind of all over the place, with a slew of new characters that are suddenly Neara’s new trusted friends, a horde of new creatures that all want to capture or kill her, Drayce falls under yet another curse, there isn’t really any of the romance that I hoped would strengthen here. I had trouble following some moments that seemed totally irrelevant and there were a lot of parts where a word was missing to complete the sentence. I’m going to give book 3 a shot when it comes out, but this one just fell flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2021
The book has a good pace, and kept my attention. It was an easy read and I would recommend. I do wish Dwayne didn't spend so much time injured and so he an Neara could spend more time together. I want to see better progression if thier relationship but that couldn't happen with him gone most of the book. I also didn't see much growth of Neara's character she started the book confused and ended confused. The ending was alittle anticlimactic and confusing. Despite the issues I have with the characters i am still intrested in the story line and I will be looking out for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
The Warrior Queen
I really enjoyed Book 2. Neara was not a weak leader. She dished out punishment to those who deserved it and showed kindness, if needed. I loved that she was a strong heroin. Drayce is a powerful king, but has to be rescued a little too much by his mate. I hope in the next book he is able to demonstrate his strength throughout the duration of the book. Long live Drayce and Neara!
I really enjoyed Book 2. Neara was not a weak leader. She dished out punishment to those who deserved it and showed kindness, if needed. I loved that she was a strong heroin. Drayce is a powerful king, but has to be rescued a little too much by his mate. I hope in the next book he is able to demonstrate his strength throughout the duration of the book. Long live Drayce and Neara!
December 3, 2020
I think I DNF'D this at like 80%.
The first book was so cute! Really well written, intriguing, fun, emotionally charged and just plain good! So naturally I was excited to get my hands on boon two! Until I started reading.
I feel like maybe this book is a bridge to something greater? But it felt very haphazard and directionless, I lost interest and just... never really went back and finished it. I feel bad, because book one was so good! But book two just didn't grip me. 😔
The first book was so cute! Really well written, intriguing, fun, emotionally charged and just plain good! So naturally I was excited to get my hands on boon two! Until I started reading.
I feel like maybe this book is a bridge to something greater? But it felt very haphazard and directionless, I lost interest and just... never really went back and finished it. I feel bad, because book one was so good! But book two just didn't grip me. 😔
March 20, 2022
DNF and I was at 85%...
the story is just confusing. I couldn't picture the scenes or keep track of all these characters. I wanted a little more scenes with N and D. I really liked them. They just needed more development... or something. I'm not a writer. I just needed something. I wanted to likes these books, but it was just too confusing.
the story is just confusing. I couldn't picture the scenes or keep track of all these characters. I wanted a little more scenes with N and D. I really liked them. They just needed more development... or something. I'm not a writer. I just needed something. I wanted to likes these books, but it was just too confusing.
October 10, 2020
I Am Thoroughly Enjoying These Series of Books
Thanks to the author on writing these series of books. I have learned so much about fairies and their myths, kingdom types, etc. I am looking forward to the continued adventures of the dark king and his queen.
Thanks to the author on writing these series of books. I have learned so much about fairies and their myths, kingdom types, etc. I am looking forward to the continued adventures of the dark king and his queen.
October 23, 2021
Meeeeeeh
Too much and almost nothing happens at all. Pacing was weird. Its book 2 and I haven’t bought into any of the characters - I just don’t care. Overall it’s a no from me dog.
Too much and almost nothing happens at all. Pacing was weird. Its book 2 and I haven’t bought into any of the characters - I just don’t care. Overall it’s a no from me dog.
September 14, 2020
So good
Literally these are some of the best books I have read in a long time. Now I have to wait a whole year for the next one???????? Omg. Already pre ordered it tho...
Literally these are some of the best books I have read in a long time. Now I have to wait a whole year for the next one???????? Omg. Already pre ordered it tho...
September 27, 2020
3.5 🌟🌟🌟
October 15, 2020
I probably won’t be reading the last one. I don’t know. It’s just kinda unrememberable. It’s a decent story, just not for me.
March 22, 2021
Okay
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t love this one as much as the previous one. I’ll still be reading book three when it releases though.
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t love this one as much as the previous one. I’ll still be reading book three when it releases though.
March 31, 2021
It was OK definitely could of been better,
September 17, 2021
good
This was a good book. But I don’t know about others that have read this book but I am angered about Drayce always getting hurt at every turn!!!! Come on already!!!!!
This was a good book. But I don’t know about others that have read this book but I am angered about Drayce always getting hurt at every turn!!!! Come on already!!!!!
November 21, 2021
Enjoyed!
November 23, 2021
No stop craziness
Loved this series. None stop craziness. This is one fae joyride you’ll want to read. From the moment you begin you are hooked.
Loved this series. None stop craziness. This is one fae joyride you’ll want to read. From the moment you begin you are hooked.
December 30, 2020
Interesting story
While the story itself was interesting, there were several plot holes, and the writing was sometimes hard to follow. I will read the next book in the series.
While the story itself was interesting, there were several plot holes, and the writing was sometimes hard to follow. I will read the next book in the series.
March 3, 2021
Way better than I was expecting! Think Irish version of The Odyssey.
Read
September 28, 2022dnf at 10%
October 6, 2021
Love fantasy with dark elves and Far. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews