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A dark fae prince. A stolen human girl. And an unwanted marriage.
Not all beasts can be redeemed...
Callie doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Too bad they believe in her.
The fae whisk Callie and her friend off to be prisoners of an eternal dance. But Callie is stolen again.
Maybe the eternal dance wasn’t so bad after all…
Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…
This is a serial with novella-episodes. For full length reads, please see the boxed sets.
Please read content warnings inside book preview. This is a dark retelling of the ORIGINAL Beauty & the Beast retelling with elements and themes that deal with Stockholm Syndrome and violence. Serves as a cautionary tale.
Not all beasts can be redeemed...
Callie doesn’t believe in fairy tales. Too bad they believe in her.
The fae whisk Callie and her friend off to be prisoners of an eternal dance. But Callie is stolen again.
Maybe the eternal dance wasn’t so bad after all…
Everything in the fae realm comes at a price…
This is a serial with novella-episodes. For full length reads, please see the boxed sets.
Please read content warnings inside book preview. This is a dark retelling of the ORIGINAL Beauty & the Beast retelling with elements and themes that deal with Stockholm Syndrome and violence. Serves as a cautionary tale.
110 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2019
545 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Blackbird
34 books777 followersQUINN BLACKBIRD is a wanderer, a caffeine addict, a concern to her teachers & a bit of a dork.
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
You can find Quinn buying gym equipment she never uses or being dragged out of the writing cave by pesky friends.
Mention "margarita" and she'll come ah-runnin.
QB's goal is to live on a farm with rescue animals and write!
Now beware!! Blackbird writes about everything she loathes. This makes for books that are darker, grittier, anti-heroes, messed-up characters, and dark worlds. It's not a guarantee you'll find redemption in her pages. Because, as Gaslight Her warns, 'sometimes, the villains win.'
popular questions answered:
*there is no reading order to the dark fae universe books ~ and yes, another dark fae book is coming!*
CONTACT:
FB Quinn Blackbird
FB READER GROUP: Quinn Blackbird and Her Blackbirds
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
July 10, 2022
This author has been recommended to me by several people over the years, with promises that she writes cruel heroes. Well, they weren't lying. In this book the fae consider humans not just a lower species, but toys for their sadistic games. In fact, I'm taking this off my 'fantasy romance' shelf because I don't consider this a romance, and this book doesn't end with a hea - a truce is a better word for the ending.
I consider this a novella, and at times I wish the author had further developed some aspects of the story. However, this has a classic fairytale feel and the brevity fits the fairytale style. When I say classic fairytale, I mean the ones full of cruel punishments and savage brutality.
Overall I was impressed with the author's writing style - she used similar tactics to Marilyn Harris in the sense that no character was ever safe, and every threat ended up being a promise, or something worse occurred in its place. Yet I ended the book thinking that the heroine learned (the hard way) and is now playing the long game with her husband.
I would recommend to those looking for a cruel hero & those who don't need a white picket fence hea. Those wanting the fae to be truly otherworldly, lacking human emotions like compassion & mercy.
Favorite Quotes:
We wear our horrors. Humans hide theirs in the shadows.
“Are you even capable of love? Or compassion, or anything that isn’t from the darkest pits of your kind?” “When a fae loves,” he said carefully, reading her with a flickering expression, “it is so rare that it is eternal. And lethal.”
Trigger warnings:
Safety:
I consider this a novella, and at times I wish the author had further developed some aspects of the story. However, this has a classic fairytale feel and the brevity fits the fairytale style. When I say classic fairytale, I mean the ones full of cruel punishments and savage brutality.
Overall I was impressed with the author's writing style - she used similar tactics to Marilyn Harris in the sense that no character was ever safe, and every threat ended up being a promise, or something worse occurred in its place. Yet I ended the book thinking that the heroine learned (the hard way) and is now playing the long game with her husband.
I would recommend to those looking for a cruel hero & those who don't need a white picket fence hea. Those wanting the fae to be truly otherworldly, lacking human emotions like compassion & mercy.
Favorite Quotes:
We wear our horrors. Humans hide theirs in the shadows.
“Are you even capable of love? Or compassion, or anything that isn’t from the darkest pits of your kind?” “When a fae loves,” he said carefully, reading her with a flickering expression, “it is so rare that it is eternal. And lethal.”
Trigger warnings:
Safety:
April 19, 2019
After heading off in pursuit of her friend Callie ends up a prisoner along with her friend of the eternal dance a captive of the vicious and deadly fae.
Desperate and in such pain Callie strikes a bargain with Rain Prince of War and unintentionally becomes his unwilling human bride.
I did initially find the narrative used here slightly confusing but this did settle the further I progressed on.
So I found this to be an imaginative read with some darker elements included.
Described as a Dark Fae Retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast this wasn't quite what I was expecting.
It was only loosely connected to my favourite fairy-tale in as such there was a monster keeping Callie a prisoner in his castle a library and also a rose.
So how dark is this? if I am honest this was more shades of grey than actual dark dark.
I think maybe because this tended to explain events rather than place you in the action so in a sense this made it a lot easier to separate yourself from what was going on around and despite me thinking this was going to be some sort of dark romance I didn't actually feel this was that at all which slightly disappointed me.
This just didn't feel like a romance at all and I struggled to feel a deeper connection between Callie and Rain, I just wasn't feeling the love.
I also didn't really take to Callie at all, Rain despite his apparent monster status I was actually fascinated with, I have a soft spot for anyone bad who stays true to there nature so Rain just did it for me, Callie just seemed so Blah!!! in comparison.
This was also completely experienced from Callies POV which is not my prefered narration style and I also felt that the last third of this was extremely rushed.
There was just no closure for me, I wanted to see Rains reaction, experience his wrath first hand when catching up with his errant wife.
Again it was explained to me rather than experienced first hand.
Finally, the epilogue was intriguing just not enough to turn this around for me.
This was such a different interpretation of my favourite fairy-tale and if you are put off by the dark label here I really do think you will be fine with this as it really wasn't in my opinion.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Prince's Prisoner (Feared Fables, #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 15, 2022
This book was a pleasant surprise. I am shocked I liked it as much as I did. I literally tore through the pages in a matter of hours. Although the length of the book might have something to do with it.
Was this book perfect? No. Not by a long shot. In fact, there were several things that need to be worked upon. The characters need to be fleshed out more; the character development and pace of the story was whacky; the length of the book was too short (that might be due to it being released in serials and later on, combined as one). It wasn't a proper romance either. But by God do Quinn blackbird's writing have potential.
Was this book perfect? No. Not by a long shot. In fact, there were several things that need to be worked upon. The characters need to be fleshed out more; the character development and pace of the story was whacky; the length of the book was too short (that might be due to it being released in serials and later on, combined as one). It wasn't a proper romance either. But by God do Quinn blackbird's writing have potential.
March 17, 2021
This is a review for all the books in this series. First thing I will say is that this is the only female lead the author has written in all of her books that I actually liked and respected. I know author has said she likes to write twisted heroine’s but I personally need to have some basic liking for the heroine if it involves an anti hero in the book. Her heroine’s turn out to be too inherently selfish most of the time and so it makes it difficult for me to feel anything for them when they are in a bad situation. I need to be able to have some liking for at least one of the main leads! As for the main anti hero’s that is exactly what they are and they never truly redeem themselves but I guess I can get past that knowing that they are not human (not saying they are right in their behaviour) I liked this heroine she had flaws but her wanting to help her friend and her behaviour with Angus made her someone I definitely root for. This was a brutal read but definitely one of my favourite series so far.
March 21, 2021
4,5 stars
I'm impressed with the author, she created a universe where you feel both attracted and repulsed by her faes. They're beautiful on the outside and ugly on the inside. They're simply scary. Her MMC most of all, he stayed true to himself from the beginning to the end, a cruel bastard. The heroine was strong and loyal, a trait I love finding in my FMC. The romance...hum, it was more of an obsession from the MMC (I'm not complaining though), a lethal love from a lethal fae. The heroine hadn't much of a choice at the end, it was either let herself love him or comdemn herself to a life of eternal unhappyness.
I'm impressed with the author, she created a universe where you feel both attracted and repulsed by her faes. They're beautiful on the outside and ugly on the inside. They're simply scary. Her MMC most of all, he stayed true to himself from the beginning to the end, a cruel bastard. The heroine was strong and loyal, a trait I love finding in my FMC. The romance...hum, it was more of an obsession from the MMC (I'm not complaining though), a lethal love from a lethal fae. The heroine hadn't much of a choice at the end, it was either let herself love him or comdemn herself to a life of eternal unhappyness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
Quick, it's Free today (May 28, 2024)!
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September 5, 2024I'm not going to leave a rating for this. I am DNF'ing at page 191 and the reason being is that I just don't like and/or cannot relate to the heroine in any way, shape, or form. Not to mention, reading this story has made me realize something about my particular tastes in what I deem a "good story". I like for things to happen-- places to change, interactions with different people. This story had very little happening. Especially for it to be a fantasy story and so much was available that could have been explored. I thought of a good way to explain this feeling and what the difference is in a story like this, versus something my brain finds more intriguing. Most people are familiar with Lord of the Rings...sooo... imagine the fellowship getting together to cast the ring in Mount Doom, but instead of having to travel across the lands and overcome so many obstacles, they have to escape from an escape room to toss it in the fire right outside the room. And that's basically what this book was. The location has remained the same, the problems are, unfortunately, stagnant. I think the author had an idea that she didn't wait to fully develop before she started writing it. The beginning was full of whimsical descriptions of the scenery that, if I'm being completely honest, made the story feel somewhat juvenile. It just wasn't what I was hoping for it to be, which makes me sad because I really wanted to like it since a very sweet person took the time out of their day to recommend it to me in one of the book groups I'm in on Facebook. <3
April 8, 2019
3.5 stars
This book surprised me in ways I did not expect. First of all if you like books about the Fae than I highly recommend picking up this book. My only complaint would be that I would have changed the romance a little bit but that’s probably bc I’m such a sap haha. Also if you like endings that are a bit unexpected but still intriguing than I also recommend!!! Overall a good read would read this author again!
This book surprised me in ways I did not expect. First of all if you like books about the Fae than I highly recommend picking up this book. My only complaint would be that I would have changed the romance a little bit but that’s probably bc I’m such a sap haha. Also if you like endings that are a bit unexpected but still intriguing than I also recommend!!! Overall a good read would read this author again!
January 3, 2025
I don’t vibe with the author’s writing in this. Something about it bothers me. It’s unemotional, flat and not very engaging with no background given on the world or characters. There was zero romance or chemistry in the toxic dynamic between the main characters so it was boring and uninteresting. There wasn’t even any erotic elements to make up for it.
March 21, 2021
Read the full length boxed sets. The Prince's Prisoner
March 28, 2021
This Author is quickly becoming one of my favourites, she knows how to pack a punch in a short novel.
Callie Goes on a hunt for her friend after she disappeared in Scotland, upon being tricked into the Fae realm and unwillingly entering the dance, she becomes rains captive and so much more.....
Callie Goes on a hunt for her friend after she disappeared in Scotland, upon being tricked into the Fae realm and unwillingly entering the dance, she becomes rains captive and so much more.....
February 13, 2019
ARC Review to come after I've gathered my thoughts and feels.
Updated 13/02/2019: This story, a loose adaptation with elements of Beauty and The Beast, deals with the fae - but this is no A Court of Thorns and Roses. There's no comic relief or romantic leads in this fae realm, no snarky teens in millennia-old-but eternally-youthful-and-sexy bodies. These fae are dark. They are dangerous and devious, their cruelty knowing very few bounds.
Callie and best friend Meghan have been travelling Scotland when Meghan lands a date in the forest with a local lad. Only when Callie mopes to the locals about being left behind does she learn that those who enter the forest rarely return. Superstitions, surely? But of course the fae are real: they've taken Meghan to the eternal dance, and with only her wits Callie must find a way to return them both to the human world. She catches the eye of Rain, Prince of War, a high fae who just might be key to both their freedoms. But nothing given by the fae is without a price, whether asking for freedom or redemption. Callie must decide just how much she is willing to give at a shot at either of them...
Callie is clever and resourceful yes, but she's also realistic. She's just a young woman of our world witnessing terrible things, ending up in possibly Trigger Warning sort of situations. There's nothing graphic; the darkness comes from the psychological and emotional torment rather than anything physical (thankfully the one line the fae will not cross is sexual violence). Just because this is a "retelling" doesn't mean you should expect everything to be a Happily Ever After, nor does it slavishly rework the Disneyfied tropes; it can be pretty brutal. The tone is grim from the off, and despite a slightly shaky start the tension only builds once Callie enters the fae realm. At times it can be nauseatingly tense, a feeling created by the character interactions (or lack of) rather than action/adventure scenarios. Some parts weren't always clear why things were happening, but still I had to turn the pages. The bleak shocker of an ending... You're never quite sure where it'll go.
Don't expect you average fairy tale reworking here. It's grim in a modern way; unearthly, whimsical writing adding a hint of madness to proceedings. It's a creepy, twisted tale to make you think. If you go down to the woods today...
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author and it is my decision to share my thoughts on it-
Updated 13/02/2019: This story, a loose adaptation with elements of Beauty and The Beast, deals with the fae - but this is no A Court of Thorns and Roses. There's no comic relief or romantic leads in this fae realm, no snarky teens in millennia-old-but eternally-youthful-and-sexy bodies. These fae are dark. They are dangerous and devious, their cruelty knowing very few bounds.
Callie and best friend Meghan have been travelling Scotland when Meghan lands a date in the forest with a local lad. Only when Callie mopes to the locals about being left behind does she learn that those who enter the forest rarely return. Superstitions, surely? But of course the fae are real: they've taken Meghan to the eternal dance, and with only her wits Callie must find a way to return them both to the human world. She catches the eye of Rain, Prince of War, a high fae who just might be key to both their freedoms. But nothing given by the fae is without a price, whether asking for freedom or redemption. Callie must decide just how much she is willing to give at a shot at either of them...
Callie is clever and resourceful yes, but she's also realistic. She's just a young woman of our world witnessing terrible things, ending up in possibly Trigger Warning sort of situations. There's nothing graphic; the darkness comes from the psychological and emotional torment rather than anything physical (thankfully the one line the fae will not cross is sexual violence). Just because this is a "retelling" doesn't mean you should expect everything to be a Happily Ever After, nor does it slavishly rework the Disneyfied tropes; it can be pretty brutal. The tone is grim from the off, and despite a slightly shaky start the tension only builds once Callie enters the fae realm. At times it can be nauseatingly tense, a feeling created by the character interactions (or lack of) rather than action/adventure scenarios. Some parts weren't always clear why things were happening, but still I had to turn the pages. The bleak shocker of an ending... You're never quite sure where it'll go.
Don't expect you average fairy tale reworking here. It's grim in a modern way; unearthly, whimsical writing adding a hint of madness to proceedings. It's a creepy, twisted tale to make you think. If you go down to the woods today...
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author and it is my decision to share my thoughts on it-
February 18, 2019
I was wonderfully surprised with this story. I expected a standard contemporary romance based on 'Beauty & the Beast', & while it was set in contemporary times, standard it mostly definitely was NOT.
I felt the author did a superbly magical job of weaving the 'Fae otherworld' without resorting to grand magical gestures or spells, there are delightfully original & inventive touches of the Fae world that quietly & unobtrusively remind you that Callie isn't in the human world any more.
The author gives us a beautifully chilling & terrifying anti-Hero, Rain, Prince of War & Paladin of the High Court; a male of icy beauty & a stone cold killer & warrior who has eyes of golden flame that allow the barest peak into his possible emotions.
In attempting to save her friend & herself, Callie is thrown into a lethal world where truth is spoken but rarely, if ever, correctly understood. Callie finds herself constantly trying to hold her head above the water as she tries to keep one step ahead of Rain, who has played games for untold centuries & as a Fae Prince & Paladin, these games ARE him.
This story (IMO) is an excellent cautionary tale for throwing oneself into a situation without understanding the rules, impacts & ripples caused by one's choices & actions.
Callie is human, young & while self-confident never truly seems to grasp just how out of her depth she is. The reader is enthralled by Rain's potentially lethal but seductive dance with Callie, is rooting for Callie to succeed & survive her life & death battle with Rain. But again, Rain is Fae, so much older than Callie & the Fae almost never love. And if they do, it is lethal, forever & their Fae version of love.
The story didn't pan out exactly as I expected, another pleasant surprise, & again I was entranced by the author's ability to draw me into a world that APPEARS to glitter with riches, joys & pleasures but many times, DOES NOT. A world that humans just never truly understand or grasp.
The only gripe I had with this story is Callie never really honored the terms of the bargain she reached with Rain. But I suppose that is what humans do: promise anything in the moment & then regret & try to back out after obtaining that for which they bargained.
But I felt this was a stellar & excellent fantasy story that was highly entertaining, original & inventive & wonderfully as far from standard as possible.
(Although I did receive a free copy via Booksprout for a voluntary review, I also bought this book).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt the author did a superbly magical job of weaving the 'Fae otherworld' without resorting to grand magical gestures or spells, there are delightfully original & inventive touches of the Fae world that quietly & unobtrusively remind you that Callie isn't in the human world any more.
The author gives us a beautifully chilling & terrifying anti-Hero, Rain, Prince of War & Paladin of the High Court; a male of icy beauty & a stone cold killer & warrior who has eyes of golden flame that allow the barest peak into his possible emotions.
In attempting to save her friend & herself, Callie is thrown into a lethal world where truth is spoken but rarely, if ever, correctly understood. Callie finds herself constantly trying to hold her head above the water as she tries to keep one step ahead of Rain, who has played games for untold centuries & as a Fae Prince & Paladin, these games ARE him.
This story (IMO) is an excellent cautionary tale for throwing oneself into a situation without understanding the rules, impacts & ripples caused by one's choices & actions.
Callie is human, young & while self-confident never truly seems to grasp just how out of her depth she is. The reader is enthralled by Rain's potentially lethal but seductive dance with Callie, is rooting for Callie to succeed & survive her life & death battle with Rain. But again, Rain is Fae, so much older than Callie & the Fae almost never love. And if they do, it is lethal, forever & their Fae version of love.
The story didn't pan out exactly as I expected, another pleasant surprise, & again I was entranced by the author's ability to draw me into a world that APPEARS to glitter with riches, joys & pleasures but many times, DOES NOT. A world that humans just never truly understand or grasp.
The only gripe I had with this story is Callie never really honored the terms of the bargain she reached with Rain. But I suppose that is what humans do: promise anything in the moment & then regret & try to back out after obtaining that for which they bargained.
But I felt this was a stellar & excellent fantasy story that was highly entertaining, original & inventive & wonderfully as far from standard as possible.
(Although I did receive a free copy via Booksprout for a voluntary review, I also bought this book).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2020
I was looking for a short, quick read and this book was suggested to me by Kindle. I don’t normally read Fae books as they aren’t really my cup of tea but this one claimed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast which happens to be one of my favorite stories so I thought I’d give it a chance.
I’m glad I did.
While the book started off weird and I shook my head a few times thinking “what in the world am i reading?!” It took off and then I couldn’t put it down.
We are introduced to Callie who is on a road trip with her best friend Meghan. Meghan goes to a party in the woods....and never returns. Callie sets out to look for her and finds out she was lured into the fairy realm and is stuck in an eternal dance. She was given some warnings by a talking wolf to not be tricked by the fae so she wouldn’t get stuck in the realm but the fae and tricksters and soon Callie is stuck in the dance too.
This author writes her books as short novellas which combine together to make a cohesive story. So this story is told over 3 parts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars. Quinn Blackbird really takes us on a journey into the fae. Her attention to detail is spot on with both the sinister fae and their world. She describes it so I can close my eyes and picture the moss growing on the walls and the leaves on the ground. Excellent storytelling.
***this book was borrowed and read on Kindle Unlimited, I was not provided a copy from the author in exchange for a review so all thoughts are independently my own***
I’m glad I did.
While the book started off weird and I shook my head a few times thinking “what in the world am i reading?!” It took off and then I couldn’t put it down.
We are introduced to Callie who is on a road trip with her best friend Meghan. Meghan goes to a party in the woods....and never returns. Callie sets out to look for her and finds out she was lured into the fairy realm and is stuck in an eternal dance. She was given some warnings by a talking wolf to not be tricked by the fae so she wouldn’t get stuck in the realm but the fae and tricksters and soon Callie is stuck in the dance too.
This author writes her books as short novellas which combine together to make a cohesive story. So this story is told over 3 parts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars. Quinn Blackbird really takes us on a journey into the fae. Her attention to detail is spot on with both the sinister fae and their world. She describes it so I can close my eyes and picture the moss growing on the walls and the leaves on the ground. Excellent storytelling.
***this book was borrowed and read on Kindle Unlimited, I was not provided a copy from the author in exchange for a review so all thoughts are independently my own***
May 22, 2020
These may be the "Light Fae" but humans would not consider them good. I prefer the fae that way. Not immoral but amoral. This is not a romance in the classical sense. I'm not sure if you would call it a love story.
Rain is deliciously savage. Callie is a bit bland personality wise but I admire her determination to save her friend then her will to survive. Kindness can be a strength in places where it is not often shown and she gets an unexpected ally because of this. However, I'm not completely sympathetic with her. She promises she'll do anything to escape the dance and immediately wants to renege on it. Is it a surprise that the fae consider humans liars and something under them?
I enjoyed this dark take of Beauty and the Beast. It definitely isn't Disney's rendition. Here be violence but told from a distance and not in great detail so it isn't as visceral. Callie and Rain come to an understanding and achieve some happiness. Is it love by humans standards, no. But it may be by fae standards.
Rain is deliciously savage. Callie is a bit bland personality wise but I admire her determination to save her friend then her will to survive. Kindness can be a strength in places where it is not often shown and she gets an unexpected ally because of this. However, I'm not completely sympathetic with her. She promises she'll do anything to escape the dance and immediately wants to renege on it. Is it a surprise that the fae consider humans liars and something under them?
I enjoyed this dark take of Beauty and the Beast. It definitely isn't Disney's rendition. Here be violence but told from a distance and not in great detail so it isn't as visceral. Callie and Rain come to an understanding and achieve some happiness. Is it love by humans standards, no. But it may be by fae standards.
February 15, 2019
Callie and Meghan are traveling in Scotland, having fun staying at out of the way places and quirky little forgotten villages… until Meghan disappears, and Callie is on a mission to find her missing friend….
Magical, mystical, ethereal; any of these words could be used to describe this tale. A haunting sense of “other” permeates throughout; a veiled window, rooms that form and reform with a touch, vines that can caress or capture… and you are left wondering… who’s the beauty and who’s the beast… This book captures your attention from the first and doesn’t let go even after you finish.
Magical, mystical, ethereal; any of these words could be used to describe this tale. A haunting sense of “other” permeates throughout; a veiled window, rooms that form and reform with a touch, vines that can caress or capture… and you are left wondering… who’s the beauty and who’s the beast… This book captures your attention from the first and doesn’t let go even after you finish.
November 12, 2021
I liked it, reminded me a little of Land of the Beautiful Dead
3.5
3.5
Want to Read
May 2, 2019A dark fae retelling of Beauty and the Beast. ARCs can be requested here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
October 4, 2019
“When a fae loves,” he said carefully, reading her with a flickering expression, “it is so rare that it is eternal. And lethal.”
*ecopy received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The Prince’s Prisoner is a Dark Fae Retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast, and is the second book in the anthology series, Feared Fables. It Can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Feared Fables anthology which is a retelling of the Red Riding Hood. When I was given an opportunity to review the second book in this series, I couldn’t resist because I’m a total sucker for B&B retellings and Dark Fae. It’s my favorite combination and this book didn’t disappoint me. I devoured this entire book in one sitting. The story was so addicting. I wish it wasn’t a short read. I loved the characters, the plot, and the setting. It was really a good retelling and I immensely enjoyed it. And also love that gorgeous cover.
Callie and her best friend Meghan travel to Scotland for sightseeing. They stay at an old inn in a local Village. Meghan finds herself a hot date and leaves her for a private party in the forest. When she doesn’t return, Callie gets worried about her missing friend. After sometime she decides to find her herself. She asks the tavern owner about the party in the forest and to her surprise she warns her about the fae folk and tells her that those who enter the forest had never returned. Callie had never believed in supernatural and fairy tale stuff until she was whisked away into a fairy world and becomes the prisoner of the eternal dance. In the high court of fae, She catches the eye of the Prince of War who later tricks her into becoming his bride in exchange for his help. Callie is determined to get back to her world with her friend and she’s willing to play his games until she gets her chance in freedom.
I really enjoyed Callie’s character. She’s smart, determined, and very much likable. She’s someone who wouldn’t give up easily and fights till the end. Her feelings towards her captor felt very much realistic. I was rooting for her from the start. I also loved Rain. He’s handsome, seductive, and deceitful fae. He’s the bay guy but I still loved his character. He’s the perfect anti-hero. He’s totally obsessed with Callie and tries hard to win her over. I seriously enjoyed every interaction between them. The relationship between Callie and Rain is a bit spoiler so I’m not going to give away anything but remember this is not a love story with some bad boy. I also enjoyed the secondary characters especially Angus. He was so adorable and smart.
The plot was very much engaging, well written, and entertaining! If you’re expecting this to be another ACOTAR then you’re in for a surprise. It is not your typical fairytale with a happily ever after but you’ll love it. The fae in this book are seductive, cruel, manipulative, deceitful, and lethal. They’re no Cardan, or Tamlin. The pacing was perfect. The story has kept my interest through the end. My only issue with this book was the ending felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, It was a great read. I had a great time reading it. The writing was captivating. The book was told in third person POV. There’s not much world building in this book but it does have a nice setting.
Overall, I loved this book! It was a dark and refreshing take on the classic beauty and the beast tale. The ending has left me wanting for more. I can’t wait for the next book!
*ecopy received from the author in exchange for an honest review*
The Prince’s Prisoner is a Dark Fae Retelling of the original Beauty and the Beast, and is the second book in the anthology series, Feared Fables. It Can be read as a stand-alone.
I really enjoyed the first book in the Feared Fables anthology which is a retelling of the Red Riding Hood. When I was given an opportunity to review the second book in this series, I couldn’t resist because I’m a total sucker for B&B retellings and Dark Fae. It’s my favorite combination and this book didn’t disappoint me. I devoured this entire book in one sitting. The story was so addicting. I wish it wasn’t a short read. I loved the characters, the plot, and the setting. It was really a good retelling and I immensely enjoyed it. And also love that gorgeous cover.
Callie and her best friend Meghan travel to Scotland for sightseeing. They stay at an old inn in a local Village. Meghan finds herself a hot date and leaves her for a private party in the forest. When she doesn’t return, Callie gets worried about her missing friend. After sometime she decides to find her herself. She asks the tavern owner about the party in the forest and to her surprise she warns her about the fae folk and tells her that those who enter the forest had never returned. Callie had never believed in supernatural and fairy tale stuff until she was whisked away into a fairy world and becomes the prisoner of the eternal dance. In the high court of fae, She catches the eye of the Prince of War who later tricks her into becoming his bride in exchange for his help. Callie is determined to get back to her world with her friend and she’s willing to play his games until she gets her chance in freedom.
I really enjoyed Callie’s character. She’s smart, determined, and very much likable. She’s someone who wouldn’t give up easily and fights till the end. Her feelings towards her captor felt very much realistic. I was rooting for her from the start. I also loved Rain. He’s handsome, seductive, and deceitful fae. He’s the bay guy but I still loved his character. He’s the perfect anti-hero. He’s totally obsessed with Callie and tries hard to win her over. I seriously enjoyed every interaction between them. The relationship between Callie and Rain is a bit spoiler so I’m not going to give away anything but remember this is not a love story with some bad boy. I also enjoyed the secondary characters especially Angus. He was so adorable and smart.
The plot was very much engaging, well written, and entertaining! If you’re expecting this to be another ACOTAR then you’re in for a surprise. It is not your typical fairytale with a happily ever after but you’ll love it. The fae in this book are seductive, cruel, manipulative, deceitful, and lethal. They’re no Cardan, or Tamlin. The pacing was perfect. The story has kept my interest through the end. My only issue with this book was the ending felt a bit rushed. Nonetheless, It was a great read. I had a great time reading it. The writing was captivating. The book was told in third person POV. There’s not much world building in this book but it does have a nice setting.
Overall, I loved this book! It was a dark and refreshing take on the classic beauty and the beast tale. The ending has left me wanting for more. I can’t wait for the next book!
October 9, 2019
I've been studying fairies for at least two years now, which means that among mythology books, I must have read a few dozen fairy novels as protagonists, and I confess to being completely disappointed in most of them.
The Prince's Prisoner was a find, literally, an indication among reviews of another random book. Klarissa King has done her homework exquisitely, using beautifully fairy mythology, highlighting the shadows that the folklore comments in a mix of fear and passion.
It's not a story for Peter Pan fans, it's fairies according to the nightmares of the British Isles, all I've been looking for for a couple of years.
Klarissa, I would like to thank you for the excellent work, the research (because I know there was a lot of research) and even more for the sincerity of dealing with myths so sanitized with the rawness they truly deserved.
Splendid, the only defect is that it ends. I just hope you write a lot more fairy books. I need a series in this universe.
Give it to me, pleaaaase!
The Prince's Prisoner was a find, literally, an indication among reviews of another random book. Klarissa King has done her homework exquisitely, using beautifully fairy mythology, highlighting the shadows that the folklore comments in a mix of fear and passion.
It's not a story for Peter Pan fans, it's fairies according to the nightmares of the British Isles, all I've been looking for for a couple of years.
Klarissa, I would like to thank you for the excellent work, the research (because I know there was a lot of research) and even more for the sincerity of dealing with myths so sanitized with the rawness they truly deserved.
Splendid, the only defect is that it ends. I just hope you write a lot more fairy books. I need a series in this universe.
Give it to me, pleaaaase!
February 14, 2019
It was, but was not, a love story...
Hooked and addicted from the very beginning!
Was not sure of how the story would be like, but I am really glad I chose to read it. I have read other books with the fae but never one like this. It was very captivating. I do wish I would have seen Rain and Callie grow together as a couple but the story still does not disappoint. This is definitely a book I will be rereading in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hooked and addicted from the very beginning!
Was not sure of how the story would be like, but I am really glad I chose to read it. I have read other books with the fae but never one like this. It was very captivating. I do wish I would have seen Rain and Callie grow together as a couple but the story still does not disappoint. This is definitely a book I will be rereading in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2019
This is a fantastic and very dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The book was really well written with fantastic characters! I loved it and would highly recommend this to others!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2019
I absolutely love a good fairytale retelling and this dark fae version was just fantastic! Well written with great characters I found myself unable to put this down till the end, that’s how good it was!
September 4, 2020
Even though the author gave a warning, i still found the ending hard to read. I didnt particularly warm to Rain throughout the series and the ending cemented my distate for him. I felt it also didn't give me the closure I needed either.
April 30, 2021
This Author always writes with dark strands....
This book being a little more bittersweet than most......
Callie slowly becomes a compliant shell of herself, and Rain remains more or less the same......
not my favorite read from Quinn Blackbirds imagination, but still good.
This book being a little more bittersweet than most......
Callie slowly becomes a compliant shell of herself, and Rain remains more or less the same......
not my favorite read from Quinn Blackbirds imagination, but still good.
March 29, 2021
As Callie is Trapped in Rains castle, she discovers the Library and some secrets it holds along with twisted false promises.
Rain is unwavering in what he wants from Callie
Rain is unwavering in what he wants from Callie
August 27, 2024
3.5 stars
A great read but ending had left out many details. I needed to what happen after she was captured, I also wanted to see him grovel. Nevertheless, a really enjoyable read.
A great read but ending had left out many details. I needed to what happen after she was captured, I also wanted to see him grovel. Nevertheless, a really enjoyable read.
September 13, 2020
Before I begin my review for Fae (The Princes Prisoner #1) by Quinn Blackbird, I would personally like to thank the author, the publishers and Booksprouts for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.
Fans of Holly Black and Sarah J Maas are going to love this disturbing, devious and delicious novella! When Callie enters faerie in search of her kidnapped friend she’s entrapped in an endless dance that she can’t be freed from. When she catches the eye of a faerie prince she devises a plan to escape her beautiful torture.
Fae features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Fae
○ Faerie realm
○ Faerie tricks
○ Fae royalty
○ Human girl
○ Bargains
My overall rating for Fae is…
5 Stars!
I love faerie tales and this novella was no exception. I loved getting swept away with Callie in the cruel yet tantalising faerie realm and I’m so eager to continue this enticing story. The entire series is available with KU and are short, easy reads. The Princes Prisoner series has been described to contain trigger warnings, an enemies to lovers romance and Stockholm syndrome. While there is none in the first novella, there is definitely teasers of what’s to come. And I honestly can not wait.
Fans of Holly Black and Sarah J Maas are going to love this disturbing, devious and delicious novella! When Callie enters faerie in search of her kidnapped friend she’s entrapped in an endless dance that she can’t be freed from. When she catches the eye of a faerie prince she devises a plan to escape her beautiful torture.
Fae features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Fae
○ Faerie realm
○ Faerie tricks
○ Fae royalty
○ Human girl
○ Bargains
My overall rating for Fae is…
5 Stars!
I love faerie tales and this novella was no exception. I loved getting swept away with Callie in the cruel yet tantalising faerie realm and I’m so eager to continue this enticing story. The entire series is available with KU and are short, easy reads. The Princes Prisoner series has been described to contain trigger warnings, an enemies to lovers romance and Stockholm syndrome. While there is none in the first novella, there is definitely teasers of what’s to come. And I honestly can not wait.
July 14, 2022
4 stars for the entire series. My review can be found here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 18, 2022
A SOLID 3.5 UNFULFILLED STARS!!
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE THREE BOOKS.
#ABUSIVEHERO #SERIOUSLYDARK #WASTHATREALLYTHEENDING
I came here after reading Dark Fae, and I was blown away by the two stories and naturally it led me to the Light Fae. Still, I think I'm spoiled by HEA's and a sense of CLOSURE because this story left me hanging. Till the end, the main characters' relationship was just...sad. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story, but let's just say I felt ABSOLUTELY UNSATISFIED BY THE ENDING even if it wasn't a BAD ENDING.
Colour me surprised when the author didn't shy away from domestic violence. Before I continue, let me state that I in no way condone men or women hitting each other in the midst of violence or anger. Use your words, not your fists. Think first before you speak. Meditate. Count to 10 if you must. Never unleash your temper without thoughts of the consequences.
THAT BEING SAID...WOW, I LOVED HOW ANGSTY AND VOLATILE THIS RELATIONSHIP WAS. 100% FAE TOXIC. Honestly, after reading this, I think if given the chance, I would choose to be stranded with the Dark Fae than the Light Fae, because hello...instant death is better than endless torment, and when Dark Fae loves, they do it better. Now, I wasn't a fan of Dark Fae NEW WORLD, it reeked too much like the Prince's Prisoner - that sense of unfulfillment, the reason I dropped that series.
CALLIE was GRADE A AWESOME. Wasn't sure I would like her at first but when she started fighting back and putting up a backbone against RAIN, boy was I rooting like mad for her! I don't know if it's because the story's written mostly from Callie's POV even if it's from third person POV, but we never see a glimpse of what goes on in Rain's mind, so till the end, he still feels like a monster to me...even his love...didn't feel real. It felt suffocating, a death sentence of loneliness and having to walk on eggshells, no freedom...man is that really love? Perhaps to a Light Fae. Poor Callie...thank Goodness for her sons, I think they were the best part of the book. Angus made my time brighter with Callie.
RAIN can just drop dead. I've never in my life disliked a male lead more. I think he's perfectly written, except till the end...I'm uncertain if he even changed...you know like normally there's a form of character development? Until the ending, he remained the same...and I was screaming at Callie not to REMARRY him for GOD'S SAKE at the end...but then at least she gets her DOWRY if they ever break up for good, means she's protected from the Light Fae and gets to see her sons if she ever moves back to the human realm. Almost like a divorce settlement that guarantees your life.
OVERALL I hope you can understand my dilemma. If the ending had been writtten a little differently, I would have rated this 5 STARS, HANDS DOWN. Imperfect or abusive characters don't bother me, in fact, I love the whole drama-rama, angst and set-down and how the characters conquer each other or fall in love. The Prince's Prisoner wasn't love...it was an all-out war of pride and rules. Mind games, if you will. And Threats. All Threats.
BUT, I guess if you appreciate the "realism" of Callie and Rain's relationship because let's face it, that's at least 55% of the world's marriages if they haven't joined the 50% divorcees group. Then again, I'm here to be UNREALISTIC, and I was Very Very SAD that I couldn't enjoy this better.
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE THREE BOOKS.
#ABUSIVEHERO #SERIOUSLYDARK #WASTHATREALLYTHEENDING
I came here after reading Dark Fae, and I was blown away by the two stories and naturally it led me to the Light Fae. Still, I think I'm spoiled by HEA's and a sense of CLOSURE because this story left me hanging. Till the end, the main characters' relationship was just...sad. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story, but let's just say I felt ABSOLUTELY UNSATISFIED BY THE ENDING even if it wasn't a BAD ENDING.
Colour me surprised when the author didn't shy away from domestic violence. Before I continue, let me state that I in no way condone men or women hitting each other in the midst of violence or anger. Use your words, not your fists. Think first before you speak. Meditate. Count to 10 if you must. Never unleash your temper without thoughts of the consequences.
THAT BEING SAID...WOW, I LOVED HOW ANGSTY AND VOLATILE THIS RELATIONSHIP WAS. 100% FAE TOXIC. Honestly, after reading this, I think if given the chance, I would choose to be stranded with the Dark Fae than the Light Fae, because hello...instant death is better than endless torment, and when Dark Fae loves, they do it better. Now, I wasn't a fan of Dark Fae NEW WORLD, it reeked too much like the Prince's Prisoner - that sense of unfulfillment, the reason I dropped that series.
CALLIE was GRADE A AWESOME. Wasn't sure I would like her at first but when she started fighting back and putting up a backbone against RAIN, boy was I rooting like mad for her! I don't know if it's because the story's written mostly from Callie's POV even if it's from third person POV, but we never see a glimpse of what goes on in Rain's mind, so till the end, he still feels like a monster to me...even his love...didn't feel real. It felt suffocating, a death sentence of loneliness and having to walk on eggshells, no freedom...man is that really love? Perhaps to a Light Fae. Poor Callie...thank Goodness for her sons, I think they were the best part of the book. Angus made my time brighter with Callie.
RAIN can just drop dead. I've never in my life disliked a male lead more. I think he's perfectly written, except till the end...I'm uncertain if he even changed...you know like normally there's a form of character development? Until the ending, he remained the same...and I was screaming at Callie not to REMARRY him for GOD'S SAKE at the end...but then at least she gets her DOWRY if they ever break up for good, means she's protected from the Light Fae and gets to see her sons if she ever moves back to the human realm. Almost like a divorce settlement that guarantees your life.
OVERALL I hope you can understand my dilemma. If the ending had been writtten a little differently, I would have rated this 5 STARS, HANDS DOWN. Imperfect or abusive characters don't bother me, in fact, I love the whole drama-rama, angst and set-down and how the characters conquer each other or fall in love. The Prince's Prisoner wasn't love...it was an all-out war of pride and rules. Mind games, if you will. And Threats. All Threats.
BUT, I guess if you appreciate the "realism" of Callie and Rain's relationship because let's face it, that's at least 55% of the world's marriages if they haven't joined the 50% divorcees group. Then again, I'm here to be UNREALISTIC, and I was Very Very SAD that I couldn't enjoy this better.
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