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Of Dreams and Nightmares #1
Of Gold and Iron
“Swear on something else. Swear on your humanity.”
I suddenly find it very hard to swallow. My humanity? With a jolt I realize that there are far greater things at risk here than just my life. I’m in the faerie world, anything could happen. Even immortality.
The Otherworld is the home of the faeries, deceitful, decadent, and deadly. As the next in line to be-come Guardians, Jaye and her brother Thomas are tasked with defending the human world from all things magical. But when a routine scouting mission ends with them trapped in the Otherworld, it becomes pain-fully clear that someone doesn’t want them to leave the world of the faeries. Determined to not become an immortal’s pawn, Jaye kidnaps Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, so that he can guide them safely home. But things quickly go from bad to worse when they are captured by the Winter Court and embroiled in a plot to start a faerie civil war. Thomas is enslaved by an Unseelie faerie, and it seems that the only way to save her brother and avoid a war is for Jaye to ally herself with Ravven.
The faeries are governed by a set of strict laws. For their own safety, the Guardians have their own rules. But with Thomas’s life hanging in the balance there is only one way to save him that does not include breaking the faerie’s Fair Law, a crime that ends in death. Together Jaye and Ravven must compete in a series of deadly tests given by the faerie courts in order to earn Jaye the right to be named the Fair Assassin and wield the Blade of Gold and Iron. As the Fair Assassin she will be permitted to kill any faerie she so chooses, but first she has to live long enough. Walking a fine line between destruction and further entanglement with Crowe, Jaye is going to have to break her own rules if she wants to win. She must trust a faerie. Her life and humanity depend on it.
I suddenly find it very hard to swallow. My humanity? With a jolt I realize that there are far greater things at risk here than just my life. I’m in the faerie world, anything could happen. Even immortality.
The Otherworld is the home of the faeries, deceitful, decadent, and deadly. As the next in line to be-come Guardians, Jaye and her brother Thomas are tasked with defending the human world from all things magical. But when a routine scouting mission ends with them trapped in the Otherworld, it becomes pain-fully clear that someone doesn’t want them to leave the world of the faeries. Determined to not become an immortal’s pawn, Jaye kidnaps Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, so that he can guide them safely home. But things quickly go from bad to worse when they are captured by the Winter Court and embroiled in a plot to start a faerie civil war. Thomas is enslaved by an Unseelie faerie, and it seems that the only way to save her brother and avoid a war is for Jaye to ally herself with Ravven.
The faeries are governed by a set of strict laws. For their own safety, the Guardians have their own rules. But with Thomas’s life hanging in the balance there is only one way to save him that does not include breaking the faerie’s Fair Law, a crime that ends in death. Together Jaye and Ravven must compete in a series of deadly tests given by the faerie courts in order to earn Jaye the right to be named the Fair Assassin and wield the Blade of Gold and Iron. As the Fair Assassin she will be permitted to kill any faerie she so chooses, but first she has to live long enough. Walking a fine line between destruction and further entanglement with Crowe, Jaye is going to have to break her own rules if she wants to win. She must trust a faerie. Her life and humanity depend on it.
308 pages, Unknown Binding
Published September 22, 2020
9 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Chapelway
37 books330 followersNicki is a twenty-something author of swoony romantic fantasy. She has been writing since she was eleven and has since published several works. She enjoys creating stories with twisty-stabby faerie romances, retellings that take a darker turn, and epic fantasies in worlds full of monsters and magic.
Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.
Subscribe to her newsletter and receive a free book!
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Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV, playing video games, and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.
Subscribe to her newsletter and receive a free book!
https://mailchi.mp/b6ec5f4a74a5/subsc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 21, 2021
The faerie world is an illusion. Change is supposed to happen and anything existing without it is unnatural. The faeries are unnatural.
A lot of my story ideas start with a question. A "what if"? And from that question whole fantasy worlds are born. Other ideas start with a concept, an aesthetic, a specific character, or a trope I would like to explore in more depth.
But not Of Gold and Iron.
“I like risky plans, they’re my favorites.”
Of Gold and Iron started off as a dream. It was a really weird dream, I can't tell you what the dream itself was because most of it was incorporated into this novel and spoilers. But the weird part came after. In which while still asleep I dreamed that I woke up and then brainstormed all the finer points of the plot because dream me decided it was a pretty cool idea. I woke up that morning with an almost fully plotted novel.
Around that same time I had become obsessed with Irish myths and the Fair Folk they told of. After that it was just a matter of combining everything I was learning about Irish mythology with my dream. Bits and pieces got added on as I was writing. I surprised myself with my own plot twists some of which I hadn't started out originally to write.
Faeries don’t have goodness of their hearts.
I read a lot of the faerie genre as I was writing this book, due to the fact that I was currently obsessed with faeries. But problem was, those books had a ton of content. My goal with writing Of Gold and Iron was to write a dark and thrilling tale of treacherous fae and spunky mortals, while still keeping it clean.
And there you have it. The Otherworld awaits...
I suppose all those stories and warnings were right, the faerie world is certainly a twisted, dangerous place.
A lot of my story ideas start with a question. A "what if"? And from that question whole fantasy worlds are born. Other ideas start with a concept, an aesthetic, a specific character, or a trope I would like to explore in more depth.
But not Of Gold and Iron.
“I like risky plans, they’re my favorites.”
Of Gold and Iron started off as a dream. It was a really weird dream, I can't tell you what the dream itself was because most of it was incorporated into this novel and spoilers. But the weird part came after. In which while still asleep I dreamed that I woke up and then brainstormed all the finer points of the plot because dream me decided it was a pretty cool idea. I woke up that morning with an almost fully plotted novel.
Around that same time I had become obsessed with Irish myths and the Fair Folk they told of. After that it was just a matter of combining everything I was learning about Irish mythology with my dream. Bits and pieces got added on as I was writing. I surprised myself with my own plot twists some of which I hadn't started out originally to write.
Faeries don’t have goodness of their hearts.
I read a lot of the faerie genre as I was writing this book, due to the fact that I was currently obsessed with faeries. But problem was, those books had a ton of content. My goal with writing Of Gold and Iron was to write a dark and thrilling tale of treacherous fae and spunky mortals, while still keeping it clean.
And there you have it. The Otherworld awaits...
I suppose all those stories and warnings were right, the faerie world is certainly a twisted, dangerous place.
February 25, 2021
4.5/5
I’ll just say this, this book has been one of the best ways to start this year ✨🙃
.Of Gold and Iron is about a pair of siblings who come from a long line of human guardians that keep the peace between the human world and the Otherworld ✨ It all starts when Jaye is sent on a mission with her brother, Thomas, to investigate some strange faerie happenings in the limit of the Otherworld forest …. well, then a huge tree collapses, a beautiful and arrogant solitaire faerie, Ravven, materializes in Jaye’s life and before they know it they are both stuck with each other, and possibly for all eternity. Because, yeah, faeries are practically immortal and humans, well, not. 😂 I loved the faerie courts and the folklore elements added in this book SO much! (And thank you for making them not creepyyyyyy )
I had no idea what I was signing for when I decided to read this book! I must say I’m not a fan of faerie stories because the majority are dark and not clean (at all)…. BUT this book was so so so good! What I loved about it was that it wasn’t a deep read… I could actually enjoy it without overthinking or having to decipher complicated governments and magic systems (which is great for some books) and I loved the banter and faerie humor 😂. The dialogue was very nicely done and I lived for Ravven’s “you humans are so fragile and complicated” eye rolls and rants 😂. The story starts a little slow for my taste but picks up rather nicely at the 25% mark or so! Also, that ending! Didn’t expect it!!!
This book will keep you up at night laughing until 2 am smiling and drinking cocoa with your fluffy blanket and warm socks (that was me 🤣) while swooning and screaming at characters. Nicki has such a way with words I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try!
I’ll just say this, this book has been one of the best ways to start this year ✨🙃
.Of Gold and Iron is about a pair of siblings who come from a long line of human guardians that keep the peace between the human world and the Otherworld ✨ It all starts when Jaye is sent on a mission with her brother, Thomas, to investigate some strange faerie happenings in the limit of the Otherworld forest …. well, then a huge tree collapses, a beautiful and arrogant solitaire faerie, Ravven, materializes in Jaye’s life and before they know it they are both stuck with each other, and possibly for all eternity. Because, yeah, faeries are practically immortal and humans, well, not. 😂 I loved the faerie courts and the folklore elements added in this book SO much! (And thank you for making them not creepyyyyyy )
I had no idea what I was signing for when I decided to read this book! I must say I’m not a fan of faerie stories because the majority are dark and not clean (at all)…. BUT this book was so so so good! What I loved about it was that it wasn’t a deep read… I could actually enjoy it without overthinking or having to decipher complicated governments and magic systems (which is great for some books) and I loved the banter and faerie humor 😂. The dialogue was very nicely done and I lived for Ravven’s “you humans are so fragile and complicated” eye rolls and rants 😂. The story starts a little slow for my taste but picks up rather nicely at the 25% mark or so! Also, that ending! Didn’t expect it!!!
This book will keep you up at night laughing until 2 am smiling and drinking cocoa with your fluffy blanket and warm socks (that was me 🤣) while swooning and screaming at characters. Nicki has such a way with words I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.
Hope you enjoy it if you decide to give it a try!
August 31, 2022
I have found a new favorite author!!!
December 15, 2021
3.5 stars // finished December 2021
This could’ve been a 4 star read, but the last chapter left me with Very Mixed Feelings.
Things I Liked:
-Yay for homeschool rep! 🎉 Granted, it’s only mentioned like once in the book, but still .
-Plot was interesting, with some very unexpected twists. This book was super addictive, to the point I found myself sneaking a peek and reading a few pages whenever I could find the time.
-A certain trope *cough* is one of my favorites, and I so enjoyed seeing that incorporated!
Iffy Things:
-Not really a huge fan of impetuous characters-while I understand that they can thicken the plot and keep things interesting, they still aggravate me- and Jaye is the very definition of an impetuous character. While I did like Jaye for most of the book, the fact that she literally She worries about him being trustworthy, but ironically, Although I shipped them a lot, I’m not really sure how their relationship can recover.
-I read a lot of indie books and am used to seeing a typo here and there, but this book could’ve been so much more polished with some editing. Once I could get past the grammar issues, I enjoyed the story, but it took some doing.
-One other thing:
Conclusion: This was my first book by the author, and I was super excited to read it because I’ve heard so many good things about her. While I did have some major issues, I enjoyed a lot of it, and I’m looking forward to trying out more books by her.
This could’ve been a 4 star read, but the last chapter left me with Very Mixed Feelings.
Things I Liked:
-Yay for homeschool rep! 🎉 Granted, it’s only mentioned like once in the book, but still .
-Plot was interesting, with some very unexpected twists. This book was super addictive, to the point I found myself sneaking a peek and reading a few pages whenever I could find the time.
-A certain trope *cough* is one of my favorites, and I so enjoyed seeing that incorporated!
Iffy Things:
-Not really a huge fan of impetuous characters-while I understand that they can thicken the plot and keep things interesting, they still aggravate me- and Jaye is the very definition of an impetuous character. While I did like Jaye for most of the book, the fact that she literally She worries about him being trustworthy, but ironically, Although I shipped them a lot, I’m not really sure how their relationship can recover.
-I read a lot of indie books and am used to seeing a typo here and there, but this book could’ve been so much more polished with some editing. Once I could get past the grammar issues, I enjoyed the story, but it took some doing.
-One other thing:
Conclusion: This was my first book by the author, and I was super excited to read it because I’ve heard so many good things about her. While I did have some major issues, I enjoyed a lot of it, and I’m looking forward to trying out more books by her.
September 27, 2023
updated: 19/09/23, 25/09/23, 27/09/23
I have a confession to make: I really don't like the concept of fae romance in YA fiction. Because they have one big problem that's hard to ignore. A 100+ year old immortal ending up in a relationship with a teenager. This story is no different. Jaye is 17 years old, if I remember correctly, hasn't even finished high school yet, and her unwilling love interest, Ravven, though his exact age isn't revealed, is clearly 100s years older. It isn't just implied, Jaye wonders how old he truly is when he mentions a human historical event (that happened quite a while ago) in such a way that it sounds like he was there. And there's more solid evidence given in the book, but I really don't want give any spoilers and I don't know how to word it without giving something away. So that's all you're going to get in this review, unfortunately. But you get the point I'm trying to say here. I've read and watched a few other stories with this romance trope before this one and it's never a comfortable thing for me. I wrote a whole blog post about it. And I still haven't changed my opinion about it.
So you're probably wondering right now why I read this YA fiction book and its sequel. Gave both good ratings. And planning to read the third and final book. It's simple. I LOVE Nicki Chapelway's works, and it just felt my reading experience with the author would be incomplete if I skip this series. It was a promotion about the second book on one of my favourite blogs that made me notice Nicki as an author for the first time. I remember clearly following her on Instagram without knowing she was the author to this book, Of Gold and Iron, and the sequel Of Stars and Shadows. They became special to me without me reading them. I grew more reluctant to read them as time went on and I learned more about the trilogy-to-be. But helping the author out by promoting the new covers for these books and the cover reveal for the final book made me super excited to read them. I wanted to try them, to give them a chance. And I'm glad I did. (I got them for free, so there was no loss for me in risking reading these books too.)
It's honestly one of the best books from her I've read so far. The writing style, humour, worldbuilding, THE PLOT, and OF COURSE the characters, were all brilliantly crafted. I was so immersed, on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, shocked by all of the plot twists, almost falling for the trap of one more chapter, staying up late to finish it. I felt so. many. emotions.
// characters //
I LOVED being in Jaye's POV. Her voice is so distinct and it feels like a real person writing their autobiography. I wasn't sure if I would like her, but I had hoped I would and I did. Honestly, she's one of my favourite protagonists to follow ever. She's strong, but has weaknesses too. She tries her best all of the time, is loyal, and loves her family deeply. Though she is human, despite the faeries telling her she's nothing compared to them, she can hold her own and only needs Ravven for help, which is both unfortunate and fortunate for her. I love her so much. And for once I don't mind at all that she has trust issues. Usually characters who don't trust anyone are annoying for me, even though they are completely and rightly justified, but Jaye has the perfect balance of not trusting anyone outside of her family and accidently trusting someone because they are being kind and not what she expected.
I loved Ravven. He's witty and clever and very unpredictable, which is both fun and suspenseful to read. The banter between him and Jaye is just SO GOOD. But also I hated him sometimes. He can be such a jerk. He has his reasons, which to a certain extent I have complete empathy for him, but in the end he isn't justified and he doesn't even have the excuse "I'm a faerie, it's what I do". He deserved what was coming for him but also at the same time didn't at all. I have such mixed feelings about him after everything was revealed. Though to be fair with the whole age difference between him and Jaye, the parts I didn't mention earlier, is that he's actually quite young for a faerie, because they don't often have children as they live forever, and he never ever planned to make her fall in love with him nor wanted to be in love with her either. It's very clear with those facts. It does help a little bit that it wasn't intentional and even out of his control.
Thomas is the best, I love him so much. I wished he was more in this book. I really liked how different he was from other older brother characters. I honestly thought he was the younger brother judging from the blurb. He wasn't overprotective, but also wasn't like he was irresponsible and arrogant either. He enjoys life, very carefree and way more trusting than his little sister. He is a breath of fresh air as a character such as him, not gonna lie.
Other characters I enjoyed getting to know and loved their interactions with Jaye are: Ravven's father, the human serving the sea faeries, and the autumn faerie spy from the winter court. Each of them are more than what meets the eye.
// plot //
I really enjoyed how complicated it was. There was so much mystery, secrets and deception. It starts so simple and then it slowly becomes much more intricate and deeper. Even though I knew the ending (because I read the blurb for the sequel), there were still many other things to uncover and I couldn't even guess what they were. I only accidentally figured something out. At the time I convinced myself that it wasn't true though. Imagine how shocked I was when it was revealed I was right. I don't even know how, it was just a feeling I had during one of the scenes near the third act.
Yes, I expected it to be more than what it seems, and that faeries are good at pretending they are honest if they want to and at hiding the truth, yet I STILL DIDN'T EXPECT THAT AT ALL. It's been a few months now since I read this, and I'm still not over how brilliant and messed up the plot was. I cannot blame Jaye at all for how she felt and acted. Honestly, she was so realistic. It's exactly how I think someone desperate and hurt and emotional would react. It was beyond my expectations, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
// worldbuilding //
I know a little about Irish faerie lore, and because of that I can tell the author did research for her faerie realm. It honestly makes it so much more rich and realistic as a fantasy world somehow. But she doesn't stop there. She builds up from there and creates her lore within the existing faerie mythology. I love how the faeries and their world are all about rules, and how the author never added magic without a law and/or an explanation. The limitations made the world fascinating and caused even more tension. It increased the stakes, and made you wonder how on earth one can survive without any scars or compromise, and if one can be clever enough to find loopholes, to somehow escape the deadly consequences. Everything was so well thought out and the author was careful in not leaving holes behind.
// writing style/humour //
I touched on this a few times in the other sections, but it needs to be highlighted. It isn't easy to get a writing style beyond the author's personal voice and style. One that feels so unique and distinct. One that stands out among the many, many other books and their character's voices. One that truly feels like it is the character's voice and theirs alone.
Banter, wit and sarcasm are my favourite types of humour, and this story does each fantastically. Jaye has great humour on her own, especially in her head (another reason why I loved her POV, she was so fun to follow because her humour was such a hit). But with Ravven, she's another level. They have instant chemistry, bounce off of each other so naturally. I couldn't help but love Ravven's sarcasm and remarks, when they are just entertaining, and not when he intentionally uses them to hurt her. Though I think he only does that to keep her at a distance.
Overall, I would recommend this if you love clean fae romances, an unpredictable plot, a strong protagonist who will do anything to save her brother, and magic with rules.
I have a confession to make: I really don't like the concept of fae romance in YA fiction. Because they have one big problem that's hard to ignore. A 100+ year old immortal ending up in a relationship with a teenager. This story is no different. Jaye is 17 years old, if I remember correctly, hasn't even finished high school yet, and her unwilling love interest, Ravven, though his exact age isn't revealed, is clearly 100s years older. It isn't just implied, Jaye wonders how old he truly is when he mentions a human historical event (that happened quite a while ago) in such a way that it sounds like he was there. And there's more solid evidence given in the book, but I really don't want give any spoilers and I don't know how to word it without giving something away. So that's all you're going to get in this review, unfortunately. But you get the point I'm trying to say here. I've read and watched a few other stories with this romance trope before this one and it's never a comfortable thing for me. I wrote a whole blog post about it. And I still haven't changed my opinion about it.
So you're probably wondering right now why I read this YA fiction book and its sequel. Gave both good ratings. And planning to read the third and final book. It's simple. I LOVE Nicki Chapelway's works, and it just felt my reading experience with the author would be incomplete if I skip this series. It was a promotion about the second book on one of my favourite blogs that made me notice Nicki as an author for the first time. I remember clearly following her on Instagram without knowing she was the author to this book, Of Gold and Iron, and the sequel Of Stars and Shadows. They became special to me without me reading them. I grew more reluctant to read them as time went on and I learned more about the trilogy-to-be. But helping the author out by promoting the new covers for these books and the cover reveal for the final book made me super excited to read them. I wanted to try them, to give them a chance. And I'm glad I did. (I got them for free, so there was no loss for me in risking reading these books too.)
It's honestly one of the best books from her I've read so far. The writing style, humour, worldbuilding, THE PLOT, and OF COURSE the characters, were all brilliantly crafted. I was so immersed, on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, shocked by all of the plot twists, almost falling for the trap of one more chapter, staying up late to finish it. I felt so. many. emotions.
// characters //
I LOVED being in Jaye's POV. Her voice is so distinct and it feels like a real person writing their autobiography. I wasn't sure if I would like her, but I had hoped I would and I did. Honestly, she's one of my favourite protagonists to follow ever. She's strong, but has weaknesses too. She tries her best all of the time, is loyal, and loves her family deeply. Though she is human, despite the faeries telling her she's nothing compared to them, she can hold her own and only needs Ravven for help, which is both unfortunate and fortunate for her. I love her so much. And for once I don't mind at all that she has trust issues. Usually characters who don't trust anyone are annoying for me, even though they are completely and rightly justified, but Jaye has the perfect balance of not trusting anyone outside of her family and accidently trusting someone because they are being kind and not what she expected.
I loved Ravven. He's witty and clever and very unpredictable, which is both fun and suspenseful to read. The banter between him and Jaye is just SO GOOD. But also I hated him sometimes. He can be such a jerk. He has his reasons, which to a certain extent I have complete empathy for him, but in the end he isn't justified and he doesn't even have the excuse "I'm a faerie, it's what I do". He deserved what was coming for him but also at the same time didn't at all. I have such mixed feelings about him after everything was revealed. Though to be fair with the whole age difference between him and Jaye, the parts I didn't mention earlier, is that he's actually quite young for a faerie, because they don't often have children as they live forever, and he never ever planned to make her fall in love with him nor wanted to be in love with her either. It's very clear with those facts. It does help a little bit that it wasn't intentional and even out of his control.
Thomas is the best, I love him so much. I wished he was more in this book. I really liked how different he was from other older brother characters. I honestly thought he was the younger brother judging from the blurb. He wasn't overprotective, but also wasn't like he was irresponsible and arrogant either. He enjoys life, very carefree and way more trusting than his little sister. He is a breath of fresh air as a character such as him, not gonna lie.
Other characters I enjoyed getting to know and loved their interactions with Jaye are: Ravven's father, the human serving the sea faeries, and the autumn faerie spy from the winter court. Each of them are more than what meets the eye.
// plot //
I really enjoyed how complicated it was. There was so much mystery, secrets and deception. It starts so simple and then it slowly becomes much more intricate and deeper. Even though I knew the ending (because I read the blurb for the sequel), there were still many other things to uncover and I couldn't even guess what they were. I only accidentally figured something out. At the time I convinced myself that it wasn't true though. Imagine how shocked I was when it was revealed I was right. I don't even know how, it was just a feeling I had during one of the scenes near the third act.
Yes, I expected it to be more than what it seems, and that faeries are good at pretending they are honest if they want to and at hiding the truth, yet I STILL DIDN'T EXPECT THAT AT ALL. It's been a few months now since I read this, and I'm still not over how brilliant and messed up the plot was. I cannot blame Jaye at all for how she felt and acted. Honestly, she was so realistic. It's exactly how I think someone desperate and hurt and emotional would react. It was beyond my expectations, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
// worldbuilding //
I know a little about Irish faerie lore, and because of that I can tell the author did research for her faerie realm. It honestly makes it so much more rich and realistic as a fantasy world somehow. But she doesn't stop there. She builds up from there and creates her lore within the existing faerie mythology. I love how the faeries and their world are all about rules, and how the author never added magic without a law and/or an explanation. The limitations made the world fascinating and caused even more tension. It increased the stakes, and made you wonder how on earth one can survive without any scars or compromise, and if one can be clever enough to find loopholes, to somehow escape the deadly consequences. Everything was so well thought out and the author was careful in not leaving holes behind.
// writing style/humour //
I touched on this a few times in the other sections, but it needs to be highlighted. It isn't easy to get a writing style beyond the author's personal voice and style. One that feels so unique and distinct. One that stands out among the many, many other books and their character's voices. One that truly feels like it is the character's voice and theirs alone.
Banter, wit and sarcasm are my favourite types of humour, and this story does each fantastically. Jaye has great humour on her own, especially in her head (another reason why I loved her POV, she was so fun to follow because her humour was such a hit). But with Ravven, she's another level. They have instant chemistry, bounce off of each other so naturally. I couldn't help but love Ravven's sarcasm and remarks, when they are just entertaining, and not when he intentionally uses them to hurt her. Though I think he only does that to keep her at a distance.
Overall, I would recommend this if you love clean fae romances, an unpredictable plot, a strong protagonist who will do anything to save her brother, and magic with rules.
February 15, 2021
Wow! Wow! Wow! I am so impressed with this story that I hated to see it end. I loved how the author takes us to the Otherworld where a true adventure begins. I am going to tell you how much I loved Jaye. She is very intuitive. As she and her brother Thomas get trapped in the Otherworld I could envision the faeries and their powers in full display. It’s not everyday that a mortal is asked to be the Fair Assassin. It is an honor and with it comes great danger and power.
Ravven is definitely my favorite character in the story. Oh I know he is a faerie but I think there is more that he isn’t sharing. There are subtle hints that he is more powerful than others . Jaye has to perform three tasks in order to pass the test and become the Fair Assassin. These tests are difficult and really show her strength mentally. Behind everything she is doing, she is trying to save her brother. Their bond is undeniable and I liked how the author showed the importance of standing up to protect family.
There are quite a few characters that I wasn’t sure I trusted. They each have a desire for revenge. Is it possible that Jaye is being used ? It is hard for Jaye to trust Ravven but I don’t think she has a choice. She needs to rely on her instincts to determine who is lying to her. Her life and her brothers life depend on her making the right choice. The ending is oh so good but alas it is cliffhanger. I hope the author writes fast, because I need to continue the story. I have become invested in the characters and I must know who has betrayed Jaye.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Ravven is definitely my favorite character in the story. Oh I know he is a faerie but I think there is more that he isn’t sharing. There are subtle hints that he is more powerful than others . Jaye has to perform three tasks in order to pass the test and become the Fair Assassin. These tests are difficult and really show her strength mentally. Behind everything she is doing, she is trying to save her brother. Their bond is undeniable and I liked how the author showed the importance of standing up to protect family.
There are quite a few characters that I wasn’t sure I trusted. They each have a desire for revenge. Is it possible that Jaye is being used ? It is hard for Jaye to trust Ravven but I don’t think she has a choice. She needs to rely on her instincts to determine who is lying to her. Her life and her brothers life depend on her making the right choice. The ending is oh so good but alas it is cliffhanger. I hope the author writes fast, because I need to continue the story. I have become invested in the characters and I must know who has betrayed Jaye.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
May 26, 2021
✨3.5 stars✨
I should never have made a bargain with a faerie. What was I even thinking to consider myself capable of that? No matter what, they will always, always come out on top.
Thank you so much to Nicki Chapelway for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. I really appreciate it, Nicki! 🧡
*deep breath*
This book was good. Really good. I struggled with the rating because I really enjoyed it but there were a few issues with the writing that made me dock down a star and a half. The grammar/spelling mistakes weren’t enough to make the book unpleasant but I think if they were cleaned up more, the writing, which is truly great and easy to read, would be even better. Past and present tense were jumped back and forth, which kinda bothered me. Also, despite the plethora of action, there were some parts in the book that were a bit boring.
However, the plot was interesting and I was invested in the characters. Nicki’s characters go through so much, it’s really not fair. *glares at Nicki* Although I think Jaye could have had a bit more personality, I appreciate the rawness of her character (she made mistakes that were completely realistic) and the fierce devotion to her brother. Strong sibling relationships are so refreshing in literature—especially when a female MC is fighting to save her brother/sister instead of her love interest. I wish there were more to Thomas, though. Flashbacks, memories of the two of them together, more personality depth, anything. Overall, though, the characters were well done and their names were really unique and cool! I also liked the names of locations and objects within the faerie world, and I think the book’s title is beautiful.
Ravven begins to sway gently. “I’m just not used to this issue. Whenever a faerie dances with a human it usually goes on forever, the human unable to break away. But when I dance with you, well it appears that you dictate the rules of the dance. When we start, when we stop, whether we go on forever.”
I really enjoyed Ravven and I think his relationship with Jaye was well thought out. I ship them and I truly hope they end up together because there’s a bunch of chemistry and they can match each other’s tempers. I felt so bad for him by the end of the book. I seriously was so torn because I’d been rooting for Jaye for the most part but I think she was too hasty with a certain decision in the last few pages.
I never thought about it but... I will miss this. I will miss this world. I will miss the adventure, maybe not the danger, but the thrill. I will miss the strange and otherworldly creatures around me. And most of all I will miss him. It scares me when I realize how much I will miss him.
The world Nicki created was really fascinating and, although there were a few cliches I think could’ve been more unique, the plot was pretty good as well. There were several villains throughout the novel and that was a really intriguing bonus. Cliodnha could’ve carried the role of villain all by herself, but the additions of Iorwerth, Cinaed, and Aoibheann made for more tension and a thicker plot. I hated Cliodnha. With a passion. I wanted to twist her neck.
Okay, can I just talk about Ravven and Jaye some more, please? I LOVE them together! They better have a happy ending, do you hear me, Nicki? They deserve it after all they’ve been through—and it’s only book one!
So yeah, I’m really anticipating a sequel and I’m super excited to find out what this trilogy has in store!
*offers bleeding, shredded heart up to Nicki*
I NEED BOOK TWO.
I should never have made a bargain with a faerie. What was I even thinking to consider myself capable of that? No matter what, they will always, always come out on top.
Thank you so much to Nicki Chapelway for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for a review. I really appreciate it, Nicki! 🧡
*deep breath*
This book was good. Really good. I struggled with the rating because I really enjoyed it but there were a few issues with the writing that made me dock down a star and a half. The grammar/spelling mistakes weren’t enough to make the book unpleasant but I think if they were cleaned up more, the writing, which is truly great and easy to read, would be even better. Past and present tense were jumped back and forth, which kinda bothered me. Also, despite the plethora of action, there were some parts in the book that were a bit boring.
However, the plot was interesting and I was invested in the characters. Nicki’s characters go through so much, it’s really not fair. *glares at Nicki* Although I think Jaye could have had a bit more personality, I appreciate the rawness of her character (she made mistakes that were completely realistic) and the fierce devotion to her brother. Strong sibling relationships are so refreshing in literature—especially when a female MC is fighting to save her brother/sister instead of her love interest. I wish there were more to Thomas, though. Flashbacks, memories of the two of them together, more personality depth, anything. Overall, though, the characters were well done and their names were really unique and cool! I also liked the names of locations and objects within the faerie world, and I think the book’s title is beautiful.
Ravven begins to sway gently. “I’m just not used to this issue. Whenever a faerie dances with a human it usually goes on forever, the human unable to break away. But when I dance with you, well it appears that you dictate the rules of the dance. When we start, when we stop, whether we go on forever.”
I really enjoyed Ravven and I think his relationship with Jaye was well thought out. I ship them and I truly hope they end up together because there’s a bunch of chemistry and they can match each other’s tempers. I felt so bad for him by the end of the book. I seriously was so torn because I’d been rooting for Jaye for the most part but I think she was too hasty with a certain decision in the last few pages.
I never thought about it but... I will miss this. I will miss this world. I will miss the adventure, maybe not the danger, but the thrill. I will miss the strange and otherworldly creatures around me. And most of all I will miss him. It scares me when I realize how much I will miss him.
The world Nicki created was really fascinating and, although there were a few cliches I think could’ve been more unique, the plot was pretty good as well. There were several villains throughout the novel and that was a really intriguing bonus. Cliodnha could’ve carried the role of villain all by herself, but the additions of Iorwerth, Cinaed, and Aoibheann made for more tension and a thicker plot. I hated Cliodnha. With a passion. I wanted to twist her neck.
Okay, can I just talk about Ravven and Jaye some more, please? I LOVE them together! They better have a happy ending, do you hear me, Nicki? They deserve it after all they’ve been through—and it’s only book one!
So yeah, I’m really anticipating a sequel and I’m super excited to find out what this trilogy has in store!
*offers bleeding, shredded heart up to Nicki*
I NEED BOOK TWO.
August 30, 2021
I want to see a movie adaptation of this SO bad. The wardrobe is impeccable, and the setting is one of the most beautiful I've seen in fiction. Jaye has such a distinct and wonderful voice to carry us through her journey in the Otherworld - we dive more deeply into her mind than I find usual for YA fantasy, following the trail of her thoughts and REALLY getting to know her view of the circumstances and characters surrounding her. And don't even get me started on how addictive the complicated relationship between Ravven and Jaye is. The ending ripped my heart out just as surely as it did the first time.
January 7, 2021
<3 AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! This has to be one of my most favorite books ever! =D And today I'm going to review it!!!! AHHHHH!!!!
I had to grab a paperback copy because of how pretty the book's cover is. Plus I wanted to see it sitting on my bookshelf and remember all the scenes in the story and how much I loved it. BECAUSE I LOVE IT!!!
My First Exposure:
This was my very first exposure to faeries. I thought that they were only winged humans who acted very much like Tinkerbell (which in her defense, she did try to murder Wendy with the help of the Lost Boys, so it wasn't like she was all fairy dust and happy thoughts). BUT NO, there is so much more lore that I had no idea about.
I went and researched the faeries in this story and I had so much FUN!!! This is the book that has been nudging me to go and read more books with faeries in it. (The clean ones ;)
The banter between Ravven and Jaye is sooo good! If a book can get me to laugh out loud then it's good!!!!
The Characters:
JAYE!!!! I love her so much! I love how she is trying to become an assassin just to save her brother. That sibling love just makes me love her so much more. And the banter between her, her brother, and Ravven is just spot on. She also has his violent side that makes Ravven slightly unsure about her sometimes and it's just hilarious.
RAVVEN!!! He's so vain that it makes me laugh when he talks. He might not always understand humans, but he tries. XD I love that he has this soft side about him, I mean sometimes he is hard to read but then there are other times when he seems to genuinely care about Jaye. And it's wonderful. Ravven is a favorite, I love him so much, okay?
Descriptions:
The descriptions in this book are fantastic. I love the details that are given for the gowns that Jaye wears. And seeing the inside of the Winter Court's palace was otherworldly. It is written wonderfully that you can see the world Jaye walks into, doing so without dulling the edge of the action. Very visual and I loved it.
Exploring the Themes:
There's a lot to enjoy about this book. It's funny, the banter is just fabulous. There is adventure. But one of the things that really grabbed my attention is the overall theme of the story. I don't know if the author intended this or not, but it's probably one of my favorite things about this book that I really notice after my second read-through.
Jaye is one of those characters who will sacrifice everything for her family. Throughout this book, she's given opportunity after opportunity to go home to safety, but instead, she goes into more danger to save her brother. With even the possibility to not only give up her life but also her humanity. Even though we don't get to see much of Thomas in action (in fact, if anything he was sometimes annoying, I mean I understand why, though he still seemed to care greatly for Jaye) we get to see how much Jaye cares for him. Having this book show the values of family was so refreshing.
There was also the thing about trusting others. Jaye is literally in a position where she cannot trust anyone in the world where she's at. Faeries are not trustworthy. Or so she has been taught. Although this book shows that stereotyping is not always true. Even still, faeries are still faeries and I love how this book doesn't go astray from that fact. But also gives us the flip side of this scenario and how Ravven has a hard time trusting Jaye because she can lie. It is written in a way that is both fun and very true which is a perfect way to tell a story.
And there was this thing about change that was really deep. As humans, we oftentimes do not want to change. The faerie world is interesting because faeries rarely change. The book does a good job of showing us what a world would be like without change, and it's not always as nice as it seems. Change can be good sometimes, it helps us grow.
Content in Book:
This book is pretty clean.
1. Violence. (Hand-to-hand combat. Kicking people in the shins. Threatening to cut off someone's fingers. Stabbing someone with a knife (then the characters talking about removing it from the dead body, there is blood). Torture with ice. Talking about torture. Talking about killing someone multiple times until they give the actual thing that can kill them. Talking about war. Etc.)
2. Implying sex between humans and faeries and what faeries will sometimes do to a human. A passionate kiss (Nothing bad happens).
3. Talking about killing human/faerie mixed children.
4. War.
5. Slaves.
Who I Would Recommend This Book Too:
Those who want a good book that will make them laugh from the banter, has a good message, is pretty clean, and is about faeries. READ IT!!!
Will I Read the Next Book in the Series?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! THE NEXT BOOK CAN'T COME OUT FAST ENOUGH!!! NICKI I CAN'T WAIT!!!! XD
Review also posted on my website here: https://gracemmorris.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/review-of-gold-and-iron-by-nicki-chapelway/
I had to grab a paperback copy because of how pretty the book's cover is. Plus I wanted to see it sitting on my bookshelf and remember all the scenes in the story and how much I loved it. BECAUSE I LOVE IT!!!
My First Exposure:
This was my very first exposure to faeries. I thought that they were only winged humans who acted very much like Tinkerbell (which in her defense, she did try to murder Wendy with the help of the Lost Boys, so it wasn't like she was all fairy dust and happy thoughts). BUT NO, there is so much more lore that I had no idea about.
I went and researched the faeries in this story and I had so much FUN!!! This is the book that has been nudging me to go and read more books with faeries in it. (The clean ones ;)
The banter between Ravven and Jaye is sooo good! If a book can get me to laugh out loud then it's good!!!!
The Characters:
JAYE!!!! I love her so much! I love how she is trying to become an assassin just to save her brother. That sibling love just makes me love her so much more. And the banter between her, her brother, and Ravven is just spot on. She also has his violent side that makes Ravven slightly unsure about her sometimes and it's just hilarious.
RAVVEN!!! He's so vain that it makes me laugh when he talks. He might not always understand humans, but he tries. XD I love that he has this soft side about him, I mean sometimes he is hard to read but then there are other times when he seems to genuinely care about Jaye. And it's wonderful. Ravven is a favorite, I love him so much, okay?
Descriptions:
The descriptions in this book are fantastic. I love the details that are given for the gowns that Jaye wears. And seeing the inside of the Winter Court's palace was otherworldly. It is written wonderfully that you can see the world Jaye walks into, doing so without dulling the edge of the action. Very visual and I loved it.
Exploring the Themes:
There's a lot to enjoy about this book. It's funny, the banter is just fabulous. There is adventure. But one of the things that really grabbed my attention is the overall theme of the story. I don't know if the author intended this or not, but it's probably one of my favorite things about this book that I really notice after my second read-through.
Jaye is one of those characters who will sacrifice everything for her family. Throughout this book, she's given opportunity after opportunity to go home to safety, but instead, she goes into more danger to save her brother. With even the possibility to not only give up her life but also her humanity. Even though we don't get to see much of Thomas in action (in fact, if anything he was sometimes annoying, I mean I understand why, though he still seemed to care greatly for Jaye) we get to see how much Jaye cares for him. Having this book show the values of family was so refreshing.
There was also the thing about trusting others. Jaye is literally in a position where she cannot trust anyone in the world where she's at. Faeries are not trustworthy. Or so she has been taught. Although this book shows that stereotyping is not always true. Even still, faeries are still faeries and I love how this book doesn't go astray from that fact. But also gives us the flip side of this scenario and how Ravven has a hard time trusting Jaye because she can lie. It is written in a way that is both fun and very true which is a perfect way to tell a story.
And there was this thing about change that was really deep. As humans, we oftentimes do not want to change. The faerie world is interesting because faeries rarely change. The book does a good job of showing us what a world would be like without change, and it's not always as nice as it seems. Change can be good sometimes, it helps us grow.
Content in Book:
This book is pretty clean.
1. Violence. (Hand-to-hand combat. Kicking people in the shins. Threatening to cut off someone's fingers. Stabbing someone with a knife (then the characters talking about removing it from the dead body, there is blood). Torture with ice. Talking about torture. Talking about killing someone multiple times until they give the actual thing that can kill them. Talking about war. Etc.)
2. Implying sex between humans and faeries and what faeries will sometimes do to a human. A passionate kiss (Nothing bad happens).
3. Talking about killing human/faerie mixed children.
4. War.
5. Slaves.
Who I Would Recommend This Book Too:
Those who want a good book that will make them laugh from the banter, has a good message, is pretty clean, and is about faeries. READ IT!!!
Will I Read the Next Book in the Series?
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! THE NEXT BOOK CAN'T COME OUT FAST ENOUGH!!! NICKI I CAN'T WAIT!!!! XD
Review also posted on my website here: https://gracemmorris.wordpress.com/2021/01/06/review-of-gold-and-iron-by-nicki-chapelway/
February 22, 2021
Someone is out for their blood...
I'm going to start of this review by saying how mad I am at the author! How could she do this to me?! How could Nicki Chapelway get me so invested in the story and then end it the way she did? How can she leave me in this cruel state of wondering and waiting, desperate to know what happens next with Jaye, Ravven, Thomas, and the others?
OK, dramatic intro aside, Of Gold And Iron was a surprisingly good book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading it, pretty much like the heroine, Jaye, does as she 'lives' the story. I was completely immersed, sometimes in spellbound horror, in the faerie's Otherworld realms. The worldbuilding was excellent, varied, detailed, interesting, but the author did not get bogged down in the minutiae of it. Very easy to visualize in your mind's eye. And Jaye herself? Well, she managed to surprise me at every turn.
And, while I'm thinking of it, I want to mention how much I appreciated Nicki Chapelway's portrayal of faeries and the Otherworld. Not the cutesy tiny winged creatures we are used to, no, these are the manipulative, spiteful, and even vengeful, beings of Irish legend. And in my estimation this is what made this YA book so good.
If you are up for a clean read YA fantasy tale of danger, intrigue, and maybe a little romance, I'll suggest you check into Of Gold And Iron, the first book in Nicki Chapelway's exciting Of Dreams And Nightmares Trilogy...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I'm going to start of this review by saying how mad I am at the author! How could she do this to me?! How could Nicki Chapelway get me so invested in the story and then end it the way she did? How can she leave me in this cruel state of wondering and waiting, desperate to know what happens next with Jaye, Ravven, Thomas, and the others?
OK, dramatic intro aside, Of Gold And Iron was a surprisingly good book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading it, pretty much like the heroine, Jaye, does as she 'lives' the story. I was completely immersed, sometimes in spellbound horror, in the faerie's Otherworld realms. The worldbuilding was excellent, varied, detailed, interesting, but the author did not get bogged down in the minutiae of it. Very easy to visualize in your mind's eye. And Jaye herself? Well, she managed to surprise me at every turn.
And, while I'm thinking of it, I want to mention how much I appreciated Nicki Chapelway's portrayal of faeries and the Otherworld. Not the cutesy tiny winged creatures we are used to, no, these are the manipulative, spiteful, and even vengeful, beings of Irish legend. And in my estimation this is what made this YA book so good.
If you are up for a clean read YA fantasy tale of danger, intrigue, and maybe a little romance, I'll suggest you check into Of Gold And Iron, the first book in Nicki Chapelway's exciting Of Dreams And Nightmares Trilogy...
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
February 12, 2021
Adventure, excitement, and fairies, all wrapped up in a single package. Of Gold and Iron was a fun read, with some witty banter that I loved and a surprise ending that left me equal parts shocked and intrigued. Never saw it coming, which I thought was great. The author writes with a natural story voice and does well with creating characters that are funny and relatable. Jaye and Ravven made an impression and I’m curious to see what will happen next. A nice mixture of romance, danger, and magic, all rolled into one story. I received a copy of the book from celebrate lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 15, 2021
I liked A Week of Werewolves, so here's Of Gold and Iron. There are enough fairy stories that at this point you either love them, hate them, or have worn out of them. Enter this tale. Boom, Jaye and her brother have gotten trapped in the Otherworld. I loved the dialog, the setting, and well, there's not much to not like. This book hits all the key points, action, romance, adventure, drama, myths are all here as well. It's a clean read that I'd call high fantasy. Not a lot of faith elements, but this is book one in the series. I hate that the ending is yet another cliffhanger. That tends to make me very agitated, but I will hold on for the rest of the series as I have found the world-building and characters to be very interesting!
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my ci=opy of this book. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review is never required.
Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my ci=opy of this book. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review is never required.
January 27, 2022
If anybody knows me, they know that one of my favorite genres is fantasy. I fall in love with almost any fantasy book I read. And this book is no exception. I’d probably go far as saying that it is now on my top five list of my favorite fantasy novels.
Jaye is headstrong and somewhat reckless. She follows her emotions and doesn’t stop to think of the consequences, which lands her in some sticky situations. I love her friendship with Ravven. Actually, I just like Ravven in general. He is witty and in love with himself. The banter between Ravven and Jaye is fun and entertaining.
I did not want this book to end. And to say I was upset when it ended is somewhat of an understatement. I was fuming because I did not want to stop reading. The author ends on a cliffhanger which did not help matters. I need to know what happens next!
The author is very talented and the way she portrays the characters made them seem very real. If you haven’t figured out yet, I am very excited for the next book.
Overall, I would highly recommend Of Gold and Iron. It’s fun, it’s suspenseful, and just downright amazing.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
Jaye is headstrong and somewhat reckless. She follows her emotions and doesn’t stop to think of the consequences, which lands her in some sticky situations. I love her friendship with Ravven. Actually, I just like Ravven in general. He is witty and in love with himself. The banter between Ravven and Jaye is fun and entertaining.
I did not want this book to end. And to say I was upset when it ended is somewhat of an understatement. I was fuming because I did not want to stop reading. The author ends on a cliffhanger which did not help matters. I need to know what happens next!
The author is very talented and the way she portrays the characters made them seem very real. If you haven’t figured out yet, I am very excited for the next book.
Overall, I would highly recommend Of Gold and Iron. It’s fun, it’s suspenseful, and just downright amazing.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
September 5, 2023
I love faerie stories. Unfortunately, many of them are unreadable due to explicit sexual content. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. It’s clean. It's fun and full of romance without feeling like you need to go to church to repent afterward. It's been awhile since I've read a fae romance this good. It's upper YA which means that Jaye is an older teen about to enter her senior year of high school. This book is perfect for younger and older readers alike. Perfect for faerie and fantasy lovers everywhere. My review of book 2 is on the next page so don't read it unless you want spoilers for book one!
December 27, 2022
Let me start by saying that I wasn't expecting this book to be great. For about the first 1/4 of the book, the characters are literally just standing around exchanging exposition through dialogue at each other while the main character, through the first-person narrative, throws even more exposition at the readers. This backwards tell don't show attitude made for a very slow and unimpressive start, especially since a lot of the plot setup could have been included naturally had the author begun the book chronologically earlier and dropped in those details while the characters were heading toward the place where the story currently begins.
However, once you get through all that, despite my initial impression that this book was going to be a poor man's take on fairies that Julie Kagawa did so much better in her Iron Fey series, the actual plot of this book is creative and unique. The world building is engaging and original, and I became emotionally invested in the overall plot and how the story was going to end. I went from wondering how long this book would take to get through to watching the end grow ever closer and wishing it would go on longer. I really enjoyed ever moment of it.
But in the spirit of honesty, I didn't end up loving this book because it was perfect. The main character's inner monologues and commentary are often long-winded and repetitious, and I was frustrated by her lack of useful skills and frequent need to be rescued by others despite her and her brother having supposedly been raised to deal with fairies and these kinds of circumstances. Some of the better plot points are handled clumsily and unrealistically, and there are frequent grammar mistakes, usually in the form of missing commas and run-on sentences.
However, what sold this book for me was the immersive story the author has created here. I came to really love each of the characters and was truly invested in their backstories and well-being and success. Ravven was my particular favorite because he reminded me so much of the morally gray character of Jacks from Stephanie Garber's Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. The clean, slow-burn romance was overall well done, though the main character comes across as rather dense in that she doesn't realize it is a romance for far too long. And what an ending! I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say I didn't see it coming and I loved it.
So if you're willing to forgive this book its rocky start and shortcomings, I highly recommend it for the great story it is. The author has gained herself a new fan in me, and I've already downloaded book 2 and am eager to see where the story goes next!
However, once you get through all that, despite my initial impression that this book was going to be a poor man's take on fairies that Julie Kagawa did so much better in her Iron Fey series, the actual plot of this book is creative and unique. The world building is engaging and original, and I became emotionally invested in the overall plot and how the story was going to end. I went from wondering how long this book would take to get through to watching the end grow ever closer and wishing it would go on longer. I really enjoyed ever moment of it.
But in the spirit of honesty, I didn't end up loving this book because it was perfect. The main character's inner monologues and commentary are often long-winded and repetitious, and I was frustrated by her lack of useful skills and frequent need to be rescued by others despite her and her brother having supposedly been raised to deal with fairies and these kinds of circumstances. Some of the better plot points are handled clumsily and unrealistically, and there are frequent grammar mistakes, usually in the form of missing commas and run-on sentences.
However, what sold this book for me was the immersive story the author has created here. I came to really love each of the characters and was truly invested in their backstories and well-being and success. Ravven was my particular favorite because he reminded me so much of the morally gray character of Jacks from Stephanie Garber's Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart series. The clean, slow-burn romance was overall well done, though the main character comes across as rather dense in that she doesn't realize it is a romance for far too long. And what an ending! I won't spoil it for anyone, but I will say I didn't see it coming and I loved it.
So if you're willing to forgive this book its rocky start and shortcomings, I highly recommend it for the great story it is. The author has gained herself a new fan in me, and I've already downloaded book 2 and am eager to see where the story goes next!
October 29, 2023
This book is your personal portal to faerie land
"If anything, he looks smug rather than upset. But then again smug seems to be his default expression. I’m pretty sure that if I pushed him off a cliff, he would still be smug about it."
Ravven may be one of the most well-written non-human characters I have ever read. His thoughts and dialogue are consistently faerie.
"There is a fine line I have to walk between trust and mistrust called discernment and I’m not sure if I have it in me."
While Jaye frequently broke her rule “never trust a faerie,” her reasoning is usually valid, and you can understand her choices. When she makes an emotional decision, it’s one that most people would agonize over as well. I love her voice. Though occasionally repetitive, the first person present POV immerses you fully into Jaye's world. Her thoughts are always entertaining.
The fae courts, the intrigue, the plot, the action and adventure, and sumptuous sensory details were superb. I sped through it, rooting for Jaye and Ravven to succeed.
The only problem was that I hated everyone by the end. Though I identify with Jaye the most, I don’t usually go in for such emotional devestation as this cliffhanger provided. However, the ride was worth it, and the story was so well-crafted with plenty of twists and some suspenseful foreshadowing that I still rate it a five. I’m just not sure when or if I will be ready for the next book. I will need to be in a dark mood. If you are a fan of heartbreak and angst, you will love Of Gold and Iron.
Other than some violence, blood, and death, it was clean in respect to language, with some mild, swoony kisses. References to slavery and drinking. A few typos.
"If anything, he looks smug rather than upset. But then again smug seems to be his default expression. I’m pretty sure that if I pushed him off a cliff, he would still be smug about it."
Ravven may be one of the most well-written non-human characters I have ever read. His thoughts and dialogue are consistently faerie.
"There is a fine line I have to walk between trust and mistrust called discernment and I’m not sure if I have it in me."
While Jaye frequently broke her rule “never trust a faerie,” her reasoning is usually valid, and you can understand her choices. When she makes an emotional decision, it’s one that most people would agonize over as well. I love her voice. Though occasionally repetitive, the first person present POV immerses you fully into Jaye's world. Her thoughts are always entertaining.
The fae courts, the intrigue, the plot, the action and adventure, and sumptuous sensory details were superb. I sped through it, rooting for Jaye and Ravven to succeed.
The only problem was that I hated everyone by the end. Though I identify with Jaye the most, I don’t usually go in for such emotional devestation as this cliffhanger provided. However, the ride was worth it, and the story was so well-crafted with plenty of twists and some suspenseful foreshadowing that I still rate it a five. I’m just not sure when or if I will be ready for the next book. I will need to be in a dark mood. If you are a fan of heartbreak and angst, you will love Of Gold and Iron.
Other than some violence, blood, and death, it was clean in respect to language, with some mild, swoony kisses. References to slavery and drinking. A few typos.
November 7, 2023
I have mixed feelings about this book. I received it for free. It is a full length, low heat, book.
I seriously considered giving up on it for the first ten chapters or so.
It's written in first person as well as present tense, which really bothered me, it just felt really awkward. At times there would be several paragraphs-if not full pages- of background or explanations in the middle of conversations making it difficult to keep track of them. There were a couple times when someone would reply and I'd have to go back a few pages because I couldn't remember what they were talking about.
I wasn't a huge fan of the main character, but that could just be me- I have a hard time liking characters that I can't relate to at all. She has a temper and kind of treats it like it's just a part of her that she can't control or change, it's constantly getting her in trouble but she doesn't seem to learn from her mistakes.
Once the book picked up speed I was able to ignore the weird grammar/writing style and enjoy the story.
I had no clue what was coming next, unlike several books I've read lately where you can see plot points coming a mile away.
It ends on a cliff hanger, which kind of makes me want to buy the next book- because I honestly did enjoy the story once it got going, and I'd love to get some answers to a few questions I have about different character backgrounds as well as how the cliff hanger is resolved.
I seriously considered giving up on it for the first ten chapters or so.
It's written in first person as well as present tense, which really bothered me, it just felt really awkward. At times there would be several paragraphs-if not full pages- of background or explanations in the middle of conversations making it difficult to keep track of them. There were a couple times when someone would reply and I'd have to go back a few pages because I couldn't remember what they were talking about.
I wasn't a huge fan of the main character, but that could just be me- I have a hard time liking characters that I can't relate to at all. She has a temper and kind of treats it like it's just a part of her that she can't control or change, it's constantly getting her in trouble but she doesn't seem to learn from her mistakes.
Once the book picked up speed I was able to ignore the weird grammar/writing style and enjoy the story.
I had no clue what was coming next, unlike several books I've read lately where you can see plot points coming a mile away.
It ends on a cliff hanger, which kind of makes me want to buy the next book- because I honestly did enjoy the story once it got going, and I'd love to get some answers to a few questions I have about different character backgrounds as well as how the cliff hanger is resolved.
September 24, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much! I was surprised by how much I ended up loving it. I have always enjoyed reading fantasy books but have never been a fan of fae romance. However, from the beginning of the book I was hooked. I was connected to the characters; it was so funny in some parts yet intense in others. I especially loved how clean the book was and how the romance wasn't forced, which made me invested in their relationship. One of my other favorite things about this book was all the twists, especially the end! I did not see that coming. I have read so many books that I love it when there is a twist I cannot predict. This was one of those. My favorite character was Ravven. He made me laugh so hard and I loved his relationship with Jaye, even from the beginning. There are two reasons why I only gave it four stars. The first is that I am not a fan of the fae romances and I feel like there are so many out there. The magic also seemed a bit stereotypical. However, I did love that this one was different than the others that I have read. The other reason is that, while I do love Jaye as a character, the strong, sassy, sword-wielding heroine has never related to me as I am more introverted and quiet so it was hard to relate to her. All things considered, I would recommend this book to those who love clean fantasy romance with twists, intensity and humor.
February 17, 2021
Of Gold and Iron By: Nicki Chapelway is a young adult, fantasy, romance, mythology/folklore, faerie book. This is book one of the Of dreams and Nightmare trilogy. I have not read anything by this author before. I enjoyed the way that they presented their story. This is not my typical genre of book to read. However, I did enjoy the story. In this story we travel to The Otherworld. A world where faeries are governed by a set of strict laws and the Guardians have their own rules. The Faeries and Guardians do not get along. Jaye and her brother have gotten trapped in the Otherworld. Jaye is super protective of her brother. She does not want to leave without him. I thought the whole faerie vs Guardian was an interesting match up.
I love the way that the author wrote the scenery. I felt like I was there. The characters are well written, the plot very intriguing. The story kept me guessing. The ending is a cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
I love the way that the author wrote the scenery. I felt like I was there. The characters are well written, the plot very intriguing. The story kept me guessing. The ending is a cliffhanger.
I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging program. All thoughts are my own.
February 23, 2021
First, this cover is wonderful. I loved it. It made me want to read the book to see how this ordinary girl turns into a girl in almost a princess dress. Although the color of the dress made me think more of silver than of gold.
I’m not a huge fan of fantasy or futuristic fiction but I did enjoy this book. I found that the characters drew me in and kept me reading. From the moment I met them I was invested in their lives and just had to figure out what was going to happen to them.
This is definitely a book that my teenagers are going to be reading and rereading and begging me to see if there is a series going on or if I can find more books like it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I’m not a huge fan of fantasy or futuristic fiction but I did enjoy this book. I found that the characters drew me in and kept me reading. From the moment I met them I was invested in their lives and just had to figure out what was going to happen to them.
This is definitely a book that my teenagers are going to be reading and rereading and begging me to see if there is a series going on or if I can find more books like it.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
December 22, 2020
Of Gold and Iron is the beginning to the Of Dreams and Nightmares Trilogy. It is, also, my first introduction to the talents of Nicki Chapelway. Even though it is not from my usual go to genre, I thought it was still a good read. I thought it was an intriguing read that was not predictable to me. It had some action and adventure that made me happy to be able to take the journey with the characters of the story. It was good.
I am giving Of Gold and Iron four stars. I look forward to reading the second installment from the Of Dreams and Nightmares Trilogy to find out where else Nicki Chapelway’s imagination will take her readers to next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading fantasy fiction.
I received Of Gold and Iron from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Of Gold and Iron four stars. I look forward to reading the second installment from the Of Dreams and Nightmares Trilogy to find out where else Nicki Chapelway’s imagination will take her readers to next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy reading fantasy fiction.
I received Of Gold and Iron from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 25, 2021
Perhaps because our daughter loves the Tinkerbell movies, or perhaps because our family homeschools, I am always on the lookout for new Young Adult Christian works of fiction. So when the review opportunity for Of Ink and Iron appeared, I knew I wanted to read it.
This book combines elements of fantasy, courage, and faith that result in a work of fiction sure to capture your imagination. Jaye and her brother Thomas serve as guardians and find themselves stuck in the Otherworld. Circumstances force Jaye to work with Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, in order to save her brother.
The story moves at an excellent pace, and the characters appear realistic. So check out this work of Young Adult fantasy for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This book combines elements of fantasy, courage, and faith that result in a work of fiction sure to capture your imagination. Jaye and her brother Thomas serve as guardians and find themselves stuck in the Otherworld. Circumstances force Jaye to work with Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, in order to save her brother.
The story moves at an excellent pace, and the characters appear realistic. So check out this work of Young Adult fantasy for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2021
3.15 stars
(this year has been absolutely crazy for me, so i apologize to the author, nicki chapelway, for just now getting to review her book.)
im once again in awe of how brilliant this book was. it’s no secret that nicki has a way with words, and the writing was smooth (despite a bit of grammatical errors that i could mostly overlook). i do admit though that about halfway it got slower and harder for me to get through, but overall a pleasant read, and of course i adore ravven, and the protag’s brother thomas. it’s those sarcastic personality’s that get me every time.
my only complaints would be that i felt it dragged longer than it shouldve, and i didn’t feel i could relate to the main character; i felt her personality was bland.
thank you so much to nicki for the pdf! you’ve once again wrote a winner.
(this year has been absolutely crazy for me, so i apologize to the author, nicki chapelway, for just now getting to review her book.)
im once again in awe of how brilliant this book was. it’s no secret that nicki has a way with words, and the writing was smooth (despite a bit of grammatical errors that i could mostly overlook). i do admit though that about halfway it got slower and harder for me to get through, but overall a pleasant read, and of course i adore ravven, and the protag’s brother thomas. it’s those sarcastic personality’s that get me every time.
my only complaints would be that i felt it dragged longer than it shouldve, and i didn’t feel i could relate to the main character; i felt her personality was bland.
thank you so much to nicki for the pdf! you’ve once again wrote a winner.
January 13, 2025
I am normally not that fond of stories about fairies but I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are far from perfect, or too perfect, but extremely likeable. The also have great dynamic interaction.
The world the story takes place in is based on folklore but also has some very interesting original features and customs. It is filled with a large variation of inhabitants, which might or might not be trustworthy.
The tale is quite original and contains a quest in order to return home. The book has a lot of layers which are slowly unwrapped, but not all, that probably will happen in the next books.
A lot of things happen but the pace is never too fast to follow and there are some quieter scenes which allow for breathing space. I almost could not put this page turner down and immediately got myself the rest of the series so I could continue reading.
The world the story takes place in is based on folklore but also has some very interesting original features and customs. It is filled with a large variation of inhabitants, which might or might not be trustworthy.
The tale is quite original and contains a quest in order to return home. The book has a lot of layers which are slowly unwrapped, but not all, that probably will happen in the next books.
A lot of things happen but the pace is never too fast to follow and there are some quieter scenes which allow for breathing space. I almost could not put this page turner down and immediately got myself the rest of the series so I could continue reading.
February 24, 2021
I'm going to start my review off by saying, I need the next book in this series like now. There was quite a bit of world building in this first book and I like the world. We were introduced to some amazing characters, some of which I really want to know more about. I like the different faries and different courts.
The plot has twists and turns and had me constantly questioning what will happen next, which is something I like. I wasn't certain of some characters alliances or what exactly their own agendas were. But that ending...come on! I seriously want the next book now.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
The plot has twists and turns and had me constantly questioning what will happen next, which is something I like. I wasn't certain of some characters alliances or what exactly their own agendas were. But that ending...come on! I seriously want the next book now.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
February 26, 2021
Of Gold and Iron" by Nicki Chapelway was a fun read. It was written as if the character Jaye was telling the story to the reader. I really thought the sibling relationship was right on. There were a few laugh out scenes. Again, fantasy is not my first choose of genre and I still won't pick up a fantasy book from the library but I am glad I read this and I want to say thank you to Celebrate Lit and the author for giving me a complimentary copy.
This is a story of danger, adventure and magic and love. The book is a clean read but there is violence, such as kicking and threatening to cut off fingers and talking about killing others.
I recommend this book to readers who likes fantasy and mythology.
This book will leave you wanting to read the next book to see what happens.
This is a story of danger, adventure and magic and love. The book is a clean read but there is violence, such as kicking and threatening to cut off fingers and talking about killing others.
I recommend this book to readers who likes fantasy and mythology.
This book will leave you wanting to read the next book to see what happens.
February 25, 2021
Of Gold and Iron is a futuristic story of faeries, humans, and other creatures. The book follows a sister and brother’s journey into the world of faeries and their struggles to survive and escape. There is danger, love, kindness, cruelty, magic, fear, trickery and loyalty in this story. This is not my favorite genre but fantasy fans would enjoy this book. After reading the book I was disappointed to find it is to be continued in book 2. I enjoy books written in a series but appreciate if they could be read as a stand alone, too.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.
September 29, 2024
First off, the cover is absolutely beautiful and definitely conveys the split that Jaye feels between her life before she is trapped in the Otherworld and after she is trapped.
While using some of the familiar portions of faery mythology and legends, Chapelway also gives her own spin to the story with a family libe of Guardians that protect the human world from faery mischief. It was interesting to see how clueless some of the immortal characters were to humans and their own characteristics.
The ending was cruel, and I'm definitely going to have to dive into book 2 right away to find out how a certain character managed to survive.
While using some of the familiar portions of faery mythology and legends, Chapelway also gives her own spin to the story with a family libe of Guardians that protect the human world from faery mischief. It was interesting to see how clueless some of the immortal characters were to humans and their own characteristics.
The ending was cruel, and I'm definitely going to have to dive into book 2 right away to find out how a certain character managed to survive.
November 28, 2023
A fun fantasy-adventure
I especially liked the snark and banter
I also liked the sufficiently twisty Fae plot, and how the plot was very typically Fae - featuring bargains, blessings (and curses), and quests.
This author was new to me, and her writing is pretty good. A really good job with the plotting, with lots of things happening and not a lot of time spent on less important details, yet still getting adequate character development in. The writing style was very conversational, which isn't typically my favorite, but it worked very well in this book.
I especially liked the snark and banter
I also liked the sufficiently twisty Fae plot, and how the plot was very typically Fae - featuring bargains, blessings (and curses), and quests.
This author was new to me, and her writing is pretty good. A really good job with the plotting, with lots of things happening and not a lot of time spent on less important details, yet still getting adequate character development in. The writing style was very conversational, which isn't typically my favorite, but it worked very well in this book.
September 15, 2020
Nicki outdid herself with this one! I say that every time I read one of Nicki’s books though. I love everything about this one, especially the cover!! *heart eyes*
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