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Lost Princess of Starlight #1
Fae Fair
A magical world.
A bewitching fair.
An impossible promise.
Zoe is looking for a way to escape her bully of a foster brother, but when she takes her horse for a ride and crosses into faery by mistake, all she wants is to return home. That is until she is hailed as a long-lost princess.
Her insistence on exploring further leads to the capture of the one friend she has made, the enigmatic Guardian of the Gates who she trusts more than she should. In securing his release she becomes bound by an unwinnable bargain to the Queen of Dawnlight, which risks his very position.
Things would be easier if the aloof and scornful Prince Florian would tell her more about what happened sixteen years ago. Or help her with fulfilling her promise to the Queen.
She feels the mysterious fair must hold the answer, but can she find it in time?
Fae Fair is the first in a new clean series for lovers of fae, epic fantasy, and magical bargains
A bewitching fair.
An impossible promise.
Zoe is looking for a way to escape her bully of a foster brother, but when she takes her horse for a ride and crosses into faery by mistake, all she wants is to return home. That is until she is hailed as a long-lost princess.
Her insistence on exploring further leads to the capture of the one friend she has made, the enigmatic Guardian of the Gates who she trusts more than she should. In securing his release she becomes bound by an unwinnable bargain to the Queen of Dawnlight, which risks his very position.
Things would be easier if the aloof and scornful Prince Florian would tell her more about what happened sixteen years ago. Or help her with fulfilling her promise to the Queen.
She feels the mysterious fair must hold the answer, but can she find it in time?
Fae Fair is the first in a new clean series for lovers of fae, epic fantasy, and magical bargains
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2021
170 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Clarissa Gosling
25 books110 followersClarissa has always lived more in the world of daydream and fiction than in reality. In her writing she explores purpose and belonging across worlds. Having never found an actual portal to faeryland, she creates her own fantastical worlds where dragons, fae and other magical creatures rule.
She now lives in the Netherlands with her family, where she writes as much as they will let her. When not reading or writing, she drinks too much tea and has a burgeoning obsession with Bundt cakes.
She now lives in the Netherlands with her family, where she writes as much as they will let her. When not reading or writing, she drinks too much tea and has a burgeoning obsession with Bundt cakes.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 30, 2021
I really loved this clean, YA Fae story! Zoe accidentally crosses from the human realm to the Fae realm when she is out riding to escape from her bullying foster brother. There she learns she is the missing princess of Starlight and she has to learn to navigate the tricky ways of the Fae. She gets caught in a magical bargain and must find a solution so she can return home and avoid entering any other bargains along the way.
I really liked the writing style of this book. It’s simple and easy to read, which is perfect for a young adult story, but it drew me right in and I finished it in 2 sittings (I would have finished it all in one, but work got in the way of that...). The descriptions of faery are fantastic, and the world building fits right into the story so I felt like I was there! I really liked Zoe and her determination despite difficult odds, and I also really loved her devotion to her horse Rascal. I love horses so he was such a great addition to the story! Archie the pixie is another favourite and I’m curious to see what will happen with him in the next book. If you love clean YA fantasy and are looking for a book with great characters then I can’t recommend this book enough!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I really liked the writing style of this book. It’s simple and easy to read, which is perfect for a young adult story, but it drew me right in and I finished it in 2 sittings (I would have finished it all in one, but work got in the way of that...). The descriptions of faery are fantastic, and the world building fits right into the story so I felt like I was there! I really liked Zoe and her determination despite difficult odds, and I also really loved her devotion to her horse Rascal. I love horses so he was such a great addition to the story! Archie the pixie is another favourite and I’m curious to see what will happen with him in the next book. If you love clean YA fantasy and are looking for a book with great characters then I can’t recommend this book enough!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 5, 2022
I loved this story about Zoe, the lost princess of Starlight and her horse, Rascal, who stumble into Faery. It was utterly charming, and I so looked forward to hopping into bed each night to continue the tale. Five stars!!!
August 31, 2022
It was a light, YA read that showed a cute romance and important friendships. The fantasy aspect was bubbly and happy, the fact that a fair was the main vibrant spot in Faery made the entire book so lovely! The main character was caring and determined yet that didn’t make her older than her actual age unlike some other books that complicate the character a bit too much and make it feel like they’re way older than they are. A fun read if you want a light fantasy with interesting courts and world-building!
February 20, 2023
Where does your allegiance lie?
Putting palace politics aside, when royalty marries royalty of the same rank, the line between loyalty and allegiance blurs. How does one actually ‘uphold the needs of the other court, while continuing to be a member of your original court’? Fortunately, someone tells Zoe that ‘not everyone is to be trusted’.
Navigating high school is tough enough IRL, but add being a foster kid in a not-so-good home as well as being plucked into the fae realm. Zoe has a lot to learn about herself to begin with and now she’s got all sorts of new stuff to get her head wrapped around. New locations come with new rules. Plus, magicking and princessing.
One of the characters voices his/her outlook on life – one from which I think many of us could benefit:
‘I have enough to do what I need to, and not quite enough to do all I would like to. Which is what you need to keep life interesting, don’t you think?’
While this is a medium’ish length book, the author really packed in quite a bit of background and descriptions without dragging down the story. Usually, it takes an epic-length saga to build a world to this extent. Sometimes, it really is just in the details.
Evan has such a way with words – even in describing a horse:
‘He is a gentle warrior, four of feet and broad of back.’
Does Zoe find the answers at the Fae Fair or will she find even more ‘Secrets’ to uncover? After that, ‘Betrayal’ is expected around April.
Putting palace politics aside, when royalty marries royalty of the same rank, the line between loyalty and allegiance blurs. How does one actually ‘uphold the needs of the other court, while continuing to be a member of your original court’? Fortunately, someone tells Zoe that ‘not everyone is to be trusted’.
Navigating high school is tough enough IRL, but add being a foster kid in a not-so-good home as well as being plucked into the fae realm. Zoe has a lot to learn about herself to begin with and now she’s got all sorts of new stuff to get her head wrapped around. New locations come with new rules. Plus, magicking and princessing.
One of the characters voices his/her outlook on life – one from which I think many of us could benefit:
‘I have enough to do what I need to, and not quite enough to do all I would like to. Which is what you need to keep life interesting, don’t you think?’
While this is a medium’ish length book, the author really packed in quite a bit of background and descriptions without dragging down the story. Usually, it takes an epic-length saga to build a world to this extent. Sometimes, it really is just in the details.
Evan has such a way with words – even in describing a horse:
‘He is a gentle warrior, four of feet and broad of back.’
Does Zoe find the answers at the Fae Fair or will she find even more ‘Secrets’ to uncover? After that, ‘Betrayal’ is expected around April.
July 5, 2022
I received Fae Fair (Lost Princess of Starlight #1) by Clarissa Gosling through StoryOrigin. When Zoe takes her horse for a ride to escape her bullying foster brother she accidentally crosses into faery. In faery the forest is constantly changing and danger lurks around every corner. During this time she also discovers she is a long lost princess. When Zoe's curiosity leads to the capture of the one friend she has made- the Guardian of the Gates- she becomes bound by an unwinnable bargain to the Queen of Dawnlight. When trying to find a way to fulfill the bargain she meets Prince Florian and he may be the only one who can help her fulfil her promise to the Queen, if she can persuade him to help. Also the magical fair in the centre of the forest may hold the answers Zoe seeks. But with everything in faery the fair may not be quite all it seems. I really enjoyed reading and looking forward to book 2. This book is available on Amazon.
April 22, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book.
If you like Fae stories, this book is for you. The main character Zoe was kidnapped as a baby and finds her way back to her homelands. As per most fae stories, they can't lie, but they try to do deals without giving away any hooks. Naturally Zoe finds she has to make a deal to get back home to the human realm and fulfilling that bargain is harder than it looks. Along the way she learns more about the fae realm and her history in it.
The book is considered YA but it is very light on the romance, but will probably build in subsequent books.
I found it hard to put down.
If you like Fae stories, this book is for you. The main character Zoe was kidnapped as a baby and finds her way back to her homelands. As per most fae stories, they can't lie, but they try to do deals without giving away any hooks. Naturally Zoe finds she has to make a deal to get back home to the human realm and fulfilling that bargain is harder than it looks. Along the way she learns more about the fae realm and her history in it.
The book is considered YA but it is very light on the romance, but will probably build in subsequent books.
I found it hard to put down.
November 12, 2021
This is an enjoyable, clean portal story about Zoe, a Fae Princess hidden in the human world for 16 years, until she accidentally crosses over into the Fae world on a meandering horse ride. She is tormented daily in the human world by her foster brother, whose side her foster parents always take...so she's basically on her own. In Fae, however, she's so much more. Learn of her Fae heritage and watch her navigate the intricate ways of her birth world. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Fae and sweet romance.
April 28, 2021
This is a very light heart book and easily enjoyable if you like to read about fae books. The characters are intriguing and you can tell from the beginning something is not right with the foster family. After becoming upset on treatment from her foster mother she escapes and ends up on fae lands where her adventure begins. She is able to discover more about herself but many questions are still unanswered that leads to the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2021
This was a great clean read. I’m more used to reading fae smut however this has such a great storyline that it wasn’t even needed. The imagery and the characters w re well written! Over all I enjoyed this book it was a quick read and held my attention throughout.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2023
Drags a bit, but okay story. Quite a few grammar mistakes make a few parts difficult to understand.
For my clean readers: mild language. Little violence. Romance is limited to almost nothing.
For my clean readers: mild language. Little violence. Romance is limited to almost nothing.
June 15, 2023
Magical Fairy Tale
Fae Fair opens a magical series blending mortal lives with the fairy world. Zoe finds herself living in two worlds and loving both. Which will she choose? The series looks promising to be a great one.
Fae Fair opens a magical series blending mortal lives with the fairy world. Zoe finds herself living in two worlds and loving both. Which will she choose? The series looks promising to be a great one.
June 16, 2022
Clarissa Gosling's book Fae Fair, Lost Princess of Starlight 1, was a five star read!
Zoe, a teenager just trying to survive end of year exams and the antics of her same-aged foster brother, stumbles into the land of the fae. As the subtitle explains, she discovers that she is the lost princess of Starlight, one of the fae kingdoms. Bound to tell the truth and always keep a promise, Zoe has to figure out how to get home when she makes a bargain with the shady queen of one of the other kingdoms.
This light read includes easy-to-picture world building, characters that you aren’t sure if Zoe can trust, and the hint of a budding romance.
If you love fairies, magic, and portals to other realms, then this is the perfect book for you! Easily a book I will pass along to my teens who love fantasy as much as I do!
Zoe, a teenager just trying to survive end of year exams and the antics of her same-aged foster brother, stumbles into the land of the fae. As the subtitle explains, she discovers that she is the lost princess of Starlight, one of the fae kingdoms. Bound to tell the truth and always keep a promise, Zoe has to figure out how to get home when she makes a bargain with the shady queen of one of the other kingdoms.
This light read includes easy-to-picture world building, characters that you aren’t sure if Zoe can trust, and the hint of a budding romance.
If you love fairies, magic, and portals to other realms, then this is the perfect book for you! Easily a book I will pass along to my teens who love fantasy as much as I do!
January 31, 2023
Lovely story
I was impressed with the detail of the faery lands. I was wondering if she went back home if it had all been a dream. But no, on to the next adventure. What a blessing!
I was impressed with the detail of the faery lands. I was wondering if she went back home if it had all been a dream. But no, on to the next adventure. What a blessing!
May 6, 2023
A horse in fairyland, what fun!
I really enjoyed Zoe's story and look forward to finding out how it is bound up with Florian and Evan.
The many sentence fragments were irritating.
I really enjoyed Zoe's story and look forward to finding out how it is bound up with Florian and Evan.
The many sentence fragments were irritating.
January 20, 2025
In this book, Zoe stumbles into the faerie realm while out riding her horse Rascal, then has to use her wits and the help of the Guardian of the Gates to negotiate this world where bargains are strictly binding to get back to her home again.
I found this first part of Zoe's story to be refreshing and charming. The idea of different courts and a fair/market are familiar aspects of stories involving fae, but these had a few of their own peculiarities, and (at least so far), no court seems to be particularly unpleasant or dark - not even Moonlight, although we don't visit that one in this book. The danger comes from the binding nature of promises and bargains, and how easily careless characters can make them accidentally, although we never find out what will happen if you break a promise in this version of the faerie world.
The standout aspect of this book was Zoe's interactions with her horse Rascal. It's a real pleasure to read a fantasy story written by someone who doesn't just treat horses like bicycles, and seeing Zoe care for her horse properly was satisfying, and kept the book grounded.
Zoe comes across as a pleasant ordinary girl, concerned about her exams and her family dynamics, as well as her horse. This is despite her discovery that , and her everydayness keeps her relatable. I chuckled at her observation that managing the court politics was like coping with the mean girls and/or the popular set at school. I also enjoyed the married-couple bickering between her and Evan.
This book also doesn't contain any spice, and any romance is barely hinted at (I might be willing to overlook the hints towards the dreaded love triangle in this case, as it doesn't feel cheesy or forced... if it happens at all). I would recommend this book for younger readers, especially if they're into horses.
I noticed a couple of typos, but nothing too awful or annoying that yanks you out of the story. This is definitely part of a series and pushes you to read more, but isn't actually a cliffhanger, so it can stand alone... just.
I found this first part of Zoe's story to be refreshing and charming. The idea of different courts and a fair/market are familiar aspects of stories involving fae, but these had a few of their own peculiarities, and (at least so far), no court seems to be particularly unpleasant or dark - not even Moonlight, although we don't visit that one in this book. The danger comes from the binding nature of promises and bargains, and how easily careless characters can make them accidentally, although we never find out what will happen if you break a promise in this version of the faerie world.
The standout aspect of this book was Zoe's interactions with her horse Rascal. It's a real pleasure to read a fantasy story written by someone who doesn't just treat horses like bicycles, and seeing Zoe care for her horse properly was satisfying, and kept the book grounded.
Zoe comes across as a pleasant ordinary girl, concerned about her exams and her family dynamics, as well as her horse. This is despite her discovery that , and her everydayness keeps her relatable. I chuckled at her observation that managing the court politics was like coping with the mean girls and/or the popular set at school. I also enjoyed the married-couple bickering between her and Evan.
This book also doesn't contain any spice, and any romance is barely hinted at (I might be willing to overlook the hints towards the dreaded love triangle in this case, as it doesn't feel cheesy or forced... if it happens at all). I would recommend this book for younger readers, especially if they're into horses.
I noticed a couple of typos, but nothing too awful or annoying that yanks you out of the story. This is definitely part of a series and pushes you to read more, but isn't actually a cliffhanger, so it can stand alone... just.
December 25, 2023
It took me about 6 month to pick up this book abain after reading the first 6%
But then it took me 1 day to finish….
So… the story is a perfect YAF with adventure, learning, maybe romance (?) and challanges a bit of struggle, mean girls and success and some bittersweet ending. Ppl who helps or are against the heroine.
Here as well we have Evan the Gatekeeper with us, Prince beautiful but arrogant still charming (mostly) jelous cousin and a powerful queen… all working differently to challange our Heroine
So all set for success… unfortunately the writing style is more descriptive without enthusiasm and as its not from anyone’s perspective its lacking bringing forward much emotions…
So while the story is great I may not pick up B2 or at least not now… maybe will check some reviews first ;)
But then it took me 1 day to finish….
So… the story is a perfect YAF with adventure, learning, maybe romance (?) and challanges a bit of struggle, mean girls and success and some bittersweet ending. Ppl who helps or are against the heroine.
Here as well we have Evan the Gatekeeper with us, Prince beautiful but arrogant still charming (mostly) jelous cousin and a powerful queen… all working differently to challange our Heroine
So all set for success… unfortunately the writing style is more descriptive without enthusiasm and as its not from anyone’s perspective its lacking bringing forward much emotions…
So while the story is great I may not pick up B2 or at least not now… maybe will check some reviews first ;)
Read
May 1, 2021Follow Zoe, and her horse Rascal, when they cross into faery by mistake, and she is hailed as a long-lost princess.
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October 12, 2024
Well, first-time reader for this author, I have to say the detail of the Faery lands is quite charming, magical; especially the Prince. I am interested in reading more. Thank you to @bookbub for the recommendation. This read reminds me of reading about stories about fae or fairies as a little girl. Book two, I m interested in reading because in some ways yeah Iam a lover of slow burn romances.
April 4, 2025
I didn’t think I would, but to be different. I refer enjoyed this forbidden and clean fair. Fae Fair is a unique imagining on what it might be like to be a lost heir to the throne of a Faerie Court. The concept is pretty neat, and there are definitely still some questions and theories I hope to see addressed in the next book.,
December 15, 2024
Fae and Humans
This was an interesting book about a human being sent to the Fae Fair and found out she was a long lost princess of the starlight. She had to learn about her past and can’t wait to be back to finish school.
This was an interesting book about a human being sent to the Fae Fair and found out she was a long lost princess of the starlight. She had to learn about her past and can’t wait to be back to finish school.
April 8, 2025
I enjoyed it
This was a good story with lots of magic and whimsy.
There were some grammatical things that I have to chalk up to being a different dialect of English than what I'm most familiar with, but the story was fun.
This was a good story with lots of magic and whimsy.
There were some grammatical things that I have to chalk up to being a different dialect of English than what I'm most familiar with, but the story was fun.
October 10, 2024
Fun and magical story! A great start to a trilogy!
November 10, 2024
A must read!
This is a wonderful book! It is beautifully written and wraps you in the plot so you feel part of it. It transports you to that other realm. And now for book 2!
This is a wonderful book! It is beautifully written and wraps you in the plot so you feel part of it. It transports you to that other realm. And now for book 2!
January 24, 2025
Intriguing
This far story of Zoe was entertaining. It seemed her fate was in her hands in the faery world. I liked the plot twists and turns.
This far story of Zoe was entertaining. It seemed her fate was in her hands in the faery world. I liked the plot twists and turns.
July 1, 2023
It's a captivating and enchanting story that whisks us away to a magical realm, filled with enchantment and unexpected alliances. This book masterfully combines elements of fae lore, epic fantasy, and the allure of magical bargains, creating an immersive and compelling world. A clean and refreshing read, "Fae Fair" is a delightful start to a promising series for fantasy enthusiasts.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews