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Forsaken Fae #1
Forsaken Fae: Book One
There's an unconscious Fae drooling on Len's couch.
That's not even the weirdest thing to happen to him this week.
Len's been told that not all Fae are scheming, manipulative pricks. A moot point, since this one definitely is—he knows that much from bitter experience.
So, when his vampire ex-coworker dumps Albigard of the Unseelie on Len's doorstep, he gives her two hours to find a better hiding place for the Fae fugitive before tossing him straight to the curb with the rest of the garbage.
He should have known better, of course. Because if there's one thing Len's learned since being thrown into the deep end of the seedy paranormal underworld, it's that nothing is ever so simple.
Now he's on the run from a cataclysmic primal force trying to tear its way into the human realm, stuck with a charismatic bastard who already knows way too much about the inside of Len's messed-up head. The first time he met Albigard, Len punched the Fae in his too-perfect face. This time, they'll have to learn to work together—or risk having their souls torn apart and consigned to the void, with the rest of humanity facing the same fate soon after.
The Wild Hunt has slipped its chains.
Darkness is coming for the world.
* * *
Forsaken Fae is a slow-burn M/M urban fantasy trilogy. It's set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and its other spinoff, Vampire Bound . Download Book One today, and enter a world shared by humans, fae, demons, and vampires. It’s a place where the supernatural threatens the mundane, nothing is as it seems, and enemies must overcome their tangled pasts in order to save the future.
That's not even the weirdest thing to happen to him this week.
Len's been told that not all Fae are scheming, manipulative pricks. A moot point, since this one definitely is—he knows that much from bitter experience.
So, when his vampire ex-coworker dumps Albigard of the Unseelie on Len's doorstep, he gives her two hours to find a better hiding place for the Fae fugitive before tossing him straight to the curb with the rest of the garbage.
He should have known better, of course. Because if there's one thing Len's learned since being thrown into the deep end of the seedy paranormal underworld, it's that nothing is ever so simple.
Now he's on the run from a cataclysmic primal force trying to tear its way into the human realm, stuck with a charismatic bastard who already knows way too much about the inside of Len's messed-up head. The first time he met Albigard, Len punched the Fae in his too-perfect face. This time, they'll have to learn to work together—or risk having their souls torn apart and consigned to the void, with the rest of humanity facing the same fate soon after.
The Wild Hunt has slipped its chains.
Darkness is coming for the world.
* * *
Forsaken Fae is a slow-burn M/M urban fantasy trilogy. It's set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and its other spinoff, Vampire Bound . Download Book One today, and enter a world shared by humans, fae, demons, and vampires. It’s a place where the supernatural threatens the mundane, nothing is as it seems, and enemies must overcome their tangled pasts in order to save the future.
249 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2021
309 people are currently reading
2514 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
85 books501 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 21, 2021
This is the first book by this author I have read and as I read, I realized that maybe I should have read the previous series so I could at least know what they talking about. There were a lot of reference to some things that happened in the previous 2 series that has been released. I thought about it and discarded the idea because I was in the mood for some MM interactions and those books are MF.
I didn't care for the backstory from the other books so I glanced through every mention. Yet this book didn't really stay focused on the main characters, a lot of cameo appearances and not enough of the two MCs together, they were only together when they had to smoke weed, that was it. Every other interaction had someone else in it. There was a little disclaimer that this book was a "slow burn" romance, I am here to tell you that there is absolutely no burn none whatsoever.
There was nary a sizzle nor spark between the characters. Alby doesn't even seem interested in sex, Len doesn't seem interested either. I had thought when we saw the scene with the Shibari art in the sex club when he was with Z we will see it play with Alby, I could hardly wait. Yet, there was no chemistry between them and that just felt like a wasted moment.
Besides the lack of sex I enjoyed the book, I want to see Len get his powers. I am not as interested in the sexual aspect of their non-relationship anymore because I doubt I will be able to believe whatever manufactured chemistry the author springs up in the next book.
I didn't care for the backstory from the other books so I glanced through every mention. Yet this book didn't really stay focused on the main characters, a lot of cameo appearances and not enough of the two MCs together, they were only together when they had to smoke weed, that was it. Every other interaction had someone else in it. There was a little disclaimer that this book was a "slow burn" romance, I am here to tell you that there is absolutely no burn none whatsoever.
There was nary a sizzle nor spark between the characters. Alby doesn't even seem interested in sex, Len doesn't seem interested either. I had thought when we saw the scene with the Shibari art in the sex club when he was with Z we will see it play with Alby, I could hardly wait. Yet, there was no chemistry between them and that just felt like a wasted moment.
Besides the lack of sex I enjoyed the book, I want to see Len get his powers. I am not as interested in the sexual aspect of their non-relationship anymore because I doubt I will be able to believe whatever manufactured chemistry the author springs up in the next book.
July 27, 2021
3.5
First: it's not exactly a stand-alone. Like the blurb is saying this series is a spinoff and that's unfortunate for the world building or let's say for the world understanding because the building part was already done in the original series and the author only provides the necessary details. The same can be said for the history of the characters which is a pity because I believe I could really have enjoyed seeing that world being build where earth is ruled behind the curtains by the fae due to a treaty with demons after they won the war. I really was tempted to stop reading and start with the original series – until I recognized that that one is M/F, so I pushed through that slight disappointment.
The story started like I hoped and expected: a bit of wit, some banter and definitely e2l. Seemed to be a light and easy read, nothing special but the right book while waiting for my 2nd vaccination … it's just that suddenly my mood wasn't anymore for easy and predictable. So together with my discomfort due to the missed world building I nearly dnf'ed the book. I'm glad I didn't because not only my mood but also the book changed and now the author showed the depth of the main characters, their tentative, prickly connection; she outlined the supporting characters with enough details so they showed as an interesting mystery and not a reminder that their history was told in previous books.
So while I still lamented the missed world building the story itself was unexpectedly right up my alley at that time. It even didn't matter that the promised slow-burn was not only glacial but seemed to be fairly impossible. So don't expect any sex in this book; in fact, don't expect any relationship, blooming or otherwise. Len and Albigard have a lot to overcome first and the author gladly didn't go the easy way. She takes her characters seriously and gives them as much time as they need – and in the meantime the reader gets distracted by the threat of a feral Wild Hunt which in this world is not exactly a hunt but an amorphous personification of a soul sucking boogieman right out of fairy nightmare.
First: it's not exactly a stand-alone. Like the blurb is saying this series is a spinoff and that's unfortunate for the world building or let's say for the world understanding because the building part was already done in the original series and the author only provides the necessary details. The same can be said for the history of the characters which is a pity because I believe I could really have enjoyed seeing that world being build where earth is ruled behind the curtains by the fae due to a treaty with demons after they won the war. I really was tempted to stop reading and start with the original series – until I recognized that that one is M/F, so I pushed through that slight disappointment.
The story started like I hoped and expected: a bit of wit, some banter and definitely e2l. Seemed to be a light and easy read, nothing special but the right book while waiting for my 2nd vaccination … it's just that suddenly my mood wasn't anymore for easy and predictable. So together with my discomfort due to the missed world building I nearly dnf'ed the book. I'm glad I didn't because not only my mood but also the book changed and now the author showed the depth of the main characters, their tentative, prickly connection; she outlined the supporting characters with enough details so they showed as an interesting mystery and not a reminder that their history was told in previous books.
So while I still lamented the missed world building the story itself was unexpectedly right up my alley at that time. It even didn't matter that the promised slow-burn was not only glacial but seemed to be fairly impossible. So don't expect any sex in this book; in fact, don't expect any relationship, blooming or otherwise. Len and Albigard have a lot to overcome first and the author gladly didn't go the easy way. She takes her characters seriously and gives them as much time as they need – and in the meantime the reader gets distracted by the threat of a feral Wild Hunt which in this world is not exactly a hunt but an amorphous personification of a soul sucking boogieman right out of fairy nightmare.
February 28, 2021
Albigard is a grumpy delight, and I can't wait to see him emerge from his prim and proper shell. Lots of old favourites from the original series reunite here. Shenanigans and fun ensue.
***
Well, hello my pretty. Why did I not know about this before?! Albigard has his own book?! AND IT'S MM?! Mybody bookshelf is ready!
***
Well, hello my pretty. Why did I not know about this before?! Albigard has his own book?! AND IT'S MM?! My
Read
February 27, 2021Work on
Forsaken Fae: Book One
starts TODAY! With the first draft of
Vampire Bound: Book Four
off to the editor for the next couple of weeks, I'll be getting a jump on the manuscript for the first installment of Len and Albigard's story. I can't wait to share it with you! In fact… here, have a snippet. :D
* * *
Poor Len. Poor, poor Len…
“You. Shut it,” Zorah said, pointing at Rans. Then she looked up at Len. “Look. I know you had an… unfortunate first meeting with Albigard, but he’s helped us over and over against his own people, even if he does act like a bit of a dick about it most of the time. He’s a good friend, and right now he’s got a giant target painted on his back.”
Rans made a face like he’d tasted something sour. “Friend. You keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means.”
Len stared at him. “Oh, my god. Why am I not remotely surprised that you two communicate via the medium of Princess Bride quotes?”
Zorah shot him an unimpressed look. “We don’t. Normally, we communicate via the medium of angry, furniture-breaking sex.”
“Hey, now. It’s a good movie,” Rans protested. “She’s right about the furniture-breaking sex, though. I suppose that’s one of the unavoidable effects of turning a part-bred succubus into a vampire. Not that I’m complaining, of course.”
Len tried manfully not to blush, having had some firsthand experience of Zorah’s complicated family situation and its consequences. Not many people could claim that they’d once escorted a hybrid sex demon to a BDSM club, then tied her up in shibari so she could feed from the sexual energy of the crowd perving on her.
It wasn’t really the kind of thing you put on your resumé.
Zorah cleared her throat. “Anyway.” Whether her dusky skin hid her embarrassment, or whether she simply wasn’t bothered by the casual discussion of her sex life, Len couldn’t have said. Whatever the case, she dragged the conversation back on track, looking pointedly at Rans. “He’s my friend, which is a simpler word to use than trying to describe whatever vaguely homoerotic on-again, off-again frenemies thing you’ve had going on with him for the last few centuries.”
Rans stared at her like she’d grown a second head. “I do not have homoerotic subtext with Tinkerbell. Take that back this instant.”
Len squeezed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.
* * *
Poor Len. Poor, poor Len…
January 25, 2021
The first instalment in the latest Last Vampire spin-off series has... teeth
If you like me have been waiting anxiously for this book ever since the Vampire Bound series first started, you won't be disappointed. This is classic R. A. Steffan at its best: punchy dialogue, excellent group dynamics and exposition that manages to feel organic despite having a ton of ground to cover. Len, predictably, is an amazing character to build a series around — as is Albigard. The ...thing between them (not quite sexual tension but budding attraction for sure) is indeed a very slow burn but it would have felt weird if it wasn't given how these two characters started off and everything else that's happening.
Without giving too much away, I will say this:
a) the revelation about Len and what's unique about him is BRILLIANT
b) that cliffhanger was totally unexpected and brutal and I can see people freaking out but I know (hope?) it will probably be fixed SOMEHOW in the next books. Right? RIGHT?
Anyway, go get this book. And then join me in waiting for the next instalment.
If you like me have been waiting anxiously for this book ever since the Vampire Bound series first started, you won't be disappointed. This is classic R. A. Steffan at its best: punchy dialogue, excellent group dynamics and exposition that manages to feel organic despite having a ton of ground to cover. Len, predictably, is an amazing character to build a series around — as is Albigard. The ...thing between them (not quite sexual tension but budding attraction for sure) is indeed a very slow burn but it would have felt weird if it wasn't given how these two characters started off and everything else that's happening.
Without giving too much away, I will say this:
a) the revelation about Len and what's unique about him is BRILLIANT
b) that cliffhanger was totally unexpected and brutal and I can see people freaking out but I know (hope?) it will probably be fixed SOMEHOW in the next books. Right? RIGHT?
Anyway, go get this book. And then join me in waiting for the next instalment.
January 27, 2021
The book is very intriguing, and I like the writers style. BUT this is definitely not the first book in a continuing series. The entire book felt like a fuller for the author's other books. The author completely forgot about the main characters. I didn't want to read about the others, I wanted to read about Len and Albigard, but there was hardly anything about them in this story. They hardly even start a friendship, much less a relationship. The author should have just chosen to finish her story through the perspective of who she clearly wanted to write about Zorah and Rans. There is more in about them, then Len and Albigard. Don't know if this is the authors first introduction into LGBTQ+ characters or something but this book felt incredibly disconnected from the main characters, much less any sort of gay lead. I really wanted to like this, and I will continue reading the story In hopes that the main characters actually gets to play a part in their own part in the story.
February 20, 2021
Wow... I absolutely loved and lived this book!!!! The worldbuilding and characters are truly exceptional. The author exquisitely wove tension and emotion together in such a wonderful way that I laughed, experienced fear and cried. I truly cared for these people as if they were real. I have already preordered books 2 & 3 and can't wait to see what happens next. It is also fun reading a book where on of the the two MCs shares my name!
September 14, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this UF story about a guy who gets dragged in to helping his vampire friends a(nd a Fae he dislikes) in trying to save the world from the Fae hunt who keeps breaking through the realms. Looks like it's going to be a slow burn, enemies to lovers story
One thing to note is that this is labeled book #1 in a series but this is a branch off of another series. I didn't realize that (as it's not mentioned in the blurb) and I spent the first two chapters feeling like I'd been dropped in to the middle of a story (which I kind of was). I went back and looked at the other series which was six other books and decided I understood what was going on well enough to not have to go back and read all those book. Your mileage may vary on that though. I've seen some other reviewers not happy about it. I felt like previous events were explained well enough that I could follow along.
Off to read book two. (It's all on Kindle Unlimited)
I enjoyed this UF story about a guy who gets dragged in to helping his vampire friends a(nd a Fae he dislikes) in trying to save the world from the Fae hunt who keeps breaking through the realms. Looks like it's going to be a slow burn, enemies to lovers story
One thing to note is that this is labeled book #1 in a series but this is a branch off of another series. I didn't realize that (as it's not mentioned in the blurb) and I spent the first two chapters feeling like I'd been dropped in to the middle of a story (which I kind of was). I went back and looked at the other series which was six other books and decided I understood what was going on well enough to not have to go back and read all those book. Your mileage may vary on that though. I've seen some other reviewers not happy about it. I felt like previous events were explained well enough that I could follow along.
Off to read book two. (It's all on Kindle Unlimited)
February 15, 2021
Slow burn doesn't do this book justice...
More like super slow, has the story even started, why isn't this just a novella because I'm over 50% complete and NOTHING has happened.
The threat didn't seem real and I feel like the end was a cheap way to keep us reading. I feel no connection to any of the characters and the only way I will continue reading this series is if the next book actually captures me from the start. I found my curiosity of what could be kept me reading...
SUPER SUPER SLOW! Could have been 100 pages less and the same shit would have happened - especially since there was just a constant repeating of what was already said.
More like super slow, has the story even started, why isn't this just a novella because I'm over 50% complete and NOTHING has happened.
The threat didn't seem real and I feel like the end was a cheap way to keep us reading. I feel no connection to any of the characters and the only way I will continue reading this series is if the next book actually captures me from the start. I found my curiosity of what could be kept me reading...
SUPER SUPER SLOW! Could have been 100 pages less and the same shit would have happened - especially since there was just a constant repeating of what was already said.
February 1, 2021
A slow moving story that moves somewhat in slow motion. If you're looking for a whirlwind romance, don't. The characters have history and are not really friends here.
Though this is a continuation of two previous series, you don't need to have read those series to understand what's going on in this book, unless you find yourself interested in so doing. I wasn't all that enthralled by the author's writing though, I might pick up the next book which is out in March, but probably not.
Though this is a continuation of two previous series, you don't need to have read those series to understand what's going on in this book, unless you find yourself interested in so doing. I wasn't all that enthralled by the author's writing though, I might pick up the next book which is out in March, but probably not.
November 15, 2021
Forsaken Fae is set in the same world as R.A. Steffan's other series, so most of the characters have pre-existing history. Thankfully, we are not thrown in at the deep end and world is explained well enough. I did not want to go back and read the orther series.
We follow Len, a human in a world of vampires, demons, and fae. The love interest (at least I assume as there's very little to no romance in this first book, all set-up) is Albigard, the titular forsaken fae. They, along with some other supernatural peeps, have to stop the Wild Hunt from destroying humanity. It's a simple enough plot, but the political intrigue between species keep things interesting.
Got all three audiobooks bundled in one so I'm gonna be ninging this series.
We follow Len, a human in a world of vampires, demons, and fae. The love interest (at least I assume as there's very little to no romance in this first book, all set-up) is Albigard, the titular forsaken fae. They, along with some other supernatural peeps, have to stop the Wild Hunt from destroying humanity. It's a simple enough plot, but the political intrigue between species keep things interesting.
Got all three audiobooks bundled in one so I'm gonna be ninging this series.
March 12, 2021
This was okay. It was difficult for me to get absorbed into the world for some reason. Maybe it was the genre..while I'm used to reading fantasy, it's typically not urban fantasy.
The cover of the book is beautiful. Slow burn romance..
I most likely won't be picking up the second book to read. Although I am wondering what happens next in terms of the romance. I'm quite interested in the Fae and their world. We'll see I guess!
The cover of the book is beautiful. Slow burn romance..
I most likely won't be picking up the second book to read. Although I am wondering what happens next in terms of the romance. I'm quite interested in the Fae and their world. We'll see I guess!
January 8, 2024
“All is not well right now,” Albigard said heavily. “But I am still with you. You...” He paused. “We... are not totally alone in the darkness. Not yet.”
I struggled between three and four stars for this - mainly because there was no romance. No romance, no heat at all. That being said, despite this being a clear annoyance for me, I not only finished it, but actually want to read the next one. So four stars it is! Albigard for the win.
March 12, 2021
Can’t wait for more
I really enjoyed this book so much so I had to buy the audio so I wouldn’t have to wait till I got home to finish I’d , I’m curious to see how tinkerbell and Lens story plays out !
I really enjoyed this book so much so I had to buy the audio so I wouldn’t have to wait till I got home to finish I’d , I’m curious to see how tinkerbell and Lens story plays out !
June 8, 2021
Do you want to know what my BIGGEST reading pet peeve is? I’ve mentioned it before. It’s when a book is labeled as book one, so I pick it up to read it, and then discover that that is a lie. Maybe there’s a prequel, more often the book turns out to be a spin-off of another series that doesn’t really stand alone. This pisses me off so bad! And that’s exactly what I encountered here, with Forsaken Fae.
It very clearly is labeled as book one (on Audible, Hoopla, Amazon and Goodreads…pretty much everywhere). As far as I’m concerned, that should make it safe to pick up and read. But within two chapters of starting the book I put it down and went hunting, already suspecting “book one” was a lie. There was no evidence of intended world building, character growth, or even introduction. The book did not read like a first book. What I discovered was this:
Does that make it a spin-off of a spin-off or just a second spin-off of a larger series? Either way what it 100% does not make it is something that can be picked up and read alone as a first book in a series. I am stating this right now. This cannot be read and enjoyed without reading previous books! The Last Vampire appears to be 6 books and a prequel and Vampire Bound 4 books. That’s a potential 11 books that need to be read before this.But even if you don’t need to read all the series, at least you need to find the ones that precede the events of this book. It is nothing more than authorial conceit to label this book as book one of anything and infer that readers could start here.
Further, the book ends on a cliffhanger with nothing concluded. So, it can’t be read and enjoyed without the books following it either. I’m seriously pissed off at the waste of my time. The only reason I chose to finish it is that it was set in Saint Louis, where I live, so I’d hoped to see my city well represented. It’s nothing but a name though, you don’t feel the setting at all.
The writing is fine. I thought I might have liked the characters if I’d been given a chance to get to know them (which I wasn’t), and the narrator did an OK job. I hated his voicing of the cat sidhe, but all else was passable. I might have a wholly different review to write if I’d come to this series without being tricked into picking it up in the middle. But that’s not what happened. So I have no desire to read more of this author’s work. I feel pretty burned.
It very clearly is labeled as book one (on Audible, Hoopla, Amazon and Goodreads…pretty much everywhere). As far as I’m concerned, that should make it safe to pick up and read. But within two chapters of starting the book I put it down and went hunting, already suspecting “book one” was a lie. There was no evidence of intended world building, character growth, or even introduction. The book did not read like a first book. What I discovered was this:
Forsaken Fae is a slow-burn M/M urban fantasy trilogy. It’s set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and its other spinoff, Vampire Bound.
Does that make it a spin-off of a spin-off or just a second spin-off of a larger series? Either way what it 100% does not make it is something that can be picked up and read alone as a first book in a series. I am stating this right now. This cannot be read and enjoyed without reading previous books! The Last Vampire appears to be 6 books and a prequel and Vampire Bound 4 books. That’s a potential 11 books that need to be read before this.But even if you don’t need to read all the series, at least you need to find the ones that precede the events of this book. It is nothing more than authorial conceit to label this book as book one of anything and infer that readers could start here.
Further, the book ends on a cliffhanger with nothing concluded. So, it can’t be read and enjoyed without the books following it either. I’m seriously pissed off at the waste of my time. The only reason I chose to finish it is that it was set in Saint Louis, where I live, so I’d hoped to see my city well represented. It’s nothing but a name though, you don’t feel the setting at all.
The writing is fine. I thought I might have liked the characters if I’d been given a chance to get to know them (which I wasn’t), and the narrator did an OK job. I hated his voicing of the cat sidhe, but all else was passable. I might have a wholly different review to write if I’d come to this series without being tricked into picking it up in the middle. But that’s not what happened. So I have no desire to read more of this author’s work. I feel pretty burned.
January 18, 2021
This is the start of the third series set in the same universe with The Last Vampire and Vampire Bound. The storyline is continuous so that events of the previous series set up this one. You might be able to start here, but I wouldn't recommend it. To get the full feeling of the universe, I'd go back to the beginning. The author is very good about having omnibus editions of ebooks and audiobooks so it won't cost you an arm and a leg for a long series. (Maybe a pint since vampires, but I jest!)
Anyhow, I am quite impressed with Steffan's creativity in crafting a world with vampires, demons, and fae. She takes things we know and makes her version plausible and new.
I enjoyed most getting to know Len, who had been a character from the first book. A stand-up guy, one of the few on Zorah's side. This time, we learn about his backstory and the things that haunt him. His love interest is Albigard, who is both fae royalty and on his dad's sh*t list.
The story is a slow burn romance, and take that to heart. Steffan is not shy of writing scorching love scenes, but she's got her work cut out for her to bring Len and Albigard together. The two do have charm together and have the makings for a great couple.
There is a Major Event that happens toward the end of this book. I won't spoiler it, but it will be enough that you want to curse the author and wait impatiently for the next installment of the story. I can tell you after being a faithful reader for years that Steffan is not the kind of author who will write a huge cliffhanger and then bungle the resolution. I don't know how she'll fix it, but I'm confident she will.
I tend to listen to Steffan's stories by audiobook more than reading ebooks. She's using a new narrator with this MM story. In general, I'm a fan of Nick Hudson's work. He does really well here, though a few voices don't sit quite right for me because I'm used to the 10 previous books with Gwendolyn Druyor's narration. This may not bother other listeners, and I'll still enjoy the story when the next installment comes.
Final Word: Great urban fantasy world with a well-executed premise. Fast paced. Recommended.
Anyhow, I am quite impressed with Steffan's creativity in crafting a world with vampires, demons, and fae. She takes things we know and makes her version plausible and new.
I enjoyed most getting to know Len, who had been a character from the first book. A stand-up guy, one of the few on Zorah's side. This time, we learn about his backstory and the things that haunt him. His love interest is Albigard, who is both fae royalty and on his dad's sh*t list.
The story is a slow burn romance, and take that to heart. Steffan is not shy of writing scorching love scenes, but she's got her work cut out for her to bring Len and Albigard together. The two do have charm together and have the makings for a great couple.
There is a Major Event that happens toward the end of this book. I won't spoiler it, but it will be enough that you want to curse the author and wait impatiently for the next installment of the story. I can tell you after being a faithful reader for years that Steffan is not the kind of author who will write a huge cliffhanger and then bungle the resolution. I don't know how she'll fix it, but I'm confident she will.
I tend to listen to Steffan's stories by audiobook more than reading ebooks. She's using a new narrator with this MM story. In general, I'm a fan of Nick Hudson's work. He does really well here, though a few voices don't sit quite right for me because I'm used to the 10 previous books with Gwendolyn Druyor's narration. This may not bother other listeners, and I'll still enjoy the story when the next installment comes.
Final Word: Great urban fantasy world with a well-executed premise. Fast paced. Recommended.
March 27, 2021
A necromancer, who doesn't realize he is one teams up with 2 vamps, a demon, a fae and a cat sidhu to stop The Hunt coming from the Far Realm and killing Earth's inhabitants.
A good story but no romance for our MCs, although he will be back again in book 2 with the fae from this book, perhaps something will happen.
I also love how authors write about cat familiars etc, just superb.
February 3, 2021
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Mmmm... This was enjoyable because of the world building (I will probably try reading the other related books), but completely disappointed in everything else.
Yes, it's a first book and so I will read the next one when it comes around... But it expect for it to be much better, because if not...
The issue is that not much happens. And it was still entertaining for me as I haven't read the previous books and every bit of information was new to me... But what would have happened if I had already read every one of them? Well, in short, in this first book nothing much happens, and that's a fact.
And the same happens in regards of the romantic plot. It's non-existent. Yeah, I get it: slow burn. But here's not slow and not burning either. Nothing. Nada.
I would have enjoyed it a little bit more if had gotten at least a little glimpse in the approaching I guess will happen during book two.
The world building, as I said, is pretty good. There are many races and things are pretty well defined (understanding as this is the this series in this universe lol), Len's things with ghost and death looks promising and the ending leaves you hanging and craving for more. What's going to happen?
I can undoubtedly say the best part is the ending, when the whole troupe goes to St. Louis to stop the end of the world and things... Get complicated.
Fingers crossed for things to improve in book two!
Mmmm... This was enjoyable because of the world building (I will probably try reading the other related books), but completely disappointed in everything else.
Yes, it's a first book and so I will read the next one when it comes around... But it expect for it to be much better, because if not...
The issue is that not much happens. And it was still entertaining for me as I haven't read the previous books and every bit of information was new to me... But what would have happened if I had already read every one of them? Well, in short, in this first book nothing much happens, and that's a fact.
And the same happens in regards of the romantic plot. It's non-existent. Yeah, I get it: slow burn. But here's not slow and not burning either. Nothing. Nada.
I would have enjoyed it a little bit more if had gotten at least a little glimpse in the approaching I guess will happen during book two.
The world building, as I said, is pretty good. There are many races and things are pretty well defined (understanding as this is the this series in this universe lol), Len's things with ghost and death looks promising and the ending leaves you hanging and craving for more. What's going to happen?
I can undoubtedly say the best part is the ending, when the whole troupe goes to St. Louis to stop the end of the world and things... Get complicated.
Fingers crossed for things to improve in book two!
Read
January 29, 2021Does not read like a first book in a series.
It feels like one's thrown into a story and expected to figure it out.
Sadly I never got into the book or connected with the characters.
Baffled to be honest. I can't even pin down what didn't work for me.
Therefore no rating from me.
It feels like one's thrown into a story and expected to figure it out.
Sadly I never got into the book or connected with the characters.
Baffled to be honest. I can't even pin down what didn't work for me.
Therefore no rating from me.
March 18, 2021
Received as a giveaway.
A hodgepodge band of misfits and monsters group together to save the world in the first installment of the Forsaken Fae trilogy. Steffan (author) introduces us to the universe in a smooth and comprehensive manner. You get all the information you need, but don’t end up feeling bogged down with the politics and physics. You are also introduced to the characters in a similar fashion. They feel real, like people you may know. Their thoughts, movements, and dialogue fit neatly in the roles.
Also, I must chime in, I adore the diversity in this book! LGBTQ+ characters and even taking the time to note someone’s pronouns was *chefs kiss* delicious. As we all know, this is, unfortunately, rare in the world of magic. It makes me smile to see this kind of diversity represented here. There is also a significant amount of light shed on mental health. I easily believed what the character described feeling and felt Steffan did a good job not stigmatizing or stereotyping someone with mental health concerns.
The plotline seems fairly straightforward, but there are some exciting twists and turns along the way. I wouldn’t say it kept me guessing, but it is also the first book in the series and was setting us up for what’s to come. Though, I believe it would be a fun read even if you don’t intend on continuing with the trilogy. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but not enough to be frustrating.
While this is “set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and Vampire Bound,” (back of the book) it was absolutely brilliant as a standalone read. I have not read either of the aforementioned series, but I will definitely be finishing the Forsaken Fae trilogy! It was a quick read for me, took about 4 days, as I found it so fascinating it was hard to tear myself away.
A hodgepodge band of misfits and monsters group together to save the world in the first installment of the Forsaken Fae trilogy. Steffan (author) introduces us to the universe in a smooth and comprehensive manner. You get all the information you need, but don’t end up feeling bogged down with the politics and physics. You are also introduced to the characters in a similar fashion. They feel real, like people you may know. Their thoughts, movements, and dialogue fit neatly in the roles.
Also, I must chime in, I adore the diversity in this book! LGBTQ+ characters and even taking the time to note someone’s pronouns was *chefs kiss* delicious. As we all know, this is, unfortunately, rare in the world of magic. It makes me smile to see this kind of diversity represented here. There is also a significant amount of light shed on mental health. I easily believed what the character described feeling and felt Steffan did a good job not stigmatizing or stereotyping someone with mental health concerns.
The plotline seems fairly straightforward, but there are some exciting twists and turns along the way. I wouldn’t say it kept me guessing, but it is also the first book in the series and was setting us up for what’s to come. Though, I believe it would be a fun read even if you don’t intend on continuing with the trilogy. There’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but not enough to be frustrating.
While this is “set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and Vampire Bound,” (back of the book) it was absolutely brilliant as a standalone read. I have not read either of the aforementioned series, but I will definitely be finishing the Forsaken Fae trilogy! It was a quick read for me, took about 4 days, as I found it so fascinating it was hard to tear myself away.
August 10, 2021
Book just seems too busy and jumbled. And I don’t know why, but 3-rd person narrative is throwing me off all the time. It is not usually a problem.
Action finally picked up the last 10% of the book, but I wish it was not sagging so much in the middle, forcing one to power through no matter what, instead of gleefully following the plot line to the final crescendo. Also, cliffhanger would have pissed me off (I really hate those) but luckily books 2 and 3 are already out, so I don’t care much. I hope the pace will be faster though, I don’t think I can muddle through another drag.
Action finally picked up the last 10% of the book, but I wish it was not sagging so much in the middle, forcing one to power through no matter what, instead of gleefully following the plot line to the final crescendo. Also, cliffhanger would have pissed me off (I really hate those) but luckily books 2 and 3 are already out, so I don’t care much. I hope the pace will be faster though, I don’t think I can muddle through another drag.
February 23, 2021
Having devoured the two earlier series, The Last Vampire and Vampire Bound I eagerly awaited this book to say it was worth the wait is an understatement! All the main characters feel like old friends or at least acquaintances.
But this book is mostly about Len and Albigard two males, one human and one fae, who have disliked each other from their first meeting but who have their friendship with Rans and Zorah (The Last Vampire) in common. But in this book the dynamics of their relationship changes, they find they have more in common than they would imagine, but will it ever be more than a grudging friendship brought on by proximity?
Writing a review about this book is hard, why you might ask? Well, firstly I'm still reeling from the shock of some of the developments within this book. Secondly, I can't even hint at what they are without giving too much away. What I can say is that we learn something about Len which reveals him to be more than just Zorha's gay friend.
There's a huge cliffhanger, one which was totally unexpected, and even though I've gotten used to the cliffhangers R A Steffan always leaves us on, this one was so much more shocking - something happened in this story which looks to be irreversible but I sincerely hope it isn't! Please say it isn't. You'll feel the same I guarantee it when you read or listen to this incredible opening instalment. As always the descriptive writing, the world-building and the character development are excellent and could not be improved upon. I love the way the characters we thought we knew are changing before our eyes or in my case ears!
The narration of this book by Nick Hudson is excellent, he has done an incredible job of taking on characters previously interpreted so well by Gwendolyn Druyor who narrated the earlier series. That said he brings an added depth to both Len and Albigard, in particular, which I don't think could be bettered.
The next instalment isn't released until the end of April - I can hardly wait!
But this book is mostly about Len and Albigard two males, one human and one fae, who have disliked each other from their first meeting but who have their friendship with Rans and Zorah (The Last Vampire) in common. But in this book the dynamics of their relationship changes, they find they have more in common than they would imagine, but will it ever be more than a grudging friendship brought on by proximity?
Writing a review about this book is hard, why you might ask? Well, firstly I'm still reeling from the shock of some of the developments within this book. Secondly, I can't even hint at what they are without giving too much away. What I can say is that we learn something about Len which reveals him to be more than just Zorha's gay friend.
There's a huge cliffhanger, one which was totally unexpected, and even though I've gotten used to the cliffhangers R A Steffan always leaves us on, this one was so much more shocking - something happened in this story which looks to be irreversible but I sincerely hope it isn't! Please say it isn't. You'll feel the same I guarantee it when you read or listen to this incredible opening instalment. As always the descriptive writing, the world-building and the character development are excellent and could not be improved upon. I love the way the characters we thought we knew are changing before our eyes or in my case ears!
The narration of this book by Nick Hudson is excellent, he has done an incredible job of taking on characters previously interpreted so well by Gwendolyn Druyor who narrated the earlier series. That said he brings an added depth to both Len and Albigard, in particular, which I don't think could be bettered.
The next instalment isn't released until the end of April - I can hardly wait!
Read
March 7, 2021DNF at 2%. Well, that's a first.
February 12, 2021
Wow!
This is an EPIC book! Fae, demons, vampires and humans all together! Not necessarily getting along, but working together. I was impressed with the amount of background and loved the modern setting! This is a very slow burn book, so be prepared. However the writing style is wonderful. Highly recommended
This is an EPIC book! Fae, demons, vampires and humans all together! Not necessarily getting along, but working together. I was impressed with the amount of background and loved the modern setting! This is a very slow burn book, so be prepared. However the writing style is wonderful. Highly recommended
January 30, 2021
Long ago, Albigard became my favorite feisty faery. This book is part of the Last Vampire Series by the same author but could be read as a standalone as well, if you don’t want to read a fairly long series before getting to this one. I actually read this after the Last Vampire series but before the Vampire Bound series which takes place right before this story started. I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything by reading it in that order, but now that I know Albigard played an important role in the Vampire Bound series, I will go back and read that as I anxiously await the next book in the Forsaken Fae series. I think anyone who read the Vampire Bound and the Last Vampire series will like this book even if MM is not normally your genre. For me, I was so happy to get a book about Albigard, that I was just a little disappointed that it wasn’t longer and that it really didn’t get into the romance part at all. At the same time, after reading the Last Vampire series, it was kind of refreshing to not have everyone jumping into bed after only a few pages. So when the author said slow burn, she meant slow burn. But if anything, I am now even more invested in Albigard and Len than I have been in the other characters because of this. I can’t wait to see how she finally brings these two together and what will finally defrost our favorite frosty fae.
March 15, 2021
5 stars
Spinoff of The Last Vampire and Vampire bound, this is a fantastic book. Love the characters, action, meany fae and a slow burn m/m. Very good, highly recommended.
Spinoff of The Last Vampire and Vampire bound, this is a fantastic book. Love the characters, action, meany fae and a slow burn m/m. Very good, highly recommended.
February 1, 2021
OMG, what a cliffhanger, was not expecting that, but I have faith all will be well, and I'm looking forward to albigard and Len's relationship growing, can't wait for the next installment, already pre ordered
January 27, 2021
Complicated just got more complicated.
I've been waiting excitedly for this book and it didn't disappoint. What is going on with Len. Albigard is a very complicated being and greatly misunderstood. But what the hell is happening to Zorah and Rans. Next book better be soon.
I've been waiting excitedly for this book and it didn't disappoint. What is going on with Len. Albigard is a very complicated being and greatly misunderstood. But what the hell is happening to Zorah and Rans. Next book better be soon.
January 27, 2021
I just finished. I'm so emotional I don't know what to do I don't want to spoil anything but are you kidding me my heart hurts
January 27, 2021
What a mess!
I can't tell you how much of a cliff hanger this is, I can't wait for the next book! I recommend this book to anyone who loves the previous books.
I can't tell you how much of a cliff hanger this is, I can't wait for the next book! I recommend this book to anyone who loves the previous books.
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