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Of Dragons and Fae: Is a Fairy Tale Ending Possible for the Princess’s Hairstylist?
“At last, I’ve found you, my Bondmate.” As Flowerfolk, I never dreamed of having a fairy tale romance, but I also didn’t expect to be dumped three days after being confessed to by a dragon knight! Spurned and angry, I decided to devote my life to my work as the human princess’s hairstylist, only to find out that the princess was going off to dragon country to marry the Dragonkin prince and taking me with her. Now I have to serve in the same castle as that jerk who dumped me! The princess can have the fairy tale ending, I’m done with romance.
171 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2020
60 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 27, 2022
Mayna is the personal hairstylist to Patricia, the princess of Myulan. During a diplomatic visit from prince Dario of Vaxwald, the dragon kingdom, his guard Ray declares Mayna his bondmate, then suddenly rescinds a few days later. Infuriated by this inconsistent would-be lover, Mayna decides to dedicate herself to her work. Wouldn't you know it, Patricia is soon betrothed to Dario, and Mayna is called on to continue her hairstyling duties in Vaxwald. Not two seconds after she arrives, she comes across Ray again.
Patricia's three attendants, the fiancé of one of them, and an apprentice hairstylist, round out the rather small cast. The worldbuilding is lightly handled--it's the usual crypto-medieval-Europe with a little too much easy living and access to resources to feel entirely convincing as such, with a small handful of fantasy races and a bit of magic.
This rather short, self-contained book is one I could point to as a pure shoujo light novel. Career, love, and slight peril all have a part to play as Mayna goes through her days appreciating the beauty of hair, choosing the best hair accessories, etc. Her passion is infectious, affecting all around her. The overall feeling of the story is "fluff." This isn't a bad thing at all! These are people who live comfortable, happy lives, with only the very tiniest amount of friction to disturb them now and then.
My main issue with it is that the parts of it that actually had a plot were pat and easy to predict. Because the cast was so tiny, the perpetrator of the Bad Stuff was all too easy to figure out--they were the only outsider besides Mayna, and continually acted suspiciously to boot--and the climax was Mayna's capture by the baddie, said baddie explaining all their plans to her, then Ray swooping in to save her, ho-hum.
Ray's initial reason for ghosting Mayna was kind of silly and more-than-slightly paternalistic. But since Mayna's career was left intact after they got together, and there were even hints that she'd be expanding her horizons beyond just being one person's stylist, it's all good. The career aspects of the story remind me somewhat of V.B. Rose or I Hate You More Than Anyone, without the romantic partner being older and more established in the same profession. (If this were a Banri Hidaka manga, you'd be a shoo-in, Kirion. Sorry, bud.)
Of Dragons and Fae has an afterword by the author where she talks about her inspirations for her hairstylist heroine. It was a charming way to finish out the book.
This was was my first Cross Infinite World title, and the first "career girl" shoujo light novel I've read. The small stakes and focus on the heroine-as-hairstylist made it relaxing and fun to read, and I look forward to tracking down more light novels in a similar vein.
Patricia's three attendants, the fiancé of one of them, and an apprentice hairstylist, round out the rather small cast. The worldbuilding is lightly handled--it's the usual crypto-medieval-Europe with a little too much easy living and access to resources to feel entirely convincing as such, with a small handful of fantasy races and a bit of magic.
This rather short, self-contained book is one I could point to as a pure shoujo light novel. Career, love, and slight peril all have a part to play as Mayna goes through her days appreciating the beauty of hair, choosing the best hair accessories, etc. Her passion is infectious, affecting all around her. The overall feeling of the story is "fluff." This isn't a bad thing at all! These are people who live comfortable, happy lives, with only the very tiniest amount of friction to disturb them now and then.
My main issue with it is that the parts of it that actually had a plot were pat and easy to predict. Because the cast was so tiny, the perpetrator of the Bad Stuff was all too easy to figure out--they were the only outsider besides Mayna, and continually acted suspiciously to boot--and the climax was Mayna's capture by the baddie, said baddie explaining all their plans to her, then Ray swooping in to save her, ho-hum.
Ray's initial reason for ghosting Mayna was kind of silly and more-than-slightly paternalistic. But since Mayna's career was left intact after they got together, and there were even hints that she'd be expanding her horizons beyond just being one person's stylist, it's all good. The career aspects of the story remind me somewhat of V.B. Rose or I Hate You More Than Anyone, without the romantic partner being older and more established in the same profession. (If this were a Banri Hidaka manga, you'd be a shoo-in, Kirion. Sorry, bud.)
Of Dragons and Fae has an afterword by the author where she talks about her inspirations for her hairstylist heroine. It was a charming way to finish out the book.
This was was my first Cross Infinite World title, and the first "career girl" shoujo light novel I've read. The small stakes and focus on the heroine-as-hairstylist made it relaxing and fun to read, and I look forward to tracking down more light novels in a similar vein.
April 14, 2020
Mayna is my new favorite heroine - she takes no crap from anyone.
January 5, 2020
Plot - 4
Character - 4
Writing Style - 4
World Building - 5
Art - 4
Cover - 5
Rating - 4.3 🌟/ 5 🌟
Character - 4
Writing Style - 4
World Building - 5
Art - 4
Cover - 5
Rating - 4.3 🌟/ 5 🌟
August 20, 2021
With a workaholic like this...
This was a cute, mostly light hearted story about a girl VERY passionate about her job as a hair stylist and a knight who...sadly often takes second place to her passion for hair.
There's a bit of strife, that's almost discordant with the story at times. You have Mayna's absolute passion for hairstyling and her fun banter with Ray...and oh yeah this highly shady dude doing very shady stuff and ruining Mayna's hardwork. Or trying to at least.
There's some awkward anachronistic moments (rage quit??) and the reason that Mayna and Ray separated is both hilarious (because come on dude) and vexing (real high level of miscommunication, god tier levels).
A quick read however and I'm always excited to read accomplished, ambitious women!
This was a cute, mostly light hearted story about a girl VERY passionate about her job as a hair stylist and a knight who...sadly often takes second place to her passion for hair.
There's a bit of strife, that's almost discordant with the story at times. You have Mayna's absolute passion for hairstyling and her fun banter with Ray...and oh yeah this highly shady dude doing very shady stuff and ruining Mayna's hardwork. Or trying to at least.
There's some awkward anachronistic moments (rage quit??) and the reason that Mayna and Ray separated is both hilarious (because come on dude) and vexing (real high level of miscommunication, god tier levels).
A quick read however and I'm always excited to read accomplished, ambitious women!
February 13, 2020
I really liked the cover of this one when I saw it at the library. I figured it would be a cute read! There were times I liked what I was reading but that feeling slipped away the farther I got into the book.
One of my complaints with this one was that all the characters felt the same. They were bland and didn’t really do anything for me. I didn’t understand why some characters were doing what they were doing and it just felt like forced or to add drama to the plot.
The romance was also meh and I didn’t understand any of it. It was instant love because of a thing called bondmates and I just wasn’t here for it.
I liked the idea of the hairstylist and hair did play a big role in the book. I also thought the dragonkin were cool as well as the flowerfolk. I did like the concept for the book but it just wasn’t executed well enough for me.
Overall, it was okay. I was expecting more but the writing was very mediocre.
One of my complaints with this one was that all the characters felt the same. They were bland and didn’t really do anything for me. I didn’t understand why some characters were doing what they were doing and it just felt like forced or to add drama to the plot.
The romance was also meh and I didn’t understand any of it. It was instant love because of a thing called bondmates and I just wasn’t here for it.
I liked the idea of the hairstylist and hair did play a big role in the book. I also thought the dragonkin were cool as well as the flowerfolk. I did like the concept for the book but it just wasn’t executed well enough for me.
Overall, it was okay. I was expecting more but the writing was very mediocre.
June 11, 2020
This is a one-shot light novel that’s actually a really light fantasy/romance story about Mayna being Princess Patricia’s hairstylist and is in her point of view. And honestly, it’s really appreciated to take a backseat from the drama of the royals and focus on someone who not only has a good relationship with said royal, but she is involved in the plot.
As for Mayna herself, she’s actually a really fun protagonist. She is quite the workaholic but it doesn’t feel like she’s forcing herself by any means to be passionate; she is passionate. She cares so much for her works and the image of Princess Patricia towards the people of Dragonkin who seem to be easily led by a singular tabloid.
Honestly, I wish there was a bit more conflict or at least more understanding why not just the Dragonkin not like her (besides the fact Princess Patricia is human and no one likes a political marriage) but also why another country would want to sabotage it. It does come up… but near the end of the story. By the time Mayna has an apprentice, it becomes pretty obvious he has some ill intentions behind it all.
But the issue can be blamed on the fact it’s an oneshot. If this story had at least one more volume, it could probably flesh out some of the characters a lot more. It would be easier to get a sense of how the Dragonkin interacted with the world within their own and how Mayna, someone with drops of Flowerfolk blood, would feel aside from getting a heatstroke that one extreme time. The fact it’s a oneshot is both a detriment and a blessing. A blessing because certain aspects weren’t as long as they could’ve been but a detriment because the pacing can get really bad near the end. I really would’ve liked to see more romantic interactions between Ray and Mayna more instead of having to read a very small epilogue and an extra few paragraphs. I wouldn’t call that ending bit a “short story” simply because it’s an “observation log” by one of the side characters.
It’s frustrating because I came for romance. And yes, I do get it but, again, I wish there was more. Ray’s reasons are understandable within the context of the story but again, I wish it was stretched out a bit more. I would love to get to know Ray a bit more other than someone who clearly loves Mayna.
A neat thing about this oneshot is that while it could’ve easily fallen into the trap of over-explaining hairstyles, there was just enough to use my own imagination.
Though, if you’re looking for something simple to read, definitely give this light novel a chance!
As for Mayna herself, she’s actually a really fun protagonist. She is quite the workaholic but it doesn’t feel like she’s forcing herself by any means to be passionate; she is passionate. She cares so much for her works and the image of Princess Patricia towards the people of Dragonkin who seem to be easily led by a singular tabloid.
Honestly, I wish there was a bit more conflict or at least more understanding why not just the Dragonkin not like her (besides the fact Princess Patricia is human and no one likes a political marriage) but also why another country would want to sabotage it. It does come up… but near the end of the story. By the time Mayna has an apprentice, it becomes pretty obvious he has some ill intentions behind it all.
But the issue can be blamed on the fact it’s an oneshot. If this story had at least one more volume, it could probably flesh out some of the characters a lot more. It would be easier to get a sense of how the Dragonkin interacted with the world within their own and how Mayna, someone with drops of Flowerfolk blood, would feel aside from getting a heatstroke that one extreme time. The fact it’s a oneshot is both a detriment and a blessing. A blessing because certain aspects weren’t as long as they could’ve been but a detriment because the pacing can get really bad near the end. I really would’ve liked to see more romantic interactions between Ray and Mayna more instead of having to read a very small epilogue and an extra few paragraphs. I wouldn’t call that ending bit a “short story” simply because it’s an “observation log” by one of the side characters.
It’s frustrating because I came for romance. And yes, I do get it but, again, I wish there was more. Ray’s reasons are understandable within the context of the story but again, I wish it was stretched out a bit more. I would love to get to know Ray a bit more other than someone who clearly loves Mayna.
A neat thing about this oneshot is that while it could’ve easily fallen into the trap of over-explaining hairstyles, there was just enough to use my own imagination.
Though, if you’re looking for something simple to read, definitely give this light novel a chance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
It is a waste of perfect opportunity to not do the illustrations for the hairstyles mentioned in the book.
December 5, 2020
Latest of my light novels. This one is a standalone story that felt very close to the first one I read age wise. The story, and romance especially, was pretty child-like. Not to say it wasn't fun or complicated but the morality wasn't striving to be a discussion in anyway.
The heroine is fun as someone who is deeply passionate about her job. As the first person POV, her voice carries the reader easily through the story. She is called perfect in the book and it's pretty true. She has some flaws, but she finds it easy to be good and kind. If this was a long lasting series, that might get annoying, but as a standalone quick read, I liked it.
The hero is probably my least favorite of the light novels I read so far. He is a good guy who has to break the heroine's heart for reasons but can't help being a mother hen when the plot brings them back together. Like the heroine, the hero is good because he finds it easy to be good, and he is very obviously in love with the heroine in a way that's sweet, but I like more darkness to my heroes.
The biggest issue I'd have with the book is the normal fantasy trope that species = morality. We have an always evil race who is born from demons and are called Shadowkin, so you know, black is bad. Like a lot of generic fantasy, it is very white. The Japanese author appeared to be framing the dragonkin kingdom as possibly Asian, but the love interest hero is blond so you know.
However, I do like how a big thing the heroine thinks and says often is how everyone's hair should be styled just for them. There's a focus on how everyone can be attractive if they're comfortable and given styles that suit them. The princess of the story specifically has thick curly hair that can be a pain to manage but the heroine always praises. But she also equally praises the dragonkin straight and silk like hair, showing all can be beautiful. It's a nice framing/reminder that differences are good, even if the subtext doesn't always bare the message out completely.
That said, this is a very light and quick read that I found very enjoyable.
The heroine is fun as someone who is deeply passionate about her job. As the first person POV, her voice carries the reader easily through the story. She is called perfect in the book and it's pretty true. She has some flaws, but she finds it easy to be good and kind. If this was a long lasting series, that might get annoying, but as a standalone quick read, I liked it.
The hero is probably my least favorite of the light novels I read so far. He is a good guy who has to break the heroine's heart for reasons but can't help being a mother hen when the plot brings them back together. Like the heroine, the hero is good because he finds it easy to be good, and he is very obviously in love with the heroine in a way that's sweet, but I like more darkness to my heroes.
The biggest issue I'd have with the book is the normal fantasy trope that species = morality. We have an always evil race who is born from demons and are called Shadowkin, so you know, black is bad. Like a lot of generic fantasy, it is very white. The Japanese author appeared to be framing the dragonkin kingdom as possibly Asian, but the love interest hero is blond so you know.
However, I do like how a big thing the heroine thinks and says often is how everyone's hair should be styled just for them. There's a focus on how everyone can be attractive if they're comfortable and given styles that suit them. The princess of the story specifically has thick curly hair that can be a pain to manage but the heroine always praises. But she also equally praises the dragonkin straight and silk like hair, showing all can be beautiful. It's a nice framing/reminder that differences are good, even if the subtext doesn't always bare the message out completely.
That said, this is a very light and quick read that I found very enjoyable.
October 19, 2020
The protagonist was a super lot of fun! It was so exciting to see one that didn’t really care about that insta-love stuff. I thought the world was an interesting one (even if they didn’t really explore it all that much). The other characters felt.. good I guess if a little flat. I wish the story was a little longer so we could have fleshed them out a little bit more.
Kind of spoiler-y but I wasn’t for the end game romance. I mean he was cute at the end but that doesn’t make up for his actions earlier in the story. He reminded me of Edward Cullen and it wasn’t cute.
The protagonist was my favorite part of this story. I never knew so much about hair before this so it was a lot of fun hearing her passion for such things. I’m gonna miss this character a lot.
4 Stars - It was fun but definitely could have been improved upon. I wasn’t upset with the time I spent on it though and it kept me engaged all throughout! :)
Kind of spoiler-y but I wasn’t for the end game romance. I mean he was cute at the end but that doesn’t make up for his actions earlier in the story. He reminded me of Edward Cullen and it wasn’t cute.
The protagonist was my favorite part of this story. I never knew so much about hair before this so it was a lot of fun hearing her passion for such things. I’m gonna miss this character a lot.
4 Stars - It was fun but definitely could have been improved upon. I wasn’t upset with the time I spent on it though and it kept me engaged all throughout! :)
January 28, 2023
Refreshing love story
I gotta say, I enjoyed Mayna and Ray's interaction despite it being awful predictable. The love story between them was cute and refreshing and it made me both irritated and all smiley. Irritated when things are obviously an obstacle and smiley when things gone right.
However, the whole plot being predictable takes most of the fun out of me. It doesn't help that the author shove breadcrumbs of what to expect so obviously. It doesn't actually make me anticipate, it just made me annoyed that I knew what what going to happen.
The ending scene from the villain of the story was also too rushed and cringe. The characteristics of one's behaviour based on their race is plain annoying, in my opinion. I didn't like that some races were ment to be a certain thing. Pre-determine stereotypes is not exactly my cup of tea.
But as I said, the love story was sweet. The ending ties in nicely.
It wasn't a bad read. It was a decent read for me.
I gotta say, I enjoyed Mayna and Ray's interaction despite it being awful predictable. The love story between them was cute and refreshing and it made me both irritated and all smiley. Irritated when things are obviously an obstacle and smiley when things gone right.
However, the whole plot being predictable takes most of the fun out of me. It doesn't help that the author shove breadcrumbs of what to expect so obviously. It doesn't actually make me anticipate, it just made me annoyed that I knew what what going to happen.
The ending scene from the villain of the story was also too rushed and cringe. The characteristics of one's behaviour based on their race is plain annoying, in my opinion. I didn't like that some races were ment to be a certain thing. Pre-determine stereotypes is not exactly my cup of tea.
But as I said, the love story was sweet. The ending ties in nicely.
It wasn't a bad read. It was a decent read for me.
October 7, 2021
This was cute and light. The chapters are short, allowing the story to progress at a nice tempo. I love Mayna's relationship dynamics with Ray, as well as her devotion to her job and her friendship with the princess. While you can see the conflict coming from a mile away and it ends up being resolved pretty fast and easily, the world-building is pretty interesting with all the different races. It'd be nice to see more of this world, but as a standalone, this book does a nice job wrapping everything up.
It also has a good amount of girls and hairstyling, and as a person who loves everything girly, pretty, and dainty, it's a major plus for me and that's why I'm rating this 5★.
It also has a good amount of girls and hairstyling, and as a person who loves everything girly, pretty, and dainty, it's a major plus for me and that's why I'm rating this 5★.
August 11, 2021
A happy accident!
I actually ended up grabbing this book by mistake! I was clicking too quickly while browsing. But I don’t like returning ebooks, so I thought I’d keep it and read it despite the accident. I’m very glad I did! This was an adorable romance with a bit of mystery in it that kept things moving at just the right pace. I may not have bought this at 8 bucks for an ebook (I find LN ebooks tend to be pricier) had I not clicked too quickly, but it was definitely worth it for me. Cute, engrossing, and a HEA!
I actually ended up grabbing this book by mistake! I was clicking too quickly while browsing. But I don’t like returning ebooks, so I thought I’d keep it and read it despite the accident. I’m very glad I did! This was an adorable romance with a bit of mystery in it that kept things moving at just the right pace. I may not have bought this at 8 bucks for an ebook (I find LN ebooks tend to be pricier) had I not clicked too quickly, but it was definitely worth it for me. Cute, engrossing, and a HEA!
September 23, 2021
Except for the obsession with hair, I really enjoyed reading this light novel! It was cliché, but I’m not looking for a deep book, at the moment. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Also, I would like to say that I appreciate the part where the protagonist is remembering where she heard a phrase and the author put the paragraph that the protagonist was referring to. I might have just read the book, but my memory sucks for trying to recall specific names or moments. Because of my memory, I appreciate the flashback paragraph.
Also, I would like to say that I appreciate the part where the protagonist is remembering where she heard a phrase and the author put the paragraph that the protagonist was referring to. I might have just read the book, but my memory sucks for trying to recall specific names or moments. Because of my memory, I appreciate the flashback paragraph.
March 27, 2020
A cute quick read.
I have a real soft spot for cute quick anime style romances. I have an even bigger soft spot for love interests that try and act like they don’t care when they do.
The only thing I wish was that Mayna would have been a bit more expressive in her growing feelings. Besides that I recommend. It’s short,sweet, and well worth the time.
I have a real soft spot for cute quick anime style romances. I have an even bigger soft spot for love interests that try and act like they don’t care when they do.
The only thing I wish was that Mayna would have been a bit more expressive in her growing feelings. Besides that I recommend. It’s short,sweet, and well worth the time.
May 13, 2020
This is a book easily read in one sitting. The beginning caught my attention; however, the plot is very predictable. I still enjoyed reading it though. Our heroine, Mayna, is very passionate about hair and that is one of the strong points of the story. But the conflicts and villain presented throughout the book are very bland. Recommended for a quick, sweet romance without much substance.
March 14, 2022
Slightly spoiler-ish review!
I enjoy one-off LN's like this one. I loved from lovers to enemies to lovers again thing between them, although his reasoning was so stupid! Typical protection thing but yaknow at least he is cute🙄. Enjoyed the FL as well! Wasn't annoyed by her, which happens to me a lot while reading LN's lol!
I enjoy one-off LN's like this one. I loved from lovers to enemies to lovers again thing between them, although his reasoning was so stupid! Typical protection thing but yaknow at least he is cute🙄. Enjoyed the FL as well! Wasn't annoyed by her, which happens to me a lot while reading LN's lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
This cute novel read like the outline to a 12 episode animated love comedy. In that respect it was solid, but a lot of depth color and that would have been filled in by visual art in an animated series was missing in this text.
Also, it really felt like the protagonist was a flawless self-insert -- that didn't bother me because sometimes reading a woman just being her best self is fun. The after word by the author reinforced that impression on me. If this were made into an animated series, I would check who handled the art direction and designs before I'd decide whether to watch it :)
Also, it really felt like the protagonist was a flawless self-insert -- that didn't bother me because sometimes reading a woman just being her best self is fun. The after word by the author reinforced that impression on me. If this were made into an animated series, I would check who handled the art direction and designs before I'd decide whether to watch it :)
September 29, 2020
This was a fun, fast, and cute read. I recommend it for all the fluff lovers out there. Reminiscent of manga, but without the illustrated panels. The concept of Bondmates was adorable and I actually really liked the characters.
February 10, 2021
A decent LN with a good heroine. Too bad she's the only character I was interested in. Not to say they were bad, per se - they're all pretty forgettable except Mayna. I like how everything was wrapped up in one book so I gave it five stars.
January 15, 2023
This was an extra adorable tale of a slightly workaholic fae hairstylist and an overprotective dragonkin who won't acknowledge her as his dragon mate. The plot is quite simple, the ending a little obvious but you'll enjoy reading it nonetheless. The fluffiness in this is maxed to healing level.
March 28, 2023
This was a super cute light novel! It feels almost made for me, as it features a fated mates trope (one of my favs) and a hairstylist! (my former profession) I love everything about it, and can't wait for more people to discover it!
May 3, 2024
Simple and not too dramatic. I was a little confused because they later said the shadow born never mated with humans, when I could swear earlier it said that’s how the various species were created - flower fairies, tree spirits, demons, and dragons all with humans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
A quick fun read. Really enjoyed Mayna as the lead. She took no crap from anyone :)
Very happy Cross Infinite World translated and printed the book - I look forward to more reads from them!
Very happy Cross Infinite World translated and printed the book - I look forward to more reads from them!
September 26, 2020
it is soo much fun read this book. i am a slow reader and a read pretty fast for my.
November 21, 2020
Cute, fluffy romantic book.
March 22, 2021
Good read
So I see this and thought well I’ll have to see what this is about. I’m glad I did it’s a nice story
So I see this and thought well I’ll have to see what this is about. I’m glad I did it’s a nice story
June 16, 2022
DNF @ 11%
Attempt to read this broke my brain a little.
It feels very childish, somehow.
HARD PASS.
Attempt to read this broke my brain a little.
It feels very childish, somehow.
HARD PASS.
July 30, 2022
If you love hair and everything revolving around it, then this book is for you. It was way too much for my taste. Very light on the romance. Cutesy.
October 29, 2022
I truly enjoyed this story.
Lovely characters, a simple world setting and a well-told story.
Lovely characters, a simple world setting and a well-told story.
February 12, 2023
Hoping for more
I enjoyed the book a lot. I'm afraid its a one off. It wasn't tied up in a nice bow but the afterwards leaves with that feeling. Still worth the read.
I enjoyed the book a lot. I'm afraid its a one off. It wasn't tied up in a nice bow but the afterwards leaves with that feeling. Still worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews