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Fareview Fairytale #1
In the Shadow of a Wish
In the Kingdom of Kaloma, women are forced to marry by the age of 26. It’s the law.
In the remote village of Sevens, at the northernmost point of the kingdom, there lives an impoverished family with four daughters and a son. Without the means to make love matches, the daughters are trapped by their circumstances.
When one daughter discovers a golden key deep in the Whitling Woods, it may have the power to change everything...
Auri Fareview, practical and realistic, does what she can to serve her family. When she finds a golden key that could be the answer she needs to save her sisters from the unjust Kaloma Marriage Laws, she discovers the treasure might be more than she bargained for. Enchanted, it doesn’t just come with a price attached, it’s also home to an imprisoned god, who wreaks havoc on her body, her heart, and her soul. And those aren’t practical matters. He has the power to break her.
Nixus Uraiahs has lost track of how long he’s been imprisoned by the spell on the key. There have been six key-keepers, all of whom have failed to break the spell to free him, and Nix knows he’s the reason why they haven’t. So, he will hold this 7th key-keeper accountable to the bargain of the spell: three wishes and a price for each. There’s no hope in her freeing him, however. Nix knows she'll be like all the key-keepers who came before her. Except Auri approaches her wishes differently than any of the others, and Nix begins to see her as more than just a key-keeper. She intrigues him, proving her strength, surprising him, and enchanting him. Though he’s entrapped by the enchantment placed on the key, Nix realizes his heart is at risk of being captured by the seventh key-keeper. That is a risk he can’t afford to take knowing his villainy is just a single wish away.
In the remote village of Sevens, at the northernmost point of the kingdom, there lives an impoverished family with four daughters and a son. Without the means to make love matches, the daughters are trapped by their circumstances.
When one daughter discovers a golden key deep in the Whitling Woods, it may have the power to change everything...
Auri Fareview, practical and realistic, does what she can to serve her family. When she finds a golden key that could be the answer she needs to save her sisters from the unjust Kaloma Marriage Laws, she discovers the treasure might be more than she bargained for. Enchanted, it doesn’t just come with a price attached, it’s also home to an imprisoned god, who wreaks havoc on her body, her heart, and her soul. And those aren’t practical matters. He has the power to break her.
Nixus Uraiahs has lost track of how long he’s been imprisoned by the spell on the key. There have been six key-keepers, all of whom have failed to break the spell to free him, and Nix knows he’s the reason why they haven’t. So, he will hold this 7th key-keeper accountable to the bargain of the spell: three wishes and a price for each. There’s no hope in her freeing him, however. Nix knows she'll be like all the key-keepers who came before her. Except Auri approaches her wishes differently than any of the others, and Nix begins to see her as more than just a key-keeper. She intrigues him, proving her strength, surprising him, and enchanting him. Though he’s entrapped by the enchantment placed on the key, Nix realizes his heart is at risk of being captured by the seventh key-keeper. That is a risk he can’t afford to take knowing his villainy is just a single wish away.
518 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2022
82 people are currently reading
2089 people want to read
About the author
Maci Aurora
14 books72 followersMaci Aurora also writes as CL Walters, the author of several published books for YA readers. She’s been writing stories since she was a child. At eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. Then in high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and those stories cemented her writing journey to telling stories about love. Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies. This is her 8th novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 19, 2023
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (thank you Xpresso Book Tours and Mixed Plate Press). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Magic
✅ Smut
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ “Romance” (more insta-lust)
🆗❌ Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of forced marriages, forced breeding (I assume that’s what’s happening in the birth houses), questionable consent to sexual relationships (the line is blurry here)…
Overall, this book is not bad, but the fact that I just couldn’t understand why the main character decided to take sooooooooo long to make her wishes and didn’t really think about her family made it hard for me to get invested into the book. The beginning was great and very promising, but then it just fell flat for me.
Aurielle Fareview is the fourth daughter of her family and needs to find a husband soon. According to the Kaloma marriage law, every woman must marry before 26 or they are taken by collectors who will bring them to birthing houses. Men must marry before 36, but they are also allowed to take as many wives as they can provide for. Aurie and her older sisters do not have much time left before the collectors come for them. But with few resources, traveling and escaping is impossible, and the few prospects that come into the marriage market booth of their village are disgusting and creepy. Everything changes for Aurie when she finds a magical key in the wood and is transported inside the spell that binds the God Nix to the key.
Nixus is the God of night and has been imprisoned in the key for years. The spell allows the key keeper to ask for three wishes, but each wish comes with an obligation (a consequence) that is made to have the keeper hate Nix, even though he’s a prisoner of the spell as much as the keeper. The twist is that in order to finally set Nix free, the keeper has to accept to make a sacrifice for Nix after the three wishes are done, but with the obligations making them hate Nix, nobody ever accepted to make the sacrifice, and Nix is stuck in the key until the next keeper comes and it starts all over again.
It's clear from the start that Aurie is different from the other keepers though because she doesn’t immediately ask for wealth or health. She takes the time to get to know Nix and to try to understand the spell, and she tries to find wishes that will be good for her, but also for others around her.
I am not sure I understand or approve of Aurie’s choice to stay that long with Nix. I understand that she doesn’t want to “spoil” her wishes and that she wants to know more about him and the spell before deciding what to wish for, but she spent weeks with him before even making her first wish, all the while knowing that her family was back home and might or might not be worried about her, because it is unclear how time passes in the spell at first. We learn that 2 months in the spell is roughly 7 days in the mortal realm, but we learn that after Aurie spent 2 months in the spell, not knowing how time would pass for her family. I understand the need for Aurie and Nix to spend time together to build the romance of the book, but it seemed selfish of Aurie to just relax and stay there, which was oddly out of character from what we saw in the first few chapters before she met Nix.
Instead of thinking of ways to help her family or improve their lives, she just stays with Nix, reads all day and chills in the gardens, and treats this whole situation as a vacation. She has no drive and no purpose, she just accepts everything that happens because of the spell, and because of that, it was difficult to get invested in the plot. It was basically just waiting for Aurie to finally decide to make a wish, with smutty moments here and there. I thought the story would be more focused on the whole marriage law and the need to find a husband problem, but it wasn’t that at all once Aurie found the key.
Talking about the smutty moments… There is sexual tension between Aurie and Nix, and we can see how they both desire the other, but that’s about all we can see of their “relationship”. I didn’t feel any chemistry or deep connection, just some physical attraction and lust, and an opportunity for Aurie to let herself experience pleasure for the first time without the whole marriage laws. We are told that Aurie is different and that Nix can’t seem to resist her, and we are told that Aurie feels things she’s never felt before when she’s with Nix, but we don’t really see or feel these feelings in the book, and because of that it almost fell in the borderline insta-lust category. There are mentions of the God yoke that seems to be the equivalent of the fated mate concept, but again, it’s all telling and no showing.
The world-building is very basic, and could definitely have used more details. We know there is a marriage law to help populate the Kingdom, but we don’t know why it is needed, how it came to be, or who is ruling the Kingdom. On the other hand, they say that sexual relationships out of wedlock are illegal, but if their goal is only to have more people, then why would they care if people are married or not? They talk about birthing houses, and while I can imagine roughly what it entails, there are no details at all about those.
Overall, this is not a bad book, it’s just not a book for me. I know many of my Goodreads friends rated it 4 stars and 5 stars, and I can see why, as it is full of magic and smut, but it just fell flat for me.
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✅ Magic
✅ Smut
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Characters
🆗❌ “Romance” (more insta-lust)
🆗❌ Plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of forced marriages, forced breeding (I assume that’s what’s happening in the birth houses), questionable consent to sexual relationships (the line is blurry here)…
Overall, this book is not bad, but the fact that I just couldn’t understand why the main character decided to take sooooooooo long to make her wishes and didn’t really think about her family made it hard for me to get invested into the book. The beginning was great and very promising, but then it just fell flat for me.
Aurielle Fareview is the fourth daughter of her family and needs to find a husband soon. According to the Kaloma marriage law, every woman must marry before 26 or they are taken by collectors who will bring them to birthing houses. Men must marry before 36, but they are also allowed to take as many wives as they can provide for. Aurie and her older sisters do not have much time left before the collectors come for them. But with few resources, traveling and escaping is impossible, and the few prospects that come into the marriage market booth of their village are disgusting and creepy. Everything changes for Aurie when she finds a magical key in the wood and is transported inside the spell that binds the God Nix to the key.
Nixus is the God of night and has been imprisoned in the key for years. The spell allows the key keeper to ask for three wishes, but each wish comes with an obligation (a consequence) that is made to have the keeper hate Nix, even though he’s a prisoner of the spell as much as the keeper. The twist is that in order to finally set Nix free, the keeper has to accept to make a sacrifice for Nix after the three wishes are done, but with the obligations making them hate Nix, nobody ever accepted to make the sacrifice, and Nix is stuck in the key until the next keeper comes and it starts all over again.
It's clear from the start that Aurie is different from the other keepers though because she doesn’t immediately ask for wealth or health. She takes the time to get to know Nix and to try to understand the spell, and she tries to find wishes that will be good for her, but also for others around her.
I am not sure I understand or approve of Aurie’s choice to stay that long with Nix. I understand that she doesn’t want to “spoil” her wishes and that she wants to know more about him and the spell before deciding what to wish for, but she spent weeks with him before even making her first wish, all the while knowing that her family was back home and might or might not be worried about her, because it is unclear how time passes in the spell at first. We learn that 2 months in the spell is roughly 7 days in the mortal realm, but we learn that after Aurie spent 2 months in the spell, not knowing how time would pass for her family. I understand the need for Aurie and Nix to spend time together to build the romance of the book, but it seemed selfish of Aurie to just relax and stay there, which was oddly out of character from what we saw in the first few chapters before she met Nix.
Instead of thinking of ways to help her family or improve their lives, she just stays with Nix, reads all day and chills in the gardens, and treats this whole situation as a vacation. She has no drive and no purpose, she just accepts everything that happens because of the spell, and because of that, it was difficult to get invested in the plot. It was basically just waiting for Aurie to finally decide to make a wish, with smutty moments here and there. I thought the story would be more focused on the whole marriage law and the need to find a husband problem, but it wasn’t that at all once Aurie found the key.
Talking about the smutty moments… There is sexual tension between Aurie and Nix, and we can see how they both desire the other, but that’s about all we can see of their “relationship”. I didn’t feel any chemistry or deep connection, just some physical attraction and lust, and an opportunity for Aurie to let herself experience pleasure for the first time without the whole marriage laws. We are told that Aurie is different and that Nix can’t seem to resist her, and we are told that Aurie feels things she’s never felt before when she’s with Nix, but we don’t really see or feel these feelings in the book, and because of that it almost fell in the borderline insta-lust category. There are mentions of the God yoke that seems to be the equivalent of the fated mate concept, but again, it’s all telling and no showing.
The world-building is very basic, and could definitely have used more details. We know there is a marriage law to help populate the Kingdom, but we don’t know why it is needed, how it came to be, or who is ruling the Kingdom. On the other hand, they say that sexual relationships out of wedlock are illegal, but if their goal is only to have more people, then why would they care if people are married or not? They talk about birthing houses, and while I can imagine roughly what it entails, there are no details at all about those.
Overall, this is not a bad book, it’s just not a book for me. I know many of my Goodreads friends rated it 4 stars and 5 stars, and I can see why, as it is full of magic and smut, but it just fell flat for me.
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April 26, 2022
It's a charming story about a girl in a world where marriage is compulsory by age 26 for women and 37 for men, which forces women to be offered on booths at the Marriage Market just like any other produce to sell, an unfair law imposed by, who else, an invading neighbour kingdom bent on imposing their ways on the smaller one where Aurielle and her sisters live.
Not willing to be sold like that, and after a terrible first day of humiliating exhibition at the Marriage Market, Aurielle stumbles on a magical wood where she picks up a golden key, that forces her to become its guardian and be at the mercy of the god that key keeps captive. This is how she comes to meet Nix, who adds the fun and bantery bits to the story, as Auri is rather stuck up at times.
I don't have "The Golden Key" all that fresh in my memory to assess how closely this follows it, but I can tell it has enough to be recognisable to those who have read it, and it also has elements borrowed from "Beauty and the Beast," though these are only recognisable if you look very, very closely. I liked the originality of the plot concept and the execution, but felt the characters are a bit too generic and the storytelling isn't even because half of the book is slow and lacks a grab-you-by-the-throat quality and the other half is much better. Overall, it's a lovely read for when you want something not too complicated for a weekend, though I should tell you this is only the first book in a series and although it's mostly self-contained, it ends in a way you'll want to jump to the next to see where it goes, and also that this isn't quite a "clean" read (I know some of my friends here only read clean romance, so this goes for them).
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not willing to be sold like that, and after a terrible first day of humiliating exhibition at the Marriage Market, Aurielle stumbles on a magical wood where she picks up a golden key, that forces her to become its guardian and be at the mercy of the god that key keeps captive. This is how she comes to meet Nix, who adds the fun and bantery bits to the story, as Auri is rather stuck up at times.
I don't have "The Golden Key" all that fresh in my memory to assess how closely this follows it, but I can tell it has enough to be recognisable to those who have read it, and it also has elements borrowed from "Beauty and the Beast," though these are only recognisable if you look very, very closely. I liked the originality of the plot concept and the execution, but felt the characters are a bit too generic and the storytelling isn't even because half of the book is slow and lacks a grab-you-by-the-throat quality and the other half is much better. Overall, it's a lovely read for when you want something not too complicated for a weekend, though I should tell you this is only the first book in a series and although it's mostly self-contained, it ends in a way you'll want to jump to the next to see where it goes, and also that this isn't quite a "clean" read (I know some of my friends here only read clean romance, so this goes for them).
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2022
This was a really great read. For a 500+ page book it didn't feel long at all, and I had no problem reading the whole thing at once.
I was so interested in what was going to happen next that I couldn't (and didn't want to) stop until I finished it.
The start was a nice intro into the story, and in those moments it felt really unique and unlike anything I've read before. The middle got a bit slower, and that part reminded me of For the Wolf because of certain scenes so if you liked that, you'll also love this. And the end had a lot of fun things happening, as well as some sad things.
The romance was kinda insta lovey, but I really didn't mind, because they're soulmates of a sort and I love soulmates. There was a lot of angst, and steam too, definitely more than I expected.
In a few other reviews I've seen readers say that some of the steamy scenes made them uncomfortable, and while I didn't feel like that myself, it's worth checking out the author's note at the start for possibly triggering material in the book.
I won't talk about the plot, because I have no complaints, and I also believe that you should go into this with as little knowledge as possible for maximum enjoyment (warnings aside of course). I didn't even reread the blurb before I started reading and I kept getting surprised the further along I read. Just trust me on this.
At the end of the book there's a teaser for book two and it seems one of Auri's sisters will be the main character in that one? I think that's a good idea, since this first book feels both self contained and there's also room for expansion.
There's also titles for the next three books, so that means this series will have at least four books and I'm assuming each of the sisters will get her own book. The only flaw is that each book will be released in a different year.
So before you start reading be ready for a long commitment, at least until 2025 if the dates stay the same. I know I'm committed now, and I'll be counting the days until January 2023 when book two is due to come out.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I was so interested in what was going to happen next that I couldn't (and didn't want to) stop until I finished it.
The start was a nice intro into the story, and in those moments it felt really unique and unlike anything I've read before. The middle got a bit slower, and that part reminded me of For the Wolf because of certain scenes so if you liked that, you'll also love this. And the end had a lot of fun things happening, as well as some sad things.
The romance was kinda insta lovey, but I really didn't mind, because they're soulmates of a sort and I love soulmates. There was a lot of angst, and steam too, definitely more than I expected.
In a few other reviews I've seen readers say that some of the steamy scenes made them uncomfortable, and while I didn't feel like that myself, it's worth checking out the author's note at the start for possibly triggering material in the book.
I won't talk about the plot, because I have no complaints, and I also believe that you should go into this with as little knowledge as possible for maximum enjoyment (warnings aside of course). I didn't even reread the blurb before I started reading and I kept getting surprised the further along I read. Just trust me on this.
At the end of the book there's a teaser for book two and it seems one of Auri's sisters will be the main character in that one? I think that's a good idea, since this first book feels both self contained and there's also room for expansion.
There's also titles for the next three books, so that means this series will have at least four books and I'm assuming each of the sisters will get her own book. The only flaw is that each book will be released in a different year.
So before you start reading be ready for a long commitment, at least until 2025 if the dates stay the same. I know I'm committed now, and I'll be counting the days until January 2023 when book two is due to come out.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
December 24, 2022
I read the synopsis for book 2 and just knew I had to read this one.
I was so totally impressed!
Aurora writes the most UNPUTDOWNABLE book, you will absolutely be hooked.
From the magical worlds that Nixus creates, to the mystery behind Auri.
And that ending.......,!
On to book 2...YES!
KUDOS!
I was so totally impressed!
Aurora writes the most UNPUTDOWNABLE book, you will absolutely be hooked.
From the magical worlds that Nixus creates, to the mystery behind Auri.
And that ending.......,!
On to book 2...YES!
KUDOS!
May 1, 2022
Alexa play Another One Bites the Dust by Queen because I am yet again disappointed by a book I was excited about.
The whole time I was reading this book I kept hearing “This ain’t no rated motherf*cking PG shit, this shit rated PORN.” And this book isn’t necessarily spicy, I’d say. There wasn’t anything crazy, just sex. Which on my scale is not smutty.
Anyway, let’s get into why I did not like this book. Everything started great, you know? This book was slowly but surely taking me out of my reading slump and I was shitting rainbows because of how much I enjoyed it. Then everything went downhill and I can’t believe I’m saying this but all because of the author’s obsession with making this book erotica rather than a fantasy.
It is great when fantasy, romance, and smut go hand in hand. I did enjoy From Blood and Ash for that very reason. But the author’s try to make something like that failed miserably because mediocrely written porn overshadowed the actual plot and the characters.
Also, the main deal-breaker for me was insta-love. This is a preference, of course, and I am not obsessively into slow burn but I do like and look for a genuine connection.
Nix was cool but always horny. His random sex thoughts bothered me. He should be able to function without being horny. I know I'm expecting a lot from a man here but yea.
Now, here comes the other MC, Auri. First of all, She accepted her faith and that she was stuck in the key with Nix way too easily. She was like "I can't go? Oh well… Okay, I might as well enjoy this.” and that was it. She started living her best life in a literal magical prison.
For her, nothing ever matters outside. She doesn’t care about her parents, her sisters, and brother, all the people who might've been worried sick or might be in trouble because of her. Just because, you guessed it, she was horny. GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT GIRL, I SWEAR.
One last thing, this girl went through something truly traumatic. I can't explain without giving spoilers but like REALLY traumatic after the first wish but she didn't even care. She was okay and horny and that was it. Since as a character she didn't care, I couldn't care less so it made the whole traumatic event useless. Which also made the whole Nix’s "You'll end up hating me!“ tantrums also pointless. She could've at least had some inner conflict or shown the effects of what happened to her but nope. Since I couldn’t grasp the gravity of the situation, the whole wishing something and getting something bad in return situation was just bland to me. I wasn’t even scared of the outcome of the wishes at all.
So in the end, this book started great for me but ended up being a spicy disaster.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The whole time I was reading this book I kept hearing “This ain’t no rated motherf*cking PG shit, this shit rated PORN.” And this book isn’t necessarily spicy, I’d say. There wasn’t anything crazy, just sex. Which on my scale is not smutty.
Anyway, let’s get into why I did not like this book. Everything started great, you know? This book was slowly but surely taking me out of my reading slump and I was shitting rainbows because of how much I enjoyed it. Then everything went downhill and I can’t believe I’m saying this but all because of the author’s obsession with making this book erotica rather than a fantasy.
It is great when fantasy, romance, and smut go hand in hand. I did enjoy From Blood and Ash for that very reason. But the author’s try to make something like that failed miserably because mediocrely written porn overshadowed the actual plot and the characters.
Also, the main deal-breaker for me was insta-love. This is a preference, of course, and I am not obsessively into slow burn but I do like and look for a genuine connection.
Nix was cool but always horny. His random sex thoughts bothered me. He should be able to function without being horny. I know I'm expecting a lot from a man here but yea.
Now, here comes the other MC, Auri. First of all, She accepted her faith and that she was stuck in the key with Nix way too easily. She was like "I can't go? Oh well… Okay, I might as well enjoy this.” and that was it. She started living her best life in a literal magical prison.
For her, nothing ever matters outside. She doesn’t care about her parents, her sisters, and brother, all the people who might've been worried sick or might be in trouble because of her. Just because, you guessed it, she was horny. GET YOUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT GIRL, I SWEAR.
One last thing, this girl went through something truly traumatic. I can't explain without giving spoilers but like REALLY traumatic after the first wish but she didn't even care. She was okay and horny and that was it. Since as a character she didn't care, I couldn't care less so it made the whole traumatic event useless. Which also made the whole Nix’s "You'll end up hating me!“ tantrums also pointless. She could've at least had some inner conflict or shown the effects of what happened to her but nope. Since I couldn’t grasp the gravity of the situation, the whole wishing something and getting something bad in return situation was just bland to me. I wasn’t even scared of the outcome of the wishes at all.
So in the end, this book started great for me but ended up being a spicy disaster.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the Shadow of a Wish introduces you to Auri and Nixus. At times, they reminded me of the Genie and Aladdin. Then it moved towards Beauty and the Beast. Only to end up being Hercules and Meg in my eyes. Either way, I liked how they transitioned throughout these because it made me fall even more in love with them.
Ever since they first met, they had this amazing chemistry. Plus, the sexual tension that developed around them just made it easier for me to ship them together. Of course, we had to figure out the three wishes and the overall curse that surrounded them. It's safe to say, that I'm really happy with how everything turned out.
I do wish, though, that the big defeat took a bit longer. Still, I can't be mad that Auri quickly figured it all out. I'm also really happy that everyone made it out alive (sort of) and can work towards happily ever after. Well, until the dreaded cliffhanger comes into play.
Not sure what to think about that ending. Secretly hoping and wishing for the absolute best when it comes to these two. I'm also really intrigued about the red ribbon and where it is. Heck, I want to know what it is because it makes me think Auri could be something more.
In the end, I'm so happy that I got the chance to dive into this and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I need more of Auri and Nix please!
In the Shadow of a Wish introduces you to Auri and Nixus. At times, they reminded me of the Genie and Aladdin. Then it moved towards Beauty and the Beast. Only to end up being Hercules and Meg in my eyes. Either way, I liked how they transitioned throughout these because it made me fall even more in love with them.
Ever since they first met, they had this amazing chemistry. Plus, the sexual tension that developed around them just made it easier for me to ship them together. Of course, we had to figure out the three wishes and the overall curse that surrounded them. It's safe to say, that I'm really happy with how everything turned out.
I do wish, though, that the big defeat took a bit longer. Still, I can't be mad that Auri quickly figured it all out. I'm also really happy that everyone made it out alive (sort of) and can work towards happily ever after. Well, until the dreaded cliffhanger comes into play.
Not sure what to think about that ending. Secretly hoping and wishing for the absolute best when it comes to these two. I'm also really intrigued about the red ribbon and where it is. Heck, I want to know what it is because it makes me think Auri could be something more.
In the end, I'm so happy that I got the chance to dive into this and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel. I need more of Auri and Nix please!
February 20, 2024
This was delightful! Thoroughly enjoyed it and absolutely flew through it. Def recommend especially if you like fantasy romance and retellings!
October 14, 2022
In the Shadow of a Wish takes you into a world filled with magic, love, and sacrifice. A heart-rending story of Aurielle, the key keeper who fell in love with a god and Nixus, the god of darkness who was trapped in a spell. The story and concept felt original and the introduction of the book will hooked you into reading and will compel you to finished the book. Maci Aurora did a great job in retelling the story of the golden key. The wishes and obligations are facinating and well thought. It reminds me of Genie and Aladdin.
I love that Auri, is a strong feminist character who wants to make the world better for herself and her family. And that Nix, is a lovable villain. I never expected that I would loved their romantic love story that gets steamy as you read the book. Can't wait for the book two, though I still believe that Auri is also a Goddess like Nix. I also appreciate that trigger warning was mentioned at the beginning of the book so that readers will be prepared mentally.
Thank you Netgalley and to Mixed Plate Press for the advanced copy. I totally loved this one! I'll rate this book a 4.0/5.
I love that Auri, is a strong feminist character who wants to make the world better for herself and her family. And that Nix, is a lovable villain. I never expected that I would loved their romantic love story that gets steamy as you read the book. Can't wait for the book two, though I still believe that Auri is also a Goddess like Nix. I also appreciate that trigger warning was mentioned at the beginning of the book so that readers will be prepared mentally.
Thank you Netgalley and to Mixed Plate Press for the advanced copy. I totally loved this one! I'll rate this book a 4.0/5.
June 26, 2022
What started off strong quickly petered out and made a very unpleasant read
We are locked in this universe with the two mind-numbing MC's going back and forth with nothing actually happening. The beginning had such potential but once Nix was in the picture there was no plot. Basically just lots of erotic feelings and actions for each that no substance to the story overall.
There are some really heavy elements in this that I feel don't get addressed properly; such as consent and essentially 'rape-drug'. Also you don't need to have the f-word on every page to make it a 'New Adult' book! Which also juxtaposed on the actual writing style, never flowing consistently
I gave this two stars because of it's strong beginning, but I personally really did not like this book at all. For those who live for smutty/spicy romance this one definitely ticks those boxes and would probably be to your liking to give it a go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mixed Plate Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
We are locked in this universe with the two mind-numbing MC's going back and forth with nothing actually happening. The beginning had such potential but once Nix was in the picture there was no plot. Basically just lots of erotic feelings and actions for each that no substance to the story overall.
There are some really heavy elements in this that I feel don't get addressed properly; such as consent and essentially 'rape-drug'. Also you don't need to have the f-word on every page to make it a 'New Adult' book! Which also juxtaposed on the actual writing style, never flowing consistently
I gave this two stars because of it's strong beginning, but I personally really did not like this book at all. For those who live for smutty/spicy romance this one definitely ticks those boxes and would probably be to your liking to give it a go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mixed Plate Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
August 5, 2022
In the Shadow of a Wish ♦ Maci Aurora | Rezension
I entered a magical, loving, and selfless world when I opened my Kindle for In the Shadow of a Wish by Maci Aurora .
Aurielle, the key keeper who fell in love with a deity, and Nixus, the God of Night and Darkness who was imprisoned by a spell, are the subjects of this heartbreaking tale.
In the Shadow of a Wish ♦ Maci Aurora
Opinion
I find myself between a rock and a hard place. I would love to dive deep into the story and tell you all about it. At the same time, I would like to avoid any kind of spoilers. I just don’t want to ruin the book for anyone. But let me give it a try here and summon up, what I can say.
The story starts with Auri, who, along with her three sisters, is bound to her life by a harsh marriage code in their kingdom of Kaloma that mandates that they get married by the age of 26. She aspires to avoid getting into trouble with the law and would give anything to find a love match like her parents‘. Of course, the whole situation doesn’t sit well with her or her sisters. When Auri enters the wood to look for firewood after a very long day at the marriage market, she discovers a magical key on the ground. Out of nowhere, Nix, the God of Night and Darkness, emerges and says that since Auri picked up the key, she is now the key keeper. She must be granted three wishes before she may leave the enchantment, where both of them are trapped in now. Undoubtedly, both Nix’s and Auri’s worlds just collided and were completely turned upside down.
I have to stop here now, otherwise I’ll have serious difficulties not to reveal more about the plot after all.
But I will be allowed to state that I was shocked by the turns and results of Auri’s wishes, and they left me turning digital page after digital page. The fact that Auri is such a strong female character who strives to improve the world for her family and herself, made it hard for me to put the book down. And then there is Nix, this badass villain, with a charming and sensitive personality. Something totally unexpected for a god. I enjoyed reading about their passionate love story, which intensifies as the novel is read.
Bottom Line
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The book’s introduction will draw you in, keep you reading, and drive you to complete it since the plot and concept seemed so refreshing and still reminded me of another story . A superb job was done by Maci Aurora in recreating the tale of The Golden Key . It was fascinating reading about Aurie’s wishes and how Nix was helpful at her side, and the following obligations. This plot was very well-considered.
If you are a fan of the adult fantasy genre, this book is a must-read. Period! The ideal balance of narrative, romance, and world building. I am looking forward to early 2023, when the second book is supposed to be published.
I have to thank NetGalley US and Mixed Plated Press for the ARC in exchange for my personal opinion.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
I entered a magical, loving, and selfless world when I opened my Kindle for In the Shadow of a Wish by Maci Aurora .
Aurielle, the key keeper who fell in love with a deity, and Nixus, the God of Night and Darkness who was imprisoned by a spell, are the subjects of this heartbreaking tale.
In the Shadow of a Wish ♦ Maci Aurora
Opinion
I find myself between a rock and a hard place. I would love to dive deep into the story and tell you all about it. At the same time, I would like to avoid any kind of spoilers. I just don’t want to ruin the book for anyone. But let me give it a try here and summon up, what I can say.
The story starts with Auri, who, along with her three sisters, is bound to her life by a harsh marriage code in their kingdom of Kaloma that mandates that they get married by the age of 26. She aspires to avoid getting into trouble with the law and would give anything to find a love match like her parents‘. Of course, the whole situation doesn’t sit well with her or her sisters. When Auri enters the wood to look for firewood after a very long day at the marriage market, she discovers a magical key on the ground. Out of nowhere, Nix, the God of Night and Darkness, emerges and says that since Auri picked up the key, she is now the key keeper. She must be granted three wishes before she may leave the enchantment, where both of them are trapped in now. Undoubtedly, both Nix’s and Auri’s worlds just collided and were completely turned upside down.
I have to stop here now, otherwise I’ll have serious difficulties not to reveal more about the plot after all.
But I will be allowed to state that I was shocked by the turns and results of Auri’s wishes, and they left me turning digital page after digital page. The fact that Auri is such a strong female character who strives to improve the world for her family and herself, made it hard for me to put the book down. And then there is Nix, this badass villain, with a charming and sensitive personality. Something totally unexpected for a god. I enjoyed reading about their passionate love story, which intensifies as the novel is read.
Bottom Line
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
The book’s introduction will draw you in, keep you reading, and drive you to complete it since the plot and concept seemed so refreshing and still reminded me of another story . A superb job was done by Maci Aurora in recreating the tale of The Golden Key . It was fascinating reading about Aurie’s wishes and how Nix was helpful at her side, and the following obligations. This plot was very well-considered.
If you are a fan of the adult fantasy genre, this book is a must-read. Period! The ideal balance of narrative, romance, and world building. I am looking forward to early 2023, when the second book is supposed to be published.
I have to thank NetGalley US and Mixed Plated Press for the ARC in exchange for my personal opinion.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
March 10, 2022
I was provided an ARC of In The Shadow of a Wish and all I have to say is, WOW! I was so pleasantly surprised by the book. The plot and world building were phenomenal, like nothing I have ever read before which is something that I feel is so hard to accomplish nowadays, so I absolutely commend the author for that! I also connected with the characters, Auri and Nix were both very three dimensional, which is something I feel I have to have in a fantasy book.
I’ll try to summarize without giving any major spoilers; The book follows Auri who is tethered to her life along with her sisters by a cruel marriage law across their kingdom stating that they have to marry by the age of 26. Of course this doesn’t sit right with her or her sisters and she hopes to find a way out of the law, and would love nothing more than to find a love match like that of her parents. After a rough day at the marriage market, she stumbles into an enchanted wood where she finds a magical key. Out comes Nix who states that since picking up the key Auri is now the key-keeper and is to be granted three wishes before she can leave the wood, needless to say Auri’s world is turned upside down and the same can be said of Nix’s.
This is as much as I can say without giving the story away. The twists and turns and the outcomes of Auri’s wishes were ones that surprised me and left me wanting to know more and more. I can’t wait to read the second installment in the series next year.
That leave us to talk about Nix.. oh my god!!!!! he is absolutely swoon worthy and will most definitely be going on my never ending list of book boyfriends. Was he a perfect character? No. But the best characters aren’t perfect and I loved him for that! He learns from his mistakes and his and Auri’s love story is one for the ages.
This is a must read for the adult fantasy genre. The perfect mix of world building, romance, and plot. (Aka my trifecta) Pick up this book right now! You absolutely will not regret it, I will be very impatiently waiting to read book 2!
I’ll try to summarize without giving any major spoilers; The book follows Auri who is tethered to her life along with her sisters by a cruel marriage law across their kingdom stating that they have to marry by the age of 26. Of course this doesn’t sit right with her or her sisters and she hopes to find a way out of the law, and would love nothing more than to find a love match like that of her parents. After a rough day at the marriage market, she stumbles into an enchanted wood where she finds a magical key. Out comes Nix who states that since picking up the key Auri is now the key-keeper and is to be granted three wishes before she can leave the wood, needless to say Auri’s world is turned upside down and the same can be said of Nix’s.
This is as much as I can say without giving the story away. The twists and turns and the outcomes of Auri’s wishes were ones that surprised me and left me wanting to know more and more. I can’t wait to read the second installment in the series next year.
That leave us to talk about Nix.. oh my god!!!!! he is absolutely swoon worthy and will most definitely be going on my never ending list of book boyfriends. Was he a perfect character? No. But the best characters aren’t perfect and I loved him for that! He learns from his mistakes and his and Auri’s love story is one for the ages.
This is a must read for the adult fantasy genre. The perfect mix of world building, romance, and plot. (Aka my trifecta) Pick up this book right now! You absolutely will not regret it, I will be very impatiently waiting to read book 2!
April 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Y’all know I’m an audiobook girly through and through, and I had so much fun with In The Shadow of a Wish by Mack Aurora! Anything narrated by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux has my heart already, but a fairytale reimagining?! Literally made for me!
Auri Fareview does what she can to help her impoverished family. But in a world with strict and unjust marriage laws, she can never seem to get the upper hand. Until one day she finds a golden key in the woods that transports her to a pocket realm, where a handsome and imprisoned god named Nix tells her she has three wishes!
The genie in a bottle vibes from Aladdin meet the forced proximity of Beauty and the Beast! This book is SPICY 🥵 and has a strong plot with slowly revealing details to keep you entertained! Plus, when you’re done, there are three more currently out and another on the way!
Y’all know I’m an audiobook girly through and through, and I had so much fun with In The Shadow of a Wish by Mack Aurora! Anything narrated by Bridget and Jake Bordeaux has my heart already, but a fairytale reimagining?! Literally made for me!
Auri Fareview does what she can to help her impoverished family. But in a world with strict and unjust marriage laws, she can never seem to get the upper hand. Until one day she finds a golden key in the woods that transports her to a pocket realm, where a handsome and imprisoned god named Nix tells her she has three wishes!
The genie in a bottle vibes from Aladdin meet the forced proximity of Beauty and the Beast! This book is SPICY 🥵 and has a strong plot with slowly revealing details to keep you entertained! Plus, when you’re done, there are three more currently out and another on the way!
June 19, 2023
I have a confession to make. Since about 1,5 year I track "what I buy" vs "what I read" on my blog and instagram. However, over a year ago Amazon had this amazing sale on loads of indie series. Needlessly to say: I went a little overboard and was too ashamed to count these books. They've been in a separate part of my shelf, waiting to be marked as bought and/or read. This was one of those books. I got it over a year ago already and this morning I just had to read it.
If I had known that this book would be this amazing and this much fun and this entertaining and this exactly what I am looking for I never would have waited for over a year to read it. It's quite a big book, over 500 pages, and yet I finished it within a day. I started this morning, was already past the halfway point after using my mini-breaks at work and finished as soon as I finished work. And it was the best possible way to spend my time.
This book has everything I love. It has a charming, but cursed, God who is struggling with his emotions. It has a girl who has a heart bigger than herself and who genuinely wants to make the world a better place, it has a fairytale like curse (with some very dark side-effects) that has to be broken, it has the kind of romance giving you goosebumps and it has a finale that's both action-packed, thrilling and heart-breaking.
Since the book takes place in some kind of pocket dimension and for most of the time there are only two people around I was afraid I'd grow bored at some point, but the opposite happened. I liked how these two characters broke through each other's walls and shells. I liked watching them slowly falling in love with each other. I loved the tension and the build up towards the moment they realize they're soulmates.
I can't wait to order the sequel, but I need to wait until the new credit card month starts next week!
If I had known that this book would be this amazing and this much fun and this entertaining and this exactly what I am looking for I never would have waited for over a year to read it. It's quite a big book, over 500 pages, and yet I finished it within a day. I started this morning, was already past the halfway point after using my mini-breaks at work and finished as soon as I finished work. And it was the best possible way to spend my time.
This book has everything I love. It has a charming, but cursed, God who is struggling with his emotions. It has a girl who has a heart bigger than herself and who genuinely wants to make the world a better place, it has a fairytale like curse (with some very dark side-effects) that has to be broken, it has the kind of romance giving you goosebumps and it has a finale that's both action-packed, thrilling and heart-breaking.
Since the book takes place in some kind of pocket dimension and for most of the time there are only two people around I was afraid I'd grow bored at some point, but the opposite happened. I liked how these two characters broke through each other's walls and shells. I liked watching them slowly falling in love with each other. I loved the tension and the build up towards the moment they realize they're soulmates.
I can't wait to order the sequel, but I need to wait until the new credit card month starts next week!
December 28, 2024
I got to read an early copy (if you know, you know. 😏) and each time I read it, I like it better and better. In the Shadow of a Wish is the first book in an adult (18+) romantic fantasy series, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. There are lose ends which will be carried through to the next book (coming out early next year), but the main conflict is overall resolved….
It’s a reimagining if the fairytale The Golden Key (which I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before.
Auri is a great heroine. Nixus is an awesome hero. It’s spicy (maybe a level 3.5: open door, explicit descriptions, low level kink).
Comp title: Raven Kennedy’s Gild
It’s a reimagining if the fairytale The Golden Key (which I’m not sure I’ve ever seen before.
Auri is a great heroine. Nixus is an awesome hero. It’s spicy (maybe a level 3.5: open door, explicit descriptions, low level kink).
Comp title: Raven Kennedy’s Gild
May 19, 2022
ARC from NetGalley
I'm dropping a star because of the italics. The entire fucking thing is in italics. I don't know if this is an ARC thing or if it's going to be different for other readers, but it irritated me. This book also needed to be edited, but it was an ARC so I suppose I should be forgiving of that, though deep down in my heart I am not forgiving and am, in fact, butt hurt every time I come across a shittily or not edited ARC. If we have come to the stage in the game where you're giving out ARCs, your shit should be edited. I can understand some changes may still happen prior to publishing, but edit your shit.
So, the description of this book goes on about the village of Sevens and their marriage laws, but that actually doesn't really matter or play into the plot much aside from setting Auri up as a virgin who would apparently be executed if she dare flick the bean. This is a book about Auri falling in love with Nix but fighting it because he is a god and it couldn't possibly work out and Nix falling in love with Auri but fighting it because she is the keyholder and will screw him over just like all the others did. Thankfully, Auri is Not Like Other Keyholders and wants to wear pants and not dresses and doesn't want riches or immortality but wants things for other people because she is Selfless and Pure and Not Like Other Keyholders.
The plot is a bit contrived in places, but overall I did quite enjoy it. Just go into it knowing that it's a smutty fantasy romance and not much more. You aren't going to get deep plotting here. The whole story for the most part is just the interplay between Auri and Nix, flirting and banging. It begins with Nix giving her a smutty bodice ripper that gets her junk all atwitter and she starts getting some raunchy ideas. The sexy bits were okay. I didn't cringe at them like some reviewers did, but it was the pre-sexy bits that I enjoyed most. The sexual tension was done well IMO. This author wrote Nix in a way that appealed to me as a reader. He was dark and broody and holding himself back even though he wanted to fuck her so bad that he was fapping to get it out of his system. On the note of smut and sexy bits, there were cocks and no velvet coated rebar, which I am always appreciative of. I do recommend this if you like fantasy smut and can tolerate 500 some-odd pages of fucking italics.
I'm dropping a star because of the italics. The entire fucking thing is in italics. I don't know if this is an ARC thing or if it's going to be different for other readers, but it irritated me. This book also needed to be edited, but it was an ARC so I suppose I should be forgiving of that, though deep down in my heart I am not forgiving and am, in fact, butt hurt every time I come across a shittily or not edited ARC. If we have come to the stage in the game where you're giving out ARCs, your shit should be edited. I can understand some changes may still happen prior to publishing, but edit your shit.
So, the description of this book goes on about the village of Sevens and their marriage laws, but that actually doesn't really matter or play into the plot much aside from setting Auri up as a virgin who would apparently be executed if she dare flick the bean. This is a book about Auri falling in love with Nix but fighting it because he is a god and it couldn't possibly work out and Nix falling in love with Auri but fighting it because she is the keyholder and will screw him over just like all the others did. Thankfully, Auri is Not Like Other Keyholders and wants to wear pants and not dresses and doesn't want riches or immortality but wants things for other people because she is Selfless and Pure and Not Like Other Keyholders.
The plot is a bit contrived in places, but overall I did quite enjoy it. Just go into it knowing that it's a smutty fantasy romance and not much more. You aren't going to get deep plotting here. The whole story for the most part is just the interplay between Auri and Nix, flirting and banging. It begins with Nix giving her a smutty bodice ripper that gets her junk all atwitter and she starts getting some raunchy ideas. The sexy bits were okay. I didn't cringe at them like some reviewers did, but it was the pre-sexy bits that I enjoyed most. The sexual tension was done well IMO. This author wrote Nix in a way that appealed to me as a reader. He was dark and broody and holding himself back even though he wanted to fuck her so bad that he was fapping to get it out of his system. On the note of smut and sexy bits, there were cocks and no velvet coated rebar, which I am always appreciative of. I do recommend this if you like fantasy smut and can tolerate 500 some-odd pages of fucking italics.
May 11, 2022
Unfortunately this was a huge miss for me. It started off promising with solid world building and an intriguing dilemma for the female main character, Auri. But that ended up not being the actual story at all once Auri picks up a key in the forest and is transported inside a curse with a hot god named Nix. Even then, I was like ‘oh a Grimm’s retelling! I can work with this!’ But alas, I could not. Auri treats being trapped in a spell like a vacation to a hotel, motel, Holiday Inn and accepts her situation so quickly that it gave me whiplash. The excessive use of modern crude language didn’t really flow with the flowery language a reader usually finds in fantasy and I think the author should’ve committed to one or the other for a consistent tone. I’m a huge fan of fantasy with smut but the sex was just… poorly written. I think if the writing was better, I could’ve gotten on board. Nix and Auri might be the horniest characters I’ve read outside of erotica. Sex was like their ultimate character motivation and I don’t think one page went by without one of them having a sexual thought. I was almost ready to DNF after a particularly traumatic sexual moment happens to Auri but homegirl here shrugs it off like losing your free will and being essentially raped by two strangers isn’t anything to cry about. The blurry lines of consent was a bit off-putting in general, to be honest. I think the best part of the book was the end and it had an intriguing set-up for the series but I don’t see myself continuing on. Overall, not for me but if you’re a fan of fantasy and retellings, it might be worth a shot.
April 25, 2022
High 4 ⭐️
Beautiful cover. To be honest, I had no idea what this was going to be about. I went in blind and fell right into the story. I love fairy tales and fantasy novels. The world building worked for me. Likable characters and a strong story.
Loved Nix. It’s a smexy romance that had me rooting for them because of everything they were facing. I found sacrifice, love and courage in this story. I ended loving it and can’t wait for book 2.
I highly recommend it.
Thanks Mixed Plate Press via NetGalley.
Beautiful cover. To be honest, I had no idea what this was going to be about. I went in blind and fell right into the story. I love fairy tales and fantasy novels. The world building worked for me. Likable characters and a strong story.
Loved Nix. It’s a smexy romance that had me rooting for them because of everything they were facing. I found sacrifice, love and courage in this story. I ended loving it and can’t wait for book 2.
I highly recommend it.
Thanks Mixed Plate Press via NetGalley.
July 30, 2022
This starts off amazing, and then just spirals.
Following the two MC’s roaming around basically do nothing plot wise, but we are bombarded with insta-lust, steamy scenes which I would usually clap hands for, but it just didn’t add to the story line or any form of the plot so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I usually would.
I gave this two stars because the beginning was really amazing, and this writer does know how to write a steamy scene. The rest- just not for me.
Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC
June 17, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and MIxed Plate Press for providing this ARC!
My full review is here https://www.tikbookholic.com/2022/06/...
Actual stars from me 3.5 ⭐!
Auri and her siblings are trapped by a rule that requires them to get married at the age of 28. If not fulfilled then there will be punishment given to them and their families. Auri and her sisters grew up with parents who love each other so they don't want to get married, let alone the result of the Marriage Market. Until one day Auri, finding the golden key that gives her the ability to change her future with the reward she must survive with Nix, the God of Night and Darkness, fulfilling all the consequences.
The story idea offered is interesting about the golden key that can grant wishes. At the beginning of the book, we are explained separately about the legend of the golden key and also the Marriage law that binds the world of this book so that when we start reading we are "given" with the origin of the story that will be told here. The story runs fast from the beginning, starting with the Auri and sisters who are trapped by Marriage Law until finally Auri finds the golden key and is trapped in that world with Nix. However, after being in a different world, the storyline turns slow.
The story changes slowly and indeed only focuses on Auri and Nix's relationship. From the time Auri entered 'this' world with Nix until Auri made her first wish, it was quite long as well as the dynamics of the relationship between the two that was formed. I'm personally quite annoyed too while reading this as the plot gets slow and repetitive on the part of Auri and Nix who are hesitant about each other's existence. But, over time it became clearer and more exciting the conflict that was discussed and not only focused on the relationship between the two but also began to show signs of enemies appearing.
There are 2 points of view that are brought from the side of Nix and Auri. Their relationship is actually more like a soulmate relationship. And how they are willing to sacrifice for each other is so sweet. However, in the beginning I was a bit disturbed by their "dirty thoughts" for each other which actually made me tired because it happened again and again but there was no progress and no effort was made, instead it was filled with continuous doubts.
For characters, Auri is definitely a smart female character because all the requests she gives are based on long thoughts and not carelessly. Nix, a typical god who is "perfect" in appearance and very sweet of course to Auri except for the early moments where they still annoy each other.
This book can actually be considered finished for this story, but there is an even bigger conflict that has been prepared by the author and sister Auri will be directly involved and give her own POV it seems.
My full review is here https://www.tikbookholic.com/2022/06/...
Actual stars from me 3.5 ⭐!
Auri and her siblings are trapped by a rule that requires them to get married at the age of 28. If not fulfilled then there will be punishment given to them and their families. Auri and her sisters grew up with parents who love each other so they don't want to get married, let alone the result of the Marriage Market. Until one day Auri, finding the golden key that gives her the ability to change her future with the reward she must survive with Nix, the God of Night and Darkness, fulfilling all the consequences.
The story idea offered is interesting about the golden key that can grant wishes. At the beginning of the book, we are explained separately about the legend of the golden key and also the Marriage law that binds the world of this book so that when we start reading we are "given" with the origin of the story that will be told here. The story runs fast from the beginning, starting with the Auri and sisters who are trapped by Marriage Law until finally Auri finds the golden key and is trapped in that world with Nix. However, after being in a different world, the storyline turns slow.
The story changes slowly and indeed only focuses on Auri and Nix's relationship. From the time Auri entered 'this' world with Nix until Auri made her first wish, it was quite long as well as the dynamics of the relationship between the two that was formed. I'm personally quite annoyed too while reading this as the plot gets slow and repetitive on the part of Auri and Nix who are hesitant about each other's existence. But, over time it became clearer and more exciting the conflict that was discussed and not only focused on the relationship between the two but also began to show signs of enemies appearing.
There are 2 points of view that are brought from the side of Nix and Auri. Their relationship is actually more like a soulmate relationship. And how they are willing to sacrifice for each other is so sweet. However, in the beginning I was a bit disturbed by their "dirty thoughts" for each other which actually made me tired because it happened again and again but there was no progress and no effort was made, instead it was filled with continuous doubts.
For characters, Auri is definitely a smart female character because all the requests she gives are based on long thoughts and not carelessly. Nix, a typical god who is "perfect" in appearance and very sweet of course to Auri except for the early moments where they still annoy each other.
This book can actually be considered finished for this story, but there is an even bigger conflict that has been prepared by the author and sister Auri will be directly involved and give her own POV it seems.
May 5, 2022
If I learned anything from this book, it's that *WORDS MATTER*
Thank you so much to Mixed Plate Press and NetGalley for the ARC! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book prior to its release.
I was delighted to jump into a fantasy novel - I'm finding it challenging to discuss this book without giving away spoilers or just repeating what I've seen other people remark upon, but I shall try my very best to be original.
This romantic-fantasy definitely is right on the line where it could pass as an erotic fiction. I'll be honest and share that the sexy, steamy, smutty moments were definitely my favorite parts of the book. If you are someone who enjoys sexy scenes with multiple partners - this book is for you!
As far as characters go my favorites in order are Lexa, Nix, and then our FMC, Aurielle. I am truly anticipating learning more about Nix's siblings Lexa and Luc in the next book and seeing where those storylines can grow. Nix was sexy AF and is definitely in line to be one of my book boyfriends...however, the romance between him and Auri seemed a little too much too soon -- but the "god-yoke" nonsense clarifies that a bit ...I suppose!
I am highly anticipating the release of the sequel & learning more about these characters.
My biggest complaints were that it kind of feels "stuck" for a good portion of the book. It wasn't extremely fast-paced and the same things were being rehashed repetitively, but I think the world was built up and the characters developed in a way that sets up the next book to be even better and fill those cracks left in this novel.
Thank you so much to Mixed Plate Press and NetGalley for the ARC! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book prior to its release.
I was delighted to jump into a fantasy novel - I'm finding it challenging to discuss this book without giving away spoilers or just repeating what I've seen other people remark upon, but I shall try my very best to be original.
This romantic-fantasy definitely is right on the line where it could pass as an erotic fiction. I'll be honest and share that the sexy, steamy, smutty moments were definitely my favorite parts of the book. If you are someone who enjoys sexy scenes with multiple partners - this book is for you!
As far as characters go my favorites in order are Lexa, Nix, and then our FMC, Aurielle. I am truly anticipating learning more about Nix's siblings Lexa and Luc in the next book and seeing where those storylines can grow. Nix was sexy AF and is definitely in line to be one of my book boyfriends...however, the romance between him and Auri seemed a little too much too soon -- but the "god-yoke" nonsense clarifies that a bit ...I suppose!
I am highly anticipating the release of the sequel & learning more about these characters.
My biggest complaints were that it kind of feels "stuck" for a good portion of the book. It wasn't extremely fast-paced and the same things were being rehashed repetitively, but I think the world was built up and the characters developed in a way that sets up the next book to be even better and fill those cracks left in this novel.
March 16, 2022
I adored this book! A new take on an old fairytale, Maci Aurora’s story about Auri and Nix was captivating. I loved both their development as individuals and their journey as a couple. No spoilers here but this one kept me up late to finish reading and by the time I reached the last page I wasn’t ready to let them go. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.
April 26, 2022
I was provided with an eARC via NetGalley by the publisher.
Triggers of sexual assault and questionable consent.
This book was definitely not my cup of tea…
The basic premise of this novel is that men and women must marry by a certain age; the Farview sisters are running out of time as they near the age of 26 in the small village of Kaloma, a place of few eligible suitors. After stumbling across a key lying in the forest, our protagonist Auri finds herself trapped in the curse of the god of night Nix.
The Shadow of a Wish is more of a romance that takes place in a fantasy world than it is a classic fantasy novel that has romance. While I was initially intrigued by the premise of this novel (expecting a strong heroine who defied the laws of her reality and was sent down a path of adventure), it diverged down a path I was not expecting…
The relationship felt forced, and at times beyond inappropriate, in terms of questionable outlines of consent. If you are looking for a book with questionable ethics and the use of words such as “growled” or “devoured” this book might be worth giving a chance.
I urge those thinking of reading this book to look at the trigger warnings before reading, as it does include some sensitive topics, such as SA and questionable consent, that may be triggering to some.
Triggers of sexual assault and questionable consent.
This book was definitely not my cup of tea…
The basic premise of this novel is that men and women must marry by a certain age; the Farview sisters are running out of time as they near the age of 26 in the small village of Kaloma, a place of few eligible suitors. After stumbling across a key lying in the forest, our protagonist Auri finds herself trapped in the curse of the god of night Nix.
The Shadow of a Wish is more of a romance that takes place in a fantasy world than it is a classic fantasy novel that has romance. While I was initially intrigued by the premise of this novel (expecting a strong heroine who defied the laws of her reality and was sent down a path of adventure), it diverged down a path I was not expecting…
The relationship felt forced, and at times beyond inappropriate, in terms of questionable outlines of consent. If you are looking for a book with questionable ethics and the use of words such as “growled” or “devoured” this book might be worth giving a chance.
I urge those thinking of reading this book to look at the trigger warnings before reading, as it does include some sensitive topics, such as SA and questionable consent, that may be triggering to some.
May 18, 2022
Received arc from NetGalley. Sort of beauty and beast, trapped by a curse/spell, a god, a sacrifice (of course) and 3 wishes thing going on. Unexpectedly spicy 🌶🌶🌶/5 and also some fade to black scenes. This was a romance first and (sort of) light fantasy second. Fated mates, although it’s called “yoke” or “yoking” here which I find more annoying then the term fate/fated mates. Minimal world building. A bit slow, they are just stuck in this alternate realm of sorts searching to break the spell while falling in love and boning down every so often. Which is absolutely fine, for a bit, but it’s most of the book it doesn’t need 500 pages of the same thing. I just needed more plot/fantasy/action/adventure…something more. It was just ok.
May 7, 2022
I would like to start this review by saying thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to read an advanced copy of In the Shadow of a Wish in exchange for an honest review.
Before I read the story:
I thought the concept of the story was very interesting, which was one of the things that drew me to requesting it (that and the beautiful cover art). I normally stay away from books that have things like marriage laws or situations that force characters to lose their agency, but I’ve made an exception in this case. The concept is somewhat of a mix between the Starless sea by Erin Morgenstern and a fairy tale that I can’t quite pinpoint. Both characters have a lot on the line and now bound by this enchanted key they will have to deal with more than just their feelings if they want to get out of this unscathed. This is the sense I get, I thought I would write my opinion of the book from the synopsis and then write a follow up after I finish the book.
After I read it:
“Are you willfully petulant?”
“Incessantly.”
I loved this line and felt it really encapsulated the banter and dynamic that Auri and Nix shared.
This was an interesting read. It was, as a whole, very different from my initial thoughts and there were a lot of things that I really really liked about this book. I absolutely devour books that utilize dual POV because I love getting to watch these characters pine for each other while also trying to work out the source of their feelings. This book does not disappoint in that sense. Getting to be in both Auri and Nix’s heads helps to build the excitement for when they finally take the leap and get together. Forced proximity and a somewhat slow burn are some of my favourite tropes; and when you throw in a sense of forbidden love, it creates a perfect storm for some steamy scenes.
Speaking of steamy scenes, the late night swimming scene? Incredible.
The build up? Well paced and exciting
Auri's bold moves? Fantastic.
There did come a point, however, that the steamy scenes almost felt as if they were impeding on the rest of the story. I understand that being trapped in a spell together doesn’t always leave one with much to do, but still. It felt like on occasion there was a lot of flip flopping with their feelings, and sometimes that also seems to draw out the story more than necessary. Nix, being a self proclaimed “selfish god who does selfish things” (I may be paraphrasing but this is more or less said throughout the book) tends to do things that directly take away Auri’s choices. As this is one of the themes of the book, I don’t take too much issue with the obligations, but I do take issue with him trying to manipulate her in order to help (despite not giving her the choice in that very matter). Usually after this happens he tries to figure out why she’s mad, and despite her telling him exactly why she’s mad, he believes its really for some other reason that she can’t quite voice yet.
I don’t know man, maybe she’s mad you manipulated her despite your good intentions?
As to be expected of any fantasy novel, and especially in the first in a series, there is a lot of info dumping and world building to help the reader understand the world they’ve stepped into. There are moments that feel out of place or kind of forced because of this, but overall it was easy to understand and follow as you dive into the story.
My biggest issue with the story comes towards the end in the form of a sort of ex machina twist. Bringing in a new character into the story so late that suddenly had answers to questions they didn’t even know to be asking, felt a little lazy and could have been tweaked to give it a more meaningful ending. The final sacrifice also felt very underwhelming, given how much trepidation the characters all faced going into it. The build up with the wishes and obligations made it seem as though the final sacrifice would ask much much more from Auri, rather than something she had already stated more than once, that she would give willingly. I felt a strong disconnect from the characters at the end of the book, as though there should have been much more on the line than there ended up being. Even the “villain” was sort of underwhelming, and while it could have been a very strong twist, it just fell flat for me.
One of Auri’s wishes had been for bravery when the spell was ended, and that somehow ended up taking the shape of forgetting everything that happened and believing it was a dream??? I really didn’t like this because at the core of all of her wishes, she had been trying to make not only her life better but looking out for the people around her and this felt like chopping down a lot of the growth she went through over the course of the story. I know it is rectified, but still, as something similar happens earlier in the book, I find it hard that she would just be ok with it when it was something much more important to her. While there were clear changes in the dynamics of Kaloma at the end vs the beginning of the story, it felt as if her second wish (bravery) just didn’t really work?
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book and found the characters to be exciting and well built. I’m very thankful for getting to read an advanced copy of In the Shadow of a Wish, and I’d like to once again thank NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the trust that I would read and honestly review it. Based on the snippets for the second book, I think it will be just as good as this one and I can’t wait to read it!!
#Netgalley #XpressoBookTours #InTheShadowOfAWish
Before I read the story:
I thought the concept of the story was very interesting, which was one of the things that drew me to requesting it (that and the beautiful cover art). I normally stay away from books that have things like marriage laws or situations that force characters to lose their agency, but I’ve made an exception in this case. The concept is somewhat of a mix between the Starless sea by Erin Morgenstern and a fairy tale that I can’t quite pinpoint. Both characters have a lot on the line and now bound by this enchanted key they will have to deal with more than just their feelings if they want to get out of this unscathed. This is the sense I get, I thought I would write my opinion of the book from the synopsis and then write a follow up after I finish the book.
After I read it:
“Are you willfully petulant?”
“Incessantly.”
I loved this line and felt it really encapsulated the banter and dynamic that Auri and Nix shared.
This was an interesting read. It was, as a whole, very different from my initial thoughts and there were a lot of things that I really really liked about this book. I absolutely devour books that utilize dual POV because I love getting to watch these characters pine for each other while also trying to work out the source of their feelings. This book does not disappoint in that sense. Getting to be in both Auri and Nix’s heads helps to build the excitement for when they finally take the leap and get together. Forced proximity and a somewhat slow burn are some of my favourite tropes; and when you throw in a sense of forbidden love, it creates a perfect storm for some steamy scenes.
Speaking of steamy scenes, the late night swimming scene? Incredible.
The build up? Well paced and exciting
Auri's bold moves? Fantastic.
There did come a point, however, that the steamy scenes almost felt as if they were impeding on the rest of the story. I understand that being trapped in a spell together doesn’t always leave one with much to do, but still. It felt like on occasion there was a lot of flip flopping with their feelings, and sometimes that also seems to draw out the story more than necessary. Nix, being a self proclaimed “selfish god who does selfish things” (I may be paraphrasing but this is more or less said throughout the book) tends to do things that directly take away Auri’s choices. As this is one of the themes of the book, I don’t take too much issue with the obligations, but I do take issue with him trying to manipulate her in order to help (despite not giving her the choice in that very matter). Usually after this happens he tries to figure out why she’s mad, and despite her telling him exactly why she’s mad, he believes its really for some other reason that she can’t quite voice yet.
I don’t know man, maybe she’s mad you manipulated her despite your good intentions?
As to be expected of any fantasy novel, and especially in the first in a series, there is a lot of info dumping and world building to help the reader understand the world they’ve stepped into. There are moments that feel out of place or kind of forced because of this, but overall it was easy to understand and follow as you dive into the story.
My biggest issue with the story comes towards the end in the form of a sort of ex machina twist. Bringing in a new character into the story so late that suddenly had answers to questions they didn’t even know to be asking, felt a little lazy and could have been tweaked to give it a more meaningful ending. The final sacrifice also felt very underwhelming, given how much trepidation the characters all faced going into it. The build up with the wishes and obligations made it seem as though the final sacrifice would ask much much more from Auri, rather than something she had already stated more than once, that she would give willingly. I felt a strong disconnect from the characters at the end of the book, as though there should have been much more on the line than there ended up being. Even the “villain” was sort of underwhelming, and while it could have been a very strong twist, it just fell flat for me.
One of Auri’s wishes had been for bravery when the spell was ended, and that somehow ended up taking the shape of forgetting everything that happened and believing it was a dream??? I really didn’t like this because at the core of all of her wishes, she had been trying to make not only her life better but looking out for the people around her and this felt like chopping down a lot of the growth she went through over the course of the story. I know it is rectified, but still, as something similar happens earlier in the book, I find it hard that she would just be ok with it when it was something much more important to her. While there were clear changes in the dynamics of Kaloma at the end vs the beginning of the story, it felt as if her second wish (bravery) just didn’t really work?
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book and found the characters to be exciting and well built. I’m very thankful for getting to read an advanced copy of In the Shadow of a Wish, and I’d like to once again thank NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the trust that I would read and honestly review it. Based on the snippets for the second book, I think it will be just as good as this one and I can’t wait to read it!!
#Netgalley #XpressoBookTours #InTheShadowOfAWish
April 27, 2022
This was a surprise gem of a read, and not quite what I expected-- in a good way.
This an adult fantasy romance, with a heavy dose of smut.
It was all well written and crafted.
The concept felt original, and it's what brought me to the book and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Auri and Nix were equally intriguing, complex, and likable protagonists. Words matter, and I found myself holding my breath as they tried to find the right ones to ensure the best outcome for each wish.
While there is closure in one facet of the story, there is still much left to be told, and the ending had me brimming with anticipation as to what that story may be-- and who will lead it.
While I very much enjoyed this story, at times I felt its own potential was being held back. I would have liked more-- I'm not sure how to explain what that 'more' is, but there was something in the narrative that felt a bit lacking but also felt it was right there to bring more life to the page, if only it could be unlocked. The potential captivated me regardless. Although there is a very good reason for it, I wish the romance between Auri and Nix was a bit more slow burn. It took me a bit longer to genuinely care about the romance because I am not a big fan of instant love/lust/connection. Nevertheless, this content brought Auri into exploring her sexuality for a large part of the story in a way that was very empowering and overall positive, which I absolutely enjoyed reading.
I am grateful the book begins with a page concerning trigger warnings. Please do not skim over the warnings, and be sure to heed them if you do not think you will be comfortable with the content. There were moments that did make me uncomfortable, in how Auri's agency was taken away from here due to the obligation of wishes. But Aurora takes great care in writing these topics, always ensuring Auri's agency is returned to her, and always empowers her.
Thank you NetGalley and Mixed Plate Press for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This an adult fantasy romance, with a heavy dose of smut.
It was all well written and crafted.
The concept felt original, and it's what brought me to the book and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Auri and Nix were equally intriguing, complex, and likable protagonists. Words matter, and I found myself holding my breath as they tried to find the right ones to ensure the best outcome for each wish.
While there is closure in one facet of the story, there is still much left to be told, and the ending had me brimming with anticipation as to what that story may be-- and who will lead it.
While I very much enjoyed this story, at times I felt its own potential was being held back. I would have liked more-- I'm not sure how to explain what that 'more' is, but there was something in the narrative that felt a bit lacking but also felt it was right there to bring more life to the page, if only it could be unlocked. The potential captivated me regardless. Although there is a very good reason for it, I wish the romance between Auri and Nix was a bit more slow burn. It took me a bit longer to genuinely care about the romance because I am not a big fan of instant love/lust/connection. Nevertheless, this content brought Auri into exploring her sexuality for a large part of the story in a way that was very empowering and overall positive, which I absolutely enjoyed reading.
I am grateful the book begins with a page concerning trigger warnings. Please do not skim over the warnings, and be sure to heed them if you do not think you will be comfortable with the content. There were moments that did make me uncomfortable, in how Auri's agency was taken away from here due to the obligation of wishes. But Aurora takes great care in writing these topics, always ensuring Auri's agency is returned to her, and always empowers her.
Thank you NetGalley and Mixed Plate Press for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2022
As soon as I read the book blurb I knew I had to give it a try.
Magical curses ? Forces proximity ? Young force heroine ? Somewhat tortured hero ? Sign me up !
Aurielle is a young woman in a world where being a female is precarious. If not married by the age of 26 she’ll be stripped of all free will and any hope; her choices then would be a forced marriage, a birthing house or death.
While foraging in the woods, she finds a golden Key, upon touching it a dark figure appear, Nixus.
Nix is the young-ish god of night imprisoned by the Key.
Sentenced to years of solitude by his brother over a sibling feud, his only interactions are with “people” he conjured, the keeper or sometimes his brother.
Nix is angry at his plight, longing for freedom and afraid to give in to hope.
His only hope of ever getting his freedom back ? The Key Keeper.
Aurielle is the seventh keeper, and where all the other failed she hopes to succeed.
She’s a clever young woman who dream of the independence the marriage law deprived her of. Her cleverness allow her to approach the wishes in a manner the other keeper didn’t try. Objectively and logically.
Nix, doesn’t want to feel more alone than he his but he also doesn’t want to befriend someone who’s gonna leave him to his imprisonment. He’s however just and tries to the best of his abilities to steer Aury in directions that won’t put her in unnecessary danger.
Nix and Aury bonded by the curse learn slowly to trust each other and work together.
The world building of this book is really well crafted, I honestly would have never guessed it was a debut novel.
It is a HEA book but it had enough little open clues to make you eager for the next part of the story.
April 19, 2022
Well, I absolutely loved "In the Shadow of a Wish." I wasn't sure what to expect from it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It definitely follows in the vein of some of my other guilty-pleasure favorites like Raven Kennedy's Plated Prisoner Series and SJM's A Court of Thorns and Roses, but it's still entirely its own thing. Maci Aurora is setting up a very interesting world, and I'm very eager to see where it goes. Auri was a lovely heroine who I didn't find annoying in the least. A lot of times when a naive character is dropped in an unfamiliar situation, they make some silly choices for the benefit of the reader to learn more about the world. Aurora kept Auri from being needlessly foolish, and as a reader, I appreciated that. I wish Nix and Auri would have been a little more communicative about their feelings earlier on in the story instead of running head-first into the idea of putting up more walls, but overall, that was easy to overlook as the story was so addictive. Nix was the perfect dark hero. I hope we'll see more of their story in the second book. I read "In the Shadow of a Wish" in less than 24 hours because the book was like a bag of potato chips that I just couldn't stop eating. I can't wait to recommend it to my sister-in-law as well. I know she's going to love it. Really appreciated the sneak peek at the next book -- I'm eager to keep reading the rest of this story as soon as possible!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2022
Thank you, NetGalley and Mixed Plate Press for the chance to read and review In the Shadow of a Wish by Maci Aurora!
I absolutely loved this romantic fantasy novel by Maci Aurora! I loved the trapped with wishes thing, and the book was also pretty well edited. A lot of publishers can end up putting up weirdly formatted copies of the book on NetGalley, so I appreciate that this was well done.
I loved what happened between her and Nix! The way they came together and chose each other and trusted each other! The whole sexy broody man thing worked! More authors should do a bath house thing. Criminally underrated. I also really liked Nix's sister, and I want more of her in the next book!
I didn't particularly like the wish at the end. I feel like that just got far too complicated for me to make sense of and enjoy in a romantic fantasy. I'm also looking forward to the author developing the sister's relationships with one another in the coming books. I'm particularly curious about the eldest two; I mean in this book, one was sort of spared and the other made to sit in the marriage market. Who made that decision?
I also didn't get she's not fully mortal part, and that thing with the wizard, in the end, was weird.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next book and I can't wait to have my questions answered!
I absolutely loved this romantic fantasy novel by Maci Aurora! I loved the trapped with wishes thing, and the book was also pretty well edited. A lot of publishers can end up putting up weirdly formatted copies of the book on NetGalley, so I appreciate that this was well done.
I loved what happened between her and Nix! The way they came together and chose each other and trusted each other! The whole sexy broody man thing worked! More authors should do a bath house thing. Criminally underrated. I also really liked Nix's sister, and I want more of her in the next book!
I didn't particularly like the wish at the end. I feel like that just got far too complicated for me to make sense of and enjoy in a romantic fantasy. I'm also looking forward to the author developing the sister's relationships with one another in the coming books. I'm particularly curious about the eldest two; I mean in this book, one was sort of spared and the other made to sit in the marriage market. Who made that decision?
I also didn't get she's not fully mortal part, and that thing with the wizard, in the end, was weird.
All in all, I'm really looking forward to the next book and I can't wait to have my questions answered!
April 21, 2022
This was a really great start to a new romantic fantasy series. We have Aurielle, who lives in a kingdom with very strict laws for women, and Nix, the God of Night who has been trapped inside of a spell for many years. When Auri finds a mysterious key and becomes trapped alongside Nix, she must make three wishes and suffer their consequences. She must then choose to either free Nix by making a sacrifice, or leave him like all of the previous key keepers have.
This book is full of magic, gods and goddesses, romance, monsters, and more. I love that Auri is a strong feminist character who wants to make the world better for herself and her sisters. Nix is a handsome, broody god who doesn’t know much about love or sacrifice until he meets Auri. They have such great chemistry and it was wayyy steamier than I expected. There are some good twists and the ending is satisfying but leaves just enough questions to make you want to read the next one.
My only complaints are that there were sometimes a lot of repetitive interactions like having the same arguments, making up, etc, and I also felt like parts of the spell got a bit too complex toward the end. But ultimately I really enjoyed it and will look forward to reading the next book.
Thank you to Mixed Plate Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This book is full of magic, gods and goddesses, romance, monsters, and more. I love that Auri is a strong feminist character who wants to make the world better for herself and her sisters. Nix is a handsome, broody god who doesn’t know much about love or sacrifice until he meets Auri. They have such great chemistry and it was wayyy steamier than I expected. There are some good twists and the ending is satisfying but leaves just enough questions to make you want to read the next one.
My only complaints are that there were sometimes a lot of repetitive interactions like having the same arguments, making up, etc, and I also felt like parts of the spell got a bit too complex toward the end. But ultimately I really enjoyed it and will look forward to reading the next book.
Thank you to Mixed Plate Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 9, 2025
It was not to my liking
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