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Wicked Lovely
Dark Sun
Katherine has spent her life aware that her bloodlines are only half-mortal. When one of the creatures she's been hiding from discovers her in the desert, she expects danger-instead, she feels fascinated by Uri in a way she never dreamed possible.
But the appearance of Urian-son of the former Dark King-has brought the Faery Courts into conflict.
Soon, the new lovers are drawn into fights and flights as secrets are revealed. Neither family ties nor accidental love can keep the balance between the courts now that the Dark Sun has returned.
But the appearance of Urian-son of the former Dark King-has brought the Faery Courts into conflict.
Soon, the new lovers are drawn into fights and flights as secrets are revealed. Neither family ties nor accidental love can keep the balance between the courts now that the Dark Sun has returned.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2022
34 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Marr
107 books13k followersMelissa Marr writes fiction for adults, teens, and children. Her books have been translated into 28 languages and been bestsellers in the US (NY Times, LA Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal) as well as overseas. Wicked Lovely, her debut novel, was an instant New York Times bestseller and evolved into an internationally bestselling multi-book series with a myriad of accolades.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
In 2024 she released a queer fantasy (Remedial Magic via Bramble), a picturebook about a wee one and his two moms (Family is Family via Penguin), and a DC Comics graphic novel about teen Harley & Ivy (The Strange Adventures of Harleen & Harley).
An Illumicrate edition of 6 Wicked Lovely books will release in 2025.
If she's not writing, you can find her in a kayak or on a trail with her wife.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 2, 2022
Oh my disappointed heart. Wicked Lovely and the Wicked series ignited my love for fantasy years ago. Seth and Ash owned my heart- I felt like I could breathe that world, it was so perfectly rendered. So I was looking forward to Dark Sun, and It was a big let down for me.
This book lacked all of the magic that consumed me about Melissa’s writing. The world building, the mysticism, the beautifulness of the world was all still there- but the characters, well, they I think are what lost me. The flawed complications and emotional tension of the prior books gave us interesting dynamics, characters growing up and evolving to this world. Here we have a heroine who has some compelling strengths, but we also have Urian, and try as I might, I could not get behind him. He’s petulant, bitter, arrogant, and inherently unlikable. I couldn’t quite engage or stay engaged- parts moved slow. Where was the emotion? Where was the heart? And implications this had for the original series perhaps bothered me the most. Well, it made me wish I’d left that series just where it ended- in the beautiful sacred place of my heart. Hoping she rights the ship.
This book lacked all of the magic that consumed me about Melissa’s writing. The world building, the mysticism, the beautifulness of the world was all still there- but the characters, well, they I think are what lost me. The flawed complications and emotional tension of the prior books gave us interesting dynamics, characters growing up and evolving to this world. Here we have a heroine who has some compelling strengths, but we also have Urian, and try as I might, I could not get behind him. He’s petulant, bitter, arrogant, and inherently unlikable. I couldn’t quite engage or stay engaged- parts moved slow. Where was the emotion? Where was the heart? And implications this had for the original series perhaps bothered me the most. Well, it made me wish I’d left that series just where it ended- in the beautiful sacred place of my heart. Hoping she rights the ship.
March 22, 2022
I really like this series, but I had a hard time getting into this one. It took me about 3/4 of the book before it wasn't hard to turn the page. I think a big part of why is Urian, I don't like him. He's a whiny brat! Sure it sucked not growing up with your father, but there was a reason. Had he sought out Irial he would have been welcomed. Instead Urian pitched at fit and aimed it at who he thought was the weakest person and that backfired in a HUGE way for him. Now he's gotten all the courts stirred up and ready to battle. It will be interesting to see what happens as allegiances have shifted and are shifting and now Urian has something precious to loose.
April 4, 2022
I was sad that the author decided to end Seth and Aislinn's relationship after so many books, (I hope she changes her mind and they stay together). Urian was disappointing, I expected more from him... :(
March 30, 2022
I love that this book took me back into the Wicked Lovely world so I was able to see the characters I have loved like Aislinn and Seth. And I got to meet new ones like Katherine who I really liked. I will admit that I enjoyed the previous books much more than this one. Katherine really impressed me and I found her to be a very strong character who was determined to get the answers she needed and wanted. But I could not stand Urian. He seemed rude and bratty and I felt like Katherine could have someone much better than someone like him. The book was kind of like a dark fairytale and I really loved that vibe that I got from it. I just wish I enjoyed the romance of it more like I do with Aislinn and Seth. Urian was so pushy, cocky, and arrogant I did not like him and never warmed up to him. I wish Katherine could have found someone better because she deserves that. And of course I absolutely loved the book cover it is gorgeous!
March 31, 2022
This book was so disappointing!
Recommendation: If you want a gritty, tantalizing fantasy story, pick up the original Wicked. Wicked Lovely is one of my favorite series from when I was young. In this book shows how Ash's bloodline and curse began. Which in my opinion was kind of interesting. But the worst thing about this book is that it is repetitive and quite boring at times. It's a shame that Melissa Marr ruined Ash and Seth's relationship. It was one of my favorite couples full of trust, friendship and love. It ruined all the lovely things Marr had previously written and the stories that defined so much of my love for YA, for fantasy.
Recommendation: If you want a gritty, tantalizing fantasy story, pick up the original Wicked. Wicked Lovely is one of my favorite series from when I was young. In this book shows how Ash's bloodline and curse began. Which in my opinion was kind of interesting. But the worst thing about this book is that it is repetitive and quite boring at times. It's a shame that Melissa Marr ruined Ash and Seth's relationship. It was one of my favorite couples full of trust, friendship and love. It ruined all the lovely things Marr had previously written and the stories that defined so much of my love for YA, for fantasy.
June 16, 2022
This was just okay. It wasn’t compelling at all mostly due to the Insta love. What about that is supposed to be interesting? I feel like not every series needs additional books because it just ruins the OG characters. I’m not against first loves being just that and them growing up and going their separate ways but when the so called grown characters are crossing into cheating territory it’s a big fat no. Its so out of character and really frustrating to read. Some things should just be left well enough alone.
April 28, 2022
It’s been absolutely ages since I’ve read a Melissa Marr book, but when I saw that she was starting a new series, I knew that I had to give this book a shot. Right off the bat, I realized that you need to read the Wicked Lovely series first before you can really enjoy this book. While the author does recap things in the beginning, a lot of the characters have evolved and changed, so it might feel confusing to some people. Since it’s been so long since I’ve read the first series, I did feel a little lost in the beginning. But I was still able to enjoy the world.
I’d say the best thing about this book is the worldbuilding. I haven’t come across a Fae series as intricate or developed as this world. So if you’re a fan of Fae stories like I am, then I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
I’d say the best thing about this book is the worldbuilding. I haven’t come across a Fae series as intricate or developed as this world. So if you’re a fan of Fae stories like I am, then I would definitely recommend checking this one out.
September 30, 2024
If she releases more it’s on site
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 11, 2025I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book took a little bit of effort for me to get into. I love the concept of faeries but they are becoming the new Twilight with every author seemingly writing their own faerie version.
I loved the world building and like to read about the magical faery court. The three different perspectives showed different sides of the story but in ways made it a little harder to follow. Will have to reread to form a better idea of my overall opinion.
This book took a little bit of effort for me to get into. I love the concept of faeries but they are becoming the new Twilight with every author seemingly writing their own faerie version.
I loved the world building and like to read about the magical faery court. The three different perspectives showed different sides of the story but in ways made it a little harder to follow. Will have to reread to form a better idea of my overall opinion.
August 7, 2022
Okay, so Wicked Lovely series is YA. I hope any teen reading this after Wicked Lovely series is prepared for the scene that is porn…lol. I mean, I do love the focus and stressed importance of complete consent so at least there’s that.
Anyway, Seth turns into a faerie for Aislinn because they love each other so much and now that’s being questioned? Really? And why was the Winter Court pissed off at Urian’s imprisonment exactly? They had nothing to do with anything? Also yes, let’s glorify domestic violence and have Niall “show his love when he’s angry” to Irial by beating him. Not cute.
Anyway, Seth turns into a faerie for Aislinn because they love each other so much and now that’s being questioned? Really? And why was the Winter Court pissed off at Urian’s imprisonment exactly? They had nothing to do with anything? Also yes, let’s glorify domestic violence and have Niall “show his love when he’s angry” to Irial by beating him. Not cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2022
3 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
It's a bit difficult to rate this book fairly because I never read the Wicked Lovely series. And whilst the author has left a detailed summary point of where everyone from that series were left at in the front of this book, I came into it with the impression that this was a new series (Wicked Lovely Courts as stated on NetGalley) away from the YA predecessor, and thought it could be read without previous knowledge since this isn't a YA novel. Unfortunately, I firmly believe you need to have knowledge of the previous world - more than the notes at the beginning of this book - to understand the logistics of this world fully. Even if some people and their placement in this novel are explained, it's already an established world and I felt like I was trying to swim against the current to understand what exactly was going on. There are a lot of political machinations of Faerie to grasp in this book, and alliances previously made in the Wicked Lovely series would make more sense if you had read them previously.
This book is told from three POVS, Urian, Katherine and Aislinn. Urian and Katherine are the real main characters of this, and it's their love story that we're following. Whilst I understand the decision to make Aislinn have her own voice in this book, I found her parts disrupted the flow of the happenings between Urian and Katherine and weren't necessary. Urian and Katherine are both 'gancanaghs', a type of sexually arousing fae who are dangerous to mortals. Katherine has been raised by her mortal mother to fear the faeries and to resist her half-fae side. However, at 24, she's tired of existing in her pretty cage, and when she meets Urian, a century-old fae who is unashamed of his sexual side, Katherine finds herself drawn to him and wanting to embrace the darker side of her being.
For all the talk about being sexually needy, this book doesn't actually have any explicit steam. It's eluded to, and whilst there is nakedness and a general idea that Urian and Katherine are sexually aroused by each other, it doesn't cover anything in great detail, leaning more in the "fade to black" style of romance. This confused me considering how much they conversed about what they wanted from each other, and I felt it didn't follow through in painting an accurate picture without the details. I'm not huge on smut, but in this case, I did feel it let down the overall picture of Katherine and Urian's connection by not delving deeper into this. Instalove was at play here, given the nature of their ability and kinship, and again, this just felt more talked about than shown. I don't like instalove at the best of times, and frankly, I didn't enjoy the fact that only a day had gone between Urian and Katherine, and they were already so deeply invested in the other.
The angst and political machinations, if I had more understanding of this world, would have been interesting to me, but it took a really long time to feel invested in what was happening and enjoy this book. I've rated it higher than my actual enjoyment level, simply because if I had read the previous series, I feel like I would have enjoyed this world more than I did. That's on me for picking up a book with an established world, not on the author.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-Op for this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
It's a bit difficult to rate this book fairly because I never read the Wicked Lovely series. And whilst the author has left a detailed summary point of where everyone from that series were left at in the front of this book, I came into it with the impression that this was a new series (Wicked Lovely Courts as stated on NetGalley) away from the YA predecessor, and thought it could be read without previous knowledge since this isn't a YA novel. Unfortunately, I firmly believe you need to have knowledge of the previous world - more than the notes at the beginning of this book - to understand the logistics of this world fully. Even if some people and their placement in this novel are explained, it's already an established world and I felt like I was trying to swim against the current to understand what exactly was going on. There are a lot of political machinations of Faerie to grasp in this book, and alliances previously made in the Wicked Lovely series would make more sense if you had read them previously.
This book is told from three POVS, Urian, Katherine and Aislinn. Urian and Katherine are the real main characters of this, and it's their love story that we're following. Whilst I understand the decision to make Aislinn have her own voice in this book, I found her parts disrupted the flow of the happenings between Urian and Katherine and weren't necessary. Urian and Katherine are both 'gancanaghs', a type of sexually arousing fae who are dangerous to mortals. Katherine has been raised by her mortal mother to fear the faeries and to resist her half-fae side. However, at 24, she's tired of existing in her pretty cage, and when she meets Urian, a century-old fae who is unashamed of his sexual side, Katherine finds herself drawn to him and wanting to embrace the darker side of her being.
For all the talk about being sexually needy, this book doesn't actually have any explicit steam. It's eluded to, and whilst there is nakedness and a general idea that Urian and Katherine are sexually aroused by each other, it doesn't cover anything in great detail, leaning more in the "fade to black" style of romance. This confused me considering how much they conversed about what they wanted from each other, and I felt it didn't follow through in painting an accurate picture without the details. I'm not huge on smut, but in this case, I did feel it let down the overall picture of Katherine and Urian's connection by not delving deeper into this. Instalove was at play here, given the nature of their ability and kinship, and again, this just felt more talked about than shown. I don't like instalove at the best of times, and frankly, I didn't enjoy the fact that only a day had gone between Urian and Katherine, and they were already so deeply invested in the other.
The angst and political machinations, if I had more understanding of this world, would have been interesting to me, but it took a really long time to feel invested in what was happening and enjoy this book. I've rated it higher than my actual enjoyment level, simply because if I had read the previous series, I feel like I would have enjoyed this world more than I did. That's on me for picking up a book with an established world, not on the author.
April 14, 2022
I read Wicked Lovely when it first came out in 2007, and while the other books in the series didn't sing to me in the same way, it still holds a place in my heart. So, having a new installment, with the characters as adult? Yes, please.
And, it was fine! This book is fine. However, I feel like the choice to market it as adult was a misstep. The writing felt like it was directed to a teenage audience, as did the maturity levels of some of the characters. While it was nice to see some of my favorites with more autonomy and authority, it still felt like I was reading a YA novel, just with more fade-to-black sex scenes.
Also, the ending felt so rushed. I hadn't realized that this was setting us up for even more books, and I felt slightly cheated by how quickly the last part passed. Finally, the plot is largely based on insta-love, so if that's not your thing, move along.
All that being said, it was nice to be back in this world, and it was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed spending time with. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to
And, it was fine! This book is fine. However, I feel like the choice to market it as adult was a misstep. The writing felt like it was directed to a teenage audience, as did the maturity levels of some of the characters. While it was nice to see some of my favorites with more autonomy and authority, it still felt like I was reading a YA novel, just with more fade-to-black sex scenes.
Also, the ending felt so rushed. I hadn't realized that this was setting us up for even more books, and I felt slightly cheated by how quickly the last part passed. Finally, the plot is largely based on insta-love, so if that's not your thing, move along.
All that being said, it was nice to be back in this world, and it was a quick, easy read that I enjoyed spending time with. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to
March 21, 2022
Okay confession time and its that I've never read the Wicked Lovely series as I'd thought it might be a little too young for my tastes. This book catches up with characters from that series but it focuses on the children they have had and just how troubling it is to grow up without a father figure. Ironically the couple Katherine and Urian are both half Fae and in many ways displaced but when Uri angrily stages an attack in the Summer Queens Court it challenges old alliances and forces new ones !
This was fun to read and as I got a better feel for the assorted characters and their roles I was really quite impressed. I loved the unique take on the Wild Hunt and its Hounds particularly but all the Fae described here were very interesting and at times quite funny too. I've long thought this author has such pretty covers and now I know that what lies within is definitely worth time reading. Fans will love this and I will most certainly read more from this author.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This was fun to read and as I got a better feel for the assorted characters and their roles I was really quite impressed. I loved the unique take on the Wild Hunt and its Hounds particularly but all the Fae described here were very interesting and at times quite funny too. I've long thought this author has such pretty covers and now I know that what lies within is definitely worth time reading. Fans will love this and I will most certainly read more from this author.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
March 29, 2023
Oh, loved this book, loved Urian and Katherine's story, and the updates in the other characters lives! I need more now!
April 6, 2022
Dark Sun,Wicked Lovely Courts, Melissa Marr
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy, Women's Fiction
No, no, no. woman's fiction as a genre is forever cropping up in romance, but to find it in fantasy, please no! We don't need this stupid, segregation, this outdated category. Men read books like this – they write books like this. Time to meet the 21st century please.
I'd read the first book of the original series as it was on KU. I enjoyed it but not enough to buy the rest. Sadly money's tight and I have to be pretty certain I'll love and reread a book before buying....but I did love the fae world Melissa had created, it was the characters that let it down for me. This sounded like it could be interesting, the same fabulous world but with a few new characters.
I really liked Katherine, though it was hard to believe she was 24 at times. Then again her upbringing wasn't exactly normal...Urian, well, I'm on the fence there, its like reading two different people, one an unpleasant, hate filled person, the other a guy with a chip on his shoulder but meeting Katherine has slid that into the background, made him look a bit differently at events.
Callisto was a real star for me – I adored her.
Then there's the characters from before. Ash, she's grown stronger, more determined, and still devotedly in love with Seth and yet I feel he's not really fully committed. I get he's a lot of other commitments, but event when he's with Ash he doesn't seem like a man in love, not as he did back in the first book of last series. Maybe that changed as the books progressed, and not having read them I missed it, but I don't like it :-( As an total romance junkie the feelings between him and Ash were on of the things that I loved about that first book, but he almost feels like a different character here. There's a couple of things towards the end of the story that suggest a slight change in direction for them in the future – for me that's a no – I just can't get on board with that, it doesn't feel right to me. Sometimes three's a crowd. But hey – I'm just a reader, I can't write...I've tried ;-)
Its an interesting story, I was intrigued by some of the characters, and its clear this is just an opening book to the new series, not a complete book in itself. That's fine, I'm more invested in this series than the last – I might even pay for the next books, unless a certain story line develops. That's a hard no for me, I just don't want those people to change that way, and it doesn't feel like a natural progression of their development to me.
Stars: Four, I really enjoyed this and will look out for more.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy, Women's Fiction
No, no, no. woman's fiction as a genre is forever cropping up in romance, but to find it in fantasy, please no! We don't need this stupid, segregation, this outdated category. Men read books like this – they write books like this. Time to meet the 21st century please.
I'd read the first book of the original series as it was on KU. I enjoyed it but not enough to buy the rest. Sadly money's tight and I have to be pretty certain I'll love and reread a book before buying....but I did love the fae world Melissa had created, it was the characters that let it down for me. This sounded like it could be interesting, the same fabulous world but with a few new characters.
I really liked Katherine, though it was hard to believe she was 24 at times. Then again her upbringing wasn't exactly normal...Urian, well, I'm on the fence there, its like reading two different people, one an unpleasant, hate filled person, the other a guy with a chip on his shoulder but meeting Katherine has slid that into the background, made him look a bit differently at events.
Callisto was a real star for me – I adored her.
Then there's the characters from before. Ash, she's grown stronger, more determined, and still devotedly in love with Seth and yet I feel he's not really fully committed. I get he's a lot of other commitments, but event when he's with Ash he doesn't seem like a man in love, not as he did back in the first book of last series. Maybe that changed as the books progressed, and not having read them I missed it, but I don't like it :-( As an total romance junkie the feelings between him and Ash were on of the things that I loved about that first book, but he almost feels like a different character here. There's a couple of things towards the end of the story that suggest a slight change in direction for them in the future – for me that's a no – I just can't get on board with that, it doesn't feel right to me. Sometimes three's a crowd. But hey – I'm just a reader, I can't write...I've tried ;-)
Its an interesting story, I was intrigued by some of the characters, and its clear this is just an opening book to the new series, not a complete book in itself. That's fine, I'm more invested in this series than the last – I might even pay for the next books, unless a certain story line develops. That's a hard no for me, I just don't want those people to change that way, and it doesn't feel like a natural progression of their development to me.
Stars: Four, I really enjoyed this and will look out for more.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
May 15, 2022
I have loved the Wicked Lovely world ever since I was 16 years old and kept returning to it over and over again. For months I've been looking forward to this one and was honestly disappointed.
Urian is the most annoying character. The story between him and Katherine wasn't interesting in the slightest and made me almost skip over those chapters. I hope we don't get more of this character. His existence didn't add anything to the story.
I enjoyed the lore of the Hounds and I would love to see more of Chela and Aislinn. As always, my favourite bits were the moments between Niall and Irial. As much as extending a universe can be fun, this wasn't the one for me. I wanted to love this book but really didn't.
Additionally, it was quite short, with 40+ pages being the bonus story "Love Hurts" we already had in Cold Iron Heart. How do you even understand Dark Sun if you skipped CIH?
All my hopes are on Moonlit Stars now, if only because Irial and Niall will have a larger role again.
Urian is the most annoying character. The story between him and Katherine wasn't interesting in the slightest and made me almost skip over those chapters. I hope we don't get more of this character. His existence didn't add anything to the story.
I enjoyed the lore of the Hounds and I would love to see more of Chela and Aislinn. As always, my favourite bits were the moments between Niall and Irial. As much as extending a universe can be fun, this wasn't the one for me. I wanted to love this book but really didn't.
Additionally, it was quite short, with 40+ pages being the bonus story "Love Hurts" we already had in Cold Iron Heart. How do you even understand Dark Sun if you skipped CIH?
All my hopes are on Moonlit Stars now, if only because Irial and Niall will have a larger role again.
April 18, 2022
Being re-immersed in this series almost a decade after I first read it has been a strange experience to say the least. I enjoyed catching up on all the novellas and the prequel as it was nostalgic, but I felt this book was unnecessary. Urian’s story could have been a little novella as well and not the start of a new series that twists what the original characters stood for. What new troubles abound for these characters? I couldn’t say. I have absolutely no idea where this is going. I’ll read it of course but still seems to me like a stretch.
May 2, 2022
Honestly I wanted to give this 4 stars at least, but I didn't feel like I could. Katherine and Urian's relationship confuses me with their insta love or their insta horny ness that is mistaken for love. I truly liked the parts they weren't in. Marr did a great job on Aislinn, Seth, Urial, Nial and literally everyone else, but this book makes me half undecided if I want to continue or just stop here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
This sucks so much ass. I stopped reading after the son said he wants to bang both of his father’s lovers in order to get revenge on him. The story was already bad enough without the author introducing incestuous undertones.
There’s also the fact that Melissa Marr was previously married to a man and is now married to a woman. And Aislinn, one of the main characters, is now suddenly bisexual even though there was no hint of this in the previous books. Jeez, self-insert much?
There’s also the fact that Melissa Marr was previously married to a man and is now married to a woman. And Aislinn, one of the main characters, is now suddenly bisexual even though there was no hint of this in the previous books. Jeez, self-insert much?
July 29, 2025
These characters all sound the same. Not fun to read about. The world building also felt very lacklustre, like I don’t know where Faerie (Sorcha’s domain) is supposed to be and why it’s connected to hunt’s dale??
April 16, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Dark Sun by Melissa Marr is the new Wicked Lovely book that will appeal to fans of the series! Although it's book one in the Wicked Lovely Courts series, you really need to have read the previous books in order to avoid spoilers and to fully enjoy this one. The story revolves around Katherine, a half-mortal and half-fae. One day, she meets Urian, the son of a former Dark King, and they start to fall in love. Will their love survive the chaos of the Faerie Courts?
Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue, which is from Sorcha's point of view:
"Standing before the High Queen, Irial--former Dark King and currently the embodiment of Chaos--looked somehow more regal in Faerie than he should. He held no dominion here, hadn't for centuries. He wasn't even Sorcha's balance now, but Irial was as commanding as he had been when he was ruling the creatures of nightmares. Faerie recognized it, or maybe Faerie merely reflected the High Queen's recognition.
Either way, the sky was cloudier, simply because Irial was here instead of in the mortal world where he lived. Once, he and all fey had lived in this world, removed from humans. Safe. Together.
But the once-Dark-King was a gancanagh, a seducer of mortals and faeries. Even Faerie was too small for him when he started feeling the urge to wander."
Overall, Dark Sun is an amazing adult fantasy novel that hails the return of the "original" fae courts. This book will appeal to fans of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. One highlight of this book is the worldbuilding and magical traditions. That was what originally drew me to the original Wicked Lovely series years ago when I was in high school. I loved reading Wicked Lovely, and I am so happy that the author is continuing the series. Another highlight of this book is the nostalgia for me. It's so nice to be able to read new adventures in familiar worlds and reminisce about the past. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of faeries, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
Dark Sun by Melissa Marr is the new Wicked Lovely book that will appeal to fans of the series! Although it's book one in the Wicked Lovely Courts series, you really need to have read the previous books in order to avoid spoilers and to fully enjoy this one. The story revolves around Katherine, a half-mortal and half-fae. One day, she meets Urian, the son of a former Dark King, and they start to fall in love. Will their love survive the chaos of the Faerie Courts?
Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue, which is from Sorcha's point of view:
"Standing before the High Queen, Irial--former Dark King and currently the embodiment of Chaos--looked somehow more regal in Faerie than he should. He held no dominion here, hadn't for centuries. He wasn't even Sorcha's balance now, but Irial was as commanding as he had been when he was ruling the creatures of nightmares. Faerie recognized it, or maybe Faerie merely reflected the High Queen's recognition.
Either way, the sky was cloudier, simply because Irial was here instead of in the mortal world where he lived. Once, he and all fey had lived in this world, removed from humans. Safe. Together.
But the once-Dark-King was a gancanagh, a seducer of mortals and faeries. Even Faerie was too small for him when he started feeling the urge to wander."
Overall, Dark Sun is an amazing adult fantasy novel that hails the return of the "original" fae courts. This book will appeal to fans of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. One highlight of this book is the worldbuilding and magical traditions. That was what originally drew me to the original Wicked Lovely series years ago when I was in high school. I loved reading Wicked Lovely, and I am so happy that the author is continuing the series. Another highlight of this book is the nostalgia for me. It's so nice to be able to read new adventures in familiar worlds and reminisce about the past. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of faeries, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
April 15, 2022
Set in the world of faery courts, this is a continuation of the bestselling Wicked Lovely series. In the years following the series, peace reigned in the faery courts.
But now, Urian, son of the former Dark King and fated Summer Queen, has come to claim his birthright.
Katherine has spent her life knowing that she is part faery. Brought up by her mortal family, she fears the fae. But when one discovers her in the desert, she forms a connection she never thought possible.
The lovers become embroiled in the secrets of the courts, and chaos ensues with the Dark Sun's return.
I read the Wicked Lovely series when I was a teenager, so this was super nostalgic for me.
I did enjoy this book, but my opinion is heavily biased by nostalgia.
Firstly, the faery world building was wonderful, the descriptions of the different courts, the various faery factions, etc. But, I found the plot to be a bit weak. I feel like the majority of the book was romance, and instalove at that.
Although there was a reason for it, Urian and Katherine's instant obsession came across as slightly absurd.
I found Katherine and Urian to both be a bit flat, they didn't really have any other personality traits, other than their mutual lust. I did rather enjoy the character of Callisto, though.
The writing was a bit confusing and scattered at times. Occasionally it was a little hard to know what was going on.
I would also say it is definitely necessary to have read the previous books. I have read them myself, but it was so long ago I found it hard to keep up with a lot of the faery jargon.
Overall I did enjoy this book, despite a few small critiques. I would 100% recommend this to people who have read the Wicked Lovely series, it's a promising continuation.
But now, Urian, son of the former Dark King and fated Summer Queen, has come to claim his birthright.
Katherine has spent her life knowing that she is part faery. Brought up by her mortal family, she fears the fae. But when one discovers her in the desert, she forms a connection she never thought possible.
The lovers become embroiled in the secrets of the courts, and chaos ensues with the Dark Sun's return.
I read the Wicked Lovely series when I was a teenager, so this was super nostalgic for me.
I did enjoy this book, but my opinion is heavily biased by nostalgia.
Firstly, the faery world building was wonderful, the descriptions of the different courts, the various faery factions, etc. But, I found the plot to be a bit weak. I feel like the majority of the book was romance, and instalove at that.
Although there was a reason for it, Urian and Katherine's instant obsession came across as slightly absurd.
I found Katherine and Urian to both be a bit flat, they didn't really have any other personality traits, other than their mutual lust. I did rather enjoy the character of Callisto, though.
The writing was a bit confusing and scattered at times. Occasionally it was a little hard to know what was going on.
I would also say it is definitely necessary to have read the previous books. I have read them myself, but it was so long ago I found it hard to keep up with a lot of the faery jargon.
Overall I did enjoy this book, despite a few small critiques. I would 100% recommend this to people who have read the Wicked Lovely series, it's a promising continuation.
July 7, 2024
This is the first wicked lovely story I’ve found to be awful and I hate saying that. The big issue is the insta-love between Urian and Katherine. Like what the heck? Melissa Marr doesn’t write the deepest of romances for anyone, but this felt like she gave zero percent effort to build up these characters. Is she sure her heart is really in this series anymore? Maybe it’s time to stop if not.
I don’t have a problem with Ash expanding to other lovers. I always thought it was ridiculous to expect the Summer Queen to remain monogamous for all eternity. She’s Summer. Monogamous is not supposed to be a thing in Summer. I think Seth will remain her true love, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have others too. Seth knows that. I’m sure he’s glad it’s just not Keenan.
I will probably still read the next book, but uggggh any chapters where all Katherine and Urian do is talk about sex and how much they lurve each other for no reason because they just met two seconds ago is a really painful drag.
I would love if Melissa Marr would go write more prequel books. I thought Cold Iron Heart for Irial and Ash’s history was pretty good. I would love to experience Beria’s past, Miach’s past, Keenan’s childhood etc. Beira remains my favorite character. Partly because she’s on screen so little lol very mysterious trying to understand her
I would also kill for some scene where Beira is temp-resurrected and sees that Donia is Queen and Keenan returned to Winter! I just can’t get over how Beira would be turning in her grave if she knew her son ended up back in Winter.
I don’t have a problem with Ash expanding to other lovers. I always thought it was ridiculous to expect the Summer Queen to remain monogamous for all eternity. She’s Summer. Monogamous is not supposed to be a thing in Summer. I think Seth will remain her true love, but that doesn’t mean she can’t have others too. Seth knows that. I’m sure he’s glad it’s just not Keenan.
I will probably still read the next book, but uggggh any chapters where all Katherine and Urian do is talk about sex and how much they lurve each other for no reason because they just met two seconds ago is a really painful drag.
I would love if Melissa Marr would go write more prequel books. I thought Cold Iron Heart for Irial and Ash’s history was pretty good. I would love to experience Beria’s past, Miach’s past, Keenan’s childhood etc. Beira remains my favorite character. Partly because she’s on screen so little lol very mysterious trying to understand her
I would also kill for some scene where Beira is temp-resurrected and sees that Donia is Queen and Keenan returned to Winter! I just can’t get over how Beira would be turning in her grave if she knew her son ended up back in Winter.
December 12, 2024
So many thoughts (voice dictation excuse errors)
Dark Sun is a perfect title
Ashlinn stole the show. Never thought I’d say that. I never saw her spineless, but I always thought her a bit boring but here she asserted herself and it was amazing. I honestly would’ve been fine with the story just about her and the periphery characters, forgetting about Katherine and Urian. The way Ashlyn’s bisexuality unfolded—I was SCREAMING.
Now Seth, I’ve always found him boring and never thought he was worth Ash’s time. He just further cemented that here. Go hibernate in your pretentious, train car boring ass apartment.
Urian is an ungrateful little bitch. It was amazing how so many characters around him acknowledge that the blame he placed on Irial was unjust yet he kept carrying on. I’m glad he got banished. He shames his mother with his behavior.
I hated that this ended with a cliffhanger and two years later we don’t have a next book!!
Irial remains the best character in this world surprising no one.
Dark Sun is a perfect title
Ashlinn stole the show. Never thought I’d say that. I never saw her spineless, but I always thought her a bit boring but here she asserted herself and it was amazing. I honestly would’ve been fine with the story just about her and the periphery characters, forgetting about Katherine and Urian. The way Ashlyn’s bisexuality unfolded—I was SCREAMING.
Now Seth, I’ve always found him boring and never thought he was worth Ash’s time. He just further cemented that here. Go hibernate in your pretentious, train car boring ass apartment.
Urian is an ungrateful little bitch. It was amazing how so many characters around him acknowledge that the blame he placed on Irial was unjust yet he kept carrying on. I’m glad he got banished. He shames his mother with his behavior.
I hated that this ended with a cliffhanger and two years later we don’t have a next book!!
Irial remains the best character in this world surprising no one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2023
I felt like Katherine’s inclusion was unnecessary. If she was a minor character in a previous book, I wouldn’t mind as much because we already know about her but I don’t know… Her romance with Urian felt tacked on. I feel like there’s better ways to humanize him. Hell, there could have been a storyline that showed flashbacks to Urian’s past and how he bonded with Sorcha.
BUT OMG OVERALL I LOVED IT
I loved the shifting dynamics between the characters. I LOVED that Ash Took A Level In Badass™️. I hope her bisexual awakening is handled well. Poly representation is still rare. I also like the emphasis Melissa put on how faeries mature emotionally more slowly compared to humans, even addressing the potentially problematic age gaps that can arise from a centuries old being falling in love with a mortal. Not to mention, stressing the importance of consent.
It also explains why Urian is an obnoxious brat.
BUT OMG OVERALL I LOVED IT
I loved the shifting dynamics between the characters. I LOVED that Ash Took A Level In Badass™️. I hope her bisexual awakening is handled well. Poly representation is still rare. I also like the emphasis Melissa put on how faeries mature emotionally more slowly compared to humans, even addressing the potentially problematic age gaps that can arise from a centuries old being falling in love with a mortal. Not to mention, stressing the importance of consent.
It also explains why Urian is an obnoxious brat.
March 21, 2022
You have me at the line "Return to the faery world written of the internationally bestselling Wicked Lovely series." Wicked Lovely is a terrific series and I love it so much. This series is even darker than the original but in a good way. Just a warning that it's not really for kids.
This series is about Katherine who is only half-mortal. When one of the creatures she's been hiding from discovers her in the desert, she expects danger—instead, she feels fascinated by Uri in a way she never dreamed possible. Uri who happens to be the son of the former Dark King—has brought the Faery Courts into conflict. Chaos, more secrets, fights and court intrigue ensues... Their love story is exciting and addictive. An exciting start to the series.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
This series is about Katherine who is only half-mortal. When one of the creatures she's been hiding from discovers her in the desert, she expects danger—instead, she feels fascinated by Uri in a way she never dreamed possible. Uri who happens to be the son of the former Dark King—has brought the Faery Courts into conflict. Chaos, more secrets, fights and court intrigue ensues... Their love story is exciting and addictive. An exciting start to the series.
Thanks to the publisher for the arc.
April 14, 2022
Having really enjoyed the original Wicked Lovely series way back when they were first released, I was really excited to stumble on this new addition to the series. Sadly, it didn’t quite live up to my memories of the original books. A reread of the series would probably help as I did struggle to remember some details, but a lot came back to me as I read. It was great to see some of my favourite characters again, and also be introduced to some new characters that I liked. What I struggled with a bit was the new characters’ instalove relationship, and how that basically threw off the threat that was established early on. I also felt that the main character from the first book, Aislinn, seemed a bit out of character, but that could just be my memory of the series being a bit vague. Generally I enjoyed getting an update to this world, and I will go back for the next one when it is released.
July 26, 2022
This one is clearly for the Wicked Lovely fans. For those of us that enjoyed the original series and would like to go back into that world. Does it enrich the story and take us on an exciting new path? Nah, not really. Did I enjoy it anyway and plan on reading whatever comes out next? Absolutely.
Urian & Katherine were a bit too instalove (or instalust) for me, but I really enjoyed seeing the character development of Aislinn. I like that she's coming into her own as a fiery Summer Queen and I particularly like that she might be fed up with Seth. Listen, I can't explain it but I've just never been a Seth fan. I know he's the nice, good guy... but I always wanted Ash to take the plunge and get with Keenan. That's not going to happen now, but there was a different opportunity set up in this installment and I'm very curious to see how it plays out.
Bring on the faeries.
Urian & Katherine were a bit too instalove (or instalust) for me, but I really enjoyed seeing the character development of Aislinn. I like that she's coming into her own as a fiery Summer Queen and I particularly like that she might be fed up with Seth. Listen, I can't explain it but I've just never been a Seth fan. I know he's the nice, good guy... but I always wanted Ash to take the plunge and get with Keenan. That's not going to happen now, but there was a different opportunity set up in this installment and I'm very curious to see how it plays out.
Bring on the faeries.
August 2, 2022
The book Aislinn finally became interesting. I didn’t dislike her in the previous books but I looked toward to other POVs more than hers but in this book I was living for the Ash chapters. She’s finally stepped up to become a fierce faery queen and I love that for her.
Looking forward to see what happens next. I’m expecting a showdown between Ash and Sorcha at some point. I’d probably place my bets on Sorcha but let’s not forget who beat Bananach and got first refusal at being her replacement and Sorcha’s balance.
The new characters I didn’t really care for. Katherine was just fine but a bit boring. As for Urian - am I supposed to be feeling sympathy for him? As I read in another review he’s just whiny. I can accept his claim to the dark throne due to being Irial’s son but summer? Ash was the first in the family to accept the throne so he’s deluded if he thinks to claim it.
Looking forward to see what happens next. I’m expecting a showdown between Ash and Sorcha at some point. I’d probably place my bets on Sorcha but let’s not forget who beat Bananach and got first refusal at being her replacement and Sorcha’s balance.
The new characters I didn’t really care for. Katherine was just fine but a bit boring. As for Urian - am I supposed to be feeling sympathy for him? As I read in another review he’s just whiny. I can accept his claim to the dark throne due to being Irial’s son but summer? Ash was the first in the family to accept the throne so he’s deluded if he thinks to claim it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2022
Big spoiler
While there were some things I did like, can we stop the trend where authors write new books in a well loved series years later and blow up the OTP? After 5 books of drama and fighting to end up together originally? I did like the back story info we got. Katherine and Uri's romance was rushed all to hell... but I would have been ok with that if it wasn't for where it looks like Ash is headed.. I started a reread of a series I loved and found a continuing book had recently been released and honestly, I wish I wouldn't have. I know there's another book and I hope she fixes Ash and Seth, but from a couple of comments I've read I don't know how hopeful I am. I guess Seth's forgotten that Ash and Niall were who he said he would pick over Mommy Dearest 😧
While there were some things I did like, can we stop the trend where authors write new books in a well loved series years later and blow up the OTP? After 5 books of drama and fighting to end up together originally? I did like the back story info we got. Katherine and Uri's romance was rushed all to hell... but I would have been ok with that if it wasn't for where it looks like Ash is headed.. I started a reread of a series I loved and found a continuing book had recently been released and honestly, I wish I wouldn't have. I know there's another book and I hope she fixes Ash and Seth, but from a couple of comments I've read I don't know how hopeful I am. I guess Seth's forgotten that Ash and Niall were who he said he would pick over Mommy Dearest 😧
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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