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Aisling #1
Aisling: Breath of the New Creature
Bound by both her duty to her clann and all the Isles of Rinn Dúin, Aisling is handfast to one of the twelve fae sovereigns: she, a fragile symbol of peace between mortals and fair folk.
Aisling is spun into the Fae King’s world of bygone beasts and primal magic where mankind’s perspective on centuries old racial feuds is challenged each day Aisling tastes the alluring, savage world views of her betrothed -- the nightmare muse of grisly fireside tales and blood-soaked legends. Wicked philosophies that awaken a creature in Aisling she realizes is not so different from the enemy king she’s now eternally tethered to.
It’s in this quest for truth and self-discovery that one is propelled into a whimsical yet darkly cast fantasy where only the powerful and hungry survive.
Aisling is spun into the Fae King’s world of bygone beasts and primal magic where mankind’s perspective on centuries old racial feuds is challenged each day Aisling tastes the alluring, savage world views of her betrothed -- the nightmare muse of grisly fireside tales and blood-soaked legends. Wicked philosophies that awaken a creature in Aisling she realizes is not so different from the enemy king she’s now eternally tethered to.
It’s in this quest for truth and self-discovery that one is propelled into a whimsical yet darkly cast fantasy where only the powerful and hungry survive.
460 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2022
94 people are currently reading
13710 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Jürgens
4 books197 followersA.E. Jürgens grew up overseas as a diplomat’s daughter, living in over nine different countries and five continents. She recently settled down in the United States with her South African husband and two sons. But that hasn’t stopped her from exploring enchanted lands or fantastic realms through the pages of her favorite novels and the letters on her keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
May 8, 2023
Hello readers! I’m so excited to share Aisling’s journey with you all, her self-discovery, her finding of her very own set of fangs, and her ascent to power (be it for good or evil - or perhaps something in between). I’ll be announcing Book 2’s release date on Sunday (July 31st) where the tale will continue, finding Aisling more fearsome than ever, Lir hot on her heels, and the magic unspooling towards an inevitable New Age.
July 13, 2022
So this book was actually recommended to me. I think the first thing I noticed was the authors writing style. Personally, it’s not exactly my thing because I honestly prefer a more simple, funny writing style. But I know many people would love her writing because it is actually really pretty. I will say this also has the slowest burn ever, which I do enjoy. I wish I got to see more of Aisling and Lir because I love them, especially Lir, but hopefully if there’s another book then we can see more of them. I really liked the plot of the book; I think it was pretty unique. There were a few slow parts for me, normally when Lir wasn’t there lol. I also really liked all the supporting characters too. Galad is a saint and Filverel is a jerk, but at least he’s interesting. Peitho was a really intriguing character to me, and I really hope we can see more of her in future books. I also wanted to mention the folklore and Celtic theme. I think it really added to the book because I didn’t have to completely imagine a whole different world and culture. I really liked this book and if epic fantasy with a slow burn romance is your thing, then check this out.
November 4, 2022
2.5 stars. It took me a while to really put my finger on why I didn’t really like this book even though it had so much potential. I just felt like this book didn’t have any development. The bare bones were there but the story itself had gaps, skipped a lot, and within scenes there was lofty language that wasn’t really telling you anything. Nothing really happened in this book. The secrets of the mortal kings made no sense once you realized what they knew and though a lot of the concepts were great it just wasn’t executed well. Then there’s the character development.
The main character, Aisling, seemed to not have developed at all throughout the book. She maintains the same way of thinking the whole book and is suddenly described as being wild as a child when she’s clearly not a wild person and her only character “growth” if you can count it as such is that she gets angry easier and can’t control herself.
Lir, too, he was not very developed. We didn’t get to see too many interactions between him and Asling so his fondness or dislike of her was never really fleshed out. People who say this is a romance are lying because there was like zero tension and the romance aspect was not developed at all. Literally nothing until the very last page and it can’t even be considered romantic. The most you get is them making eye contact sometimes. Same goes for side characters. We didn’t see much interactions with them and it just jumped to oh these are the closest to friends the main character now has in the fae world and fae side characters that expressed disliking her suddenly in the next chapter care so much they’d be willing to die for her.
There were moments I thought foreshadowing was happening because she was laying it on thick and then nothing would come of it. It was just useless info that meant nothing and never is mentioned again which added to the choppiness and the sudden jumps and gaps in the story.
I will say the idea the author was trying to do was unique. She ended this book in a way that had it been executed better I would have probably felt my heart wrenching and screaming oh my god but instead I was just like what the hell? The lead up to it was not foreshadowed at all and the ending sort of made sense why a few things had gone down the way they did between Asling and Lir but then her choice in the end just seemed like a way to lead to a sequel and have you guessing who you’re rooting for.
I will also say that the actual concept of this book was unique and the only reason I kept reading. I liked the idea of breaking the norms for a fae novel and trying to take things in a different direction. It was just undermined by a few things, one of which being the execution of story and lack of character development.
Things that just annoyed me:
She constantly repeated quotes. Constantly. When Asling thinks about what someone said the actual quote is rewritten in its entirety. It got to a point where I just skipped them because I had read them so many times.
I can’t explain it but something is slightly off, more like the flow or connectivity. Whether it be from one sentence to another or a section to the next, there’s like a choppiness or lack of flow that can be confusing and pull you out of the story. There were sudden skips, not enough building you from scene to scene. I spent most the book trying to figure out if the author’s first language might not have been English because I found so many odd grammatical or punctuation errors that made me wonder if the book was translated to English. The punctuation and capitalization errors were numerous and the same ones over and over. Just typos left and right (missing periods, quotation marks touching non-dialogue, etc.)
Then there’s the listing of her brothers’ names. It’s the stupidest thing to complain about but it bothered me almost instantaneously and it continues the whole book. She never just says her brothers….she lists all four of their names every time and the extra prince gets listed too so it’s 5 names. Not ‘I wonder what my brothers are doing’ no….it’s I wonder what brother A, B, C, and D and the prince are doing. Every. Single. Time.
The main character, Aisling, seemed to not have developed at all throughout the book. She maintains the same way of thinking the whole book and is suddenly described as being wild as a child when she’s clearly not a wild person and her only character “growth” if you can count it as such is that she gets angry easier and can’t control herself.
Lir, too, he was not very developed. We didn’t get to see too many interactions between him and Asling so his fondness or dislike of her was never really fleshed out. People who say this is a romance are lying because there was like zero tension and the romance aspect was not developed at all. Literally nothing until the very last page and it can’t even be considered romantic. The most you get is them making eye contact sometimes. Same goes for side characters. We didn’t see much interactions with them and it just jumped to oh these are the closest to friends the main character now has in the fae world and fae side characters that expressed disliking her suddenly in the next chapter care so much they’d be willing to die for her.
There were moments I thought foreshadowing was happening because she was laying it on thick and then nothing would come of it. It was just useless info that meant nothing and never is mentioned again which added to the choppiness and the sudden jumps and gaps in the story.
I will say the idea the author was trying to do was unique. She ended this book in a way that had it been executed better I would have probably felt my heart wrenching and screaming oh my god but instead I was just like what the hell? The lead up to it was not foreshadowed at all and the ending sort of made sense why a few things had gone down the way they did between Asling and Lir but then her choice in the end just seemed like a way to lead to a sequel and have you guessing who you’re rooting for.
I will also say that the actual concept of this book was unique and the only reason I kept reading. I liked the idea of breaking the norms for a fae novel and trying to take things in a different direction. It was just undermined by a few things, one of which being the execution of story and lack of character development.
Things that just annoyed me:
She constantly repeated quotes. Constantly. When Asling thinks about what someone said the actual quote is rewritten in its entirety. It got to a point where I just skipped them because I had read them so many times.
I can’t explain it but something is slightly off, more like the flow or connectivity. Whether it be from one sentence to another or a section to the next, there’s like a choppiness or lack of flow that can be confusing and pull you out of the story. There were sudden skips, not enough building you from scene to scene. I spent most the book trying to figure out if the author’s first language might not have been English because I found so many odd grammatical or punctuation errors that made me wonder if the book was translated to English. The punctuation and capitalization errors were numerous and the same ones over and over. Just typos left and right (missing periods, quotation marks touching non-dialogue, etc.)
Then there’s the listing of her brothers’ names. It’s the stupidest thing to complain about but it bothered me almost instantaneously and it continues the whole book. She never just says her brothers….she lists all four of their names every time and the extra prince gets listed too so it’s 5 names. Not ‘I wonder what my brothers are doing’ no….it’s I wonder what brother A, B, C, and D and the prince are doing. Every. Single. Time.
February 25, 2023
The first half was a bit slow but enjoyable, and the build up of this enchanting and beautiful world was worth every page. I sat down to read tonight at 55% next thing I knew the book was ending and I’m upset. Upset I’m leaving this world for now. Upset I have mortal needs of sleep. Upset that I cannot live in the world that was so incredibly crafted.
I thought I knew magic and faerie lands… this author proved me wrong. I knew nothing until I read the majesty she spun here. Every song, color, taste, smell was crafted exclusively for my consumption and made me believe I was there. I was witness to this story of a human girl who was forced to marry a fae king. Learn about his life and people among the forest. Care for the animals who speak and fight along side their seelie friends. Experience monsters, gods, and magic alike.
You may think you know where this story is going. I can assure you, you do not.
5 stars isn’t enough!
I thought I knew magic and faerie lands… this author proved me wrong. I knew nothing until I read the majesty she spun here. Every song, color, taste, smell was crafted exclusively for my consumption and made me believe I was there. I was witness to this story of a human girl who was forced to marry a fae king. Learn about his life and people among the forest. Care for the animals who speak and fight along side their seelie friends. Experience monsters, gods, and magic alike.
You may think you know where this story is going. I can assure you, you do not.
5 stars isn’t enough!
January 9, 2023
Celtic folklore. Tattooed Fae with fangs?! I need more Lir and Aisling, please.
*reread 1/9/23*
Just as amazing the 2nd time around. Even more pumped for book 2 in a couple weeks.
*reread 1/9/23*
Just as amazing the 2nd time around. Even more pumped for book 2 in a couple weeks.
Read
July 12, 2022There was a lot to like about this, but it still had problems. The nod to Irish and Celtic mythology is right up my alley, so I was in heaven with that. I enjoyed a lot of the story, and the world building, but sometimes the prose was a bit too purple for my taste. It also sometimes didn't make sense, and there were several instances of homophones tripping the author up. For example 'seize' and 'cease.' This happened several times, and really took me out of the book. There were also times that it felt like the author cracked open a thesaurus and did that thing you do when your 15 and writing your term paper for english class. You know, when you pick the longest, most obscure version of the word, the one that is often a little too archaic and now actually doesn't fit at all, but has the added effect of making you sound like an alien attempting to communicate with modern humans after only reading texts from 500 years ago. It was a bit jarring at times, and also took me out of the story. I think if the author had been less worried about repeating words, it would have sounded more natural and elegant, and less clunky and tryhard. There was also some trouble with character's actions and movements in space, I found myself a little confused as to why a character was suddenly on a horse when a sentence or two ago they were walking. Or a character is mentioned as still having tears in their eyes, but there was no mention of the tears there in the first place, so I don't know why the word 'still' is there. This is not to say the author is a bad writer, because I don't think that at all. I think she's very talented, and at the end of the day I enjoyed the story and her writing. I just think an editor would be very helpful. I am unsure about this, but based on the way some things were worded in the book I suspect the author might not be a native speaker, so I think that might be part of the trip ups. Not a value judgement, just an observation.
Overall, I did really enjoy it and I finished it at breakneck speed because I couldn't put it down. I was in a bit of reading slump before this as well. I will definitely be reading the sequel (fingers crossed it comes out soon bc I need to know what happens!). And I look forward to watching the author grow.
Overall, I did really enjoy it and I finished it at breakneck speed because I couldn't put it down. I was in a bit of reading slump before this as well. I will definitely be reading the sequel (fingers crossed it comes out soon bc I need to know what happens!). And I look forward to watching the author grow.
November 5, 2022
“… Asling heard him. Heard his voice slither through her as she ran farther into the bedlam. ‘“Very well. Then I’ll hunt you down.’”
This was so good for a first time author. I love the ideas and the plot this story took. It did take a bit to get me interested, but omggg halfway through I was reading nonstop.
I LOVED how different this story was, it’s hard to find something that involves fae that’s not repetitive, and this was it.
Also the enemies to lovers was on point, so much so the romance is more of a subplot, which I love.
This was so good for a first time author. I love the ideas and the plot this story took. It did take a bit to get me interested, but omggg halfway through I was reading nonstop.
I LOVED how different this story was, it’s hard to find something that involves fae that’s not repetitive, and this was it.
Also the enemies to lovers was on point, so much so the romance is more of a subplot, which I love.
March 18, 2023
Disappointing and lackluster - I really wanted to describe this book as something better, but it failed to inspire anything else. I was left continuously yearning for more, even just a little, but sadly it was never delivered. The storyline was irregular and broken with many plots that just disappeared where I would like to have explored more. Maybe it was the author’s intent to leave the audience needing more, but I continuously became irritated, hoping that it would at least be circled back to with no avail.
What I found most frustrating was the writing style. Often, I found myself re-reading the same sentence or paragraph multiple times, searching for an understanding, where I found it to make no sense at all, or placed inapplicably. Just fanciful words dancing on a page with little to no meaning. Other times, the writing is repetitive, the same thoughts repeated over and over – we got it the first two times. Overall, the story is extremely SLOW.
The only hope for the second book is these two quotes at the end: “I vow to you the first cut of my heart, the first taste of my blood, and the last words from my lips” and “Very well. Then I’ll hunt you down” along with the tether that binds Aisling and Lir to one another. I’m hopeful I won’t be let down.
What I found most frustrating was the writing style. Often, I found myself re-reading the same sentence or paragraph multiple times, searching for an understanding, where I found it to make no sense at all, or placed inapplicably. Just fanciful words dancing on a page with little to no meaning. Other times, the writing is repetitive, the same thoughts repeated over and over – we got it the first two times. Overall, the story is extremely SLOW.
The only hope for the second book is these two quotes at the end: “I vow to you the first cut of my heart, the first taste of my blood, and the last words from my lips” and “Very well. Then I’ll hunt you down” along with the tether that binds Aisling and Lir to one another. I’m hopeful I won’t be let down.
April 4, 2024
I mean, I love it. I love Lir even though he's moody and needs to be nicer to Aisling. I love Aisling even though she needs to pick a side more decisively. And I love the world because it's so lush and beautiful and fraught with war and despair and hatred. Also... kind of team dryad, I have to say.
At some points, Lir almost felt like an unwilling actor in this book. You know when Robert Pattinson got on screen and you can kind of just tell he didn't want to be there? That was Lir most of the time. He was avoiding the shit out of Aisling.
At some points, Lir almost felt like an unwilling actor in this book. You know when Robert Pattinson got on screen and you can kind of just tell he didn't want to be there? That was Lir most of the time. He was avoiding the shit out of Aisling.
August 4, 2022
4.5 stars! This was such a wild ride. I’m obsessed with Aisling and Lir and dying to see what happens next. The magic and the creatures you encounter in this book are unique and fascinating. The cliffhanger is killer but here’s to hoping we get book 2 soon.
January 3, 2023
ummmm!!!
how does this not have more hype? this book checked off every aspect of a 5 star book. the main character was AMAZING. serving all the morally grey mc vibes that a girl can wish for. the setting was perfect and comprehensive. every character was dimensional and well developed. the pacing was unmatched and i'm beyond hyped for the next book already.
first things first: our mc. every aspect of her personality was perfection. she had the perfect blend of empathy with the right characters and simultaneously a serious moral ambiguity that could potentially see her rise into power be paired with a decent into evil/corruption. on the other hand she also has the perfect level of redeeming qualities that offset her more destructive ones and provide a possibility that she could maintain some sort of moral compass. i think there will be a big emphasis on aislings path of self discovery in the upcoming books and her toeing the line between good and evil. in that respect, i'm beyond excited to see how things play out.
the love story was the definition of slow burn and so perfectly written. i think most of the romance will happen over the next few books based off the place things left off at he end of this novel. i think the slower pace of this relationship is necessary considering the racial tensions and hatred both lir and aisling harbor towards each others racial groups at the beginning of the book. it was so nice to watch both parties begin to get to know each other on a realistic timeline. lir and aisling are both deeply complex characters that start off despising each other and finish still not trusting one another but nevertheless bonded together by the experiences they share throughout this novel.
overall this was amazing and i ate every part of it up. if you want a high fantasy with a powerful morally grey mc and amazing slow burn romance i cannot recommend this enough.
how does this not have more hype? this book checked off every aspect of a 5 star book. the main character was AMAZING. serving all the morally grey mc vibes that a girl can wish for. the setting was perfect and comprehensive. every character was dimensional and well developed. the pacing was unmatched and i'm beyond hyped for the next book already.
first things first: our mc. every aspect of her personality was perfection. she had the perfect blend of empathy with the right characters and simultaneously a serious moral ambiguity that could potentially see her rise into power be paired with a decent into evil/corruption. on the other hand she also has the perfect level of redeeming qualities that offset her more destructive ones and provide a possibility that she could maintain some sort of moral compass. i think there will be a big emphasis on aislings path of self discovery in the upcoming books and her toeing the line between good and evil. in that respect, i'm beyond excited to see how things play out.
the love story was the definition of slow burn and so perfectly written. i think most of the romance will happen over the next few books based off the place things left off at he end of this novel. i think the slower pace of this relationship is necessary considering the racial tensions and hatred both lir and aisling harbor towards each others racial groups at the beginning of the book. it was so nice to watch both parties begin to get to know each other on a realistic timeline. lir and aisling are both deeply complex characters that start off despising each other and finish still not trusting one another but nevertheless bonded together by the experiences they share throughout this novel.
overall this was amazing and i ate every part of it up. if you want a high fantasy with a powerful morally grey mc and amazing slow burn romance i cannot recommend this enough.
February 26, 2023
well first of all idk why this was tagged as fantasy romance when it had no romance whatsoever. lir and her only had like one meaningful conversation the entire book, and yet there’s a prophecy about their love being so strong and crazy that it will destroy worlds or something???? ok i guess. that kiss just had me going 🤨 it was weird and out of place. it had the potential to be a good and incredibly passionate kiss (due to yknow…..the whole massacre, blood and guts surrounding them) but since they didn’t really have much of a connection, i was just confused. like imagine you are a mortal soldier fighting for your life against an army of otherwordly looking creatures that can just skin you alive with a snap of their fingers. you just want to go home back to your wife and kids, but you can’t see them again if you die, so you give everything you have, swing your sword at the creature’s head with the last bit of energy you have left, but you are too slow, the creature blows a hole right through your torso, you look down, at your guts spilling out of you, your vision is getting blurry, you think about your wife, your beautiful children. the last thing you see, as you fall to the cold damp grass is these two idiots making out in the middle of the battlefield. life is cruel.
the plot was good, it was just soOoOoOooOOOOoooo slow. didn’t feel like aisling had that much of a personality tbh, she just spent the entire time glaring at people and being angry (also why the hell did she dance so much? you almost died, revealed your secret powers to your entire family, didn’t even talk to lir who looked for you for 2 months straight and you just…..go dance???????? ok. then lir and you are having a very serious conversation where you don’t know if you will live or die and you guys just danced???? ok.) (and how quickly did her power regenerate? in like the span of a few hours she was “depleted of power” twice). aisling was described as this wild child rebel that was full of mischief but…she wasn’t that at all…she was so tame…………i did understand her confusion, how she was divided between what to believe in, but HOLY SHIT was she stubborn. the same damn arguments happened over and over again cause she just refused to believe anything that was in front of her, and even when she decided to believe in it, she just threw insults around. i don’t know man, i think the whole “war within herself” thing could’ve been done better. it just got too old by the 70% mark.
i don’t like dagfin at all, i’m tired of characters like him. can’t believe aisling burned girlboss peitho just to save this man’s annoying head. if this turns into a love triangle i’m gonna be so fucking pissed. not really sure about reading the next one cause i simply do not care about dagfin. i don’t find him interesting or mysterious, i don’t find him charming, he is a piece of wet cardboard to me.
also i just wanted to say how hot that part where lir choked that queen with leaves growing from her throat cause she insulted aisling was. and him only stopping after the queen got on her knees in front of aisling??? that was very slay very sexy of him. i truly do not understand how aisling finds him so terrifying, i think this man is hot as shit. when he betrayed the mortals and unleashed the unseelie on them? goddamn i swooned. i do love a man that’s unhinged and i do love to read about war and blood.
IT DOESN’T MEAN I LIKE LIR THOUGH. to be fair none of the characters here were developed enough for me to like them. i was just like “ok cool” the entire time.
i know the decision of her leaving was supposed to be like this “aaa empowerment aaaa freedom aaa i don’t belong to no man” thing but i truly could not give a shit about that and that’s my honest opinion.
the plot was good, it was just soOoOoOooOOOOoooo slow. didn’t feel like aisling had that much of a personality tbh, she just spent the entire time glaring at people and being angry (also why the hell did she dance so much? you almost died, revealed your secret powers to your entire family, didn’t even talk to lir who looked for you for 2 months straight and you just…..go dance???????? ok. then lir and you are having a very serious conversation where you don’t know if you will live or die and you guys just danced???? ok.) (and how quickly did her power regenerate? in like the span of a few hours she was “depleted of power” twice). aisling was described as this wild child rebel that was full of mischief but…she wasn’t that at all…she was so tame…………i did understand her confusion, how she was divided between what to believe in, but HOLY SHIT was she stubborn. the same damn arguments happened over and over again cause she just refused to believe anything that was in front of her, and even when she decided to believe in it, she just threw insults around. i don’t know man, i think the whole “war within herself” thing could’ve been done better. it just got too old by the 70% mark.
i don’t like dagfin at all, i’m tired of characters like him. can’t believe aisling burned girlboss peitho just to save this man’s annoying head. if this turns into a love triangle i’m gonna be so fucking pissed. not really sure about reading the next one cause i simply do not care about dagfin. i don’t find him interesting or mysterious, i don’t find him charming, he is a piece of wet cardboard to me.
also i just wanted to say how hot that part where lir choked that queen with leaves growing from her throat cause she insulted aisling was. and him only stopping after the queen got on her knees in front of aisling??? that was very slay very sexy of him. i truly do not understand how aisling finds him so terrifying, i think this man is hot as shit. when he betrayed the mortals and unleashed the unseelie on them? goddamn i swooned. i do love a man that’s unhinged and i do love to read about war and blood.
IT DOESN’T MEAN I LIKE LIR THOUGH. to be fair none of the characters here were developed enough for me to like them. i was just like “ok cool” the entire time.
i know the decision of her leaving was supposed to be like this “aaa empowerment aaaa freedom aaa i don’t belong to no man” thing but i truly could not give a shit about that and that’s my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
3.25 🌟
This had so much potential I am greatly dissatisfied that the beginning of this book did not compare to the ending. There is certainly a lot of room for improvement, especially in regards to the spelling errors.
This author needs to describe looking at someone as something other than glaring. She glared. They glared. He glared with wide eyes. How is that last one even possible? I tried it in front of a mirror just to see and I remain unconvinced. The story was so painfully slow, the main character so painfully left in the dark and resistant to any knowledge that didn’t align with her values.
There were some interesting characters and I like that the main character, Aisling, wasn’t your typical flippant and edgy heroine. What this story lacked in embarrassing dialogue it also lacked in making any real connections between the reader and the characters. There’s so much telling and almost no showing. I think this would have really benefited from a first person pov. I might read book two, but probably not.
This had so much potential I am greatly dissatisfied that the beginning of this book did not compare to the ending. There is certainly a lot of room for improvement, especially in regards to the spelling errors.
This author needs to describe looking at someone as something other than glaring. She glared. They glared. He glared with wide eyes. How is that last one even possible? I tried it in front of a mirror just to see and I remain unconvinced. The story was so painfully slow, the main character so painfully left in the dark and resistant to any knowledge that didn’t align with her values.
There were some interesting characters and I like that the main character, Aisling, wasn’t your typical flippant and edgy heroine. What this story lacked in embarrassing dialogue it also lacked in making any real connections between the reader and the characters. There’s so much telling and almost no showing. I think this would have really benefited from a first person pov. I might read book two, but probably not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2023
3.5 stars
Fantasy books about fae/faeries is nothing new at this point, but I thought the world and magic was interesting. This is going to be a very slow burn, they didn't even kiss until the end and barely touched throughout the book. I did enjoy this book but it wasn't my favorite. It was slow in some parts, and I felt like their quest didn't really make sense. Well, I guess it made sense but I don't think it justified taking up as many pages as it did. I mostly bought this because I love the cover. I do want to read the second book but I'm afraid I won't like it for some reason (maybe reminiscent of my experience with the Fortuna Sworn series). Maybe I'll buy it on Kindle.
All in all, this scratched that 3 star, quick, easy to read fantasy itch for me. Nothing to write home about.
Fantasy books about fae/faeries is nothing new at this point, but I thought the world and magic was interesting. This is going to be a very slow burn, they didn't even kiss until the end and barely touched throughout the book. I did enjoy this book but it wasn't my favorite. It was slow in some parts, and I felt like their quest didn't really make sense. Well, I guess it made sense but I don't think it justified taking up as many pages as it did. I mostly bought this because I love the cover. I do want to read the second book but I'm afraid I won't like it for some reason (maybe reminiscent of my experience with the Fortuna Sworn series). Maybe I'll buy it on Kindle.
All in all, this scratched that 3 star, quick, easy to read fantasy itch for me. Nothing to write home about.
March 6, 2023
Although fear had its uses, the proclamation of it rarely did.
Aisling: Breath of the New Creature was absolutely mesmerizing, with tantalizing prose that brought to life even that which didn’t breathe and a tale laced with intertwining fear and fascination, inundated with the magical and the macabre.
But even fear itself was intoxicating, a perfume Aisling was eager to smell more of. To quicken the pace of her heart and breath, both tempered into strict obedience all her life.
With strong, masterful elements of Celtic folklore and an FMC questioning her evolving knowledge of the world — a world she primarily came to understand through her father’s warnings of it — the story captured me from the very start as the mortal princess of Tilren is bound to the Fae King of Annwyn to staunch the longstanding conflict between mortals and fair folk. From there, Aisling’s perceptions of mortality and war become convoluted as she discovers things are worlds different than what she thought was the truth.
If he wanted to provoke her, then provoke her he would. For he inspired something reckless within her, the sensation of swimming in an abyss, holding her palm beside a flame, wrestling with a wolf.
This book was spectacular and swoonworthy and unputdownable!! I so appreciated the slow burn that beautifully accounted for the nature of an unlikely, confusing relationship built alongside a character’s coming to terms with the discordance of reality (not to mention the existence of talking animals that braid hair!).
I cannot recommend this book enough and I cannot wait for its sequels!
- - - - - - -
Reread review:
“I've lived half a life. And I'll perish before I settle for such an existence for a second time. If there's even a chance my life means more than it has, I must know it."
By the Forge, I vow I will never tire of these books.
I reread Breath of the New Creature and binge-read A Spell Unbinding within 24 hours last week and I still have not fully processed my feelings. So many feelings—mainly AWE 🤯🫠
“The dark is whole, rich, all-encompassing. The dark is feared. You and I weren't made for the light. You were left to rot perhaps but seized the shadows and wore them like a hide on your back until you became the beast instead of ran from it, and now, the dark is yours to rule. Ours to rule."
Aisling’s story is so special: dark, enthralling, whimsical, thirsting, rich, sizzling…the list goes on. It is magnificent beyond words.
Breath of the New Creature was even better the second time around, full of stunning details and fiery promises and the slowest of burns that carries strongly into and through A Spell Unbinding, which is viscerally intense and ever-building toward the climax. And that ending…I still don’t think I’m okay 😳
I try not to rave about books because I know hype can be deceiving, but I am not exaggerating when I say this story is one of the best and most riveting I’ve ever read. It’s so damn good, y’all. My brain is mush.
Aisling: Breath of the New Creature was absolutely mesmerizing, with tantalizing prose that brought to life even that which didn’t breathe and a tale laced with intertwining fear and fascination, inundated with the magical and the macabre.
But even fear itself was intoxicating, a perfume Aisling was eager to smell more of. To quicken the pace of her heart and breath, both tempered into strict obedience all her life.
With strong, masterful elements of Celtic folklore and an FMC questioning her evolving knowledge of the world — a world she primarily came to understand through her father’s warnings of it — the story captured me from the very start as the mortal princess of Tilren is bound to the Fae King of Annwyn to staunch the longstanding conflict between mortals and fair folk. From there, Aisling’s perceptions of mortality and war become convoluted as she discovers things are worlds different than what she thought was the truth.
If he wanted to provoke her, then provoke her he would. For he inspired something reckless within her, the sensation of swimming in an abyss, holding her palm beside a flame, wrestling with a wolf.
This book was spectacular and swoonworthy and unputdownable!! I so appreciated the slow burn that beautifully accounted for the nature of an unlikely, confusing relationship built alongside a character’s coming to terms with the discordance of reality (not to mention the existence of talking animals that braid hair!).
I cannot recommend this book enough and I cannot wait for its sequels!
- - - - - - -
Reread review:
“I've lived half a life. And I'll perish before I settle for such an existence for a second time. If there's even a chance my life means more than it has, I must know it."
By the Forge, I vow I will never tire of these books.
I reread Breath of the New Creature and binge-read A Spell Unbinding within 24 hours last week and I still have not fully processed my feelings. So many feelings—mainly AWE 🤯🫠
“The dark is whole, rich, all-encompassing. The dark is feared. You and I weren't made for the light. You were left to rot perhaps but seized the shadows and wore them like a hide on your back until you became the beast instead of ran from it, and now, the dark is yours to rule. Ours to rule."
Aisling’s story is so special: dark, enthralling, whimsical, thirsting, rich, sizzling…the list goes on. It is magnificent beyond words.
Breath of the New Creature was even better the second time around, full of stunning details and fiery promises and the slowest of burns that carries strongly into and through A Spell Unbinding, which is viscerally intense and ever-building toward the climax. And that ending…I still don’t think I’m okay 😳
I try not to rave about books because I know hype can be deceiving, but I am not exaggerating when I say this story is one of the best and most riveting I’ve ever read. It’s so damn good, y’all. My brain is mush.
May 22, 2023
This novel is GORGEOUS LITERATURE. PURE MAGIC. I am completely enamored with all the characters and this entire realm. The world building that the author has done is 10 out of freaking 10. I feel like it has been so long since a book has made me feel completely immersed in the world. Aisling’s character development was phenomenal. Not to mention, every time the Fae King comes into play, I’m just smiling like a crazy person because he was written SO WELL. I want to read about him for forever.
This book is definitely a page turner but not one you can just blow through. Every single paragraph has something incredibly pertinent to the plot. I don’t know how I’m even going to wait for the second one to be release but Jürgens, take your time because it will be worth the wait!
Ps: I want to recommend this book to everyone under the Sun even if you don’t like fantasy because it’s THAT FANTASTIC of a read!
This book is definitely a page turner but not one you can just blow through. Every single paragraph has something incredibly pertinent to the plot. I don’t know how I’m even going to wait for the second one to be release but Jürgens, take your time because it will be worth the wait!
Ps: I want to recommend this book to everyone under the Sun even if you don’t like fantasy because it’s THAT FANTASTIC of a read!
August 23, 2022
“The skin of a lamb will never flatter a wolf.”
Wow, I don’t even know what to say about this other than this was honestly one the best fantasies I’ve read in a while.
The writing was beautiful, the world building (usually I’m not one for heavy word building) but it was so well done that I couldn’t help but be sucked in to the fantasy. Also the tension between our mc and love interest was just *chefs kiss*. I need book 2 immediately
Would highly recommend!!
Wow, I don’t even know what to say about this other than this was honestly one the best fantasies I’ve read in a while.
The writing was beautiful, the world building (usually I’m not one for heavy word building) but it was so well done that I couldn’t help but be sucked in to the fantasy. Also the tension between our mc and love interest was just *chefs kiss*. I need book 2 immediately
Would highly recommend!!
September 5, 2022
This entire book is magical. If you want a world to fall in love with, characters to adore, and to lose sleep .. read this book.
“It’s easier for you this way, isn’t it? So be it; believe me your wicked fae legend, your nightmare come to life.”
Why aren’t more people reading this?! Amazing!
“It’s easier for you this way, isn’t it? So be it; believe me your wicked fae legend, your nightmare come to life.”
Why aren’t more people reading this?! Amazing!
September 18, 2022
Oh my god THIS BOOK
It was so beautifully written, so suspenseful and the most stunning slow burn ever 😩 I am so in love with these characters!
The ending twist had me screaming
And now I’m desperately Waiting for the next one
It was so beautifully written, so suspenseful and the most stunning slow burn ever 😩 I am so in love with these characters!
The ending twist had me screaming
And now I’m desperately Waiting for the next one
Read
February 14, 2023The prose in this was a beautiful shade of purple. Jürgens can paint a scene and make every sentence magnificent -
I realized at about 10% that this was going to be a very world driven novel and that's not to my taste. So I'm not gonna rate it, and I'll leave this little note here for myself to reference just in case I forgot why it was a DNF for me.
I realized at about 10% that this was going to be a very world driven novel and that's not to my taste. So I'm not gonna rate it, and I'll leave this little note here for myself to reference just in case I forgot why it was a DNF for me.
June 13, 2022
Disclaimer: The author provided an ARC of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Inspired by the Celtic folklore, this book is about a mortal girl, Aisling, forced to marry the leader of the fae in order to bring peace and alliance between their two kingdoms. I won’t say much else about the story but there are revelations, betrayals, romance and quite an interesting story to be told here.
The first thing that impressed me at the beginning was the author’s writing style. It’s a very beautiful and lyrical style which i’m not used to but i was pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed it.
The characters are quite likable and realistically written. Some characters are more developed than others, but all of them serve their purpose as they should.
The only “negative” i can say is that the first half of the story is a bit slow, which is expected. But it is the second half that got me really into the book and i was even looking forward to get back home to continue reading.
Overall, this has been one of the books i enjoyed most this year. The story was interesting with unexpected developments, likable characters, and a promising ending.
Inspired by the Celtic folklore, this book is about a mortal girl, Aisling, forced to marry the leader of the fae in order to bring peace and alliance between their two kingdoms. I won’t say much else about the story but there are revelations, betrayals, romance and quite an interesting story to be told here.
The first thing that impressed me at the beginning was the author’s writing style. It’s a very beautiful and lyrical style which i’m not used to but i was pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed it.
The characters are quite likable and realistically written. Some characters are more developed than others, but all of them serve their purpose as they should.
The only “negative” i can say is that the first half of the story is a bit slow, which is expected. But it is the second half that got me really into the book and i was even looking forward to get back home to continue reading.
Overall, this has been one of the books i enjoyed most this year. The story was interesting with unexpected developments, likable characters, and a promising ending.
June 2, 2022
A.E. Jürgens spins a masterful tale of a mortal princess forced to marry a Fae King in the name of peace between mortals and the fair folk. The journey she embarks on turns her world inside out, forcing her to question everything she's ever known, including her very existence.
Let me first start by saying the writing style and world building in this novel are ✨ magical ✨ if not entirely entrancing.
*mild spoilers*
This book is a slow burn in every sense of the phrase, and in turn rewarding as heck as we experience character and relationship growth/development. Do not go into Aisling thinking you're going to see quick resolution or rushed character growth, because you won't, and in the end you'll be happy for it.
Something I love after reading (but the impatient part of me raged at the fmc for during) was the way we're forced to experience Aisling's cognitive dissonance so intimately and realistically throughout the novel. The sheer intensity of her being forced to face her entire belief system turning on its head; I don't think I've ever seen this so true to life.
The world we experience and species/creatures we meet are both whimsical and nightmarish and they're woven together expertly. There is an enemies to lovers storyline here and loads of political strife, but in my opinion it is first and foremost an imaginative fantasy that is extremely enchanting.
I always know I've found a book worth reading when I'm challenged to face my discomfort in the ambiguity of right and wrong, good and evil and all the emotions inextricably tied to those revelations.
The end of Aisling left me needing more; it made me feel so many things and I'm still thinking about it long after closing the book.
Let me first start by saying the writing style and world building in this novel are ✨ magical ✨ if not entirely entrancing.
*mild spoilers*
This book is a slow burn in every sense of the phrase, and in turn rewarding as heck as we experience character and relationship growth/development. Do not go into Aisling thinking you're going to see quick resolution or rushed character growth, because you won't, and in the end you'll be happy for it.
Something I love after reading (but the impatient part of me raged at the fmc for during) was the way we're forced to experience Aisling's cognitive dissonance so intimately and realistically throughout the novel. The sheer intensity of her being forced to face her entire belief system turning on its head; I don't think I've ever seen this so true to life.
The world we experience and species/creatures we meet are both whimsical and nightmarish and they're woven together expertly. There is an enemies to lovers storyline here and loads of political strife, but in my opinion it is first and foremost an imaginative fantasy that is extremely enchanting.
I always know I've found a book worth reading when I'm challenged to face my discomfort in the ambiguity of right and wrong, good and evil and all the emotions inextricably tied to those revelations.
The end of Aisling left me needing more; it made me feel so many things and I'm still thinking about it long after closing the book.
November 25, 2022
I don’t know how I feel about this book. It’s beautifully written with very detailed descriptions of the world but overall I feel like I did so much reading for so little. The last 10% I was definitely just ready for it to be over. There’s so much getting to know these characters and I still have no idea what they want.
The two main characters have like a non-romance, almost romance thing happening but we get so little of it in the book that I can’t even really say I support the relationship, or any for that matter.
There’s a lot of duality in all of the characters, very morally gray.
I think I would recommend this book for someone who enjoys the way The Hobbit is written but wants to get more personal with the characters in the book.
The two main characters have like a non-romance, almost romance thing happening but we get so little of it in the book that I can’t even really say I support the relationship, or any for that matter.
There’s a lot of duality in all of the characters, very morally gray.
I think I would recommend this book for someone who enjoys the way The Hobbit is written but wants to get more personal with the characters in the book.
July 8, 2023
Now knowing this is a first time author, I am going to give grace here.
This needed to be first person. The amount of Aisling being described as “the mortal queen” drive me INSANE, sometimes even twice in the saw sentence. Something that could have been fixed if it was first person.
The story was extremely slow. Once again, 100 pages less and it would’ve been just fine. Main characters had no chemistry or connection and I was genuinely confused when he started getting defensive over her.
I will definitely read book 2 because I’m interested in the story but I’m hoping it’s not as slow as the first.
This needed to be first person. The amount of Aisling being described as “the mortal queen” drive me INSANE, sometimes even twice in the saw sentence. Something that could have been fixed if it was first person.
The story was extremely slow. Once again, 100 pages less and it would’ve been just fine. Main characters had no chemistry or connection and I was genuinely confused when he started getting defensive over her.
I will definitely read book 2 because I’m interested in the story but I’m hoping it’s not as slow as the first.
June 16, 2022
Aisling: Breath of the New Creature by A.E Jurgens is literally a literary work of art.
I DEVOURED this book the other day. I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end and I seriously cannot wait until the next book.
The world building is done SO beautifully. The writing is some of the best writing I've seen in fantasy fiction. As the reader, you're dropped into this world, soaking up this experience of having to marry an unknown (but so beautiful) Fae King named Lir for the sake of peace between humans and Fae. And through the eyes of Aisling, the main character who's human, we get to see what the Fae world is like. And this world is similar to Narnia and also unlike any world I've read about.
Lir, I'm absolutely OBSESSED with. He's a perfect book boyfriend and is probably one of my top fictional men of all time. I adore him SO MUCH. Every time he was on the page, I held my breath. He's described so beautifully. Every single one of his movements was written like he was art himself. He's just unreal and I love him.
THE END???? I didn't see the end coming. And I predict a lot of endings. I seriously CANNOT wait until the second book comes out.
If you loved ACOTAR, I can safely say that you'll love this book!! Except this book is written better. I will say the first couple of chapters can be a little overwhelming but the book as a whole is SO SO good. I definitely recommend it.
I DEVOURED this book the other day. I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end and I seriously cannot wait until the next book.
The world building is done SO beautifully. The writing is some of the best writing I've seen in fantasy fiction. As the reader, you're dropped into this world, soaking up this experience of having to marry an unknown (but so beautiful) Fae King named Lir for the sake of peace between humans and Fae. And through the eyes of Aisling, the main character who's human, we get to see what the Fae world is like. And this world is similar to Narnia and also unlike any world I've read about.
Lir, I'm absolutely OBSESSED with. He's a perfect book boyfriend and is probably one of my top fictional men of all time. I adore him SO MUCH. Every time he was on the page, I held my breath. He's described so beautifully. Every single one of his movements was written like he was art himself. He's just unreal and I love him.
THE END???? I didn't see the end coming. And I predict a lot of endings. I seriously CANNOT wait until the second book comes out.
If you loved ACOTAR, I can safely say that you'll love this book!! Except this book is written better. I will say the first couple of chapters can be a little overwhelming but the book as a whole is SO SO good. I definitely recommend it.
August 27, 2022
I devoured Aisling: Breath Of The New Creature in less than a week. Such a fresh fae book in my opinion, and I love when authors & publishers embrace prose. With that said, I do think fans of other popular fae books would like this; this book is just as much for fans of high fantasy, adventure, and world building as it is for people who like to read stories about fae. Reducing this book to appeal to only fae lovers would do an injustice to this intricate and lovely (at times frightening!) world. I also somehow - SOMEHOW - fell in love with the mortal childhood friend, so curse you @aejurgensauthor for that.
There are a few inconsistencies/errors in the Kindle version of the book, so keep that in mind if you pick it up. Nothing major though!
There are a few inconsistencies/errors in the Kindle version of the book, so keep that in mind if you pick it up. Nothing major though!
January 12, 2023
"You wish to corrupt me."
His smile widened then, those fangs winking back at Aisling. An expression that seized her heart, dared her to look away. The cord between them groaning, nearly snapping.
"No," he said, "I wish to show you, you already are."
5 ⭐️
0 🌶️
This book captivated me. High fantasy with undertones of romance. I loved how in depth we got to look into this world. It was beautiful!
Lir!! Ugh. LIR. I need more of him.
Talk about slowest of slow burns! ❤️🔥 If your looking for some relief from the tension… you won’t get it. 😅 But I’m here for it. Obviously it’s a 5 star read!
Overall the writing is beautiful. I loved it.
Need book 2 nowww.
His smile widened then, those fangs winking back at Aisling. An expression that seized her heart, dared her to look away. The cord between them groaning, nearly snapping.
"No," he said, "I wish to show you, you already are."
5 ⭐️
0 🌶️
This book captivated me. High fantasy with undertones of romance. I loved how in depth we got to look into this world. It was beautiful!
Lir!! Ugh. LIR. I need more of him.
Talk about slowest of slow burns! ❤️🔥 If your looking for some relief from the tension… you won’t get it. 😅 But I’m here for it. Obviously it’s a 5 star read!
Overall the writing is beautiful. I loved it.
Need book 2 nowww.
June 13, 2022
✨Aisling Breath Of The New Creature✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enemies to lovers say what!???!
A.E. Jürgens did an AMAZING job at creating this new world of beauty and darkness.
Aisling is a mortal princesses who is thrown into a marriage with the Fae King. Bound to her duty and to her people, she is thrown into the hands of her enemies. She finds out that not everything she was taught is to be true and there are darker evils out there.
Aisling see’s the truth with her own eyes and where she discovers who she truly is.
Going into this marriage she decides that her life is worth the peace between mortal and Fae.
The tension is real with this one 😊
I loved the world, and the characters all had something different within themselves.
The only think I will say that threw me off at the beginning was the writing style. Although I quite enjoyed it, I would prefer a little less thought/space between the dialogue where I found myself needing to go back to the previous dialogue to remember what was said, but again that’s just me. 😬 However, that’s just me and this book still deserves the 5 stars. 😊
Lir brings out something in Aisling that she didn’t even know was inside her.
I can NOT wait to read the next one 😊
Aisling is a must read!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enemies to lovers say what!???!
A.E. Jürgens did an AMAZING job at creating this new world of beauty and darkness.
Aisling is a mortal princesses who is thrown into a marriage with the Fae King. Bound to her duty and to her people, she is thrown into the hands of her enemies. She finds out that not everything she was taught is to be true and there are darker evils out there.
Aisling see’s the truth with her own eyes and where she discovers who she truly is.
Going into this marriage she decides that her life is worth the peace between mortal and Fae.
The tension is real with this one 😊
I loved the world, and the characters all had something different within themselves.
The only think I will say that threw me off at the beginning was the writing style. Although I quite enjoyed it, I would prefer a little less thought/space between the dialogue where I found myself needing to go back to the previous dialogue to remember what was said, but again that’s just me. 😬 However, that’s just me and this book still deserves the 5 stars. 😊
Lir brings out something in Aisling that she didn’t even know was inside her.
I can NOT wait to read the next one 😊
Aisling is a must read!!
Read
October 6, 2023This was very much of the "Stay with the High Lord" school of thought.
Not my cup of tea. The writing, however, I loved. I am more than willing to reading something else by this author, I just hate reading about the sacrificial bride.
Not my cup of tea. The writing, however, I loved. I am more than willing to reading something else by this author, I just hate reading about the sacrificial bride.
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