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Faeblood #1
The Curse of a Faeblood
What happens when a human falls in love with a Faeblood?
An orphaned Faeblood raised in isolation, all Ember wants is to fulfill her childhood wish of finding others who share her gift, her curse. But when forced on the run after the murder of her mother, she struggles to survive without the only family she’s ever known.
In the harsh territories, life favors those with strong bodies able to fulfill the annual tithe — men like Gavyn, elite fighter and head trainer. As the right hand to the village’s cunning leader, he earns a hardened reputation creating a brotherhood he’ll defend to the death.
At first glance, the Kingdom of Morvak seems like a prosperous mountain realm. But the greedy ruling Faeblood are in constant fervor to assert their control over the human populace. For generations, the divide between the peasant class and the magical nobility has been absolute.
Until a Faeblood emerges outside the Castle walls and threatens the delicate balance of power.
As Ember and Gavyn risk their lives to save their loved ones, they must decide if embracing the passion smoldering between them is worth the heartache it brings to their found family.
Perfect for those who crave spice in their adventures, The Curse of a Faeblood is Gavyn and Ember’s story — featuring a grumpy hero, a sunshiny heroine, and a steamy happily-ever-after.
An orphaned Faeblood raised in isolation, all Ember wants is to fulfill her childhood wish of finding others who share her gift, her curse. But when forced on the run after the murder of her mother, she struggles to survive without the only family she’s ever known.
In the harsh territories, life favors those with strong bodies able to fulfill the annual tithe — men like Gavyn, elite fighter and head trainer. As the right hand to the village’s cunning leader, he earns a hardened reputation creating a brotherhood he’ll defend to the death.
At first glance, the Kingdom of Morvak seems like a prosperous mountain realm. But the greedy ruling Faeblood are in constant fervor to assert their control over the human populace. For generations, the divide between the peasant class and the magical nobility has been absolute.
Until a Faeblood emerges outside the Castle walls and threatens the delicate balance of power.
As Ember and Gavyn risk their lives to save their loved ones, they must decide if embracing the passion smoldering between them is worth the heartache it brings to their found family.
Perfect for those who crave spice in their adventures, The Curse of a Faeblood is Gavyn and Ember’s story — featuring a grumpy hero, a sunshiny heroine, and a steamy happily-ever-after.
456 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2022
167 people are currently reading
2485 people want to read
About the author
M.K. Lorber
5 books169 followersMK is the leading authority on nothing. Nada. Zip, zero, zilch.
A healthcare worker by day and an introvert by night, MK escapes the daily grind though romance novels and youth sports. When she's not writing or working or drinking too much coffee, MK is loosely parenting her four kids (who are convinced she was put on this earth to embarrass them), her two fluffy pups, and one giant moose-cat. The rest of the time she is trying to convince her other half that they need goats. And chickens. MK lives in the armpit of the Midwest with her partner-in-crime and their crazy circus.
A healthcare worker by day and an introvert by night, MK escapes the daily grind though romance novels and youth sports. When she's not writing or working or drinking too much coffee, MK is loosely parenting her four kids (who are convinced she was put on this earth to embarrass them), her two fluffy pups, and one giant moose-cat. The rest of the time she is trying to convince her other half that they need goats. And chickens. MK lives in the armpit of the Midwest with her partner-in-crime and their crazy circus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 13, 2022
I won a free ARC of this book and am leaving an honest review.
4.3-
Many I really likes the writing style. It sucked me into the world. I loved Ember and even though there were many characters I connected to all of them. All of them at the compound and in the village. My heart squeezed for them all.
Great world building and plot.
I was sucked into the story right from the beginning and was invest from the very first chapters of the book. The world was painted beautifully and I cant wait to read the next one!
4.3-
Many I really likes the writing style. It sucked me into the world. I loved Ember and even though there were many characters I connected to all of them. All of them at the compound and in the village. My heart squeezed for them all.
Great world building and plot.
I was sucked into the story right from the beginning and was invest from the very first chapters of the book. The world was painted beautifully and I cant wait to read the next one!
June 19, 2022
this was wonderful !! i cant wait for the next one
April 21, 2022
A beautiful, romantic story full of mystery and intrigue. High fantasy with a lot of history and world building, however it isn't shoved down your throat all at once, meaning you don't find yourself skimming to get back to the plot or scenes between the characters. The information is entwined in the plot really well, not giving away to much at once, leaving you guessing all the way through and turning the page to find out more. I ended up finishing it in two sittings during one day!
FMC Ember a secret "Faeblood", who begins the story as a shell of a woman scrambling through life with little confidence in other people and a heart full of grief, blossoms throughout this story with the help of the MMC, Gavyn and a whole host of fantastic supporting characters (who I am really looking forward to seeing in future installments)!
"𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓪 𝓯𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓻, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 '𝓽𝓲𝓼 𝓘 𝔀𝓱𝓸 𝓪𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓼 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓮. 𝓞𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮."
Watching Ember learn to trust and rely on other people, and not just a man, was so refreshing to see in a story. Especially for people who like me, who have gone through similar because of events in their past.
"𝔹𝕖𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕤𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖. 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕨𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕖 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕥, 𝔾𝕒𝕧𝕪𝕟."
Gavyn, OMG GAVYN. I need me one of him!! Part of a group of fighter's who are definitely more than meets the eye on first impressions.
He is the epitome of an alpha male but not to the toxic extent you see in some stories - he was just the right amount of possessive and I am all for it!
"ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ʜᴀᴅ ʜᴇ ɢɪᴠᴇɴ ɪɴᴛᴏ ʜɪꜱ ᴘʀɪᴍᴀʟ ɴᴇᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ. ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇ ꜱᴜʀʀᴇɴᴅᴇʀ. ᴛᴏ ᴏᴡɴ. ɴᴏ ᴏɴᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴇʟɪᴄɪᴛᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴇɴᴇᴅ ꜱɪᴅᴇ ᴏꜰ ʜɪᴍ. ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ɴᴏᴡ."
Watching him develop throughout the story and his relationship with Ember bloom because of it was such a lovely thing to read, it definitely doesn't make him lose any of his swoonworthy-ness, in fact it only added to it.
Both characters together are well balanced and don't make silly, unrealistic decisions that seem dragged out - they're a couple that'll stick with me, like Feyre and Rhysand, Callypso and Desmond & Auren and Rip! I need more Ember and Gavyn!
The author manages to incorporate the right amount of slow burn, spice and romance throughout the book - you didn't find yourself wanting. Beautifully written and heart wrenching at times, I just couldn't put it down. The book is a standalone for Gavyn and Ember, something I'm actually really sad about, I feel they could have had a duology at least written for them! I'm hoping the next books have some updates or scenes with them, I feel like there is so much more to see and learn from them.
The supporting characters definitely make the sting a little less, as they're so interesting! Although, I would have preferred the next story to be about Jade and Xavier I am looking forward to the next installment. If the plot is as good as this one it'll be amazing!!
The speech and writing style, in my opinion, was great. It fit well with the story and is another reason I look forward to reading more from MK Lorber.
Ratings:
Plot 5/5
Spice 4/5
Romance 4/5
Slow Burn 4/5
Characters 5/5
Readability 4/5
Although this has been rated 4 stars, I would probably give it closer to a 4.5, the rating was evaluated using my own scoring system and I did find a few grammatical errors in my ARC.
April 14, 2022
ᴍʏ ᴍᴀᴍᴀ ᴛᴀᴜɢʜᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜱᴜɢᴀʀᴄᴏᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʀᴜᴛʜ, ᴏɴʟʏ ᴍʏ ʏᴜʟᴇ ᴄᴏᴏᴋɪᴇꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴇɴ’ꜱ ᴇɢᴏꜱ.
All Ember has known is to keep going, never settle, don’t get attached and most of all to never show her gifts to anyone or she’s dead, after her mother’s dead she finds herself in a world without mercy. Gavyn has bleed for his town, for a better place he’s an elite fighter and a head trainer who’ll do anything to keep his family safe.
After being caught stealing from Gavyn’s sister, Ember finds herself being welcome by her and for the first time feels like home. Would it be so bad? To have a place to call home, settle down, have friends, love someone?
“ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ ɪꜱ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴏꜱᴇ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ, ɴᴏʀ ᴡʜᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴡɪᴛʜ.” ʜᴇ ɢʀᴀꜱᴘᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ. “ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴏᴍᴇ… ʜᴏᴍᴇ ɪꜱ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅ ʀᴇꜱᴛꜱ ᴀᴛ ɴɪɢʜᴛ.”
“ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅꜱ ʙᴇꜱɪᴅᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ’ᴛ ꜰʟɪɴᴄʜ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ.” ʜɪꜱ ɢʀɪᴘ ᴛɪɢʜᴛᴇɴᴇᴅ. ʜᴇ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴀ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱɪɴᴋ ɪɴ. “ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴀᴄʀɪꜰɪᴄᴇ ᴀ ᴘɪᴇᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ɴᴏᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇꜱᴘᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴏʀ ᴏʙʟɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴅɪᴠɪᴅᴜᴀʟ.”
This is a book full of guilt, laugh, betrayal, love and of course death. If you love the found family trope and enemies to lovers this book’s for you ! And of course there’s spice, no fade to black scenes I promise, it even borders kinky s*x. I really enjoyed this book since the very beginning 💕
All Ember has known is to keep going, never settle, don’t get attached and most of all to never show her gifts to anyone or she’s dead, after her mother’s dead she finds herself in a world without mercy. Gavyn has bleed for his town, for a better place he’s an elite fighter and a head trainer who’ll do anything to keep his family safe.
After being caught stealing from Gavyn’s sister, Ember finds herself being welcome by her and for the first time feels like home. Would it be so bad? To have a place to call home, settle down, have friends, love someone?
“ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ ɪꜱ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴏꜱᴇ ʙʟᴏᴏᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱʜᴀʀᴇ, ɴᴏʀ ᴡʜᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴜʀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴡɪᴛʜ.” ʜᴇ ɢʀᴀꜱᴘᴇᴅ ʜᴇʀ ꜱʜᴏᴜʟᴅᴇʀꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʜᴀɴᴅꜱ. “ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴏᴍᴇ… ʜᴏᴍᴇ ɪꜱ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀᴅ ʀᴇꜱᴛꜱ ᴀᴛ ɴɪɢʜᴛ.”
“ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴏ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅꜱ ʙᴇꜱɪᴅᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴏᴇꜱɴ’ᴛ ꜰʟɪɴᴄʜ ᴡʜᴇɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴛᴄʜ ɢᴏᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʜᴇʟʟ.” ʜɪꜱ ɢʀɪᴘ ᴛɪɢʜᴛᴇɴᴇᴅ. ʜᴇ ɢᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴀ ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛ ꜰᴏʀ ʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ᴛᴏ ꜱɪɴᴋ ɪɴ. “ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴀᴄʀɪꜰɪᴄᴇ ᴀ ᴘɪᴇᴄᴇ ᴏꜰ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴏꜱᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ɴᴏᴛ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇꜱᴘᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ᴏʀ ᴏʙʟɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ʏᴏᴜ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴄʜᴏᴏꜱᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴᴅɪᴠɪᴅᴜᴀʟ.”
This is a book full of guilt, laugh, betrayal, love and of course death. If you love the found family trope and enemies to lovers this book’s for you ! And of course there’s spice, no fade to black scenes I promise, it even borders kinky s*x. I really enjoyed this book since the very beginning 💕
April 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We follow Ember’s story after she loses her mother. She gets caught thieving in a village and her story takes off from there where she makes new friends and finds love with a brute warrior. So it’s an enemies to lovers along with found family troupe. There is also some smut along with praising. I found the magic of the Faeblood interesting, it’s different than other magic found in other stories.
We follow Ember’s story after she loses her mother. She gets caught thieving in a village and her story takes off from there where she makes new friends and finds love with a brute warrior. So it’s an enemies to lovers along with found family troupe. There is also some smut along with praising. I found the magic of the Faeblood interesting, it’s different than other magic found in other stories.
May 11, 2022
I am in love with this book. I am new to this author and I am a fan. The author built a world that holds you captive with each turn of the page. All the aspects in this book make for a wonderful read. Can’t wait ti see where this series goes. I highly recommend this.
April 3, 2022
I received this book as an ARC through BookSirens.
This book started slow for me, but I enjoyed the build up of relationships between the main character Ember and those she met once she arrived to the compound. There is a bit of enemies to lovers vibe, but less severe I would say. Some of the book seemed the drag in certain parts, and other parts were very fast paced, so it was a bit more balanced. I liked the book overall, and will definitely read the next when it is released.
This book started slow for me, but I enjoyed the build up of relationships between the main character Ember and those she met once she arrived to the compound. There is a bit of enemies to lovers vibe, but less severe I would say. Some of the book seemed the drag in certain parts, and other parts were very fast paced, so it was a bit more balanced. I liked the book overall, and will definitely read the next when it is released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
DNF at 70%
I really did not enjoy the story or the author’s writing style. The characters were decent, but I didn’t care at all for Ember or Gavyn. I don’t think I will continue on with those series.
I really did not enjoy the story or the author’s writing style. The characters were decent, but I didn’t care at all for Ember or Gavyn. I don’t think I will continue on with those series.
August 18, 2022
What a great book!
I loved Ember. She was such a great character. She has a past that she's running from. The opening scene is just amazing. Loved it.
Ember finds herself in a new village with new people.
She befriends a local woman, who is just the sweetest person.
And also a local man, who obviously hates her to the core.....
The setting is great. Love the fantasy aspect of the story. It isn't overwhelming.
The array of characters is spectacular. So many and so well done. It is a perfect set up to a multiple book series.
I can't wait to read more!!!
I loved Ember. She was such a great character. She has a past that she's running from. The opening scene is just amazing. Loved it.
Ember finds herself in a new village with new people.
She befriends a local woman, who is just the sweetest person.
And also a local man, who obviously hates her to the core.....
The setting is great. Love the fantasy aspect of the story. It isn't overwhelming.
The array of characters is spectacular. So many and so well done. It is a perfect set up to a multiple book series.
I can't wait to read more!!!
April 22, 2022
Ember is a young woman who is on the run, she is in danger because of who and what she is, she is a Faeblood and that is to some a gift and to some a curse, so she has lived all her life moving from place to place with her mother until the unthinkable happens and she has to continue her perilous journey on her own. As she drifts from place to place, all Ember has ever wanted is to have a place in a community, friends and family around her and somewhere she can call home, but she knows that it will never happen because of her heritage and the risks she has to take on the roads are not something a young woman should be doing alone, never mind one who has yet to grieve the only family she has ever known.
Gavyn is a young man in the peak of his life, he is the head trainer of the local elite fighting school where he trains young men and women in the art of fighting and discipline, as part of the annual tithe paid to the nobility who own the land they live on, he is a well honed machine and uses the skills he has learned over his life so far to instil these values in those around him. He is a part of a brotherhood, a family who he will defend above all others and this protective instinct has enabled him to rise through the ranks and become the leaders right hand man, it also means that he knows everything which happens in the village he lives in.
One day Ember attempts to steal something to eat from the cart of a vendor in a small village, however, she has caught Gavyn’s watchful eye and is caught, but the offer to pay off her debt is hard to resist, but she knows that she has to hide her true nature from those around her, no matter how much she wishes to become part of the community she has dropped into. Meanwhile, the nobles who live in the Castle at the heart of the Kingdom of Morvak are as far from the peasants they exact the tithe from as can be, they debate over who has the most pure Faeblood, but even they have their own hierarchy and it is on this foundation that they have built their lives, but all that changes when someone with Faeblood is found outside of the Castle walls.
As the days pass and Ember and Gavyn cannot deny that the more time they spend in each others presence, the more that an attraction is building, but neither of them can let down their walls because of the fears they have for those around them, but when it comes to saving those they love, will they be able to stay apart and keep their passion under wraps, or will it bring danger closer than ever? This is a story full of family, both lost and found, secrets, truths and magic, as tangled webs of emotions and reality are weaved around a village where respect and honesty are valued, lies and deceit are frowned upon and a tenuous balance is maintained, where you become sucked into a world which pulls you along until you know what happens in the end.
Gavyn is a young man in the peak of his life, he is the head trainer of the local elite fighting school where he trains young men and women in the art of fighting and discipline, as part of the annual tithe paid to the nobility who own the land they live on, he is a well honed machine and uses the skills he has learned over his life so far to instil these values in those around him. He is a part of a brotherhood, a family who he will defend above all others and this protective instinct has enabled him to rise through the ranks and become the leaders right hand man, it also means that he knows everything which happens in the village he lives in.
One day Ember attempts to steal something to eat from the cart of a vendor in a small village, however, she has caught Gavyn’s watchful eye and is caught, but the offer to pay off her debt is hard to resist, but she knows that she has to hide her true nature from those around her, no matter how much she wishes to become part of the community she has dropped into. Meanwhile, the nobles who live in the Castle at the heart of the Kingdom of Morvak are as far from the peasants they exact the tithe from as can be, they debate over who has the most pure Faeblood, but even they have their own hierarchy and it is on this foundation that they have built their lives, but all that changes when someone with Faeblood is found outside of the Castle walls.
As the days pass and Ember and Gavyn cannot deny that the more time they spend in each others presence, the more that an attraction is building, but neither of them can let down their walls because of the fears they have for those around them, but when it comes to saving those they love, will they be able to stay apart and keep their passion under wraps, or will it bring danger closer than ever? This is a story full of family, both lost and found, secrets, truths and magic, as tangled webs of emotions and reality are weaved around a village where respect and honesty are valued, lies and deceit are frowned upon and a tenuous balance is maintained, where you become sucked into a world which pulls you along until you know what happens in the end.
May 7, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Curse of a Faeblood by M. K. Lorber via Book Sirens, and I can honestly say it’s been a delight to read this NA fantasy! The first in a series (The Faeblood), I will tell you that in my mind, this book is intended for readers 18+.
Ember, our heroine, has Faeblood heritage. What does that mean? Well, she can cast magic. You and I might think that’s pretty exciting, but for Ember it’s been a curse. She hasn’t found anyone else like her, aside from the powerful Faebloods at the castle that she is hiding from. And now that she’s on the run from the people who murdered her mother, it’s hard to know whom to trust. When Ember is befriended by Jade, a young woman she would’ve stolen food from, life takes a very surprising turn. Ember finds people who like her, and want to protect her. That includes Gavyn, the head trainer of fighters in their region, who can’t help watching over Ember as she starts to steal her way into his heart.
But life doesn’t remain peaceful, and soon the powerful Faebloods are demanding a sacrificial lamb, for the appearance of a knife and harbouring someone with magic in their veins. Can Ember and Gavyn navigate their way through this? Will they both survive? Or is this just the beginning of something bigger, perhaps even a large scale war?
The Curse of a Faeblood surprised me a few times, with how the plot developed. Characters we think we know? They turn out to be so much more by the time the book has finished. And I’m definitely rating that as a happiness boost, because I love surprises like that!
Ember and Gavyn both have self-confidence issues (among other things), and this book gave a perfect background to seeing them realise their potential. They’re capable of so much more than they ever knew, and I really enjoy when we get to see this arc for a character.
I will say I wasn’t completely invested in Ember and the overall plot until about a quarter of the way through... I can’t lay an exact finger on why. But from about the halfway mark? I was racing through the pages! So maybe just be prepared if (like me) you don’t immediately fall in love with The Curse of the Faeblood… It’ll happen!
If you love NA fantasy and romance, this book is definitely for you! The Curse of a Faeblood has many, many lovable and complicated characters within its pages, and I always love when there’s a sizeable cast. This story is just the start of a new and exciting adventure in the NA fantasy genre; with a war approaching everyone we love in this realm, I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for when book two is released in the future! I need to know what happens next, and I’ve added M. K. Lorber to my list of authors to follow.
* You can see my full review on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/the-c... *
Ember, our heroine, has Faeblood heritage. What does that mean? Well, she can cast magic. You and I might think that’s pretty exciting, but for Ember it’s been a curse. She hasn’t found anyone else like her, aside from the powerful Faebloods at the castle that she is hiding from. And now that she’s on the run from the people who murdered her mother, it’s hard to know whom to trust. When Ember is befriended by Jade, a young woman she would’ve stolen food from, life takes a very surprising turn. Ember finds people who like her, and want to protect her. That includes Gavyn, the head trainer of fighters in their region, who can’t help watching over Ember as she starts to steal her way into his heart.
But life doesn’t remain peaceful, and soon the powerful Faebloods are demanding a sacrificial lamb, for the appearance of a knife and harbouring someone with magic in their veins. Can Ember and Gavyn navigate their way through this? Will they both survive? Or is this just the beginning of something bigger, perhaps even a large scale war?
The Curse of a Faeblood surprised me a few times, with how the plot developed. Characters we think we know? They turn out to be so much more by the time the book has finished. And I’m definitely rating that as a happiness boost, because I love surprises like that!
Ember and Gavyn both have self-confidence issues (among other things), and this book gave a perfect background to seeing them realise their potential. They’re capable of so much more than they ever knew, and I really enjoy when we get to see this arc for a character.
I will say I wasn’t completely invested in Ember and the overall plot until about a quarter of the way through... I can’t lay an exact finger on why. But from about the halfway mark? I was racing through the pages! So maybe just be prepared if (like me) you don’t immediately fall in love with The Curse of the Faeblood… It’ll happen!
If you love NA fantasy and romance, this book is definitely for you! The Curse of a Faeblood has many, many lovable and complicated characters within its pages, and I always love when there’s a sizeable cast. This story is just the start of a new and exciting adventure in the NA fantasy genre; with a war approaching everyone we love in this realm, I’m definitely going to be on the lookout for when book two is released in the future! I need to know what happens next, and I’ve added M. K. Lorber to my list of authors to follow.
* You can see my full review on my blog: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/the-c... *
April 16, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this new fantasy world and the the greater arc that will span the whole series. It’s well thought out and there were enough cookie crumbs dropped in this first book that I think set up what will be a good overarching storyline to transcend the main love interests in this first book. There was just enough to pique my interest and make me want to continue on with the series once the next book comes out. There are still some unanswered questions at the end of this book about the fantasy world as a whole and the history leading to the greater conflict with the governing system, which are important for driving interest in the series.
The community of characters, the magic system, and the reveals at the end made reading this book worth it.
These things are what prompted me to give this book 4 stars.
With that said, I did find that this book was lacking in a few areas.
The female main character (Ember) felt underdeveloped. She has a good backstory and motives for why she ended up where she did and for why she takes certain actions, but she felt too quick to change. She felt very flat. And there was so much growth that was left unexplored. Her character development suffered from “telling” instead of “showing” and she lacked a journey for why her mindset changes. Her relationships with other characters felt rushed and incomplete. More time could have been spent on her relationships with Jade and Gavyn in particular and some self defense training.
And Gavyn, the male main character, was touted as “grumpy” and “serious” but we barely see that before he’s falling for Ember. The romance between the two lacked the tension of “enemies to lovers” and just went straight to “suspicious stranger to lovers.” He’s also kind of controlling/dominating in the “bedroom,” which is totally fine, but it just came off forced and lacking any sort of depth during the intimate scenes. There was an attempt at a praise kink but it didn’t feel developed enough.
The love story was rushed. The conflicts were resolved very quickly, not just relationship conflicts, but plot wise as well. Overall, it felt like a YA novel with the exception of the steamy scenes, but even those were very short and weren’t very spicy.
There is so much potential here. The writing style is easy to follow and the world building was done well, the main characters just needed some more work and the conflicts needed to be drawn out more.
I want to start off by saying that I really enjoyed this new fantasy world and the the greater arc that will span the whole series. It’s well thought out and there were enough cookie crumbs dropped in this first book that I think set up what will be a good overarching storyline to transcend the main love interests in this first book. There was just enough to pique my interest and make me want to continue on with the series once the next book comes out. There are still some unanswered questions at the end of this book about the fantasy world as a whole and the history leading to the greater conflict with the governing system, which are important for driving interest in the series.
The community of characters, the magic system, and the reveals at the end made reading this book worth it.
These things are what prompted me to give this book 4 stars.
With that said, I did find that this book was lacking in a few areas.
The female main character (Ember) felt underdeveloped. She has a good backstory and motives for why she ended up where she did and for why she takes certain actions, but she felt too quick to change. She felt very flat. And there was so much growth that was left unexplored. Her character development suffered from “telling” instead of “showing” and she lacked a journey for why her mindset changes. Her relationships with other characters felt rushed and incomplete. More time could have been spent on her relationships with Jade and Gavyn in particular and some self defense training.
And Gavyn, the male main character, was touted as “grumpy” and “serious” but we barely see that before he’s falling for Ember. The romance between the two lacked the tension of “enemies to lovers” and just went straight to “suspicious stranger to lovers.” He’s also kind of controlling/dominating in the “bedroom,” which is totally fine, but it just came off forced and lacking any sort of depth during the intimate scenes. There was an attempt at a praise kink but it didn’t feel developed enough.
The love story was rushed. The conflicts were resolved very quickly, not just relationship conflicts, but plot wise as well. Overall, it felt like a YA novel with the exception of the steamy scenes, but even those were very short and weren’t very spicy.
There is so much potential here. The writing style is easy to follow and the world building was done well, the main characters just needed some more work and the conflicts needed to be drawn out more.
May 3, 2022
When I first started reading The Curse of a Faeblood, I wasn’t too sure where it was going. What the author was doing. It took me a few chapters to grasp the story being told. And boy was it a good one. The author definitely sucked me in, I didn’t want to take a break to sleep or go to work.. lol The character development across the two main characters plus some of the supporting characters was interesting to see unfold.
Ember, a faeblood, is on the run. Needing to get to the Northern Isles, based on everything her mother told her. Gets caught in a village one day trying to steal a piece of bread. Well she never left despite saying only one night. Jade was so kind taking her in. Allowing her to work off the transgression, but also providing her with food, clothing, shelter, and family. Even amongst all that she knows she’s a danger to her new friends. She knows she needs to move on, but that’s easier said than done. Plus she’s drawn to the one who caught her in the first place.
Gavyn, one of the respected leaders in his village. Trains those to fight and stand their own. Contributing to a village that is trying to stay out of the eye of the Red Guard and in turn the Lords of the High Table. At the same time keeping them prepared to ever have to go up against them. Ember stumbles into his life and turns it on its axis. He doesn’t trust her, because she’s a thief. But he can’t look away or get her off his mind. He’s drawn to her like a moth to a light. And despite how cruel his words are towards her he can’t keep her away.
Will Ember & Gavyn explore the tension between them?
Is Ember’s presence really a threat to the village and the people she’s growing to love?
Then there’s the matter of Erik, essentially a trader amongst the mix, or is he? His father is a Lord of the High Table(the Lords all have Faeblood.) intentionally sent to the compound to report back, Erik is on the fence about his responsibilities. He’s not like his father, but he’s spying and reporting back at the same time.
Do Gayvn and Xavier learn about the trader in their midst?
What are they going to do, when tensions rise with the High Table?
Despite my early confusion I will proudly say I haven’t come across a bad book revolving around Fae yet! Though I’m always hesitant when I’m considering reading one. Don’t be me! Don’t hesitate! Just do it! It’ll be worth it!
Ember, a faeblood, is on the run. Needing to get to the Northern Isles, based on everything her mother told her. Gets caught in a village one day trying to steal a piece of bread. Well she never left despite saying only one night. Jade was so kind taking her in. Allowing her to work off the transgression, but also providing her with food, clothing, shelter, and family. Even amongst all that she knows she’s a danger to her new friends. She knows she needs to move on, but that’s easier said than done. Plus she’s drawn to the one who caught her in the first place.
Gavyn, one of the respected leaders in his village. Trains those to fight and stand their own. Contributing to a village that is trying to stay out of the eye of the Red Guard and in turn the Lords of the High Table. At the same time keeping them prepared to ever have to go up against them. Ember stumbles into his life and turns it on its axis. He doesn’t trust her, because she’s a thief. But he can’t look away or get her off his mind. He’s drawn to her like a moth to a light. And despite how cruel his words are towards her he can’t keep her away.
Will Ember & Gavyn explore the tension between them?
Is Ember’s presence really a threat to the village and the people she’s growing to love?
Then there’s the matter of Erik, essentially a trader amongst the mix, or is he? His father is a Lord of the High Table(the Lords all have Faeblood.) intentionally sent to the compound to report back, Erik is on the fence about his responsibilities. He’s not like his father, but he’s spying and reporting back at the same time.
Do Gayvn and Xavier learn about the trader in their midst?
What are they going to do, when tensions rise with the High Table?
Despite my early confusion I will proudly say I haven’t come across a bad book revolving around Fae yet! Though I’m always hesitant when I’m considering reading one. Don’t be me! Don’t hesitate! Just do it! It’ll be worth it!
July 18, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review I really loved the writing for this book. It immediately pulled me into the world and didn't let go until the very end. The plot was so well developed, the characters were all fantastic and the world building was amazing. I can't say enough good things about the concept of this book. It was really well done.
Favorite things about this book:
✅ World building was phenomenal
✅ Characters were well developed
✅ Forced proximity
✅ One bed trope
✅ Grumpy/sunshine
Things about this book that weren't my favorite:
❌ Smut wasn't my favorite....I think I didn't enjoy the alpha male part of it.
I loved both Ember and Gavyn's characters but I also really enjoyed the side characters as well. Everyone had a part to play and they all moved the story along one way or another. No one felt like a filler or there 'just because'.
Ember's sense of loneliness and wanting to belong was my favorite part of the story. The author did an amazing job at narrating Ember's internal struggles and her preconceived notions of other people.
I wasn't sure about Gavyn at first. He is such a grump, so closed off and sees things as very black and white. I really wanted Ember to knock him on his ass at first, he was so irritating. But, because of the way the author wrote his character I found myself slowly falling in love with him as the book went on. He opened up more and once you got past that initial grumpy exterior he was a sweet, tender guy. Though he is totally an alpha male and some of that part of his personality really annoyed me.
I'm really sad that this Gavyn and Ember's story won't be the focus of the next book in the series but it does make sense. This book wraps up nicely and gives you a hint at the end as to what is to come. And I am really excited for it! I'm also really looking forward to more of Rowan (he was my favorite!), Jade, Xavier Zoie and Ada. The secondary characters are just so fun and I love them all!
I did find a few grammatical errors in my ARC which is why this Is only four stars. Otherwise, this was a really fun read!
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Favorite things about this book:
✅ World building was phenomenal
✅ Characters were well developed
✅ Forced proximity
✅ One bed trope
✅ Grumpy/sunshine
Things about this book that weren't my favorite:
❌ Smut wasn't my favorite....I think I didn't enjoy the alpha male part of it.
I loved both Ember and Gavyn's characters but I also really enjoyed the side characters as well. Everyone had a part to play and they all moved the story along one way or another. No one felt like a filler or there 'just because'.
Ember's sense of loneliness and wanting to belong was my favorite part of the story. The author did an amazing job at narrating Ember's internal struggles and her preconceived notions of other people.
I wasn't sure about Gavyn at first. He is such a grump, so closed off and sees things as very black and white. I really wanted Ember to knock him on his ass at first, he was so irritating. But, because of the way the author wrote his character I found myself slowly falling in love with him as the book went on. He opened up more and once you got past that initial grumpy exterior he was a sweet, tender guy. Though he is totally an alpha male and some of that part of his personality really annoyed me.
I'm really sad that this Gavyn and Ember's story won't be the focus of the next book in the series but it does make sense. This book wraps up nicely and gives you a hint at the end as to what is to come. And I am really excited for it! I'm also really looking forward to more of Rowan (he was my favorite!), Jade, Xavier Zoie and Ada. The secondary characters are just so fun and I love them all!
I did find a few grammatical errors in my ARC which is why this Is only four stars. Otherwise, this was a really fun read!
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 26, 2022
3.5 stars
Nice little with an author who shows a lot of promise.
Medieval style world where two classes of people: Faeblood born with powers, and the ruling class. Then we have the humans, no powers but all the resilience and strength that humanity brings. They are forbidden from having weapons.
Our story focuses on Gavyn and Ember. She was raised by her mum on the run, taught to conceal her powers as a healing Faeblood. Her mum finally dies and she stumbles into Gavyn's village. Gavyn belongs to a brotherhood of fighters, who, along with the women in their lives, form a close knit family that would do anything for each other.
There was a lot of slow burn as the two tried to resist their mutual attraction. What I liked about this slow burn was that there wasn't that much angst or second guessing the other's attraction, they were forthright and pragmatic about the attraction. It culminated into some steamy scenes across the book. My only complaint was the way the scenes were handled --he called her his "good girl" and she took on the role of a "submissive"(?). Clear consent throughout though. But something about it was a bit irritating, unexpected of these characters & seemed disorientating. It's a personal preference though.
Other characters and smaller background arcs were introduced, indicating other books to come in this series. I think it was the dynamic of the various characters within this close knit family that I enjoyed, the banter and their clear loyalty towards each other. The world building was great, with a lot of info included along the way, sometimes I skimmed over the parts in favour of getting to the next step in the plot. Some inconsistencies and gaps in the storyline and magic, but I hope this is to be fleshed out in subsequent books. More depth & to the storyline and plots.
Overall the book in itself was nice and charming, particularly if you're looking for a romantic fantasy. I'll be checking out the next book when it comes out.
Nice little with an author who shows a lot of promise.
Medieval style world where two classes of people: Faeblood born with powers, and the ruling class. Then we have the humans, no powers but all the resilience and strength that humanity brings. They are forbidden from having weapons.
Our story focuses on Gavyn and Ember. She was raised by her mum on the run, taught to conceal her powers as a healing Faeblood. Her mum finally dies and she stumbles into Gavyn's village. Gavyn belongs to a brotherhood of fighters, who, along with the women in their lives, form a close knit family that would do anything for each other.
There was a lot of slow burn as the two tried to resist their mutual attraction. What I liked about this slow burn was that there wasn't that much angst or second guessing the other's attraction, they were forthright and pragmatic about the attraction. It culminated into some steamy scenes across the book. My only complaint was the way the scenes were handled --he called her his "good girl" and she took on the role of a "submissive"(?). Clear consent throughout though. But something about it was a bit irritating, unexpected of these characters & seemed disorientating. It's a personal preference though.
Other characters and smaller background arcs were introduced, indicating other books to come in this series. I think it was the dynamic of the various characters within this close knit family that I enjoyed, the banter and their clear loyalty towards each other. The world building was great, with a lot of info included along the way, sometimes I skimmed over the parts in favour of getting to the next step in the plot. Some inconsistencies and gaps in the storyline and magic, but I hope this is to be fleshed out in subsequent books. More depth & to the storyline and plots.
Overall the book in itself was nice and charming, particularly if you're looking for a romantic fantasy. I'll be checking out the next book when it comes out.
May 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this magical adventure romance. The character did an amazing job of setting the scenes and the characters. You can really feel the emotions that the characters go through as as the fear and the feeling of constant threat that Ember goes through, to the determination and pride that Gavyn has and his hatred and suspicion when he first meets Ember.
Ember is different. She is a Faeblood which means she has magical powers. However this is one secret that she can never tell. As she grow her mother always told her never reveal your secret and never stay in one place for too long. With her mother passing Ember is now on her own and feeling isolated and lost she tries to protect herself and keep away from harm.
That all changes when she meet Gavyn. Gavyn is an elite fighter who protects his people and especially his sister.
So when his sister offers Ember a place to stay he isnt happy and is very suspicious about who she is and what she wants.
When other people with Faeblood start to emerge from the castle Ember is excited to meet more people like her. Until she realises the danger they are to all the people she had grown to love.
Working together Ember and Gavyn need to protect everyone they care about. Can they work as a team to do this? If Ember is exposed as a faeblood will she be seen in the same light as the faebloods doing them harm? And can a relationship every work between a human and a faeblood.
This story has it all and will keep the reader gripped from beginning to end. It is beautiful to see Ember blossom into a confident woman instead of the shell of a person she is at the beginning.
Ember is different. She is a Faeblood which means she has magical powers. However this is one secret that she can never tell. As she grow her mother always told her never reveal your secret and never stay in one place for too long. With her mother passing Ember is now on her own and feeling isolated and lost she tries to protect herself and keep away from harm.
That all changes when she meet Gavyn. Gavyn is an elite fighter who protects his people and especially his sister.
So when his sister offers Ember a place to stay he isnt happy and is very suspicious about who she is and what she wants.
When other people with Faeblood start to emerge from the castle Ember is excited to meet more people like her. Until she realises the danger they are to all the people she had grown to love.
Working together Ember and Gavyn need to protect everyone they care about. Can they work as a team to do this? If Ember is exposed as a faeblood will she be seen in the same light as the faebloods doing them harm? And can a relationship every work between a human and a faeblood.
This story has it all and will keep the reader gripped from beginning to end. It is beautiful to see Ember blossom into a confident woman instead of the shell of a person she is at the beginning.
September 13, 2022
I loved this read! Such a good fantasy/romance story -- I have been craving a fast-paced adventure read like this! I won't get into the plot details here but it had everything I like in a fantasy read: magic, romance, brooding fighters, a concealed identity, brewing rebellion, and a found family.
We follow Ember and Gavyn's story here and it was a great grumpy/sunshine (she's partly cloudy I'd say) romance that kept my interest the whole time. The romance aspect of the book also had the perfect amount of steam, in my opinion! The found family trope is one of my absolute favorites and it was EXCEPTIONAL in this book. I think my favorite part was the friendship between the girls, Ember, Jade, Zoie, and Ada. So sweet and genuine! The world-building helped set up the plot for the rest of the series -- I see a rebellion and political/court intrigue in its future!
Although I'm a little sad the next installment will not focus on Ember & Gavyn, I will continue the series. I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series but I'm hoping we circle back to them at some point (especially after the bonus epilogue!!!!). I hope Maia and Erik's story is just as compelling for me.
I am rating this book 4 stars because at times the writing and scenes were a little unclear, and I had to go back and reread to see if I missed something. But overall I thought it was a great debut and am looking forward to what happens next.
Big thank you to BookSirens and the author, MK Lorber for the free copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We follow Ember and Gavyn's story here and it was a great grumpy/sunshine (she's partly cloudy I'd say) romance that kept my interest the whole time. The romance aspect of the book also had the perfect amount of steam, in my opinion! The found family trope is one of my absolute favorites and it was EXCEPTIONAL in this book. I think my favorite part was the friendship between the girls, Ember, Jade, Zoie, and Ada. So sweet and genuine! The world-building helped set up the plot for the rest of the series -- I see a rebellion and political/court intrigue in its future!
Although I'm a little sad the next installment will not focus on Ember & Gavyn, I will continue the series. I'm not sure how many books are planned for the series but I'm hoping we circle back to them at some point (especially after the bonus epilogue!!!!). I hope Maia and Erik's story is just as compelling for me.
I am rating this book 4 stars because at times the writing and scenes were a little unclear, and I had to go back and reread to see if I missed something. But overall I thought it was a great debut and am looking forward to what happens next.
Big thank you to BookSirens and the author, MK Lorber for the free copy! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
May 12, 2022Ember finds herself alone, fending for herself and missing her late mother’s company. She’s tired, hungry and bored with running from territory to territory. She’s running from her past and not looking for any distractions but finds herself caught by a tall, brawny man named Gavyn. He’s tall, a bit grumpy and not afraid to call Ember out on her thievery.
Thankfully, the cart owner, Jade whom Ember attempted to steal from, takes pity on her, much to the chagrin of her brother, Gavyn. Jade’s tender and trusting heart took pity on Ember, gave her food, asked her to help in the kitchen to feed their community and allowed her to stay with her for the night. From that day on, Ember’s life changes.
With the struggle of missing her mother, not knowing the identity of her father, and trying to hide her hidden talents, Ember finds herself falling head over heels in love with her surroundings, yet is constantly afraid that her past will catch up with her and her new friends. Should she stay or should she go? That is the question running through her head each day, as she awakes in this beautiful village.
The author paints a gorgeous picture of the village, the surrounding kingdom and the engaging characters. There is a a number of descriptive sex scenes throughout the book which definitely paint a picture for the reader; however, I do think they sometimes take away from the overall tale being told.
I hope the next book will expand on the story and keep the reader intrigued, as this book did.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Thankfully, the cart owner, Jade whom Ember attempted to steal from, takes pity on her, much to the chagrin of her brother, Gavyn. Jade’s tender and trusting heart took pity on Ember, gave her food, asked her to help in the kitchen to feed their community and allowed her to stay with her for the night. From that day on, Ember’s life changes.
With the struggle of missing her mother, not knowing the identity of her father, and trying to hide her hidden talents, Ember finds herself falling head over heels in love with her surroundings, yet is constantly afraid that her past will catch up with her and her new friends. Should she stay or should she go? That is the question running through her head each day, as she awakes in this beautiful village.
The author paints a gorgeous picture of the village, the surrounding kingdom and the engaging characters. There is a a number of descriptive sex scenes throughout the book which definitely paint a picture for the reader; however, I do think they sometimes take away from the overall tale being told.
I hope the next book will expand on the story and keep the reader intrigued, as this book did.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
May 10, 2022
There was so much to consider and think about and fall in love with within these pages. The hardships of the outsider that doesn’t feel she deserves to belong anywhere, the doubts that arise from the presence of said outsider and really anyone that doesn’t fit into the mold that society has told all folks we need to in order to be ‘right.’ Ember, being the outsider, has had a rough go for the last while, and is just stopping into town to replenish her supplies through questionable methods. Luckily, unluckily for her, this village has fighters and those made to protect, which is exactly what Gavyn feels he needs to do upon first interaction with her. There’s something about loss that can allow you to connect with those that you may not have before. Intrigued? Read this novel!
This author has a fantastic way about her that brings the story right off the pages and into the readers dreams, be it at night or daydreams. There were so many characters, some may find it difficult to allow for us to be able to connect with them all, if not the majority, but she did so without question. I very much look forward to venturing further on this troublesome/fruitful journey with Ember, Gavyn, Jade, and all those from the compound. The only thing, for me, was I found that it was a little long winded at times, but that’s to be expected from the first installment of a series. Bravo to the character development, world building, and nail biting! Will be recommending this novel for sure.
This author has a fantastic way about her that brings the story right off the pages and into the readers dreams, be it at night or daydreams. There were so many characters, some may find it difficult to allow for us to be able to connect with them all, if not the majority, but she did so without question. I very much look forward to venturing further on this troublesome/fruitful journey with Ember, Gavyn, Jade, and all those from the compound. The only thing, for me, was I found that it was a little long winded at times, but that’s to be expected from the first installment of a series. Bravo to the character development, world building, and nail biting! Will be recommending this novel for sure.
May 13, 2022
The Kingdom of Morvak seems like a great mountain realm with a divide between the peasant class (the territories below) and the magical nobility (the mountain top). But things are changing and the Faebloods are greedy to assert their continued control over the peasant humans. Ember has been raised on the run most her life. All she wants is to find others like her. To belong. Somewhere. Anywhere. She doesn't know who her father is and her mother is the only family she has ever know. They must stay isolated as much as possible, so no one discovers Ember's Faeblood, her curse. When her mother is murdered she is forced once again to run, but this time all alone. In the territories she is in more danger of being discovered, but she must find food. The different territories favor strong bodies who are able to fulfill the annual tithe to the Kingdom's nobility. Ember is caught stealing food by Gavyn; an elite fighter, head trainer, and right hand to the village's leader. He has a reputation of being hard and defending his family with everything he can. Ember threatens all he tries to protect. Can these two put their passions aside and protect not only themselves but Gavyn's found family? Will the Kingdom find Ember and kill her for threatening the delicate balance of power in the realm? This is SUCH a great book! I can see this one turning into a movie easy!! You have got to read it! I personally can't wait to read the others in the set!!
April 21, 2022
I had not had the pleasure yet to read anything by this gifted author, but that has seriously changed now. This book was beyond magical! I loved the story, the characters and their growth, the magic and the adventure that reflects on decisions we make! I could not help myself, I loved this book so much!
Romance, fantasy, and action! It was the perfect book for me. Plus the cover was very beautiful to my eyes! I loved Ember and Gavyn personally. They had their differences, but when they slowly climb that mountain and find their common ground, I swear I was Fan Girling out! The story and the adventure they partake on was a visionary experience. I loved hos descriptive the author was where they went, and as to what they endured. It was a feast for eyes to envision! I loved the authors writing as well. This is a book I truly enjoyed and loved. I am already counting down the days to the next book installment! Loved it!
This author is a must read for sure! I enjoyed this book with all my heart and soul. The book was magical and sent me on my own visionary quest which I loved. I highly recommend this books nd their author! Not one to be passed up! Truly loved this book and the way it flowed, for sure, its a must read!
Romance, fantasy, and action! It was the perfect book for me. Plus the cover was very beautiful to my eyes! I loved Ember and Gavyn personally. They had their differences, but when they slowly climb that mountain and find their common ground, I swear I was Fan Girling out! The story and the adventure they partake on was a visionary experience. I loved hos descriptive the author was where they went, and as to what they endured. It was a feast for eyes to envision! I loved the authors writing as well. This is a book I truly enjoyed and loved. I am already counting down the days to the next book installment! Loved it!
This author is a must read for sure! I enjoyed this book with all my heart and soul. The book was magical and sent me on my own visionary quest which I loved. I highly recommend this books nd their author! Not one to be passed up! Truly loved this book and the way it flowed, for sure, its a must read!
May 12, 2022
Ember grew up on the run all her life. Once Ember and her mother settled down under the simple pretense of a single mother with her child, she died sending Ember back on the run. All she has wanted was to find people the same as her, even since childhood. She goes to steal food one day when she is stopped by Gavyn.
Gavyn is a cold but protective guy. He had a hard childhood resulting in him not trusting easily. When he spots a beautiful girl trying to steal food from a cart, he is quick to stop her. He thought that would be that until the cart owner decides to let Ember have food in exchange for labour. Gavyn decides to keep an eye on this beautiful thief.
Instantly there were some sparks between the two even though they are complete opposites. Together they set off on an adventure to save their loved ones while a Faeblood appears outside of the kingdom and puts everything in danger.
This book had a little bit of everything, magic, fighting, action, romance. I also really enjoyed how the author didn’t solely focus on one main character. The author split the chapters into different point of views but in third person. Written with much detail I was able to fully immerse in the story as the author did wonderfully to build the world and the people within it.
Gavyn is a cold but protective guy. He had a hard childhood resulting in him not trusting easily. When he spots a beautiful girl trying to steal food from a cart, he is quick to stop her. He thought that would be that until the cart owner decides to let Ember have food in exchange for labour. Gavyn decides to keep an eye on this beautiful thief.
Instantly there were some sparks between the two even though they are complete opposites. Together they set off on an adventure to save their loved ones while a Faeblood appears outside of the kingdom and puts everything in danger.
This book had a little bit of everything, magic, fighting, action, romance. I also really enjoyed how the author didn’t solely focus on one main character. The author split the chapters into different point of views but in third person. Written with much detail I was able to fully immerse in the story as the author did wonderfully to build the world and the people within it.
January 5, 2023
The Curse of a Faeblood is a must read for fans of TikTok favourites ACOTAR or The Cruel Prince. It is similarly positioned as a new adult fantasy with some explicit scenes, but I appreciated the ways that this book stood apart from others in the genre. There are several female characters, all of whom have individual personalities and talents. The romance seemed inevitable in the best way, without the need for rushing into things. Not a true slow burn, but getting near it. The world built in this novel is one of tension, adrenaline, and the ways that love connect us. I appreciated the elements of found family and how the characters have genuine chemistry.
The pacing of the book was a little off for me. In some places it felt as though we were moving quickly and others it dragged along. For the most part I appreciated the high pace. I would just skim through slower parts of the book that felt repetitive. That said, I flew through the book in 2 days. Is it the most thought-provoking or emotionally moving novel? No, perhaps not. But it does have a fun romance (with a few steamy encounters) that I would certainly read the sequel to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing of the book was a little off for me. In some places it felt as though we were moving quickly and others it dragged along. For the most part I appreciated the high pace. I would just skim through slower parts of the book that felt repetitive. That said, I flew through the book in 2 days. Is it the most thought-provoking or emotionally moving novel? No, perhaps not. But it does have a fun romance (with a few steamy encounters) that I would certainly read the sequel to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2023
Ember. A Faeblood, an orphan, and on the run from The Castle and it’s Red Guard. When Ember makes the mistake of stealing some bread in the wrong village she’s captured, and held for her theft. But her imprisonment isn’t anything like she thought it would be. She’s introduced to a world of fighters (I picture cage fighters, but they have a ring), friends, and family. Family that has chosen one another for one reason, they are all fighting to live their lives.
This story is long, much longer than I expected, and there is a whole lot of world building you’ll have to get through to learn about these fighters, the villagers and the people that Ember falls for. She’s found home she thinks, but she’s still running (a fear that her mother ingrained into her very soul), and she can’t stay without risking them all. I enjoyed the story, although there are areas I think the author might have embellished too much for the sake of word count, and some of the intimate moments felt out of place in the story. I like fantasy romances stories, but this one is more. It's about chosen family, what it means to be family, and if you’re going to be in the family you have to work at it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is long, much longer than I expected, and there is a whole lot of world building you’ll have to get through to learn about these fighters, the villagers and the people that Ember falls for. She’s found home she thinks, but she’s still running (a fear that her mother ingrained into her very soul), and she can’t stay without risking them all. I enjoyed the story, although there are areas I think the author might have embellished too much for the sake of word count, and some of the intimate moments felt out of place in the story. I like fantasy romances stories, but this one is more. It's about chosen family, what it means to be family, and if you’re going to be in the family you have to work at it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2022
My first read of this author and I can honestly say I cannot wait for the next in the series.
Although I found the start a little hard to follow I soon fell into the world of the faeblood and found it difficult to find a suitable place to stop reading for the night (it is that addictive).
MK tells us about Ember and her trials as she journeys on the run through the land where the faeblood live in the castle and rule the land and territories with an iron fist in the form of the Red Guard (their personal army). Through her wiles and tenacity Ember moves from village to village ending up in the Borderlands of Midpointe, where she is caught by the villagers. She falls into the life of the militia village with ease, still hiding until discovered.
There is more than Ember bringing trouble to this family unit and as we follow her time with them, the building of relationships, discovery of love and honour we discover the spy in the mists.
The land of the faeblood has been described in detail and the other territories have been introduced through meetings. I cannot wait to read the second in the series.
Although I found the start a little hard to follow I soon fell into the world of the faeblood and found it difficult to find a suitable place to stop reading for the night (it is that addictive).
MK tells us about Ember and her trials as she journeys on the run through the land where the faeblood live in the castle and rule the land and territories with an iron fist in the form of the Red Guard (their personal army). Through her wiles and tenacity Ember moves from village to village ending up in the Borderlands of Midpointe, where she is caught by the villagers. She falls into the life of the militia village with ease, still hiding until discovered.
There is more than Ember bringing trouble to this family unit and as we follow her time with them, the building of relationships, discovery of love and honour we discover the spy in the mists.
The land of the faeblood has been described in detail and the other territories have been introduced through meetings. I cannot wait to read the second in the series.
April 12, 2023
This book had a little bit of everything in it. It had a slow burn, but spicy romance, action, history, fantasy, great character development, and a little guilt and death and family dynamics thrown in too.
Ember and Gavyn were fantastic. They seemed to really compliment each other, and helped each other work through things all the way throughout the story. Gavyn was just the kind of alpha, but not too possessive, male I love to read about. I really like Ember, she felt authentic and real, and not over the top or too too much.
The world building was great. The history and exposition were sprinkled throughout, not in large unwieldly chunks that dragged the story down. I originally read the novella set in this world, and was so captivated by it I had to go find the other books written in this same world.
Although this book is a standalone I am hoping that there are some details about Ember and Gavyn in the next book(s), as I want to know more about them! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ember and Gavyn were fantastic. They seemed to really compliment each other, and helped each other work through things all the way throughout the story. Gavyn was just the kind of alpha, but not too possessive, male I love to read about. I really like Ember, she felt authentic and real, and not over the top or too too much.
The world building was great. The history and exposition were sprinkled throughout, not in large unwieldly chunks that dragged the story down. I originally read the novella set in this world, and was so captivated by it I had to go find the other books written in this same world.
Although this book is a standalone I am hoping that there are some details about Ember and Gavyn in the next book(s), as I want to know more about them! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2022
I have found a new author. MK is relatively new as an author this being her second book but her first fantasy book. She also has a short story shared with a compilation of authors. I very much liked her writing style. Paranormal/fantasy is one of my fav genres. The world MK has created for this series is exciting and beautifully done and a variable delight for the imagination.
There is a cast of thousands and there is a lot going on but the intrigue and action pull you in. The characters were well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed the banter, sarcasm and sassiness, it made the story fun. I look forward to seeing how MK brings other character stories to life. This story has some steam and romance, heroes and adventures, fae and humans, magic and elite fighters, thieves and action, lies and betrayal.
This story started out a bit slow and at times seemed to drag but overall, I did enjoy this tale and look forward to the other books.
They fell and they fell hard. Him an alpha elite human fighter and her a magical fae thief.
There is a cast of thousands and there is a lot going on but the intrigue and action pull you in. The characters were well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed the banter, sarcasm and sassiness, it made the story fun. I look forward to seeing how MK brings other character stories to life. This story has some steam and romance, heroes and adventures, fae and humans, magic and elite fighters, thieves and action, lies and betrayal.
This story started out a bit slow and at times seemed to drag but overall, I did enjoy this tale and look forward to the other books.
They fell and they fell hard. Him an alpha elite human fighter and her a magical fae thief.
May 14, 2022
This book was hands down unstoppable good! This is the first book of this series and I can not wait for more! The story of Ember develops from her being lost, alone, an orphan into finding her place in a community she wasn't prepared to find her future in. Gavyn caught me off guard in how he quickly changed as he realized Ember was more than just a thief. How he spent time "spying" on her and checking in all the while he was developing some feelings for her. I love how the author captured this and showed his softer side further on in the book. Jade, Zoie and Ada are the girlfriends we all want around. The build up to the excitement within the story was slower than I like but the details she gives on the background of these communities and the main characters history. I myself can not wait for more from this series. I like that it isn't your typical book about magic and different "creatures". It showed a different side of magic and how it could be a good thing when the right opportunity presents itself.
June 23, 2022
This was one of those books where I truly loved all the characters, main and supporting! They all had something about them that enriched the storyline and truly made it a world.
The MMC- Gavyn is a fighter, a protector, and just the right amount of alpha male 😍without making it seem like Ember cannot make her own choices. He has insecurities to which just deepen my empathy for his character and relationships.
The sense of belonging and family that was brought to life in this book was so good. Maybe it just hit home with me, but the stark reminder that family isn’t just blood but family is chosen was powerful.
My dilemma now.. I adored the MC’s BUT Book 2 (not yet released) follows two different characters that were in Book 1, but not as developed and beloved as other characters for me personally. I can’t decide if I should just end this series here in a way that I absolutely adored, or give Book 2 a try when it is published. I really wanted a Jade story 💔
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The MMC- Gavyn is a fighter, a protector, and just the right amount of alpha male 😍without making it seem like Ember cannot make her own choices. He has insecurities to which just deepen my empathy for his character and relationships.
The sense of belonging and family that was brought to life in this book was so good. Maybe it just hit home with me, but the stark reminder that family isn’t just blood but family is chosen was powerful.
My dilemma now.. I adored the MC’s BUT Book 2 (not yet released) follows two different characters that were in Book 1, but not as developed and beloved as other characters for me personally. I can’t decide if I should just end this series here in a way that I absolutely adored, or give Book 2 a try when it is published. I really wanted a Jade story 💔
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
I probably should stop reading fae-themed books, because I mostly end up not liking them much. Anyways, with this particular one, I gave it a fair chance, went into it with open mind, but very soon I found myself not caring much for the characters or where the story was going.
I am slowly realising that I don't really like books where from the first moment they meet, the main characters can't think straight when they are near each other and all they can focus on is how handsome/beautiful and sexy the other person is, despite the fact that they have reasons to fear them or at least not to trust them. Being hot and sexy then often becomes their most prominent (and sometimes the only) character trait and that is not enough for me to connect with the characters. For me, this book was unfortunately exactly like that. Also, I like to read a spicy book from time to time and this one has some decent spice I think, but it wasn't my cup of tea, which is a me problem, but it was one of the things that made me not enjoy this as much as I wished.
I am slowly realising that I don't really like books where from the first moment they meet, the main characters can't think straight when they are near each other and all they can focus on is how handsome/beautiful and sexy the other person is, despite the fact that they have reasons to fear them or at least not to trust them. Being hot and sexy then often becomes their most prominent (and sometimes the only) character trait and that is not enough for me to connect with the characters. For me, this book was unfortunately exactly like that. Also, I like to read a spicy book from time to time and this one has some decent spice I think, but it wasn't my cup of tea, which is a me problem, but it was one of the things that made me not enjoy this as much as I wished.
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