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Stone Circle #0.5
Of Smoke and Shadows
Prince Achill is the heir to the Fire fae throne, only he lacks the aptitude to call up his fire. Smoke magic is more his flavor, but it comes with a tainted reputation and an unpredictability that has him desperate to appease his father and prove he has what it takes to ascend the throne.
When his spirited, head-strong little sister, Aine, runs away to marry a human, it's up to Achill to put the family back together. But when his decisions fracture their family, he sparks a war between the races. Can meeting his fated mate persuade him to give up his malignant endeavors and end a war unlike any of the humans or Fae have ever seen?
For fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Sarah J. Maas, and Raven Kennedy
Content Warnings: This book contains sexual scenes and some scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss: blood, childbirth, pregnancy and pregnancy-related death, war, death, and fire. Please be advised that this novella is intended for audiences 18+
When his spirited, head-strong little sister, Aine, runs away to marry a human, it's up to Achill to put the family back together. But when his decisions fracture their family, he sparks a war between the races. Can meeting his fated mate persuade him to give up his malignant endeavors and end a war unlike any of the humans or Fae have ever seen?
For fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Sarah J. Maas, and Raven Kennedy
Content Warnings: This book contains sexual scenes and some scenes that may depict, mention, or discuss: blood, childbirth, pregnancy and pregnancy-related death, war, death, and fire. Please be advised that this novella is intended for audiences 18+
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2022
About the author
Ophelia Wells Langley
14 books144 followersOphelia Wells Langley spent her formative years as a writer shaped by a mild obsession with Celtic mythology, a strong taste for romantic fantasy, and a penchant for escapism. Her goal is simple: create steamy, character-driven stories that are inclusive and diverse. She writes spicy adult fantasy romance with lush worlds and whimsical lore. Most of her stories feature stone circles as portals that connect you to other characters within her fantasy universe.
You can follow her on Instagram @opheliawlangleyauthor or on Tiktok @opheliawellsauthor. For exclusive stories, art, and a great community become a member on her Patreon by searching Ophelia Wells Langley.
You can follow her on Instagram @opheliawlangleyauthor or on Tiktok @opheliawellsauthor. For exclusive stories, art, and a great community become a member on her Patreon by searching Ophelia Wells Langley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 3, 2022
Ooo! This was a nice little tease into this world. Villain origin story for the win!! I can’t wait to read the borderlands princess. It’s a highly anticipated read that I’m positive will not disappoint.
May 30, 2022
I am so excited for Borderland Princess and this novella providing a glimpse into the world and Achill was just the taste I needed to hold me over! I am eternally grateful to have received an ARC of the novella and the thoughts and opinions that follow are my own.
In the story we are introduced to Achill, his parents the Fire Fae King and Queen, and his sister Aine. The story follows Achill as he learns his own smoke magic along with some pretty poignant events in his life that I am sure will come up in some capacity in Borderlands Princess (I can’t wait to see how). I loved getting this introduction to the world building before the Treaty and the magic system as it is a little different from other fantasy books I have read - which is a good thing!
There were several points in the book that the Rites were mentioned and I would have loved just a smidge more about what exactly those are. I know it is a novella and space is limited and maybe that will be in the book, but they sound extremely important for the fae and know why and what exactly their purpose is would have been a good addition. This was a me thing from not paying close enough attention, but some of the time jumps felt a little choppy and rushed, but again novella and me reading too fast lol.
Overall I really loved the novella and am so excited to see what the Borderland Princess holds in store for us! Having this backstory for Achill I think will benefit readers of Borderland Princess as you get an insight into how he thinks and how that changes as time goes on.
In the story we are introduced to Achill, his parents the Fire Fae King and Queen, and his sister Aine. The story follows Achill as he learns his own smoke magic along with some pretty poignant events in his life that I am sure will come up in some capacity in Borderlands Princess (I can’t wait to see how). I loved getting this introduction to the world building before the Treaty and the magic system as it is a little different from other fantasy books I have read - which is a good thing!
There were several points in the book that the Rites were mentioned and I would have loved just a smidge more about what exactly those are. I know it is a novella and space is limited and maybe that will be in the book, but they sound extremely important for the fae and know why and what exactly their purpose is would have been a good addition. This was a me thing from not paying close enough attention, but some of the time jumps felt a little choppy and rushed, but again novella and me reading too fast lol.
Overall I really loved the novella and am so excited to see what the Borderland Princess holds in store for us! Having this backstory for Achill I think will benefit readers of Borderland Princess as you get an insight into how he thinks and how that changes as time goes on.
June 17, 2022
This little freebie is like ACOTAR meets The Witcher.
Of Smoke and Shadows is the intriguing backstory of the Fire Fae King in a forthcoming book, The Borderlands Princess. It's a series of vignettes of the moments that shaped Achill, beginning as a young, mateless prince afraid of his father. He quickly becomes brutal and has some hard life lessons that make him think twice.
There was spicy open door fae romance near the end, so if that's your thing, the author has you covered! (And if not, consider yourself duly warned!) I also found Achill's smoke magic interesting, especially since it's considered substandard in his court. I'm curious how it will be used going forward.
Though not every period in Achill's life had a full arc for his developing character (I wondered what happened while training with his uncle that changed him so much), the way the plot drops in on key moments very much reminded me of season 1 of The Witcher. The female characters were especially well-rendered, so I'm looking forward to reading The Borderlands Princess.
Of Smoke and Shadows is the intriguing backstory of the Fire Fae King in a forthcoming book, The Borderlands Princess. It's a series of vignettes of the moments that shaped Achill, beginning as a young, mateless prince afraid of his father. He quickly becomes brutal and has some hard life lessons that make him think twice.
There was spicy open door fae romance near the end, so if that's your thing, the author has you covered! (And if not, consider yourself duly warned!) I also found Achill's smoke magic interesting, especially since it's considered substandard in his court. I'm curious how it will be used going forward.
Though not every period in Achill's life had a full arc for his developing character (I wondered what happened while training with his uncle that changed him so much), the way the plot drops in on key moments very much reminded me of season 1 of The Witcher. The female characters were especially well-rendered, so I'm looking forward to reading The Borderlands Princess.
July 8, 2022
This book has some beautiful descriptions of smoke. The elemental magic was enticing but the rest of the novella completely lost me. The time jumping around was jarring, the love interest was introduced too late and the dialogue was lacking a maturity. I think this is a prequel novella but I was still left with too many questions.
This novella did have good bones and spice and I hope it finds the right reader.
This novella did have good bones and spice and I hope it finds the right reader.
May 16, 2022
Of Smoke and Shadows follows Achill, the prince of the Fire Fae, who has an affinity for smoke magic. Achill has always struggled with his ability to control fire, much to the disappointment of his father.
"His Rite already passed decades ago and his magic, though based in the Fire element, belongs to the smoke."
Raised by an abusive father and having a troubled relationship with his mother, the only family Achill is close to is his beloved younger sister, Aine. The Fae are at war with one another and with the humans, so when Aine runs off and falls in love with a human, Achill finds himself caught in the middle of it all. Throw in finding your fated mate and inheriting the responsibility of uniting the Fae, Achill has more than enough on his plate.
"She can't finish as his mouth consumes hers with a fire neither of them has ever known."
I devoured this novella. Fantasy is my one true love and Langley flawlessly weaves the lush world she created with political intrigue, familial trauma, a diverse cast of characters, and a romantic subplot. I was quite fond of the author's cadence and found her voice to be effortless to read.
This is a precursor to the full-length novel, The Borderlands Princess, set to release late 2022. Thank you to author Ophelia Wells Langley for the opportunity to read an ARC of Achill's origin story. I am eagerly waiting to read the full novel later this year.
"His Rite already passed decades ago and his magic, though based in the Fire element, belongs to the smoke."
Raised by an abusive father and having a troubled relationship with his mother, the only family Achill is close to is his beloved younger sister, Aine. The Fae are at war with one another and with the humans, so when Aine runs off and falls in love with a human, Achill finds himself caught in the middle of it all. Throw in finding your fated mate and inheriting the responsibility of uniting the Fae, Achill has more than enough on his plate.
"She can't finish as his mouth consumes hers with a fire neither of them has ever known."
I devoured this novella. Fantasy is my one true love and Langley flawlessly weaves the lush world she created with political intrigue, familial trauma, a diverse cast of characters, and a romantic subplot. I was quite fond of the author's cadence and found her voice to be effortless to read.
This is a precursor to the full-length novel, The Borderlands Princess, set to release late 2022. Thank you to author Ophelia Wells Langley for the opportunity to read an ARC of Achill's origin story. I am eagerly waiting to read the full novel later this year.
May 23, 2022
This book is a novella to The Borderland Princess that will released in November 2022. This is the backstory of Achill and I really liked following him throughout this book, especially his relationship with his sister.
This book is so captivating, from the very beginning I was interested in where the plot was going, I never knew what was going to happen next.
I however didn’t pay close enough attention to the fact that chapter 1 said 200 HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE THE TREATY WAS SIGNED and that it gets updated when the time has jumped forward so I was a little confused, but that was completely my own fault.
Overall a really good book the fantasy elements are cool and I’m interested to see them develop in the next book.
I definitely recommend giving it a read
It does have trigger warnings that you should pay attention to.
This book is so captivating, from the very beginning I was interested in where the plot was going, I never knew what was going to happen next.
I however didn’t pay close enough attention to the fact that chapter 1 said 200 HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE THE TREATY WAS SIGNED and that it gets updated when the time has jumped forward so I was a little confused, but that was completely my own fault.
Overall a really good book the fantasy elements are cool and I’m interested to see them develop in the next book.
I definitely recommend giving it a read
It does have trigger warnings that you should pay attention to.
November 26, 2024
Another absolutely wonderful book by Ophelia.
I was conflicted the entire way through this book as it's have read The Borderlands Princess and the stone circle queen, and it's not a s3cret amongst my friends that Achill is NOT my favourite charecter but it was so good to get to learn more about his motivations, what turned him into the man we see in further books and how he came into his powers.
Thoughtfully enjoyed reading this and I'm so excited to read more of Ophelias work.
No context quote
"The rush of so much power overflowing in this room causes his chest to constrict"
I was conflicted the entire way through this book as it's have read The Borderlands Princess and the stone circle queen, and it's not a s3cret amongst my friends that Achill is NOT my favourite charecter but it was so good to get to learn more about his motivations, what turned him into the man we see in further books and how he came into his powers.
Thoughtfully enjoyed reading this and I'm so excited to read more of Ophelias work.
No context quote
"The rush of so much power overflowing in this room causes his chest to constrict"
May 19, 2022
Holy smokes did I devour this novella!
I was extremely excited to get an early jump into the Borderlands world, and it did not disappoint. Jumping into the world felt seamless. For me, the author’s writing style made it easy to slip into the fantasy world and feel comfortable there.
I’m very grateful to have gotten a glimpse into how this world is set up before diving into the full novel. The spicy scenes were fun and I found myself quick to feel the impact of the emotional moments.
I can’t wait to continue this story once it’s time for The Borderlands Princess!
I was extremely excited to get an early jump into the Borderlands world, and it did not disappoint. Jumping into the world felt seamless. For me, the author’s writing style made it easy to slip into the fantasy world and feel comfortable there.
I’m very grateful to have gotten a glimpse into how this world is set up before diving into the full novel. The spicy scenes were fun and I found myself quick to feel the impact of the emotional moments.
I can’t wait to continue this story once it’s time for The Borderlands Princess!
May 15, 2022
I am so glad to have been an ARC for this novella. High fantasy with a well written world that draws you in. There is an adult scene and it is worth the wait. There were no triggers for me but do check those out just to be on the safe side.
I can not wait to read the rest of this story.
I can not wait to read the rest of this story.
May 29, 2022
First time I have read one of this authors books. I absolutely loved it. Definitely worth the read. I've read many books like this and I rate this one, one of the better ones. Definitely a great read.
May 16, 2022
This is an amazing novella. Its a prequel to the main novel coming out in Nov 2022. After reading this novella I'm even more excited about the book coming out. I just can't wait.
May 18, 2022
I absolutely loved and devoured this novella. The writing was beautiful as well as the story line. I loved the characters. The novella left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the Borderland Princess out this fall.
May 31, 2022
I feel like so many events happened in this novella, and it only gave me more questions that I need the answers too. I am officially hooked on this world and cannot wait for more from this author. The only thing I don't like is now I have to wait for the next book
Read
June 3, 2022I was hooked from the first chapter. I need more. 10/10 for me.
March 13, 2024
*I received an ARC and am giving my honest review*
⭐️ REVIEW:
The prequel I needed to Ophelia “Stone Circle” series. I’m a lover of white haired men, and I always had a love for Achill… even if he was a little evil. *wink*. Learning more about his past, and how he came into that evil heart, gives such a clear perspective to the rest of her stories. It showcases all the characters mentioned in the story as well. And really, Ophelia just knows how to write some good smut, too.
⭐️ FAVORITE QUOTE:
“He realizes, suddenly, that he would do it again, in a heartbeat, if it meant that he could protect Aine from his father’s rage and fury, and his mother’s obsequious demeanor. He touches the scar on his cheek lightly, closes his eyes, and sighs. Yes, he’ll do whatever he can to make sure she gets to live the life she wants.”
⭐️ REVIEW:
The prequel I needed to Ophelia “Stone Circle” series. I’m a lover of white haired men, and I always had a love for Achill… even if he was a little evil. *wink*. Learning more about his past, and how he came into that evil heart, gives such a clear perspective to the rest of her stories. It showcases all the characters mentioned in the story as well. And really, Ophelia just knows how to write some good smut, too.
⭐️ FAVORITE QUOTE:
“He realizes, suddenly, that he would do it again, in a heartbeat, if it meant that he could protect Aine from his father’s rage and fury, and his mother’s obsequious demeanor. He touches the scar on his cheek lightly, closes his eyes, and sighs. Yes, he’ll do whatever he can to make sure she gets to live the life she wants.”
July 17, 2023
love a good back story
I read borderlands princess first not knowing this book existed but oh lord it’s just as good. So many things in this explain so much in the borderlands princess. I love a riveting backstory and this gives us one over the span of two centuries. There’s a lot of sadness and emotions in this book but it explains so much. Read this before the borderlands princess!!!! You won’t regret it!
I read borderlands princess first not knowing this book existed but oh lord it’s just as good. So many things in this explain so much in the borderlands princess. I love a riveting backstory and this gives us one over the span of two centuries. There’s a lot of sadness and emotions in this book but it explains so much. Read this before the borderlands princess!!!! You won’t regret it!
August 21, 2022
This Novella covers events that happen before "Borderland Princess" (coming out in November). This story feels a lot like the backstory of the next books villain and I really love that! This story has fae and well written spice. I loved all the characters.
June 20, 2022
Excited!
This novella is so well written. Great spice! Fast read that packed in so much! This seems like its setting up a backstory and I am super excited for the main book to come out!
This novella is so well written. Great spice! Fast read that packed in so much! This seems like its setting up a backstory and I am super excited for the main book to come out!
November 27, 2022
This novella started out a bit slow for me, but closer to the end, it really started to speed up. I got super into it and am excited to read the first full-length book in this series! Overall, I'd give this a 3.5, but the ending had me hooked enough that it deserved being rounded up to a 4!
March 25, 2023
Intense start to a new world!
This little Novella has it all, family love, fated mate love, forbidden love. The world building is detailed, the steam is a fun surprise. Fast paced and it’s hard not to bond with what Achill goes through. I’m excited to see where this goes next!
This little Novella has it all, family love, fated mate love, forbidden love. The world building is detailed, the steam is a fun surprise. Fast paced and it’s hard not to bond with what Achill goes through. I’m excited to see where this goes next!
August 7, 2022
3.5 stars
I found the beginning and the ending interesting, but the middle fell short for me. I didn’t like the pace of the novella and would have preferred not to see so many time skips.
I found the beginning and the ending interesting, but the middle fell short for me. I didn’t like the pace of the novella and would have preferred not to see so many time skips.
December 27, 2024
I love me a good villain origin story but I paid $0.99 feel like I got ripped off.
It’s cringy and feels incomplete, even in the context of the other two books. If it was more fleshed out, I’m not sure I’d be interested in reading it.
This novella is an example of what happens when someone publishes a stray notebook of ideas that were clearly discarded for a reason, and that’s okay cause not everyone can be a Tolkien.
It’s cringy and feels incomplete, even in the context of the other two books. If it was more fleshed out, I’m not sure I’d be interested in reading it.
This novella is an example of what happens when someone publishes a stray notebook of ideas that were clearly discarded for a reason, and that’s okay cause not everyone can be a Tolkien.
May 29, 2023
Honestly 2.5 ⭐️
Not what I was expecting. There was a lot of jumping around and I am confused about why his sister seemed to be a big part and then was no longer a part of the story. Also the romance in this is little to none and it doesn’t explain why his mate didn’t complete the mating bond and why she did what she did. I can only hope the other books complete the puzzle
Not what I was expecting. There was a lot of jumping around and I am confused about why his sister seemed to be a big part and then was no longer a part of the story. Also the romance in this is little to none and it doesn’t explain why his mate didn’t complete the mating bond and why she did what she did. I can only hope the other books complete the puzzle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
This novella was such an easy quick read! I’ve just recently started getting into fantasy and the hardest part for me is getting through the world building but this novella had just the perfect amount of world building without being too much for me resulting in boredom. Overall excited to read the rest of the series!
November 19, 2023
This is a really great introduction to the character Achill from the series. It's like a villain origin story and if the goal is to make you really see the character, really feel for what he goes through and feel empathy for him--then it's been achieved by far! I really loved this. A great spicy ending scene that was worth the wait is in there too. This a good story!
August 31, 2025
This made me feel for Achill. Like most villian arcs he was just trying to survive some trauma. it was kinda sad to see he actually did love her. He wanted to be a good mate.
Sidenote: did she really have to go sacrifice herself? Maybe if she had actually committed to the relationship he wouldn't have become a villain.... and therefore no need for the peacemaker. 🤷 seems stupid
Sidenote: did she really have to go sacrifice herself? Maybe if she had actually committed to the relationship he wouldn't have become a villain.... and therefore no need for the peacemaker. 🤷 seems stupid
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
This novella is the perfect first glimpse into the fantasy world and what is to come in The Borderlands Princess and I am here for it! I can’t wait to delve deeper into this amazing story. Loved every second of this novella and highly anticipate The Borderlands Princess.
August 13, 2022
This book has got me so excited for The Borderland Princess to come out. I love that you get to learn all about Achill and his family which it will make it so much better when The Borderland Princess comes out and can see what he's like in that book.
July 8, 2023
This book was super disjointed. I could hardly follow the timeline, since the plot constantly jumps decades and centuries. I feel like I missed a lot of important plot points in the in-between periods so that this would make sense.
November 13, 2023
After reading the Borderlands Princess, I was excited when I discovered there was a prequel novella about Prince Achill and his past. It was a great quick read showing how he became who he was and would definitely recommend it for fans of the Stone Circle Duet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews