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Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm
♥Talia, the young Iridescent-winged Heir to the Fairy Realm, and Prince Bastile, the Heir to the Human Realm, have embarked on a forbidden love affair, and their choice will have consequences for both their worlds.
After a stunning betrayal, Talia, her 8 Ladies, and her Heir's Guard (9 female Fairy soldiers) bravely set off on a journey through the Fairy Realm in search of answers about the Exile Queen, a reviled ancestor.
⚠However, Talia's evil Aunts, the Three Sisters, and others in both the Fairy and Human courts stand in her way, not understanding the ancient prophecy that Talia is destined to fulfill.
★★★Will Talia be able to save both the Fairy and Human Realms from the devastations of another war?★★★
If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you will be captivated by this exciting story of Talia and Prince Bastile's forbidden love affair and the stirrings of horrible hostilities between these two vastly disparate Realms.But be these are neither your little sister's happy romantic fairies nor your weird uncle's dark patriarchal they're something altogether new!
After a stunning betrayal, Talia, her 8 Ladies, and her Heir's Guard (9 female Fairy soldiers) bravely set off on a journey through the Fairy Realm in search of answers about the Exile Queen, a reviled ancestor.
⚠However, Talia's evil Aunts, the Three Sisters, and others in both the Fairy and Human courts stand in her way, not understanding the ancient prophecy that Talia is destined to fulfill.
★★★Will Talia be able to save both the Fairy and Human Realms from the devastations of another war?★★★
If you enjoyed The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, you will be captivated by this exciting story of Talia and Prince Bastile's forbidden love affair and the stirrings of horrible hostilities between these two vastly disparate Realms.But be these are neither your little sister's happy romantic fairies nor your weird uncle's dark patriarchal they're something altogether new!
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
2 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 28, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this buddy read, though I admit the tone changes were wild lol. What starts off with carefree characters trying on clothes and dancing somehow becomes a super dark examination into betrayal, war crimes, and other atrocities. It’s kind of like Ferngully meets the Poppy Wars, which is a sentence I never expected to write.
The world-building was my favorite part. There are plenty of interesting tidbits for both the humans and fairies, and some hilarious phrasing. Looking forward to whatever happens in the next two books of the trilogy
The world-building was my favorite part. There are plenty of interesting tidbits for both the humans and fairies, and some hilarious phrasing. Looking forward to whatever happens in the next two books of the trilogy
October 7, 2021
Picture a beautiful book that floats into your imagination, and then pulls you along on an adventure.
There is such a thing as an adult fairy tale that is pure fantasy, not imbued with things of the real world, not tainted with anything unlikely to have occurred in the fairy world. It is written well, the writing is like music flowing in color over everything.
An example of the great visualization: "She went higher, and caught a current that was going in the right direction." The reader isn't mundanely told 'she flew upward,' they are with her as she flies.
The only complaint is that "Shatter" does not seem like a good visual-laden name that matches the character. The other names are at times odd, fanciful, and purposeful.
But, soon the reader becomes immediate, and in tune, with Shatter. Everything seen, felt, and anticipated from her point of view immerses the reader in a beautiful atmosphere. The "grass was quiet, the air still".... how often have we ever thought that minutely?
The writing of the quest, if that is the word, was woven masterfully. The action, especially with a wounded Shatter, is real and moves as quick as a fairy running for her life. The ending was not the end for fans of this series, for which they will rejoice.
There is such a thing as an adult fairy tale that is pure fantasy, not imbued with things of the real world, not tainted with anything unlikely to have occurred in the fairy world. It is written well, the writing is like music flowing in color over everything.
An example of the great visualization: "She went higher, and caught a current that was going in the right direction." The reader isn't mundanely told 'she flew upward,' they are with her as she flies.
The only complaint is that "Shatter" does not seem like a good visual-laden name that matches the character. The other names are at times odd, fanciful, and purposeful.
But, soon the reader becomes immediate, and in tune, with Shatter. Everything seen, felt, and anticipated from her point of view immerses the reader in a beautiful atmosphere. The "grass was quiet, the air still".... how often have we ever thought that minutely?
The writing of the quest, if that is the word, was woven masterfully. The action, especially with a wounded Shatter, is real and moves as quick as a fairy running for her life. The ending was not the end for fans of this series, for which they will rejoice.
April 17, 2025
I had an amazing time reading this book. Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a fantastical story, filled to the brim with compelling character dynamics, supported by some of the richest worldbuilding I've seen. What starts off as a whimsical fairy tale, soon undergoes a shift in tone, unveiling darker themes and a complex political intrigue that sends us on an epic journey into a vast world teeming with magic & wonder.
The worldbuilding is extremely strong, and it's evident with each chapter how much thought went into its development. I adored everything about Fairy culture and lore. There is well-established court politics and various customs, some ancient and arcane. Fairy magic was in fact a major highlight for me, brought to life through cohesive & vivid descriptions. Joel does a fantastic job of weaving the magic system into his world's culture. Not only for aesthetics, but to serve the story itself. I actually thought the plot involving the Ceremony of Return was an excellent showcase of both of these aspects working in perfect tandem, delivering a truly immersive introduction into the setting and tale.
Joel is a master of developing strong characters and bringing them to life on a page. He expertly handles an enormous ensemble, giving them each the care they deserve. The main character Talia, along with her eight Ladies, and her nine personal guards, are excellent examples of this. Each when brought into the spotlight, felt like an individual, stepping into their own unique roles, with their own defined personalities and voices. They feel real. They feel genuine. And a big part of that is because of the prose; the way he describes their actions, and writes their dialogue. There's a sense of sincerity & "justification" that emanates from the way characters act, speak or make choices. Subtle nuances in the words that make each & every decision, reaction, interaction feel natural, applying a potent coat of verisimilitude in every motivation, and every moment.
Talia herself is without a doubt one of the strongest protagonists I've ever read. Throughout her journey, we experience with her a wide spectrum of emotions and character defining situations; the ones that really make a person who they are. We're able to see how she tackles each of these situations, each emotion, both on the surface level and below. The good and the bad. I came to learn exactly who she is, and understand her in every aspect. Personality, morals, actions, thoughts. What she stands for. Her evolution as a character is nothing short of brilliant writing, and Joel deserves the highest of praise for this achievement.
Some of my favourite things/moments (SPOILERS):
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an enthralling read, and a strong first entry into a story that I can tell is going to become more and more epic. If you're a fan of epic fantasy adventures with unravelling mystery & prophecy, worlds with Fairy-themed magic & lore, lead by powerful female characters, then this is a must read for you. I'm looking forward to the next book (and learning the outcome of that great cliffhanger)!
The worldbuilding is extremely strong, and it's evident with each chapter how much thought went into its development. I adored everything about Fairy culture and lore. There is well-established court politics and various customs, some ancient and arcane. Fairy magic was in fact a major highlight for me, brought to life through cohesive & vivid descriptions. Joel does a fantastic job of weaving the magic system into his world's culture. Not only for aesthetics, but to serve the story itself. I actually thought the plot involving the Ceremony of Return was an excellent showcase of both of these aspects working in perfect tandem, delivering a truly immersive introduction into the setting and tale.
Joel is a master of developing strong characters and bringing them to life on a page. He expertly handles an enormous ensemble, giving them each the care they deserve. The main character Talia, along with her eight Ladies, and her nine personal guards, are excellent examples of this. Each when brought into the spotlight, felt like an individual, stepping into their own unique roles, with their own defined personalities and voices. They feel real. They feel genuine. And a big part of that is because of the prose; the way he describes their actions, and writes their dialogue. There's a sense of sincerity & "justification" that emanates from the way characters act, speak or make choices. Subtle nuances in the words that make each & every decision, reaction, interaction feel natural, applying a potent coat of verisimilitude in every motivation, and every moment.
Talia herself is without a doubt one of the strongest protagonists I've ever read. Throughout her journey, we experience with her a wide spectrum of emotions and character defining situations; the ones that really make a person who they are. We're able to see how she tackles each of these situations, each emotion, both on the surface level and below. The good and the bad. I came to learn exactly who she is, and understand her in every aspect. Personality, morals, actions, thoughts. What she stands for. Her evolution as a character is nothing short of brilliant writing, and Joel deserves the highest of praise for this achievement.
Some of my favourite things/moments (SPOILERS):
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an enthralling read, and a strong first entry into a story that I can tell is going to become more and more epic. If you're a fan of epic fantasy adventures with unravelling mystery & prophecy, worlds with Fairy-themed magic & lore, lead by powerful female characters, then this is a must read for you. I'm looking forward to the next book (and learning the outcome of that great cliffhanger)!
September 21, 2023
Talia, Heir to the Fairy Realm, tells the story of Talia, a fairy who falls in love with a human from the human realm, who also happens to be the heir of his respective culture. There is peace between the two realms, but it is tenuous at best. Their affair will set off a chain of events that will take Talia to search for answers in the unlikeliest of place, searching out ancestors that have been exiled and also fight against both against expectations and the politics of both courts.
Ok, let’s start by saying two things. First this book surprised me. I totally did not expect what was held inside the book. I must admit that not knowing absolutely anything about this book, I thought it must be a middle grade book, and that is totally on me. This was mainly to do with my prejudices about fairies, and the type of book that I expect from seeing stories about them. This book dispelled with some of these prejudices to show that stories of fairies can be more adult than I expected.
The other thing that I must tell you is that this book wasn’t for me. However, does that make this a bad book. Hell no! Of course it doesn’t and that is primarily due to the fact that I can appreciate that this book is good. I mean, there’s lots of things that I think are good but I don’t like. Take Taylor Swift for instance! I think she is a fantastic musician and excellent songsmith. Would I listen to any of her music? Not a chance. It’s just not my style. Similarly with lots of books too. I think Malazan is an excellently written story. Do I want to read it? Sorry, not my bag. And similarly with Talia, I enjoyed all its component parts and there’s loads of things I thought were really good.
For instance, Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman writes good characters that have complexity and appear to be well fleshed out. Take Talia for instance! She can be selfish, she can be contradictory and she really annoyed me in parts. However, she can also be naive and compassionate, which really endeared me to her. Similarly with all the other characters that are around her, they all have a layer of complexity and likeability, but equally, can be just as annoying, which for me shows that Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman is a writer who made me care about something that I don’t really care about..
Additionally, he writes a well plotted novel, revolving around the subtleties of court politics and the interactions of the characters, which buoys the story along. And of course, with this level of politicking, there has to be believable and well written dialogue, which Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman manages to pull off with the interactions between the characters that made the story flow tremendously well.
There’s a good romance plot, which will surely keep the fans of romantic fantasy happy. And what is good, is that it is a believable relationship, rather than being an idealistic one.
Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman also a fascinating world of fairies that I have not seen before, such as the fairies class and roles being determined by their wing types. Which, like I said earlier, surprised me because fairies are not one of my favourite fantasy characters in all honesty, so to make me care and be interested in the world as a whole means that there has got to be some damn fine writing.
One of the things that was a bit af a barrier for me, was the pacing of the book. Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman takes his time building the world and the things around the characters, which for me tended to slow things down quite a lot.
However, the pace did pick up towards the end of the story and there was a bit of action towards the end.
If fairies and a complex socio political ecology of intrigue and courtly politics are your bag, then I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s filled with complexity, a rich magic system and a believable romantic sub plot that I think will make all you romantasy fans out there happy, and don’t listen to the fact that it wasn’t for me.
Ok, let’s start by saying two things. First this book surprised me. I totally did not expect what was held inside the book. I must admit that not knowing absolutely anything about this book, I thought it must be a middle grade book, and that is totally on me. This was mainly to do with my prejudices about fairies, and the type of book that I expect from seeing stories about them. This book dispelled with some of these prejudices to show that stories of fairies can be more adult than I expected.
The other thing that I must tell you is that this book wasn’t for me. However, does that make this a bad book. Hell no! Of course it doesn’t and that is primarily due to the fact that I can appreciate that this book is good. I mean, there’s lots of things that I think are good but I don’t like. Take Taylor Swift for instance! I think she is a fantastic musician and excellent songsmith. Would I listen to any of her music? Not a chance. It’s just not my style. Similarly with lots of books too. I think Malazan is an excellently written story. Do I want to read it? Sorry, not my bag. And similarly with Talia, I enjoyed all its component parts and there’s loads of things I thought were really good.
For instance, Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman writes good characters that have complexity and appear to be well fleshed out. Take Talia for instance! She can be selfish, she can be contradictory and she really annoyed me in parts. However, she can also be naive and compassionate, which really endeared me to her. Similarly with all the other characters that are around her, they all have a layer of complexity and likeability, but equally, can be just as annoying, which for me shows that Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman is a writer who made me care about something that I don’t really care about..
Additionally, he writes a well plotted novel, revolving around the subtleties of court politics and the interactions of the characters, which buoys the story along. And of course, with this level of politicking, there has to be believable and well written dialogue, which Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman manages to pull off with the interactions between the characters that made the story flow tremendously well.
There’s a good romance plot, which will surely keep the fans of romantic fantasy happy. And what is good, is that it is a believable relationship, rather than being an idealistic one.
Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman also a fascinating world of fairies that I have not seen before, such as the fairies class and roles being determined by their wing types. Which, like I said earlier, surprised me because fairies are not one of my favourite fantasy characters in all honesty, so to make me care and be interested in the world as a whole means that there has got to be some damn fine writing.
One of the things that was a bit af a barrier for me, was the pacing of the book. Joel C. Flanagan - Grannerman takes his time building the world and the things around the characters, which for me tended to slow things down quite a lot.
However, the pace did pick up towards the end of the story and there was a bit of action towards the end.
If fairies and a complex socio political ecology of intrigue and courtly politics are your bag, then I thoroughly recommend this book. It’s filled with complexity, a rich magic system and a believable romantic sub plot that I think will make all you romantasy fans out there happy, and don’t listen to the fact that it wasn’t for me.
September 28, 2025
I've been meaning to finish this one for ages, so I am going to skip over the synopsis that I'd normally do to get the review up!
Talia was a fantastic mix of politics, war, and romance. Flanagan-Grannemann created an interesting world that I found to be recognizable in terms of books that center around the fairy realm while making it wholly unique to their specific world. The Fairys especially, I found to be an interesting and refreshing take on a specific group of often overused fantasy characters. While Talia and her Ladies come across as very flighty and superficial at first as the book progresses we discover that's simply not the case. Talia especially. She is so much more than she first appears to be.
World-building here is fantastic as well, and that is in large part due to this being set in an easily recognizable world as I said earlier. There's not a lot of extra work Flanagan-Grannemann has to do for the reader to almost immediately picture where we find ourselves, which allows him to focus on developing the characters and magic system much more.
My only very small complaint here is that it is extremely dialogue-heavy. And honestly thats a me problem, but one that did bring down my enjoyment a bit. Not enough to bring it down any lower than 4 stars but, enough that I did find myself having to go back and reread several times as I had not realized one character had stopped speaking and a new one had started.
I will definitely be continuing this series! This is a fantastic read steeped in politics that I think many will overlook because it doesn't *feel* that way at the beginning and hell the cover doesn't give much indication of this either but we all know what they say about judging books by their covers!
Talia was a fantastic mix of politics, war, and romance. Flanagan-Grannemann created an interesting world that I found to be recognizable in terms of books that center around the fairy realm while making it wholly unique to their specific world. The Fairys especially, I found to be an interesting and refreshing take on a specific group of often overused fantasy characters. While Talia and her Ladies come across as very flighty and superficial at first as the book progresses we discover that's simply not the case. Talia especially. She is so much more than she first appears to be.
World-building here is fantastic as well, and that is in large part due to this being set in an easily recognizable world as I said earlier. There's not a lot of extra work Flanagan-Grannemann has to do for the reader to almost immediately picture where we find ourselves, which allows him to focus on developing the characters and magic system much more.
My only very small complaint here is that it is extremely dialogue-heavy. And honestly thats a me problem, but one that did bring down my enjoyment a bit. Not enough to bring it down any lower than 4 stars but, enough that I did find myself having to go back and reread several times as I had not realized one character had stopped speaking and a new one had started.
I will definitely be continuing this series! This is a fantastic read steeped in politics that I think many will overlook because it doesn't *feel* that way at the beginning and hell the cover doesn't give much indication of this either but we all know what they say about judging books by their covers!
January 25, 2023
I love what the writer did with this story. The prospect of a world where fairies and humans interact is packed to the brim with potential and the author knows and takes full advantage of this!
The culture of the fairy realm is perfect. It’s different, well thought out and includes all the lovely intricacies that make a world feel real like politics, grey morality and differences among the people. I loved learning more and more about it!
Our main protagonist Talia makes a wonderful character to follow. She’s smart, impulsive but also has her lapses of judgement and failure. I love that the author chose to make a balance of her being right and wrong. It really contributes to the plot in building the realism.
The side characters are also engaging. Flora was my favorite, with her manner of interaction. But there was a wide range to choose from.
If fantasy worlds, adventure, and character growth are your deal, don’t miss this one. I look forward to book 2!
The culture of the fairy realm is perfect. It’s different, well thought out and includes all the lovely intricacies that make a world feel real like politics, grey morality and differences among the people. I loved learning more and more about it!
Our main protagonist Talia makes a wonderful character to follow. She’s smart, impulsive but also has her lapses of judgement and failure. I love that the author chose to make a balance of her being right and wrong. It really contributes to the plot in building the realism.
The side characters are also engaging. Flora was my favorite, with her manner of interaction. But there was a wide range to choose from.
If fantasy worlds, adventure, and character growth are your deal, don’t miss this one. I look forward to book 2!
February 8, 2022
This is the best kind of fairy tale, the kind that makes you want to climb inside. As you follow the adventures of Talks you wish you could be by their side to help with the struggles and enjoy the solutions. I loved it!
February 3, 2022
(4.5/5 stars) What a creative tale! Talia, heir to the Fairy Realm, and Bastile, heir to the Human Realm, each struggle with keeping the peace between fairies and humans. As their relationship grows, so does danger. Flanagan-Grannemann weaves an intricate tale full of intrigue that I enjoyed. The pacing of the story was a bit slow for me at times (hence 4.5 instead of the full 5 stars) but overall this is a story fantasy lovers will really enjoy!
January 24, 2024
I was given a review copy of this book by the author. My review is honest and my opinions are my own.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an adult fairy tale. Humans, Elenites and fairies share the world in which this story is set but they are on the brink of war. When she meets Bastile, the son of the human king, Talia, daughter of the fairy queen hopes that they can unite and bring lasting peace to both realms. Her mother and her Ladies are sceptical, but love finds a way and many hearts are betrayed and broken, including Talia’s loyal friend and sometime lover, Eleanor.
Mostly the pace is fairly steady with an increase in tempo towards the cliffhanger ending, but there are injections of action every so often which kept hold of my interest and the slower pace allowed the character exposition to shine. There is a large cast of characters in this novel, both human and fairy-kind and I had trouble keeping some of the roles and relationships straight in my mind as some of the names were similar. Talia, the main character is definitely the star of the show and the story revolves around her, her actions, sometimes ill thought through, and her relationships and decision-making. Her Ladies are all loyal to her, but they each have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed the differences between the types of fairies in both personality and wing- type, with the military being tougher and having leather wings whereas the courtly Ladies were all beautiful and had iridescent wings and others had feathery wings. The worst types of criminals were punished by having their wings removed – the ultimate justice served as they joined the vilified ranks of the wingless.
In addition to court intrigue, there was a wide range of more serious themes touched upon in this fairy story. Diversity, interspecies relationships, bigotry, bodily autonomy, slavery at the plantations, sexual openness and fluidity, with the fairies switching partners frequently, all of which lent a hand in making this a more adult book than its beautiful cover might suggest.
If you enjoy court politics, difficult many-layered relationships of all kinds, betrayal, romance, action and magic, both dark blood magic and healing light magic, you might just find a new favourite in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an adult fairy tale. Humans, Elenites and fairies share the world in which this story is set but they are on the brink of war. When she meets Bastile, the son of the human king, Talia, daughter of the fairy queen hopes that they can unite and bring lasting peace to both realms. Her mother and her Ladies are sceptical, but love finds a way and many hearts are betrayed and broken, including Talia’s loyal friend and sometime lover, Eleanor.
Mostly the pace is fairly steady with an increase in tempo towards the cliffhanger ending, but there are injections of action every so often which kept hold of my interest and the slower pace allowed the character exposition to shine. There is a large cast of characters in this novel, both human and fairy-kind and I had trouble keeping some of the roles and relationships straight in my mind as some of the names were similar. Talia, the main character is definitely the star of the show and the story revolves around her, her actions, sometimes ill thought through, and her relationships and decision-making. Her Ladies are all loyal to her, but they each have their own personalities, strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed the differences between the types of fairies in both personality and wing- type, with the military being tougher and having leather wings whereas the courtly Ladies were all beautiful and had iridescent wings and others had feathery wings. The worst types of criminals were punished by having their wings removed – the ultimate justice served as they joined the vilified ranks of the wingless.
In addition to court intrigue, there was a wide range of more serious themes touched upon in this fairy story. Diversity, interspecies relationships, bigotry, bodily autonomy, slavery at the plantations, sexual openness and fluidity, with the fairies switching partners frequently, all of which lent a hand in making this a more adult book than its beautiful cover might suggest.
If you enjoy court politics, difficult many-layered relationships of all kinds, betrayal, romance, action and magic, both dark blood magic and healing light magic, you might just find a new favourite in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm.
Read
August 16, 2023Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a book that subverts expectations. Seeped in court politics, tangled relationship dynamics, romance, magic, and betrayal, this is a book that takes place in subtleties. While there is some action here and there, there is much less than I expected. Instead, the battles are fought with words.
There is a lot that readers of this genre will love. First of all is Talia. She is a combination of naive, selfish, and compassionate that at times can seem contradictory. That is far from an insult: she was more believable in her changeable nature. Her decisions led to a big mess, but she does want to do the right thing. She just isn’t sure what that is.
She is surrounded by well-conceived characters, each with their own motivations and personalities. They all add a new dynamic to the story, from the servant (and friend) Flora to Shatter, who was my favorite.
There is quite a bit of sex in this book. That isn’t my jam and I’ll admit to skimming past those scenes. However, fans of romantic fantasy will have plenty to be excited about in that way. Much of it is the impetus for both the story arc itself and the changes in character relationships.
Where Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm really shone for me was in its court dynamics and hierarchy. The fairies’ role in court was determined by their wing type which was an interesting way to do things. This informed their interactions and expectations. I particularly enjoyed the militaristic leather wings. I haven’t seen anything like that before!
The pacing did pick up toward the end, but this isn’t the sort of book that races to its destination. It takes its time, building a world rich in detail. The magic is well-developed and varied. If it had moved too quickly, it could have become confusing. Instead, the right amount of time is spent on it.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm will be loved by fans of fantasy that is rich in romance and politics.
https://wordpress.com/post/wittyandsa...
There is a lot that readers of this genre will love. First of all is Talia. She is a combination of naive, selfish, and compassionate that at times can seem contradictory. That is far from an insult: she was more believable in her changeable nature. Her decisions led to a big mess, but she does want to do the right thing. She just isn’t sure what that is.
She is surrounded by well-conceived characters, each with their own motivations and personalities. They all add a new dynamic to the story, from the servant (and friend) Flora to Shatter, who was my favorite.
There is quite a bit of sex in this book. That isn’t my jam and I’ll admit to skimming past those scenes. However, fans of romantic fantasy will have plenty to be excited about in that way. Much of it is the impetus for both the story arc itself and the changes in character relationships.
Where Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm really shone for me was in its court dynamics and hierarchy. The fairies’ role in court was determined by their wing type which was an interesting way to do things. This informed their interactions and expectations. I particularly enjoyed the militaristic leather wings. I haven’t seen anything like that before!
The pacing did pick up toward the end, but this isn’t the sort of book that races to its destination. It takes its time, building a world rich in detail. The magic is well-developed and varied. If it had moved too quickly, it could have become confusing. Instead, the right amount of time is spent on it.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm will be loved by fans of fantasy that is rich in romance and politics.
https://wordpress.com/post/wittyandsa...
May 1, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. The strong female characters are so well crafted complete with flaws, beauty and passion. The story is engaging and keeps the reader interested and eager to find out what will happen next. I love the use of magic and the ring travel. The way the author creates different types of fairies was also fascinating to me. Personally I would consider this more of an adult book as there is a lot of sexual innuendo but no explicit scenes which might be a problem for younger teens, depending on their knowledge of this subject matter. The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was that the author made a LOT of words bold which I was a little irritated by when reading it. I eventually got used to it but it was not something I’ve ever seen used so much in a book.
February 17, 2022
This one is a slow starter but I guess that is to be expected when a book has forty-eight chapters and around 500 pages! There is a fair bit of character building to begin with which is okay but did drag on a little bit. I was excited and eager for things to get started and when they started they really did start!
I was thrown headfirst into this beautiful fantasy world, the descriptions the author puts out show that he has the most wonderful, inspiring and active imagination. I love fairytale style stories with plenty of warmness about them and this one made me feel cosy and immersed in what was happening.
I do feel the book could have been a bit shorter but that’s just my personal preference, I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
Recommended read and a solid 4 stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I would like to thank the author for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! I very much enjoyed it!
I was thrown headfirst into this beautiful fantasy world, the descriptions the author puts out show that he has the most wonderful, inspiring and active imagination. I love fairytale style stories with plenty of warmness about them and this one made me feel cosy and immersed in what was happening.
I do feel the book could have been a bit shorter but that’s just my personal preference, I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
Recommended read and a solid 4 stars!
🌟🌟🌟🌟
I would like to thank the author for reaching out and giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! I very much enjoyed it!
February 8, 2022
Interesting story!
What a grand fantastical "fairy" story in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm by Joel Flanagan-Grannemann. This is the first work of this author that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. It started out a bit slow, but I think it was more to show who the characters were, especially since gifts from different "people" were given to Talia, from the Fairy Realm. It showed her status, and her behavior, especially her muttering to Flora, who Talia seemed to care about more than having her just be her servant. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. It's a story about different Realms and beings, and how they interact, and try to rule over. It ends with a cliffhanger, but in a way that makes it plausible, without feeling you're missing something, but it makes you want to read the next story. This author is a great storyteller. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? Every world has an interesting story to tell. "Talia looked at him, and wondered at the contradictions of Humans: Love and hate, peace and violence. Desire, both good and bad. "But are Fairies any different?" Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
What a grand fantastical "fairy" story in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm by Joel Flanagan-Grannemann. This is the first work of this author that I have read, and I really enjoyed it. It started out a bit slow, but I think it was more to show who the characters were, especially since gifts from different "people" were given to Talia, from the Fairy Realm. It showed her status, and her behavior, especially her muttering to Flora, who Talia seemed to care about more than having her just be her servant. This author has a great imagination and I'm glad it's being shared with stories. It's a story about different Realms and beings, and how they interact, and try to rule over. It ends with a cliffhanger, but in a way that makes it plausible, without feeling you're missing something, but it makes you want to read the next story. This author is a great storyteller. Who could ask for more when it's filled with magical/fantastical creatures and other interesting beings? Every world has an interesting story to tell. "Talia looked at him, and wondered at the contradictions of Humans: Love and hate, peace and violence. Desire, both good and bad. "But are Fairies any different?" Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
October 6, 2021
Bastille, a human. Talia, a fairy. Such a good mix of mortality and fantastical creatures that is not seen very often.
Talia is a very well put and thought-out character. Her personality is instantly distinguished by her gut instincts and independency showing, as well as the humble confidence defined within herself.
I loved the simple recognition of the wings of the fairies displaying emotion, such as calm and intimacy, as well as a relaxed mood, almost as if they carried more meaning than aa tail wag from a dog.
Bastile’s openness to Talia from the beginning is charming, which is convenient based on his status. But it is charming in a casual way, the way he speaks to Talia is in a calm and collected way like old friends, but with a sense of flirtation hidden within. It was interesting though to compare the speculations made within the story about humans’ “motives” and deciding as a reader whether Bastile was being genuine or following through with the stereotypes.
Bastile is definitely my favorite character. He defies against the odds of his colleagues and societal norms as a human.
The vulnerability of both fairy and human shown throughout the novel greatly expressed the idea that no matter how different a person can be, emotions and originality go above all.
Talia has a great deal of self-restraint but also says what she wants, proving her strength and dignity as a girl in a man only Crafthouse. She makes it a point that she sees the little details in all conversations and situations, so you are lucky to have her as a friend, and unlucky to see her as a foe.
On the analytical side of the author’s writing style in general, he has a way for forming clear lines of dialogue. There is so much dialogue in this story, and not once is it overlapping as to who is speaking. The dynamics behind the characters create a vivid visual of fairy and human combination, which makes the whole story so much more realistic and fantastical. The interception of girl fairies in combat and learning to fight behind the scenes of meeting with human men just makes me smile, this author knows how to make sure the odds are defied.
Other characters such as Flora and Shatterstaff also stuck out to me. The two are loyal to Talia and only want the best for the fairy society. The overall unfolding of characters throughout the first few chapters of this book help to elucidate which characters to look out for and which to fortress in your soft spot throughout the story.
I have an obsession with fantasy novels, and this one is definitely a read that I recommend to anyone with even the slightest fascination in the fantastical world. This author has a way with words, character, and world development. It is hard to nail all of these aspects, and it is done so here. Read ‘Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm’ and experience the complexity of the story much more than just described here.
Talia is a very well put and thought-out character. Her personality is instantly distinguished by her gut instincts and independency showing, as well as the humble confidence defined within herself.
I loved the simple recognition of the wings of the fairies displaying emotion, such as calm and intimacy, as well as a relaxed mood, almost as if they carried more meaning than aa tail wag from a dog.
Bastile’s openness to Talia from the beginning is charming, which is convenient based on his status. But it is charming in a casual way, the way he speaks to Talia is in a calm and collected way like old friends, but with a sense of flirtation hidden within. It was interesting though to compare the speculations made within the story about humans’ “motives” and deciding as a reader whether Bastile was being genuine or following through with the stereotypes.
Bastile is definitely my favorite character. He defies against the odds of his colleagues and societal norms as a human.
The vulnerability of both fairy and human shown throughout the novel greatly expressed the idea that no matter how different a person can be, emotions and originality go above all.
Talia has a great deal of self-restraint but also says what she wants, proving her strength and dignity as a girl in a man only Crafthouse. She makes it a point that she sees the little details in all conversations and situations, so you are lucky to have her as a friend, and unlucky to see her as a foe.
On the analytical side of the author’s writing style in general, he has a way for forming clear lines of dialogue. There is so much dialogue in this story, and not once is it overlapping as to who is speaking. The dynamics behind the characters create a vivid visual of fairy and human combination, which makes the whole story so much more realistic and fantastical. The interception of girl fairies in combat and learning to fight behind the scenes of meeting with human men just makes me smile, this author knows how to make sure the odds are defied.
Other characters such as Flora and Shatterstaff also stuck out to me. The two are loyal to Talia and only want the best for the fairy society. The overall unfolding of characters throughout the first few chapters of this book help to elucidate which characters to look out for and which to fortress in your soft spot throughout the story.
I have an obsession with fantasy novels, and this one is definitely a read that I recommend to anyone with even the slightest fascination in the fantastical world. This author has a way with words, character, and world development. It is hard to nail all of these aspects, and it is done so here. Read ‘Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm’ and experience the complexity of the story much more than just described here.
November 16, 2020
My standard is to give a book 100 pages and if I just am not engaged to move onto to something else. After all, there are so many books to enjoy and only so many hours in a day. This is not my usual genre so it took me a about 90 pages to "get into it". And I am so glad I stuck with it. I found I couldn't wait to have a few moments to pick it up and see what was happening in The Realm. I kept finding so many correlations between the realm and real life. Well written. It's a cliff hanger so I have to wait until Book 2 is printed. But be sure I'll be buying it. Thanks, Joel, for an escape read.
April 7, 2023
There’s a lot of debate in the book world about whether audiobooks count as reading, and that is some abelist BS. A few months ago, one of my writer friends had recently released his book on audiobook, and found out I loved audiobooks – and it was one of those perfect timings sort of things. Joel C. Flanagan-Grannemann, who is a fellow writer in Tales Untold: Mythos Around The World, which is how I met him, has weaved a tale of beauty in “Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm.”
About the Book
Talia — the young, Iridescent-winged Heir to the Fairy Realm — and the Heir to the Human Realm — Prince Bastile — embark on a secret love affair that has wide-ranging consequences for both their worlds. Certain elements within each society hate the other side, and the Realms have a long history of warring with one another. Talia, her maid, her eight Ladies, and her Heir’s Guard (nine female Fairy soldiers) soon find themselves alone on an adventure through the lands of the Fairy Realm in search of information on a reviled ancestor, the Exile Queen. While Talia has always aspired to bring peace to the two Realms, her evil Aunts (known as the Three Sisters) and others within both the Fairy and Human courts conspire to thwart her ambitions, not understanding the ancient prophecy they are about to set Talia on the path to fulfill.
World Building
Flanagan-Grannemann has built a beautiful, complex world for his fairies to inhabit. Sure, there are humans, too, but this is a fairy story, that is ever abundantly clear. There are different kinds of fairies, based on wing structure. He has created a complex government, politics, relationships, and religion for his fairies, and the first book – of a trilogy I believe – was 18+ hours long in audiobook form. I appreciated that none of it felt like an information dump, which is a credit. Especially with long, epic fantasy novels, sometimes authors have a tendency toward info dumps. It is much better with authors weave it into the story line, like Flanagan-Grannemann has done here.
Characters
The author’s character development was spot on. The story has a diverse tapestry of characters, and each one of them is alive and developed. While I haven’t asked him, it feels like I could ask questions about almost any of them and he’d know the answer – which is impressive once you realize how many characters there are. I’m starting to feel a little like a broken record, but I did have trouble keeping up with all the characters. In an audiobook, especially, it was difficult to keep all the fairy names separate, especially when some of them are similar. There are a cast of eighteen ladies that are very important to the story, and they were not alone in the story.
Pacing
The beginning was a little slow, but once the action really got going it was fast-paced and exciting. In some ways, it felt like the part it could have been two different books, but I also see the reasoning for keeping it as one.
Audiobook Performance
Flanagan-Grannemann’s lovely wife, who also serves as his editor, read the audiobook. I’m not sure if this is her first go at narration. She did a pretty good job, but she wasn’t my favorite narrator. She spoke very slowly, so I preferred listening to the book at a quicker pace, which will also help with the fact that the book was 18 hours and 27 minutes long.
Content Warning: Adult Language, Violence, Adult Situations, Rape
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author, and I’m so glad to have spent time in Talia’s world. It hasn’t impacted my review. I look forward to learning more and seeing where the story goes.
http://amorinacarlton.com/2023/04/06/...
About the Book
Talia — the young, Iridescent-winged Heir to the Fairy Realm — and the Heir to the Human Realm — Prince Bastile — embark on a secret love affair that has wide-ranging consequences for both their worlds. Certain elements within each society hate the other side, and the Realms have a long history of warring with one another. Talia, her maid, her eight Ladies, and her Heir’s Guard (nine female Fairy soldiers) soon find themselves alone on an adventure through the lands of the Fairy Realm in search of information on a reviled ancestor, the Exile Queen. While Talia has always aspired to bring peace to the two Realms, her evil Aunts (known as the Three Sisters) and others within both the Fairy and Human courts conspire to thwart her ambitions, not understanding the ancient prophecy they are about to set Talia on the path to fulfill.
World Building
Flanagan-Grannemann has built a beautiful, complex world for his fairies to inhabit. Sure, there are humans, too, but this is a fairy story, that is ever abundantly clear. There are different kinds of fairies, based on wing structure. He has created a complex government, politics, relationships, and religion for his fairies, and the first book – of a trilogy I believe – was 18+ hours long in audiobook form. I appreciated that none of it felt like an information dump, which is a credit. Especially with long, epic fantasy novels, sometimes authors have a tendency toward info dumps. It is much better with authors weave it into the story line, like Flanagan-Grannemann has done here.
Characters
The author’s character development was spot on. The story has a diverse tapestry of characters, and each one of them is alive and developed. While I haven’t asked him, it feels like I could ask questions about almost any of them and he’d know the answer – which is impressive once you realize how many characters there are. I’m starting to feel a little like a broken record, but I did have trouble keeping up with all the characters. In an audiobook, especially, it was difficult to keep all the fairy names separate, especially when some of them are similar. There are a cast of eighteen ladies that are very important to the story, and they were not alone in the story.
Pacing
The beginning was a little slow, but once the action really got going it was fast-paced and exciting. In some ways, it felt like the part it could have been two different books, but I also see the reasoning for keeping it as one.
Audiobook Performance
Flanagan-Grannemann’s lovely wife, who also serves as his editor, read the audiobook. I’m not sure if this is her first go at narration. She did a pretty good job, but she wasn’t my favorite narrator. She spoke very slowly, so I preferred listening to the book at a quicker pace, which will also help with the fact that the book was 18 hours and 27 minutes long.
Content Warning: Adult Language, Violence, Adult Situations, Rape
I was gifted a copy of this audiobook by the author, and I’m so glad to have spent time in Talia’s world. It hasn’t impacted my review. I look forward to learning more and seeing where the story goes.
http://amorinacarlton.com/2023/04/06/...
October 23, 2023
Flanagan-Grannemann is an expert is his genre when it comes to being detailed and meticulous. What a read! The amount of worldbuilding and details capture a reader and plants you within the tale itself.
When I try to think of this book regarding the review, one sentiment comes to mind which balances the positives and criticisms I have: there is a lot going on in this story. Let’s start with the positives.
Talia is a fun character who gives off that “coming-of-age” feel. There is a lot of pressure on the character to be the perfect leader to her fairy court. This plays very well when the MC takes a lot of risk and goes on her own path – for better or worse. I’m very much into stories in which there is a lot of cause and effect with character action as the driving force. The author does a really nice job of satisfying my personal taste there.
However, I was surprised that this storyline was upstaged by the author’s talent of scene-setting. I noticed other reviews mentioning the same and I completely agree. The visuals painted in my mind were breath-taking. Descriptions of magic/spells were very clear and crisp – near movie quality.
Which speaking of, this tale is fashioned after the original classic Sleeping Beauty (and a couple different renditions of it) but for me, I liked the more subtle elements which came to mind. For those who know the 90’s children’s movie, FernGully showed up in my mind, and the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet. Those hints satisfied me more than the original intent. I think it’s what also boosts the darker themes and violence as well. It was a nice change from the status quo of what I’m used to when I think about stories centered around fairies.
Throughout reading this, I found myself struggling to keep up with the all the little intricacies of the characters and the different plot elements. There is a forbidden love story, a broken family, tensions between two realms, the fear of a war which could repeat another near-slaughter of fairies, several characters to keep track of, different types of magic, and more. I found myself rereading some pages and taking a few notes to follow it all. Since this isn’t my go-to genre, it is possible that this is more a “me” problem versus the author – so I’ll give him that.
But what became bothersome for me was a tendency to become overdramatic when looking to create a story arc. There are several scenes which are truly dark and warrant strong builds and character reactions to match (i.e. high-stakes relationships, assault, family turmoil) but there were a lot of repeated elements of which I don’t feel was needed. I’m not sure if the author was trying to prove he could constantly create dynamic conflict or if he felt he needed to drive the message home that this enchanted fairy world/human world had a lot of dark themes so the reader wouldn’t be in any doubt.
This book has a clear audience. Fantasy/Magic/and Fairy lovers will happily find this story melding into their memory bank of stories they cherished. Casual readers might find themselves on a steep learning curve but it’s absolutely worth the trip!
When I try to think of this book regarding the review, one sentiment comes to mind which balances the positives and criticisms I have: there is a lot going on in this story. Let’s start with the positives.
Talia is a fun character who gives off that “coming-of-age” feel. There is a lot of pressure on the character to be the perfect leader to her fairy court. This plays very well when the MC takes a lot of risk and goes on her own path – for better or worse. I’m very much into stories in which there is a lot of cause and effect with character action as the driving force. The author does a really nice job of satisfying my personal taste there.
However, I was surprised that this storyline was upstaged by the author’s talent of scene-setting. I noticed other reviews mentioning the same and I completely agree. The visuals painted in my mind were breath-taking. Descriptions of magic/spells were very clear and crisp – near movie quality.
Which speaking of, this tale is fashioned after the original classic Sleeping Beauty (and a couple different renditions of it) but for me, I liked the more subtle elements which came to mind. For those who know the 90’s children’s movie, FernGully showed up in my mind, and the classic tale of Romeo & Juliet. Those hints satisfied me more than the original intent. I think it’s what also boosts the darker themes and violence as well. It was a nice change from the status quo of what I’m used to when I think about stories centered around fairies.
Throughout reading this, I found myself struggling to keep up with the all the little intricacies of the characters and the different plot elements. There is a forbidden love story, a broken family, tensions between two realms, the fear of a war which could repeat another near-slaughter of fairies, several characters to keep track of, different types of magic, and more. I found myself rereading some pages and taking a few notes to follow it all. Since this isn’t my go-to genre, it is possible that this is more a “me” problem versus the author – so I’ll give him that.
But what became bothersome for me was a tendency to become overdramatic when looking to create a story arc. There are several scenes which are truly dark and warrant strong builds and character reactions to match (i.e. high-stakes relationships, assault, family turmoil) but there were a lot of repeated elements of which I don’t feel was needed. I’m not sure if the author was trying to prove he could constantly create dynamic conflict or if he felt he needed to drive the message home that this enchanted fairy world/human world had a lot of dark themes so the reader wouldn’t be in any doubt.
This book has a clear audience. Fantasy/Magic/and Fairy lovers will happily find this story melding into their memory bank of stories they cherished. Casual readers might find themselves on a steep learning curve but it’s absolutely worth the trip!
May 16, 2023
Talia Heir to the Fairy Realm is a very ambitious first entry in what looks to be an epic series, spanning many years in the characters’ lives. That is an enormous challenge for an introductory book, but in most respects, THTTFR gracefully succeeds at what it sets out to do.
Written in 3rd person omniscient, this book feels like many 20th-century classics. Talia is ultimately the main character, though we also are given a lot of access to the thoughts of her ladies and soldiers, other characters she encounters, and even the antagonists. Having a bird’s eye view of events allows us to see how destiny weaves through the lives of different characters. Considering this is in the synopsis, I don't think it's a spoiler that Talia’s arc is a variation of Maleficent’s story (specifically the live-action version of that character). Flanagan-Grannemann does a great job of making Talia her own person and exploring mature themes in a detailed world.
This book introduces us to a complex fairy society. Yes, THTTFR is largely about the political, economic, social and spiritual activities of fairies. I found the roles related to wing-type fascinating. I think my favourites are the leather-winged soldiers, though that could just be because of the stoic and entertaining Captain Shatter.
Though there are dark elements here, and Talia is tough enough to endure intense hardships, she also does the sort of frolicking and flirting you’d expect of a fairy. I found that contrast fun. In terms of content warnings, sexual assault comes up at one point in the book. There is also a fair amount of violence and the polyamorous nature of fairy relationships might not suit every reader. Still, everything is written tastefully and the author does emphasise the need for justice when awful things happen.
This book is on the verge of 5 stars. The story is excellent but I found it took a while to build momentum. This could just come down to preferences or my short attention span. I wouldn’t want to leave out any of the ceremonies, or character moments in the early chapters as they help set the tone. But perhaps some scenes could have been shortened.
I’m going to contradict myself now because, in other parts of the book, I wanted to linger. The descriptions we got (of settings, characters and body language) were beautifully written so it would be nice to see more of these in future Talia books. Flanagan-Grannemann has a real talent for writing natural dialogue. The main characters’ voices are very distinct and their various rhythms with one another are wonderful to watch. It is a big cast however, and I lost track of some of the tertiary characters.
Overall, I am glad I bought THTTFR. I feel like the purpose of this book is to set things in motion. It'll be wonderful to watch this saga unfold.
Written in 3rd person omniscient, this book feels like many 20th-century classics. Talia is ultimately the main character, though we also are given a lot of access to the thoughts of her ladies and soldiers, other characters she encounters, and even the antagonists. Having a bird’s eye view of events allows us to see how destiny weaves through the lives of different characters. Considering this is in the synopsis, I don't think it's a spoiler that Talia’s arc is a variation of Maleficent’s story (specifically the live-action version of that character). Flanagan-Grannemann does a great job of making Talia her own person and exploring mature themes in a detailed world.
This book introduces us to a complex fairy society. Yes, THTTFR is largely about the political, economic, social and spiritual activities of fairies. I found the roles related to wing-type fascinating. I think my favourites are the leather-winged soldiers, though that could just be because of the stoic and entertaining Captain Shatter.
Though there are dark elements here, and Talia is tough enough to endure intense hardships, she also does the sort of frolicking and flirting you’d expect of a fairy. I found that contrast fun. In terms of content warnings, sexual assault comes up at one point in the book. There is also a fair amount of violence and the polyamorous nature of fairy relationships might not suit every reader. Still, everything is written tastefully and the author does emphasise the need for justice when awful things happen.
This book is on the verge of 5 stars. The story is excellent but I found it took a while to build momentum. This could just come down to preferences or my short attention span. I wouldn’t want to leave out any of the ceremonies, or character moments in the early chapters as they help set the tone. But perhaps some scenes could have been shortened.
I’m going to contradict myself now because, in other parts of the book, I wanted to linger. The descriptions we got (of settings, characters and body language) were beautifully written so it would be nice to see more of these in future Talia books. Flanagan-Grannemann has a real talent for writing natural dialogue. The main characters’ voices are very distinct and their various rhythms with one another are wonderful to watch. It is a big cast however, and I lost track of some of the tertiary characters.
Overall, I am glad I bought THTTFR. I feel like the purpose of this book is to set things in motion. It'll be wonderful to watch this saga unfold.
July 30, 2022
Three and a half stars. Flanagan-Grannemann sets the stage for a unique and whimsical tale in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm. His imagination takes the reader on an adventure through a magical world in which good and evil face off in unexpected ways. What immediately stood out was the tension that exists between the Fairy Realm and the Human Realm. Flanagan-Grannemann clearly highlights the prejudice between both groups and the precarious position that Talia and Prince Bastile find themselves in as both friends and lovers.
Flanagan-Granneman created a class system within the Fairy Realm based on the type of wings, which I found intriguing. Wings of leather are often associated with soldiers, while feathered wings tend to be the more common and usually merchant class. Iridescent wings are an indication of nobility. Wings also convey the emotion a fairy feels. For example, references are made to shaking feathers as a warning to others, wings that wrap around another as a sign of care and intimacy, and wings that tighten at irritation or displeasure. These little mannerisms bring life to the fairies and create entertaining visuals.
I also enjoyed the special powers that come with being a fairy. Fairies can telepathically send messages to each other, and they can also see magical elements with their Fairy Sight. They can set wards, which are essentially domes of protection around themselves and others. And they also use a form of teleportation, which involves magical rings. Flanagan-Grannemann clearly put considerable thought and effort into building the Fairy Realm. He did not simply place fairies in the human realm. He gave them their own world and culture.
The story’s pace was one of the most challenging aspects for me. I did not feel engaged with or invested in the story until chapter seven. There were also parts of the story that I felt passed by quickly and others that seemed to run long. Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is heavy on dialogue, and I sometimes wanted less dialogue and more description. Also, for me, the use of bolded words throughout the book did not add to the story.
It’s important to note that this book incorporates a variety of topics that some may not be comfortable reading about due to personal beliefs and life experiences. For example, rape and abortion are alluded to multiple times, which may be upsetting to some. The Fairy Realm is also a society where sex and sexuality are openly discussed and explored. For example, homosexuality, bisexuality, and open relationships are common and freely discussed. Some may not align with these viewpoints.
Overall, this was an entertaining read!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes (https://theredheadnotes.com)
Flanagan-Granneman created a class system within the Fairy Realm based on the type of wings, which I found intriguing. Wings of leather are often associated with soldiers, while feathered wings tend to be the more common and usually merchant class. Iridescent wings are an indication of nobility. Wings also convey the emotion a fairy feels. For example, references are made to shaking feathers as a warning to others, wings that wrap around another as a sign of care and intimacy, and wings that tighten at irritation or displeasure. These little mannerisms bring life to the fairies and create entertaining visuals.
I also enjoyed the special powers that come with being a fairy. Fairies can telepathically send messages to each other, and they can also see magical elements with their Fairy Sight. They can set wards, which are essentially domes of protection around themselves and others. And they also use a form of teleportation, which involves magical rings. Flanagan-Grannemann clearly put considerable thought and effort into building the Fairy Realm. He did not simply place fairies in the human realm. He gave them their own world and culture.
The story’s pace was one of the most challenging aspects for me. I did not feel engaged with or invested in the story until chapter seven. There were also parts of the story that I felt passed by quickly and others that seemed to run long. Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is heavy on dialogue, and I sometimes wanted less dialogue and more description. Also, for me, the use of bolded words throughout the book did not add to the story.
It’s important to note that this book incorporates a variety of topics that some may not be comfortable reading about due to personal beliefs and life experiences. For example, rape and abortion are alluded to multiple times, which may be upsetting to some. The Fairy Realm is also a society where sex and sexuality are openly discussed and explored. For example, homosexuality, bisexuality, and open relationships are common and freely discussed. Some may not align with these viewpoints.
Overall, this was an entertaining read!
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes (https://theredheadnotes.com)
July 1, 2024
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Talia Heir to the Fairy Realm
Thank you to Joel C. Flannagan-Grannemann for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm has a large cast of characters. Not only do readers have a chance to experience the story through Talia’s eyes, but her nine ladies and their soldiers also journey with her. Readers can witness the relationships between all the characters, and how they collectively work together towards common goals. This does slow down the pace, but readers who enjoy side characters having their moments to shine will enjoy this style.
With a larger cast of characters, there is also the opportunity to explore many harder hitting themes without requiring the main character to experience it all. Talia and her companions face many challenges as they move from one goal to the next—grief, loss, recovery from traumatic experiences, etc. There is so much packed into this novel. Not to mention the political maneuvering and undercurrent of family rivalry.
Joel C. Flannagan did a wonderful job showing the difference between Talia’s mother as a queen and as a mother figure. There are times the queen struggles with her decisions because as a mother she would not force Talia into certain situations. However, as the queen she must do what is best for the kingdom and carry out certain political maneuvers. And the readers can see how devastating it is to her as Talia’s mother. But the bond between mother and daughter is strong, and while they will voice anger and sorrow, ultimately they love each other and understand what must be done.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a novel for those who want an in depth quest based novel. While it is slower paced, it has an intricate way of showing Talia develop her knowledge and world understanding by physically experiencing the troubles of others in her realm.
Thank you to Joel C. Flannagan-Grannemann for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm has a large cast of characters. Not only do readers have a chance to experience the story through Talia’s eyes, but her nine ladies and their soldiers also journey with her. Readers can witness the relationships between all the characters, and how they collectively work together towards common goals. This does slow down the pace, but readers who enjoy side characters having their moments to shine will enjoy this style.
With a larger cast of characters, there is also the opportunity to explore many harder hitting themes without requiring the main character to experience it all. Talia and her companions face many challenges as they move from one goal to the next—grief, loss, recovery from traumatic experiences, etc. There is so much packed into this novel. Not to mention the political maneuvering and undercurrent of family rivalry.
Joel C. Flannagan did a wonderful job showing the difference between Talia’s mother as a queen and as a mother figure. There are times the queen struggles with her decisions because as a mother she would not force Talia into certain situations. However, as the queen she must do what is best for the kingdom and carry out certain political maneuvers. And the readers can see how devastating it is to her as Talia’s mother. But the bond between mother and daughter is strong, and while they will voice anger and sorrow, ultimately they love each other and understand what must be done.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is a novel for those who want an in depth quest based novel. While it is slower paced, it has an intricate way of showing Talia develop her knowledge and world understanding by physically experiencing the troubles of others in her realm.
May 7, 2023
What an amazing universe we're thrown into by Flanagan-Grannemann. A world where fairies and humans coexist and just like people, there are various types of fairies with different strengths and visual differences. The complicated history of humans and fairies is made clear by their reluctance to trust each other, some of their fetishizations with one another, and their aversion to "half-breed" children...which is something else I think is amazing when we come across the story of one. This world is so well written with so many perfect little details, you'd think the author actually visited and is recounting facts from his visit.
The characters are totally relatable. Each one, with their own struggles and setbacks as they try to be true to themselves and do what's best for their people. The inner conflict from Talia as it pertains to her love life and future as Heir was beautifully captured and penned. I will say, at times I felt there were too many characters for me to fully connect with and sometimes I would get lost. While anyone who is mentioned in the book is described and has some sort of dialogue which gives them purpose, I still found it hard to genuinely form a connection with a lot of them especially since I was mainly interested in the politics and action.
Looking forward to book two! I have a theory I'd love to see if I'm right about ;)
The characters are totally relatable. Each one, with their own struggles and setbacks as they try to be true to themselves and do what's best for their people. The inner conflict from Talia as it pertains to her love life and future as Heir was beautifully captured and penned. I will say, at times I felt there were too many characters for me to fully connect with and sometimes I would get lost. While anyone who is mentioned in the book is described and has some sort of dialogue which gives them purpose, I still found it hard to genuinely form a connection with a lot of them especially since I was mainly interested in the politics and action.
Looking forward to book two! I have a theory I'd love to see if I'm right about ;)
November 17, 2024
Ok, hear me out. I don't normally read fantasy books because I find it hard to keep up with what's going on in the story - Joel C. Flanagan Grannemann has CHANGED THE GAME!
I truly didn't know what to expect when I started Talia: Heir to the Fairy realm, but I can honestly say I enjoyed every bit of the ride. There's a strong female-led structure to this universe that Joel has created, which I absolutely LOVED.
I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, but there are obviously fairies in this novel so I think talking about the magical and fantastical elements are spoiler free (if you don't agree, then please stop reading now!)
I grew up around a grandma who was a fairy fan, so the concept of classic lore isn't new to me. I really appreciated the range of inspiration woven into the rules of the Servants of the Moon and Sun universe, such as the use of magic and the inclusion of wing types to dictate where certain beings sat within their societal structure.
This story has a lot to offer, which includes (but it most certainly not limited to)
- Drama
- Romance
- Complicated familial relationships
- Loyalties questioned
- Deception
- Fight scenes
- Beautiful world building
This is a fantastic book, even if you regularly shy away from this genre.
It was a total blast, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy it too!
I truly didn't know what to expect when I started Talia: Heir to the Fairy realm, but I can honestly say I enjoyed every bit of the ride. There's a strong female-led structure to this universe that Joel has created, which I absolutely LOVED.
I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, but there are obviously fairies in this novel so I think talking about the magical and fantastical elements are spoiler free (if you don't agree, then please stop reading now!)
I grew up around a grandma who was a fairy fan, so the concept of classic lore isn't new to me. I really appreciated the range of inspiration woven into the rules of the Servants of the Moon and Sun universe, such as the use of magic and the inclusion of wing types to dictate where certain beings sat within their societal structure.
This story has a lot to offer, which includes (but it most certainly not limited to)
- Drama
- Romance
- Complicated familial relationships
- Loyalties questioned
- Deception
- Fight scenes
- Beautiful world building
This is a fantastic book, even if you regularly shy away from this genre.
It was a total blast, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy it too!
February 20, 2023
I really enjoyed TALIA: HEIR TO THE FAIRY REALM. This is an absolutely gorgeous adult/new adult fantasy tale where Talia, the heir to the fairy realm and Bastille, the human prince who is heir to the throne, are thrust into the middle of a tense conflict between the human realm and the fairy realm. I loved every minute of this book. It’s quite long at 500 pages, and very detailed, with wonderful descriptions of fairy court, dances, exciting battles, archery and raids. I loved the development of so many different characters in this novel. Titania and Oberon in particular are interesting figures, and when the conflict with the human realm becomes untenable, Talia is exiled along with two dozen of her female fairy soldiers. Is Bastille to blame or can he be trusted? Such great court intrigue. I especially liked the motherly relationship Talia had with Fauna. There were some interesting twists that developed in the middle of the novel as Talia and her group reached the fireberry plantation. I liked seeing the way they worked together, and Talia’s strength. Fauna is a great character. The tension ratcheted up all the way to the end of the book and with a cliffhanger ending, I will need to grab book two right away to see what happens next! 5/5 stars.
September 30, 2023
This story definitely did not disappoint!!
The pacing was a little off for me and made it a little difficult to get started, but overall this is one intriguing fantasy tale that I will gladly keep reading about.
What I Did Like:
The evolution of Talia herself is pretty impressive. When this story started I thought Talia was very one-sided and annoying. As we moved further into the story we saw a deeper side of her, a take charge side at times and we see this balance begin to take shape. She became strong and we got to see her grow through what happened to adn around her.
At about 55% of the way through this story completely comes alive and makes it almost impossible to put down until you have read the last word. Everything happens at once and we are thrust into a world of intrigue, betrayal, costly mistakes, and consequences that these characters are going to be dealing with well into the next book.
The way that this royal court was setup and explained as well as the way their world was showcased was great. We see right from the start how they run things and their traditions and ceremonies. The explanations were with such great detail and thought, it really pulled the reader into this world completely.
The pacing was a little off for me and made it a little difficult to get started, but overall this is one intriguing fantasy tale that I will gladly keep reading about.
What I Did Like:
The evolution of Talia herself is pretty impressive. When this story started I thought Talia was very one-sided and annoying. As we moved further into the story we saw a deeper side of her, a take charge side at times and we see this balance begin to take shape. She became strong and we got to see her grow through what happened to adn around her.
At about 55% of the way through this story completely comes alive and makes it almost impossible to put down until you have read the last word. Everything happens at once and we are thrust into a world of intrigue, betrayal, costly mistakes, and consequences that these characters are going to be dealing with well into the next book.
The way that this royal court was setup and explained as well as the way their world was showcased was great. We see right from the start how they run things and their traditions and ceremonies. The explanations were with such great detail and thought, it really pulled the reader into this world completely.
July 23, 2024
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm by Joel C. Flanagan-Grannemann is a compelling fantasy novel following Talia, the Iridescent-winged Heir to the Fairy Realm, and Prince Bastile, Heir to the Human Realm, as they navigate a forbidden love affair. Betrayal sends Talia, her Ladies, and her Heir's Guard on a quest for answers about the Exile Queen, facing obstacles from Talia's evil aunts and others who oppose the ancient prophecy she is destined to fulfill. This book promises a thrilling tale for fans of inter-realm romance and intrigue.
September 10, 2023
I honestly don't know how I ended up reading all these fairy/fae novels when they're not exactly a fantasy subgenre I particularly like, but here I am, and so far, Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is one of the most unique. While it's said to be an epic fantasy retelling of a popular fairytale, Sleeping Beauty, it feels nothing like it at all.
The world and character building are phenomenal. So much thought went into creating the fairy realm, the different cultures, the rituals and magic system, and the huge cast of characters. While I first thought the story ran really long, that actually worked out well in the end. Because instead of just dumping heaps of information on us, the author lets us experience the world and go on a grand adventure with the characters, who are all delightful and not mere stereotypes. There's a lot of representation too. And court intrigue. What's a fairy story without court intrigue?
(So I actually read a blog post somewhere that this and the sequel, Talia: On the Shore of the Sea, was supposed to be just one book, but ultimately had to be split because of the total length. So, yeah, it's chonky. The author really takes his time telling the story, so if you're looking for something more fast-paced, this might not really be your thing. But if you love worldbuilding and character development, then this might be for you!)
As for the audio performance, it took a little getting used to, but that might just have been me not having listened to a lot of audiobooks yet. Once I got acclimated to the style, however, I found myself easily swept into the world every time I tuned in. I even looked forward to doing chores (I listen to audiobooks while cooking or doing the dishes or folding the laundry) as I wanted to join Talia and her ladies and her guard on the next leg of their adventures.
The world and character building are phenomenal. So much thought went into creating the fairy realm, the different cultures, the rituals and magic system, and the huge cast of characters. While I first thought the story ran really long, that actually worked out well in the end. Because instead of just dumping heaps of information on us, the author lets us experience the world and go on a grand adventure with the characters, who are all delightful and not mere stereotypes. There's a lot of representation too. And court intrigue. What's a fairy story without court intrigue?
(So I actually read a blog post somewhere that this and the sequel, Talia: On the Shore of the Sea, was supposed to be just one book, but ultimately had to be split because of the total length. So, yeah, it's chonky. The author really takes his time telling the story, so if you're looking for something more fast-paced, this might not really be your thing. But if you love worldbuilding and character development, then this might be for you!)
As for the audio performance, it took a little getting used to, but that might just have been me not having listened to a lot of audiobooks yet. Once I got acclimated to the style, however, I found myself easily swept into the world every time I tuned in. I even looked forward to doing chores (I listen to audiobooks while cooking or doing the dishes or folding the laundry) as I wanted to join Talia and her ladies and her guard on the next leg of their adventures.
December 1, 2025
An Epic Fairytale Retold
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an epic and thrilling take on a classic story. With loads of similarities between Sleeping Beauty and this book, it was a fun and exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed! It left on a cliffhanger too so I’m anxious to find out what will happen to Talia and the Nine. Plus I love the romance between Bastille and Talia. I’m hoping to see them reconnect and reconcile in the next book.
Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is an epic and thrilling take on a classic story. With loads of similarities between Sleeping Beauty and this book, it was a fun and exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed! It left on a cliffhanger too so I’m anxious to find out what will happen to Talia and the Nine. Plus I love the romance between Bastille and Talia. I’m hoping to see them reconnect and reconcile in the next book.
December 28, 2024
Beautiful world building. Detailed descriptions. Absolutely love the story and the characters.
September 1, 2023
It's a bit slow at first, sort of lulling you into a cozy fairy story. Then, BAM! Non-stop, gritty, at times horrifying action. Some unsavory events and characters (the bad guys!) are handled extremely well, and you can't help but feel strong empathy with the affected characters (the good guys!).
Looking forward to On the Shore of the Sea, Book 2 of Talia's story.
Looking forward to On the Shore of the Sea, Book 2 of Talia's story.
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