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Married by War
He's a knight bound by honor. She's a sacrificial bride. Their love cannot be.
When Sir Oakensen is asked to retrieve the king's illegitimate daughter to be offered in a marriage of peace with the fae, he is hoping for nothing more than a hot meal and to keep his men alive.
When Iva is told that her fate is not in the kennels raising the king's dogs, but rather to be the bride of an enemy king, she thinks her life is over.
Neither of them expects love.
Pursuing it could threaten two nations finally on the verge of peace.
Married by War is the fourth book in the series Arranged Marriages of the Fae - a multi-author series of romantic fantasy stand-alone short novels, designed to be read independently. Together, they approach the theme of arranged marriages in fae fantasy from a variety of different angles and tones and offer complete romances while also allowing the reader to enjoy a variety of tones and approaches. Perfect for romantic fantasy readers with busy lives who love swoony romance.
When Sir Oakensen is asked to retrieve the king's illegitimate daughter to be offered in a marriage of peace with the fae, he is hoping for nothing more than a hot meal and to keep his men alive.
When Iva is told that her fate is not in the kennels raising the king's dogs, but rather to be the bride of an enemy king, she thinks her life is over.
Neither of them expects love.
Pursuing it could threaten two nations finally on the verge of peace.
Married by War is the fourth book in the series Arranged Marriages of the Fae - a multi-author series of romantic fantasy stand-alone short novels, designed to be read independently. Together, they approach the theme of arranged marriages in fae fantasy from a variety of different angles and tones and offer complete romances while also allowing the reader to enjoy a variety of tones and approaches. Perfect for romantic fantasy readers with busy lives who love swoony romance.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2022
123 people are currently reading
1632 people want to read
About the author
Sarah K.L. Wilson
159 books1,095 followersSarah K. L. Wilson is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes fantasy stories featuring practical heroes & heroines in the most impractical circumstances. She loves writing because it is the only way to make a living and give back to the world when your primary skill is an overactive imagination and a tendency toward violent daydreams.
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
Sarah can be found in the outdoors of Northern Ontario with her young boys and beloved husband, reading a book, or fending off her husband's pet turkeys with a straw broom.
You can find Sarah's books in paperback, hardcover, ebook and audiobook and they have also been translated into Italian, German, and (very soon) Turkish.
Please, do, enjoy the read!
*USA Today bestseller list, November 2, 2017
www.sarahklwilson.com
sarah@sarahklwilson.com
Instagram @sarahklwilson
Facebook @sarahklwilson
TikTok @sarahklwilson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
February 27, 2024
I feel like I’m taking a breath for the first time. It’s a breath full of Iva and I want to breathe nothing else forever.
I'm afraid at this point anything from Sarah KL Wilson is an auto-read and auto-starred rating. So now that all the bias is disclosed, xD here goes my review.
This is a very quick read and it's also very atmospherically WINTER. The descriptions are so vivid and the characters so real I could feel the ice. I feel like this is certainly the most-low key (and in a cozy, slower-paced way, but it's still Sarah KL Wilson so it's NEVER the struggle sort of pacing and it's still fast by my standards ;) I've read from Wilson. We have a very practical, very humble, very lovable heroine - Iva - who is arranged to be married to a cold, golden fae king solely because she's the illegitimate daughter of the human king, and the knight - Haldur - who is bound by duty and honor and hopes of peace to deliver her up (escort her journey). Haldur is one of those "I will not talk unless I absolutely have to" sort of knights xD <3, which, considering his past as a battle-hardened soldier who is essentially constantly grieving on the inside as the state of war between the humans and the fae look so bleak, I completely understand and feel for. Also - Iva's ability to sew and mend clothing for these war-weary and worn soldiers and bond with all of Haldur's fellow fighters is so sweet.
Don't expect a lot of fae in here. But, if you've read the clever and beautiful novella Stolen Mayfly Bride, you'll recognize a couple of the fae characters/cameo. I also appreciate the realistic portrayal about how war tend to destroy clear communications, and how that affects either parties' view of each other.
Rest assured, we get an HEA. ;) And every minute along the journey is simply a delightful (if also painful) step. There's hope amidst the despair. I enjoyed every minute, and if you're into this sort of read, you shall be too.
Also, if you're into DOGS playing a large role in stories, that's also here. And it's so touching. <3 <3
Content: G. or perhaps PG for talk/setting of war. There's a very innocent kiss. No other content. Picture a very traditional kind of knights story, and you'll get the picture. ;)
5 Stars, expect a simple, cozy, sweet, delightful tale
September 10, 2022
A moving, quick read featuring two huggable cinnamon rolls stuck in unwanted circumstances mixed with unexpected love.
October 3, 2022
This short novel is lush, evocative, thrilling, and stunning all at once. I'm so in awe of this author's ability to set a tone and mood with just a few, well-chosen words.
This book is set in the same world as Stolen Mayfly Bride, and readers who loved that book will recognize a cameo by that story's hero and a reference to that story's leading lady. However, you do not have to have read Stolen Mayfly Bride to enjoy this book since both of them standalone well, and the worldbuilding is so well done that you can pick up either book without being lost.
In this book, the humans and fae are desperate to fulfill a prophecy and end a decimating war, even if it means sacrificing hearts and lives to do it.
Halgar and Iba (I have no idea on spelling. I listened to the audiobook) are such great characters. I loved how honorable both of them are! This is not a "follow your heart" kind of book. This is a "sacrifice your heart to do your duty and do what is right." And that makes it an interesting take that you don't see often.
If you haven't read anything by this author yet, then don't wait! If you love any kind of fae fantasy or fae fantasy romance, then her books are a must read!
This book is set in the same world as Stolen Mayfly Bride, and readers who loved that book will recognize a cameo by that story's hero and a reference to that story's leading lady. However, you do not have to have read Stolen Mayfly Bride to enjoy this book since both of them standalone well, and the worldbuilding is so well done that you can pick up either book without being lost.
In this book, the humans and fae are desperate to fulfill a prophecy and end a decimating war, even if it means sacrificing hearts and lives to do it.
Halgar and Iba (I have no idea on spelling. I listened to the audiobook) are such great characters. I loved how honorable both of them are! This is not a "follow your heart" kind of book. This is a "sacrifice your heart to do your duty and do what is right." And that makes it an interesting take that you don't see often.
If you haven't read anything by this author yet, then don't wait! If you love any kind of fae fantasy or fae fantasy romance, then her books are a must read!
August 19, 2023
This standalone is part of a short story series from KU. You should know that 1) I love Sarah K.L. Wilson, but 2) I hate short stories. Rating notwithstanding, I still love her. I fault the format.
The illegitimate daughter of the mortal king must be married off to the fae king in order to end war. Treachery ensues.
What Wilson does very, very well in this novel is capture the horror of war from the perspective of Haldur Oakensen, last living scion of Castle Tor who has become a knight after the death of his father and five older brothers. With only 20 vassals left to fight alongside him, Haldur is brokenhearted over the loss of his people and desperate to save the very few left. We see Haldur and his men fighting a few times, but the most gripping is the first scene, in which they face a small contingent of fae who appear normal until the battle starts, then they turn into black smoke with open flames where their eyes and mouths used to be.
These books are Fantasy Romances, which doesn't work well in short story format, imo. How can you believably write two strangers meeting and falling completely in love in only 130 pages? I've not come across it. But I tried, Sarah! I tried for you! 💗
The illegitimate daughter of the mortal king must be married off to the fae king in order to end war. Treachery ensues.
What Wilson does very, very well in this novel is capture the horror of war from the perspective of Haldur Oakensen, last living scion of Castle Tor who has become a knight after the death of his father and five older brothers. With only 20 vassals left to fight alongside him, Haldur is brokenhearted over the loss of his people and desperate to save the very few left. We see Haldur and his men fighting a few times, but the most gripping is the first scene, in which they face a small contingent of fae who appear normal until the battle starts, then they turn into black smoke with open flames where their eyes and mouths used to be.
These books are Fantasy Romances, which doesn't work well in short story format, imo. How can you believably write two strangers meeting and falling completely in love in only 130 pages? I've not come across it. But I tried, Sarah! I tried for you! 💗
September 6, 2022
Arranged Marriages of the Fae book
I love when multiple authors collaborate to create a series with unique, stand alone books within the same genre. I always find new authors to follow and read.
Curse...Prophecy...Fae vs Human...Duty...Honor...Comfort...
A marriage alliance to end a war. A longing for peace. A desire for what cannot be. Breathe in hope and lasting peace.
"In marrying him, you will forge peace."
"Peace is here. Home. And I am free."
I love when multiple authors collaborate to create a series with unique, stand alone books within the same genre. I always find new authors to follow and read.
Curse...Prophecy...Fae vs Human...Duty...Honor...Comfort...
A marriage alliance to end a war. A longing for peace. A desire for what cannot be. Breathe in hope and lasting peace.
"In marrying him, you will forge peace."
"Peace is here. Home. And I am free."
October 20, 2022
The story was good, I rooted for the MCs and was invested in the people's collective fate, but the writing was poor - it felt like an imitation of fantasy writing rather than the real deal and was filled with unnecessary sentences wound in weird ways. It kept me from the world, and from reading with ease.
If you can make do with the writing, then the story has a simplicity and sweetness to it. The leads are loveable despite their limited depth, not surprising considering how short the novella is. Forbidden love trope within an arranged marriage trope.
I would recommend testing this on KU if it's available where you are or your library and then buying it if you love it.
If you can make do with the writing, then the story has a simplicity and sweetness to it. The leads are loveable despite their limited depth, not surprising considering how short the novella is. Forbidden love trope within an arranged marriage trope.
I would recommend testing this on KU if it's available where you are or your library and then buying it if you love it.
January 14, 2025
My first Sarah K. Wilson book. I know, shocking - she's written so many, and I hear they're all incredible.
It is truly impressive how many books she creates when her writing style is such a scrumptious piece of art and so much creativity is poured into her worlds.
I went into this forgetting that it was a Goose Girl retelling, and I was impressed by how it cleverly executed those themes.
This is clean in terms of romantic content, but as is typical for war and fae stories, the violence can be gruesome and unsettling, even if brief. (I will note a few animal deaths could be upsetting for the tender-hearted.)
But speaking of tender-hearted, it was very nice to see such a gentle female lead and such an honorable hero.
I'll definitely be back for more by this author.
It is truly impressive how many books she creates when her writing style is such a scrumptious piece of art and so much creativity is poured into her worlds.
I went into this forgetting that it was a Goose Girl retelling, and I was impressed by how it cleverly executed those themes.
This is clean in terms of romantic content, but as is typical for war and fae stories, the violence can be gruesome and unsettling, even if brief. (I will note a few animal deaths could be upsetting for the tender-hearted.)
But speaking of tender-hearted, it was very nice to see such a gentle female lead and such an honorable hero.
I'll definitely be back for more by this author.
Read
November 8, 2022Reading vlog dove leggo tutta la serie qui (☞ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)☞ https://youtu.be/OYArImc1XFU
May 30, 2023
Beauitful and so well written for a forbidden love story. It was so easy to read and even though it was short, there is so much that happens so the book never feels boring. Will definitely be checking out the other standalone stories in this series.
September 28, 2022
A fast, quick read that really packs a punch! This story is poignant in the way that it makes your heart ache for these characters that are put in incredibly trying circumstances and just when you think that there couldn't possibly be a way that this story could end happy, it somehow manages to pull through and fill you with the hope and love you were rooting for the entire time.
I read this book in one sitting and instantly wanted MORE. I cannot wait to see what else Wilson does with this connected world of Married By War and Stolen Mayfly Bride!
Oh, and basically anything Wilson writes, I will read and reread forever. 5 ridiculously easy stars!
I read this book in one sitting and instantly wanted MORE. I cannot wait to see what else Wilson does with this connected world of Married By War and Stolen Mayfly Bride!
Oh, and basically anything Wilson writes, I will read and reread forever. 5 ridiculously easy stars!
December 7, 2022
Well how cute was THAT.
And by “cute” I mean poignant and thoughtful and deep and romantic.
Sarah Wilson is very high on my list of best authors I’ve read this year!
And by “cute” I mean poignant and thoughtful and deep and romantic.
Sarah Wilson is very high on my list of best authors I’ve read this year!
November 8, 2022
I thought that this book was good
October 1, 2022
This is was so promising but so disappointing. There was no personality, no context, random names just appeared with no information about who they were, the halfhearted and frankly lacking ‘attraction’ just spontaneously appeared halfway through, and overall it was just boring. So incredibly disappointed in this book it’s unreal.
December 2, 2022
Free today (12/2/2022) on Amazon
September 21, 2022
I like reading stories with a common theme while the authors still have loads of room to tell their own kind of story in their own kind of way with their own kind of characters and in their own kind of universe. I'm therefore always really looking forward to reading another installment in this series and today I could dive into this one by Wilson!
Although the book is not that long I quite liked how Wilson managed to build an entire world. I'm pretty sure there's load of mythology that would be even more awesome if it would be explained, but we understand the gist and everything that's important. Most of all we understand what's at stake in this story.
Especially the first few chapters of the story are amazing and very atmospheric. Without telling us the author makes perfectly clear what these characters are going through, why they are so desperate to finally find peace and why even love is not strong enough to fight with that desire. It's horrifying, terrifying and quite horrible actually.
Since the book is relatively short the romance isn't very deep, but it's clear that these characters love each other for all the right kind of reasons. She's bringing tenderness, kindness and warmth back into his life and he's the fierce, stoic and brave warrior she has always dreamed of. Considering the circumstances I also understand there wasn't room for deep talks and build up.
I can't wait to read the other books in the collection!
Although the book is not that long I quite liked how Wilson managed to build an entire world. I'm pretty sure there's load of mythology that would be even more awesome if it would be explained, but we understand the gist and everything that's important. Most of all we understand what's at stake in this story.
Especially the first few chapters of the story are amazing and very atmospheric. Without telling us the author makes perfectly clear what these characters are going through, why they are so desperate to finally find peace and why even love is not strong enough to fight with that desire. It's horrifying, terrifying and quite horrible actually.
Since the book is relatively short the romance isn't very deep, but it's clear that these characters love each other for all the right kind of reasons. She's bringing tenderness, kindness and warmth back into his life and he's the fierce, stoic and brave warrior she has always dreamed of. Considering the circumstances I also understand there wasn't room for deep talks and build up.
I can't wait to read the other books in the collection!
December 19, 2022
Short and sweet. This is set during a war, so the violence is high, but most of it is implied rather than on page. The romance was heart-breaking and I loved the ending.
August 31, 2023
So read this in one sitting because I forced myself too, gotta reach those 2023 book number goals.
But seriously, this book was pathetic. The characters, the plot, just everything.
But seriously, this book was pathetic. The characters, the plot, just everything.
December 26, 2025
Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Raw. It’s been weeks since I finished this book and I’m still not sure I can fully articulate how it made me feel or even what this story means to me as a whole.
This story captured me from the first page with its beautiful writing and raw honesty about war; useless, pointless war full of nothing but death and misery and the coldness of it all wrapped up in the perfectly executed and haunting winter landscape that made me shiver it felt so real and alive. Of how awful both human and fae can be to each other as well as their enemies and yet kind and caring as well. The beauty of a friend and love in darkness, the hope of peace and what it truly is and means beyond a word we use with no context or meaning.
Haldur and Iva carried this already raw and honest narrative with heartbreaking beauty born in both suffering and joy, and their love is nothing short of a light in their dark, bleak world they’re trying to save and survive in.
This story is beautifully brutal in the best way possible and I love it so much; it quietly and irrevocably came in and stole my heart and I am ever grateful and blessed that it did. I love this story and now want to devour every other book this author has written.
‼️Content‼️
Language: damnation; hell; hellspawn; bastard; hellish; damning; hellfire
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); dead bodies from war (not detailed); a woman tries to drown a man (is stopped)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed); mild suggestive hints/comments
Other: fae; magic; death and grief; a curse and a prophesy; a magical amulet switches the appearance of characters
This story captured me from the first page with its beautiful writing and raw honesty about war; useless, pointless war full of nothing but death and misery and the coldness of it all wrapped up in the perfectly executed and haunting winter landscape that made me shiver it felt so real and alive. Of how awful both human and fae can be to each other as well as their enemies and yet kind and caring as well. The beauty of a friend and love in darkness, the hope of peace and what it truly is and means beyond a word we use with no context or meaning.
Haldur and Iva carried this already raw and honest narrative with heartbreaking beauty born in both suffering and joy, and their love is nothing short of a light in their dark, bleak world they’re trying to save and survive in.
This story is beautifully brutal in the best way possible and I love it so much; it quietly and irrevocably came in and stole my heart and I am ever grateful and blessed that it did. I love this story and now want to devour every other book this author has written.
‼️Content‼️
Language: damnation; hell; hellspawn; bastard; hellish; damning; hellfire
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); dead bodies from war (not detailed); a woman tries to drown a man (is stopped)
Sexual: a kiss (not detailed); mild suggestive hints/comments
Other: fae; magic; death and grief; a curse and a prophesy; a magical amulet switches the appearance of characters
Read
December 13, 2025Another beautifully written fantasy romance from Sarah K L Wilson, with some delightful Goose Girl stylings.
October 10, 2022
Melancholy and love
This book is just absolutely gorgeous. It was so atmospheric and melancholic. So sweet and sad. And despite the shortness, the romance was just perfect. I love this story with my whole heart.
This book is just absolutely gorgeous. It was so atmospheric and melancholic. So sweet and sad. And despite the shortness, the romance was just perfect. I love this story with my whole heart.
December 15, 2022
2.5 🌟
Unfortunatly this book in the series just wasn't it for me. I think part of the issue it was so short, only 140 ish kindle pages when most of the other short stories were at least over 230.
The basis of the story is good and had it had more development I could have really enjoyed it. But as it is it feels like the bare bones of a story
The plot moved along far too quickly and conveniently. There is one point where two women switch bodies and the knight sees them and immediately says "you switched bodies".
The romance had barely any time or page space to develop and because of that it seemed baffling that the main characters were considering marriage only 100 pages into a book.
Overall this had some good ideas, and some good writing but it just wasn't developed enough for me to be enjoyable
Unfortunatly this book in the series just wasn't it for me. I think part of the issue it was so short, only 140 ish kindle pages when most of the other short stories were at least over 230.
The basis of the story is good and had it had more development I could have really enjoyed it. But as it is it feels like the bare bones of a story
The plot moved along far too quickly and conveniently. There is one point where two women switch bodies and the knight sees them and immediately says "you switched bodies".
The romance had barely any time or page space to develop and because of that it seemed baffling that the main characters were considering marriage only 100 pages into a book.
Overall this had some good ideas, and some good writing but it just wasn't developed enough for me to be enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
Just because this is a short story doesn’t give you the right to leave out details. People just thrown in left as right, no motivations for actions. Apparently there’s a curse? And a prophecy that we fulfill in the most convenient way possible?
The romance felt forced (or absolutely non-existent, somewhere they developed feelings for each other?). The writing was terrible. Blatant editing mistakes (a mare is a female, by the way, I think the author was confused on that point).
Probably one of the worst stories I’ve read in a long time, only read through it to see how they managed to resolve everything (spoilers, it was an absolute stretch)
I literally only cared about the dog.
The romance felt forced (or absolutely non-existent, somewhere they developed feelings for each other?). The writing was terrible. Blatant editing mistakes (a mare is a female, by the way, I think the author was confused on that point).
Probably one of the worst stories I’ve read in a long time, only read through it to see how they managed to resolve everything (spoilers, it was an absolute stretch)
I literally only cared about the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
These were the most one dimensional characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. I honestly care more if the guy got his dog back then if he ended up with the girl.
January 30, 2023
Meh. Alas, there's nothing interesting here, not the character, nor the plot, nor the setting.
July 11, 2024
married by war
3✨
But for this one painful moment, we see them enter our trap looking not entirely unlike us. As if they have hearts that beat. As if they have hearts that love. Just like us.
overview: a cutie little romance, with darker themes than I expected.
characters: Haldur is broody and quiet — his sense of determination and duty was admirable, yet sad at the same time.
Iva is a little angel, sweet and kind and very sacrificial, if not a bit naive.
romance: Haldur and Iva were cuteeee but for a hot minute I was SO scared it wasn’t going to end happily 😭
Yes, that’s what his voice sounds like. All burred and aching like he’s the saint of tears crying on behalf of mothers everywhere for their lost children.
…perhaps I could be Haldur again when I am with her. Her smile brings back memories of home. I can still smell her on my coat from where it brushed her long dark hair while she fixed the tear. She mends more than cloth. I see her mending my vassals as we journey. She could mend me like that. She could stitch my tears back together. They’d still not be the same, but they’d be closer to whole, closer to salvaging.
✨ forced proximity
✨ broody x sunshine
✨ royalty x guard (kinda)
✨ happily ever after
writing: felt a bit melodramatic and stilted at times but had some good lines!
If we couldn’t have the touch of another human to tell us we aren’t alone when everything goes wrong, then are we human at all?
Is it worse to know it could have been but is not, or would it have been worse never to know at all? I think I’d rather bear the wound of it forever than unbroken skin that knew not the knife.
It is precious if only for its brevity, for the feeling of something stolen and given to me, something bought with a price too steep to pay.
atmosphere: traveling on horseback on cold winter nights, hay-and-puppy-filled stables, a golden fae king, and the sense of duty.
We had bought food along the way here and had our first hot meal in weeks on the road but sitting in the kitchen – for the lady of the house did not invite us to her hall – and smelling the freshly baked bread as it came from the ovens and thick hot stew in the kettle over the fire was not like eating on the road. It is a kind of heaven all on its own.
We pause now at a small bridge, and the soldiers are quick. One lights a fire, another jams sausages onto sticks to roast them – I recognize cook’s handiwork there – while a third chops into the ice on the stream. There’s nowhere to sit, so we stand ringing the fire, warming our hands, cooking the sausages, and eating them while they are still hot and bursting with juice.
season: winter.
———
content: language (bastard, used a few times. Hell is used a few times, but not as an exclamation). sexual (a few innocent touches and kisses). other (mentions of fae and curses; some semi-detailed fighting/violence).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
3✨
But for this one painful moment, we see them enter our trap looking not entirely unlike us. As if they have hearts that beat. As if they have hearts that love. Just like us.
overview: a cutie little romance, with darker themes than I expected.
characters: Haldur is broody and quiet — his sense of determination and duty was admirable, yet sad at the same time.
Iva is a little angel, sweet and kind and very sacrificial, if not a bit naive.
romance: Haldur and Iva were cuteeee but for a hot minute I was SO scared it wasn’t going to end happily 😭
Yes, that’s what his voice sounds like. All burred and aching like he’s the saint of tears crying on behalf of mothers everywhere for their lost children.
…perhaps I could be Haldur again when I am with her. Her smile brings back memories of home. I can still smell her on my coat from where it brushed her long dark hair while she fixed the tear. She mends more than cloth. I see her mending my vassals as we journey. She could mend me like that. She could stitch my tears back together. They’d still not be the same, but they’d be closer to whole, closer to salvaging.
✨ forced proximity
✨ broody x sunshine
✨ royalty x guard (kinda)
✨ happily ever after
writing: felt a bit melodramatic and stilted at times but had some good lines!
If we couldn’t have the touch of another human to tell us we aren’t alone when everything goes wrong, then are we human at all?
Is it worse to know it could have been but is not, or would it have been worse never to know at all? I think I’d rather bear the wound of it forever than unbroken skin that knew not the knife.
It is precious if only for its brevity, for the feeling of something stolen and given to me, something bought with a price too steep to pay.
atmosphere: traveling on horseback on cold winter nights, hay-and-puppy-filled stables, a golden fae king, and the sense of duty.
We had bought food along the way here and had our first hot meal in weeks on the road but sitting in the kitchen – for the lady of the house did not invite us to her hall – and smelling the freshly baked bread as it came from the ovens and thick hot stew in the kettle over the fire was not like eating on the road. It is a kind of heaven all on its own.
We pause now at a small bridge, and the soldiers are quick. One lights a fire, another jams sausages onto sticks to roast them – I recognize cook’s handiwork there – while a third chops into the ice on the stream. There’s nowhere to sit, so we stand ringing the fire, warming our hands, cooking the sausages, and eating them while they are still hot and bursting with juice.
season: winter.
———
content: language (bastard, used a few times. Hell is used a few times, but not as an exclamation). sexual (a few innocent touches and kisses). other (mentions of fae and curses; some semi-detailed fighting/violence).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
November 23, 2022
"I feel like I'm taking a breath for the first time. It's a breath full of Iva and I want to breathe nothing else forever."
This was more like a dream come true situation 🥺 I have been wondering if I will ever have the chance of reading a five star book before the end of the year. Man...IT'S BEEN AGES AND NOW HERE it is. I looooved it. I felt lost in it. Because of it. Not gonna lie, I didn't expect much going into it because it is short, romance and kinda fantasy. Usually this compo is a recipe to a disaster because it requires more time spent on character and world building. But, since this is more of a romance than of a fantasy, I didn't mind it really.
.
This is a story about the illegitimate daughter of the human King who is forced to marry the fae king to give humans peace, and a human Knight who is implored to take her to the fae world for the marriage ceremony.
.
Thoughts and feelings:
🍁 One word to describe this book:
ADORABLE!
I have been craving a story that is more like a fairytale while not necessarily being a fairytale. OMG! this is everything I needed and wanted and more. It is my whole personality😭 There is no complexity with the world building or anything. In fact, you can only get lost in the journey of those two humans who share similar traits. Empathy. Humbleness. Courage. Tenderness. Sacrifice. And to be honest, one cannot help but root for them.
🍁THE WRITING STYLE IS LEGIT. Man.. I was lost in the author's words the moment I read the first page. It is so beautiful and whimsical and classic-like. I feel that the story on its own, with the plot and the characters, won't have been as perfect for me as it is if it weren't for this writing style. It's freakingly HEALED my wounds. I was desperate for this kind of narration, and while I didn't see this coming, I am fully in awe by this author's capability, writing a short story with a plot that is entertaining and interesting and characters to die for 🥲
SPEECHLESS! UTTERLY AND IN ALL HONESTY SPEECHLESS!
🍁Now here is the thing, the story as a plot is not extraordinary. If you're looking for an action-packed fantasy with complex characters. This is probably not it. But, I'll still recommend it to anyone who is looking for something quick, compelling and entertaining. I'll also recommend listening to it on audio if you can because it is written beautifully, worth losing yourself in the feel of it- if I may say🥲
This was more like a dream come true situation 🥺 I have been wondering if I will ever have the chance of reading a five star book before the end of the year. Man...IT'S BEEN AGES AND NOW HERE it is. I looooved it. I felt lost in it. Because of it. Not gonna lie, I didn't expect much going into it because it is short, romance and kinda fantasy. Usually this compo is a recipe to a disaster because it requires more time spent on character and world building. But, since this is more of a romance than of a fantasy, I didn't mind it really.
.
This is a story about the illegitimate daughter of the human King who is forced to marry the fae king to give humans peace, and a human Knight who is implored to take her to the fae world for the marriage ceremony.
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Thoughts and feelings:
🍁 One word to describe this book:
ADORABLE!
I have been craving a story that is more like a fairytale while not necessarily being a fairytale. OMG! this is everything I needed and wanted and more. It is my whole personality😭 There is no complexity with the world building or anything. In fact, you can only get lost in the journey of those two humans who share similar traits. Empathy. Humbleness. Courage. Tenderness. Sacrifice. And to be honest, one cannot help but root for them.
🍁THE WRITING STYLE IS LEGIT. Man.. I was lost in the author's words the moment I read the first page. It is so beautiful and whimsical and classic-like. I feel that the story on its own, with the plot and the characters, won't have been as perfect for me as it is if it weren't for this writing style. It's freakingly HEALED my wounds. I was desperate for this kind of narration, and while I didn't see this coming, I am fully in awe by this author's capability, writing a short story with a plot that is entertaining and interesting and characters to die for 🥲
SPEECHLESS! UTTERLY AND IN ALL HONESTY SPEECHLESS!
🍁Now here is the thing, the story as a plot is not extraordinary. If you're looking for an action-packed fantasy with complex characters. This is probably not it. But, I'll still recommend it to anyone who is looking for something quick, compelling and entertaining. I'll also recommend listening to it on audio if you can because it is written beautifully, worth losing yourself in the feel of it- if I may say🥲
March 5, 2023
This is probably my least favourite of the series so far.
The novella is very slow to start which is quite annoying for a short story as it doesn’t provide much depth to the plot.
The story takes part mainly travelling from our FMC’s Iva’s home, back to the war front where she is to be given to the Fae king as bride to end curse (not that we know what that is) and the war.
For an arranged marriage of the Fae book, there really is barely any Fae in the book as the love story is between two humans.
Who don’t talk more then a few sentences to each other and yet fall madly in love 🫤
Also if I have to read the word vassal one more time! I get that’s what they would consider a person of lower standing who work for them but argh use some creative licence for once.
The novella is very slow to start which is quite annoying for a short story as it doesn’t provide much depth to the plot.
The story takes part mainly travelling from our FMC’s Iva’s home, back to the war front where she is to be given to the Fae king as bride to end curse (not that we know what that is) and the war.
For an arranged marriage of the Fae book, there really is barely any Fae in the book as the love story is between two humans.
Who don’t talk more then a few sentences to each other and yet fall madly in love 🫤
Also if I have to read the word vassal one more time! I get that’s what they would consider a person of lower standing who work for them but argh use some creative licence for once.
October 7, 2022
Poetry....just beautiful writing. I love books like this. The writing makes you feel like you are on that cold hard ground with them. Your senses are awakened as you read and the book comes alive! This is a beautiful story, although it is a shorter book it is a complete story. I loved it and the characters. The end was awesome!
16 and up for violence (attempted murder) and scary scenes of monsters and war.
16 and up for violence (attempted murder) and scary scenes of monsters and war.
February 10, 2023
So good!
Ah, I've loved everything I've read by Sarah K.L. Wilson! This is no exception! So much heart and depth of emotion, so much character and relationship building in a short time. It's the perfect mix of character growth and action. Love it!!
Ah, I've loved everything I've read by Sarah K.L. Wilson! This is no exception! So much heart and depth of emotion, so much character and relationship building in a short time. It's the perfect mix of character growth and action. Love it!!
October 3, 2022
I'm excited to read more of her books now! This was really well written and though it didn't have as much romance as I wanted, it was super addictive.
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