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A Court Beyond the Mists
A hidden human princess. A seductive fae prince. A dangerous prophecy.
Never trust those from beyond the Mists.
Twenty years ago, Talia's father believed he'd made a bargain with the fae. But the fae's trickery cost the human king everything-the queen's life and their daughter's freedom. Since that day, Talia has lived in a hidden court surrounded by thorns. Now, only marriage to a human prince will end the princess's exile and allow her to rejoin the kingdom.
Unless the fae reclaim her on the day that the roses bloom.
Three years ago, a seer whispered a prophecy to a fae prince. If Jaren returns the girl stolen from the fae, he'll secure his throne. But when he finds Talia, Jaren discovers the seer didn't tell him everything about the hidden princess. Talia's silver scars aren't only from the thorns that surround her prison-the marks hide a dangerous secret.
Once over, the humans and fae lived in harmony until the kingdoms became threatened by fae magic and they declared war on the fae. In response, the fae created the Mists to divide two lands. Humans who step beyond the Mists never return. Fae who walk through are killed on sight.
The handsome and deadly fae captures Talia's heart of thorns and frees her from the shackles of her kingdom. Jaren knows that if he crosses through the Mists with Talia and returns to his court, her life is at risk. But if she stays in the human kingdom, he'll lose the princess who must become his queen.
And Jaren isn't prepared to let her go.
Can the bond between Talia and the man with dark secrets bring her the life and love she desires? Or will the fae prince's deadly ambition destroy them both and bring destruction to the fae realm?
A Court Beyond the Mists is a slow-burn fantasy romance with a morally gray hero and a sheltered heroine who comes into her power. Part Rapunzel retelling, this first book in a series is perfect for fans of banter and tension leading to steamy scenes, set in a unique fantasy world of human and fae courts. Scroll up and 1-click today!
Never trust those from beyond the Mists.
Twenty years ago, Talia's father believed he'd made a bargain with the fae. But the fae's trickery cost the human king everything-the queen's life and their daughter's freedom. Since that day, Talia has lived in a hidden court surrounded by thorns. Now, only marriage to a human prince will end the princess's exile and allow her to rejoin the kingdom.
Unless the fae reclaim her on the day that the roses bloom.
Three years ago, a seer whispered a prophecy to a fae prince. If Jaren returns the girl stolen from the fae, he'll secure his throne. But when he finds Talia, Jaren discovers the seer didn't tell him everything about the hidden princess. Talia's silver scars aren't only from the thorns that surround her prison-the marks hide a dangerous secret.
Once over, the humans and fae lived in harmony until the kingdoms became threatened by fae magic and they declared war on the fae. In response, the fae created the Mists to divide two lands. Humans who step beyond the Mists never return. Fae who walk through are killed on sight.
The handsome and deadly fae captures Talia's heart of thorns and frees her from the shackles of her kingdom. Jaren knows that if he crosses through the Mists with Talia and returns to his court, her life is at risk. But if she stays in the human kingdom, he'll lose the princess who must become his queen.
And Jaren isn't prepared to let her go.
Can the bond between Talia and the man with dark secrets bring her the life and love she desires? Or will the fae prince's deadly ambition destroy them both and bring destruction to the fae realm?
A Court Beyond the Mists is a slow-burn fantasy romance with a morally gray hero and a sheltered heroine who comes into her power. Part Rapunzel retelling, this first book in a series is perfect for fans of banter and tension leading to steamy scenes, set in a unique fantasy world of human and fae courts. Scroll up and 1-click today!
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
221 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Swallow
125 books746 followersLJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 15, 2022
Expect a lot of triggers!
So I'm not sure where to start with this book. Tarlia is a princess who has been locked in a tower with no reason why and Jaren is her mysterious stranger. Of course he turns out to be Fae. This was not your typical romance but something with more depth. Not gonna lie their were some points where I sat here and was like is this gonna happen? It doesn't fully but the author definitely gets close. I just didn't like how Jaren changes towards the end of the book. I won't spoil it, but I just couldn't get into it. I also didn't like Tarlia and her ability to handle some things but not others. She was strong one minute and then completely naive the next. The world building was good, romance was there, but I didn't really enjoy the last 20% of the book.
So I'm not sure where to start with this book. Tarlia is a princess who has been locked in a tower with no reason why and Jaren is her mysterious stranger. Of course he turns out to be Fae. This was not your typical romance but something with more depth. Not gonna lie their were some points where I sat here and was like is this gonna happen? It doesn't fully but the author definitely gets close. I just didn't like how Jaren changes towards the end of the book. I won't spoil it, but I just couldn't get into it. I also didn't like Tarlia and her ability to handle some things but not others. She was strong one minute and then completely naive the next. The world building was good, romance was there, but I didn't really enjoy the last 20% of the book.
September 12, 2022
This book contains a lot of set up for what I am sure will be an epic series. Tarlia is a princess who has spent her whole life sequestered in a remote castle. No one seems to want to tell her why she isn't allowed outside her room and small garden or why there is a wall of rose bushes with wicked thorns that keep her in and others out. Or why she isn't allowed to cut her hair or why there are no young men allowed around her. Then there is the fact that the roses only bloom one day a year. The same night 'he' comes. The man who has found a way to get through the thorns and talk with her for the last two years.
Prince Jaren is a man on a mission. A Seer has told him that the female 'stolen' from the fae will ensure his rule and his goal of bringing back the worship of their goddess that has died out over the years. But he knows he has to have her cooperation if he wants to get her through the Mists and into the fae realms.
Then, a few unexpected things happen to mess up Jaren's carefully laid plans. First, a kiss causes the king to force Tarlia into a marriage with a grasping king who didn't really want a wife. The king's mistress moves quickly to rid herself of the unwanted female by selling her. Jaren rescues the reluctant Queen and uses a very convoluted method to get her into fae lands, I'll let you read about that. Next, Jaren makes a shocking discovery about Tarlia's true heritage. But will this do anything to change his plans?
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Prince Jaren is a man on a mission. A Seer has told him that the female 'stolen' from the fae will ensure his rule and his goal of bringing back the worship of their goddess that has died out over the years. But he knows he has to have her cooperation if he wants to get her through the Mists and into the fae realms.
Then, a few unexpected things happen to mess up Jaren's carefully laid plans. First, a kiss causes the king to force Tarlia into a marriage with a grasping king who didn't really want a wife. The king's mistress moves quickly to rid herself of the unwanted female by selling her. Jaren rescues the reluctant Queen and uses a very convoluted method to get her into fae lands, I'll let you read about that. Next, Jaren makes a shocking discovery about Tarlia's true heritage. But will this do anything to change his plans?
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
October 3, 2022
🧚🧚🧚🧚🧚 5/5
This book is such a joy to read. I loved Jaren and Tarlia
are such awesome characters. They have awesome
character growth and go through so much in the novel.
Tarlia is really strong. Even though she seems really
sheltered in the beginning, she is far from it. I liked
that she stood up for her beliefs and never let anyone
boss her. Yes, a lot of circumstances might make her
passive but she never backed down.
Jaren is a really complicated character. I enjoyed
reading this POV because you could understand where
he is getting from. He isn't perfect and has a lot to
grow. I loved that he respected Talia but also really
cared for her. You could see that he is incredibly self
aware of the work. His introspective personality is
wonderful.
The romance in this book is awesome. I loved that
there was a lot of communication. Even though the
relationship is a bit more physical at first, it is healthy. I
liked the steamy scenes a lot. Additionally, the pacing
was awesome. I liked that the characters had to know
each other. They simply didn't just kiss and fall in love.
In fact, their relationship is a really good slow burn
that I cannot wait to see pick up in later books.
The world building in this book is also really unique. I
enjoyed the fae lore and the whole legends and
prophecy. The human and fae politics in this book are
really unique.
In summary, this is an awesome book. Go check it out.
This book is such a joy to read. I loved Jaren and Tarlia
are such awesome characters. They have awesome
character growth and go through so much in the novel.
Tarlia is really strong. Even though she seems really
sheltered in the beginning, she is far from it. I liked
that she stood up for her beliefs and never let anyone
boss her. Yes, a lot of circumstances might make her
passive but she never backed down.
Jaren is a really complicated character. I enjoyed
reading this POV because you could understand where
he is getting from. He isn't perfect and has a lot to
grow. I loved that he respected Talia but also really
cared for her. You could see that he is incredibly self
aware of the work. His introspective personality is
wonderful.
The romance in this book is awesome. I loved that
there was a lot of communication. Even though the
relationship is a bit more physical at first, it is healthy. I
liked the steamy scenes a lot. Additionally, the pacing
was awesome. I liked that the characters had to know
each other. They simply didn't just kiss and fall in love.
In fact, their relationship is a really good slow burn
that I cannot wait to see pick up in later books.
The world building in this book is also really unique. I
enjoyed the fae lore and the whole legends and
prophecy. The human and fae politics in this book are
really unique.
In summary, this is an awesome book. Go check it out.
May 23, 2025
What a ride!! I want more!
This is such a GREAT story. This is not your typical "oh, our FMC is secluded but secretly badass and our morally grey hero is just misunderstood". No no....our secluded princess is VERY naive and our "hero" is anything but a hero. And their journey is delicious.
Saying Tarlia is naive is not a bad thing..it's realistic. She's been hidden away her whole life and she's learning as she goes. However, she questions things and this is where she shines.
Jaren is very morally grey, dare I say....morally black. He is not noble, he is not selfless, and he is not fighting for the good of the people. No no, Jaren is everything that you see in the villain in the story. But there are small moments where you see his humanity that makes you think "we can fix him!"
This story is a great mix of being fast-paced while hitting every detail that you need. The world building here is awesome, and the characters are extremely fae and may as well all be mysteries.
This book comes to a chaotic end and there IS a cliffhanger, and I am beyond excited to see what else is to come Beyond the Mists.
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
This is such a GREAT story. This is not your typical "oh, our FMC is secluded but secretly badass and our morally grey hero is just misunderstood". No no....our secluded princess is VERY naive and our "hero" is anything but a hero. And their journey is delicious.
Saying Tarlia is naive is not a bad thing..it's realistic. She's been hidden away her whole life and she's learning as she goes. However, she questions things and this is where she shines.
Jaren is very morally grey, dare I say....morally black. He is not noble, he is not selfless, and he is not fighting for the good of the people. No no, Jaren is everything that you see in the villain in the story. But there are small moments where you see his humanity that makes you think "we can fix him!"
This story is a great mix of being fast-paced while hitting every detail that you need. The world building here is awesome, and the characters are extremely fae and may as well all be mysteries.
This book comes to a chaotic end and there IS a cliffhanger, and I am beyond excited to see what else is to come Beyond the Mists.
overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
September 28, 2022
I have read and loved a lot of books from L J Swallow and this is just as brilliant. It’s the first fantasy book of hers I’ve read and wow I can’t begin to describe how much I loved it. It has the same brilliantly detailed world and characters that I’m used to and I loved the story. I don’t know how she thinks of these books but I’m so glad she does. My heart broke for Tarlia on many occasions during this book and I have to admit to being gutted at the end due to what happens to her and the people around her. As if she hasn’t gone through enough during her childhood and after the flowers change she then has to deal with new situations equally out of her control. Brilliantly addictive book and can’t wait for the next book. I’m not sure I’m emotionally ready but I need to know the answers to my questions. If you love Fae heroes that aren’t 100% true hero with a human woman who is also not what everyone thinks she is then this is the book for you. You won’t regret it.
March 28, 2025
DNF @ 84% - I really wanted to finish this book. 1 enjoyed it up until the last 20% the main characters became too repetitive especially the FMC which the author probably realised which is why she switched POV near the end to gain insight to the MMC and his plans. Unfortunately while it was good to get his perspective it wasn’t enough for me to finish. I found that I simply did not care what happens or how it ends. Other Goodreads reviews say it ends on a cliffhanger and that's enough for me. The FMC is very much a naive human but the repetition of her doubts without pressing further when she believes she’s being deceived became tiring for me. Maybe this is explored further into the series but at 85% I wont be finishing.
September 22, 2022
The author articulates a fae tale of light and dark.
Tarlia is a bit naive (due to her isolation) which plays into not knowing who she really is. Jaren a prince who follows a prophecy to be king. Along the way we learn more about these main characters yet the carefully thought out plot by the author does not give to much away. The intensity of the situation continues to grow then BOOM a cliff hanger. To be fair we knew it was coming and it is sure to have the reader coming back for more.
Great beginning to what is sure to monumental ending. Shouts out to LJ Swallow for knowing exactly what her readers need and love!
Tarlia is a bit naive (due to her isolation) which plays into not knowing who she really is. Jaren a prince who follows a prophecy to be king. Along the way we learn more about these main characters yet the carefully thought out plot by the author does not give to much away. The intensity of the situation continues to grow then BOOM a cliff hanger. To be fair we knew it was coming and it is sure to have the reader coming back for more.
Great beginning to what is sure to monumental ending. Shouts out to LJ Swallow for knowing exactly what her readers need and love!
September 12, 2022
This is probably my absolute favorite LJ Swallow book ever!!! The loosely related Rapunzel retelling is different in a way I never expected! Jaren and Tarlia are gold together. I love them and this story!!! That ending killed me and I need the next book soon! I loved this book!!! I highly recommend it to all fantasy book lovers! If you’re a fan of Elise Kova, Sylvia Mercedes, or Sarah J. Maas then this book is what you’re looking for!
September 15, 2022
Holy moly what a ride. This was such a great beginning to the story. Its been a while since ivevtead a good fantasy book and never one based on a Repunzel retelling. It was an interesting and unique plot that kept me on my toes. I loved watching Tarlia learn to stand on her own. Her struggle and determination. I absolutely loved Tarlia and Jaren, their story and was not ready for that ending. I can't wait to delve back into Tarlia and Jaren's story in the next book.
May 29, 2023
Phew. This book was well written but dark. It’s definitely the first of a series as there’s a lot of development and set up, but not a lot of actual action.
I had issues with the treatment of Tarlia throughout the book. She went from being controlled by one man to controlled by another to… It was very frustrating how things just happened to her and she was along for the ride. Also major issues with Jaren, who hits a lot of check marks for controlling/abusive.
I had issues with the treatment of Tarlia throughout the book. She went from being controlled by one man to controlled by another to… It was very frustrating how things just happened to her and she was along for the ride. Also major issues with Jaren, who hits a lot of check marks for controlling/abusive.
May 15, 2024
Fantastic book, a fantasy romance, and betrayal
A court beyond the miss is a wonderful book about princess locked in a tower, and the man who will save her, the truth of human royalty, and the price of trusting a Fae. Tarlia’s journey is harrowing. Learning to trust, love, and the cost of freedom. Learning what friendship is, about a new world, and what she’ll do to keep her freedom.
A court beyond the miss is a wonderful book about princess locked in a tower, and the man who will save her, the truth of human royalty, and the price of trusting a Fae. Tarlia’s journey is harrowing. Learning to trust, love, and the cost of freedom. Learning what friendship is, about a new world, and what she’ll do to keep her freedom.
September 2, 2022
A sheltered princess who has been lied to her entire life and has been abused she refuses to let anyone else cage her! This book will take you on an emotional journey watching Tarlia discover who she really is and what that means for the people she cares about. I loved this book I devoured it in one sitting!
September 10, 2022
I really liked this.
A princess trapped in a court behind thorns who is in her twenties and has never left the grounds.
Not the typical pretty princess as she has been scarred all over by the thorns.
It moves very quickly within the story and it gets very intriguing very quickly and a lot happens in a short space of time with some spice and darkness making it a very interesting read.
A princess trapped in a court behind thorns who is in her twenties and has never left the grounds.
Not the typical pretty princess as she has been scarred all over by the thorns.
It moves very quickly within the story and it gets very intriguing very quickly and a lot happens in a short space of time with some spice and darkness making it a very interesting read.
September 13, 2022
A sheltered princess and a fae princess who could be her demise this is not your typical love story it will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more this has to be my favourite book so far. Things are not what they appear and there' always seems to be trouble around every corner aboustly loved it
October 19, 2022
Umm what just happened
I mean yes I kinda saw this coming but this book was going so slow at times but the mystery kept me intrigued. The ending was wild and very fast paced, I would like to read the 2nd book as long as it doesn't take ages. I hope they can save him. But it might be too late.
I mean yes I kinda saw this coming but this book was going so slow at times but the mystery kept me intrigued. The ending was wild and very fast paced, I would like to read the 2nd book as long as it doesn't take ages. I hope they can save him. But it might be too late.
April 11, 2025
Honestly good plot line and I'm curious to find out what happens next but I just felt intensely frustrated all the way through this book. I didn't Connor much with the main character romance and that made the spice just a slog. Maybe that was the intention but I finished this book feeling unsatisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
This was kind of a mess. I get the whole Rapunzel retelling but Jaren was pretty toxic from the beginning. "We're fated and you love me but you just haven't realized it yet. I'll wait for you to come around but wait no I won't" and then he turns evil? Like..... I usually finish a book in a day or two. This took me two whole weeks because it was just so uninteresting I should have DNFd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2022
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the transition that subtley grew in the lead characters as my reading progressed through the back. This book kept my attention the whole way through and I wanted to keep reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the transition that subtley grew in the lead characters as my reading progressed through the back. This book kept my attention the whole way through and I wanted to keep reading.
October 9, 2022
A Court Beyond the Mists
LJ Swallow has done it again. This story is entertaining and full of magical activity. I’m looking forward to enjoying book 2 in the series hopefully very soon.
LJ Swallow has done it again. This story is entertaining and full of magical activity. I’m looking forward to enjoying book 2 in the series hopefully very soon.
September 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book just couldn't put it down. The emotional roller coaster it will take you on while the fmc grows to who she wants to be is amazing. Would recommend
September 28, 2022
It's was really really good. I loved it 😍
April 16, 2023
DNF 31%
May 2, 2023
This was the most boring couple I’ve read.
July 28, 2023
Truthfully I got to the 50th chapter and lost interest, it became a chore to read so I didnt finish yet.
November 21, 2023
Amazing
Wow, this book has such incredible world building, I couldn't put it down. It ends on a cliffhanger. I love how the FML grew to be stronger in the book.
Wow, this book has such incredible world building, I couldn't put it down. It ends on a cliffhanger. I love how the FML grew to be stronger in the book.
February 9, 2024
Dnf 30%
Why are we running? They need to slow down and take a breather
Why are we running? They need to slow down and take a breather
August 14, 2024
So many emotions
May 23, 2025
This book ends in the middle of the climax or a paragraph after? it was odd.
I'm not interested enough to read the next book in the series.
I'm not interested enough to read the next book in the series.
October 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I did find it lulled for a bit in the middle and I had put it down for some time. But the last 1/4 really picked up and I became very interested. I really hope we get to see a second book soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews