ARC Review: A Feather So Black (Fair Folk, #1)

This book was provided to me by NetGalley and Orbit Books US in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Expected Publication Date: 03/12/2024

Title: A Feather So Black	Author: Lyra Selene
Series: Fair Folk	Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Orbit Books	Page Count: 496

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: sexual content, emotional abuse, gore

• Moderate: gaslighting, animal death, self harm

• Minor: 

Set in a world of perilous magic and moonlit forests, this seductive romantic fantasy tells the story of a defiant changeling, her cursed sister, and the dangerous fae lord she must defeat to save her family.

In a kingdom where magic has been lost, Fia is a rare changeling, left behind by the wicked Fair Folk when they stole the High Queen's daughter and retreated behind the locked gates of Tír na nÓg.

Most despise Fia's fae blood. But the queen raises her as a daughter and trains her to be a spy. Meanwhile, the real princess Eala is bound to Tír na nÓg, cursed to become a swan by day and only returning to her true form at night.

When a hidden gate to the realm is discovered, Fia is tasked by the queen to retrieve the princess and break her curse. But she doesn’t go alone: with her is prince Rogan, Fia's dearest childhood friend—and Eala’s betrothed.

As they journey through the forests of the Folk, where magic winds through the roots of the trees and beauty can be a deadly illusion, Fia’s mission is complicated by her feelings for the prince…and her unexpected attraction to the dark-hearted fae lord holding Eala captive. Irian might be more monster than man, but he seems to understand Fia in a way no one ever has.

Soon, Fia begins to question the truth of her mission. But time is running out to break her sister's curse. And unraveling the secrets of the past might destroy everything she has come to love.

★★★★★ — obsessed

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — spicy

A Celtic mythology retelling of Swan Lake, but our hero isn’t a prince.

A Feather So Black has quickly become my new obsession. The book is a stunningly magical blend of Celtic folklore and elements of Swan Lake, creating a beautifully mythical tale. The author, Lyra Selene, has a captivating writing style that is both magical and wondrous.

The characters are impressive, with Fia, a powerful changeling, being a standout. Raised to be one thing but destined for another, Fia is a character I found myself rooting for. Irian, on the other hand, is a complex character with a dark past, wrapped in an intriguing exterior. The book also has its fair share of spice, which adds to its appeal.

One thing I appreciate about the book is that despite being part of a series, it provided some closure. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers used merely as a ploy to get readers to pick up the next book. Thankfully, this book has made me genuinely excited and intrigued to see what happens to the characters next.

According to Waterstones, the series is set to be a trilogy. While there's no set date for the second book yet, I'm eagerly awaiting its release.

I highly recommend A Feather So Black to fans of Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas and Folk of the Air by Holly Black. It offers a unique blend of magic, myth, and romance that has left me wanting more.

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