Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Pages: 400
Publisher: Harper Teen
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Publisher’s Synopsis:
“Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. She’s had no choice. Since childhood, she’s been haunted by visions of the Fairy King. She’s found solace only in the pages of Angharad – author Emrys Myrddin’s beloved epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, and then destroys him.
Effy’s tattered, dog-eared copy is all that’s keeping her afloat through her stifling first term at Llyr’s prestigious architecture college. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to design the late author’s house, Effy fells certain this is her destiny.
But Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task: a musty, decrepit estate on the brink of crumbling into a hungry sea. And when Effy arrives, she finds she isn’t the only one who’s made a temporary home there. Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar, is studying Myrddin’s papers and is determined to prove her favorite author is a fraud.
As the two rival students investigate the reclusive author’s legacy, piecing together clues through his letters, books, and diaries, they discover that the house’s foundation isn’t the only thing that can’t be trusted. There are dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspiring against them – and the truth may bring them both to ruin.”
My Review:
This book is going to capture the hearts of so many readers! I have read all of this author’s books to date and the growth in narrative, writing, and storytelling is such a fun journey to be a small part of. I’m convinced this author can’t write a bad book – she is an auto-buy author for me.
Effy and Preston are too freaking adorable together. From academic rivals to passionate partners, they will give you all the feels. You will be rooting for Effy every step of the way as she comes into her own confidence and success.
The writing is whimsical and the story is immersive. I love a book that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, and this one will have you second-guessing what is real at every turn. You will question the authenticity and truths of everyone as myths, legends, and stories bleed into the fabric of the world.
The world is an intriguing historical, fantastical blend. This whole book is a vibe with its mysterious, grim, eerie atmosphere. Plus, who doesn’t love a book centered around a mad writer and their legacy of weirdness?
This book also brings to light important topics for discussion that would make it a great choice for book clubs, such as: coping with trauma and abuse, historical perspectives on women’s mental health, and feminist independence (especially in the world of academia).
This is a book to get lost in. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers, and even non-fantasy readers alike. It’s a definite five star from me and I’m already anticipating what Reid has in store for us next!
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Have you read this book? Planning to add it to your TBR?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
I love a good book discussion. 🙂
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