5 stars This action-packed second installment to The Tainted Fae series is impossible to put down. I found myself turning pages, anxious for what might happen next while also dreading the end because I knew it wouldn’t truly be the end. Much like in the first book, for which I also received an ARC, I found myself completely enamoured with Bramble, the brownie. Every description of him was endearing, whether it was his giggle that “sounded like beetles clicking combined with the melody of a strange bird” or comparing him to “an acid trip wooden version of a parrot” perched on Riasg’s shoulder. I imagine it could have been difficult to bring an inanimate object to life, but Autumn Birt does so quite adeptly, making Bramble seem almost human in his interactions with the other characters. When Riasg found out that Bramble wanted to email Gavin back in Scotland, he was shocked to find she had an email address and access to the internet. “‘What century do you live in?’ Bramble’s laughter faded to disbelief. ‘What were you going to do, scry her?’ The little creature fell over onto the stone counter with the clatter of dropped sticks.” Even being a sarcastic little brat, he’s still adorable. Riasg was the main character of the previous book and he features heavily in this one, but the main focus is on October. She finds herself recuperating from an injury on Wind River, where she meets an odd cast of characters. Fed herbs to help her heal, as well as to help shield her from the knowledge of the magic at the farm, “October felt she was on a never-ending stoner trip. Every time she gathered her thoughts, they scattered, dissolved, or evaporated.” I thought this was a wonderful description of that feeling when you’re trying to understand and make sense of something beyond your comprehension and cannot even formulate the questions needed to clarify your thoughts. A new and significant character appears: Raven. This description is so clever: “The raven was darker even than the nighttime storm. He resembled a hole cut out of the world.” There is something very ominous about his appearance, despite the fact that he claims he wishes the residents of Wind River no harm. He seems unusually wise and possibly benign, but I still can’t get past the feeling of foreboding. I spent a good portion of the book wondering when Sgleó might begin to pivot and focus on healing. He spent a good deal of time sitting around, communicating with the local fairies and pixies, studiously ignoring Bramble and wanting very little to do with October. When he finally decides to be proactive, the transformation and means of achieving it is surprising and amazing. I’m impressed by the world-building and character development in this book. Descriptions like this one painted a vivid picture involving multiple senses: “The air pulsed against her skin and danced on her tongue with the snap of tart bubbles bursting.” Or this one: “The taste was sunlight and fragments of memory of his dear, lost homeland.” Meanwhile, characters were relatable and believable, despite an “unbelievable” premise. I was transported into the story and never doubted the “reality” presented. I can’t wait to read the next installment. February 26, 2021
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Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
September 2022
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