My first kiss nearly killed me—literally.
When 80% of the population is gifted with touch magic, it’s best to keep your hands—and your lips—to yourself. Especially if you’re an ungifted serf like I am. The problem is, the most dangerous guy at Gifted Fae Academy is the one I want to touch more than anything, even as I draw the attention of the school’s most gorgeous Apprentice Fae. When my … anything, even as I draw the attention of the school’s most gorgeous Apprentice Fae.
When my entry exam leads to the revelation that I may not be as Ungifted as I previously believed… well… surviving until graduation might prove harder than I thought—particularly when a certain fatal touch may be worth the risk.
If you love reading about childhood friends, enemies-to-lovers, royal and celebrity classmates, and everything Fae, then one-click today and fall into this magical new series that’s Gossip Girl meets My Hero Academia!
This Upper YA/NA series is intended for mature audiences. It contains cursing, sexual situations, bullying, and violence.
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First book in the series and it was so interesting I couldn’t put it down. Reina has had the dream of becoming a fae and no matter that she hasn’t found her gift yet, she hasn’t let her rough life break her. This book really seems to set the stage for book two, building the world, introducing the characters and a wonderful start to a plot that leaves you questioning who’s bad and who’s good. Can’t wait to see where this story goes in the next book.
I won The Fae and the Fallen in a Goodreads Giveaway recently and loved it. This urban fantasy alternates between Reina and Kai’s perspective. I like that the chapters alternate in narration between Reina and Kai, especially because Kai comes across as so unlikeable at the start of the story. When reading from his perspective, I gained much more understanding and sympathy for his character.
Kai is an ass, a bully, and his ego is huge. He definitely has issues, what with his parents high and demanding expectations, their continual absence, and their obvious disappointment in him. However, Kai continues to try to live up to their expectations. He also seems impulsive and quick to react based on emotions. Unfortunately, he is not in tune with his emotions and often acts out.
I was the ultimate dickhead, a failure…I understood why my parents never came home. I understood why I was always alone. Something was broken inside me. There was a darkness I couldn’t seem to keep at bay. If I let myself slip up again with Reina, eventually I’d break her too.”
The love triangle between Kai, Reina, and another student only seems to exacerbate Kai’s unpredictability. Though he is a mess of conflicting emotions, Kai shows moments of tenderness and affection that make you sympathize with his character. You can see the insecure and abandoned young man who puts on a tough exterior because he’s been so wounded by those he loves. Reina is the only one who sees through this facade.
Reina is a fascinating protagonist. She seems passive, especially when Kai (and others) treat her poorly. However, she’s very intuitive, especially with Kai, and she seems to know him better than he knows himself. At least, that’s why I think she doesn’t react to his taunting.
Her passivity could be construed as weakness, but I think it’s her strength. She is understanding, empathetic, compassionate, and strong. She’s idealistic and kind. This is a young woman who has experienced major trauma, including the tragic death of her parents and the constant abuse by gifted peers. However, she perseveres.
I also think she deeply loves Kai. I think he loves her too, but he struggles to define his feelings for her and instead tries to push her away. He often expresses feelings of unworthiness. Take a look at this quote, which sums up Kai’s insecurities:
“How could I ask her to choose me when I’m so unworthy? She had the chance to be with someone whole. Someone who was programmed for kindness, and I was planning on asking her to wreck it. For me. I was asking her to choose her tormentor over her savior.”
Reina is the opposite. She holds onto their past relationship and the goodness she saw in him when they were younger. She’s a better person than me. I would never have defended him and become his champion. He’s selfish, arrogant, and entitled, and the ways that he tormented her were rotten and mean. I would not have been able to look past the years of abuse to understand the reasoning behind his torment.
When the pair tests to get into the academy, one of the professors sums up the difference between Raina and Kai perfectly:
“One looking out for himself, the other striving to protect others…” She tilted her head. “Which of those sound like Fae to you?”
Another aspect of the story that I found fascinating is the interesting way the author presented differing views of their society. The people with power are revered by many. Rewarded for their gifts, they have more power, money, and influence than the serfs. This story examines the societal inequities and makes you wonder who is truly good. The line between good and evil is often blurred, and I questioned the unfair ways of their society more than once.
Some people, both fae and serfs, disagree with how society is run and want to evoke change. Though I definitely don’t agree with their methods, I can understand their desire for change. I also like that Reina and Kai see things from different perspectives. Reina is more willing to accept the ways of society, whereas Kai questions. I love books that make me think about things in new and different ways, and this part of the story did just that.
The story ends in a cliffhanger that made me immediately look for the next book in the series. I’m curious to see what happens to Reina and Kai as their paths move in different directions. I also want to learn more about Reina’s power. I have a feeling she has not experienced the full extent of her power yet and am curious how she will grow and change in the subsequent books.
A brilliant rendition of an Academy book set with two very strong characters whereby Brittni Chenelle alternates the chapters between the characters to give the reader a full and in-depth look into each character’s development. All this mixed in with magic, a tragic circumstance, and a girl rising from ashes up and you have a perfect combination for a very good book.
I really enjoyed this first book. It was well written and the story and characters were well developed. I loved the individual character personalities and seeing the relationship dynamics change and evolve through the book. The story was action packed and full of twists and turns. There was suspense, intrigue, emotion and chemistry. I’d highly recommend this book and look forward to future books!!
I received an arc for a voluntary review.
I’ve been wanting to read this series for a while now, and I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to do so! I’m really excited to write my review for you here, and work through the rest of the trilogy afterwards. Brittni Chenelle is definitely one of my favorite authors since I first read her Kingdom Cold series, and I’ve been happy with everything that I read from her so far!
Now, I love seeing Asian characters in novels like, all the time. So when I first saw Kaito as a main character, I was super excited to read it. Which, this is definitely a note to remember that Brittni Chenelle always has diverse characters in her novels, and with both the Kingdom Cold series and this one, there is a main character that has some Asian influence. Based on Kaito’s full name, I’m pretty sure that he’s Japanese, which is one of the main representations that I can relate to in novels, so that was a huge plus for me. BUT, as far as the type of person Kai is, he is definitely a jerk to Reina and the other “serfs” in his original high school. What are “serfs” you ask? Well basically they are people that don’t have any special powers like the Fae. Basically, they are defenseless against teenagers that are hell-bent on making their lives a living damn hell. And once Kai realized what his power was, he because one of those jerk Fae teenagers. His favorite target: Reina. The girl who was his first kiss and best friend… until they both experienced his power.
Now Reina: my queen, my goddess, my inspiration…
I still can’t believe that Reina took so much crap from so many people at her school! And the worst was from Kai for sure. The more you go through the book, the more you see that Kai just had this bully mentality where he didn’t want Reina to be happy unless it was because of him. He even says something like that in the book too. And he even says something along the lines of him taking much satisfaction in teaching her and the other serfs what their place is. Ugh that bothered me so much about Kai, and honestly that ending as well was pretty damn terrible! I still don’t know what to think about that, but I know that I need to read the second book to find out if everything that happened with *ahem* is actually true!
Don’t you just love when a book can keep you on the edge of your seat and still make you surprised at the very ending? I love it when a book does that. I also think that Brittni Chenelle ended it with such a perfect cliffhanger that it is really making me nervous just thinking about what is going to happen next.
Now, besides the dynamic between Reina and Kai that has gone on since middle school, the other dynamic that I really love is between Reina and Odin!! I love Odin so much, and honestly I hope that I get to see more of him in the second novel, and even the third! I have a feeling that Odin’s great guy demeanor that we got to see throughout this novel, and just how kind he was to just about everyone! Even if Kai didn’t… really take that into consideration and felt like Odin’s act was just that. An act!
Oops… wrong jerk. This one does seem like more fun though. I think I’ll keep it.
Now… I truly, truly hope that we get to see Reina’s and Odin’s relationship develop, especially since after the events of the ending of the novel really shook things up with everyone in the Academy.
Another dynamic that I really enjoyed seeing in this story was between Reina and her mentor and role model Yemoja Rue. (Also, did you know that Yemoja is the mother of all Orisha in the Yoruba spiritual pantheon. She is also called the Mother of Water, and the Patroness and Protector of Children and Fishermen Yoruba is also one of the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.) The more that they worked on developing Reina’s understanding of her power and how to use it offensively and defensively, they were also able to develop a great relationship between mentor and mentee. It also felt like Reina finally had that kind of mother-daughter relationship since Reina is technically an orphan after her parents’ accident. Or even a older sister-younger sister relationship since it’s been hard for Reina to accept the fact that her parents are gone forever. I hope that this relationship is developed more in the sequel.
All in all – which I feel like I’ve said this in almost every review – I really enjoyed this book! I’m loving the opportunity to seeing how this trilogy ends, and I’m so glad that I have another trilogy to read from Brittni Chenelle and I can’t wait to read all of her novels!
For more reviews please visit https://awindowtomysoul.com/
This is the story about Reina and Kaito. Two classmates that used to be friends, and now hate each other.
They live in a world where most people have Gifts, these are special abilities. If you were Ungifted you were called a Serf. If you had a Gift but it was not impressive, then you were a Common. But if your Gift was interesting enough, you were called an Elite and admitted in the Gifted Fae Academy, where you could train to become a Fae and defend the world (These Fae are not fairy, they are more like superheroes).
Reina’s lifelong dream has been to enter the academy, even thought her gift hadn’t manifested. But being a Serf meant you were meant to be bullied by the Gifted, and as Reina used to defend others she was a perfect target. Fortunately she had her best friend Kaito, who always won the beating in her place. This until he found his gift, and went from friend to bully…
We go from Reina’s POV to Kaito’s each chapter. This way we get to hate Kaito slightly less, but I still hate him . The only reason I could tolerate him, or even worst, Reina’s tolerance to him, was because for some reason I pictured him as Henry Golding in the movie “Last Christmas”, so I just can’t fully hate him . (I loved this movie but my heart still hurts ).
After the constant bullying from Kaito got them in real trouble at school, they decide to go to GFA and find a way to get accepted. Which was easier than expected as they met Oden Gates, an incredibly handsome a famoues apprentice of Fae, and leader of the Elite of the Elite in the acaemy, “The Noble Four”, who assured them Reina acually had a Gift, and it was amazing.
F4 from Boys Over Flowers, may be a coincidence but I just saw this scene in the book
Unfortunately for Reina, he didn’t tell her what the Gift actually was. So she was back in a school where she was considered as a Serf, while Kaito was back again at the top of the Elite.
I think Academy books are my favorite, because I was completely caught in this book in no time. I loved the descriptions, the emotions are real and the characters likeable, except for Miranda, whose only likeable part is her hair. Oden is probably my favorite so far. The world building was amazing too, and I found it pretty original. Like, there’s a “wifi girl” .
” Oh, you have a heat gift?” I asked. She shook her head. “Hot pot.” She pointed to a silver pot that had a black base and a wire that was plugged in beside her laptop.
It’s interesting that this is somehow a light read, but plays with an interesting idea about good and bad.
“Who decides who’s bad? I mean, what gives one person the right to kill and not another, and who has the power to make the choice?”
My only critic is their age. We are told they are Sophomores, and I believe that means they are around 15-16 years old. And I just think they are too sexualized for the age, they act more like 17-18 years old for me, but this may be because I’m old .
He lifted an eyebrow with a devious smile that was so alluring, if my virginity had been an object, I would have tossed it at him.
I can’t say I didn’t see the end coming, there was something quite obvious for me, but at the same time, the interesting part is how do we get there. That said, this book ends in a cliffhanger, but the saga is complete so it’s safe to read . I totally recommend it as it’s a fast and entertaining read.
PS: It reminds me a lot to BOF now that I think about it.
*I got this book as part of an ARC to review it, I will give my most honest opinion of the book*
When I started this book, I was interested but I couldn’t help but think that it was starting a little bit slow. The description of it made the book seem like it would be extremely fast-paced through the entire thing but then the beginning was slower than I imagined. After the slower beginning, I could not put this book down. It was an amazing read and I couldn’t help but want to read the rest of the series right away. Especially after the major cliffhanger at the end!
When I got this book I diden´t know what to think so my expiations were pretty low. But this book made me lose sleep becurse I had to know what happen in the next chapter. I look forward to complete this series.
I love then books have POVs so you can what the main characters think. In the begging I disliked Kai but in the end he grew on me!
Overall, this was an easy read and while the book angered me at times, the cliffhanger did a great job of making me want to move on to the next installment. I don’t appreciate how the love interests interact. While I understand how popularity works in high school and see the correlation of power to popularity, when I think romance, I think of that special, unique place that someone holds, that conquers all and explains why someone would go against the norm, like wanting to be popular, simply to follow love. I absolutely hate Kai and think Reina deserves someone genuine and dedicated to her. I root for a genuine, loving relationship with Oden and wish someone would knock Kai down to size. I was hoping that Reina’s suppressed emotion would be the cause behind her foolish, baseless desire to be with Kai and once she was healed, she’d see the light of day and make Kai kick rocks but disappointingly, it isn’t so. I love Reina! I love how she’s maintained hope and stayed the course to ensure she reached her goals. I LOVE her heart and how it’s more reflective of what a Fae should behave like. She’s special and even though teenagers are typically jealous of other’s uniqueness, I enjoy seeing them individually come around to liking and even loving Reina…as it should be. Praying Reina sees more victories and Kai receives more of his own medicine in the next book.
Excellent Start
This book was amazing. I was completely drawn in from just the first couple if chapters. As the story continued, I became more engaged and was on the edge of my seat waiting to read what happens. I pick ed this book up and was so engrossed that I read it in one sitting. I think the emotional bonds between the characters are well developed and will continue to develop as the story progresses. I can honestly say I’m excited to continue this series.
Kaito Male MC Rating : 5 Stars
Reina Female MC rating: 5 Stars
Side Character Ratings: 5 Stars
Plot rating: 5 Stars
Dialogue rating: 5 Stars
Storytelling rating: 5 Stars
End/Epilogue rating: 5 Stars
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Overall rating: 5 Stars
Know you place. Either you are special…or your not. And I’d you are not, then you are nothing. What an amazing surprise this has been for me. A new to me author…with an attention grabbing storyline. Yes, it has some givens that most academy books have…a clueless heroine, a bad boy in love, bullying. It’s the authors nuances that made this one stand on its own. To say more is to spoil it. Take the challenge. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
There is so very much to love about this book. The richness of the characters, the depth and detail of the world building, the emotion that flows into and through you. In a world where the magically gifted are separated into classes, and the non-magical “Serfs” are treated like yesterday’s garbage, we get to see two very strong characters from either extreme be thrust together time and again by happenstance and fate.
Reina and Kaito meet before either know the other is gifted, long before either of them are anything but targets for the school’s bullies. But it’s when Kaito comes into his power, in a moment of powerful emotions and vulnerability, that everything changes. A friendship devolves into rivalry, a connection is shredded almost beyond repair, but it is one fateful unforeseen moment that comes to turn both their worlds upside down again.
If you’ve read A Girl Called Firedragon by Mary Fan, you will love this book.
Reina and Kai have been the best of buds from a young age. It was a dream of both of theirs to obtain a gift and go to the Gifted Fae Academy and become a Fae to protect those lesser. One day, Kai leaned forward to kiss Reina, and she found herself twelve feet in the air…his gift showed itself. They grew apart…he became indifferent and then started bullying her. She never gave up on her dreams or hope…it paid off. After the two of them are expelled from the public school, they ended up at their dream school where they were accepted. They are both immediately sought after and infiltrated with the Elite of the school. There is a group working against the Fae who are killing them. They attack the school, and now questions are asked about Kai’s and a couple other student’s involvement after one of the Elite are killed at a dance. Who is right and wrong? How many more deaths will occur? Will Reina learn how to use her gift in time?
What an interesting and unique take on a fae read. Fun characters… except I hated Kai at the beginning of the book and he still hasn’t grown on me much. In saying that, his actions make the start of the story (that still doesn’t mean I have to like him). His actions also make a strong female character. Lots of action and a good storyline. Fun read, I’m quite interested in where the story will take us. No lag at the beginning of the book, it jumps right in and keeps you interested to the last page. Good start to the series.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is all my own thoughts and honest opinions.
OH. MY. GOD. THIS BOOK WAS PHENOMENAL. I finished it in 5 hours last night. I literally could not put it down.
While the idea of magic / powers at an academy isn’t new, this one has a fresh take on the idea that left me in a book hangover. I’m going to be honest, I always fall hard for enemies-to-lover trope. Reina and Kaito are very similar in a way to Jude and Cardan from the Folk of the Air series. I had just finished that series and I started this one, it definitely cured my hangover of their relationship.
As for the main characters:
Reina is optimistic, determined and very loyal. She is the main protagonist, powerless in and world of powers. Despite her being a “serf” (someone without powers) she holds her own and never lets anything get in her way of one day attending the Academy. She has been through some incredible trauma and is resilient in her recovery. Although, it all eventually catches up to her.
Kaito, our leading male, is egotistical, self-centered and kinda toxic to Reina. His only cares are for power and for fame. He’s had a very privileged and wealthy upbringing but that doesn’t come without consequences.
In middle school, Kaito and Reina were best friends, but that all changed when Kaito developed powers and Reina didn’t. Kaito becomes the most powerful and adored person in their school while Reina is bullied for being a “serf”. Despite the odds, both Reina and Kaito get into the Academy and face their own challenges. The Academy – a prestigious school for students with the most powerful and elite powers, with the goal to eventually become a “Fae”. Even though Reina has been bullied since her middle school years, she comes to realize that her challenges are only going to get harder as she progresses through the Academy. And Kaito isn’t welcomed with the open-arms he thought he was going to get.
I highly recommend this book / series if you love stories about enemies-to-lovers, magical powers and finding a strength when you’ve believed you had nothing but weakness.
Brittni Chenelle, thank you for this book and the rest of the series, you have made a fan out of me for life! I can’t wait to read the next 2 books!
Wow. I know there are a lot of magical academy books out there right now but I have to say that this one definitely my favorite from all the ones I have listened to. You have your bullies and your friends and soon to be lovers with so much more going on than you can imagine. The narration for this book is spot on and exactly what you would want to hear. Love it!
At an academy where talents are found, tested, revered, the Fae are the law, the protectors and superior. Then a faction comes to light that casts doubt, suspicion on beliefs, facts, truths are they all lies. Hmmm not sure yet but this the beginning of this series has now sparked my interest to see where this all leads. Will stay tuned for more from Brittni and Gifted Fae Academy.
I was gifted this audible book for a fair and review from Lessa Lamb one of the talented narrators. The other narrator was Matthew H. Longoria who also did a fantastic job.
Awesome Story & Narration Captivating & Magical!
The Fae & The Fallen
Gifted Fae Academy, Year One
By: Brittni Chenelle
Narrated by: Lessa Lamb, Matthew H. Longoria
This book is awesome and a great start to a new series. Brittni Chenelle is a new to me author and I am impressed, she created an interesting and imaginative story that grabbed my attention right from the start and held it captive straight to end. She has a great writing style, her descriptive details brings you along side the characters giving insight of everything that is going on from their perspective. Her world building and character development is amazing. The characters are likable and easy to relate to. I adored Reina, she has a lot of heart, she has not gifts and the ungifted are considered serfs, the lowest in society. Kaito Nakamaru always looked out for Reina when they were younger. Things change in HS, he comes into his powers, becomes popular and more of a bully to Reina. There is still something between them, they fight it every step. When both get expelled Reina tells him she is going to the Gift Fae Academy, she always wanted to go to GFA but she has no gifts, he tried getting in but failed. She convinces him to give it another go and when they both get in it is the start of something big not only for them but there is a lot going on in the world around them. A lot goes on in this book and there is never a dull moment. I loved how well plotted it is and easy to follow. There is plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, some thrilling and suspenseful moments and some romance. Thank you Brittni Chenelle thank you for this great story, I am looking forward to what happens next in the series, the great divide of “The Fae & The Fallen”.
I listened to the Audible edition, Lessa Lamb and Matthew H. Longoria are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They did an amazing job portraying the characters, bringing them to life giving each their own voice and personality. Lessa’s take on Reina was awesome, she sounded as I pictured her.. Matthew’s Kaito was great too. You could hear how much heart they put into their work, they capture the characters emotions and project into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this awesome listen
This was a good combination of familiar tropes and unexpected twists. The female lead found herself in an untenable situation and made an impossible decision with long term ramifications.
I did not like the male lead at all, especially when he admitted there was a part of him that enjoyed hurting the female lead. uugh – huge red flags all over this one – run away!
The series conflict was touched on, but is still unfolding. It almost reads like a superhero book more than a magic academy book from the hints of the over arcing plot. Interesting premise and series introduction. Characters felt college aged rather than the highschool age they were described as and this book does not shy away from violence or steam. Older YA/NA is a fitting description. Overall, it was an interesting read and I look forward to the next one. I’d like to see some of the supporting characters further developed.
There are tons of “academy” stories out there. It’s the new “in” style of fantasy. Much of it is trash. Some of it is pretty good. A small number are excellent. Brittni Chenelle’s The Fae & The Fallen: Gifted Fae Academy – Year One is in the elite camp of the excellent. It delivers what it promise: magic (a cool magic system where abilities are triggered by touching someone or something), romance (of various tripes: childhood friends who develop into more, friend-to-bully-to much more, enemies to lovers), academy YA angst (complete with royal and celebrity classmates), “everything Fae” in a land where Fae rule society, those without magic are nobodies – as evidence by their very label, serfs – and a group, the Fallen, is out to destroy such society by any means. You’ve got action, adventure, intrigue and suspense here layered on top of the academia, and very well done indeed, along with superb writing, a great plot, a perfect cast from Reina and Kaito (the childhood friends now enemies, at least at the start) on down and perfect world-building. I’ve not read anything by this author before, but now I’m looking forward to more. Definitely recommended.