Every young woman dreams of marrying a king.Everyone except for me.Because the king I am to wed has razor sharp fangs and a thirst for blood.
All my life I knew I’d come of age during the Hundred Year Reaping. According to the ridiculous treaty, two human girls are sent to the faelands as brides for the fearsome fae king and his devilish younger brother.
Not me. I was supposed to be safe. Two … brother.
Not me. I was supposed to be safe. Two girls were chosen from my village already. But when they are executed for offending the king, my sister and I are sent in their place.
What a mess. Then again, maybe it’s not so bad. The younger brother I’m paired with doesn’t seem as monstrous as I’d expected. He’s delightfully handsome too. But nothing compares to the chilling, dangerous beauty of the fae king. And when my sister flees the castle and her terrifying husband-to-be, I’m left to marry him instead.
If I go through with this, I might not survive my wedding night. If I don’t, no one is safe, neither human nor fae. An ancient war will return, bringing devastation we haven’t seen in a thousand years. Can I sacrifice myself for the good of my people? Or will a dangerous desire be the death of me first?
If I don’t lose my heart, the king will certainly lose his. I’ll carve it out with an iron blade if I have to.
To Carve a Fae Heart is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy, perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and The Iron King. If you like snarky fae, brooding fae royals, sizzling romance, and fierce heroines, you’ll love this breathtaking fae fantasy.
To Carve a Fae Heart is Book One in The Fair Isle Trilogy. Stay tuned for books two and three in the series!
*This series is Upper YA/NA, intended for a mature audiences. It contains sexual situations, moderate steam, and some violence.
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This book was a lot fun and perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas. The characters were fun and well-developed, the plot was engaging and there was enough court intrigue and steaminess to keep readers on their toes. The writing was lovely and witty and definitely sucks you in. This is a great start to a new fae series!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC for review purposes.
All Evelyn wants is for her sister and her to be safe from the 100 year reaping. Evelyn goes to the faewall to leave the usual offering and runs into a Fae as she is leaving. Their confrontation leads to Evelyn putting a knife to his throat. He asks for her name and promises to tell her who the Chosen are. She goes home with a light heart knowing she and her sister are safe and makes plans to attend Surgeon school on the mainland. A week goes by and her whole life is turned around. The Chosen were killed for committing treason and Evelyn and Amelie are to replace them.
This book is a page turner with romance, hatred and betrayal with twists and turns around every page you read. I loved this book and can’t wait for the next.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Thoughts: I loved this book! Most of my current reads lately have only warranted 3-4 star ratings, and I was at the point where I thought maybe it had something to do with me. But then, I got my hands on a copy of ‘To Carve a Fae Heart’, and instantly fell in love.
I have been missing my fantasy reads, and this book was perfect for jumping back into it. Like I’ve said before, each book that Tessonja writes just gets better and better.
I loved the colorful, and in depth descriptions of the creatures, and places in this book. The world was set up so beautifully that I felt like I was there with Evelyn, a.k.a Evie.
I’m normally not the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers romance, but this one was very enjoyable. The chemistry between the love interests was believable, and steamy.
I liked Evelyn’s character. She was a strong woman, that used logic to try to explain every situation. I could definitely relate to her intelligence, and how she tried to find logical explanations for things.
Aspen, is also, one of those bad boy characters, that puts on a front to cover up his true feelings, but when he shows his vulnerable side, you fall hard for him. He will definitely be a new “book boyfriend” for many people who read this book.
This book ended on a cliff hanger, and I am so ready for Book #2.
ONE TANTALIZING EXPERIENCE!!!
Let the games begin! Tessonja doesn’t skip a beat with this skillfully composed delight laying out one unique storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up flawlessly. This action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, nailbiting, page flipping bombshell, hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. Quirky mishaps and baffling circumstances, thrusts those churning emotions into play front and center, blasting this sparkling jewel to life spectacularly. Maneuvering through the harrowing trials and challenging tribulations, noting the thrilling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that’ll bring you to your knees, keeping you riveted on a razors edge. The characters are complex and authentic with depth and traits that blend and flow, transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Incredible job Tessonja, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
I adore Fae books. They usually are about unseelie and seelie courts, the amount of the courts differ, but still the main theme is present in all books I’ve read, therefore, it is important that every new book has something unique and some heart-capturing plot that my spoiled taste-buds approve.
This book is similar to Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince series, similar to Bargainer series written by Laura Thalassa, Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series … so you see where it goes? It goes to the same bookshelf as the best of the best of the Fae kind books.
Stories about Fae kingdoms have mesmerized me since my early childhood, I just didn’t understand the concept well enough (actually, I am still having difficulties as they are very culture-specific fairy tales and my nation does not grasp the whole concept of the Fae courts etc.).
The very good things regarding the story:
1. No graphic mating rituals (they weren’t shy about the actual sexual acts, however, I am really tired of reading erotics more than story itself, so this book is like a breeze of fresh air);
2. Evie was levelheaded and strong heroine that actually grew on me and grew as a character as well;
3. Aspen – brooding alpha, but still very likable;
4. The story-line was well-known, but still interestingly told.
Definitely waiting for the next book in the series.
*I received an ARC from the author’s team and the expressed opinion is my own.
I discovered Tessonja Odette through The Shadows of Lela on audible. I loved that trilogy and have read everything that she has published. I really enjoy her style of writing that draws the reader in to her story world and makes her characters so believable you want to be their friend! This story is no different and I am so looking forward to reading more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved To Carve a Fae Heart! I seriously don’t have words to say how wonderful it is! It’s very well written and I enjoyed the world it is set in. It’s unique as far as Fae stories go because the main character, Evelyn, doesn’t believe in magic. She’s a surgeon’s apprentice, and is certain that all so-called magic can be explained by science. I found her practicality and logical thinking set her apart from a lot of heroines in books I’ve read lately. But she’s also fierce and will do anything for her family. I also really enjoyed watching her grow over the course of the story. Her character development is entirely believable, as she learns that not all she thought she knew is correct. I also loved the Fae King, Aspen! He’s sexy as heck, and sparks fly whenever he’s in the same room as Evie. Get ready to settle in for a wild ride with twists and turns along the way! I can’t recommend this book enough so if you love stories about Fae, read it now!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line was good, the character work was great, and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was a great way to start a series. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From Lala’s Book Reviews
I was drawn in instantly by this book because of not only it’s cover but because it’s recommended for those who love ACOTAR, The Cruel Prince, and The Iron King. I’ll tell you, I’m not on for The Cruel Prince, I liked the Iron Prince (but haven’t read past the first book), and love ACOTAR and all things Rhys, so I had to give it a go… and I’m so glad that I did because I read this book in a little over a day (I didn’t even read the ACOTAR series in a time like that).
I didn’t know what to expect from the fae in this book since every has their own idea of the fae and creating them each author has a different representation of them. The fae in this book is more like the ones in The Cruel Prince who lack the ability to lie buy are the masters in deception to get around that minor setback. These fae are classified into Seelie and Unseelie since the war between the fae and humans forever ago. The Seelie are the fae who enjoy the human things like food, clothing, emotions, etc., while the unseelie want to wipe the humans from existence and go back to life before when there weren’t these material things to complicate life.
Humans are taught to fear the fae since the fae are able to glamour themselves or make humans bend to their will. Humans wear special things, carry iron and salt, and even go as far as leaving sacrifices to get on their “good” side and try to keep themselves safe from the fae.
The book starts off with Evelyn go to the wall that separates the fae from the humans to give they from selecting her sister Amelie and herself from being selected for the reaping for becoming the royal fae’s bride to keep the two from what could utimaltely lead to their deaths. The night before the names are announced, Evelyn goes one last time to give a gift. Right as she’s about to leave, a fae comes and tries to get her true name; thankfully she never leaves home without her iron knife and is able to hold him off and talk him out of attacking her. She gives her name (not the true one) in exchange for the names of those who are going to be chosen for the reaping.
After hearing that it won’t be her and her sister, Evelyn is able to rest a little easier later that night. In the morning, she wakes up to a world of possibilities know that she’ll be able to leave her home to become a surgeon since all females of a certain age can’t leave home three years prior to the reaping. She’s no longer confined to her town and her mother’s belief in potions and magic. She can go off and learn how to care for those who are critically injured… until the human ambassador of the fae king comes back to their town and announces that the girls selected are dead and Evelyn and Amelie are now in line to become the wife of the king and his brother.
The King Aspen is known to be very sporadic in his choosing of seelie and unseelie. He is known for his cruel behavior and is an example as to why fae should be feared. Cobalt (the brother) is kind of a mystery to the humans putting Evelyn even more on edge, but the sisters have no other choice than to go along with Foxglove to seal their fate of marrying a fae.
After arriving at Aspen’s palace, Evelyn is on edge trying to protect herself and her sister from any harm from the fae. Amelie is quicker to get used to the lavish life of a soon to be wife of a king while Evelyn is always trying to figure out when they are going to get taken out. After spending time with Cobalt, Evelyn started accepting her fate until her sister shows up dead, and Evelyn is now supposed to marry Aspen to keep the treaty intact just when she was starting to see a future with Cobalt.
Evelyn must decide if she’s willing to marry the king who inspires nightmares to keep peace between the fae and humans without falling in the process.
Evelyn has always been the one to belief in the factual stuff like science; she doesn’t believe in any magic despite the fae and other creatures that she’s encountered and hasn’t done any since she was a young girl. She thinks that everything is as simple as the fae being the source of all evil but being in their world and seeing some of them interact with each other, there’s the slightest change of heart. Plus, being around Foxglove and Lorelei (the sister’s maiden) all the time, she releases not all of the fae are as expected.
Aspen is has the attitude of Cardan and the heart of Rhys. Aspen plays the part of a cold stoic king and has rare moments when his mask cracks and shows an array of things that makes you wonder who the real Aspen is. I’ll be honest, I felt something after the first couple of times of seeing him. Was is love? I don’t know, but something about his act called to me and vibe me Rhys vibes and made me fall for him. Much like Evelyn, my perspective of the king changed through out the book and made me realize a world without him might not be what I want.
This book has it all from learning that things aren’t always as it seems or thought to believe to embracing a new life style to some spicy scenes that will have you falling for a certain fae!
Allow a full, long day for this PG15 exploration of generational and philosophical differences, including whether and how one may prevent a war.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an early from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
Ah, what a good way to start the month! I wanted to read more Fae stories, and have wanted to read this one for about a month now, since I first heard about it. I wasn’t disappointed, in fact I loved it, and am so excited to find out what happens as the series continues. I’ll let this one remain a mystery to avoid spoilers, but some things I loved were: the mystery, and getting to know about Faerwyvae (the Fae lands), I also really enjoyed both the steamy romance, and the tension as readers struggle to guess who is friend, and who is foe (I’m also really looking forward to getting to know some of the side characters), and the lore! I really enjoyed getting to know a little about the Courts and how they were set up, and hope to learn more in the next book.
Well written. Can’t wait for the next one! Characters are great. I fell in love with Aspen and Evie. Just enough twists and turns to be surprising and engaging. I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn’t think I was going to like this book. It is not the typical kind of book I read. But I have to admit that as soon as Evie met Aspen at the wall I was hooked. I liked the characters & the magic. The story was good & can’t wait for # 2.
I absolutely loved this book. I followed Tessonja since the Lela books came out. This book was a real page turner! I couldn’t put it down. The characters are compelling, and very believable. The story is intriguing and makes you want enter their world and see what it is like. I am new to this genre and I will certainly enjoy the next book as well. I know I will reread this book while I await the second book.
I loved, loved, loved this!!! I’ve found a new to me author to adore!! Make room upon your bookshelves for this!! It’s just that enthralling!! You need this in your life!! This was the fae world and complexities that I never knew I needed!!! Holly Black doesn’t have anything comparable to Ms. Odette!! These characters are intriguing, they’re compelling, they will draw you into their world!! The enemies to lovers plot was simply delightful and delicious! Faerwyvae is a world I’d love to travel to, if only I had a king to ensure my safety. Sigh… This world is filled with danger, wit, treachery and passion!! You won’t be able to deny that Evie and Aspen must be bonded! Some of the scenes between them literally had me all melty. Total awes happening!!! All the feelings feeling as well!! Aspen is a tortured soul and he does phenomenally well at keeping the peace between the Seelie and Unseelie. The threat of war is never far away. I just really want to hug him. Evie longs for logic to rule her life, it’s her failsafe, but perhaps magic exists afterall. It’s so entertaining to watch things happen that even Evie cannot reason away! After all, she’s in the lands of the freaking fae!! I loved the different court’s roles and interactions. The dangers a human faces within Faerwyvae will keep you perched upon the edge of your seat. If you love the fae, or even if you’ve never read this genre before, you need to get lost in Faerwyvae, I promise that you’re going to embark upon an adventure!!!
I love the story of Fae creatures and humans. It is a love story between a human and a fae. it sort of reminds me of how the Hunger Games starts out with but this has a twist on its own. I am waiting for Book 2 to come out. I love all the characters. I like how the arranged marriage between Aspen and Evie have become a love interest now.
I reviewed this free from BookSprout.
Only days away from following her dream to become a surgeon, Evelyn’s dreams are dashed when she learns because of crazy circumstances she is now to travel to the fairyland and marry a royal in order to save the island she loves from a war. No matter what happens she continues to remind herself its for the good of all the humans in the island that she stuck to her guns. She is suppose to marry a prince but when next her sister disappears, plans change again and she is to be married to the queen all the while trying to figure out what happen to her sister. Will she go through with it? Will she ever learn what happened to her sister? The first part of the trilogy is filled with twist and turns that are unexpected and keep you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.