Author: Lana Pecherczyl

Series: Fae Devils

First Published: 31 August 2024

“Maybe darkness cannot understand sunshine. But one cannot exist without the other and together, they created something beautiful.”

I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank so much to Lana for sending a copy my way!

I will try and keep my review as spoiler free as possible but just be wary if you haven’t read the first book, Castles of Nevers and Nightmares.

The only way for Willow to defeat an oppressive faerie queen is to make six villains remember they’re obsessed with her, except . . .

One hates her.

One confuses her.

One distrusts her.

One is encased in stone.

One rejects her, and,

One thinks she’s a dangerous distraction.

The task seems impossible. To make matters worse, Avorlorna’s mortal populace is starving and fodder in a looming faerie war. If they find out she’s the reason for their suffering, she’ll be dead before the Solstice Trials begin. But that’s months away. She still has time to rewrite the realm’s fate, remind six demigods they have hearts, and find the belonging she’s always yearned for.

She has time . . . until she doesn’t.

Moments before she’s thrust into the arena, she receives a chilling warning: “One will betray you. One will try to kill you.” With alliances shifting like quicksand, Willow faces an agonizing choice: fight for the love of villains or sacrifice everything for a realm that hates her.

Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god! What is that ending? I have too many questions! And what do you mean with that reveal with Emrys and Tatiana? And Puck is trying to take over. I need the next book right away! Please and thank you, Lana! Trials of Dusk and Dreams has helped cement this series as one of my all-time favourites.

Honestly, I am obsessed with this world. I love how Avorlorna, The Commonwealth of Dreams, is a more traditional fae version of Lana’s Fae Guardian world but also feels unique. We dived into the trails. They were so good and completely deadly. We get to see more of this world, which I loved seeing behind the shiny, perfect façade of the fair folk. There is danger building as creatures from the Subterranean of Nightmares are creeping in. We see that Tatiana’s slumber might not be the protection we think it is. Around the trials, Willow is trying to help the Sluagh uncover their memories so she can take down the Faerie Queen, Tatiana, free them and recover her own power. We get some point-of-view chapters from all the Sluagh. I enjoyed learning and getting to know more about the world’s politics.

My heart aches for Willow. She’s trying to get the Slaugh to remember who they are with varied success. She’s also working with her friends to find the answers while trying to protect them from trials. She’s struggling with her role in how the humans are in The Commonwealth of Dreams and is trying her hardest to make things right. She is endlessly self-sacrificing. Willow is trying to prove that she is better than the evil things she was forced to do as a child.

Ah, Bodin! Our tortured hero. He is haunted by bloody gold feathers. He feels the need to protect his brothers at all costs. He struggles with his memories to the extent that if he’s away from his brothers, he starts to forget everything and believe Tatiana’s lies.

Wow, there is so much happening with the other Slaugh. My heart still aches for Fox. Varen is the sweetest, sweet boy and deserves all the good things in life. I adore his little bee facts and love seeing how they reflect the upcoming story. I am fascinated with Legion. He seems to be five steps ahead of everybody, and now he can remember he is even more deadly. I can’t wait to see Willow’s relationship develop with him since I understand why he is holding himself back, but the weight of keeping him and his brother safe and sound must be exhausting. It was interesting to see how the hierarchy in the Sluagh works, and because of this hierarchy, poor Styx is roped into Emrys’ secrets and scheming. I do adore just how little fucks are and how carefree Styx is. And Emrys! Why? I mean, I kind of understand why, but still no! I have no idea how Willow and Emrys will get past this and develop their relationship.

Romance is slowly developing with Willow and the rest of the Slaugh. Legion is keeping her at a distance. Varen is in a manic haze most of the nights. Emrys hates her. Styx is flirty but keeps his distance. And Bodin has been ordered by Legion to see to all Willow’s needs. There was one particularly excellent steamy scene at B.A.R with Bodin, Legion and Willow, which left me needing to cool down. Also, there’s a slight omegaverse element as Willow goes into heat.

There is so much happening! Puck has clearly lost his mind. I need to know what happens next. I am feeling the book hangover coming on. I am counting down the days till the next book. If you love fantasy romance with a slow burn, why choose romance this series is for you.