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Books matching: hidden world of faeries

8 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 8 of 8 
  1. #1

    Once... by James Herbert
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    More sensual dark fantasy than horror, 'Once...' is a vividly written, adult fairy tale - perfect for open-minded readers who like their magic with a side of mischief and spice.

    'Once...' by James Herbert is a dark and twisted fairy tale set in the English countryside. The story follows Thom Kindred, a man in his twenties who returns to his childhood home, Little Bracken, to recuperate after a stroke. However, Thom soon discovers that he is caught in a battle between supernatural forces of good and evil, with a seductive witch named Nell Quick at the center of it all. As Thom navigates through creepy castles, mysterious woods, and encounters with fairies, he must uncover hidden agendas and face increasingly fantastic situations. The book blends elements of horror, erotic passion, and belief, creating a compelling and adult-themed escapism reading experience.

    The writing style of 'Once...' is described as wordy and descriptive, requiring a close read to fully appreciate the craftsmanship of the author, James Herbert. The book is praised for its brilliant prose, vivid imagery, and the way it weaves together horror, fantasy, and reality into a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very end.

    HE'D HAD no idea how he would feel returning to Castle Bracken after all these years. How long had it been? Sixteen, seventeen years? Yes, seventeen—he'd been ten years old when they had sent him away...
    2001
    468 pages

  2. #2
    Darkfever
    Book 1 in the series:Fever

    Darkfever - Fever by Karen Marie Moning
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    A moody, addictive urban fantasy with killer world-building and a unique heroine - if you can handle a slow build and occasional Barbie moments, you’ll be ready for a wild ride!

    In "Darkfever" by Karen Marie Moning, readers are introduced to MacKayla Lane, a young woman seeking justice for her murdered sister in Dublin, Ireland. As Mac delves into the mystery surrounding her sister's death, she discovers a hidden world of faeries and supernatural beings, where she possesses unique abilities that make her a key player in a dangerous game of intrigue and deception. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and paranormal romance, with a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves them eager for more. Moning's writing style weaves together dark themes with light moments, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with monsters, secrets, and unexpected alliances.

    It gets crazy hot in the South in the summer, but it's worth it to have such short, mild winters. I like most all seasons and climes. I can get into an overcast drizzly autumn day—great for curling up...
    2006
    414 pages

  3. #3
    Ink Exchange
    Book 2 in the series:Wicked Lovely

    Ink Exchange - Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
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    Dark, emotional, and thought-provoking - "Ink Exchange" pushes YA fantasy boundaries, but its heavy themes may not be for everyone. Great if you crave deeper, grittier faerie tales.

    'Ink Exchange' by Melissa Marr is the second book in the 'Wicked Lovely' series, focusing on Leslie, who gets a Dark Court tattoo that unknowingly leads her into the world of fey, where she becomes a siphon for the Dark Court's energy. The book delves into darker themes such as rape, personal tragedies, and sacrifices made by the ruling monarchs in the fey world. The story explores the complexities of relationships, choices, and self-value in a fantasy setting filled with various fae courts and characters.

    Leslie slipped into her school uniform and got ready as quickly as she could. She closed her bedroom door softly, staying quiet so she could get out of the house before her father woke. Being retired...
    2008
    342 pages

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wicked Lovely )

  4. #4

    Little, Big by John Crowley
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    A gorgeously written, one-of-a-kind modern fantasy classic - bewitching for those who savor style and subtlety, challenging for anyone looking for a simple, fast-moving read.

    Little, Big by John Crowley is a fantastical novel that follows the lives of the Drinkwater Barnable family, who reside in an enchanted wood with a house of many doors called Edgewood. The story weaves through generations, revealing their ties to the Faery world and the mysterious happenings within their family. Characters like Smoky Barnable, Daily Alice Drinkwater, and Auberon are central to the intricate narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is poetic, meandering, and filled with allusions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that immerses readers into a world of magic and mystery.

    A little later, remembering man's earthly origin, 'dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return,' they liked to fancy themselves bubbles of earth. When alone in the fields, with no one to see them, the...
    1981
    566 pages

  5. #5

    Jack, the Giant Killer - Jack of Kinrowan by Charles de Lint
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    A charming, fast-paced urban fantasy that delivers Celtic magic with a modern twist - perfect for a fun, quick escape, but may leave you wanting more character and world development.

    'Jack, the Giant Killer' by Charles de Lint is a modern urban fantasy novel that intertwines elements of Irish folklore with Canadian urban fantasy. The story follows the protagonist, Jacky Rowan, who discovers a magical red cap that allows her to see into the world of faeries. As she delves deeper into this mystical realm, she becomes entangled in a battle against giants and other mythical creatures. The narrative is described as a fun and entertaining ride through a blend of traditional folklore and contemporary urban settings, with a writing style that seamlessly transports readers between the realms of reality and fantasy.

    The reflection that looked back at her from the mirror wasn’t her own. Its hair was cut short and ragged like the stubble in a cornfield. Its eye make-up was smudged and the eyes themselves were red-v...
    1987
    202 pages

  6. #6
    Rosemary and Rue
    Book 1 in the series:October Daye

    Rosemary and Rue - October Daye by Seanan McGuire
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    Rosemary and Rue is a moody, immersive start to a beloved urban fantasy series that’s rich in world-building and faerie lore. While the imperfect heroine and info-heavy style can be divisive, the unique setting and memorable side characters set a strong foundation - especially if you love slow-burn series with room to grow.

    'Rosemary and Rue' is the first book in the 'October Daye' urban fantasy series by Seanan McGuire. The story follows October Toby Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, as she navigates a world of supernatural creatures in San Francisco. Toby is a private investigator who gets pulled into solving a murder mystery after being cursed and forced back into the fae world. The book explores themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience as Toby faces challenges and dangers while trying to uncover the truth behind the murder.

    The writing style in 'Rosemary and Rue' is a blend of urban fantasy and mystery with a focus on fae folklore and mythology. The plot is filled with twists and turns, featuring a flawed but strong protagonist who must overcome personal struggles and physical obstacles to solve the mystery. The book sets the stage for a richly detailed world where the fae coexist with humans, offering a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.

    THE PHONE WAS RINGING. Again. I turned my attention from the rearview mirror and glared at the cellular phone that lay jangling in my passenger seat next to a bag of Fritos and one of Gilly’s coloring...
    2009
    366 pages

  7. #7
    Midnight Never Come
    Book 1 in the series:Onyx Court

    Midnight Never Come - Onyx Court by Marie Brennan
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    A beautifully woven tapestry of history and fantasy - perfect for fans of court politics and the hidden magic beneath London's streets. Stick with it past the slow start, and you'll be rewarded with a clever, original tale.

    'Midnight Never Come' by Marie Brennan is a historical fantasy novel set in Elizabethan England, featuring a detailed and intricate faerie court hidden beneath London. The plot involves court intrigue, love, betrayal, and an interesting cast of characters, both fae and human. The writing style is praised for seamlessly merging historical fact with flights of fantasy, capturing the voice of the period with eloquent prose and suitably Elizabethan dialogue. The author expertly blurs the lines between natural and supernatural elements, creating vivid characterizations and a storyline grounded in contemporary politics and English folk tales.

    Fitful drafts of chill air blew in through the cruciform windows of the Bell Tower, and the fire did little to combat them. The chamber was ill-lit, just wan sunlight filtering in from the alcoves and...
    June 2008
    400 pages

  8. #8
    The Autumn Castle
    Book 1 in the series:Europa

    The Autumn Castle - Europa by Kim Wilkins
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    A dark, imaginative fairy tale where real-world pain and magic collide - perfect for fans of urban fantasy who like their stories with bittersweet edges and complex characters.

    The Autumn Castle is an urban fantasy novel that follows the story of Christine, a young woman living in Germany with her artist boyfriend, Jude. Christine's life takes a mystical turn when she is transported to Ewigkreis, Fairyland, where she reunites with her childhood friend Mayfridh, who is now the Fairy Queen. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, romance, and magic as Christine navigates between the real world and the enchanting Fairyland. The plot intricately weaves together the lives of various characters living in an artist colony at Hotel Mandy Z. in Berlin, each with their own secrets and desires. Kim Wilkins' writing style brings a fairy tale-like quality to the story, creating a captivating and immersive experience for the readers.

    The narrative explores the complex relationships between the characters, their struggles, and their growth throughout the story. Kim Wilkins expertly crafts a world where magic and reality intertwine, keeping the readers engaged with a blend of mystery, drama, and romance. The Autumn Castle introduces readers to a richly imagined universe where characters from different backgrounds and realms are drawn together by fate, leading to a web of lies, deception, and dark secrets that ultimately shape their destinies.

    I first conceived of the Bone Wife as a child of eight in Bremen. My mother had taken me to a traveling exhibit of puppets, dolls, and automatons in the town square. I had always been, and continue to...
    2003
    551 pages

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