Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Margaret K. McElderry Books (2017), 304 pages
Description
Fantasy. Romance. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML:An instant New York Times bestseller! An Indie Next Top 10 Pick A Parents' Choice Silver Honor Winner "A funny, action-packed, and sweet romance." �??School Library Journal (starred review) "A phenomenal read." �??RT Book Reviews A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts�??even as she falls in love with a faerie prince�??in this gorgeous bestseller that's "an ideal pick for fans of Holly Black, Maggie Stiefvater, and Laini Taylor" (Publishers Weekly, starred review). Isobel is an artistic prodigy with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel's paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron�??Rook, the autumn prince�??she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes�??a weakness that could cost him his life. Furious, Rook spirits her away to his kingdom to stand trial for her crime. But something is seriously wrong in his world, and they are attacked from every side. With Isobel and Rook depending on each other for survival, their alliance blossoms into trust, then love�??and that love violates the fair folks' ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member titania86
Isobel is one of the most sought after portrait artists in Whimsy, a city between the human and fae lands. She lives there with her aunt Emma and her sister March and May, twin girls who used to be goats before the fair folk changed their lives. Isobel supports her family with her Craft and is paid
An Enchantment of Ravens is my favorite read of this year. The writing is poetic, the worldbuilding dazzles, plus the characters and romance are well developed. Right from the beginning of the novel. I was sucked into the story right from the beginning because of Margaret Rogerson's unique world. Her take on the fair folk and the rules of her world are like nothing I've ever seen. Humans create Crafts like cooking, art, and music that the fair folk covet above all things. Fairies will die if they attempt to create anything of the sort, but surround themselves with these things anyway. The age of the Craft doesn't matter as fairies can glamour it to look as it did when it was new. The fae pay humans in enchantments that need to be carefully worded or they could ruin lives with their trickster ways. On the other hand, enchantments can provide food, protection, and other necessities for human life. Humans need to be cautious living in Whimsy because of fairy whims and all carry iron somewhere on them for protection.
The fair folk live for centuries and have no concept of time, but feel very little emotion. Human emotion is frowned upon and seen as weakness, opening up opportunites for other fae to take what they have. Despite this, the veneer of manners and composure are paramount to their kind. They have to respond to niceties like bowing, responding in kind to thank yous, and so on. The fair folk are beautiful, but alien, selfish, and cruel underneath their glamour. Each fae has one flaw in their glamour that sets them apart from humans whether it's fingers that are too long, emaciation, or height. The Spring Court is the only fairy court we see and it seems beautiful and fantastic at first until the horrific, cruel elements are revealed over time. The power of true names works both ways in this world where knowing it gives the person absolute power over another no matter if they are human or fey. Rogerson takes well known rules of fairies, gives them a twist, and adds her own unique ones to create a singular, detailed fantastical world.
The characters and their relationships are incredibly well drawn. Isobel is a practical, serious person forced to grow up early in life. She has been making portraits for the fair folk most of her life, so she has a healthy caution about them. Every time one comes in for a portrait, she's careful to be polite and as inoffensive as possible. The enchantments she earns are carefully worded because she knows their mischief could be disastrous to her and her family. Although her sisters are magicked goats, she loves them all the same and cares for them unconditionally. Over the course of the story, she demonstrates cleverness, ingenuity, and compassion. I love a heroine with a strong will, realistic familial connections, and good sense. All of her decisions are not always the best, but she has a good head on her shoulders that serves her well throughout the novel.
Her romance with Rook starts as a sudden infatuation based on his carefully crafted facade. When he shows who he truly is, Isobel understandably hates him because he's petty, vain, and inhuman. Over the course of their journey, they both reveal what's under their respective protective shells while fighting to protect each other and navigating fae lands infected with rot, fae society, and numerous enemies. Love kind of sneaks up on them when they weren't looking. Their declarations aren't poetic or idealistic and they disagree and see things they don't like in each other, but they grow to love by getting to know each other. I haven't read such a good romance in a while. The Good Law condemns fae and human lovers to death and one solution to this problem is the Green Well, which has the power to turn a human into a fairy. Isobel soundly rejects this because of all she would lose, namely her art. It's not just a interesting detail to flesh her out or be forgotten; it's an intrinsic part of her character that she isn't willing to compromise on, even in the face of the death. Her art is also used
I could write so much more about An Enchantment of Ravens because I loved every bit of it. I wanted to read it super fast to see what happened, but also wanted to savor the world slowly. I've been reading a lot lately and this one amazed me. I had to be left alone to read the last 100 pages so I could find out what happened with tears streaming down my face. I'm disappointed to see it's a stand alone novel, but I hope other stories will take place in that world. Margaret Rogerson has made me a lifelong fan with this one book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Show More
in enchantments. Her patron Gadfly, a delightful and frivolous fae, warns her of the arrival of Rook, the prince of the Autumn Court. She becomes infatuated with him during the course of painting his infuriating portrait that always has something off around the eyes. Finally figuring out the detail, she sends along the painting only to find later that she depicted a deep, human sorrow in his eyes. He abducts her from her house and plans to take her to his realm to stand trial for the transgression, only to be taken way off course by fairy beasts, creeping rot, the Wild Hunt, and other assorted chaos. Will Isobel ever make it back home to her family? Will Rook ever gain back his people's respect?An Enchantment of Ravens is my favorite read of this year. The writing is poetic, the worldbuilding dazzles, plus the characters and romance are well developed. Right from the beginning of the novel. I was sucked into the story right from the beginning because of Margaret Rogerson's unique world. Her take on the fair folk and the rules of her world are like nothing I've ever seen. Humans create Crafts like cooking, art, and music that the fair folk covet above all things. Fairies will die if they attempt to create anything of the sort, but surround themselves with these things anyway. The age of the Craft doesn't matter as fairies can glamour it to look as it did when it was new. The fae pay humans in enchantments that need to be carefully worded or they could ruin lives with their trickster ways. On the other hand, enchantments can provide food, protection, and other necessities for human life. Humans need to be cautious living in Whimsy because of fairy whims and all carry iron somewhere on them for protection.
The fair folk live for centuries and have no concept of time, but feel very little emotion. Human emotion is frowned upon and seen as weakness, opening up opportunites for other fae to take what they have. Despite this, the veneer of manners and composure are paramount to their kind. They have to respond to niceties like bowing, responding in kind to thank yous, and so on. The fair folk are beautiful, but alien, selfish, and cruel underneath their glamour. Each fae has one flaw in their glamour that sets them apart from humans whether it's fingers that are too long, emaciation, or height. The Spring Court is the only fairy court we see and it seems beautiful and fantastic at first until the horrific, cruel elements are revealed over time. The power of true names works both ways in this world where knowing it gives the person absolute power over another no matter if they are human or fey. Rogerson takes well known rules of fairies, gives them a twist, and adds her own unique ones to create a singular, detailed fantastical world.
The characters and their relationships are incredibly well drawn. Isobel is a practical, serious person forced to grow up early in life. She has been making portraits for the fair folk most of her life, so she has a healthy caution about them. Every time one comes in for a portrait, she's careful to be polite and as inoffensive as possible. The enchantments she earns are carefully worded because she knows their mischief could be disastrous to her and her family. Although her sisters are magicked goats, she loves them all the same and cares for them unconditionally. Over the course of the story, she demonstrates cleverness, ingenuity, and compassion. I love a heroine with a strong will, realistic familial connections, and good sense. All of her decisions are not always the best, but she has a good head on her shoulders that serves her well throughout the novel.
Her romance with Rook starts as a sudden infatuation based on his carefully crafted facade. When he shows who he truly is, Isobel understandably hates him because he's petty, vain, and inhuman. Over the course of their journey, they both reveal what's under their respective protective shells while fighting to protect each other and navigating fae lands infected with rot, fae society, and numerous enemies. Love kind of sneaks up on them when they weren't looking. Their declarations aren't poetic or idealistic and they disagree and see things they don't like in each other, but they grow to love by getting to know each other. I haven't read such a good romance in a while. The Good Law condemns fae and human lovers to death and one solution to this problem is the Green Well, which has the power to turn a human into a fairy. Isobel soundly rejects this because of all she would lose, namely her art. It's not just a interesting detail to flesh her out or be forgotten; it's an intrinsic part of her character that she isn't willing to compromise on, even in the face of the death. Her art is also used
I could write so much more about An Enchantment of Ravens because I loved every bit of it. I wanted to read it super fast to see what happened, but also wanted to savor the world slowly. I've been reading a lot lately and this one amazed me. I had to be left alone to read the last 100 pages so I could find out what happened with tears streaming down my face. I'm disappointed to see it's a stand alone novel, but I hope other stories will take place in that world. Margaret Rogerson has made me a lifelong fan with this one book and I can't recommend it highly enough.
Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
I got this book through the Amazon Vine program to review. This book starts out a bit slow but ended up being a very engaging and enchanting read involving fae and a young adult heroine who can paint (perform a Craft).
This book is heavy on romance but it is a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading
There is a lot of mythology in here as well as some beautiful imagery. I would recommend to those who enjoy fae themed books with some sweet romance.
Overall this was a fantastic read that I really found to be magical and enjoyable. I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy that involves fae and who don’t mind some romance in the story as well. This was a beautiful and creative story.
This book is heavy on romance but it is a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading
Show More
about. It also involves our heroine using her Craft to make these emotionless fae actually feel something, which was thought-provoking.There is a lot of mythology in here as well as some beautiful imagery. I would recommend to those who enjoy fae themed books with some sweet romance.
Overall this was a fantastic read that I really found to be magical and enjoyable. I would recommend to those who enjoy fantasy that involves fae and who don’t mind some romance in the story as well. This was a beautiful and creative story.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PattyLouise
An Enchantment Of Ravens
By
Margaret Rogerson
What it's all about...
Isobel paints portraits of faeries. They come to her house...in the town of Whimsy...where she lives with her Aunt Emma and these adopted twins. Have I mentioned that the twins used to be goats until they were turned into real
Why I wanted to read it...
I loved the cover and the idea of this story.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Rook and Isobel fall in love and this causes their great adventure to begin...they are on the run from tons of really evil faeries. Rook can transform into different creatures...Ravens and a magnificent huge horse being just a few of them. There is humor in this book...which I loved. I loved the adventure. Faeries in their true form can be really scary and ugly looking. That part was a bit unnerving.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love fantasy and adventure should love this book. Isobel was a unique and charming character.
My copy of this book came from Amazon Vine.
By
Margaret Rogerson
What it's all about...
Isobel paints portraits of faeries. They come to her house...in the town of Whimsy...where she lives with her Aunt Emma and these adopted twins. Have I mentioned that the twins used to be goats until they were turned into real
Show More
kids/children by these faeries? Whimsy is an enchanted town...it doesn’t really have seasons and everything seems to stay the same there. So...Isobel just happens to paint the eyes of a very handsome fae prince...Rook...in a way that makes all of the other faeries want to kill him and Isobel. Thus the adventure begins! Why I wanted to read it...
I loved the cover and the idea of this story.
What made me truly enjoy this book...
Rook and Isobel fall in love and this causes their great adventure to begin...they are on the run from tons of really evil faeries. Rook can transform into different creatures...Ravens and a magnificent huge horse being just a few of them. There is humor in this book...which I loved. I loved the adventure. Faeries in their true form can be really scary and ugly looking. That part was a bit unnerving.
Why you should read it, too...
Readers who love fantasy and adventure should love this book. Isobel was a unique and charming character.
My copy of this book came from Amazon Vine.
Show Less
LibraryThing member N.W.Moors
Isobel lives in Whimsey and earns her living by the Craft of portrait painting the fair folk who live nearby. The fair folk crave the Craft of humans and pay for what the humans can give them with sometimes devious enchantments. When Rook, prince of the Autumn court, comes for a sitting, Isobel
This is such a charming story. It reminds me of books by Charles de Lint or Patricia McKillip. The writing is superb, perfect for the genre. It's YA, but readers of any age will enjoy this story.
The worldbuilding depends to some extent on the traditional fairy courts with the different seasons. But the writing is so lyrical and descriptive that the reader is instantly enthralled:
"We were in the autumnlands.
Dim as it was, the forest glowed. The golden leaves flashing by blazed like sparks caught in the updraft of a fire. A scarlet carpet unrolled before us, rich and flawless as velvet. Rising from the forest floor, the black, tangled roots breathed a bluish mist that reduced the farthest trees' trunks to ghostly silhouettes, yet left their foliage's luminous hues untouched. Vivid moss speckled the branches like tarnished copper. The crisp spice of pine sap infused the cool air over a musty perfume of dry leaves."
Ms. Rogerson is equally as descriptive when the scene is a fairy ball or a dress for a masquerade. But it is the small bits, when Isobel has a pimple or needs to eat, when Rook doesn't understand her need for privacy when she goes to relieve herself, that add extra sparkle to the magic of this book. It is just delightful.
Show More
makes a mistake and paints his portrait with human sorrow showing in his eyes. Feelings are anathema to the fair folk, and Rook is furious. He kidnaps Isobel to bring her to trial before his court.This is such a charming story. It reminds me of books by Charles de Lint or Patricia McKillip. The writing is superb, perfect for the genre. It's YA, but readers of any age will enjoy this story.
The worldbuilding depends to some extent on the traditional fairy courts with the different seasons. But the writing is so lyrical and descriptive that the reader is instantly enthralled:
"We were in the autumnlands.
Dim as it was, the forest glowed. The golden leaves flashing by blazed like sparks caught in the updraft of a fire. A scarlet carpet unrolled before us, rich and flawless as velvet. Rising from the forest floor, the black, tangled roots breathed a bluish mist that reduced the farthest trees' trunks to ghostly silhouettes, yet left their foliage's luminous hues untouched. Vivid moss speckled the branches like tarnished copper. The crisp spice of pine sap infused the cool air over a musty perfume of dry leaves."
Ms. Rogerson is equally as descriptive when the scene is a fairy ball or a dress for a masquerade. But it is the small bits, when Isobel has a pimple or needs to eat, when Rook doesn't understand her need for privacy when she goes to relieve herself, that add extra sparkle to the magic of this book. It is just delightful.
Show Less
LibraryThing member rabidgummibear
3.5 I totally see why some people absolutely loved this and others hated it. It's well written and a beautiful world, but felt very rushed since the book is so short.
LibraryThing member pwaites
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson is a well written YA fantasy debut, even if it does follow some familiar patterns. Additionally, I predict that this story will appeal to fans of Holly Black.
The fae cannot create themselves, so they love mortals’ crafts. The rising star of mortal
So, when I first started this one I could tell based on the synopsis that it might fall into the “magical guy/mundane girl” pattern that you see a lot with YA literature (or adult SFF really). I was right. It’s not my favorite trope, and I feel like Isobel was sort of being carried along by the plot instead of driving it for a lot of the book. However, she does ultimately demonstrate agency and importance at the very end. Hooray for agency!
Unfortunately, I was still “eh” on the romance. It’s not just that it falls into a pattern that I’m tired of, but I’m also just not invested in the relationship at all. Look, I don’t usually get invested in reading about romantic relationships, so this could be mostly on me. But I also did feel like the relationship ended up moving really fast and was being more told than shown. Also, the romance plot is super relevant to the main plot of the book, if not THE main plot. I’m generally not into romance centered story lines, so An Enchantment of Ravens wasn’t working for me for numerous reasons.
I also can’t help wondering what was so special about Rook. Why is he different from the other fae? How is he able to feel human emotion and even fall in love? These questions are never answered or even considered, and the book always presents him as unique, with no other specific examples of romances involving fae.
On the bright side, I did think An Enchantment of Ravens had good prose. The descriptions of nature and the realm of the fae were so pretty, and the setting was really atmospheric. I also liked that the heroine was an artist, and I got the feeling that the author had really done her research. The way the character thinks about the world and the mechanics of how she creates her colors and composes her work often touch on things familiar from my own life. Like references to paint made with eggs (egg tempera) and how pigment from blackberries changes color as it dries.
Ultimately, my main problem with An Enchantment of Ravens is something very vague and hard to define: the book needed something to make me care and to get me invested in the story. There were glimmers of possibilities with Isobel’s characters or the humorous moments with her younger sisters (who were previously goats!), but An Enchantment of Ravens never quite ended up whisking me away. I suspect this has a lot to do with my personal preferences as a reader, so others may enjoy this story a lot more than I did.
On a final note, An Enchantment of Ravens is a stand alone story, but the end leaves room for more books about these characters and world.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
The fae cannot create themselves, so they love mortals’ crafts. The rising star of mortal
Show More
craftspeople is Isobel, a wonderfully skilled portrait artist. Working for the fae is a dangerous (if potentially rewarding) game, and Isobel has always been careful. But then she gets a commission from Rook, the Autumn Prince, and makes the mistake of painting human sorrow in his eyes. He believes that Isobel did this deliberately in order to expose his weakness, and he forces Isobel to accompany him through fae lands to stand trial.So, when I first started this one I could tell based on the synopsis that it might fall into the “magical guy/mundane girl” pattern that you see a lot with YA literature (or adult SFF really). I was right. It’s not my favorite trope, and I feel like Isobel was sort of being carried along by the plot instead of driving it for a lot of the book. However, she does ultimately demonstrate agency and importance at the very end. Hooray for agency!
Unfortunately, I was still “eh” on the romance. It’s not just that it falls into a pattern that I’m tired of, but I’m also just not invested in the relationship at all. Look, I don’t usually get invested in reading about romantic relationships, so this could be mostly on me. But I also did feel like the relationship ended up moving really fast and was being more told than shown. Also, the romance plot is super relevant to the main plot of the book, if not THE main plot. I’m generally not into romance centered story lines, so An Enchantment of Ravens wasn’t working for me for numerous reasons.
I also can’t help wondering what was so special about Rook. Why is he different from the other fae? How is he able to feel human emotion and even fall in love? These questions are never answered or even considered, and the book always presents him as unique, with no other specific examples of romances involving fae.
On the bright side, I did think An Enchantment of Ravens had good prose. The descriptions of nature and the realm of the fae were so pretty, and the setting was really atmospheric. I also liked that the heroine was an artist, and I got the feeling that the author had really done her research. The way the character thinks about the world and the mechanics of how she creates her colors and composes her work often touch on things familiar from my own life. Like references to paint made with eggs (egg tempera) and how pigment from blackberries changes color as it dries.
Ultimately, my main problem with An Enchantment of Ravens is something very vague and hard to define: the book needed something to make me care and to get me invested in the story. There were glimmers of possibilities with Isobel’s characters or the humorous moments with her younger sisters (who were previously goats!), but An Enchantment of Ravens never quite ended up whisking me away. I suspect this has a lot to do with my personal preferences as a reader, so others may enjoy this story a lot more than I did.
On a final note, An Enchantment of Ravens is a stand alone story, but the end leaves room for more books about these characters and world.
Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.
I received an ARC in exchange for a free and honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Jonez
3.50
This is the Fey I wish SJM had written- dark and conceited. This book was superbly written and I was very much drawn into the world and the amazing characters in it. It should have been, it COULD have been a four star read. But, it suffered from one fatal flaw...there just wasn’t enough of
This is the Fey I wish SJM had written- dark and conceited. This book was superbly written and I was very much drawn into the world and the amazing characters in it. It should have been, it COULD have been a four star read. But, it suffered from one fatal flaw...there just wasn’t enough of
Show More
it. The world was very interesting, but it needed a bit more world building. The relationship between Rook and Isobel was lackluster because that was not properly built either. Normally I love a stand-alone (I am so tired of weak drawn out series), and I love a book that isn’t too meandering or long-winded. In this case, however, the fact that this wrapped up under 300 pages was to the detriment of the book. The plot was rushed, some areas quickly glossed over, and the most important part, the relationship between Rook and Isobel, just wasn’t as developed as it needed to be. I would have loved at least a duo-logy set in Roberson’s world, or maybe at least another 150 pages to draw some marrow from the bones of this story. Show Less
LibraryThing member Herenya
Isobel has spent years painting portraits of the fair folk. She knows to speak courteously, make bargains carefully, and avoid jeopardising her family’s safety. And then she meets the prince of the autumn court.
I have some mixed feelings about this book, which I think is due to my personal tastes
However, a lot of time is spent in the fair folk’s realm and this story leans heavily into a portrayal of the fair folk which I don’t find very appealing. I wanted to see more of Whimsey, the human town of perpetual summer on the edges of the fair folk’s world -- and I don’t know if I wanted that because of the way this story introduced but didn’t really explore this setting, or just because it would have interested more.
So, this book wasn’t everything I wanted it to be, but I would definitely recommend it if you want standalone romantic fantasy involving fair folk/faeries/fae.
And because I like Rogerson's prose, characterisation and tone, I'm going to check out whatever else she writes.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked, bending over in another futile attempt to wipe the stickiness from the apples we’d found for lunch off my fingers, and watching him suspiciously.
“I just recalled the spring court holds a ball this time of year. If we haven’t missed it, we might be able to attend.”
“Yes, that seems like the perfect thing to do while fleeing for our lives,” I said.
“Then we shall go,” he concluded, pleased.
I snorted, completely unsurprised. “Fair folk are impossible.”
“That’s irregular, coming from a human who can’t even eat a raw hare.”
I have some mixed feelings about this book, which I think is due to my personal tastes
Show More
rather than an objective assessment of quality. I really liked Isobel, with her practical streak and her passion for painting, and liked the way she describes her experiences. The people she’s closest to were quickly established as interesting, complex and individual. Rook can turn into a raven, always a quality I find intriguing in fictional characters, and I enjoyed the dynamic between him and Isobel. They develop a deeper understanding in spite, or perhaps because, of the way they sometimes baffle and annoy each other.However, a lot of time is spent in the fair folk’s realm and this story leans heavily into a portrayal of the fair folk which I don’t find very appealing. I wanted to see more of Whimsey, the human town of perpetual summer on the edges of the fair folk’s world -- and I don’t know if I wanted that because of the way this story introduced but didn’t really explore this setting, or just because it would have interested more.
So, this book wasn’t everything I wanted it to be, but I would definitely recommend it if you want standalone romantic fantasy involving fair folk/faeries/fae.
And because I like Rogerson's prose, characterisation and tone, I'm going to check out whatever else she writes.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked, bending over in another futile attempt to wipe the stickiness from the apples we’d found for lunch off my fingers, and watching him suspiciously.
“I just recalled the spring court holds a ball this time of year. If we haven’t missed it, we might be able to attend.”
“Yes, that seems like the perfect thing to do while fleeing for our lives,” I said.
“Then we shall go,” he concluded, pleased.
I snorted, completely unsurprised. “Fair folk are impossible.”
“That’s irregular, coming from a human who can’t even eat a raw hare.”
Show Less
LibraryThing member allison_s
*lies down*
Superb writing. PERFECTLY EXECUTED ROMANCE. Good work addressing power dynamics because fae/faerie/fair folk are pretty alien and f***ed up and not into personal space. Also so funny. Surprisingly so. And not forced at all. ALSO creepy as hell. The cover screams "SJM FANS WILL WET
Anyways, definitely my surprise for 2017 so far. I was expecting to read it and like it but not expecting to drag out reading it for 5 days because I didn't want to leave it.
More professional review later but literally *book jazz hands*
****Less screamy review: An absolutely perfect debut fantasy adventure that manages to present the YA ~fae romance narrative~ in a relatively fresh way. Rogerson also avoids the abusive relationship vibe that a lot of human-fae romances have and I really loved the shifting power dynamics at play between Isobel and Rook. Have no fear, Isobel can /actually/ take care of herself. Romance, humor (laugh-out-loud at points), and some real chills. Amazing. Great for fans of Maas and Kagawa, but better. Hand it to lovers of Holly Black.
Superb writing. PERFECTLY EXECUTED ROMANCE. Good work addressing power dynamics because fae/faerie/fair folk are pretty alien and f***ed up and not into personal space. Also so funny. Surprisingly so. And not forced at all. ALSO creepy as hell. The cover screams "SJM FANS WILL WET
Show More
THEMSELVES OVER THIS" but the story is very "WITCHER 3 LEVEL MOIST FORESTY SCARES AND A CINNAMON ROLL FAE PRINCE". And to top it off I reallllllllyyyyyy loved Isobel. Anyways, definitely my surprise for 2017 so far. I was expecting to read it and like it but not expecting to drag out reading it for 5 days because I didn't want to leave it.
More professional review later but literally *book jazz hands*
****Less screamy review: An absolutely perfect debut fantasy adventure that manages to present the YA ~fae romance narrative~ in a relatively fresh way. Rogerson also avoids the abusive relationship vibe that a lot of human-fae romances have and I really loved the shifting power dynamics at play between Isobel and Rook. Have no fear, Isobel can /actually/ take care of herself. Romance, humor (laugh-out-loud at points), and some real chills. Amazing. Great for fans of Maas and Kagawa, but better. Hand it to lovers of Holly Black.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Lulu0917
Lovely read! Reminded me of A Court of Thorns and Roses!
LibraryThing member Pascale1812
The synopsis is quite thorough, there are few surprises in the book. Isobel is a fun narrator, with vivid descriptions and quirky observations. The story felt like it could have been a little more engaging if there had been strong character development or a central conflict to overcome. A series of
Show More
smaller conflicts occupied the whole of the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Completely_Melanie
I think I would give this a 3.5. It was good. I enjoyed it. It didn't blow me away though. Having fairly recently finished reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and loving that, I didn't feel that this ranked as high as that.
LibraryThing member thinktink93
"I'd always scoffed at stories in which maidens pine for their absent suitors, boys they've hardly known a week and have no business falling for. Didn't they realize their lives were worth more than the dubious affection of one silly young man? That there were things to do in a world that didn't
Then it happens to you, and you understand you aren't any different from those girls after all."
This book was cute. The idea that Fae rely on humans for and made goods (clothing, paintings, books etc.) added an interest twist to the typical fairy books I've been reading.
Rook and Isobel are nice(and they make a cute couple) , but my favorite characters were March and May I want half-feral goat-child (kid) siblings (I'm not even sorry) .
Show More
revolve solely around their heartbreak?Then it happens to you, and you understand you aren't any different from those girls after all."
This book was cute. The idea that Fae rely on humans for and made goods (clothing, paintings, books etc.) added an interest twist to the typical fairy books I've been reading.
Rook and Isobel are nice
Show Less
LibraryThing member AKBouterse
I really enjoyed this! Very good story with a sweet romance. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like faerie stories where they are a bit more devious but still want a romance. I really liked the main two characters of Rook and Isobel. I did want a bit more of Isobel’s family
Show More
because they seemed very interesting but I understand why that wasn’t a major part and it certainly didn’t take away from the overall story. I almost wanted a few more romantic scenes because those scenes were so well written and I absolutely adored the dynamic of their relationship. Room was sort of petulant at first but I really liked the way he treated Isobel and the trust she was able to put in him because of that. I frequently dislike the romantic subplot of fantasy stories and wish for them to take a smaller role but I loved the way the relationship was really incorporated into the larger plot. I also loved the way crafting and the different talents of the human characters actually served a larger purpose in this world and because of that were seen as increasingly valuable. Instead of painting just being Isobels career, it can actually be a tool and defense for her. I loved that crafts were things that faeries valued because it was something they could not do. A lot of fantasy stories present the mythical creatures as all powerful so it was nice to see a story that presents clear and creepy negative characters in the all powerful faeries, even though one is involved in the romance. The author does not shy away from creating true flaws and drawbacks in being a faerie to show that becoming one will not give you new amazing powers but can actually take things away from you. Show Less
LibraryThing member KatieWrites
A fascinating and intense love story that I enjoyed very much. The protagonist doesn’t read like her age; she shows the maturity and wisdom of someone older than seventeen, and she is relatable and easy to root for. The banter between her and the other characters is well written, especially the
The reason I rate it four stars is because it was a little fast paced, (which wouldn’t be a problem for some people, but I’d like more moments with the characters), and I predicted the ending a little early on. Still, the characters and setting easily drew me in and kept me enthralled till the end.
Show More
bickering between her and Rook. The reason I rate it four stars is because it was a little fast paced, (which wouldn’t be a problem for some people, but I’d like more moments with the characters), and I predicted the ending a little early on. Still, the characters and setting easily drew me in and kept me enthralled till the end.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Tikimoof
Strangely, I loved everything but Isobel's actual declaration of love.
I wasn't paying attention to the prose until the climactic battle and then realized how lovely it was.
It met all my requirements for fairy-tale romance!
I wasn't paying attention to the prose until the climactic battle and then realized how lovely it was.
It met all my requirements for fairy-tale romance!
LibraryThing member choirchik
I was pleasantly surprised by this book and thought it was a solid, easy read. I could have easily read it in a weekend if I would have had the time. I liked both of the main characters, the story was good and I absolutely LOVED the way Isobel's crying made the fae uncomfortable, lol.
Some parts
I feel like this deserves more attention than it gets, and would love if it was a series instead of a stand alone. Even if it was just a duology; I just want to know what Rook and Isabel are doing now! Plus I need to know Isobel's real name. So Margaret, if you are reading this, which why wouldn't you be, write a follow up!!!
Some parts
Show More
were a little cheesy, but it's also YA, and that happens quite often. Could there have been more world and character building? Yes. Could the action scenes have been less jumbled and confusing? Yes. Even so, I still really enjoyed it.I feel like this deserves more attention than it gets, and would love if it was a series instead of a stand alone. Even if it was just a duology; I just want to know what Rook and Isabel are doing now! Plus I need to know Isobel's real name. So Margaret, if you are reading this, which why wouldn't you be, write a follow up!!!
Show Less
LibraryThing member acargile
I listened to this novel because I so enjoyed Rogerson's other novel.
Isobel knows the fair folk well, knowing how to negotiate in order to actually get what she wants. She maintains total control. Well, until Rook arrives. Rook, the Autumn King, wants his portrait made, which is what Isobel does
I enjoyed this fantasy novel with Isobel and Rook attracted to each other as they try to save each other from the various dangers.
Isobel knows the fair folk well, knowing how to negotiate in order to actually get what she wants. She maintains total control. Well, until Rook arrives. Rook, the Autumn King, wants his portrait made, which is what Isobel does
Show More
for the fairy folk. They end up enjoying each other's company. Isobel changes the portrait slightly when she sees an emotion in his eyes. Having already approved the painting, he leaves with the portrait only to return later absconding Isobel to stand trial for the painting. On their way to the fairy lands, Isobel and Rook discover unexpected danger. Rook also determines that he overreacted, so he now needs to make sure Isobel stays safe.I enjoyed this fantasy novel with Isobel and Rook attracted to each other as they try to save each other from the various dangers.
Show Less
LibraryThing member foggidawn
Isobel lives on the edge of Faerie, and the Fae crave the portraits she can paint of them. She bargains carefully for enchantments that will protect and provide for her family, carefully worded to avoid ill effects. When Rook, the Autumn Prince, arrives for a portrait session, things are somehow
I enjoyed this story, though it has some flaws. I liked the setting and descriptions, and the conceit that the Fae can't make art (Craft, as the book calls it, which can include things like Isobel's paintings, but also food, clothing, furniture, etc.) and therefore bargain with their human neighbors to obtain it. I thought there were some pacing issues, and I wasn't entirely convinced at the insta-love that characterizes the romantic plot. I listened to the audiobook, and I always enjoy Julia Whelan's narration, which may be part of the reason the book's shortcomings didn't bother me until after I finished listening. All in all, if you enjoy stories of humans in the faerie court, you might like this one, if the things I mentioned aren't deal-breakers for you.
Show More
different. There's something about his eyes -- sorrow, she finally realizes, an emotion that the Fae aren't supposed to be able to feel. Isobel is drawn to the faerie prince, but she knows that they cannot break the Good Law, which forbids faerie/human relationships. When the portrait, with its telling revelation of Rook's sorrow is unveiled before the court, a furious Rook returns, dragging Isobel to his court to stand trial. Surrounded by the Fae court, who can Isobel trust?I enjoyed this story, though it has some flaws. I liked the setting and descriptions, and the conceit that the Fae can't make art (Craft, as the book calls it, which can include things like Isobel's paintings, but also food, clothing, furniture, etc.) and therefore bargain with their human neighbors to obtain it. I thought there were some pacing issues, and I wasn't entirely convinced at the insta-love that characterizes the romantic plot. I listened to the audiobook, and I always enjoy Julia Whelan's narration, which may be part of the reason the book's shortcomings didn't bother me until after I finished listening. All in all, if you enjoy stories of humans in the faerie court, you might like this one, if the things I mentioned aren't deal-breakers for you.
Show Less
Awards
Ohioana Book Award (Finalist — Middle Grade & Young Adult Literature — 2018)
Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nominee — Teen — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017
Physical description
300 p.; 6 inches
ISBN
1481497588 / 9781481497589
Local notes
Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with the sinister fair folk as client, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. But when she receives her first royal patron--Rook, the autumn prince--she paints mortal sorrow in his eyes--a weakness that could cost him his life. Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to stand trial. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt's ghostly hounds and the tainted influence of the Alder King, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love--and that love violates the fair folks' ruthless laws.
A lovely romantic faery story.
A lovely romantic faery story.