Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Leia Stone's "House of Ash and Shadow," the first installment in the Gilded City series, marks a captivating entry into the realm of YA fantasy. This novel, rich in fae lore and romantic intrigue, follows the story of seventeen-year-old Fallon Bane, a girl cursed with a life of isolation due to a unique affliction: the touch of another human brings her unbearable pain. Stone crafts a narrative that is as much about overcoming personal adversity as it is about navigating a world brimming with magic and dark powers.

The premise of Fallon's curse is both a poignant metaphor for adolescent alienation and a literal barrier to intimacy, making her journey deeply relatable to the YA audience. Stone's exploration of Fallon's struggle, coupled with the richly imagined world of the Gilded City, elevates the novel beyond a simple fantasy tale. The narrative shines when it delves into Fallon's emotional landscape, capturing the heartache of her solitary existence and her yearning for connection.

The introduction of Ariyon Madden, a healer who challenges Fallon's understanding of her curse, injects the story with a blend of romance and mystery. The dynamic between Fallon and Ariyon is a classic grumpy-sunshine romance, filled with tension and the tantalizing possibility of love. However, the romantic subplot at times overshadows the more intriguing aspects of the novel, such as the exploration of Fallon's family history and the complexities of the fae world.

While "House of Ash and Shadow" offers an immersive fantasy experience, it occasionally succumbs to some of the genre's clichés, particularly in its depiction of the magical academy and certain character archetypes. Despite these tropes, Stone's narrative maintains its allure through brisk pacing and a well-constructed magical system.

In conclusion, Leia Stone's "House of Ash and Shadow" is a compelling start to a series that will undoubtedly capture the hearts of those who revel in stories of magic, self-discovery, and forbidden romance. Its blend of enchanting world-building and emotional depth makes it a notable addition to the YA fantasy genre. Readers who enjoy the works of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas will find themselves at home in the Gilded City.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I read leia stones other series and I was so excited when I heard about this series. The writing was very well done and I loved the romance!

I had so much fun reading this!

House of Ash and Shadow is about a girl named Fallon who is cursed to be in horrible pain anytime anyone touches her.
When I first read that in the description I thought it was like Rogue from x-mens powers in reverse. She had so much angst from having such a debilitating curse. Despite that Fallon is the sunshine in the grumpy/ sunshine ya romance. Her relationship with Ariyon takes some time to develop as he spends a lot of time in denial also being angsty.
I loved the fantasy, magic academy and all the action. The relationship Fallon has with her father is particularly touching. This had good touches of humor and overall was a.fun YA book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.