THE COURTING OF BRISTOL KEATS
[Book 1/2]
by Mary E Pearson
Thank you to NetGalley + Macmillan Audio for an audiobook arc of this novel, narrated by Brittany Pressley
OUT November 12 2024

When I was younger I loved Urban Fantasy — even though I consumed most of that via film + tv. I think, because of that, I do find myself still picking up the occasional novel just to feel that familiar wave of nostalgia to be back in a world where magic is possible. I especially gravitate towards faeries. ‘The Courting of Bristol Keats’ is the first in an adult duology (of the same name) that features gods, monsters and fairies and a main character who has a connection to the world of fae. Bristol Keats and her sisters are doing their best to get by in their small town since the loss of both of their parents when she is lured into a greater scheme by letters from a mysterious aunt and the idea of financial security. Bristol’s sister, Harper, (7 years younger) is bookish and practical and I really liked her. I would love to have had more time with her but when she does punctuate the story it’s great.

This book is pretty long, like 560 pages (and over 16 hours) but it just keeps that plot moving! That’s something that I especially appreciate in an urban fantasy as opposed to all other genres. It’s entertaining, colorful, high stakes. There isn’t a lot of description but I, even with my limited consumption of stories like this, I had a pretty good idea of the basis for the world and my imagination fulled in the rest. I actually think this was a smart choice by the author, since the book is so lengthy. The romance aspect is enemies to lovers and while it was a bit predictable, I don’t necessarily think that’s bad either… maybe even the point. And it was cute.

As far as the audiobook, specifically: Brittany Pressley did a great job. She is so animated and switches up the voices regularly which makes for a really enjoyable and easy to follow listen. I had a nice time flipping this on and disassociating from my mundane housework and letting my imagination run wild on my walk.

I do think I’m going to pick up the sequel — which is a bit wild for me who NEVER reads series anymore. I’ve not read her other work but for me this was enjoyable.

This was a fun book. I don't usually care for fae fantasy as its so over done but this one wasn't so bad. The story wasn't totally unique but it has a vibe similar to an early 2000s fantasy almost like A Series of Unfortunate Events. I'm not sure why but it definitely has that vibe. I actually quit enjoyed this and I'll definitely read the next one.

The audiobook narration in this was good, i enjoyed the narrator and how well she was able to change voices and how for the most part I wasn't confused about what character was speaking and having a scene. The story itself was good it follows the fmc Bristol as she goes into a fae world to find her dad who was previously thought to have passed away. This book has monsters, fa, evil villains, a hot king who is the fmc enemy at first, and a cast of characters. When the fmc reaches the Fae land there are many secrets about trolls why her dad is missing and kingdom politics that she gets imbedded in. The romance was cute I liked it especially when they are together towards the third act of the book. The worldbuilding and descriptions on the other hand wasn't sufficient. I really have no idea how the world works or what any of the characters look like to picture anything. The ending was different but I am still intrigued about what will happen next. Thanks to the publisher for this ALC.