This is a exciting and romantic tale that will captivate fans of fantasy and adventure, particularly those who delight in the world of faeries, faerie lore, and epic battles, making it a perfect fit for readers who crave a rich and immersive experience with a strong, determined heroine and a swoon-worthy love interest.

I almost DNF this one. It was not bad, but I was bored for most of it and just didn’t care about any of the characters or the plot.

This book follows Ara, daughter of the leader of the Wild Hunt who would love nothing more than to live quietly with her parents, but is forced to attend balls and official events because she is young and unwed, and the King wants to have her at his events. Temir is the other main character, he is a lesser fae employed by another King of the realm, and he dreams of escaping his life with his mentor and one of their friends.

The beginning of the book promised political scheming, some betrayal and spying too maybe, and overall an interesting if not original intrigue, but it fell flat. I feel that nothing relevant happened with Temir, and Ara fell into the “chosen one that is better than everyone at everything she does” category and it annoyed me. I didn’t care that much about Temir, and Ara annoyed me.

The characters all felt uni-dimensional, and the villains were evil just because they were hungry for more power. They lacked depth in general. This book also has a dual point of view, but none impressed me. The dialogues between characters were also shallow, basic, very repetitive, and simplistic in general, making it seem like the characters were young teenagers at times. I was also expecting both main characters to meet eventually, but it feels that their plotlines are totally disconnected from each other, and Temir’s chapters mostly serve to show how lesser faes in the castle were treated I guess… Honestly, his chapters became tedious after a while, and I didn’t care at all for his romance either, so that didn’t help.

Temir is a nice character, and easy to like, but we have almost no backstory on him, and it is hard to figure out his ambition and goals, besides surviving another day. It seems all he does is live one day at a time, which is understandable considering his position, but since half of the book is from his point of view, I was hoping for a more driven or interesting character. I like him, but in the end, he is nothing special or truly memorable.

Ara is a super-skilled fighter who was trained from a young age by her parents, and she is exceptionally good at everything she does. She shows us again and again how she is the better fighter, and how she is more clever than everyone around her, yet she feels bland and juvenile at times. She is also the very special prophecized one, and that is a trope I struggle with in general. The fact that the prophecy and Ara’s destiny or quest were not really detailed didn’t help either. Even Ara didn’t seem to know what was happening half of the time, as everyone kept her in the dark.

While the world-building seems interesting and detailed enough, there is a tragic lack of backstory and general history of the land. The courts and rulers are presented briefly, but we do not know about their more detailed politics (besides the fact that Queen Morwena wants to rule everyone) or their past conflicts.

There are discrepancies in the timeline, and while it might seem like minor details, I kept noticing them and it annoyed me. Ara mentions that it takes a few days to get home from the castle, but when she gets home, she talks about the party she attended the day before. Later, she is held captive for one day, but says that she has not eaten in days, after she escapes, she wonders why her parents are not anxiously waiting for her and wondering where she has been for the past few days, but she also mentioned a few pages earlier that they were not expecting her for days. As I said, it’s minor details, but it became annoying after a while.

There is a hint of romance between Temir and another character, but honestly, I didn’t feel their chemistry or attraction toward each other at all. I was told it was there, but that’s it. It also felt like insta-love. Sure, they were friends and had known each other for years, but they went from being friends (and Temir didn’t seem interested in her) to kissing, to being obsessed with each other and wishing they could spend their life together in the span of a few days only.

Overall, this book had potential and good ideas, and the first few chapters were interesting and got me hooked, but I quickly lost interest in the story as the author failed to build upon the good ideas that were presented, and the book ended up being boring and underwhelming.

Two different paths but the same goal.

Ara lost everything. Her parents, her home. To go on and see what her parents were keeping her from. Trying to keep her safe from. The only clue as to where to go is her childhood stories and rhymes.

Temir a magical less than high fae brought into the castle and raided by a man that raises him like his own child. But the king killed him and how Temir is finding anyway possible to fight back against the cruel way the king and soon to be queens are doing.

This was a pretty good book didn't enjoy the ending though if you don't like fae books with lots of politics magic and a morally grey prince then this is not for you the story was a fun audiobook

This book was an exciting journey!
The story follows two characters that are not connected (yet) and don't even know off each other's existence. This was something I had to get used to the first few chapters, especially because this causes the story to have many side characters from both MC's. If you are like me and look for connections, you will be lost, because even at the end of the story, they have not met yet. Not to say that this is a bad thing, because the story is focused on giving a throughly developed background on both characters this way.
The ARC I received was for the audio book, which was told in dual style. Both narrators have pleasant voices and use different tones and effects to make sure you will be able to follow which character is speaking. I would like to thank the author for this ARC and am curious how this tale continues in book 2!

I like me some badass fae trying to save the world from evil and corruption.

Overall this was an enjoyable audiobook and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley for audiobook and Dreamscape Media for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC!

It took me a while to get into this story. I think in part that was due to it feeling disjointed at first jumping between Ara and Temir's POVs as the two are on very different paths. Despite that I did end up liking both characters and their journeys. The high versus low fae politics felt a little heavy handed at times but I look forward to learning more in the rest of the series.

In terms of the narration, this book had dual narrators. I thought AnnaLee Scott was great and really enjoyed the character voices she brought to life. For the most part I thought Nick Mondelli did well but a few of the voices he did brought me out of the story briefly.

Overall this was an enjoyable audiobook and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

“The right book could save the world, but a sword would never do so.”

If you are in the mood for some badass fae who have had it with an evil and corrupt social system and are ready to burn it all down, this is the one for you. This feels like a fresh, somewhat new take on fae magic and I loved every single second of it. Excellent and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the audiobook!

I was so excited to be approved for this netgalley ARC since I absolutely loved Till Death by Miranda Lyn! I am typically a romantasy girl so this being more of a fantasy adventure book took me out of my comfort zone in a good way. While there was a sprinkle of romance, the story was much more focused on the adventure of our two main characters. It was a unique take to have dual POV with characters that haven’t crossed paths (at least not in this book). The ending with the Prince made me excited to see where the story goes in book two!

As for the audio, I liked the female voice actor but for some reason the male lead just wasn’t a good fit for me and made me not like that character’s POV as much.

Special thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for sharing this with me in exchange of my honest review..

Will read anything Miranda writes! I love that this book covers two different story lines and I am so excited to see where they end up!

What you can expect:
Opposing forces and story lines
Class separation (fae)
Badass FMC
Big hearted MMC
Brewing battle/war

The narrators were awesome, the book flowed perfectly.

Happy release day!! If you are missing an assassin baddie with secrets & a mysterious past (like the queen AAWG herself) THIS IS FOR YOU.
Absolutely devoured this book, Looking forward to the rest of the series!

About this listen
In the land of fae, you're either the hunter or the hunted. Ara, a high fae in the Marsh Court, was trained since birth to kill. When it comes down to it, can she sever the tendrils of her morality and do it? After being taken prisoner, she manages an escape riddled with questions, only to arrive home to absolute heartbreak. Discovering everything she knew to be a lie, she sets out on a dangerous journey to learn the truth of her upbringing. But when the hunters begin to come for her, she realizes she isn't the only one who will need her lethal skills. Meanwhile, Temir, a lesser fae in the vicious Wind Court, hates no one more than himself. Gifted with the magic of healing and therefore protected from the prejudices befallen the rest of the lesser fae, he is smothered beneath the firm hand of the northern king. But when he makes a discovery that could change the world, he must decide—produce the serum and convince the one he is falling in love with to run away with him or let fear suppress him into defeat.
One high fae, one lesser fae, one goal. Find a way to fight back

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book!

Blood and Promise
By Miranda Lyn
Narrated byAnnalee Scott, Nick Mondelli
Series Book 1, Fae Rising
Release date 01-21-25
Length 12 hrs and 28 mins
Publisher Dreamscape Media

I received this audio ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Series: Fae Rising
Audio Length: 12 hrs 28 mins
Narrators: Annalee Scott, Nick Mondelli
Audible Release Date: January 21, 2025

A fantasy fiction adventurous world of Fae, deception, a rebellion, and magic.
Trigger warnings: death, blood, violence, sexual harassment.

Started off at a slow-paced but picked up to a medium paced. The narration of this novel was well done once the paced pick up. We get multiple POVs throughout the story. The MMC is a lesser Fae with rare healing powers who has had multiple challenges in his life. He is under the king's protection. The FMC is a high Fae who is on a journey to discover her role in a prophecy.

I enjoyed Blood and Promise.

The dual narration really makes the audio! Fae Rising is a thrilling introduction to a series that promises to delve deeper into its characters and their fight for freedom. With its high-stakes adventure, morally complex heroes, and tantalizing hints of what’s to come, this is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
In the land of fae, you’re either the hunter or the hunted.” With this gripping premise, Fae Rising introduces readers to a brutal and enchanting world where survival is a skill honed from birth, and trust is a fragile luxury. The first novel in the Fae Rising trilogy promises a tale of danger, betrayal, and resilience, and it delivers with heart-pounding adventure and deep emotional stakes.

The story centers on two compelling protagonists whose lives are set on a collision course. Ara, a high fae trained as a deadly weapon in the Marsh Court, grapples with the weight of her morality and the lies that have shaped her existence. Her journey from a prisoner to a truth-seeker is fraught with heartbreak, danger, and revelations that keep the reader on edge. Ara’s inner conflict and growth are masterfully woven into the action, making her a heroine who is as vulnerable as she is formidable.

On the other side of the fae spectrum is Temir, a lesser fae in the oppressive Wind Court. Gifted with the rare magic of healing, Temir occupies a precarious position of privilege and disdain under the control of a ruthless king. His struggle to reconcile his self-loathing with his growing courage is deeply moving. His discovery—a serum with the power to alter their world—propels him into a perilous game of defiance and love.

4 Stars!
I received and ALC from Netgalley, this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The first half of this book I was HOOKED! It got a little repetitive and boring towards the second half but the ending had me in a chokehold! I would absolutely be interested in continuing this series, and cannot wait to read more by Miranda Lyn!

Blood and Promise by Miranda Lyn is a breathtaking introduction to the Fae Rising series. This young adult romantasy beautifully weaves two compelling points of view into a rich, unique world that immediately draws you in.

Ara, a high fae assassin from the Court of Marsh, is on a journey of self-discovery and justice. Despite her reserved, often anti-social demeanor—especially around other high fae—she emerges as a fierce champion for the lesser fae, challenging the societal divides ingrained in their world. Temir, a gifted healer from the oppressive Court of Wind, navigates his own struggle for freedom while quietly harboring the same ideals as Ara: that all fae, regardless of their status, deserve equality.

While Ara and Temir only have a brief encounter and remain largely unaware of each other's missions, their parallel ideologies and shared pursuit of justice leave me eager to see if they’ll join forces in future installments. The potential alliances teased—particularly between Ara and the enigmatic Prince of the Fire Court, who might not be the enemy she believes—add another layer of intrigue.

The setting is one of the book’s standout features, with Miranda Lyn crafting a world full of vivid landscapes and courtly politics that feel fresh and immersive. The tension, mystery, and slow-burn developments kept me hooked from start to finish.

As an audiobook listener, I appreciated the narrators’ engaging performances. Although their pacing was a bit slow, this made it easy to speed up playback without losing clarity, resulting in a fantastic listening experience overall.

If you’re looking for a richly layered tale with themes of identity, equality, and the fight for freedom, Blood and Promise is not to be missed. I can’t wait to see where the story leads next!

I've been putting this review off. I don't really have much to say about it. It felt really bland and didn't hold my attention a lot. It felt too much like two different books mashed together. I think as a series it might grow well but as a first book it didn't intrigue me.

Thank you so much to Miranda for the opportunity to review this title. I received this title as an audio ARC and attest that I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly.

I really, really love Miranda Lyn's book "Till Death". It was beautifully written, and it was such a unique story that she told. This book must have been her debut because none of the excitement I got from "Till Death" is shown here. I'm so happy she's grown as an author since this book, but unfortunately this particular book is not for me.

I really like the concept of the book with higher and lower Faes, but this was a very slow paced book. I really enjoyed the strong character of Ara who is a higher fae, but fights back against societies rules for the higher fae. This book also follows a second storyline through the eyes of Tamir, but I did not like his POV as much as I did Ara. I did listen to this as an audiobook and I enjoyed the female narrator over the male narrator. If you love a lot of characters and small details that you need to remember, you will enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is published on Jan 21 2025!

Great fantasy world building? Check! Interesting story? Check! Funny characters? Check!
A bit of romance, lot's of action and a gripping adventure.

Ara is this badass high Fae female maincharcter on her journey to finding the truth. Tamir is a sweet lesser Fae male maincharcter trying to figure out his magical powers.
This was a wonderful read with two storyline colliding in the end. Worked very well as an audiobook.

Post on IG the 27.jan 2025

A thanks to Netgalley for the ARC

4.5 STARS
Audiobook ARC Review

This audiobook skillfully weaves together two distinct storylines. On one hand, we follow Tamir, a secluded and enigmatic healer, while on the other, we witness Ara navigating her journey through loss, self-discovery, and uncovering revelations essential to her future. I truly appreciated Ara as a strong, independent, and formidable female protagonist.

The dual perspectives added depth to the story, offering insights into the kingdom and its characters without feeling overwhelming. This narrative structure promises an eventual convergence of the two storylines, which I anticipate eagerly.

Highlights of the audiobook:

Fast-paced storytelling: The plot moves quickly, keeping the listener engaged.
Talented narrators: Their performances brought the story and characters to life.
Engaging throughout: The audiobook maintained my interest from beginning to end.
Fantastic magical creatures: The inclusion of mythical beings enriched the world-building.
Overall, this audiobook delivered an immersive experience with compelling characters, intriguing mysteries, and vivid imagination. I look forward to seeing how these storylines intertwine in future installments.
Looking forward to book 2!