Book Review
Fairydale by Veronica Lancet (Dark Historical Romantasy)
This was a struggle to get through between just the chapter lengths and confusion you have for a large chunk of the book. The confusion does end up making sense and it was a guess I had early on. The ending somehow felt a rushed, I think it might have spent a little too long in one of the different timeline then jumped back to the main one to wrap it up. I did enjoy the magic system and wish there was more of it shown. I also wanted a little more of the bonus epilogue. All in all I will be very selective with recommending this book to people.
"Never take the present for granted; never take even one moment for granted. We might be the closest thing to being immortal, but we are not invincible, nor are we infallible. We can't overestimate ourselves or how much time we have left."
"It's something I've lived with my entire life—this sense of missing something integral to my being. But it's also something I've never admitted to anyone else. To do so would make me seem ungrateful, and that is the last thing I am."
"You're right to an extent. Yes, memory does constitute the basis of a person, and their experiences shape who they are. But I also believe in intention and reaction. In that integral part of your essence that would react the same to a situation regardless of whether you were Sela, Elizabeth or Darcy."
-Secret Identity
-Fated Mates
-Morally Grey MMC
-Multiple timelines
3.5/5stars
#BookReview #bookrating #romantasy #historicalfantasy #fatedmates
Reading 'Fairydale' by Veronica Lancet was quite the journey, especially due to its intricate structure and shifting timelines. As someone who enjoys dark historical romantasy, I found the magic system intriguingly crafted, though I personally wished it was further explored to deepen the world-building. The multiple timelines initially confused me, but once I adjusted, they added a fascinating layer to the narrative and made the characters’ decisions feel more impactful. I appreciated the morally grey male main character (MMC) as it added complexity to the story and avoided typical romantic tropes. The theme of secret identity was compelling and made me think about how characters conceal parts of themselves not just for protection but also for survival in their worlds. The pacing did feel uneven at times; certain chapters stretched on which made parts of the book a bit challenging to stay engaged with, and the ending felt rushed, a sentiment I think many readers might share. The epilogue had potential to offer more closure but instead left me wanting a bit more. If you are drawn to stories involving fated mates and layered, complex characters set across different timelines, this book could be a good fit. However, be prepared for some patience with the storytelling style. I recommend it cautiously, primarily for readers who appreciate depth over straightforward romance. Overall, 'Fairydale' offers a unique blend within romantasy that provokes thought about identity, time, and connection, despite some narrative hurdles.
