appears to offer a captivating blend of fantasy, mythology, and self-discovery. The premise, with its elements of faeries, pegasus riders, and the looming clash between two worlds, hints at an adventurous and imaginative narrative. However, upon closer inspection, there are both strengths and weaknesses that influence the story's effectiveness.

Strengths:

1. Rich World-Building Potential:The setting of Ahnu-Endynia offers an intriguing backdrop of faeries, mystical creatures, and otherworldly realms. The idea of two worlds—Faery and Mortal—existing in parallel, with the possibility of one surviving at the expense of the other, suggests a complex and layered universe ripe for exploration. The concept of the "Betwixt," a space between the worlds, further deepens the intrigue, offering a sense of danger and mystery.

2. Character-Driven Conflict: The protagonist, Aunia, seems like a compelling character—a sixteen-year-old outcast struggling with themes of belonging and identity. Her desire to impress Mathias, a pegasus flyer, is a relatable human motivation, which grounds the story in emotional stakes. The clash of personal ambition versus unintended consequences is a universal and effective narrative device that could help engage readers.

3. High Stakes and Tension: The release of a god-like magic and the unleashing of powerful entities, such as the Boggleman and Dagel demons, raise the stakes dramatically. The immediate danger to Aunia’s friends and family creates a sense of urgency, and the conflict between the Mortal and Faery worlds provides a strong narrative through-line that promises intrigue and conflict.

1. Clarity of the Plot:The central conflict—the survival of either the Faery or Mortal world—feels somewhat underdeveloped in the description. It’s unclear how Aunia’s unintended release of the magic directly leads to this choice, or why the presence of the Boggleman, Dagel demons, and the events that follow suggest that the fate of both worlds rests on this singular incident. More context or explanation of the magic’s role and consequences would clarify the stakes and make the reader care more deeply about the outcome.

2. Overuse of Fantasy Tropes:While the world-building is rich, the story feels as though it leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes—the misunderstood outcast, a young protagonist trying to prove themselves, a magical creature (the pegasus flyer), and the classic struggle between good and evil. Without deeper originality or a fresh take on these elements, the story may risk feeling derivative, especially in a genre brimming with similar themes.

3. Character Development: motivations for releasing the Chandarion’s magic (to impress Mathias) are understandable, but they could come across as somewhat simplistic or shallow. More emotional depth or background into why Aunia feels like an outcast, or why she so desperately wants to impress Mathias, could help develop her character into a more nuanced, relatable figure. Additionally, the dynamics between Aunia and Mathias are hinted at but not fully explored in the synopsis. A more detailed look at their relationship could create more emotional stakes.

4. Pacing and Focus: With the introduction of powerful creatures like the Boggleman and the Dagel demons, it’s unclear how much of the story will be devoted to world-building versus character development. If the plot becomes too bogged down with lore and fantastical elements, it could risk losing focus on the human aspects of the story, which are often key to reader investment. Balancing world-building with character-driven narrative.

1. Tighten the Plot and Stakes: More clarity on how Aunia’s actions directly lead to the potential destruction of the worlds would strengthen the urgency. Perhaps more emphasis on the intricacies of the magic and the ancient prophecy could help deepen the plot’s significance.

2. *Character Development and Motivation: Flesh out Aunia’s backstory and her emotional journey, not just her external conflicts. This could make her decisions and growth more impactful. Additionally, a clearer emotional arc with Mathias (or other key relationships) could add layers to the story.

3. Fresh Take on Fantasy Tropes:To stand out in a genre packed with familiar elements, it would be beneficial to twist or subvert some of the typical fantasy tropes. This could involve exploring new facets of faeries, pegasus flyers, or even the "Betwixt," providing a fresh perspective on the magical and mystical.

4. Balancing World-Building and Plot:While the world of Ahnu-Endynia sounds intriguing, ensuring the plot remains focused on Aunia’s journey and emotional growth will help maintain reader engagement. Avoid over-explaining the magic system or the history of the worlds, and instead focus on showing how these elements affect the characters and the story’s progression.

This has the potential to be an engaging and immersive fantasy novel, with its intriguing premise, high stakes, and themes of belonging and identity. However, to truly shine, the story will need to provide clearer stakes, deeper character development, and a fresh take on familiar fantasy conventions. By refining these aspects, the narrative could offer a compelling journey for readers who enjoy tales of magic, destiny, and the clash between worlds.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sylvan Sword Press for the ARC.

It's such a rough start to this book, as it throws you headfirst into village politics without properly explaining the names, places, and lore within this world. I don't need the whole beginning to be exposition, but even just a little would have helped loads. The plot is slow-going, with the event teased in the blurb not happening until over halfway through the book. And the two main characters fall instantly in love with each other, something I'm not a fan of. The best part of this is the faeries and their magic, that was at least fun to read about. Otherwise, I had a hard time getting into this.

This is a really great fairytale, with interesting mythology and fascinating characters. It's a story about what happens when someone who has been raised as an outcast starts to get an idea of her proper place in the world. Into this is mixed a really sweet love story. The main story is resolved in this first volume, but there are many open questions and I'm really looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out. Well done!

I had a really hard time getting into this. I felt thrown in head first without a life raft. There was just too many names and places to keep up with and lore i couldn't keep track of. Also the main event teased in the blurb didn't hit until the second half? I feel like that should have been more prevalent for being teased how it was? This one was was just a no for me. At least the faeries were fun. Big fan of the faeries. I might come back and give this another try in a few months because I see the potential. Maybe I am just not the high fantasy girlie I thought I was and need to settle for simpler fantasy settings?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to read this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Amazon.

Enjoyable book with lots of fun fantastical elements

𑁍 Plot:
Faeries Don’t Lie presents an imaginative high fantasy narrative set in a meticulously crafted universe, enriched with its own captivating lore and a distinctive magic system. The storyline is further enhanced by the inclusion of faeries, Pegasus riders, wyverns, and a plethora of fantastical creatures, many of which are uniquely conceived for this setting.

𑁍 Writing:
The prose is lyrical, characterised by immersive descriptions that cultivate a mystical atmosphere, drawing readers into the world. While the vocabulary is rich and evocative, it can present challenges due to the extensive glossary of new terms included in the text. This complexity contributes to a slower pacing in the initial chapters, which may deter some readers. Nonetheless, the innovative approach to dialogue—featuring telepathy among species, with faeries projecting images into the minds of those who are receptive—represents a significant strength of the novel.

𑁍 Characters:
The protagonists, Aunia, a witch-in-training, and the enigmatic newcomer Mathias, are well-developed characters with intriguing backstories that make them both relatable and engaging. Their attraction is immediate, yet the romance between them unfolds gradually, adding depth to their connection. The intricate dynamics among the characters, including the faerie folk and Mathias’s Pegasus, enrich the narrative significantly. Meanwhile, the menacing Boggleman serves as a formidable antagonist, heightening the tension throughout the story.

𑁍 Impact:
Aunia’s quest to unravel the secrets of her lineage adds an emotional dimension to the plot, proving pivotal as events unfold. The action is depicted in exhilarating high-stakes battles. Meanwhile, the strategies employed by Pegasus riders highlight the harsh realities of war, compelling Mathias to question authority and wrestle with difficult decisions.

𑁍 Overall:
While the novel takes time to build momentum, it ultimately rewards perseverance with an unpredictable and vibrantly imaginative high fantasy experience. Faeries Don’t Lie is an enjoyable read, breathing fresh life into the genre with its inventive world-building and original lore.

𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍 𑁍

Genre:
⚔ High fantasy

Tropes:
⚔ Faeries
⚔ Witches
⚔ Outcast protagonist
⚔ Fantastical creatures
⚔ Magical world
⚔ High stakes adventure
⚔ Telepathy
⚔ Forbidden love
⚔ The quest
⚔ Hidden worlds
⚔ Good vs evil

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and the fantastical elements! I think this is one of those titles that grows on you the more you read it (and reread it), which I'm not complaining about. The worldbuilding was immersive and I was constantly on the edge of my seat hoping things would turn out all right!

I am very grateful as always for every opportunity to be able to read an ARC. Unfortunately Farries Don’t Lie was not something I was able to get into, I did end up DNFing the book. I felt there was too many characters and not enough flow and structure to keep the book from being overwhelming and confusing, the constant need to go back and find out who a character is ended up being distracting and pulled me out of the story.

Faeries Don't Lie by TF Burke is.a remarkable beginning to a fantasy series for young adults, in many ways reminding readers of the Harry Potter series.

After a little bit of showing off, the main leading female's is kidnapped and her village is under attack. Going on the offensive, she sets out to rescue her dad and stop the creatures that are harming her her other family members and friends, taking a few of the other magical older children with her for assistance.

Together the group of young young adults make their way into the great unknown, fighting creatures they've only heard of to save a life they love. They only hope together they will be enough.

TF Burke weaves a stunning tale of love, treachery, friendship, loyalty, magic, as well as good and evil in this tapestry we call a story. And as the tale progresses, so too does all the wonder and excitement,

.

Faeries Don’t Lie is a captivating start to what promises to be an enchanting series. The story immediately draws you in with its intriguing plot, and the world-building is both rich and immersive. The characters are well-crafted and engaging, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. This first installment lays a strong foundation, leaving readers eager for more adventures to come. I can't wait to see where the series goes next.

Faeries Don't Lie is an enchanting start to a new fantasy series. T.F. Burke weaves a captivating tale filled with magic, mystery, and intriguing characters. The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a realm where faeries and humans coexist, albeit not always peacefully. The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. If you're looking for a new fantasy series to get lost in, I highly recommend giving Faeries Don't Lie a try. You won't be disappointed.

Faeries Don’t Lie tells the story of Aunia, a 16 year old girl who accidentally releases a boggleman- a ghoul- into the world. This results in the colliding of two worlds, mortal and faerie.

Rating: 3/5 stars. ⭐️

I was really hoping I would love this book. I love fae stories most of the time and the premise of this book seemed interesting.

After reading, I could not tell you what the plot was, which is a bit confusing for me as the writing wasn’t bad. I also couldn’t name all the characters and their differences. There were too many in one place that weren’t introduced properly. Every time a new character joined the conversation I was left asking, “where did you come from.”

As I said above, the writing isn’t bad. I think this book could use a few more edits though.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sylvan Sword Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

At the end of this, I think there were too many characters, too many creatures, the plot just happened? And I didn't know how the plot just happened? It was pretty hard to follow and I know I know that it is a book about faerie but at one point for this all to be happening to a young teenager just didn't connect well to me.

Unfortunately I found the book hard to read. The red line was unclear. There were to many characters to keep track on and I couldn't get a clear vision of the world building. I get that this is a debut novel but it was weak in so many areas. Like the text quality, the characters felt to dramatic and I don't even know why they are so dramatic, as their relationships seem fragile and non-existent. The beginning need to be stronger, it needs to pull in the reader, try working on that...

Oh dear I have so much I want to say but I can't but I do like a good book with Faeries and a nice mystery.. Pegasus? Magical Creatures? Mystery? Magic.. Please feed me.. I loved Mathias and Aunia interaction.. but I have to admit that the a part of so many characters around made me feel a bit confused.. I really feel that was a lot going on.. If I like it? I did a lot really but I wished the characters around were a bit less because I had to be remembering who was who and got me a bir confused

Thank you for allowing me to read this book ARC.

Wow, this book is not for the novice fantasy reader, it is full of complicated plots, and more characters than I could keep track of. I found myself constantly having to go back and refer to who was who and what they were - and I am someone who usually loves a fantasy book.

I struggled on and finished this book, however it was one that I did find difficult to finish.

I gave this a try, although I generally read more science fiction than fantasy. This is not a book for beginners in the genre. It is intricately plotted, with a dizzying array of unusual characters moving through a classic quest plot. (The protagonist searches for her mother.) At nearly 400 pages, I could not finish it. Having said that, I think knowledgeable fantasy fans may find it very interesting indeed, thus my recommended rating.

A wonderful fantasy novel for those seeking an intriguing yet complex read.

If you enjoy books with an entire cast of characters and a complicated story, this is for you.

If you're looking for an easy read, I wouldn't recommend this book. It's slow pace, full of characters and creatures that all blur together and can be a bit confusing.

Overall, it's a fun read and a great book if it's your thing.

There were too many characters and magical creatures; in the end, everything blurred together, and I couldn't keep up.
I'm not picking up the series as it is not for me.

4.5⭐️

I received a ARC copy of this book for a honest review. This is T.F. Burke’s debut novel!

Faeries don’t lie is a story about two worlds, one human and one faerie. The heart that once ensured their balance and harmony has been broken due to some selfish choices, and one world must perish!

This story features strong characters with strong optimism and beliefs, and a cute friends to lovers romance. It’s a very easy and enjoyable read!

I can’t wait to read the next instalment!