*This book was reviewed as an ARC provided to the reader for free*

If you’re looking for an addictive fantasy read, A Betrayal of Storms by Ben Alderson delivers on every front. The world-building is stunning—icy courts, golden streets, and fey politics are described so vividly that it feels like you’re right there. Robin Vale, the main character, is sharp, resilient, and easy to root for as he gets swept up in a world full of secrets, danger, and betrayal.

The story moves at a great pace, balancing action, romance, and some serious twists. Robin’s relationship with Erix adds a sweet (and spicy!) layer to the drama, and the side characters bring a lot of personality and fun. There’s plenty of political intrigue and tension, but it never drags—there’s always something exciting around the corner.

This book is a perfect pick for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or From Blood and Ash—it’s magical, adventurous, and impossible to put down. It’s also a great start to a series, so there’s even more to look forward to. Highly recommend checking it out, and I personally cannot wait to read the next installment!

Straight away from the opening line I was hooked and spun into the world of the Fey. the world building was great, as well as the character development and the strength Robin develops throughout the story to stand up and claim his birthright. Ben Alderson does this particular thing when her writes that has you questioning your instincts about good and evil, right and wrong and who is on what side of the playing field. There were several times in the story where I would second guess my instincts about a particular character or completely freak out when some new information was revealed. My favorite character was Althea, OMG how I love her! She is kicking butt and taking names and has a truly heart-wrenching arc with Briar. This book brought up a lot of emotions in me but DID NOT LACK THE SPICE. The one bed trope? My fave. Definitely in there. And it was hot. All in all, you should do yourself a favor and preorder this gem!

A new romantasy-esque adventure that packs a punch from the start. Full of intrigue, drama, action and romance, this was a truly compelling read.

For Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses
This is my third book by this author and certainly the one I have been looking forward to most. I got to discover Ben Alderson on Netgalley due to the first audio book for his Court of Broken Bonds series, which I swallowed whole as a fan of the BBC show Merlin. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to listen to the second book on Netgalley as well, so I postponed this experience. The next of his books I stumbled upon was a Little Mermaid retelling out of his Darkmourn Universe. This one was even spicier and more fantastic than the last. Therefore, I was sure to also take on the other books of the series. But I will eventually always read first what I already have access to, so once more plans were postponed. By now, my list of Ben’s books that want to be read is extensive. I consequently was extremely pleased when I found out about this new edition of an already-published series. This way, I can now finally pick up one of Ben’s earlier stories without missing out on the new-new releases. As this one was advertised for fans of ACOTAR, I was immediately taken by it as well!

Just as spicy as I’m used to by the author
Ben immediately throws us into the plot of this new series when Robin is about to be kidnapped. What a great start! To my surprise (based on my other two reads by him), Robin is not as easy of a target. Moreover, his humor entertains us notwithstanding the seriousness of the situation. It took me some chapters to get into the world and setting of the story, but Robin’s fears and intentions helped me get a grip on them. The conflict between fey and humans seems thankfully just as surprising and uncomprehensible to Robin as to us. His life is further complicated when he finds himself in the middle of it, supported especially by his new bodyguard. The tension between them is obvious from the beginning. For fans of ACOTAR, there seems to be even more than physical attraction from the very beginning. This potential sparked my immediate interest in the development of their relationship. As per usual for Ben, it will take different extensions in this first book already.

Magical, romantic, adventurous
When Robin finds himself in a new world, with an unbeknownst responsibility and hidden enemies, we have to figure out whom to trust together. Do the four powerful houses work together or against each other? And how do they stand toward the returned heir? Although we get to know some magical fey better and Ben teases an interesting magical system, we can never be certain who might want our protagonist dead. Ben’s humor stimulates our reading experience of these newly found friendships, romances, and potentially fatal acquaintances. His fantasy further endangers Robin’s life and allows us to peak onto the magical dimensions of this world. I am nonetheless certain that there is way more to explore in the upcoming installments of the series.

In conclusion,
This first book of the series already makes us aware of the dangers and promises lurking in this story. Thanks to Ben’s pacing and humor, we are drawn in more and more and fall in love with the characters—just like Robin does. The final resolutions and twists made me run through the last 50 pages but also seemed a but rushed, so I am immensely looking forward to re-exploring the world and those latest events in the next book.

**Features:**

- Fae, MM Romantasy
- Bodyguard and lost prince
- Political intrigue and rich fantasy world

**Summary:**

The fey of Wychwood are preparing for war. Breaking the tentative peace between the realms, a group of human mercenaries in black have started kidnapping and killing anyone with fey blood. Their true intentions for the few who are magically gifted are unknown, but nothing good could come from the bloodshed. Half-fey Robin Vale has grown up amongst humans but has found himself thrown into the middle of the conflict after his capture. Things only get more complicated when he learns he is the last Icethorn heir. His powers could tip the scales of war…if he can survive long enough.

**Thoughts:**

This book has a great balance between an MM romance and a dark, brutal fantasy full of political intrigue. Though the content is definitely not YA, Robin is very much on a journey to discover who he is and learn his place in the world. This makes the story as a whole read a little younger. Despite that, there is plenty of spice and I really liked the relationship between Robin and his bodyguard Erix. Erix is definitely the overprotective/possessive type which isn’t my favorite trope, but Robin was capable enough himself to provide a decent balance to this coupling and it ultimately worked for me. The story and world outside of the romance was interesting, but it feels slightly watered down compared to others in this subgenre.

I devoured this book and would definitely recommend it. However, there is nothing in this book that will feel particularly ‘new’ or ‘different’ for people who have read a lot of fae-based fantasy or romantasy. As someone who hasn’t really read a lot of this subgenre, I really wasn’t bothered and I think a lot of readers who are looking for something like this will still find a lot to enjoy. Still, it doesn’t quite stand out and that makes it hard for me to rate it as highly as others that push the envelope slightly further. That being said, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next in the series!

Disclaimer before we start: I like Traditional Fairytales. My favourite modern depictions of the lands of faery are Mark Chadbourn’s ‘Age of Misrule’ books, and Seana Kelly’s ‘Slaughtered Lamb’ series. I’m British. Faeries (however you spell them) are not nice, pretty Ren Faire creatures. Remember the beginning of ‘Labyrinth’, where Sarah gets bitten? Yep, that.

I’ve seen a lot of pseudo-romantic fairytales recently and honestly haven’t been able to get into them, as it’s just a side of fantasy that doesn’t interest me. This series was intriguing, because it looked as if the world-building would tie with the relationships to make a grounded story. Definitely not pretty or demure!

When I finished this book in about three days, virtually gasping at how I’d been entirely captivated by Ben Alderson’s world (amongst other, more spicy reasons!), I was so glad to have been right.

Yes, we have a hero who discovers himself and his powers as he enters a new world. There’s familiar fantasy tropes, including elemental/seasonal realms, shape-shifting, court intrigue and much more.

This is all held beautifully together by Robin being entirely real. He may be half-Fey, but he’s full-on human in his perspective (how many fantasy heroes could pull a decent pint?), and I’m 100% along for the ride as this series continues. I can hazard a guess which direction it’s heading in, but I’m actually anticipating that I’ll be wrong. We have an author who knows his stuff, protagonists won’t do what’s expected of them... and I love it.

Yes, there’s steam here. It’s a gay love story and that’s fine too, because it simply works. The romance never gets in the way of the action, and the main group of characters gel so well, with friendships that would fit straight into best TV dramas (including the bickering) and everything flows naturally. It was a delight to read relationships that aren’t contrived, forced or with deliberate misunderstandings; once again, this seems real.

And I did not see the twist coming. Nope. Wow. I liked that character!

Brilliant writing, exemplary world-building and truly memorable protagonists that I was rooting for from the first. Plus Robin’s genuine awe at seeing a dragon threw me back to when I first watched ‘Flight of Dragons’ for the first time. This is wondrous, heartfelt fantasy, and did I mention I loved it?

A huge recommend, and I’m just about to start the sequel. Bracing for what comes next!

Fun queer fantasy romance with fae and new powers.

This story follows on Robin, who finds himself captured and taken to a prison camp for fae, after neighbors notice his pointy ears and fancy a pay day. Only once he's there, Robin discovers that he inherited more than his ears from his mother, as he turns the place to ice.

Let's start with the obvious. Is there anything new about a fantasy book where someone discovers they have powers, gets swept into a different world, and finds themself in the middle of a war? No, of course not. But does this book do it well, and with its own twist? Yes it does.

I liked that Robin had known he was half-fae, but just thought he didn't have powers. I also appreciated the comparisons he made in how histories were told in the human realm vs the fae realm. The types of magic were really interesting too, with different members of families having differing powers along a theme.

I enjoyed the romance thread in here - particularly the comments from some of the friends Robin had made. There's just always something great about the dynamic when a character falls for their guard.

With the title "A Betrayal of Storms" it's fair to say that while reading you're fairly certain there will be a betrayal. I thought the build up of this was done really well, as you're not certain which of the characters that betrayal will come from.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the free digital copy. All thoughts are my own.

Robin Vale is half fey however he has spent his whole life living amongst humans and doesn’t know anything about his fey side including having very sparse information about his mother (from whom he got his fey heritage). That all changes when a group of men from his village see him as a quick way to earn some money, kidnapping him and selling him to a band of fey Hunters.

Alderson does an incredible job balancing an incredibly engaging romance plot with a sizzling slowburn romance between Robin and his fey bodyguard. The book is chock full of twists and turns that I could never see coming and kept me engaged from start to finish. The romance between Erix and Robin felt authentic and I really appreciated the care and time that Alderson put into fully fleshing out this romance.

I really enjoyed the magic system that is divided into seasonal courts and feels somewhat element-based but with scope to be so much more. I loved the unique touch of making the magic of each court a finite pool so the more family members there are, the weaker the magic. This was a really cool unique touch that I had not seen before.

Overall, I had a really great time reading this story that feels wholly unique. I eagerly anticipate seeing where the story and Robin’s journey takes us next.

I did not finish this one. It was an interesting idea but poorly executed. I just could not get into the characters or the story at all.

I really loved this book. The tension and development between characters was so much fun to follow and pairing that with a well developed and created work led to a great book.

If you're don't want to read full review of the book, at least know this: gay fae written by Ben Alderson is exactly what your life is missing!

This book, basically, have all my favorite things: one bed/stag and forced proximity tropes, gay prince falling for his smug guard that would die and kill for him, fae, dragon(not the tipical kind 😏), spice, kick-ass female, mystery, assasins, dangerous but beautiful magic!

"A Betrayal Of Storms" was almost perfect. I found myself drawn to characters, as most were very loveable and relatable.

Oh, and be prepared to feel rage for Robin. As he was not treated the way he should have been. But that's all I can say without spoiling this beautiful book 😊

That was fun !!
I knew the author from one of his other series so I kinda knew that the writing would be my style but I have to admit that I liked this one a little less.
I think that I'm just over with the Fae THEY ARE EVERYWHERE and I'm tired .
I had a digital copy of the indie version of it so when I was reading the net galley version I was also reading the other and I have to say that the editing team worked on that one . Some dialogue changed and some description were less vague and sometime less is better because there were some looong chapter in the indie .
Overal a good book but not a memorable one

Wow! This author has done some amazing work and talent within this book. From the very first sentence of this book I didn't want to stop reading the book. The writing style of this book was absolutely amazing as it gave such an amazing flow and read. The story developed so nicely and to a point I just wanted to be able to find out what was going to happen next. The characters developed incredibly throughout the book. With the challenges in which they had to face were very interesting. When it comes to the ending of the book and what happened. I want to continue the series, to be able to know what happens next.

Slow start and didn’t pull me into the story like some of my other recent reads. Robin just seemed dry, eh, and WAY too trusting of literally everyone 🙄. All his discovery was just asking people questions and them giving him answers pretty immediately. Which is fine, but like make it exciting. Romance felt instalove as well and a tad forced. Plot “twists” were predicable.

Honestly, only finished this because it was an ARC and wanted to say I finished it for the review.

2 star.
DNF. I'm not enjoying this book as much as I thought I would. It's not holding my attention. While not my favorite, I acknowledge the author's effort and creativity. But I want to explore author's other works.

The writing style was tedious, which made it difficult to stay engaged with the story.
However, I still recommend giving it a try; you might find it enjoyable.
(90 pages/20%)

Betrayal of Storms - Ben Alderson

Thank you to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for this ARC in return for a honest review.

Overall rating 4⭐️

Betrayal of Storms shows the story of Robin, who is 1/2 Fey but lives with his father in the “real” world. He is kidnapped (this is not a spoiler it’s literally mentioned right at the beginning of the book) and turned over to an organisation collecting Fey for an unknown purpose. About to die, Robin realses a power he didn’t know he had and that’s just the beginning.

I love love LOVE Erix and Robin (can we take a moment to appreciate the nickname Little Bird 😍🥰) The slow burn of these two characters is definitely a slow burn but trust me it’s worth the wait for this!!

The magic system is definitely interesting and is unlike another other fantasy I have read and I cannot wait to see Robin grow into this power and regain the court.

I’m so excited that I have received the second book of this series as an ARC and cannot wait to continue reading this series!!

I did receive this as an ARC for the re-release in exchange for an honest review.
I also bought several copies on my own because I love this author's stories and writing.
That being said this was a predictable story with some interesting twists. It wasn't perfect but it was fun and I did enjoy reading it.

Captured from his human village by hunters, half-fae Robin is thrust into a world of politics, courts, intrigue and monsters. Can Robin tame his newfound magic powers, make allies in the Autumn court, and figure out his feelings for his bodyguard? I really enjoyed this fun adventure, filled with entertaining characters, vivid world building, romance, lies, and action.

A Betrayal of Storms, the first in Ben Alderson's Realm of Fey series, is an exhilarating fantasy adventure. It brings together political intrigue, magic, and romance to create an unputdownable high-stakes read. Set in the richly depicted fey realm of Wychwood, the story follows Robin Vale, a half-fey who has lived among humans until his fateful capture and subsequent discovery of his true heritage as the lost heir to the Icethorn Court.

Why I Picked It Up
The stunning cover initially grabbed my attention, but the “lost heir” trope sealed the deal. I reached out to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy, and I’m thrilled I did.

What I Loved:
Plot & World-Building: With familiar elements like the lost heir trope, the story is fresh and engaging, set in a world where each fey realm holds unique powers tied to its royal bloodline.
Characters: Robin is refreshingly grounded, bringing common sense into an unpredictable fey world. His chemistry with Erix adds layers to the story without overshadowing the main plot.
Atmosphere & Detail: Alderson’s descriptive prowess shines, painting the Autumn Court with warm hues and seasonal scents that enrich the magical setting.
Magic System: The four fey realms each have their unique powers, adding a layer of complexity to the stakes Robin faces, especially as he alone must unlock his Winter Court inheritance.
Intrigue: Plot twists, assassination attempts, and conflicting loyalties kept me glued to the pages well into the night.

Ratings
Plot: 8/10 – A refreshingly executed take on the lost heir trope.
Characters: 8/10 – Robin, Erix, and Althea make for a dynamic, well-drawn cast.
Atmosphere: 9/10 – A highly immersive, sensory-rich world.
Writing Style: 9/10 – Alderson’s detail-oriented prose is a delight.
Magic System: 10/10 – Intricate and high-stakes, elevating the story’s tension.
Intrigue: 10/10 – Impossible to put down.
Logic: 8/10 – The world feels authentic and compelling.
Spice Level: 3/5 – A balanced romance that compliments, not overshadows, the plot.
Enjoyment: 10/10 – I already want to read it again.

Final Thoughts
A Betrayal of Storms is an expertly woven tale with captivating characters, an intricate world, and plenty of surprises. Perfect for fans of high-stakes fantasy, this first installment promises an unforgettable series.