A Betrayal of Storms is one of my favorites by Ben Alderson, and this was a great re-read. It is the great start to the series and I'm looking forward to seeing how the new editions of the rest play out. Can't wait to get the printed versions to add to my library :)

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I couldn't get behind the writing or the execution of the plot. There was so many grammatical errors and repetition throughout the book that it just kept me from getting immersed in the writing. The characters themselves were all quite unlikeable or irritating and the world building was also really bland and confusing as if not a lot of effort had been put into any of it. Not really what I had expected at all.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

This is an easy to read romantasy, and while it is not wildly original, it does have a couple of concepts I did find interesting. This book was previously self published, but has been revised, and I have never read the original so I cannot say how big the revisions are. I did read Lord of Eternal Night by the same author and will say this one is much better and you can see this one has been profesionally edited. I did notice a couple errors, mostly word choices that seemed wrong, but I assume that's because I read an ARC and those hopefully won't make it into the final version.

The story follows Robin, a half fey who grew up among humans. When he is captured by human fey hunters, and then rescued by fey princess Althea and body guard Erix, Robin finds out his fey mother was the queen of the Winter court, and he is no the sole heir to that court. He needs to settle into life in a fey world he doesn't know, and prevent a war with humans some fey are planning to start.

I liked the concept of this war in particular. Most of the story and worldbuilding is pretty much what you've seen before in books like these, but the power balance between humans and fey is more equal here, and the fey wanting to start a war are doing it because of human hunters capturing fey. Robin, who grew up among humans, knows most humans aren't involved with this and doesn't want them hurt, but I can get behind the motivations of the people on both sides, even if I don't think this war is a good idea.

The romance is predictable, but it does take a moment to develop and didn't feel too rushed. The LI is a very typical hypermasculine fey guy and did make me roll my eyes at time but it wasn't so bad I didn't want to continue reading, and I appreciate he does respect Robin's wishes even when he's being overprotective.

Althea was my favorite character. She's a princess from a different court with lots of siblings and she's the only fey royal going on missions to free captured fey, and she is a close friend to Robin throughout this book.

The pacing is pretty good, and it was easy to keep reading and remain interested, and nothing was very complicated. Overall, I think this book is great for inexperienced fantasy readers who want to read something with queer romance.

4.5

This is one of those books that seems to just grow and grow until finally I seem to be obsessed and I’m not even really sure how it happened. I’m liking it for a while and then all of a sudden I’m losing it.

High fantasy with an MM romance. And size difference. And bodyguard.

I’m so excited to share my review for the amazing A Betrayal of Storms by Ben Alderson today! Thank you so much to the amazing Angry Robot Books for my beautiful copy!!

I loved reading the Darkmourn Universe series on KU and I have been so excited to read A Betrayal of Storms!

There is so much I loved about this book but I want to start off by saying how much I loved the worldbuilding! It’s one of my favourite elements in any book and I really enjoyed how Ben Alderson crafts the worldbuilding in this story (and in all the previous books of his that I’ve read!) He has a great way of introducing the reader into the world he’s created that completely captures you! The descriptions made me feel like I was walking the golden lined streets of Aurelia and feeling the ice cold of the Icethorn Court alongside our characters and that is one of my favourite feelings to experience when reading!

Plus, I loved the action throughout the story! It was heart racing and there were so many amazing twists and turns - I literally gasped out loud so many times my mum asked if I was ok 🤣

And I can’t finish the review without mentioning the fantastic characters! Robin is a great main character with quick witted sarcasm, compassion and a lot of inner strength! I loved the chemistry he had with Erix and I’m so excited to see what happens next with them both! Also, I loved how dynamic and fun our side characters were!

A Betrayal of Storms is a fantastic introduction to what is going to be an enchanting series - I’m so excited to read more!

This Fantasy book starts you out right in the middle of action. You will be slightly confused for a majority of the book, but as the book goes on you get answers and then also have more questions.

The Fae in this book are very secluded and untrustworthy in my opinion. Even when he asks a questions he only gets a partial answer.. That is probably the most irritating part about this book.

The ending is only a partial closure and does leave room for a next book, I am just not sure where this goes from here. Both sides want a war, but is that what it will come down to in the end? I also have further question on what happened to all of the people of the IceThorn court? did they go to a different court after the royal line was gone? Will they come back?

Thank you for an early copy! This is the first book of the series and it leaves you wanting more. Luckily there is a second book that starts where this one leaves off.

I struggled a lot with this book. Advertising it for fans of ACOTAR and FBAA suckered me in and I was pretty disappointed overall.

I didn't feel drawn to it all and it felt like a chore reading it unfortunately. Really interesting idea but I personally don't feel like it was executed well.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I loved this story!
I was instantly hooked in the first chapter, and continued to be until the end. Then I was sad it was over.
This book is action packed, literally from the very beginning. I really loved how this story started - there was no long winded introduction or info dump to the world and the characters like a lot of fantasy. It began with the main character in the midst of struggle and slowly introduced what was going on in the story. This made it instantly intriguing and made me want to continue reading.
The characters in this story were also really well written, and were easy to become attached to. The relationships that formed throughout the book were realistic and didn't seem forced at all. And it was amazing to see a gay relationship in a romantasy! I LOVED it!
I highly recommend this one - there were several times when I was reading that I had to stop and do life things and every time I said to myself 'I love this story!'
I can't wait to read what happens next! Thanks to the author and Angry Robot Books for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

I enjoyed the concept of this book and the idea, however I think Ben’s writing style is just not for me. I dnf’ed one of this previous books but managed to get through this one.

I enjoyed the characters however and the romance.

Ben Alderson will be no stranger to anyone into BookTok. His exuberant personality, attuned reading taste and passion for books comes across with every video or post he releases.
It was no surprise then that his independently published works have done well, especially with those glorious covers. (Gay Little Mermaid, anyone?)
Well, now he has joined forces with innovative publisher Angry Robot Books in his first traditionally published series; Realm of Fey.
Robin Vale is part fey, from his mother’s first; the mother who disappeared leaving him with his human father.
In this first book, A Betrayal of Storms, Robin is attacked at night in his home then awakens in an obsidian cage on his way to who knows where. All he knows is he has been kidnapped by Commander Rackley’s order.
When he reaches camp, there are lots of cages filled to bursting with bloody, dirty captives including children.
They are held by Hunters and their leader ‘The Hand’; those who capture anyone with fey blood, for a price. With some, their blood has value, but for the rest, it simply means death.
His rescue comes in the form of Althea Cedarfall, princess and all round badass warrior. She is magnificent; tall, broad, a skilled fighter in breeches with long ‘poppy red’ curls falling down past her shoulders. And she’s funny and indomitable.
Accompanying her is Erix, a Berserker warrior and royal guard, who is ordered to look after Robin as they return to the fey realm.
There are four courts, and as part of the Wychwood Accords, peace is supposed to exist between humans and fey, with humans unable to pass through the barrier separating them.
However Althea has set foot in Durmain (human realm) to find Robin, the last living Icethorn who can claim the Icethorn throne. It is the only thing that might halt a war between the species.
Along the way we encounter the gryvern – evil winged beasties, Gyah, also a warrior and a little of something else, Lady Kelsey of the Cedarfall court, Tarron Oakstorm and Orion, Althea’s brother who is a spoiled, petulant prince. All of them fascinating characters.
We have genuine danger, power battles, political intrigue and sizzling heat between Erix and Robin with plenty of spice including the ‘one bed’ trope.
As Robin becomes more immured in fey society and political shenanigans, he learns that none of them can be fully trusted, but he does gain many allies.
Some of the fight scenes are very grim; Alderson doesn’t hold back on the graphic descriptions especially with the gryvern, which offsets the glittering aspect of fey society.
Grief affects quite a few characters in the book, though it is through Robin’s point of view that we learn how much it can impact a person.
This is both exciting fantasy romp and gay romance; fun, bursting with energy, wit and spark.
Though this particular story arc ends, there’s a couple of narrative hooks ready for book two.
And I can’t wait for the follow up.

Having read and enjoyed A Betra;yal of Storms previously, I was delighted to be approved for an eARC of the re-published version and enjoyed re-visiting the Realm of Fey. The plot was very much as I recalled, with the edits polished the language - I had fun reading some chapters in parallel to see what changes had been made.

This is for you if you enjoy romantasy, but want a queer couple at the centre. The novel is told from Robin's perspective in first person narrative. It's an action-packed read with immersive world building, and you'll find yourself second-guessing who to trust as half-fae Robin navigates the court of the fae and decides whether he wants to take up the mantle of heir.

Give this series a try if you love:
🍁 political intrigue
🍁 romance and spice
🍁 lost heir x bodyguard
🍁 fae and magic
🍁 ACOTAR, but make it gay

A Betrayal of Storms is the first book in a four book series. Books 2 and 3 will be re-released this side of Christmas, with the final book out in the summer of 2025, so you won't have to wait long for the conclusion!

I was provided with an e-ARC copy by the publisher and this is my most honest review.

A Betrayal of Storms is an exhilarating addition to the fantasy romance genre, this novel masterfully intertwines magic, identity, and the struggle for peace in a world on the brink of war.

Robin's character development is one of the novel's highlights. His journey of self-discovery is poignant and relatable, as he grapples with his identity and the legacy that comes with it. The friendships he forms, particularly with Gideon, a fierce fey warrior, and Althea, a headstrong princess, add depth to the narrative. Their relationships are beautifully rendered, blending moments of tension, camaraderie, and budding romance that will leave you eager to see how they unfold.

The pacing is well-executed, perfect balance of action, suspense, and emotional moments. The plot twists are cleverly woven throughout, keeping me engaged and guessing about what might happen next. Just when I think I have figured things out, there's a new surprise that heighten the stakes and deepen the intrigue.

One of the most compelling themes in this book is the exploration of power and its consequences. Robin’s struggle to embrace his heritage while contending with the expectations and fears of those around him adds a layer of complexity to the story. This theme resonates strongly, reflecting the personal and societal challenges that often accompany the pursuit of peace and understanding.

Overall, A Betrayal of Storms is a captivating tale that balances fantasy, romance, and deeper reflections on identity and belonging. The rich world-building, well-drawn characters, and engaging plot make this a must-read for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure. Prepare to be swept away into a world of magic and intrigue—you won’t want to put this book down!

(I hope I can read the second book in advance too because ugghhhhh I need it now!!! *grabby hands*)

2 ⭐
"Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash," a bit exaggerated, in my opinion.
On the other hand, there is nothing different from all the other 500 books on Fae that are out there.
While it is a queer M/M romance, I have read better. And more engaging.
This story fell flat, there was no plot. And 90% of the times, I am really not bothered by bad writing (I did read Zodiac Academy and I loved it), but in this case....it really annoyed me.
I am struggling to remember more about the book, but it has been a while since I read it, and I did not want to leave a bad review on it. I forgot about it in the meantime...
This is a book I would not recommend to my friends.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC for this book!

Where do I even begin?? I loved this book so much. It gave me ACOTAR vibes while bringing a unique and intriguing storyline. There were so many characters that I liked. The MM romance was great and checked all the boxes for me. The setting was beautiful and enchanting. I am so pumped for more ice magic in the books to come. I absolutely think this is a solid fantasy story and has really good potential for the next books in the series!

I think this book has potential to be good, but the execution fell short. I didn’t connect with the characters, the dialogue was clunky, and the pacing of the plot was all over the place.

There are quite a number of extreme reviews on this book and I seem to land somewhere in the middle. I enjoyed parts of it, the plot was interesting, but it definitely lacked the polish that a lot of other fantasy/romantasy books have. I wasn’t quite as off put by the MC as some other reviewers but I did find his personality a bit lacking and could not figure out why/how Erix became so enthralled with him right from the get go? And if I see “little bird” any more I may lose it. The redeeming factor was definitely the last 20% which was where things really got interesting. I’m almost intrigued enough to continue on with the series?

A Betrayal of Storms hits the ground running from page one. Robin is a half-fay who has grown up in the human realm hiding his fae heritage and knowing nothing about his mother. When he is woken up in the middle of the night by hunters who aim to sell him for money, he knows that he is in trouble. While in a prison camp, Robin discovers that he surprisingly does have fae powers, and suddenly finds himself in the Wychwood, realm of the fae. Beyond that, Robin is the last living heir to the Winter Court, who was brutally murdered decades ago. Robin is thrust into a world that he knows nothing about, dealing with powers he has never experienced, and finds himself facing a decision that will determine the fate of a war and beyond that, the humans as a whole. But, that is assuming he can live long enough to determine what his next steps will be.

I loved this book. Robin is someone who just wants to survive, and is suddenly forced into a game of politics that he is vastly under prepared for. His development throughout the book is outstanding. His character is a great depiction of what it can be life to live with, or experience anxiety. While readers are privy to Robin's fears, he is able to put on a face of calm and determination when it matters. His love interest is amazing. I like how the two of them complement each other. The attraction between Erix and Robin feels sudden in many ways, and in some ways their story feels rushed. With that being said, I also found myself at the end of this 400+ page book when I thought I was only half way through so I might have been enjoying it so much that what felt sudden in the moment was more drawn out. Either way, I appreciate how despite the fact that Robin and Erix act on their attraction to each other, it is clear that they still have a long way to go, and I am excited to watch how that continues to develop in the trilogy. I truly cannot say anything bad about this book. There were some plot twists that I saw coming, however, there were even more that I did not. That is the sign of a great book, when plot twists happen that are unexpected amongst the ones that as a reader you can see coming. I cannot wait to read book two and book three. I need the entire trilogy in my hands ASAP. There is so much more I want to experience. I want to know what Robin will do moving forward, and how his role at the end of this book will impact the politics in the next book. I am excited to experience more of the world, meet more royals, and learn more about the Winter Court. I want to know it all. While the character development was on point, so was the world building and political intrigue. There is so much room for growth in the world building, plot, and political intrigue. That is not to say that what was needed wasn't included, just that there is more I want to see/experience that was not necessary to this particular book. If it was given I think the book would have been too overwhelming. I cannot recommend this enough to all lovers of fantasy and fantasy romance.

Thank you to Angry Robot, Ben Alderson, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC of A Betrayal of Storms in exchange for my honest review.

“Anything left forgotten for long enough becomes a monster. But monsters can always be slain… by the right person.”

Summery-
With a war stirring between humans a Fey all things change when the heir to the ice court is found. Robin Vale, a poor boy from a small town, is quickly thrust into a world he never wanted, a world he was taught to fear and hate. He is forced to quickly adapt to his new world and his new kingdom in order to save those he cares for. Aided by Princess Althea of the summer court and his own person guard Erix, he sets out to save his father and restore a kingdom he never desired to be part of.

Having read this one before its traditional publishing debut makes this particular book special to me. This series is my top favorite of all of Ben Alderson’s work and I am on the edge of my seat waiting to finally read book 4 next year! That being said the edits and rewrites for this book are spectacular, they really elevate the characters and all the plot twists! These plot twists set a strong precedent for the expectation of the following books and be ready for even more whiplash than this one will bring you! Follow Robin into the realm of the fey and be prepared, for all is not as it seems!

Rating - 5⭐️
Spice - 2.5 🌶️
World building - 4🪐
Magic - 4❄️

I received this book as an ARC. This is my personal opinion. It was another brilliant by Ben Alderson. I loved it, I couldn't put it down once I started it. I finished it in one go. I loved the way their relationship is developing. I'm Loving the story line so far, it keeps you guessing on what is going to happen next. Which is keeping it interesting.