Book 2: Eala and Sion
Romance, Kings quest or challenge if you prefer, Irish lore, plot twists, and great fantasy building. Highly recommend this book was awesome 👍! Can't wait for book 3.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

The second installment in A Fae Destiny series, A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire, is a thrilling dive into Irish folklore, sizzling romance, and suspenseful fantasy. Eala and Sionnach’s love faces peril as they navigate a dangerous bargain with the Connacht Fae King, magical riddles, and the challenges of the veil.

The lush descriptions of the Irish countryside and immersive world-building enhance the story, while the fast-paced plot delivers twists and turns, some predictable, others jaw-dropping. With steamy, descriptive romance scenes and a heart-pounding cliffhanger, this book leaves you desperate for the next chapter in the series.

This is a captivating read for fans of fantasy romance and historical fiction who delight in complex characters, intricate world-building, and the thrill of time-traveling adventures through Irish folklore and mythology.

I approached this second book with high expectations after thoroughly enjoying the first installment, and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. This sequel picks up seamlessly from where the story left off, delivering yet another grand journey filled with adventure and intrigue.

Once again, the narrative keeps readers on edge, balancing moments of tension and excitement with opportunities to engage in solving the unfolding mysteries alongside the characters. The inclusion of the seven deadly sins as a central theme adds an intriguing layer to the story, elevating its complexity and appeal.

However, while the constant action and thrills were entertaining, they occasionally felt relentless, leaving little room for deeper character development or reflective moments. A brief pause in the pacing might have allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the stakes or the protagonists’ growth.

That said, the story remains highly engaging and entertaining, maintaining its momentum almost to the very end. It’s a strong continuation of the series, and I’m eager to see where the next installment takes us. Overall, this book successfully builds on the foundation of the first while keeping readers hooked with its fast-paced and adventurous storytelling.

Thank you to City Owl Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book.

This book is not at all what I was expecting after reading the first book. I thought I knew what was happening and where the story was going, but I was totally wrong. The twists and turns had me hooked from start to finish. Of note, this book is definitely spicier than the first book.

Eala and Sionnach are fighting to protect their love while navigating the bargain Eala made with the Fae King. The pacing is just as fast as the first book and a perfect mix of passion and suspense. I am excited for the next book!

I gladly say that I wasn't disappointed with this second book!

I'm eager to read this after enjoying the first one, and yes, I'm happy with this second book as well. As the first one, this book filled us with a grand journey, continuing from where they left off previously. Again we been fed with adventure, always at the edge of our seat while at the same time trying to solve things with them as well, along with the ups and downs.

I love that in this adventure it includes one of my favorite, the 7 deadly sins, creatively. Also, there are no rest for us too as there's always thrill from the start till almost the end, which I find it's good and entertaining.

Overall, I truly enjoy reading this second installment and can't wait to read the next as well! ❤️

4.5 stars (réalta) for this exciting second installment in the fae destiny series!

Our intrepid historical travelers and soul savers Eala and Sionnach have made it to Tir na nÓg, but will only be granted access to stay should they be able to solve King Finnbheara’s riddle. After the adventures of saving seven souls using the seven virtues in the first book, the two are back at it using the Veil to visit past, both true and mythic, to find the answer that will bring them to salvation and keep our anamchara together!!

My absolute favorite thing about this series is the way we are given just bits and pieces, drips and drabs of Irish history and folklore! Eala and Sion travel across time to places both real and fantastical, meeting legendary heroes of history and mystical creatures of legend (my personal favorite was the drop in for Hugh O’Donnell, where folks chanted his last name- and made me feel like they were chanting for me)! We were also given new villains this time, ones I found more mysterious and intriguing- and set us up into more tied to Irish mythology!!

Eala and Sion’s soulmate bond is what is the driving force behind everything- these two are drawn to each other, despite being born in different lifetimes, through good and bad, and the way they are able to support each other fully and meet each other where they’re at, allowing the other to feel their feelings is so wonderful to see in characters. They grew as individuals so much in book one, and this felt like more of a learning how to grow as a pair!!

Thank you so much to Leslie O’Sullivan and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Leslie O'Sullivan does it again in the Fae Destiny series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. The world was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of the characters with the storyline. Leslie O'Sullivan does a fantastic job in writing this and can’t wait for more.

Book Review of A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire (Fae Destiny, Book 2) by Leslie O’Sullivan

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Leslie O'Sullivan's A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire, the second installment in the Fae Destiny series, is a thrilling journey into a meticulously crafted faerie realm that masterfully combines Irish mythology, time travel, and romance. Following A Kingdom of Shadows and Starlight, the story picks up with Eala, a folklore scholar with ties to Faerie, and her soulmate Sionnach, a time-traveling hero, as they try to carve out a place for themselves in the kingdom of Tír na nÓg. But what they envision as a romantic union in an eternal paradise turns into a test of wit and endurance that challenges not only their love but also their individual strengths and loyalties.

Setting and World-Building
O'Sullivan’s world-building is one of the novel’s standout strengths. She merges the classic beauty and danger of Faerie lore with the haunting mystique of ancient Ireland, where each location feels like it holds secrets waiting to be unlocked. Tír na nÓg is depicted as both enchanting and treacherous, capturing the classic dichotomy of the Fae themselves: eternally beautiful yet ruthlessly capricious. The description of Finnbheara’s kingdom, with its ethereal landscapes and ever-present sense of danger, is reminiscent of old Irish legends, drawing readers into a world that is as inviting as it is intimidating.

The Veil—the mystical barrier separating the mortal world from the faerie realm—adds a thrilling dimension of time travel that feels seamlessly integrated into the plot. Unlike the typical depictions of time travel, which often focus on historical figures or famous events, Eala and Sionnach’s journeys take them into the shadowy realms of Irish folk tales. This element of the story breathes life into the ancient stories and makes the history they’re exploring feel personal and mysterious.

Plot and Pacing
The plot balances romance, mystery, and adventure well, keeping readers hooked with each twist and turn. Right from the beginning, when King Finnbheara denies Sionnach entrance into Tír na nÓg, the stakes are set high. Eala’s desperation to keep her beloved by her side leads her into a dangerous bargain with the king—one that binds them to a lunar deadline and a puzzle to solve. This setup immediately draws readers into the story, and as Eala and Sionnach venture further into their quest, they uncover secrets about themselves, their love, and the world of the Fae.

The lunar deadline adds a sense of urgency to their journey, and the impending danger builds suspense as dark forces threaten them from within and without. While the plot’s pace remains engaging, there are moments where the weight of the lore and mythology, as beautifully immersive as it is, can occasionally slow down the action. However, O'Sullivan's attention to detail and vivid descriptions compensate for these slower moments by enriching the narrative with depth and atmosphere.

Characters
Eala and Sionnach’s relationship is the emotional heart of the story, and O'Sullivan captures their connection with depth and nuance. Eala is a complex protagonist, caught between her academic understanding of folklore and the harsh realities of faerie life. Her bravery and determination are admirable, yet she remains relatable, particularly in moments of doubt and vulnerability. Sionnach, on the other hand, is a charming, steadfast partner who balances Eala's seriousness with his wit and love for adventure. Together, they face the trials of the Fae with a resilience that feels both powerful and tender, reminding readers that love can be both a strength and a vulnerability.

One of the most intriguing characters is Robber Bright, the mysterious and dangerously alluring commander of the Host of a Thousand Wings. O'Sullivan has created an unforgettable character in Robber, whose motivations are as enigmatic as his actions. While he occasionally assists Eala and Sionnach, his true loyalties are never fully clear, adding tension to every interaction with him. Robber’s character embodies the Fae's capricious and unpredictable nature, serving as a reminder that no alliance in Tír na nÓg comes without a price.

King Finnbheara, with his cunning and ruthlessness, serves as an intriguing antagonist whose motives remain shrouded in mystery. His challenge to Eala and Sionnach is both a personal test and a puzzle, keeping readers guessing about his true intentions. His presence looms over the story, a constant reminder of the power and danger inherent in the Fae world.

Themes
One of the novel's most compelling themes is the nature of bargains and sacrifices. In A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire, bargains with the Fae are never straightforward, and O'Sullivan deftly illustrates the consequences of these deals. Eala’s struggle with the moral ambiguities of the Fae world, where deceit and desire intermingle, offers thought-provoking questions about what we’re willing to sacrifice for love and belonging. The notion that love requires sacrifice is explored through Eala and Sionnach’s relationship, with their journey serving as a testament to the power of resilience and trust, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The novel also delves into the theme of identity, especially for Eala. She is torn between her human upbringing and her Faerie origins, and her journey through Tír na nÓg becomes one of self-discovery as she grapples with the power and danger that come with her heritage. This exploration of identity adds depth to her character and creates a parallel between her inner conflict and her external struggles.

Final Thoughts
Fae Destiny, Book 2: A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire is a richly woven tale that will captivate fans of faerie lore, time travel, and romance. Leslie O'Sullivan crafts a story that is both haunting and magical, combining Irish mythology with timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and identity. While some readers may find the pacing slightly uneven, especially with the heavy focus on lore, the captivating characters, enchanting setting, and emotional stakes more than make up for it.

For fans of faerie fantasy with a romantic core, this novel is a must-read. O'Sullivan not only brings Faerie to life but also makes it a realm filled with intrigue and danger, where every choice has a consequence, and every step could be a trap. Readers who appreciate stories where magic intertwines with myth, and where love defies time, will find A Kingdom of Deceit and Desire a thrilling continuation of Eala and Sionnach's journey through the Veil.