A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene ~ a Review

by MK French

Fia is a changeling, left behind by Fair Folk when they stole the High Queen's daughter Eala, and retreated behind the locked gates of Tír na nÓg. The Queen raises Fia as a daughter, training her to be a spy. In Tír na nÓg, Eala is cursed to become a swan by day and girl by night. When a doorway between realms is discovered, Fia is tasked with finding Eala. Along with her is Prince Rogan, Fia's friend, and Eala's betrothed. Fia’s mission is complicated by her feelings for Rogan and her unexpected attraction to the fae lord holding Eala captive. Irian might be a monster, but he understands Fia in a way no one ever has. Time is running out to break her sister's curse, but Fia questions the mission.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

March 2024; Orbit; 978-0316564960
audio, ebook, print (496 pages); romantic fantasy

A Feather So Black is the first book of the Fair Folk series. It is heavily influenced by Celtic mythology and the story of the twelve princesses. Fia, as a changeling, has magic blood that allows her to open the hidden gate between realms. Eala and eleven other girls had been taken from the human realm, and all are cursed. With the full moon, Fia can break open the gate to pass through, and Rogan tries to get to know his betrothed as Fia tries to find a way to break the geas keeping them trapped. Stories are told regarding the gate, the Fair Folk and the Gentry, those who rule in Tír na nÓg. The stories the humans told aren't quite true, and neither are the ones that are told among the Fair Folk. 

I love the fairy tale aspect of this book, the stories within stories, and the way it's impossible to tell what the truth really is. That gives weight to the passage of time and means that what Fia and the reader think is true might not be. Fia was born in Tír na nÓg and spent thirteen years with humans who hated her or tried to make her into something else. Eala was born human as a princess meant to secure her mother's throne, then spent thirteen years among the fae. Neither of them is what they expected to be, so Fia's choices at the end aren't, either. This is a story about identity, love, and magic. This means hard choices an ending worthy of fairy tales and a series of books to explore the fallout. 

Buy A Feather So Black at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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