Review Detail

This had me flying to the gameshelf and pulling out cards from Wingspan to prove look, here’s birds, I know birds!

Islette has always been wary of other fairies, but when the ruthless Owl King selects her sister Lyla as his next ill-fated bride, she risks everything to find the one thing which might free her. But clues from bedtime tales might hold deeper secrets, and it will take all of her courage, musical talent, and bargains with new allies to accomplish her goal before the moons fade. And unbeknownst to Islette, her Lyla has plans of her own.

This tale of sisters blends fairy tale and Scheherazadian magic - while Islette encounters wondrous and dangerous new fae, Lyla intrigues the Owl King with fables of the birds, their kindred people. Their quest dwells on the power of stories, the importance of owning mistakes, taking action when all options seem bittersweet, kindness rewarded by kindness, and unexpected love. There’s a half dozen or more short tales sprinkled throughout (best guess, I didn’t count) and I looked forward to each as much as the main story. I loved getting to explore a new kingdom within the fairy realms, told with what I'd now consider the author's signature craft - beautiful descriptions and a knack for saying just enough.

Although this series can be read in any order, I enjoyed recognizing the returning characters and I think it is stronger with that context.

(And now, book 3 has been announced. Huzzah!)