#BookoftheMonth - The Reviled (The Dark Fey Trilogy #1) by Cynthia A. Morgan

Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
From a young age, Ayla has known her gift. Dedicated to become a Guardian of Childfey, she has spent her young years in the Temple, studying magic and ancient rites. There, she also learns about the mortal enemy of all Fey of the Light: the Reviled.

Gairynzvl is a Fey of the Light, abducted by the Reviled when he was young. Now, he is a Dark One; lurking in the shadows, lingering near Ayla.

After Gairynzvl commits treason against his own kind, Ayla listens to him when no others will - and the conflict that unfolds will change their world.

Universal Purchase Link

My Thoughts:
THE REVILED is the first book in The Dark Fey trilogy and we are introduced to a world where fairies exist. The Light fairies are the ones most people think of when you talk about fairies. But they have an enemy - the Dark Fey. Unable to procreate, they steal Light Fey in the middle of the night when they are at their strongest and light can't touch them. The Light Fey fight this by having lights in every room. Every year, more Light Fey are taken, never to return.

In this story, we have three main characters - Ayla, the main female (Light Fey), Marden, one of the main males (Light Fey), and Gairunzvl, the other main male (Dark Fey). From the onset you can see a triangle forming which I don't like. Ayla is a bit of an anomaly to me. She has a lot of power, immense empathy, and has been raised to use her powers to protect the Fey. However, in the face of danger, she seems to freeze every single time. Marden seems to be the perfect male, so obviously you think she won't end up with him. And Gairunzvl, he is the Dark Fey that has managed to keep hold of his "humanity" despite the tortures he has been put through. All the characters are well developed with their own sets of foibles and insecurities.

The world building is brilliant and the pacing is perfect for the story. There is no big battle like the Battle of Helm's Deep. Instead, it is more like Sam and Frodo trying to sneak around and do their thing.

It does end on a sort-of cliffhanger which really is just a teaser for the next book and designed to leave you wanting more. Trust me, it worked. All in all, this was a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Goodreads

Cynthia A. Morgan is an award-winning author and poet; a former columnist for the national magazine Fresh LifeStyle, and member of the Poetry Society of America and Artists for Peace. Creator of the mythical realm of Jyndari and author of the epic fantasy Dark Fey Trilogy, Morgan’s powerful story relates how the power of hope, acceptance and forgiveness can change the world when positive action is taken to create change. The only way to achieve peace is to become peace.

Morgan is also the author of the popular blog Booknvolume where over 18K followers can explore Morgan’s own brand of poetry, English Sonnets, musings about life, personal recipes, photography, book reviews and more.

Upcoming projects include a fictional drama in Regency Period England; a foray into the lives of a young servant and an immortal archangel in French post-Armageddon earth; a non-fiction exploration of the supernatural/paranormal and beliefs around the world, and a return to the realms of Dark Fey in a prequel/sequel.

Some of her other interests includes a deep love for animals and the environment. She is passionate about music and theatre, is frequently heard laughing, and finds the mysteries of ancient times, spirituality, and the possibilities of life elsewhere in the cosmos intriguing. Morgan believes in the power of love, hope and forgiveness, all of which is reflected in her lyrically elegant writing style.

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