♡ Thank you for the free ARC, author Sarah Hawley, Berkley Publishing Group | Ace Books, and NetGalley.
Synopsis
Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.
Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.
With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.
Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.
Thoughts
This is one of my top reads of the year, oh my gosh! What a phenomenal crossover into high fantasy for Hawley. I adored her Glimmer Falls paranormal romcom series, but I cannot get this immersive story off my mind. Absolutely unputdownable, I found myself reading this book at home, en route, in queue, and everywhere in between.
In Servant of Earth, Hawley spun a tale full of danger, suspense, magic, love, lust, and devotion. Through straightforward yet spellbinding storytelling, I was held captive in this enchanting, but deadly world. Kenna, our FMC, is brave, clever, and loyal. But she is not the only lovable or remarkable character in this story. With themes such as power, love, found family, change, and healing, this story offers depth and heart.
I cannot wait to see how book two in the Shards of Magic duology wraps up this story. Princess of Blood is set for an October 2025 release.