Margaret Rogerson (1)

Isobel lives on the edge of Faerie, and the Fae crave the portraits she can paint of them. She bargains carefully for enchantments that will protect and provide for her family, carefully worded to avoid ill effects. When Rook, the Autumn Prince, arrives for a portrait session, things are somehow different. There's something about his eyes -- sorrow, she finally realizes, an emotion that the Fae aren't supposed to be able to feel. Isobel is drawn to the faerie prince, but she knows that they cannot break the Good Law, which forbids faerie/human relationships. When the portrait, with its telling revelation of Rook's sorrow is unveiled before the court, a furious Rook returns, dragging Isobel to his court to stand trial. Surrounded by the Fae court, who can Isobel trust?

I enjoyed this story, though it has some flaws. I liked the setting and descriptions, and the conceit that the Fae can't make art (Craft, as the book calls it, which can include things like Isobel's paintings, but also food, clothing, furniture, etc.) and therefore bargain with their human neighbors to obtain it. I thought there were some pacing issues, and I wasn't entirely convinced at the insta-love that characterizes the romantic plot. I listened to the audiobook, and I always enjoy Julia Whelan's narration, which may be part of the reason the book's shortcomings didn't bother me until after I finished listening. All in all, if you enjoy stories of humans in the faerie court, you might like this one, if the things I mentioned aren't deal-breakers for you.… (meer)

Honestly more than anything else, I straight up just had FUN reading this book! Rogerson has twice now created worlds that are nothing less than utterly enchanting, filled with lyrical writing and plots that are magical whirlwind adventures. And of course: her characters. Elisabeth is such a brilliantly funny and brave heroine that I think a lot of YA readers will love, especially alongside the equally charming sorcerer, Nathaniel Thorn. The pair of them have stolen my heart ❤️
There are a few little moments here and there I think could have been more fleshed out, but nothing major enough to distract from the overall enjoyment. The main villain character was a bit weak, often falling into trope-like qualities and motivations, but Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas made up for that. Truly, very little critique from me, and I'll definitely be rereading at some point!… (meer)