I’m sharing another instalment of my Mini Review Mondays, the most recent of which was the other week. In case you haven’t seen any of my previous posts, I do ‘mini’ reviews of books that I’ve previously read and am now ready to share my full thoughts about.
First up, I’d like to talk about The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire by Anna Fiteni. Thank you to Electric Monkey for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ceridwen Parry has run away with the fairies.
But this is not her story.
For Sabrina Parry, the world is tough, cruel and practical. With her father in prison, her aims in life are: 1. hold onto her job, 2. hold her tongue and 3. set up her sister Ceridwen with a man rich enough to look after her.
Ceridwen is lovely, romantic, timid – everything that Sabrina isn’t. But then Ceridwen vanishes into the eerie woods leaving only an iron ring behind and Sabrina is drawn into a beautiful but decaying world of fairies and monsters of old. And when an annoyingly handsome fairy prince offers her a dangerous deal, Sabrina is forced to put her own freedom at risk to save her sister.
Publication Date: 28th August
CW: death, violence, imprisonment, gaslighting, manipulation, classism, misogyny, sexism
My Thoughts:
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire was a beautifully written YA fantasy steeped in Welsh history and folklore.
Sabrina is one of my favourite YA protagonists I’ve read recently. She is definitely not The Chosen One, instead drawn into this world of faeries and magic by her love for her sister and wanting to protect her. There is a ferocity that Fiteni unleashes at times and a sense that Sabrina will get her hands dirty if it means those she loves will be safe. She has endured so much pain as exhibited by the opening chapters and this has lead to her defence mechanisms being firmly in place. Behind them is a desperate desire to be loved and a softness that she has tried to eradicate to be the protector of her family. She is funny and caring and at the same time, tough and weary. Her sarcasm is wonderful, as is her quick wit and intellect that serves her well. She quickly adapts to some aspects of this new world, particularly around the very human ability to lie where faeries cannot. I love the arc Fiteni creates for her and without giving anything away, the ending is perfect for Sabrina.
The world which Sabrina steps into is not the clean-cut fairytales you may recognise from wider media, but the brutal and deceptive land of folklore. I loved how Fiteni used aspects of Welsh folklore in this story, making it feel unique and refreshing. There is plenty she could draw on and she adds a unique touch to each of these familiar elements. The historical setting is also an important conversation starter about the attempted erasure of Welsh culture and history under colonisation. It is heart-breaking and speaks to aspects of history that deserve recognition. Sabrina is deeply angry at the way society has pushed her family and her wider community. For me, there is one particular scene in the final third of the book that really stuck with me after the final page. No spoilers here but it perfectly encapsulates the themes of the book and is incredibly impactful. Throughout, Fiteni’s writing is wonderful with the world-building, characterisation and on a scene-by-scene level. It is a delightful book and I also enjoyed the romances thoroughly. They’re playful twists on expected dynamics, especially with how Fiteni utilises these tropes but also reshapes them into something new.
The Wicked Lies of Habren Faire is a really interesting addition to the genre and an impressive debut. Definitely keep an eye on Fiteni.
Next up, I’d like to talk about These Dreaming Spires. Thank you to Titan Books for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A beguiling, sinister collection of 12 more dark academia short stories from masters of the genre, including Olivie Blake, Genevieve Cogman, MK Lobb and more!
Twelve original dark academia stories from bestselling thriller writers – imagine darkened libraries, exclusive elite schools, looming Gothic towers, charismatic professors, illicit affairs, the tang of autumn in the air… and the rivalries and obsessions that lead to murder.
Publication Date: 2nd September
CW: death, murder, suicide, homophobia, racism, ableism, body horror, gore
My Thoughts:
These Dreaming Spires is ideal reading for the nights that draw closer and bring a chill to your skin. This is great for both Dark Academia fans and those looking to dip a toe in the murky waters, as it both pays homage to and expands the genre.
Dark Academia is one of my favourite genres – the atmosphere and the unique stylings really align with my reading taste. There is something about that slow descent into madness and encircling atmosphere of paranoia and secrets hidden behind gleaming smiles that always lands with me as a reader. Therefore it was no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed In These Hallowed Halls and had to pick up the follow-up anthology which delivers more tales from a whole host of writers.
This is a treasure trove of talent with stories that will surprise and delight you even as they may send shivers down your spine. The format allows you to pace at your convenience, whether you wish to savour a few stories or devour them all in one go. All of these writers make the most out of the short space they have. These stories are sharp and slick with fascinating takes on the genre that push the boundaries. Like the first collection, it expands the definition and expected beats of the genre, taking us to unexpected locations and characters. You get a great sense of each person’s style with their perspective on the genre filtering into their story.
All of these were enjoyable and I would read expanded versions, though I enjoyed the bite of the condensed space of the short story form. I did have a few particular favourites though: Utilities by Genevieve Cogman, Within The Loch by Elspeth Wilson, A Short List of Impossible Things by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, The Harrowing of Lucas Mortier by M. K. Lobb and God, Needy, Enough with the Screaming by Olivie Blake.
These Dreaming Spires is a wonderful way to explore the works of a variety of writers, allowing you to discover new favourites. Curl up and let the stories unfold around you.
Finally, I’d like to delve into Empty Heaven by Freddie Kölsch. Thank you to Electric Monkey for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Darian Sabine Arden loves her family’s summer home in the picturesque Massachusetts village of Kesuquosh. It’s where her three best friends live, and it’s the only place in her life where she isn’t haunted by reminders of the worst thing that ever happened to her. The villagers’ belief in a godlike, benevolent scarecrow who protects the town only adds to the charming local colour. But when Darian’s magnetic, mercurial crush KJ is chosen during a bizarre ritual on Halloween, Darian is forced to admit that Good Arcturus is more than just a quaint, folksy superstition – he’s terrifyingly real.
Something ancient and sinister lurks behind the autumnal fields and warmly glowing windows of Kesuquosh. Something that doesn’t take kindly to its paradise being threatened by a group of scrappy, weird teenagers. To save KJ – and themselves – Darian and her friends will have to follow a tangled trail of clues and question everything they thought they knew about their home. And Darian will have to finally face up to her own ghosts…
Publication Date: 11th September
CW: death, violence, murder, PTSD, sexual abuse, grooming, paedophilia, suicide, gore
My Thoughts:
Empty Heaven was such a fantastic and devastating read. It is the type of book that lingers with you long after the final page and for me, exemplified what horror can do.
I had high expectations from enjoying Now Conjurers so much and Kölsch absolutely smashed them. This is such a wonderfully crafted book with an aching heart that will make an impact on readers. Kölsch includes a great author’s note at the start and I would recommend reading this & checking the content warnings. This is a book that delves into the darkness of humanity’s monstrosity and therefore deals with difficult topics, but does so with nuance, respect and care. I always think horror allows us to confront the monsters in our lives through a distorted lens. Kölsch pushes this in the story with moments that will wrench your heart from your chest. Darian’s story is very much around confronting her own demons and is a fantastic arc to witness.
I loved her narrative voice for how deeply caring and snarky it was at the same time. You got a great sense of this friendship group very quickly from trading in-jokes to the type of effortless banter that comes when you’re truly comfortable around them. I have to mention the dark humour that is laced throughout the book. Kölsch has a fantastic sense of timing so it never slows down the pace but speaks to the nature of these people. There can always be a quip, even if it’s a defence mechanism in the face of death. Of course, nothing lasts forever and the weight of this story comes crashing down quickly. It is a brilliantly atmospheric novel and that shift feels all-consuming and inevitable at the same time. You have the classic set-up of a small town with cult-like behaviour and then chaos ensues from there. I loved how Kölsch pays homage to classics but also adds a fresh spin. There are some wonderful misdirects and twists that will leave you reeling.
Empty Heaven is an unnerving, atmospheric read with moments of dark comedy that you absolutely should pick up.
A Short Book Lover 
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