In Isla Elrick's Kingdom of Dusk, the second installment of the Guardians of the Fae Gate series, Anya awakens as Ashling, a lunar fae princess, a millennium after her death. Bound to the enigmatic faun, Hiberos, by a powerful, ancient connection, she grapples with a fragmented past and a perilous future. Torn between the warring human world and the magical Underland, Anya must navigate treacherous political landscapes and hidden betrayals. Their bond, a mixture of love and mystery, tests her loyalty as she fights to reclaim her place, questioning whether their connection is a promise or a curse. This slow-burn dark fantasy, infused with Celtic mythology, delivers a captivating blend of action, romance, and secrets, perfect for fans of epic fantasy and dark romance.
Review Kingdom of Dusk
Kingdom of Dusk completely swept me away! As a beta reader, I had the amazing opportunity to dive into this world before its official release, and let me tell you, it was a privilege. Isla Elrick has crafted something truly special with this second installment in the Guardians of the Fae Gate series. The world-building is simply breathtaking; the blend of Celtic mythology and fantasy creates a richly detailed and immersive experience that kept me utterly captivated from beginning to end. The story flows seamlessly, effortlessly weaving together action, tension, and magic in perfect harmony.
One of the things I appreciated most was the deeper exploration of Hiberos, our enigmatic faun love interest. While he remained a mysterious figure in the first book, Daughter of the Moon, Kingdom of Dusk sheds more light on his past and his complex relationship with Maeve/Ashling. His character is beautifully nuanced, and the slow-burn romance between him and Maeve is intensely captivating, building a palpable tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The intimate scenes are handled with both grace and intensity, adding another layer of depth to their connection.
The plot itself is a whirlwind of activity. Maeve, now fully awakened as Ashling, finds herself battling on multiple fronts – struggling to understand her dual identities, fighting to save both the fae and human realms, and grappling with the weight of a millennium-old destiny. The pacing is perfect; the story never drags, always keeping you engaged with its constant flow of exciting developments and surprising twists. The author masterfully balances the emotional turmoil of Maeve's journey with the larger scope of the conflict, creating a truly compelling narrative.
And the ending? Let's just say it left me breathless and completely desperate for the next book! It's a cliffhanger that perfectly encapsulates the intensity and uncertainty of Maeve's situation, leaving you craving answers and eager to see what comes next. While I appreciate the inclusion of a pronunciation guide for the many Irish names, places and folklore, it is still a dense and immersive experience which can be challenging to newcomers. Those unfamiliar with Irish folklore might find themselves needing to pause occasionally to fully absorb the details, but the richness of the world-building makes the effort entirely worthwhile.
One reviewer mentioned that the term of endearment "my rose" gave them the ick; personally, I found it fitting to the overall tone and style of the world. However, I understand this is subjective and others may feel differently. Overall, Kingdom of Dusk is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and slow-burn romances. If you enjoy books like Throne of Glass or films like Pan's Labyrinth, you'll absolutely adore this book. Prepare to be swept away by a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with characters that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Just be sure to read the trigger warnings beforehand, as some of the themes may be sensitive for certain readers.
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.16 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 464
- Publication date: 2025
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