This might end up being my favourite read this year. The writing is so beautiful, it felt as though I fell into a poem. Into the world of Effy and Preston, into the world of the Faerie King and all the horror he represents. This book reminded me of a romance novel that has been placed inside a folk/fairytale of old (where there is blood and fear and death). It was lyrical, the atmosphere lifelike (Hiraeth Manor itself is a character), the world dripping from the page like the sea lapping at the shores near Hiraeth. I was enchanted, even as the story reflected such a bleak and terrible reality in Effy's story. The story had so much depth too, with it's own language, with two warring countries (one subjugated and relegated by the affluent other). And wow, the words that Preston says to Effy, I would have been swooning too. Not to mention the story that lives within this story (Angharad) of a young girl who defeats the mighty Faerie King with her wit. I mean, I would love to read that novel in itself. As well as the poetry. There was so much thought and knowledge, so much poetry and prose, so much hidden meaning and overt meaning that this novel had everything I could hope for in a dark academia, gothic, horror, romance novel. I soaked it up in a day! And I recommend especially listening to the audiobook so you can hear the words, so they can seep into your mind and paint a vivid image of the world that Reid created. Effy and Preston were written so well. Effy is not your strong heroin, she is fragile, fearful, meak, but she still fights for herself. After everything she has been through, she does not give up and she then pushes back. Preston is honest, he is also oblivious to the reality of what women go through and has prejudices of his own to work through (which he is honest with himself about near the end). However, he is a kind man, a thoughtful man, one who knows he has no right to take what is not willingly and explicitly given. I love a man who offers space as comfort, who asks permission, who knows when not to touch, and when not to stare. He is a prize! This novel is also so enraging, but not the book itself, but the circumstances in the book and all the truths that come to light (which I figured out with all the hints, but was aghast at how easy it was). What men were (and are) able to get away with, how the Faerie King is able to take control. The lack of care for young women. I was so glad when Effy was finally able to find her voice and fight back. That instead of Preston standing up for her she stood up for herself, which I would say is sometimes the hardest thing to do. This book is a hard read, as much as it is beautiful and imaginative, because of the very real subject matter. There are moments of utter disgust and dread for Effy. Moments of fear and panic and anxiety, which many who have been victimized by men have faced. Effy must face constant doubt about her own emotions, her own misgivings about people, wondering if it is her past abuse that has made her think this way or if yes she is once again being put in a situation that is dangerous for her. She also has very little support in her life, having a mother that cares little for her. Preston comes to her at a time when her own self worth is so minimal, that having someone else notice her and actually care for her is vital to her being able to rebuild herself and protect herself from the evils around her. Honestly, I feel I could talk about this book for hours, days, years. It has embedded itself in my heart. I urge you to read this book if you love fairy tales, inventive world building, charming bookish nerds, and gothic dark academia.
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