Lava Red Feather Blue is an adventurous read packed with folklore.
About The Book
Title: Lava Red Feather Blue | By: Molly Ringle
Expected Publication: January 5th 2021 | By: Central Avenue Publishing
Pace: Fast | Pages: 352 | Age: 13+
Standalone | Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQIA
Awakening the handsome prince is supposed to end the fairy tale, not begin it. But the Highvalley witches have rarely done things the way they’re supposed to. On the north Pacific island of Eidolonia, hidden from the world by enchantments, Prince Larkin has lain in a magical sleep since 1799 as one side of a truce between humans and fae. That is, until Merrick Highvalley, a modern-day witch, discovers an old box of magic charms and cryptic notes hidden inside a garden statue.
Experimenting with the charms, Merrick finds himself inside the bower where Larkin lies, and accidentally awakens him. Worse still, releasing Larkin from the spell also releases Ula Kana, a faery bent on eradicating humans from the island. With the truce collapsing and hostilities escalating throughout the country, Merrick and Larkin form an unlikely alliance and become even unlikelier heroes as they flee into the perilous fae realm on a quest to stop Ula Kana and restore harmony to their island.
/ Goodreads /
I received a copy of this book from the publisher courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. The quote below is taken from an e-ARC and is subject to change upon publication.
Trigger: Captives
The first half of the book introduces the reader to Eidolonia- a volcanic island that inhabits humans, witches, and fae. The bond between humans and fae grew tense after humans encroached the fae lands. The government restricted humans from using magic and prohibited their entry into fae realms. When Merrick (a demi-fae) summons his fae mother- who abandoned him and his sister- to cure his father’s curse/ illness, he doesn’t find her instead finds a box with magical objects. A letter informs him that prince Larkin was put to sleep by his ancestor without his consent, which shocks Merrick.
While rummaging the box, he accidentally gets transported to Larkin’s bower. He is surprised to be there but is shocked beyond words when he inadvertently wakes the prince from his slumber. Larkin is sad to learn that it isn’t the 18th century anymore, but 200 years have passed since his sleep. When he thinks that he is finally free to go wherever he wants, Ula Kana crushes his plans. He and Ula Kana were put to sleep together- if he wakes up, so does Ula Kana. Now he and Larkin have to find a way to stop Ula Kana from destroying the island.
Merrick Highvalley was an easy-going person who loved his family. I liked how he cared for his niece and his job. He and his sister were perfumers and were quite creative.
Have you watched Kate and Leopold? The part where Larkin was getting used to this world was similar to Leopold’s situation. He seemed lost and couldn’t understand the technology but was a quick learner and adapted to the changes. He was a stark contrast to Merrick. He also distrusted the fae and anyone with the last name Highvalley. Who wouldn’t be after putting one to sleep for 200 years without their consent?
I liked the atmosphere of this book, be it the island or the fae realm. The fae realm was the most interesting. Each realm had its own spell on the intruders– for example, Sia Fia’s lust or desire, Arnlanuk’s anger, hate, and Vowri’s misery and sorrow– which would wear off only after entering neutral or other’s territory.I wished there was a bit of a mystery element to the story. The solution to restrain Ula Kana was revealed halfway in the book; after that, the book was all about putting an end to Ula Kana’s power. There was this concept of exo-witch, who could manipulate other living things, and endo-witch, who could change themselves, which I found interesting too.
This book had so many folklore elements, and the Eidolonians were progressive and inclusive. The book didn’t have any homophobia, and I liked the queer rep. The fantasy bit wasn’t over the top but was exotic and adventurous. The fae realm was filled with small surprises and was the best part of the book. I just wished the book was short and had the depth that I looked for. I liked this book but didn’t enjoy it as I thought I would.
One can’t help the power one’s born with. I choose not to use mine, most of the time. But I can heal and protect you on this journey, if I’ve the strength, and I will.
My Rating: 2.8
Since I won’t be posting tomorrow, Happy Christmas Eve in advance, everyone. I will meet you guys on Christmas, and don’t forget to stay warm and healthy.
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