A review by cece_rants_raves_reviews
Lord of the Fading Lands by C.L. Wilson

5.0

This books seems to be either a love or hate it with most people

Based on my stars, i think you know where I stand --adoring these characters as a whole but ya best be knowing Imma critique the fuck outta parts i hope improve in the series

First of all... this goddamn cover


Honestly, ya could've fucking googled "fantasy adventure warrior art" and gotten something better and more reflective to the quality of this book

I just feel like this one doesn't fully convey
✨the alpha power of our love interest,
✨ the awesomeness of this magical world
✨ ... and those goddamn sparkles just have me dying, I'm sorryyyyy blame the glittery vampires!!

For this book's worldbuilding, we get a pretty great introduction: In a moment of utter terror, our little human's soul cries out and Rain's hears it

“Ver reisa ku'chae. Kem surah, shei'tani. Your soul calls out. Mine answers, beloved.”

And then we were in awe with our heroine-- breathing in all the magic wonder with a variety of fey, dragon, mages, and elves

So we got our heroine Ellysetta a woodcarver’s daughter and love interest Fey King Rain Tairen Soul

"They stood there by the Velpin for many long, silent chimes, the woodcarver's daughter and the man who had once almost destroyed the world"

Solely based on their titles, I think you can see the major power discrepancy here. But there was also a character development issue. I felt like Rain was really well-developed and had some great lines whereas Ellysetta was an intro character-- still very new to everything and slow to embrace the rest of the epic bloodthirsty realm like I kept waiting for her to do



So our general plotline is that Ellie realizes she has magic but no fucking clue how to use it. I wanted her to be more vivacious in her story and be more involved with all the interesting court intrigues and threatening forces -- but she was kinda stuck in her bubble of practicing magic and Rain

And then there's Rain ♥‿♥



I am just a sucker for *morally grey* characters, especially those that embrace their darkness. And his backstory of laying waste to the world before vanishing into the Fading Lands totally sealed the deal for me

“I am not a good man, shei'tani," he corrected. "I never have been. But for you I will strive to be better.”

True this is ABSOLUTELY TRASH cliches with meant-to-be-mates, the typical badass alpha and a literal peasant girl. And sure the cover looks like a weird 70s porno



But the characters just came to life, the storyline was riveting and the promise of a true mate kind of love softened my cynic heart

“Hope was a fragile flicker that he wanted to cup with both hands to protect against the harsh winds of reality.”

Looking back, I see where people felt little unsatisfied with the book. Cuz guys there be a lotttt intro building in this book. We just learning the characters, and some info dump about the court of Celieria with the mysterious problem of fey dying.

Essentially, it was a fun story in itself but it was all definitely lotta set-up for rest of series to resolve those issues and build upon which I'm personally looking forward to



The courtship between em was pretty fucking funny

“He held up his index finger. 'Rule one: in any dispute between mates, the male is always to blame, even when he is clearly blameless. Rule two'—his middle finger joined the first—'whenever in doubt, refer to rule one.”

Even with the cliche mates and being linked by magical power, that link does NOT include insta love. It was the kinda build-up that you really enjoy with the chemistry and the intimacy building up, the trust and banter developing till the courtship has me rooting for Rain to set his sights on me

“He must prove himself strong enough to protect her, gentle enough to win her heart, and worthy of the great gift of her love and her unconditional trust. She must find the courage to embrace the darkest shadows of his soul, and the even greater courage to bare the shadows of her own soul to him."

Ekkk the feels guys, the FEELSSSSS !!

But then we get to the end to that motherfucking CLIFFHANGER and i about yeeted my kindle



So. The first time I read this, I just enjoyed it. When i read it again, I realized this be pretty damn good writing for me to keep wanting to come backto the world and characters. It's just such a fun blend of epic fantasy and romance.

There's interesting fey that isn't just the 4 fucking seasons haha. there's conflict and court mischief. there's a cute engaging couple, Rain and Ellie. The secondary characters were equally entertaining. The antagonists are introduced, foreshadowing to rest of series. So why not give it a try, I recommend

"The path is different for every true-mated couple, and it is never a simple one. Both Rain and Ellysetta will be tested, as will the strength of their bond, and they must prove their worthiness before the bond can be complete."