Hidden Beneath The Embers (The Dark Curse Series Book 1)

This book was definitely a page turner for me. My only complaint, aside from the next one not being out is the references to Heaven, Hell, the Devil, etc. In my mind, this is set in a fantasy land, and there is no mention of religions prior.

I devoured this book in two days. Super fun read with major TENSION buildup. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and am now not so patiently waiting for the next!

Spice 4 🌶Overall 4.5 ⭐If you are a fan of the Originals (Vampire Diaries), A Court of Thorn and Roses, and fairytales(such as Cinderella), this book is for you. As always make sure to check out trigger warnings andage recommendations (this is more of an adult fantasy book).The writing was smooth and easy to follow. Sometimes, fantasy books can be quite hard tofollow along with so many new names and places. Which is why I was so happy Fay alsoincluded a map at the beginning of the book along with the character name pronunciation to helpus navigate this new world. It’s also has multiple POVs which can sometimes make books harderto follow. But not this one! If it was someone besides the FMC, the chapter had the character’sname on top. Sometimes I missed it or just forgot for a quick second half way through thechapter, but with the way the book was written, I knew exactly who’s POV it was based on theessence of the character.While I can see inspirations from other works, I can also pick out Fay’s voice. She makes thisher own and gives a nice twist to the characteristics of the “monsters” we know fromfairytales/fantasy work. As Davyna finds the truth about them, so do we. And sometimes this canseem forced on the readers, but since our female main character doesn’t know much of theirhistory, we can see it through her eyes and our prospective changes as hers does.I will always fall for the villain in the story (I will always pick the Darkling and Klaus no matterwhat they do) and this was no exception. Quotes like “You like him, Dearest? That makes mefeel murderous” had me falling in love. There are so many good quotes in this book that mademe swoon for more than one and gave me the right amount of tension without making it feelforced. “I felt the coolness pour off his hand so close to mine. It was as if the air itself wasbegging us to touch.” Last quote I will share is another reason I loved this book; it has the jokingaround you can only get from friends that feel like family. “…Let’s tell her who we lost ourvirginities to next!”Thank you again Fay for letting me be an ARC reader and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2!

I feel... conflicted about how to write this review.it was interesting, the world building was kinda cool and I liked the FMC, but I was annoyed for a large-ish portion of this book. if you've read any of the other reviews you know that most of the other issues others are having is how similar this is to ACOTAR. and that was the issue I had. the similarities of some of the story/lore/character relationships to ACOTAR was too much and too obvious... and I didn't care for it.I feel like the author's writing could be good. I sorta liked these MCs more than Feyre/Rhys/Tampon/etc but I just wish there had been more original aspects than there was. bc the parts that were different, that felt like the author's voice - i loved. but... there wasn't enough of it to make me *love* the whole book. like the obvious similarities to the dynamic between the courts and their high lords/ladies, the traditions/events (one was *very* similar to Calanmai except without the spice in a cave bit) and the next biggest similarity i wanted to mention is a spoiler so I can't talk about it.I understand that similar things can happen in different books/worlds and I hate comparing the two. especially since one is so well known, but there could have been just little tweaks the author could have made when talking about things that wouldn't have made a huge change to the overall story just little details, but it could have made it not only different. but better.the beginning and the last 30 ish percent was pretty good, and I am interested in maybe reading the next book, I just hope the author decides to use more of their own story and words because this definitely had potential.actual rating: 3.5

Just wow! Fay did such an amazing job on her debut novel! If you read the first edition, you will want to read this upgraded second edition, the new edits are perfection! I loved the in depth details of the Salt Court and you get a back story to Kadeyan and one of his alliances and how they came to be. The world building was great, I was able to picture this world in my head, very intriguing! The character development was in point in this story. And look at that new cover!!FMC Davyna is just a character that you’re always going to root for because she’s been through so much in her life, past and present. Davyna is determined, a badass, takes shit from no one! She will do anything to save her loved ones.MMC Kadeyan gives “villains do it better” vibes for sure! He’s mysterious, loyal to his allies, and an alphahole through and through. He does have a softness to him that unravels as the story goes on.Their banter is everything and I love a book that can make me laugh out loud, and I was here for the side characters they were fun and I can’t wait to see more of them later on! The tension between the two is THICK!The vibe is Cinderella meets Klaus/ Damon and that alone had me hooked! Lol This is the first book of The Dark Curse series and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Davyna and the crew next because that cliffhanger was chef’s kiss but also omg!!Check the trigger warnings before reading

This story started out completely differently from how it ended.This was not a HEA fairytale but a much darker and slightly grittier tale.The book is very atmospheric, creating a dark and haunting like vibes. But when you think you know the directions the book will take the whole world is tilted on its axes.Leaving the Mortal world and landing the reader in a world full of Fae, lies and half truths.The FMC has a fight on her hands trying to keep her head above water .After being lied to by those she thought cared for her and lived her, she is faced with a battle to not only stay alive but to keep those alive that she loves.

** spoiler alert ** I received this book in the beta stage as well as an arc.This review is 100% honest and accurate at the time it's posted. This review does include spoilers so please read at your own discretion and don't tell me I didn't warn you.Hide-and-seek was a game Davyna loved playing as a child because she always won. But after the death of her adopted father, the game became her life’s mission to seek a blood relative to set her free from the cursed deal she made.When every lead turns up empty, Davyna is forced to seek help from the creatures that hide in the dark.And when her fairytale dream for her life goes up in flames, Davyna finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew as one secret after another is revealed. As darkness surrounds her, she wonders if there is any chance of waking from this nightmare.Sheesh! Where do I begin with this review? This book had my jaw on the floor the entire time I was reading it because I cannot believe this was Fay's debut novel. The beta read was such a fun and incredible time because not only did I get to read her book but was lucky enough to have the opportunity to help improve the book and this was such a dream come true.Davyna Is my woman crush 100%. No question about it. The way Fay made her such a badass, but also showed that it's okay to fall down sometimes and that sometimes when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I not only fell in love with davynas character but also her determination and confidence. Kadeyan is a bad boy daddy and I simp him for life. (written while I drool over him). Can we please talk about this quote from the book?"You dogs don't listen. I told you, you touch her, and I'll start removing limbs you would rather keep. Did you think I made those threats lightly?"I mean COME ON!!!! Need I say more? Also, I know Alastair is cute or whatever but he's toxic and we don't vibe with him so that's that, You can't change my mind. I like my men morally grey and villainous and he's simply just not fitting the criteria. He is well-written however and I applaud Fay for it.The storyline is amazing and the world-building is just incredible and detailed but not so much that I lose interest in the story. I literally could go on forever about how amazing this book is and it's honestly up there with Helfyre by Murs. I was on the edge of my seat for the entirety of the book and the way she left book one is so freaking genius but evil at the same time (Fay you know exactly what I'm talking about) The spice in the book is top-notch ( The hot springs anyone?!) the chemistry between the main characters is chef's kiss! Also, the relationship between Davyna and Evren is so special and warm and fuzzy but heartbreaking all at once. Hera on the other hand can go to hell and eat glass for the rest of eternity. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. She's THE most toxic woman ever and my blood was boiling every time I had to read any chapter that mentioned her name. Davyna deserves better and so did Elias. (still not over THAT scene)I cannot wait for the second book to come out and I will absolutely pass away as soon as it is announced.I cannot recommend this book enough. I mean if this review doesn't do it then I don't know what will.Go forth and read it and let's suffer the unforgivable fate of waiting for the second book to come out, together.

It's basically a court of thorns and roses with vampire fae.Poorly written characters.Some of the similarities are the use of 'dearest' in place of 'darling'.Same court set up high lords etc. The fallen court has the same set up as the night court.Same rescue scene, same scene from the throne room and same twist from the second book in the Sarah J Mass series.I'd personally reccomend you read ACOTR and ACOMF instead.

This book is a whirlwind of a ride! In a good way!I absolutely love Davyna, and being able to go along with her through the story as she uncovers who she really is brings on so many feelings an expiriences.The twists and turns, the betrayals you never see coming make you question everything and everyone and I loved that I couldn't predict what was going to happen.Theres so many favorite tropes includes in this book, from enemies to lovers, to fated mates and so much more. The story has some Cinderella vibes which I actually loved! Fay even made sure to give us some vampires, fae and a few different monsters!The slow burn was everything I wanted it to be, especially with the added spice! And let me tell you, IT GETS HOT! This is a MUST READ for fans of ACOTAR and Cinderella.If you like a good adventure, with heartbreak, lies, slow burning tension leading to some hot spice! This book is needs to be on your TBR!

A good first effort. Though a lot of the “left turns” taken by the FMC just didn’t make sense. There was r any character development to support some of her decisions… hopefully the next instalment will do a better job of leaving breadcrumbs through the story and character development so that the characters decisions seem somewhat realistic for them.