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Book Review: Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 1)

Rating:

☆☆☆☆☆ 3.5/5

Title: Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book One)

Author: Joel C. Flanagan-Grannemann

Publication Date: August 28, 2020

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Cover:

Flanagan-Grannemann recently updated the book cover, which was an excellent choice. The current cover features vibrant colors, a fairy with beautiful sparkling wings, and a mysterious backdrop. While I would have likely chosen a different font, overall, this cover is a significant improvement and will serve Flanagan-Grannemann well.

Premise

Two worlds collide when Talia, Heir to the Fairy Realm, and Prince Bastile, Heir to the Human Realm, meet and fall in love. As they attempt to balance their relationship with the needs of their kingdoms, dark forces conspire against them. Talia must draw her most loyal fairies close to her as she sets out on an adventure to find information on one of her ancestors, known to most as the Exile Queen. As Talia fights against an unknown enemy, she also wrestles with her own desires as she decides what her future holds.

Why I chose this book:

Author Joel C. Flanagan-Granneman requested this review. Ever since I was a child, I have loved fairies, so I was happy to accept this book once I learned more about the story.

First Impression:

I enjoyed the playful and clever author’s note about how all fairy names had been changed for the reader’s protection. What immediately stood out was the tension that exists between the Fairy Realm and the Human Realm. Flanagan-Grannemann clearly highlights the prejudice between both groups and the precarious position that Talia and Prince Bastile find themselves in as both friends and lovers.

What I loved:

Flanagan-Granneman created a class system within the Fairy Realm based on the type of wings, which I found intriguing. Wings of leather are often associated with soldiers, while feathered wings tend to be the more common and usually merchant class. Iridescent wings are an indication of nobility. Wings also convey the emotion a fairy feels. For example, references are made to shaking feathers as a warning to others, wings that wrap around another as a sign of care and intimacy, and wings that tighten at irritation or displeasure. These little mannerisms bring life to the fairies and create entertaining visuals.

I also enjoyed the special powers that come with being a fairy. Fairies can telepathically send messages to each other, and they can also see magical elements with their Fairy Sight. They can set wards, which are essentially domes of protection around themselves and others. And they also use a form of teleportation, which involves magical rings. Flanagan-Grannemann clearly put considerable thought and effort into building the Fairy Realm. He did not simply place fairies in the human realm. He gave them their own world and culture.

Additional Thoughts:

The story’s pace was one of the most challenging aspects for me. I did not feel engaged with or invested in the story until chapter seven. There were also parts of the story that I felt passed by quickly and others that seemed to run long. Also, Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is heavy on dialogue, and I sometimes wanted less dialogue and more description.

I am always a fan of authors trying something outside of the box. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it misses the mark. For me, using boldface words throughout the book did not add to the story. I also struggled with the overuse of colons. I typically see colons used when an author wishes to highlight something of significance rather than sprinkled throughout the work. The use of colons seemed to decrease as the book progressed.

It’s important to note that this book incorporates a variety of topics that some may not be comfortable reading about due to personal beliefs and life experiences. For example, rape and abortion are alluded to multiple times, which may be upsetting to some. The Fairy Realm is also a society where sex and sexuality are openly discussed and explored. For example, homosexuality, bisexuality, and open relationships are common and freely discussed. Some may not align with these viewpoints.

Quotable Quotes:

• “Cease the chatter! You may have wings, but you are not a bunch of geese. Line up, and let me see you.” (Page 21)
• “Fairies may live longer, but it seems Humans have longer memories.” (Page 33)
• “What cannot be seen in the sun, will show in shadow.” (Page 38)
• “Those who see their power being threatened will find enemies in anything.” (Page 120)
• “Calm, Daughter: revenge can be a sword without a hilt – it bleeds you as you strike your enemy.” Page 246)
• “We were meant to come here. You and your soldiers were meant to be with us. Whoever the Exile Queen was, and whatever she knew, or Saw, we’re just actors in her play.” (Page 425)

Who might enjoy this book:

Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm is ideal for readers who enjoy a fantasy setting with a strong female lead and a classic good versus evil storyline.

Overall Impression:

Three and a half stars. Flanagan-Grannemann sets the stage for a unique and whimsical tale in Talia: Heir to the Fairy Realm. His imagination takes the reader on an adventure through a magical world in which good and evil face off in unexpected ways. He brings depth to Talia as she matures into her role as the future queen of the Fairy Realm, and the reader ends the story ready to continue her journey in the second book in the series, Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2).

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★★★★★ 5/5

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Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2)

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★★★★★ 4.5/5

Talia: On the Shore of the Sea (Servants of the Moon and Sun Book 2) is ideal for readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy stories with a darker aspect.

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